For the purposes and provisions herein, the city of Fort Madison has been organized into zoning districts, as follows:

 

(Ord. B-39, 1969; amd. Ord. C-405, 8-17-2004; Ord. C-420, 5-17-2005)

The locations and boundaries of the districts established herein are shown on the zoning map which is a part of this title. (Ord. B-39, 1969)

Prior to the annexation of any territory to the city, a plan for zoning the area to be annexed shall be forwarded to the city council by the planning and zoning commission. All territory which may hereafter be annexed to the city shall be automatically classified in the R-1 one-family dwelling district until otherwise changed by ordinance after public hearing. (Ord. B-39, 1969)

All streets, alleys, public ways and railroad rights of way, if not otherwise specifically designated, shall be deemed to be in the same use district as the property immediately abutting upon such alleys, streets, public ways and railroad rights of way. Where the centerline of a street, alley, public way or railroad right of way serves as a district boundary, the zoning of such areas, unless otherwise specifically designated, shall be deemed to be the same as that of the abutting property up to such centerline. (Ord. B-39, 1969)

Wherever any uncertainty exists as to the boundary of any use district as shown on the zoning district map incorporated herein, the following rules are applicable:

   A.   Where district boundary lines are indicated as following streets, alleys or similar right of way, they shall be construed as following the centerlines thereof.

   B.   Where district boundary lines are indicated as approximately following lot lines, such lot lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.

   C.   Where a lot held in one ownership and of record on the effective date of this title, is divided by a district boundary, the entire lot shall be construed to be within the less restricted district, provided that this construction shall not apply if it increases the area of the less restricted portion of the lot by more than twenty percent (20%). (Ord. B-39, 1969)