The urban residential districts are established to provide areas for residential development that are served by public sewer and water services in accordance with the city's comprehensive plan. The objectives of these districts are to preserve and enhance the quality of living in residential neighborhoods, to regulate structures and uses which may affect the character or desirability of residential areas, to encourage a variety of dwelling types and locations and a range of population densities consistent with the city's comprehensive plan, and to ensure adequate light, air, privacy and open space. The residential districts and their purposes are as follows:

1. GCC Golf Course Community District. The GCC district is intended to permit urban residential developments in conjunction with a golf course and its accessory uses. Development in this district will be enhanced by coordinated site planning; open space and environmental resources; and provision of a safe and efficient system for pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The GCC district is intended to provide areas for densities lower than other Urban Residential Districts, ranging from 1.4 to 1.65 units per acre, with adequate open space buffers to provide a transition between denser, sewered development and rural areas. Residential development within the GCC district will consist of an environment of predominantly single-family dwellings with lots slightly larger on average than those in most urban residential districts.
2. LDR Urban Low Density Residential District. The LDR district provides an environment of predominantly single-family dwellings on moderately sized lots, and is designed to be the most restrictive of the urban residential districts. The LDR district is intended to provide areas for lower density residential development within the city's planned sewered development areas, and may be used to provide a transition between rural development areas and the city's urban development and districts. Densities shall range from two to four units per acre; however, the overall density for a specific development area must be consistent with the net densities specified in the comprehensive plan. The lot size and other district standards allow for the creation of smaller lots with the expectation that common open space will be provided within developments that exceed the base densities (at low end of the land use density range) within the comprehensive plan.
3. MDR Urban Medium Density Residential District. The MDR district is established to provide for a diversity of housing types in those areas where such development is consistent with the medium density residential designation of the comprehensive plan and compatible with the development pattern of the surrounding area. Clustering of buildings to permit more orderly development and to preserve open space within new developments is encouraged. Development within the district shall occur at densities in the range of four to eight dwelling units per acre, with two-family dwellings and townhouses permitted. The city will determine the allowed density for a piece of property at the time of the development application, and this determination will be based upon the site-specific characteristics of the property and the requested development. Factors to be considered in increasing or decreasing the allowed density include the existing environmental conditions such as wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, significant trees; the specific site plan; the amount of open space preserved, and the type of housing units proposed, including whether greater density is desirable because the development contains housing that is consistent with the city's housing goals. The burden of establishing the appropriateness of the high end of the density range will be on the applicant.
4. HDR Urban High Density Residential District. The HDR district is established to provide for an environment of moderate to high-density attached and multifamily housing, designed to present an attractive appearance to neighboring streets and adjacent uses, to include sufficient private and semi-private outdoor space, and to be well integrated into their surroundings. Small office and service businesses of limited size and extent may be allowed as conditional uses. The HDR district is appropriate as a transition between commercial or industrial districts and surrounding neighborhoods, and in already developed higher-density areas. Development within the district may occur at densities in excess of seven dwelling units per acre, provided the overall densities for within a development area are consistent with the net densities specified in the comprehensive plan and that a density analysis is used consistent with the purpose statement for the MDR district.

Table 10-1 lists all permitted and conditional uses allowed in the urban residential districts. "P" indicates a permitted use, "C" a conditional use. Uses not so indicated shall be considered prohibited. Cross-references listed in the table under "Standards" indicate the location within this chapter of specific development standards that apply to the listed use.

Combinations of uses. Principal and accessory uses may be combined on a single parcel. A principal and secondary dwelling unit may be combined according to the standards of LEC 105.12.750(c). Single-family attached or multifamily complexes designed for rental or condominium occupancy, typically include multiple units and buildings on a single parcel.

Lot area and setback requirements shall be as specified in Table 10-2, Lot Dimension and Setback Requirements.

Table 10-2: Lot Dimension and Setback Requirements, Residential Districts

1. Averaging of lot area. When lots are clustered within a development to provide common open space, the open space may be used to calculate an average density per lot to determine compliance with the individual lot area requirements.
2. Lot dimension reductions. Other reductions in dimensional standards may be considered as part of a planned unit development if these reductions provide for common open space within a development.
3. Lots adjacent to public greenway corridors. On any lot that abuts a public greenway, as depicted in the comprehensive plan, the minimum setback for all structures, including accessory buildings, shall be the required rear yard setback for the district in which said structure is located.

Development of land within the urban residential districts shall follow established standards for traffic circulation, landscape design, parking, signs and other considerations as specified in LEC 105.12, arts. VII, VIII, and IX. The following standards apply to specific uses, and are organized by district:

1. Planned unit developments, all urban residential districts.
   1. A planned unit development may be submitted for consideration within any residential district, subject to the requirements and standards established in LEC 105.12.1120.
   2. A residential development that exceeds 15 units per acre in an HDR Zoning District may be allowed as a planned unit development in accordance with the density bonus provisions of LEC 105.12.1130.
2. Single-family detached dwellings, all urban residential districts. All single-family dwellings shall be at least 24 feet in width, at least 960 square feet in area, and be placed on a permanent foundation.
3. Secondary dwelling, all urban residential districts. The purpose of a secondary dwelling is to provide life-cycle housing opportunities for family members or small households of one or two people, while providing more efficient use of large single-family dwellings or large lots.
   1. A secondary dwelling unit may be located within a principal structure used as a single-family detached dwelling, above a detached garage, or within a separate detached structure.
   2. There shall be no more than one secondary dwelling unit on the zoning lot.
   3. At least one dwelling unit on the zoning lot shall be owner-occupied.
   4. The minimum lot area shall be 2,500 square feet greater than the minimum lot area required for a single-family detached dwelling in the zoning district.
   5. If the secondary unit is included in the principal building, the appearance of the building shall remain that of a single-family dwelling. Any new or additional entrances must face the side or rear of the building.
   6. Whether the secondary unit is an addition to an existing structure or a new detached structure, roof pitch, windows, eaves and other architectural features must be the same or visually compatible with those of the principal building. Exterior finish materials and trim must be the same or closely match in type, size and location the materials and trim of the original building.
   7. A secondary unit within the principal structure shall not contain more than 30 percent of the principal building's total floor area or 800 square feet, whichever is less. A detached secondary unit shall not exceed 1,000 square feet in gross floor area.
   8. Impervious limits for the lot within the zoning district in question shall not be exceeded.
4. Wayside stand, all urban residential districts.
   1. No more than one stand per lot shall be permitted.
   2. Adequate off-street parking shall be provided.
5. Single-family detached dwelling, all urban residential districts.
   1. No parking shall be located in the front yard or between the front facade and the street except on a permitted driveway.
   2. The primary entrance shall be located on the facade fronting a public street.
6. Two-family dwelling, MDR and HDR districts.
   1. No parking shall be located in the front yard or between the front facade and the street except on a permitted driveway.
   2. Access to the second dwelling unit shall be either through a common hallway with one front entrance, or by means of a separate entrance.
   3. New housing types should be introduced in limited quantities to increase diversity and housing choice, not to replace whole blocks of existing housing. Therefore, no more than one-fourth of the lineal frontage of a developed block may be redeveloped as two-family units, and no further two-family or higher density development is permitted once this threshold is reached. Lineal frontage shall be measured around the entire perimeter of the block.
   4. Two-family dwellings shall be designed to reflect the general scale and character of surrounding buildings on surrounding blocks, including front yard depth, building width height and roof pitch, primary materials, facade detailing and size and placement of window and door openings.
7. Single-family attached dwelling (townhouse), MDR district.
   1. A maximum of eight units shall be permitted within a single building. Buildings with more than eight units may be allowed as a conditional use.
   2. 1. Townhouses shall be located on lots in such a way that each individual unit has a minimum of 15 feet of street frontage. No parking shall be located in the front yard or between the front facade and the street.
      2. Townhouses that do not meet the minimum requirements for frontage along a street or that have frontage along a private street may be allowed as a conditional use.
   3. The primary entrance shall be located on the facade fronting a public street unless the townhouses are approved as a conditional use under subsection (g)(2)a of this section; an additional entrance may be provided on the rear or side facade.
   4. New housing types should be introduced in limited quantities to increase diversity and housing choice, not to replace whole blocks of existing housing. Therefore, no more than one-fourth of the lineal frontage of a developed block (measured around the entire block perimeter) may be converted to townhouse units, and no further townhouse, two-family or higher-density development is permitted once this threshold is reached.
   5. Townhouse units shall be designed to reflect the general scale and character of existing buildings on surrounding blocks, including front yard depth, height and roof pitch, primary materials, facade detailing and size and placement of window and door openings.
   6. Common open space for use by all residents or private open space adjacent to each unit shall be provided. Such open space shall comprise a minimum of 500 square feet per unit.
8. Multifamily building, MDR district.
   1. A maximum of eight units shall be permitted within a single building. Buildings with more than eight units may be allowed as a conditional use.
   2. The multifamily building shall be designed to reflect the general scale and character of buildings on surrounding blocks, including front yard depth, roof pitch, primary materials, facade detailing and size and placement of window and door openings.
   3. No parking shall be located in the front yard or between the front facade and the street.
   4. New housing types should be introduced in limited quantities to increase diversity and housing choice, not to replace whole blocks of existing housing. Therefore, no more than one-fourth of the linear frontage of a block (measured around the entire block perimeter) may be developed as multifamily units, and no further multifamily, two-family or townhouse development is permitted on the block once this threshold is reached.
   5. Common open space for use by all residents or private open space adjacent to each unit (as a courtyard or balcony) shall be provided. Such open space shall comprise a minimum of 300 square feet per unit.
9. Funeral home, HDR district.
   1. A facility developed after the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived shall have access to an arterial or collector street of sufficient capacity to accommodate the traffic that the use will generate. A minimum of two access points shall be provided.
   2. Additions or new construction shall be designed to reflect the general scale and character of the existing building and surrounding neighborhood, including front yard depth, roof pitch, primary materials, facade detailing and size and placement of window and door openings.
10. Single-family attached dwelling, HDR district.
    1. A maximum of ten units shall be permitted within a single building. Buildings with more than ten units may be allowed as a conditional use.
    2. 1. Townhouse dwellings shall be located on lots in such a way that each individual unit has a minimum of 15 feet of street frontage. No parking shall be located in the front yard or between the front facade and the street.
       2. Townhouses that do not meet the minimum requirements for frontage along a street or that have frontage along a private street may be allowed as a conditional use.
    3. The primary entrance shall be located on the facade fronting a public street unless the townhouses are approved as a conditional use under subsection (j)(2)b of this section; an additional entrance may be provided on the rear or side facade.
    4. Common open space for use by all residents or private open space adjacent to each unit shall be provided. Such open space shall comprise a minimum of 300 square feet per unit.
11. Multifamily building, HDR district.
    1. No parking shall be located in the front yard or between the front facade and the street.
    2. Common open space for use by all residents or private open space adjacent to each unit (as a courtyard or balcony) shall be provided. Such open space shall comprise a minimum of 200 square feet per unit.
12. Live-work unit, HDR district. The purpose of a live-work unit is to provide a transitional use type between a home occupation and a larger commercial enterprise, and to provide neighborhood-oriented commercial services, while maintaining a generally residential character in which the work space is subordinate to the residential use.
    1. The work space component shall be located on the first floor or basement of the building.
    2. The dwelling unit component shall maintain a separate entrance located on the front or side facade and accessible from the primary abutting public street.
    3. The work space component of the unit shall not exceed 30 percent of the total gross floor area of the unit.
    4. A total of two off-street parking spaces shall be provided for a live-work unit, located to the rear of the unit or underground/enclosed.
    5. The size and nature of the work space shall be limited so that the building type may be governed by residential building codes. An increase in size or intensity beyond the specified limit on floor area would require the building to be classified as a mixed-use building.
    6. The business component of the building may include offices, small service establishments, home crafts which are typically considered accessory to a dwelling unit, or limited retailing (by appointment only) associated with fine arts, crafts, or personal services. It may not include a wholesale business, a manufacturing business, a commercial food service requiring a license, a limousine business or auto service or repair for any vehicles other than those registered to residents of the property.
    7. The business of the live-work unit must be conducted by a person who resides on the same lot. The business shall not employ more than two workers on-site at any one time who live outside of the live-work unit.
13. Offices or personal services, HDR district. The establishment shall not exceed 3,000 square feet in size, and may be located within a multifamily building or a freestanding building.
    1. Additions or new construction shall be designed to reflect the general scale and character of surrounding buildings, including front yard depth, roof pitch, primary materials, facade detailing and size and placement of window and door openings.
    2. No parking shall be located in the front yard or between the front facade and the street.
    3. No building shall be constructed and no residential building shall be wholly or partially converted to such a use within a distance of 300 feet from any other retail or service business on the same street within the HDR district.
14. Neighborhood convenience store, HDR district.
    1. The establishment shall not exceed 3,000 square feet in size, and may be located within a multifamily building or a freestanding building.
    2. Additions or new construction shall be designed to reflect the general scale and character of existing buildings on surrounding blocks, including front yard depth, roof pitch, primary materials, facade detailing and size and placement of window and door openings.
    3. No parking shall be located in the front yard or between the front facade and the street.
    4. The use shall occupy a corner property. Any freestanding building developed on such a property shall have a minimum setback of ten feet from each right-of-way line.
    5. No building shall be constructed and no residential building shall be wholly or partially converted to such a use within a distance of 500 feet from any other retail or service business on the same street within the HDR district.
15. Development, GCC district.
    1. Open space required. A minimum of 50 percent of the gross acreage being developed as golf course community must be designated as either a golf course or as open space.
    2. Buffers required. All residential lots must be a minimum of 100 feet from external residential lots within the city on the periphery of the proposed golf course community. The resulting buffer area shall be part of the required 50 percent open space. Buffer widths may be reduced as determined by council in areas where existing mature vegetation and/or changes in topography occurring on the site proposed for development exist or are introduced to provide an effective year-round buffer.
    3. Connectivity. Trails, walkways, or paths must be provided within the development and make planned connections to planned external trails, walkways or paths within the community. There must also be internal trail connectivity between proposed housing and the golf course or main area of open space being established within the golf course community.
16. Restaurant and drinking and entertaining, GCC district. Restaurants and drinking and entertaining establishments within the golf course community must adhere to the following standards: Must meet applicable standards set forth by Lake Elmo Design Guidelines and Standards for commercial development.
17. Indoor athletic facility, GCC district. Must be owned and operated by the same entity that owns and operates the golf course or homeowner's association and must not be a freestanding commercial operation.
18. Semi-transient accommodations, GCC district.
    1. Must be accessory to a golf course.
    2. Must be owned and operated by either the owners of the golf course or homeowner's association and must not be a freestanding commercial operation.

Review of design. For certain development activity as specified in the Lake Elmo Design Guidelines and Standards Manual, design review is required as part of the approval process for a permit or certificate under this section. All projects subject to design review shall be reviewed for conformance with the Lake Elmo Design Guidelines and Standards Manual and shall follow the review procedures specified in LEC 105.12.830(a).

Accessory uses are listed in the urban residential district use table as permitted or conditional accessory uses. Accessory uses and structures in the urban residential districts shall comply with the following standards and all other applicable regulations of this subchapter.

1. Phasing. No accessory use or structure shall be constructed or established on any lot prior to the time of construction of the principal use to which it is accessory.
2. Incidental to principal use. The accessory use or structure shall be incidental to and customarily associated with the principal use or structure served.
3. Subordinate to principal use. The accessory use or structure shall be subordinate in area, extent, and purpose to the principal use or structure served.
4. Function. The accessory use or structure shall contribute to the comfort, convenience, or necessity of the occupants of the principal use or structure served.
5. Location. The accessory use or structure shall be located on the same zoning lot as the principal use or structure.
6. Attached structures, urban residential districts. An accessory structure shall be considered attached and an integral part of the principal structure when it is connected by an enclosed passageway. All attached accessory structures shall be subject to the following requirements:
   1. In all residential districts, the design and construction of any garage, carport, or storage building shall be similar to or compatible with the design and construction of the main building. The exterior building materials, roof style, and colors shall be similar to or compatible with the main building or shall be commonly associated with residential construction.
   2. The structure shall meet the required yard setbacks for a principal structure, as established for the zoning district in which it is located;
   3. The structure shall not exceed the height of the principal building to which it is attached;
   4. Attached garages, urban residential districts.
      1. Attached garages are encouraged to be side or rear loaded.
      2. For single-family detached dwellings, the width of the visible garage door area when closed shall not exceed 60 percent of the principal building facade (including garage) fronting the primary street.
      3. Attached garages shall not exceed 1,000 square feet in area at the ground floor level except by conditional use permit.
      4. Garage doors or openings shall not exceed 14 feet in height.
7. Detached structures, urban residential districts. Detached accessory structures shall be permitted in residential districts in accordance with the following requirements:
   1. Detached accessory structures shall be located to the side or rear of the principal building, and are not permitted within the required front yard or within a side yard abutting a street.
   2. Detached garages shall not exceed 1,000 square feet at ground floor level and shall not exceed a height of 22 feet or the height of the principal structure, whichever is higher. The maximum size and height may be increased upon approval of a conditional use permit, provided that lot coverage requirements are satisfied.
   3. Pole barns, as defined herein, exceeding 120 square feet shall be prohibited.
   4. No more than 30 percent of the rear yard area may be covered by accessory structures.
   5. Garage doors or openings shall not exceed 14 feet in height.
8. Accessory uses.
   1. Exterior storage in residential districts. All materials and equipment shall be stored within a building or be fully screened so as not to be visible from adjoining properties, except for the following:
      1. Laundry drying;
      2. Construction and landscaping materials and equipment currently being used on the premises. Materials kept on the premises for a period exceeding six months shall be screened or stored out of view of the primary street on which the house fronts;
      3. Agricultural equipment and materials, if these are used or intended for use on the premises;
      4. Off-street parking and storage of vehicles and accessory equipment, as regulated in LEC 105.12.410;
      5. Storage of firewood shall be kept at least ten feet from any habitable structure and screened from view from adjacent properties; and
      6. Outdoor parking.
   2. Temporary sales. Temporary sales, also known as yard or garage sales, are permitted in all residential districts, limited to two per calendar year per residence, not to exceed four days in length.
   3. Accessory uses and structures not listed. Standards for accessory uses and structures that are permitted in all districts, or in all residential buildings in any district, are listed in LEC 105.12, art. IX. These include uses such as family and group family day care, bed and breakfast facilities, and home occupations, and structures such as swimming pools and solar equipment.