The restricted agricultural (RA) district is an area which remains rural in character, yet where urban growth and expansion is expected to reach in the future. The regulations of this district are intended to provide a favorable climate for both agricultural and nonagricultural development and to provide orderly, timely, economic growth, as well as to recognize current conditions. The purpose of this district is to permit low-intensity and restricted agricultural uses in those areas which remain rural in character, yet where urban growth and expansion is expected in the future as the city develops. The preferred land uses in the district are agricultural, either active in the form of crops, or passive in the form of forest management or pasture lands with limited animal density. The requirements of the district are designed to encourage the continuing low-intensity agriculture use of the property and protect active urban uses found in adjacent districts of the city.

(Ord. of 12-3-2018)

1.

Single-family detached dwellings, but not including manufactured homes, travel trailers used as residences, or modular homes. Density of dwellings is limited to no more than one dwelling per two acres (two acres is the minimum lot size for the RA zoning district).

2.

Agriculture, general and specialized farming, including: horticulture, plant nursery, greenhouse, dairy farming, and livestock raising, subject to the restrictions set forth in section 1003, infra.

3.

Riding stable, provided buildings housing animals are at least 100 feet from all property lines and the lot is not less than ten acres.

4.

Kennel and/or animal hospital, provided buildings housing animals are fully enclosed and at least 100 feet from all property lines and all pens, runs, etc. which are not located in a fully-enclosed building are at least 200 feet from all property lines. The keeping of four or more animals shall constitute a kennel. Minimum lot size for a kennel is five acres.

5.

Accessory buildings and uses customarily incidental to the principal residential and agricultural uses of the property. Buildings and structures which are intended for use or used for the housing or shelter of livestock and silos, granaries, windmills, barns, and similar structures which are related to the operation of an agricultural enterprise shall observe a minimum setback of 100 feet from any property line and be spaced a minimum of 500 feet from any residence or business on an adjoining property.

6.

Churches, temples, synagogues and places of worship, and their solely owned and operated customary accessory facilities, including cemeteries, provided such uses are located on a lot with a minimum area of two acres, principal buildings are setback a minimum of 50 feet from any property line, and parking areas are located outside of the required front yard and separated from any side or rear property line by a minimum six-foot-high, opaque fence or wall, or a densely planted landscape strip of at least ten feet in width.

7.

Home occupations, as defined in article III and limited in section 713.

8.

Parks, playgrounds, community centers, tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses and other recreational facilities, operated on a non-profit basis.

9.

Public and semi-public buildings and uses, as defined in article III.

10.

Schools, public elementary, middle and secondary.

11.

Schools, parochial and private offering courses in general education substantially similar to that of a public school, not offered for profit.

(Ord. of 12-3-2018)

Horses, cows, goats, sheep, ponies, donkeys and other permitted domestic livestock may be kept, raised or bred in the RA district, provided that only two such animals shall be permitted for each one acre of open pastureland. All such livestock shall be contained adequately by suitable fencing within the specific property, and any buildings or structures for livestock shall be setback at least 100 feet from all property lines. Dogs, cats and other domestic pets may be kept, raised or bred in the RA district, provided that only three such animals shall be permitted for each one acre of lot size and all such domestic pets are subject to the kennel restriction contained in subsection 1002(4). Except as provided for in this subsection, the keeping or raising of fowl (chickens, etc.) or hogs/pigs, or the operation of a feed lot, is prohibited because of their potential negative impact on adjacent urban districts. All types of fowl, hogs and pigs are deemed prohibited domestic livestock and may not kept or raised in any zoning district within the city unless a variance is granted to allow such use, which variance may only be granted when the proposed use is not in or adjacent to a tract of land which meets the definition of an urban district. Any such variance shall specify the maximum amount of fowl, hogs and/or pigs allowed on a per acre basis and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary to properly regulate the same in a manner consistent with the goals of the zoning ordinance. Noise and smell from all livestock must be kept to a minimum.

(Ord. of 12-3-2018)

RESTRICTED AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT: RA

(Ord. of 12-3-2018)

1.

Commercial uses.

2.

Industrial uses.

3.

Any use not permitted in accord with the terms hereof.

(Ord. of 12-3-2018)