(a)

For the purposes of this article the property within the corporate limits of the city shall hereby be divided into specific zoning districts to provide both effective development of each parcel and to protect the health, needs and general welfare of the community.

(b)

Any use which is not provided for within a zoning district shall be placed within a zoning classification and officially added to this article by the city commission after review and upon the recommendation of the planning and design review board.

(c)

The zoning classifications as contained within this article are as follows:

R-1 low density residential.

R-2 moderate density residential.

R-3 high density residential.

R-4 multifamily residential.

PUD planned unit development.

H/M hotel/motel.

C-1 pedestrian commercial.

C-2 pedestrian/highway commercial.

C-3 highway commercial.

I-1 light industrial.

FP floodplain.

SPNF state park and national forest.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 4, 6-19-90)

(a)

Purpose. The R-1 low density residential district is a low density single-family residential district with a density of approximately two units per acre.

(b)

Permitted uses:

(1)

Single-family residences.

(2)

Parks.

(3)

Public recreation areas.

(4)

Existing cemeteries.

(c)

Conditional uses:

(1)

Churches, with one acre minimum.

(2)

Schools, with one acre minimum.

(3)

Private recreation area.

(d)

Accessory uses:

(1)

Private detached garage.

(2)

Fence.

(3)

Swimming pool.

(4)

Storage buildings.

(e)

Development standards:

(1)

Minimum lot area: 22,000 square feet.

(2)

Minimum lot width: 75 feet.

(3)

Minimum road frontage: 75 feet.

(4)

Front setback: 50 feet from a state highway/40 feet from all others.

(5)

Rear setback: 30 feet.

(6)

Side setback: 20 feet.

(7)

Side setback along street: 25 feet.

(8)

Maximum building height: 40 feet.

(9)

Maximum ground coverage: 25 percent.

(f)

Tree protection: See section 34-253.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 5, 6-19-90; Ord. No. 90-9, 1-22-91)

(a)

Purpose. The R-2 moderate density residential district is a moderate density single-family residential district with a density of approximately 2.5 units per acre.

(b)

Permitted uses:

(1)

Single-family residences.

(2)

Parks.

(3)

Public recreation areas.

(4)

Existing cemeteries.

(5)

Single-family residences built to R-1 development standards.

(c)

Conditional uses:

(1)

Churches, with one acre minimum.

(2)

Schools, with one acre minimum.

(3)

Private recreation area.

(4)

Bed and breakfast inns.

(d)

Accessory uses:

(1)

Private detached garage.

(2)

Fence.

(3)

Storage buildings.

(e)

Development standards:

(1)

Minimum lot area: 17,500 square feet.

(2)

Minimum lot width: 75 feet.

(3)

Minimum road frontage: 75 feet.

(4)

Front setback: 50 feet from a state highway and those streets designated as primary streets 10 feet from all others. The 10 feet is a 10-foot green space.

(5)

Rear setback: 30 feet.

(6)

Side setback: 15 feet.

(7)

Side setback along a street: 15 feet.

(8)

Maximum building height: 40 feet.

(9)

Maximum ground cover: 25 percent.

(f)

Tree protection: See section 34-253.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 5, 6-19-90; Ord. No. 90-9, 1-22-91; Ord. No. 92-8, 9-15-92; Ord. No. 93-6-1, 7-13-93)

(a)

Purpose. The R-3 high density residential district is a district for fee simple ownership of a housing unit with a maximum density of eight units per acre.

(b)

Permitted uses:

(1)

Duplex dwelling units.

(2)

Townhouses.

(3)

Parks.

(4)

Public recreation area.

(5)

Existing cemeteries.

(6)

Single-family residences built to R-1 or R-2 development standards.

(c)

Conditional uses:

(1)

Public or quasi-public buildings.

(2)

Churches, with one acre minimum.

(3)

Private recreational area.

(d)

Accessory uses:

(1)

Private detached garage.

(2)

Fence.

(3)

Swimming pool.

(e)

Development standards:

(1)

a.
Minimum lot size: 20,000 square feet.

b.

Minimum lot width: 100 feet.

c.

Minimum road frontage: 100 feet.

d.

Front setbacks: Along a state highway, 50 feet; along other streets, 10 feet (green space).

e.

Rear setback: 15 feet.

f.

Side setback: 10 feet.

g.

Side setback along a street: 10 feet.

h.

Maximum number of units: 8 units per acre.

i.

Maximum top floor elevation: 40 feet.

(2)

Height ratio chart for occupied floors: For every one foot height increase over 30 feet the front and side setbacks increase by six inches.

(3)

Buffer requirements. A planted buffer will be required as set forth in division 4.

(4)

The development of the site, alternative parking methods may be used including elevated or belowground structures which are integrated into the development.

(5)

Site plan. A site plan for the proposed development shall be prepared by a registered civil engineer or landscape architect and submitted to the planning and design review board for approval before any land disturbing activities shall be undertaken. The site plan at the least should provide a metes and bounds description of the proposed development, provide topographic survey information on the site at two-foot contours; show the proposed size and location of all buildings and structures, the size and location of all buildings and structures, the size and location of all existing easements, rights-of-way and utilities, the proposed location of all proposed utilities, access to the site and circulation within it, the location size and types of trees to be retained, any other landscaping or site improvements which shall be made. Six copies of this site plan shall be furnished to the planning and design review board.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 5, 6-19-90; Ord. No. 93-6-1, 7-13-93; Ord. No. 98-04-01, 6-25-98)

(a)

Purpose: The intent and purpose of the R-4 multifamily residential zoning classification is to provide an affordable residential housing opportunity at a density which optimize land area, wherein there are no restrictions upon rental of such properties.

(b)

Permitted uses:

(1)

Condominiums.

(2)

Apartments.

(3)

Public recreation areas.

(4)

Existing cemeteries.

(5)

Unrestricted rentals.

(c)

Conditional uses:

(1)

Public and quasi-public buildings.

(2)

Churches with a minimum of one acre.

(3)

Private recreational areas.

(d)

Accessory uses:

(1)

Swimming pools.

(2)

Club houses (nonprofit).

(3)

Tennis courts.

(4)

Private greenhouses.

(e)

Development standards:

(1)

Minimum lot size: 40,000 square feet.

(2)

Minimum lot width: 100 feet.

(3)

Minimum road frontage: 100 feet.

(4)

Front setbacks along a state highway: 50 feet.

(5)

Rear setback: 15 feet.

(6)

Side setback: 10 feet.

(7)

Side setback along a street: 10 feet.

(8)

Maximum top floor elevation: 40 feet.

(9)

Coverage:

(10)

Height ratio for occupied floors: For every one foot height increase over 30 feet the front and side setbacks increase by six inches.

For example:

(11)

Buffer requirements. A planted buffer will be required as set forth in division 4.

(12)

Site plan. A site plan for the proposed development shall be prepared by a registered civil engineer or landscape architect and submitted to the planning and design review board for approval before any land disturbing activities shall be undertaken. The site plan at the least should provide a metes and bounds description of the proposed development, provide topographic survey information on the site at two-foot contours; show the proposed size and location of all buildings and structures, the size and location of all buildings and structures, the size and location of all existing easements, rights-of-way and utilities, the proposed location of all proposed utilities, access to the site and circulation within it, the location size and types of trees to be retained, any other landscaping or site improvements which shall be made. Six copies of this site plan shall be furnished to the planning and design review board.

(13)

The development of the site, alternative parking methods may be used including elevated or belowground structures which are integrated into the development.

(f)

Yard requirements.

(1)

Front yard: No parking areas, structures, fence or patios shall be allowed in the first ten feet of a front yard, measured from the street or highway right-of-way. Walks shall be allowed but shall not occupy more than ten percent of the first ten feet of front yard, except that when it is not feasible to construct a sidewalk parallel to the street within the street or highway right-of-way. Where such conditions exist, a sidewalk of no more than five feet in width will be allowed upon approval of the planning and design review board. The remaining area shall be planted in plant material.

(2)

Rear yard: No parking, structures or pavement shall be in the first ten feet of rear yard measured from the rear property line. Open walks and patios shall be allowed but shall not occupy more than ten percent of the ten-foot area. The remaining area shall be planted in plant material.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 5, 6-19-90; Ord. No. 96-04-01, 5-21-96; Ord. No. 98-04-01, 6-25-98; Ord. No. 06-06-02, 7-11-06)

(a)

Purpose and intent of the R-5 seasonal residential housing zoning classification is to establish an area to provide housing and service needs of vacationers and seasonal residents or others.

(b)

All seasonal residential housing (R-5) district amendments of the official zoning map shall be conditional amendments. A concept plan showing the approximate location of all building, walls, fences, property lines, landscaping, parking areas, land uses, and other features deemed appropriate by the planning and design review board as a result of the above concept plan review and public hearing shall be included as part of the amendments, and the use of the property for its zoned purposes shall be conditioned to said plan.

(c)

Concept plan review of the site plan is to encourage logic, imagination, and innovation in accordance with the design process and ensure the soundness of the proposed development and its compatibility with the surrounding area. The city's designated employee shall review plans for compliance with the zoning regulations and for compliance with concept plan review criteria. The recommendations of the planning and design review board shall be transmitted to the Helen City Commissioners for final approval.

(d)

Permitted uses:

(1)

Rental property, single or duplex dwellings.

(2)

Public recreational areas.

(3)

Existing cemeteries.

(4)

Bed and breakfast inns.

(e)

Conditional uses:

(1)

Rental to ownership conversion.

(2)

Public and quasi-public buildings.

(3)

Churches with a minimum of one acre.

(4)

Private recreational areas.

(5)

Time share complexes.

(f)

Accessory uses:

(1)

Swimming pools.

(2)

Club houses (nonprofit).

(3)

Tennis courts.

(4)

Private greenhouses.

(g)

Development standards:

(1)

Minimum lot size: 40,000 square feet.

(2)

Minimum lot width: 100 feet.

(3)

Minimum road frontage: 100 feet.

(4)

Front setbacks along a state highway or other street: 10 feet.

(5)

Rear setback: 15 feet.

(6)

Side setback: 10 feet.

(7)

Side setback along a street: 10 feet.

(8)

Maximum top floor elevation: 40 feet.

(9)

One parking space per bedroom (minimum 2 spaces per unit) located within 50 feet of building.

(10)

Maximum number of 8 units per acre.

(h)

Yard requirements.

(1)

Front yard: No parking areas, structures, fence or patios shall be allowed in the first ten feet of a front yard, measured from the street or highway right-of-way. Walks shall be allowed but shall not occupy more than ten percent of the first ten feet of front yard, except that when it is not feasible to construct a sidewalk parallel to the street within the street or highway right-of-way. Where such conditions exist, a sidewalk of no more than five feet in width will be allowed upon approval of the planning and design review board. The remaining area shall be planted in plant material.

(2)

Rear yard: No parking, structures or pavement shall be in the first ten feet of rear yard measured from the rear property line. Open walks and patios shall be allowed but shall not occupy more than ten percent of the ten-foot area. The remaining area shall be planted in plant material.

(i)

Buffers, tree requirements and other requirements: See division 4.

(Ord. No. 96-04-01, 5-21-96; Ord. No. 98-04-01, 6-25-98)

(a)

Purpose. The intent of the PUD planned unit development zoning classification is to provide a developer with the flexibility of relaxed development standards to take advantage of unique and distinctive land features. This land use must contain a minimum of 25 acres to be considered for this development.

(b)

Permitted uses:

(1)

Single-family residences.

(2)

Duplex.

(3)

Condominiums.

(4)

Garden apartments.

(5)

Multifamily residences.

(6)

Retail sales and services up to a maximum of 2,400 square feet of floor space for retail sales and services for each 100 dwelling units in a planned residential district and having an area of not less than 50 contiguous acres.

(7)

Hotels.

(c)

Conditional uses:

(1)

Golf courses.

(2)

Recreational lakes.

(3)

Ornamental and swimming pools.

(4)

Open space.

(5)

Clubhouses and related accessory structures.

(6)

Public and quasi-public buildings.

(d)

Development standards: The planned unit development has been established to provide the developer with the opportunity to relax lot requirements and adjacent land uses to take advantage of unique land features, the preservation and more efficient use of open space and to provide opportunity for design flexibility.

(e)

Tree protection: See section 34-253.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 5, 6-19-90; Ord. No. 15-11-01 , 12-15-15)

(a)

Purpose: The intent of the hotel/motel classification is to establish an area which provides for the housing and service needs of vacationers and seasonal residents at a density which optimize land area.

(b)

All hotel-motel (H-M) district amendments of the official zoning map shall be conditional amendments. A concept plan showing the approximate location of all buildings, walls, fences, property lines, landscaping, parking areas, land uses, and other features deemed appropriate by the planning and design review board and the Helen City Commission as a result of the above concept plan review and public hearing shall be included as part of the amendments, and the use of the property for its zoned purposes shall be conditioned to said plan.

(c)

Concept plan review of the site plan is to encourage logic, imagination, and innovation in accordance with the design process and ensure the soundness of the proposed development and its compatibility with the surrounding area. The city's designated employee shall review plans for the compliance with the zoning regulations and for compliance with concept plan review criteria. The recommendations of the planning and design review board shall be transmitted to the Helen City Commissioners for final approval.

(d)

Permitted uses:

(1)

Hotels.

(2)

Motels.

(3)

Motor courts.

(4)

Related on-premises commercial uses (restaurants, etc.).

(e)

Conditional uses:

(1)

Public or quasi-public buildings.

(f)

Accessory uses:

(1)

Swimming pools.

(2)

Tennis courts.

(3)

Private detached greenhouses.

(g)

Development standards:

(1)

Minimum lot area: Adequate lot size to accommodate development.

(2)

Minimum lot width: 75 feet.

(3)

Minimum road frontage: 75 feet.

(4)

Front setback: 50 feet from state highway, 40 feet from all other streets.

(5)

Rear setback: 15 feet.

(6)

Side setback: 15 feet. Side setback along a street: 6 feet.

(7)

Maximum top floor elevation: 50 feet.

(h)

Yard requirements and buffers: See division 4.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 5, 6-19-90; Ord. No. 92-6, 9-15-92; Ord. No. 96-04-01, 5-21-96)

(a)

Purpose. The intent of the C-1 pedestrian commercial classification is to establish a commercial zone where the main mode of transportation is by walking; it is further intended that this zone assist in retaining and fostering the Alpine theme of the city.

(b)

Permitted uses:

(1)

Restaurants, without drive-ins.

(2)

Retail shops.

(3)

Specialty shops.

(4)

Clubs and taverns.

(5)

Commercial entertainment and recreation.

(c)

Conditional uses:

(1)

Hotels and motels.

(2)

Seasonal housing on the second and higher floors of commercial buildings.

(3)

Long term housing to the rear of the structure and/or on the second and higher floors of commercial buildings.

(4)

Banking and financial offices.

(5)

Barbershops and beauty shops.

(6)

Laundry and drycleaning.

(7)

Medical and dental offices/clinics.

(8)

General offices.

(9)

Public and quasi-public housing.

(10)

Parking, offstreet.

(11)

Business offices.

(12)

Museums, galleries and theatres.

(13)

Distilleries, brew pubs, and breweries.

(d)

Development standards:

(1)

Minimum lot width: 40 feet.

(2)

Minimum road frontage: 45 feet.

(3)

Front setbacks: 10 feet from a state highway, 10 feet from all other streets.

(4)

Rear setback: 6 feet.

(5)

Side setback: 0 feet.

(6)

Side setback along street: 10 feet.

(7)

Maximum occupied floor height: 50 feet.

(e)

Tree protection requirements: See section 34-253.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 5, 6-19-90; Ord. No. 90-9, 1-22-91; Ord. No. 17-12-01 , 12-19-17)

(a)

Purpose: The purpose of the C-2 pedestrian/highway commercial classification is to establish a commercial district which is transitional in nature, in that it provides an easy progression from the C-1 to C-3 zones.

(b)

Permitted uses:

(1)

All uses allowed in the C-1 zone.

(2)

Restaurants.

(3)

Banking and financial offices.

(4)

Shopping centers with onsite parking.

(5)

Distilleries, brew pubs, and breweries.

(c)

Conditional uses:

(1)

Hotels and motels.

(2)

Utilities.

(3)

Those conditional uses allowed in the C-1 zone that have not been previously enumerated.

(4)

Restaurants, with drive-in.

(5)

Day care centers.

(6)

Packaged liquor store.

(d)

Development standards:

(1)

For permitted uses: Must meet requirement of C-1 district with the exception of parking. Parking must be provided on the property under or within the building or offsite and within 1,000 lineal feet of the parcel.

(2)

For conditional uses: Must meet requirements of C-3 district.

(e)

Yard requirements and buffers: See division 4.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 5, 6-19-90; Ord. No. 10-11-01, 12-7-10; Ord. No. 17-12-01 , 12-19-17)

(a)

Purpose: The intent and purpose of the C-3 highway commercial zoning classification is to provide for commercial uses that are related to the use of an automobile.

(b)

Permitted uses:

(1)

Shopping center with onsite parking.

(2)

Service stations.

(3)

Hotels and motels.

(4)

Restaurants.

(5)

Professional offices.

(6)

Medical and dental offices.

(7)

Banking and financial offices.

(8)

Distilleries, brew pubs, and breweries.

(c)

Conditional uses:

(1)

Amusement parks. Amusement park means a commercially operated building or facility with various devices for entertainment and similar types of recreational amusement activities such as miniature golf, video games, bowling alleys, batting cages, go-karts, amusement rides such as Ferris wheels, bumper cars, and bumper boats; but excluding shooting galleries and/or target ranges and helicopter rides.

(2)

Automotive sales.

(3)

Automotive repair facilities.

(4)

Restaurants with drive-ins.

(5)

Barbershops and beauty shops.

(6)

Utilities.

(7)

Grocery stores.

(8)

Packaged liquor stores.

(9)

Public and quasi-public buildings.

(10)

Car washes.

(11)

Mini warehouses.

(12)

Small animal facilities, without kennels.

(13)

Churches.

(14)

Commercial entertainment and recreation.

(15)

Parking lots, offstreet.

(16)

Long term housing to the rear of the structure and/or on the second and higher floors of commercial buildings.

(17)

Laundry and dry cleaning.

(d)

Development standards:

(1)

Minimum lot width: 75 feet.

(2)

Minimum road frontage: 75 feet.

(3)

Front setback: 50 feet along a state highway, 40 feet from all others.

(4)

Rear setback: 6 feet.

(5)

Side setback: 6 feet.

(6)

Side setback along street: 15 feet.

(7)

Maximum top floor elevation: 50 feet.

(8)

Onsite parking required.

(e)

Yard requirements and buffers: See division 4.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 5, 6-19-90; Ord. No. 92-8, 12-15-92; Ord. No. 01-08-02, 9-6-01; Ord. No. 09-09-02, 9-15-09; Ord. No. 10-11-02, 12-7-10; Ord. No. 17-12-01 , 12-19-17)

(a)

Purpose. The intent of the I-1 light industrial classification is to establish an area suitable for the location and operation of industries which deal in the storage and distribution of products and the assembly of components.

(b)

Permitted uses: Manufacturing of apparel with indoor activity provided that such industry does not emit noxious gases or vapors; dust or wind driven particles; noise; or solid waste; and does not discharge liquid waste on or into the land or water. Outside storage will be allowed if it is fully screened.

(c)

Conditional uses.

(1)

Construction offices and yards.

(2)

Ministorage facilities.

(3)

Exhibition halls, museums, and collateral and support facilities therefor, including food service.

(4)

General offices.

(5)

Commercial entertainment and recreation.

(6)

Distilleries, brew pubs, and breweries.

(d)

Development standards.

(1)

Minimum lot width: 250 feet.

(2)

Minimum road frontage: 100 feet.

(3)

Front setback: 100 feet along a state highway, 50 feet from all others.

(4)

Rear setback: 50 feet.

(5)

Side setback: 25 feet.

(6)

Side setback along street: 25 feet.

(7)

Maximum height: 30 feet.

(e)

Buffer and tree protection requirements: See division 4.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 5, 6-19-90; Ord. No. 00-12-01, 1-16-01; Ord. No. 01-06-02, 6-19-01; Ord. No. 17-12-01 , 12-19-17)

The intent of the FP floodplain zone is to regulate the use of lands which lie in the floodways and floodplain within the city in conformance with applicable EPA and FEMA guidelines.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 5, 6-19-90)

The intent of the SP/NF state park and national forest classification is to identify those land areas which are part of either Unicoi State Park or the Chattachoochee National Forest that exist within the city limits.

(Ord. No. 90-3, § 5, 6-19-90)