Helper City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 18
60 GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE – GC-1
§ 18.60.010 Intent.
It is the intent of this zone to promote the continued use and improvement of the retail commercial function. In order to accomplish the objective and purposes of this code and to carry out the intent thereof, the following regulations shall apply to the GC-1 General Commercial Zone. This zone covers the portion of the city which is most appropriately suited for wholesaling and retailing activities and services, along with the fabrication and processing of goods and material where no fumes, glare, dust, smoke or vibration are emitted beyond the premises. Motels and recreational vehicle courts are also characteristics of the uses in this zone.
(Code 1988 § 11-5-7.1; Ord. 2010-5)
§ 18.60.020 Use table.
The following buildings, structures and uses of land shall be permitted or conditionally permitted upon compliance with the requirements set forth in this code. If a use is not specifically designated then it is prohibited.
Use | Permitted Use | Conditional Use | Business License |
|---|---|---|---|
Accessory Buildings | X | ||
Accessory Signs | X | ||
Auction Houses | X | X | |
Automotive Sales Establishments | X | X | |
Automotive Service Establishments | X | X | |
Banks | X | X | |
Bars and Taverns | X | X | |
Bed and Breakfast | X | X | |
Check Cashing/Title Loan Establishment | X | X | |
Commercial Condominium Projects | X | X | |
Engraving and Printing Establishments | X | X | |
Family Fun Centers and Recreation Centers | X | X | |
Farm Equipment Sales Establishments | X | X | |
Fences, Walls and Hedges | X | ||
Funeral Establishments and Reception Centers | X | X | |
Light Manufacturing | X | X | |
Livestock | X | ||
Motels and Hotels | X | X | |
Pawn Shops | X | X | |
Personal Service Establishments | X | X | |
Planned Unit Developments | X | ||
Professional Offices | X | X | |
Public Parks and Buildings | X | ||
Recreational Vehicle Courts | X | X | |
Restaurant, Cafe, Confectionery | X | X | |
Restaurant, Fast Food, Drive-In | X | X | |
Retail Commercial – General | X | X | |
Retail Commercial – Limited | X | X | |
Short-Term Rental or Vacation Rental | X | X | |
Single, Double and Multifamily Dwelling Units | X | ||
Storage Units | X | X | |
Warehouses | X | X |
(Code 1988 § 11-5-7.2; Ord. 2010-5; Ord. 2017-9 § 3; Ord. 2019-1 § 1)
§ 18.60.030 Development standards.
All structures shall be set back no less than 30 feet from any street, except that within the city's traditional central business area, the city council, after receiving a recommendation from the planning commission, may grant a partial or complete waiver of the setback requirements, when in its opinion compliance with the setback requirements would be inconsistent with the existing development in the area.
Lot Type | Lot Size | Frontage | Setbacks | Height Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Single Dwelling Unit | 2,500 sq. ft. | 25' | 30' or 0' (see above) | 30' or two stories, whichever is less |
Double Dwelling Unit | 2,500 sq. ft. | 25' | 30' or 0' (see above) | 45' or three stories, whichever is less |
Multi-Dwelling Unit | 2,500 sq. ft. | 25' | 30' or 0' (see above) | 45' or three stories, whichever is less |
Commercial – Limited – General | 2,500 sq. ft. | 25' | 30' or 0' (see above) | 45' or three stories, whichever is less |
All Other Uses | 2,500 sq. ft. | 30' or 0' (see above) |
(Code 1988 § 11-5-7.3; Ord. 2010-5)
§ 18.60.040 Performance standards.
The following special provisions shall apply to uses within this zone:
A.
Storage space for merchandise, materials, products, and equipment (except for vehicles in running order) shall be contained within a building having walls which are impervious to sight.
B.
The entire lot shall be kept free from refuse, debris and junk.
C.
No noise, fumes, smoke, dust, vibration and light shall be emitted from the premises which is deleterious to surrounding property values.
D.
All gasoline service station pumps shall be set back at least 20 feet from all property lines.
E.
No wall, fence, opaque hedge and screening material shall be placed in such a manner which would restrict the sight distance for vehicular traffic, in the public right-of-way.
F.
All buildings shall be constructed in accordance with the adopted building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and fire prevention standards.
(Code 1988 § 11-5-7.4; Ord. 2010-5)
§ 18.60.050 Clear view of intersecting streets and driveways.
A.
In all zones which require a front setback, obstructions which will not afford automobile drivers a clear view of approaching vehicles or pedestrians at street intersections shall be prohibited within a triangular area formed by the street property lines and a line connecting them at points 25 feet from the point of intersection of said street lines.
B.
Such obstructions which will not afford automobile drivers a clear view of approaching vehicles or pedestrians at driveway entrances shall likewise be prohibited within a triangular area formed by the street property line and the edge of the driveway, with a line connecting them at points 25 feet from the point of intersection of the driveway and the street.
C.
All driveways and roadways fronting on or intersecting with State Highway 6 shall prohibit all obstructions which will not afford automobile drivers a clear view of approaching vehicles or pedestrians within a triangular area formed by the State Highway 6 street line and the intersecting street line or edge of the driveway, with a line connecting them at points 45 feet from the point of intersection of State Highway 6 and the street or driveway.
(Code 1988 § 11-5-7.5; Ord. 2010-5)
§ 18.60.060 Fences, walls and hedges.
A.
No fence, wall or continuous hedgerow within the front setback from any street as required in the applicable zone shall exceed a height of four feet. Fences, walls, and hedgerows at greater than the required minimum setback distance may be constructed to a height not to exceed eight feet. Under no circumstance shall any fence, wall or hedgerow be permitted which is in violation of HMC § 18.60.050.
B.
All fences and walls shall be constructed of substantial material and the design and construction shall be consistent with the quality of dwellings and other improvements within the surrounding area. Construction of fences or walls which exceed six feet in height shall be subject to the standards and requirements of the International Building Code as adopted by Helper City.
(Code 1988 § 11-5-7.6; Ord. 2010-5)
§ 18.60.070 Landscaping.
A.
Front yards and side yards of all buildings which front on public streets must be landscaped except that up to 25 percent of the front or side yard which faces on a public street may be devoted to driveways and off-street parking.
B.
On lots where front and side yards are not required, no landscaping shall be required.
(Code 1988 § 11-5-7.7; Ord. 2010-5)
§ 18.60.080 Signs.
A.
Setback. All permanent signs, including billboards and advertising signs, shall be set back from public streets a distance at least equal to the distance that buildings are required to be set back, except that canopy signs, projecting signs, marquee signs, and awning signs may project into the required setback as stated in Article I of Chapter 18.95 HMC.
B.
Screening Requirements. Except in those zones where billboards are specifically permitted, all signs shall display thereon copy and images pertaining only to products or services sold on premises.
C.
Permits Required. No billboard or advertising sign shall be erected or placed within the city, without first making application for and obtaining a building permit therefor. In addition, all signs located within 660 feet of the right-of-way line of a federally designated highway shall conform to the standards and regulations for such signs established by the state of Utah. Any approval or permits required by said regulations shall be in addition to the building permit hereinabove required and construction or placement of a sign shall not be commenced until all approvals and permits have been obtained.
D.
A-Frame Sign Permitted. One A-frame sign, each face of which is no larger than 24 square feet, will be permitted on city property at each business location in the central commercial and general commercial zones without requiring a building permit. Said sign must be removed from public property after business hours. No signs may obstruct the normal passage of pedestrian traffic on public sidewalks at any time.
(Code 1988 § 11-5-7.8; Ord. 2010-5)