Grimes City Zoning Code

The R-1 Single-Family Dwelling District is intended and designed to provide for certain low-density residential development in areas where such development seems likely to occur.

1. 1.
   Principal Permitted Uses. Only the uses of structures or land listed in this section are permitted in the R-1 District.

   1. A.
      Single-family dwellings.
   2. B.
      Churches, chapels, temples, and similar places of worship, provided that all principal buildings be set back a minimum of forty (40) feet from all property lines.
   3. C.
      Public and parochial schools, elementary and secondary, and other educational institutions having an established current curriculum as ordinarily given in the public schools, provided that all principal buildings be set back a minimum of forty (40) feet from all property lines.
   4. D.
      Family homes as permitted by and as limited by Section 414.22 of the Code of Iowa.
   5. E.
      Publicly owned parks, playgrounds, golf courses, and recreation areas.
   6. F.
      Private noncommercial recreational areas, including country clubs, swimming pools, tennis clubs and golf courses.
   7. G.
      Cemeteries, including mausoleums.
   8. H.
      Agricultural uses, including nurseries, greenhouses and truck gardens, provided that no offensive odors or dust are created, and provided further, that no retail sales or the raising and keeping of livestock or poultry are permitted on the premises.
2. 2.
   Permitted Accessory Uses.

   1. A.
      Uses of land or structures customarily incidental and subordinate to one of the permitted principal uses, unless otherwise excluded.
   2. B.
      Private garage or carport.
   3. C.
      Home occupations as permitted in and as limited by Section 12-5-12.
   4. D.
      The taking of boarders or the leasing of rooms.
   5. E.
      Temporary buildings for uses incidental to construction work, which buildings shall be removed upon the completion or abandonment of the construction work.
   6. F.
      Temporary use of a dwelling structure within a new subdivision as a job office and real estate office for the subject subdivision, which shall terminate upon completion or abandonment of the project.
   7. G.
      One board or sign not to exceed fifty (50) square feet in area referring to the construction, lease, hire, or sale of a building, premises, or subdivision lots, which sign shall refer to property on which the sign is located, and shall be removed as soon as the premises are sold or leased or construction completed.
   8. H.
      Institutional bulletin board sign.
   9. I.
      Child care facility or daycare.
   10. J.
       Satellite receiving antenna, mounted on the ground in the rear yard or attached to principal building facing rear yard at a height no greater than the peak of the roof, not to exceed a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet. The mounting of the antenna shall be in accordance with the City Building Code. The height of the antenna shall be measured vertically from the highest point of the antenna when positioned for operation, to the bottom of the base which supports the antenna. No antenna in the “R” District shall be greater than twelve (12) feet in diameter. Satellite receiving antenna mounted on a trailer or vehicle may be allowed in the rear yard for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) days.
   11. K.
       Solar collectors mounted on the ground in the rear yard or attached to principal building facing front, side or rear yard at a height no greater than the peak of the roof of the principal structure. The mounting of solar collectors shall be in accordance with the City Building Code. If required, solar access easement may be obtained from adjoining property owner in accordance with the State statutes.
3. 3.
   Bulk Regulations. See Section 12-12-1 for minimum requirements subject to the modifications contained in Section 12-19-1.
4. 4.
   Minimum Width Regulation. The minimum dimension of the main body of the principal building shall not be less than twenty (20) feet.
5. 5.
   Perimeter Foundation Requirement. A permanent perimeter foundation, meeting the City Building Code standards, is required for all principal buildings.
6. 6.
   Off-Street Parking and Loading. Spaces for off-street parking and loading shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Sections 12-15-4 and 12-15-5.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The R-2 Single- and Two-Family Dwelling District is intended and designed to provide for certain medium-density residential areas now developed with single-family and two-family dwellings, and areas where similar residential development seems likely to occur.

1. 1.
   Principal Permitted Uses. Only the uses of structures or land listed in this section are permitted in the R-2 District.

   1. A.
      Any use permitted in the R-1 District.
   2. B.
      Single- and two-family dwellings.
   3. C.
      Conversions of single-family dwellings into two-family dwellings in accordance with the lot area, frontage, height and yard requirements of this section.
   4. D.
      Institutions of a religious, educational or philanthropic nature, including libraries.
2. 2.
   Permitted Accessory Uses. Accessory uses permitted in the R-2 District are the same as those permitted in and as limited in the R-1 District.
3. 3.
   Bulk Regulations. See Section 12-12-1 for minimum requirements subject to the modifications contained in Section 12-19-1.
4. 4.
   Minimum Width Regulation. The minimum dimension of the main body of the principal building shall not be less than twenty (20) feet.
5. 5.
   Perimeter Foundation Requirement. A permanent perimeter foundation meeting the City Building Code standards is required for all principal buildings.
6. 6.
   Off-Street Parking and Loading. Spaces for off-street parking and loading shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Sections 12-15-4 and 12-15-5.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The R-2 60 Single- and Two-Family Dwelling District is intended and designed to provide a buffer and transitional area between R-3 or Commercial Zoned Districts and Single-Family Dwelling Districts, and areas where similar residential development seems likely to occur.

1. 1.
   Principal Permitted Uses.

   1. A.
      Any use permitted in the R-1 District.
   2. B.
      Single- and two-family dwellings.
   3. C.
      Conversions of single-family dwellings into two-family dwellings in accordance with the lot area, frontage, height and yard requirements of this section.
   4. D.
      Institutions of a religious, educational or philanthropic nature, including libraries.
2. 2.
   Permitted Accessory Uses. Accessory uses permitted in the R-2 60 District are the same as those permitted in and as limited in the R-1 District.
3. 3.
   Bulk Regulations. See Section 12-12-1 for minimum requirements subject to the modifications contained in Section 12-19-1.
4. 4.
   Minimum Width Regulation. The minimum dimension of the main body of the principal building shall not be less than twenty (20) feet.
5. 5.
   Perimeter Foundation Requirement. A permanent perimeter foundation meeting the City Building Code standards is required for all principal buildings.
6. 6.
   Off-Street Parking and Loading. Spaces for off-street parking and loading shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Sections 12-15-4 and 12-15-5.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The R-2 70 Single- and Two-Family Dwelling District is intended and designed to provide for single-family and certain medium-density residential areas now developed with single-family and two-family dwellings, and areas where similar residential development seems likely to occur.

1. 1.
   Principal Permitted Uses.

   1. A.
      Any use permitted in the R-1 District.
   2. B.
      Single- and two-family dwellings.
   3. C.
      Conversions of single-family dwellings into two-family dwellings in accordance with the lot area, frontage, height and yard requirements of this section.
   4. D.
      Institutions of a religious, educational or philanthropic nature, including libraries.
2. 2.
   Permitted Accessory Uses. Accessory uses permitted in the R-2 70 District are the same as those permitted in and as limited in the R-1 District.
3. 3.
   Bulk Regulations. See Section 12-12-1 for minimum requirements subject to the modifications contained in Section 12-19-1.
4. 4.
   Minimum Width Regulation. The minimum dimension of the main body of the principal building shall not be less than twenty (20) feet.
5. 5.
   Perimeter Foundation Required. A permanent perimeter foundation meeting the City Building Code standards is required for all principal buildings.
6. 6.
   Off-Street Parking and Loading. Spaces for off-street parking and loading shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Sections 12-15-4 and 12-15-5.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The R-3 Multiple-Family Dwelling District is intended and designed to provide for certain medium and high-density residential areas now developed with two-family and multiple-family dwellings and areas where similar residential development seems likely to occur. The R-3 district is divided into two districts: R-3 Med. and R-3 High. R-3 Med. and R-3 High districts are defined and their intentions and requirements are provided in 12-7-6 and 12-7-7 respectively. Any reference in this chapter to the uses or requirements of the R-3 district shall refer to the requirements and uses listed and described in 12-7-6 (R-3 Med.) and 12-7-7 (R-3 High). Effective as of January 1, 2006 all R-3 District areas shall be considered as R-3 High unless restricted by special conditions.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The R-3 Med. (Medium Density Two or More Family Dwelling District) is intended and designed to provide for certain medium-density residential areas now developed with two-family and multiple-family dwellings and areas where similar residential development seems likely to occur.

1. 1.
   Principal Permitted Uses. Only the uses of structures or land listed in this section are permitted in the R-3 Med. District.

   1. A.
      Two-family dwellings and multiple-family dwellings, including row dwellings and condominium dwellings.
   2. B.
      Boarding and rooming houses.
   3. C.
      Institutions of a religious, educational, or philanthropic nature, including libraries.
   4. D.
      Colleges and universities, both public and private, including administrative buildings, classrooms, dormitories, athletic facilities, and similarly related structures, but not including commercial trade schools and business colleges.
   5. E.
      Nursing, convalescent and retirement homes.
   6. F.
      Private clubs, lodges, or veterans organizations, except those holding a wine permit or beer permit or liquor license.
2. 2.
   Permitted Accessory Uses.

   1. A.
      Accessory uses permitted in and as limited in the R-1 District.
   2. B.
      One non-lighted sign not to exceed eight (8) square feet in total area attached flat against the principal structure, indicating the name of the premises and/or the names of the occupants, is permitted.
   3. C.
      In lieu of subsection B above, one (1) monument or directory sign is permitted. Such sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area and shall be set back at least twenty (20) feet from any public right-of-way or property line. Such sign may be indirectly or internally lighted.
3. 3.
   Bulk Regulations. See Section 12-12-1 and Table 12-12-2 for minimum requirements subject to the modifications contained in Section 12-19-1.
4. 4.
   Minimum Width Regulation. The minimum dimension of the main body of the principal building shall not be less than twenty (20) feet.
5. 5.
   Perimeter Foundation Requirements. A permanent perimeter foundation meeting the City Building Code standards is required for all principal buildings.
6. 6.
   Off-Street Parking and Loading. Spaces for off-street parking and loading shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Sections 12-15-4 and 12-15-5.
7. 7.
   Site Plans. Site plans shall be required in accordance with the provisions of Section 12-17-1 for all uses permitted in this district.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The R-3 High (High Density Multiple-Family Dwelling District) is intended and designed to provide for certain high-density residential areas now developed with two-family and multiple-family dwellings and areas where similar residential development seems likely to occur.

1. 1.
   Principal Permitted Uses. Only the uses of structures or land listed in this section are permitted in the R-3 High District.

   1. A.
      Multiple-family dwellings, including row dwellings and condominium dwellings.
   2. B.
      Boarding and rooming houses.
   3. C.
      Institutions of a religious, educational, or philanthropic nature, including libraries.
   4. D.
      Colleges and universities, both public and private, including administrative buildings, classrooms, dormitories, athletic facilities, and similarly related structures, but not including commercial trade schools and business colleges.
   5. E.
      Nursing, convalescent and retirement homes.
   6. F.
      Private clubs, lodges, or veterans organizations, except those holding a wine permit or beer permit or liquor license.
2. 2.
   Permitted Accessory Uses.

   1. A.
      Accessory uses permitted in and as limited in the R-1 District.
   2. B.
      One non-lighted sign not to exceed eight (8) square feet in total area attached flat against the principal structure, indicating the name of the premises and/or the names of the occupants, is permitted.
   3. C.
      In lieu of subsection B above, one (1) monument or directory sign is permitted. Such sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area and shall be set back at least twenty (20) feet from any public right-of-way or property line. Such sign may be indirectly or internally lighted.
3. 3.
   Bulk Regulations. See Section 12-12-1 and Table 12-12-2 for minimum requirements subject to the modifications contained in Section 12-19-1.
4. 4.
   Minimum Width Regulation. The minimum dimension of the main body of the principal building shall not be less than twenty (20) feet.
5. 5.
   Perimeter Foundation Requirements. A permanent perimeter foundation meeting the City Building Code standards is required for all principal buildings.
6. 6.
   Off-Street Parking and Loading. Spaces for off-street parking and loading shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Sections 12-15-4 and 12-15-5.
7. 7.
   Site Plans. Site plans shall be required in accordance with the provisions of Section 12-17-1 for all uses permitted in this district.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The R-5 Mobile Home Park District is intended and designed to provide for certain high-density residential areas of the City for the development of mobile home parks which, by reason of their design and location, will be compatible with nearby residential areas.

1. 1.
   Principal Permitted Uses. Only the uses of structures or land listed in this section are permitted in the R-5 District.

   1. A.
      Any use permitted in the R-1 District.
   2. B.
      Mobile home parks, in accordance with the provisions of this section and applicable State statutes.
2. 2.
   Permitted Accessory Uses.

   1. A.
      Accessory uses permitted in and as limited in the R-1 District.
   2. B.
      Accessory buildings as may be required by State statute.
   3. C.
      One indirectly lighted sign may be erected facing each public street on which the mobile home park fronts, showing the name of the mobile home park and other information pertinent thereto, provided that such sign does not have an area of more than twenty (20) square feet.
3. 3.
   Bulk Regulations. The following minimum requirements shall be observed subject to the modifications contained in Section 12-19-1.

   1. A.
      For any permitted use except a mobile home park, the minimum requirements are the same as those set out for the R-1 District.
   2. B.
      For any mobile home park the requirements are as follows:

      1. 1.
         The minimum total mobile home park area shall be three (3) acres.
      2. 2.
         Each yard abutting on a public street shall be considered a front yard and shall be a minimum of fifty (50) feet.
      3. 3.
         All other yards, whether side or rear, shall be a minimum of fifty (50) feet when adjacent to any other “R” District, and thirty (30) feet when adjacent to an “A”, “C” or “M” District.
      4. 4.
         The minimum lot space for each mobile home shall be four thousand (4,000) square feet and shall measure at least fifty (50) by eighty (80) feet.
      5. 5.
         Mobile homes shall be located on each space so that there will be at least a twenty (20) foot clearance between each mobile home, a five (5) foot open space between the mobile home including any permanently enclosed appendage, and any driveway, walkway, or mobile home space boundary; and a ten (10) foot open space at the rear of the mobile home.
4. 4.
   Plan Required. Each petition for a change to the R-5 zoning classification submitted to the Council shall be accompanied by a mobile home park plan. Said plan shall show each mobile home space, the water, electrical and sewer lines serving each mobile home space, the location of fire hydrants, service buildings, driveways, walkways, recreation areas, required yards, parking facilities, lighting, landscaping and facilities for disposal of garbage and trash in accordance with State law and this title. If public water and sanitary sewerage facilities are not available to the mobile home park site, private water and sewerage systems shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, subject to approval of the Council. The plan shall be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Council, who may approve or disapprove said plan or require such changes thereto as are deemed necessary to effectuate the intent and purpose of this chapter. All changes to the R-5 classification shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 12-1-4 of this title.
5. 5.
   Existing Mobile Home Parks. Mobile home parks in existence at the time of passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter, which are zoned R-5 by this chapter, shall be considered as having met all of the requirements of this section. Any enlargements, additions or extensions of such mobile home parks shall be in accordance with the provisions of this section.

Effective on: 1/1/1901