The intent of the multiple-family residential district is to address the varied housing need of city residents by providing locations for development of multiple-family housing at a higher density that is permitted in the single-family districts. In addressing these housing needs, multiple-family housing in the R-3 district should be designed in consideration of the following planning objectives so as to provide a quality living environment:

1.

Multiple-family housing developments should preserve significant natural features of the site. Accordingly, preservation of open space, protection of floodprone areas, protection of wooded areas, and preservation of other natural features is encouraged.

2.

Multiple-family housing should be provided with necessary public services and utilities, including usable outdoor recreation space and a well-designed internal street network.

3.

Multiple-family housing should be designed to be compatible with surrounding or nearby single-family housing. Accordingly, one and two-story housing is considered appropriate in the R-3 district.

4.

Multiple-family developments within the R-3 district should have direct access to collector or major thoroughfares.

(Ord. No. 128-B, § I, 9-20-10)

A.

Principal uses and structures. In all areas zoned R-3, multiple-family residential district, no building or part of a building shall be erected, used, or structurally altered, nor shall the land or premises be used in whole or in part, except for one or more of the following principal permitted uses:

1.

Multiple-family dwellings, including multiple-family housing for the elderly, subject to the provisions in section 6.03, subsection A, and subject further to the following provisions:

a.

Apartment buildings shall contain no more than 16 units.

b.

Any single-story efficiency apartment building shall contain no more than eight units if the building is designed in an "L", "U", or angled shape, or if the units are arranged in a staggered pattern. No more than four units shall be permitted in an efficiency apartment building if all of the units are aligned in a straight line.

2.

Single-family attached dwellings or townhouses, provided that no more than 12 units are contained within each building, and subject to the provisions in section 6.03, subsection A.

3.

Two-family dwellings, subject to the following lot dimension standards:

•

Minimum lot width: 80 feet.

•

Minimum lot depth: 100 feet.

4.

State licensed residential facilities which provide resident services for six or fewer persons, including, but not necessarily limited to, family day care homes and adult foster care family homes, subject to the regulations in Section 206 of Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended.

5.

Publicly owned and operated parks, parkways and recreation facilities.

6.

Municipal buildings and uses, including libraries, not requiring outside storage of materials or vehicles.

7.

Uses and structures accessory to the above, subject to the provisions in section 2.03, including, but not necessarily limited to, the following:

a.

Private swimming pools for the exclusive use of residents and their guests.

b.

In a new housing development, temporary use of a residence as a model during the period of construction and selling or leasing of homes in the development.

c.

Private garages, carports, or community garages, subject to the provisions in section 2.03, subsection D.

d.

Signs, subject to the provisions in article 27.00, sign ordinance.

B.

Special land uses. The following uses may be permitted by the planning commission, subject to the conditions specified for each use; review and approval of the site plan and application by the planning commission; the imposition of special conditions which, in the opinion of the planning commission, are necessary to fulfill the purposes of this ordinance; and the provisions set forth in section 24.03.

1.

Single-family detached dwellings, to serve as the living quarters of a watchman or caretaker of the multiple-family housing development.

2.

Nursing homes, convalescent homes, or rest homes, subject to the provisions in section 6.02, subsection O.

3.

Religious institutions, subject to the provisions in section 6.02, subsection S.

4.

Public, parochial and other private elementary, intermediate or high schools licensed by the State of Michigan to offer courses in general education.

5.

Public or private colleges, universities and other such institutions of higher learning, offering courses in general, technical or religious education.

6.

Nursery schools and child care centers, subject to the provisions in section 6.02, subsection D, and to the following additional provisions:

a.

The minimum parcel size for such facilities shall be one acre.

b.

Buildings shall be designed to be similar in character and architectural style to structures located on adjacent properties.

c.

Nursery schools and child care centers shall be licensed by and conform to regulations established by the State of Michigan Department of Social Services.

7.

Public or private golf courses, including country clubs, subject to the provisions in section 6.02, subsection I.

8.

Essential services, subject to the provisions in section 2.16, subsection A.

(Ord. No. 128-B, § I, 9-20-10)

A.

Public water and sewer. Residential developments shall be served by public sanitary sewer and public water supply systems.

B.

Site plan review. Site plan review and approval is required for all uses, in accordance with section 24.02.

C.

Area, height, bulk, and placement requirements. Buildings and uses in multiple-family residential districts are subject to the area, height, bulk, and placement requirements in article 23.00, schedule of regulations.

D.

General development standards. Buildings and uses in the multiple-family residential district shall be subject to all applicable standards and requirements set forth in this ordinance, as specified below.

(Ord. No. 128-B, § I, 9-20-10)