Idaho City City Zoning Code

The purpose of this section is to provide performance standards that protect the community and environment through proper site development and thereby achieve conformance with the regulations found in this title and other provisions of applicable law. The following performance standards apply to developments in all zoning districts and are supplemental to requirements established thereby:

   A.   Vision Triangle: Visibility shall be maintained at all intersections of Idaho City streets by maintaining an unobstructed view between three (3) vertical feet and ten (10) vertical feet within a right triangle, whose sides adjacent to the intersecting right-of-way lines are forty feet (40') in length in compliance with Idaho Code.

   B.   Temporary Construction Facilities: Temporary buildings, trailers, equipment and materials used in conjunction with construction work, may be permitted in any district during the construction period. Any such temporary installations shall comply with basic safety and sanitation standards and not create a hazard or significant detriment to neighboring lands. Temporary facilities shall be removed upon completion of the construction work or upon expiration of the building or construction permit.

   C.   Dangerous Or Nuisance Conditions: No land or building in any district shall be used or occupied in any manner creating dangerous, injurious, or noxious conditions that may adversely affect the neighborhood or adjoining premises. Non-compliance with nuisance statutes, Building, Fire or Life Safety Codes shall not be excused merely because the land use does not violate this title.

   D.   Glare/Exterior Lighting Shielding/Redirection Required: No interior or exterior lighting shall create direct or reflect glare which will adversely affect any surrounding property, nor shall such lighting adversely affect vision on nearby public streets, public walkways or other rights-of-way. It shall be the duty of any landowner to direct or shield lighting to avoid impacts on neighboring lands or land uses. Failure to do so shall constitute a violation of this title.

   E.   Street Right-Of-Way Dedication And Frontage Improvements Required: Additional street rights-of-way as established by approved transportation plans or by ordinance standards and construction of frontage improvements is required at the time of establishment of any use, any development of a new land use or expansion of an existing land use by thirty three percent (33%) or more in floor area. Street improvements shall include widening or extension of base and pavement, curb, gutter, sidewalk, water lines, sewer lines, street lighting and drainage facilities. Right-of-way dedication shall conform to the transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan or a specific transportation plan, or as otherwise required by the Idaho City Engineer pursuant to site plan review or other ordinance-specified procedures. All such requirements must be reasonably related to and proportional to the impact of the development on the infrastructure of the community. It shall be the responsibility of the developer of any parcel of land to extend water and sewer utilities across the full width of any frontage in order to maintain continuity of public systems.

   F.   Utility Line Placement: All wire, fiber optic or cable utility service lines shall be placed underground. The Administrator may waive this requirement if the use is temporary in nature or if there are practical physical difficulties that make compliance impossible.

   G.   Surfacing - Residential And Commercial/Industrial: All required residential access drives and parking areas shall be surfaced with portland cement concrete or asphalt paving. All required commercial/industrial access drives, maneuvering areas and parking areas, outdoor merchandise display areas and motorized vehicle display lots shall be surfaced with concrete or asphalt paving. Surfacing material shall be designed for the loading anticipated. Actual load design for commercial/industrial uses will be determined at site plan review. Outdoor storage areas in the Industrial Zone for storage of production materials shall be surfaced with all-weather materials and shall be enclosed within sight screening fence.

   H.   Water Supply And Sewage Disposal: The method of water supply and sewage disposal for all land uses must comply with this Code and other applicable State codes.

   I.   Dust Control: During all on-site grading and construction activities, adequate measures shall be implemented to control dust in order to prevent a blowing dust nuisance. Methods for dust control may be specified at site plan review. The Administrator may issue a stop-work order on any development project that demonstrates an inability to control dust until an acceptable dust control program is implemented.

   J.   Architectural Projections: Open structures such as porches, canopies, balconies, platforms, carports, covered patios and similar architectural projections shall be considered parts of the building to which attached and shall not project into the required minimum front, side or rear yard setbacks.

   K.   Height Regulation Exceptions: The height limitations contained in this title do not apply to spires, belfries, cupolas, antennas, ventilators, chimneys or other appurtenances usually required to be placed above the roof level and not intended for human occupancy except where the height of such structures will constitute a hazard to the safe landing and takeoff of aircraft at an established airport. Idaho City utility and public service structures are excepted from height restrictions.

   L.   Fences (Including Walls And Landscaping): All walls, hedges and fences shall not exceed three feet (3') in height within the required front yard setback nor shall they exceed six feet (6') in height in the rear and side yard setback areas. Corner lots which abut the side yard of an adjoining lot may not block visibility of a driveway on the adjoining lot above three feet (3') with a rear or side yard fence. Fences shall not violate the vision triangle requirements of Idaho Code.

   M.   Solid Waste Screening: All solid waste collection areas or facilities shall be enclosed on at least three (3) sides by a sight-obscuring wall or fence tall enough to shield any bulk solid waste container or shall be stored within an enclosed building or structure. Adequate vehicular access shall be provided to allow use of the container.

   N.   Outside Storage And Screening: Outside storage areas in Commercial or Industrial Zones must be screened from public view by sight obscuring fences, walls, berms, or a combination of these, as approved by the Administrator. The Administrator may approve alternative methods of reducing the visual impact in lieu of screening or waive the requirements if visual impact is of no consequence.

   O.   Factory-Built Commercial Structures: All factory-built commercial structures (commercial coaches) must be located in Commercial or Industrial Zones. Factory-built commercial structures may also be allowed in conjunction with a school provided that site development requirements for site-built structures are maintained. Factory-built commercial structures may be used temporarily in other zones in conjunction with construction and must be removed upon completion of such construction.

   P.   Buffering Residential Interface: Buffering between commercial/industrial land uses and residential zones shall be the responsibility of the developer of the commercial/industrial site. If this title does not otherwise provide specific standards, the commercial/industrial site shall otherwise provide a setback from an adjacent residential zoning boundary or from existing residential lands no less than twenty five feet (25') or the height of the commercial/industrial structure, whichever is greater. Such interface shall be screened by evergreen landscaping and berming that is continuous and serves as an effective buffer against sound and light. Such obligation shall not apply retroactively to an existing commercial/industrial use. (Ord. 352, 4-25-2018)

   A.   Manufactured/modular homes meeting the standards set forth in this section may be placed at any location within Idaho City where a detached single-family dwelling can be located in accordance with this title. In order to be placed outside of a manufactured housing park, a manufactured home must comply with all of the standards concerning construction and placement set forth in this section.

   B.   A manufactured/modular home shall include any structure produced at a factory, built on a permanent metal frame, which is designed and constructed for transportation to a site for installation and used as a dwelling when connected to required utilities; properly connected to sewer, water, gas and electrical service; designed for residential use by a family, contains a kitchen, bath, living and sleeping facilities, is multi-sectional and at least twenty feet (20') wide with a minimum total square footage equal to nine hundred (900) square feet, manufactured on or after June 15, 1976 and certified as meeting the Manufactured Housing Construction Safety Standards of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

   C.   The manufactured home must be affixed to a permanent foundation that complies with the set-up requirements of title 44, chapter 22, Idaho Code, when placed in any permitted location excepting within a residential mobile home park.

   D.   The home must have metallic, wood shake, shingle, asphalt shingle, or similar shingle-type roof with a minimum pitch of 3:12 (pitch to run) and a six inch (6") minimum overhang.

   E.   Where garages are required for site-built homes, they are required for manufactured homes except in existing mobile home parks.

   F.   Any neighborhood design standards shall also apply to any manufactured home placed at any location outside of a manufactured housing park where spaces are rented or leased for less than ten (10) year terms. (Ord. 352, 4-25-2018)

   A.   General Requirements: Off-street parking, loading spaces and display lots shall be provided for facilities, or portions thereof constructed, newly established, reconstructed, or moved onto a lot after the effective date hereof. The required off- street parking, loading spaces and display lots shall be developed and maintained according to the applicable provisions of this title. The Administrator is empowered to determine the regulations and standards to be required in each particular circumstance, considering the long-term needs of the facility constructed. Land uses in existence prior to the effective date of this title may be continued as a nonconforming use subject to other provisions of this title concerning provision of off-street parking.

   B.   Change Of Use Or Increase Of Space: Except for alterations or additions to individual dwelling units, parking spaces meeting the requirements of this chapter shall be provided whenever the use of a facility is changed to a higher parking category or if the facility floor area is increased by more than ten percent (10%) in any five (5) years. Neither the number, size, location nor maintenance of existing parking and loading spaces shall be altered nor reduced below the requirements and standards specified for the use in this chapter. Whenever an individual lot or parcel has a facility with more than one use or activity requiring different spaces for parking and loading, the sum of the required spaces for each use or activity shall be used in determining the overall requirements.

   C.   Street Parking Excluded: No portion of any public right-of-way shall be used in satisfying the minimum parking requirements established by this title.

   D.   Front-To-Back (Tandem) Parking Prohibited: Except for detached single-family dwelling units, the design and development of front-to-back parking and loading spaces shall not be allowed in meeting the minimum space requirements of this chapter. A required space shall not be blocked by another space such that a vehicle would be required to enter and leave a space by having to cross another required space.

   E.   Maintenance Of Parking And Loading Areas: All paved areas intended for use by the public and required by this chapter shall be maintained on a regular basis. Regular maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, pavement repair and seal coating; pavement marking and striping; removal of dust, leaves and litter; removal of snow and ice; maintaining landscaped areas; and maintaining signs, fences, wheel stops, curbs, walks, drainage facilities and any other appurtenances pertinent to the requirements of this chapter and this title.

   F.   Off-Site Or Shared Parking: Whenever any required parking or loading areas are located on a site which is not within the property limits of the facility being served, the permit applicant shall present an agreement authorizing use of the off- site parking for the duration of use of the site. Such agreement shall be subject to approval by the Administrator. The primary considerations for such approval shall be the functionality of the parking spaces, the safety of parking users and the effects on neighboring land uses. Any change in use or increase in use during the term of the agreement shall require re-evaluation of the conditions and factors upon which the agreement was based.

   G.   Parking Spaces Must Be Available: Required off-street parking areas shall not be used for any purpose that would at any time prevent their intended use as parking spaces by occupants and patrons of the facility being served. No required parking area may be used for both parking and loading.

   H.   Required Spaces Determined By Administrator: Where this title requires the Administrator to prescribe the number of parking and loading spaces, the Administrator shall base his/her determination on the following:

      1.   Traffic generation, giving particular attention to attendance potential at any facility.

      2.   Location of the facility and the peak hours of operation.

      3.   Extent and frequency of loading/unloading operations.

      4.   The number of employees during peak period.

      5.   Any other factors that would affect parking and loading requirements.

   I.   Location Of Handicapped-Accessible Spaces: The spaces for persons with disabilities shall be located as near as practical to a primary accessible entrance.

   J.   Off-Street Parking And Loading Area Standards: The layout and design of off-street parking and loading areas established hereafter shall meet the requirements of this title.

   K.   Parking Space Sizes: Off-street parking spaces shall meet the minimum dimensions for the following types of spaces and conditions:

      1.   Standard ninety degree (90°) non-parallel parking spaces shall be nine feet (9') wide by twenty feet (20') long.

      2.   Parallel parking spaces shall be eight feet (8') wide by twenty three feet (23') long for all vehicles.

      3.   Where a side of a parking area abuts a building or other obstruction, additional width shall be added to the adjacent parking spaces to allow turning movements.

   L.   Proximity To Use: The distance between parking areas and the use being served shall not exceed the following:

      1.   Residential: On-site.

      2.   Civic, Commercial And Service: Not farther than two hundred feet (200') from the entrance to the facility being served with continuity to adjoining lots.

      3.   Wholesale And Industrial: Not farther than three hundred feet (300') from the entrance to the facility being served unless continuous parking is provided.

      4.   Zoning: All off-site parking must be located in a zoning district that permits the use the parking serves.

   M.   Aisles And Driveways For Maneuvering: All required off-street parking spaces and loading berths shall be designed with adequate space to accommodate the turning movements of the vehicles entering and leaving the facility. Space shall be provided such that all vehicles shall enter and leave the public right-of-way in a forward direction. This requirement shall not apply to residential parking areas that serve two (2) or fewer dwelling units. The location and design of approaches to parking lots shall be approved by the Idaho City Engineer.

   N.   Parking Area Grades/Drainage: All off-street parking shall be paved such that no surface shall exceed five percent (5%) and no longitudinal drainage gradient shall be flatter than one-half percent (0.5%). Approach grades shall be safe and convenient. Parking spaces for persons with disabilities shall be as level as possible but in no case shall the parking space, adjacent aisle, driveway or designated pathways exceed a gradient of two percent (2%) in any direction. All parking and loading areas shall provide for proper drainage of surface water to approved drainage areas or structures. Surface drainage shall be retained on-site to the extent that site run-off shall not exceed run-off from the site in its undeveloped condition.

   O.   Paving Of Parking And Loading Areas: All driveways, parking, loading and maneuvering areas required of this chapter shall be paved with hot asphalt, portland cement concrete, or approved paving blocks or bricks. Single-family and duplex family uses shall be served by a paved driveway and parking spaces as required.

   P.   Paving Of Display Lots: Display lots for vehicles shall be paved as shall approaches, driveways, maneuvering areas and parking spaces. The actual area used for the display of the homes, nursery stock or heavy equipment may be surfaced with compacted crushed aggregate, provided that the unpaved area is maintained in a neat, dustless and weedless condition.

   Q.   Lighting: The illumination of off-street parking and loading areas and display lots shall be designed such that lighting is directed away from the street and adjacent properties and toward the interior of the property focusing on the ground to be illuminated.

   R.   Widths Of Driveways, Parking Aisles And Turning Radii: The City's parking requirements shall be considered to be minimum standards. All off-street parking areas shall be reviewed and approved by the local Fire Department that may require wider driveways and parking aisles and larger vehicular turning radii as prescribed by the applicable Fire Code.

   S.   Irrigation: All landscaped areas including buffer strips and drainage infiltration facilities shall be provided with an automated irrigation system.

   T.   Dimensional Requirements: With the exception of residential parking areas that serve two (2) or fewer dwelling units all other off-street parking areas shall be laid out and designed to satisfy the following requirements:

      1.   Traffic Lane Widths: The minimum driveway and approach widths shall be determined from the operating speed and the classification of the street providing access, the volume of traffic being generated, the potential for truck use, and fire protection requirements. Parking aisle widths shall vary with the angle of vehicular turning required to access the required space on one-way aisles but shall be a minimum of twenty four feet (24') wide on two-way aisles. The maximum two-way approach and driveway width shall be forty feet (40') where it can be demonstrated that generated traffic warrants a separate left turn lane for vehicles exiting the parking area and entering a public right-of-way. A forty foot (40') wide approach may also be allowed where heavy truck use prevails.

      2.   Exit Vehicle Space: There shall be at least twenty four feet (24') separating a parking aisle from the edge of the adjacent street to provide space for one exiting vehicle.

      3.   Striping: Each parking space shall be delineated with clearly marked pavement striping. Other pavement markings for spaces for persons with disabilities, pathways, crosswalks, stop bars, delineations, turning arrows, bicycles, etc., may be required.

   U.   Required Off-Street Parking Spaces: The following standards shall apply to all uses constructed or established pursuant to this title, unless otherwise allowed by the Administrator for good cause shown:

      1.   Residential Uses: The following number of paved off-street parking spaces shall be required as specified for each residential use:

 

      2.   Civic Uses: The following number of paved off-street parking spaces shall be required as specified for each civic use:

 

      3.   Commercial/Industrial Uses: The following number of paved off- street parking spaces shall be required as specified for each commercial/industrial use:

 

   V.   ADA Accessible Parking Spaces: Where off-street parking spaces are required by this title there shall also be required parking spaces for persons with disabilities as provided in the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). (Ord. 352, 4-25-2018)