Grimes City Zoning Code

The C-1 General Commercial District is intended to provide for the general retail shopping of persons living in the City and surrounding rural areas. The district is designed to include the central business district area. Uses permitted are similar to the C-2 District; however, bulk regulations are not required due to the density of the existing development.

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

   1. A.
      (Reserved).
   2. B.
      Retail business or service establishments, including, but not limited to, the following and similar uses as may be determined by the Zoning Administrator.

      1. 1.
         Antique shops
      2. 2.
         Apparel shops
      3. 3.
         Art shops
      4. 4.
         Automobile accessory shops
      5. 5.
         Automobile, trailer, motorcycle, boat and farm implement establishments for display, hire, rental and sales (including sales lots). This paragraph shall not be construed to include automobile, tractor or machinery wrecking and rebuilding and used parts yards.
      6. 6.
         Bakeries or bakery outlets, retail sales only
      7. 7.
         Banks, savings and loan associations and similar financial institutions
      8. 8.
         Barber shops and beauty parlors
      9. 9.
         Bicycle shops, sales and repair
      10. 10.
          Billiard parlors and pool halls
      11. 11.
          Book stores
      12. 12.
          Bowling alleys
      13. 13.
          Camera stores
      14. 14.
          Carpenter and cabinet making shops
      15. 15.
          Clothes cleaning and laundry pickup stations
      16. 16.
          Collection offices of public utilities
      17. 17.
          Confectionery stores, including ice cream, snow cone, or snack bars
      18. 18.
          Dairy stores, retail only
      19. 19.
          Delicatessens
      20. 20.
          Department stores
      21. 21.
          Dance halls
      22. 22.
          Dance studios
      23. 23.
          Drug stores
      24. 24.
          Dry goods stores
      25. 25.
          Florist shops
      26. 26.
          Funeral homes and mortuaries
      27. 27.
          Furniture stores
      28. 28.
          Gas stations
      29. 29.
          Garages for general motor vehicle repair
      30. 30.
          Gift shops
      31. 31.
          Grocery stores, including supermarkets
      32. 32.
          Hardware stores
      33. 33.
          Hobby shops
      34. 34.
          Hotels and motels
      35. 35.
          Household appliances, sale and repair
      36. 36.
          Jewelry stores and watch repair shops
      37. 37.
          Launderettes, coin-operated dry cleaning establishments, and dry cleaning or pressing establishments using only nonflammable solvents
      38. 38.
          Lawn mower repair shops
      39. 39.
          Locker plants for storage and retail sales only
      40. 40.
          Leather goods stores
      41. 41.
          Music stores
      42. 42.
          Music studios
      43. 43.
          Office buildings
      44. 44.
          Paint and wallpaper stores
      45. 45.
          Pet shops
      46. 46.
          Photographic studios, printing and developing establishments
      47. 47.
          Plumbing and heating shops
      48. 48.
          Post offices
      49. 49.
          Public auction rooms
      50. 50.
          Radio and television sales and repair shops
      51. 51.
          Restaurants
      52. 52.
          Sheet metal shops
      53. 53.
          Shoe and hat repair shops
      54. 54.
          Sporting goods stores
      55. 55.
          Tailor and dressmaking shops
      56. 56.
          Taverns and night clubs
      57. 57.
          Theaters
      58. 58.
          Toy stores
      59. 59.
          Upholstering shops
      60. 60.
          Used car sales lots
      61. 61.
          Variety stores
      62. 62.
          Veterinary clinics
   3. C.
      Combinations of the above uses.
   4. D.
      Medical and dental clinics.
   5. E.
      The office of a doctor, dentist, osteopath, chiropractor, optometrist or similar profession.
   6. F.
      Business and professional offices including the following: law, engineering, architecture, real estate, insurance, accounting and bookkeeping and similar uses.
2. 2.
   Permitted Accessory Uses.

   1. A.
      Storage of merchandise incidental to the principal use.
   2. B.
      Exterior signs located on the street frontages of principal buildings referring only to a use or uses located within such building, and attached or integral thereto, provided that:

      1. 1.
         Such signs do not have an aggregate surface area in excess of twenty percent (20%) of the total surface area of the building elevation to which they are attached;
      2. 2.
         Signs which project out from the building more than eighteen (18) inches must be at least twelve (12) feet above grade and may project a maximum of six (6) feet;
      3. 3.
         No sign shall project more than four (4) feet above the roof line or parapet where one sits.
   3. C.
      One (1) free standing or post sign referring only to a use or uses conducted on the premises may be erected in any yard abutting a public street, provided that:

      1. 1.
         Such sign does not have a surface area in excess of one hundred (100) square feet on any one (1) side and no more than two (2) sides of said sign are used for advertising purposes;
      2. 2.
         The bottom of the surface area of such sign is not less than twelve (12) feet above the ground surface upon which it is erected.
3. 3.
   Bulk Regulations. The following minimum requirements shall be observed subject to the modifications contained in Section 12-19-1.

   1. A.
      Lot Area: Same as required in the R-3 High District for residential uses; no minimum requirement for any other permitted use
   2. B.
      Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit: Same as required in R-3 High District
   3. C.
      Lot Width: Same as required in R-3 High District for residential uses; no minimum requirements for any other permitted use
   4. D.
      Front Yard: Same as required in R-3 High District for residential uses; no minimum requirements for any other permitted use
   5. E.
      Side Yards: Same as required in R-3 High District for residential uses; no minimum requirements for any other permitted use, except when adjoining any “R” District, in which case – 10 feet
   6. F.
      Rear Yard: None required, except when adjoining any “R” District, in which case – 25 feet
   7. G.
      Maximum Height: 50 feet
   8. H.
      Maximum Number of Stories: 4 stories

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The C-2 General and Highway Service Commercial District is intended to provide for general commercial areas outside of the central business district. These districts include much of the commercial property existing along the major streets of the City. The uses permitted are intended to accommodate both the local retail consumer and the automobile-traveling public.

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

   1. A.
      Any use permitted and as limited in the C-1 District.
   2. B.
      Retail, service, or recreational uses, such as the following:

      1. 1.
         Animal hospitals, veterinary clinics or kennels; provided any exercising runway shall be at least two hundred (200) feet from any “R” District boundary
      2. 2.
         Commercial swimming pools, skating rinks, golf driving ranges, miniature golf courses and similar recreational uses and facilities
      3. 3.
         Car washes
      4. 4.
         Drive-in restaurants
      5. 5.
         Drive-in theaters
      6. 6.
         Lumber yards, retail only
      7. 7.
         Monument sales yards
   3. C.
      Combinations of the above uses.
   4. D.
      Mini storage and warehouse facilities, subject to the following provisions:

      1. 1.
         The construction of any mini storage or warehouse facility shall have a setback of two hundred (200) feet from any street.
      2. 2.
         The facility shall be totally enclosed and have a gate which is locked at all times the facility is not open for business.
      3. 3.
         The facility’s buildings shall not be visible from any street or right-of-way. It shall have a soil berm or a brick or wood privacy fence that completely surrounds the facility’s buildings on all sides except for the entrance. The soil berm or wall shall be equal in height to any mini storage or warehouse structure contained within the facility.
2. 2.
   Permitted Accessory Uses.

   1. A.
      Accessory uses and structures customarily incidental to any principal permitted use.
   2. B.
      Storage of merchandise incidental to the principal use.
   3. C.
      Exterior signs located on the street frontage of principal buildings referring only to a use or uses located within such building, and attached or integral thereto, provided that:

      1. 1.
         Such signs do not have an aggregate surface area in excess of ten percent (10%) of the total surface area of the building elevation to which they are attached;
      2. 2.
         Signs which project out from the building more than eighteen (18) inches must be at least twelve (12) feet above grade and may project a maximum of six (6) feet;
      3. 3.
         No sign shall project more than four (4) feet above the roof line or parapet where one exists.
   4. D.
      One (1) free standing or post sign referring only to a use or uses conducted on the premises may be erected in any yard abutting a public street, provided that:

      1. 1.
         Such sign does not have a surface area in excess of two hundred (200) square feet on any one (1) side and not more than two (2) sides of said signs are used for advertising purposes.
      2. 2.
         A directory sign may be substituted in place of a ground sign or post sign, subject to the requirements set forth in subsection (1) above.
      3. 3.
         The Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to prohibit the erection of any sign that interferes with visibility for either vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
3. 3.
   Bulk Regulations. The following minimum requirements shall be observed subject to the modifications contained in Section 12-19-1.

   1. A.
      Lot Area: Same as required in the C-1 District
   2. B.
      Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit: Same as required in the C-1 District
   3. C.
      Lot Width: Same as required in the C-1 District
   4. D.
      Front Yard: 25 feet
   5. E.
      Side Yards: None required, except when adjoining any “R” District or street right-of-way line, in which case – 25 feet
   6. F.
      Rear Yard: 25 feet; however, for every foot the front yard is increased over 25 feet, the rear yard may be decreased in direct proportion thereto, but in no case shall the rear yard be less than 10 feet
   7. G.
      Maximum Height: 45 feet
   8. H.
      Maximum Number of Stories: 3 stories
4. 4.
   Minimum Open Space. The total land area devoted to open space and landscaping shall not be less than ten percent (10%) 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.
5. 5.
   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.
6. 6.
   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 C-3 Planned Commercial Development District is intended to provide for the development of shopping center type business areas. The term "shopping center" is intended to mean a planned retail shopping and service area under single ownership, management or control characterized by a concentrated grouping of stores and compatible uses, with various facilities designed to be used in common, such as access roads, off-street parking, loading area, lighting, signs and walks. In the C-3 District, the following regulations shall apply, except as otherwise provided herein.

1. 1.
   Principal Permitted Uses. A building or premises shall be used only for the following purposes:

   1. A.
      Local retail business or service establishments such as the following:

      1. 1.
         Antique shops
      2. 2.
         Art stores 
      3. 3.
         Babies and children’s stores
      4. 4.
         Bakeries or bakery outlets; retail sales only
      5. 5.
         Barber shops or beauty parlors
      6. 6.
         Bicycle shops, sales and repair
      7. 7.
         Book stores
      8. 8.
         Bowling alleys
      9. 9.
         Camera stores
      10. 10.
          Candy stores
      11. 11.
          Clothes cleaning and laundry pickup stations
      12. 12.
          Clothing stores
      13. 13.
          Cocktail lounges
      14. 14.
          Collection offices of public utilities
      15. 15.
          Dairy stores, retail only
      16. 16.
          Delicatessens
      17. 17.
          Department stores
      18. 18.
          Dance studios
      19. 19.
          Drug stores
      20. 20.
          Florist shops
      21. 21.
          Funeral homes
      22. 22.
          Furniture stores
      23. 23.
          Gas stations
      24. 24.
          Gift shops
      25. 25.
          Grocery stores or supermarkets
      26. 26.
          Hardware stores
      27. 27.
          Hobby shops
      28. 28.
          Hotels, motels or motor lodges
      29. 29.
          Household appliances, sale and repair
      30. 30.
          Jewelry stores
      31. 31.
          Launderettes and coin-operated dry cleaning establishments
      32. 32.
          Leather goods stores
      33. 33.
          Music stores and music studios
      34. 34.
          Office buildings
      35. 35.
          Photographic studios
      36. 36.
          Radio and television sales and repair shops
      37. 37.
          Restaurants, not including drive-in restaurants
      38. 38.
          Shoe and hat repair shops
      39. 39.
          Sporting goods stores
      40. 40.
          Tailors and dressmaking stores
      41. 41.
          Theaters
      42. 42.
          Toy stores
      43. 43.
          Variety stores
   2. B.
      Business and professional offices and office buildings.
   3. C.
      Any use which is considered by the Zoning Administrator to be like or similar to one of the uses listed above.
2. 2.
   Accessory Uses. Accessory uses and structures customarily incidental to any principal permitted use.
3. 3.
   Procedure. The owner or owners of any tract of land of not less than five (5) acres may petition the Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 12-1-4, for a change to the C-3 District Classification. Such petition shall be accompanied by a development plan, indicating how the petitioner intends to meet the requirements of this section. Said development plan shall include evidence concerning the feasibility of the project and its effect on surrounding property and shall also include the following:

   1. A.
      A site plan as required by Section 12-17-1 outlining in detail the areas to be developed for parking, the location of sidewalks and driveways, points of vehicular access, the location and height of walls, the location and type of landscaping and open space and the location, size and number of signs.
   2. B.
      Methods and feasibility of providing water, storm and sanitary sewer facilities.
   3. C.
      A statement of financial responsibility to assure construction of the development in accordance with the site plan submitted and the requirements of this section.

   The petition and all attachments shall be referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for study and report after public hearing. The Commission shall review the conformity of the proposed development with the standards of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and with recognized principles of engineering design, land use planning and landscape architecture. After public hearing, the Commission may approve or disapprove the development plan and request for rezoning as submitted, or require that the petitioner amend the plan to preserve the intent and purpose of this section to promote public health, safety and the general welfare. The petition and development plan, along with the Commission’s recommendations on the request for rezoning shall then be forwarded to the Council. The Council, after public hearing, may approve or disapprove the development plan and request for rezoning, as reported, or may require such changes as are necessary to preserve the intent and purpose of this section to promote public health, safety and the general welfare.

4. 4.
   Completion. The Council may make the approval of the development plan contingent upon the completion of construction and improvements within a reasonable period of time, provided, however, that in the determination of such period, the Council shall consider the scope and magnitude of the development project and any schedule of construction and improvements submitted by the developer. Failure to complete all construction and improvements within said period of time shall be deemed sufficient cause for the Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 12-1-4, to rezone an unimproved property to the classification effective at the time of original submission of the development plan, unless an extension is recommended by the Commission and approved by the Council for due cause shown. Any proposed change in the development plan after approval by the Council shall be resubmitted and considered in the same manner as the original proposal. For the purpose of this section, the term “unimproved property” means all property situated within the development plan upon which the installation of improvements has not been commenced.
5. 5.
   Bulk Regulations. The following requirements shall be observed in the C-3 District.

   1. A.
      Minimum Lot Area: 5 acres
   2. B.
      Minimum Yards: A minimum yard of 50 feet from all property lines; no other minimum yards required.
   3. C.
      Maximum Height: 60 feet
   4. D.
      Minimum Open Space. The total land area devoted to open space landscaping shall not be less than twenty percent (20%) of the gross land area included in the development plan. 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.
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