The M-3 district is intended and designed to provide areas of the city for activities and uses of a heavy industrial character. Since this is the least restrictive of any district, almost any use is permissible, with the exception of a small number of uses which by reason of certain undesirable characteristics require approval of the board of adjustment. In addition, no residential uses are permitted.

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)

A building or premises may be used for any purpose whatsoever provided the regulations listed in subsections A, B and C below are met.

A.

No certificate of compliance shall be issued for any use in conflict with any ordinance of the city or law of the state of Iowa regulating nuisances.

B.

No certificate of compliance shall be issued for any dwelling, school, hospital, clinic or other institution for human care, except where incidental to a permitted principal use.

C.

The uses hereinafter listed may be permitted, subject to approval by the board of adjustment after public hearing. In its determination upon the particular uses at the location requested, the board shall consider all of the following provisions:

1.

That the proposed location, design, construction and operation of the particular use adequately safeguards the health, safety and general welfare of persons residing or working in adjoining or surrounding property. To this end the board may require that appropriate landscaping, walls, fences, or other artificial screens be provided as buffers to minimize the effects of these uses on adjoining or surrounding property;

2.

That such use shall not impair an adequate supply of light and air to surrounding property;

3.

That such use shall not unduly increase congestion in the streets, danger of fire, or other threats to public safety;

4.

That such use shall not diminish or impair established property values in adjoining or surrounding property;

5.

That such use shall be in accord with the intent, purpose and spirit of this title and the comprehensive plan of the city;

6.

The uses subject to the above provisions are as follows:

a.

Stockyards,

b.

Anhydrous ammonia storage and/or pumping

c.

Automobile, tractor or machinery wrecking and used parts yards; provided, that any wrecking operation is carried on within a building completely enclosed with walls and roof and the yard completely enclosed with a wall or fence, reasonably maintained, at least six feet high completely obscuring the activity. There shall be only one opening in the wall or fence facing any public street for each two hundred feet of length,

d.

Gas manufacture and cylinder recharging,

e.

Salvage, iron or rags, storage or baling, and waste paper yards, where the premises upon which such activities are conducted are wholly enclosed within a building, wall or fence not less than six feet in height, completely obscuring the activity,

f.

Refining or wholesale storage of petroleum or its products, and asphalt plants,

g.

Rubber goods manufacture,

h.

Sand or gravel pits,

i.

Transmitting stations,

j.

Wholesale storage of gasoline and other flammable liquids.

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)

A.

The best practical means known for the disposal of refuse matter or water-carried waste and the abatement of obnoxious or offensive odor, dust, smoke, gas, noise, or similar nuisance, shall be employed.

B.

All principal or accessory structures housing a use permitted only in the M-3 district shall be located at least one hundred feet from any R district.

C.

All signs shall meet the requirements of the C-2 district regulations.

D.

Fences shall not exceed eight feet in height. A screening fence may be authorized or required by city administrative board or official, or by state Law.

E.

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. 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.

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)

(Ord. No. 1175, § 1, 8-17-2015; Ord. No. 1237, § 12, 10-21-2019)

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

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)

The total land area devoted to open space and landscaping shall not be less than ten percent of the gross land area included in the building lot. Such open space shall be maintained as grassed and landscaped area and shall not include access drives, parking areas, structures, or buildings, except ornamental structures included as part of the landscaping theme.

(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 all uses permitted in this district.

(Ord. 952 (part), 1993)