Great Falls City Zoning Code

ARTICLE 4

LOT AREA AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS

Sections:

17.20.4.010 - Generally.

Lots and buildings shall conform to the dimensional standards specified in Exhibit 20-4.

17.20.4.020 - Exceptions.

The following are exemptions to the standards:

The requirements for the rear yard on through lots do not apply when the area of such required rear yard is provided elsewhere on the lot.

Every part of a required yard shall be open from its lowest points to the sky unobstructed, except for the projections of sills, belt courses, cornices, and ornamental features not to exceed four (4) inches.

Open or lattice enclosed fire escapes, fireproof outside stairways, and solid floored balconies opening upon fire towers, projecting into a yard not more than five (5) feet or into a court not more than three and one-half (3½) feet and the ordinary projections of chimneys and flues shall be permitted where the same are so placed as not to obstruct the light and ventilation.

An unenclosed front porch on a single family residence may extend into the front yard setback up to nine (9) feet, provided the porch does not occupy more than sixty (60) percent of the width of the main part of the house.

Steps and eaves are allowed to encroach into the front and side yard setbacks.

Exhibit 20-4. Development standards for residential zoning districts

(See footnotes below for additional standards)

Standard	R-1	R-2	R-3	R-5	R-6	R-9	R-10
Residential density	-	-	-	1,875 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	500 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	1,200 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	10 dwelling units per acre
Minimum lot size for newly created lots	15,000 sq. feet	11,000 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	n/a
Minimum lot width for newly created lots	90 feet	80 feet	60 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	n/a
Lot proportion for newly created lots (maximum depth to width)	3:1	3:1	2.5:1	2.5:1	2.5:1	2.5:1	n/a
Maximum building height of principal building	35 feet	35 feet	35 feet	45 feet	65 feet	35 feet, single- family 50 feet, multi-family	12 feet to exterior wall
Minimum front yard setback [2]	30 feet	20 feet	20 feet	10 feet	15 feet	10 feet	n/a
Minimum side yard setback [3]	Principal building: 15 feet each side	Principal building: 8 feet each side	Principal building: 6 feet each side	4 feet; 8 feet if adjoining a R-1, R-2, R-3 district	5 feet; 10 feet if adjoining a R-1, R-2, R-3 district	Principal building: 6 feet each side	n/a
Minimum rear yard setback	20 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 25 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	15 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 20 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	10 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 15 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	10 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 15 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	15 feet	10 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 15 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	n/a
Maximum lot coverage of principal and accessory structures	Corner lot: 40% Other types: 30%	Corner lot: 45% Other types: 35%	Corner lot: 55% Other types: 50%	Corner lot: 60% Other types: 50%	Corner lot: 70% Other types: 60%	Corner lot: 70% Other types: 60%	none
Detached Garages and other Accessory Structures
Maximum building height	24 feet	24 feet	24 feet	24 feet	24 feet	24 feet	16 feet
Minimum front yard setback [5]	30 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	20 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	20 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	10 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	15 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	10 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	n/a
Minimum side yard setback	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	4 feet; 8 feet if adjoining an R-1, R-2, R-3 district	5 feet; 10 feet if adjoining an R-1, R-2, R-3 district	5 feet	n/a
Minimum rear yard setback	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet

[1] Attached private garages are considered a part of the principal building for application of height and setback development standards, but must conform to all standards found in 17.20.7.060. (Ord. 3232, 2021)

[2] See Section 17.20.6.020 for side yard requirements for zero lot line projects and Section 17.20.7.010 for accessory buildings with accessory living spaces. (Ord. 3232, 2021; Ord. 2950, 2007)

[3] An existing structure that does not meet the setback requirements stated above can be rebuilt on its original foundation or the original foundation location. (Ord. 3232, 2021)

[4] For townhomes, see Section 17.20.6.050 for additional and superseding requirements. (Ord. 3232, 2021)

[5] If a principal structure is located greater than 50 feet from the front lot line, the accessory structure may be located closer to the front lot line, provided that the accessory structure meets the minimum front yard setback. (Ord. 3232, 2021)

Exhibit 20-4 (continued). Development standards for other zoning districts

	M-1	M-2	C-1	C-2	C-3	C-4	C-5	PLI	GFIA	I-1	I-2
Residential density	500 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	500 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Minimum lot size for newly created lots	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet
Minimum lot width for newly created lots	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet
Lot proportion for newly created lots (maximum depth to width)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	3:1	3:1
Maximum building height of principal building	65 feet except as follows: 35 feet within 200 feet of an R-1, R-2, R-3 district; 45 feet when within 200 feet to 350 feet of an R-1, R-2, R-3 district; and 65 feet when more than 350 feet from an R-1, R-2, R-3 district	65 feet except as follows: 35 feet within 200 feet of an R-1, R-2, R-3 district; 45 feet when within 200 feet to 350 feet of an R-1, R-2, R-3 district; and 65 feet when more than 350 feet from an R-1, R-2, R-3 district	35 feet	65 feet	50 feet	100 feet by right; 101 feet to 160 feet as conditional use	55 feet	100 feet by right; 101 feet to 160 feet as conditional use, except as follows; in the proposed medical district master plan area, 160 feet by right	65 feet	45 feet	none
Maximum building height of accessory building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	n/a	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	35 feet	none
Minimum front yard setback of principal and accessory buildings	none	Existing Industrial: 20 feet	15 feet	none	25 feet	none	15 feet	25 feet	25 feet	20 feet	10 feet
Minimum side yard setback of principal and accessory buildings	Commercial: none Residential: 5 feet each side	Commercial: none Residential: 5 feet each side Existing Industrial: 15 feet each side	10 feet each side	10 feet each side	15 feet each side	none	10 feet each side	10 feet each side	none	10 feet each side	10 feet each side, 15 feet when side yard abuts a non-industrial zoning district
Minimum rear yard setback of principal and accessory buildings	10 feet	10 feet	15 feet	1/10 of lot depth but not less than 1/10 of building height	1/10 of lot depth but not less than 1/10 of building height	none	1/10 of lot depth but not less than 1/10 of building height	1/10 of lot depth but not less than 1/10 of building height	none	5 feet	5 feet
Maximum lot coverage of principal and accessory buildings	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 65%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 65%	Corner lot: 50% Other lots: 40%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 60%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 60%	100%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 60%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 60%	none	Corner lot: 85% Other lots: 70%	Corner lot: 85% Other lots: 70%

(Ord. 3232, 2021; Ord. No. 3087, § 1(Exh. A), 6-19-2012, eff. 7-19-2012)

Great Falls City Zoning Code

ARTICLE 4

LOT AREA AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS

Sections:

17.20.4.010 - Generally.

Lots and buildings shall conform to the dimensional standards specified in Exhibit 20-4.

17.20.4.020 - Exceptions.

The following are exemptions to the standards:

The requirements for the rear yard on through lots do not apply when the area of such required rear yard is provided elsewhere on the lot.

Steps and eaves are allowed to encroach into the front and side yard setbacks.

Exhibit 20-4. Development standards for residential zoning districts

(See footnotes below for additional standards)

Standard	R-1	R-2	R-3	R-5	R-6	R-9	R-10
Residential density	-	-	-	1,875 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	500 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	1,200 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	10 dwelling units per acre
Minimum lot size for newly created lots	15,000 sq. feet	11,000 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	n/a
Minimum lot width for newly created lots	90 feet	80 feet	60 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	n/a
Lot proportion for newly created lots (maximum depth to width)	3:1	3:1	2.5:1	2.5:1	2.5:1	2.5:1	n/a
Maximum building height of principal building	35 feet	35 feet	35 feet	45 feet	65 feet	35 feet, single- family 50 feet, multi-family	12 feet to exterior wall
Minimum front yard setback [2]	30 feet	20 feet	20 feet	10 feet	15 feet	10 feet	n/a
Minimum side yard setback [3]	Principal building: 15 feet each side	Principal building: 8 feet each side	Principal building: 6 feet each side	4 feet; 8 feet if adjoining a R-1, R-2, R-3 district	5 feet; 10 feet if adjoining a R-1, R-2, R-3 district	Principal building: 6 feet each side	n/a
Minimum rear yard setback	20 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 25 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	15 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 20 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	10 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 15 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	10 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 15 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	15 feet	10 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 15 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	n/a
Maximum lot coverage of principal and accessory structures	Corner lot: 40% Other types: 30%	Corner lot: 45% Other types: 35%	Corner lot: 55% Other types: 50%	Corner lot: 60% Other types: 50%	Corner lot: 70% Other types: 60%	Corner lot: 70% Other types: 60%	none
Detached Garages and other Accessory Structures
Maximum building height	24 feet	24 feet	24 feet	24 feet	24 feet	24 feet	16 feet
Minimum front yard setback [5]	30 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	20 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	20 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	10 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	15 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	10 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	n/a
Minimum side yard setback	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	4 feet; 8 feet if adjoining an R-1, R-2, R-3 district	5 feet; 10 feet if adjoining an R-1, R-2, R-3 district	5 feet	n/a
Minimum rear yard setback	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet

[2] See Section 17.20.6.020 for side yard requirements for zero lot line projects and Section 17.20.7.010 for accessory buildings with accessory living spaces. (Ord. 3232, 2021; Ord. 2950, 2007)

[3] An existing structure that does not meet the setback requirements stated above can be rebuilt on its original foundation or the original foundation location. (Ord. 3232, 2021)

[4] For townhomes, see Section 17.20.6.050 for additional and superseding requirements. (Ord. 3232, 2021)

Exhibit 20-4 (continued). Development standards for other zoning districts

	M-1	M-2	C-1	C-2	C-3	C-4	C-5	PLI	GFIA	I-1	I-2
Residential density	500 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	500 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Minimum lot size for newly created lots	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet
Minimum lot width for newly created lots	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet
Lot proportion for newly created lots (maximum depth to width)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	3:1	3:1
Maximum building height of principal building	65 feet except as follows: 35 feet within 200 feet of an R-1, R-2, R-3 district; 45 feet when within 200 feet to 350 feet of an R-1, R-2, R-3 district; and 65 feet when more than 350 feet from an R-1, R-2, R-3 district	65 feet except as follows: 35 feet within 200 feet of an R-1, R-2, R-3 district; 45 feet when within 200 feet to 350 feet of an R-1, R-2, R-3 district; and 65 feet when more than 350 feet from an R-1, R-2, R-3 district	35 feet	65 feet	50 feet	100 feet by right; 101 feet to 160 feet as conditional use	55 feet	100 feet by right; 101 feet to 160 feet as conditional use, except as follows; in the proposed medical district master plan area, 160 feet by right	65 feet	45 feet	none
Maximum building height of accessory building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	n/a	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	35 feet	none
Minimum front yard setback of principal and accessory buildings	none	Existing Industrial: 20 feet	15 feet	none	25 feet	none	15 feet	25 feet	25 feet	20 feet	10 feet
Minimum side yard setback of principal and accessory buildings	Commercial: none Residential: 5 feet each side	Commercial: none Residential: 5 feet each side Existing Industrial: 15 feet each side	10 feet each side	10 feet each side	15 feet each side	none	10 feet each side	10 feet each side	none	10 feet each side	10 feet each side, 15 feet when side yard abuts a non-industrial zoning district
Minimum rear yard setback of principal and accessory buildings	10 feet	10 feet	15 feet	1/10 of lot depth but not less than 1/10 of building height	1/10 of lot depth but not less than 1/10 of building height	none	1/10 of lot depth but not less than 1/10 of building height	1/10 of lot depth but not less than 1/10 of building height	none	5 feet	5 feet
Maximum lot coverage of principal and accessory buildings	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 65%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 65%	Corner lot: 50% Other lots: 40%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 60%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 60%	100%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 60%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 60%	none	Corner lot: 85% Other lots: 70%	Corner lot: 85% Other lots: 70%

(Ord. 3232, 2021; Ord. No. 3087, § 1(Exh. A), 6-19-2012, eff. 7-19-2012)

Great Falls City Zoning Code

ARTICLE 4

LOT AREA AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS

Sections:

17.20.4.010 - Generally.

Lots and buildings shall conform to the dimensional standards specified in Exhibit 20-4.

17.20.4.020 - Exceptions.

The following are exemptions to the standards:

The requirements for the rear yard on through lots do not apply when the area of such required rear yard is provided elsewhere on the lot.

Steps and eaves are allowed to encroach into the front and side yard setbacks.

Exhibit 20-4. Development standards for residential zoning districts

(See footnotes below for additional standards)

Standard	R-1	R-2	R-3	R-5	R-6	R-9	R-10
Residential density	-	-	-	1,875 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	500 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	1,200 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	10 dwelling units per acre
Minimum lot size for newly created lots	15,000 sq. feet	11,000 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	n/a
Minimum lot width for newly created lots	90 feet	80 feet	60 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	n/a
Lot proportion for newly created lots (maximum depth to width)	3:1	3:1	2.5:1	2.5:1	2.5:1	2.5:1	n/a
Maximum building height of principal building	35 feet	35 feet	35 feet	45 feet	65 feet	35 feet, single- family 50 feet, multi-family	12 feet to exterior wall
Minimum front yard setback [2]	30 feet	20 feet	20 feet	10 feet	15 feet	10 feet	n/a
Minimum side yard setback [3]	Principal building: 15 feet each side	Principal building: 8 feet each side	Principal building: 6 feet each side	4 feet; 8 feet if adjoining a R-1, R-2, R-3 district	5 feet; 10 feet if adjoining a R-1, R-2, R-3 district	Principal building: 6 feet each side	n/a
Minimum rear yard setback	20 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 25 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	15 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 20 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	10 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 15 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	10 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 15 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	15 feet	10 feet for lots less than 150 feet in depth; 15 feet for lots 150 feet in depth and over	n/a
Maximum lot coverage of principal and accessory structures	Corner lot: 40% Other types: 30%	Corner lot: 45% Other types: 35%	Corner lot: 55% Other types: 50%	Corner lot: 60% Other types: 50%	Corner lot: 70% Other types: 60%	Corner lot: 70% Other types: 60%	none
Detached Garages and other Accessory Structures
Maximum building height	24 feet	24 feet	24 feet	24 feet	24 feet	24 feet	16 feet
Minimum front yard setback [5]	30 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	20 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	20 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	10 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	15 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	10 feet, but may not be closer to the front lot line than the principal structure	n/a
Minimum side yard setback	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	4 feet; 8 feet if adjoining an R-1, R-2, R-3 district	5 feet; 10 feet if adjoining an R-1, R-2, R-3 district	5 feet	n/a
Minimum rear yard setback	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet	5 feet

[2] See Section 17.20.6.020 for side yard requirements for zero lot line projects and Section 17.20.7.010 for accessory buildings with accessory living spaces. (Ord. 3232, 2021; Ord. 2950, 2007)

[3] An existing structure that does not meet the setback requirements stated above can be rebuilt on its original foundation or the original foundation location. (Ord. 3232, 2021)

[4] For townhomes, see Section 17.20.6.050 for additional and superseding requirements. (Ord. 3232, 2021)

Exhibit 20-4 (continued). Development standards for other zoning districts

	M-1	M-2	C-1	C-2	C-3	C-4	C-5	PLI	GFIA	I-1	I-2
Residential density	500 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	500 sq. feet of lot area per dwelling unit	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Minimum lot size for newly created lots	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet	7,500 sq. feet
Minimum lot width for newly created lots	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet	50 feet
Lot proportion for newly created lots (maximum depth to width)	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	3:1	3:1
Maximum building height of principal building	65 feet except as follows: 35 feet within 200 feet of an R-1, R-2, R-3 district; 45 feet when within 200 feet to 350 feet of an R-1, R-2, R-3 district; and 65 feet when more than 350 feet from an R-1, R-2, R-3 district	65 feet except as follows: 35 feet within 200 feet of an R-1, R-2, R-3 district; 45 feet when within 200 feet to 350 feet of an R-1, R-2, R-3 district; and 65 feet when more than 350 feet from an R-1, R-2, R-3 district	35 feet	65 feet	50 feet	100 feet by right; 101 feet to 160 feet as conditional use	55 feet	100 feet by right; 101 feet to 160 feet as conditional use, except as follows; in the proposed medical district master plan area, 160 feet by right	65 feet	45 feet	none
Maximum building height of accessory building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	n/a	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	24 feet, but may not be higher than the uppermost elevation of the principal building	35 feet	none
Minimum front yard setback of principal and accessory buildings	none	Existing Industrial: 20 feet	15 feet	none	25 feet	none	15 feet	25 feet	25 feet	20 feet	10 feet
Minimum side yard setback of principal and accessory buildings	Commercial: none Residential: 5 feet each side	Commercial: none Residential: 5 feet each side Existing Industrial: 15 feet each side	10 feet each side	10 feet each side	15 feet each side	none	10 feet each side	10 feet each side	none	10 feet each side	10 feet each side, 15 feet when side yard abuts a non-industrial zoning district
Minimum rear yard setback of principal and accessory buildings	10 feet	10 feet	15 feet	1/10 of lot depth but not less than 1/10 of building height	1/10 of lot depth but not less than 1/10 of building height	none	1/10 of lot depth but not less than 1/10 of building height	1/10 of lot depth but not less than 1/10 of building height	none	5 feet	5 feet
Maximum lot coverage of principal and accessory buildings	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 65%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 65%	Corner lot: 50% Other lots: 40%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 60%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 60%	100%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 60%	Corner lot: 70% Other lots: 60%	none	Corner lot: 85% Other lots: 70%	Corner lot: 85% Other lots: 70%

(Ord. 3232, 2021; Ord. No. 3087, § 1(Exh. A), 6-19-2012, eff. 7-19-2012)