The R-1 district is intended and designed to provide for certain low-density residential areas now developed with single-family dwellings and areas where similar residential development seems likely to occur.

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)

Only the uses of structures or land listed in this section shall be permitted in the R-1 district:

A.

Single-family dwellings;

B.

Short-term and long-term rental units

C.

Museums, libraries and community centers operated by the city;

D.

Churches, chapels, temples and similar places of worship; provided, that all principal buildings be set back a minimum of forty feet from all property lines;

E.

Public and parochial schools, elementary and secondary, and other educational institutions having an established current curriculum the same as ordinarily given in the Decorah public schools, provided that all principal buildings be set back a minimum of forty feet from all property lines;

F.

Family homes as permitted by and as limited by Section 414.22, Code of Iowa;

G.

Elder family homes as permitted by and as limited by Section 414.29 and Chapter 135K, Code of Iowa;

H.

Publicly owned parks, playgrounds, golf courses, and recreation areas;

I.

Private noncommercial recreational areas, including country clubs, swimming pools, tennis clubs and golf courses;

J.

Cemeteries, including mausoleums.

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)

(Ord. No. 1262, § 1, 1-4-2021)

Accessory uses permitted in the R-1 district are as follows:

A.

Uses of land or structures customarily incidental and subordinate to one of the permitted principal uses, unless otherwise excluded;

B.

Private garage or carport, swimming pools and tennis courts;

C.

Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) as fully contained additional residential dwelling unit with its own kitchen, bathroom(s) and sleeping area which is located on the same lot as a single-family residence, and that is either attached to or detached from the single-family residence. An ADU shall not exceed one thousand square feet or fifty percent of the size of the single-family residence, whichever is larger;

D.

Home occupations as permitted in and as limited by Section 17.16.090;

E.

Temporary buildings for uses incidental to construction work, which buildings shall be removed upon the completion or abandonment of the construction work;

F.

Temporary use of a dwelling structure within a new subdivision as a job office and real estate office for the subject subdivision, which use shall terminate upon completion or abandonment of the project;

G.

Day nurseries and nursery schools;

H.

Parabolic or dish-type antennas in accordance with the requirements of Section 17.16.150;

I.

Solar collectors mounted on the ground in the rear yard or attached to the principal or accessory building facing the front, side or rear yard at a height no greater than the peak of the roof of the principal or accessory structure. The mounting of solar collectors shall be in accordance with the requirements of the state building code. If required, solar access easements may be obtained from adjoining property owners in accordance with state statutes.

J.

Fences shall not exceed eight feet in height. A fence in a front yard may not exceed four feet in height. Except where a fence is within ten feet of an adjoining lot containing a one- or two-family dwelling, it shall not exceed four feet in height between the rear line of that dwelling and its front property line as defined in the zoning ordinance. On the street sides of corner lots, a fence may not exceed four feet in height between the rear of the dwelling and the corner on either street frontage. A screening fence may be authorized or required by city ordinance or administrative board or official, or by state law.

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)

(Ord. No. 1175, § 1, 8-17-2015; Ord. No. 1237, § 3, 10-21-2019; Ord. No. 1297, § 2, 9-6-2022; Ord. No. 1317, § 2, 7-17-2023Ord. No. 1349, § 2, 10-20-2025)

The following minimum requirements shall be observed subject to the modifications contained in Chapter 17.40:

A.

Lot area: Ten thousand square feet.

B.

Lot width: Ninety feet.

C.

Front yard: Thirty feet.

D.

Side yards: Eight feet.

E.

Rear yard: Twenty-five feet.

F.

Maximum height:

Principal building and accessory dwelling unit: Thirty-five feet.

Other accessory building: Twenty-five feet measured to the peak of the roofline from grade. No entry door shall be taller than nine feet.

Maximum number of stories:

Principal building and accessory dwelling unit: Three stories.

Other accessory buildings: Two stories.

G.

Maximum number of stories:

Principal building: Three stories.

Accessory building: Two stories.

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)

(Ord. No. 1312, § 1, 5-1-2023Ord. No. 1349, § 3, 10-20-2025)

The minimum dimension of the main body of the principal building shall not be less than twenty-four feet.

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)

A permanent perimeter foundation, meeting the Decorah building code standards, shall be required for all principal buildings.

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)

Spaces for off-street parking and loading shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17.52.

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)

Site plans shall be required in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17.36 for uses permitted in this district except single- and two-family dwellings.

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)