The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the erection of model homes, which may include temporary real estate offices, in new subdivisions without adversely affecting the character of surrounding residential neighborhoods or creating a general nuisance. As model homes represent a unique temporary commercial use, special consideration must be given to the peculiar problems associated with them and special standards must be applied to ensure reasonable compatibility with their environment. (Ord. 674, sec. 1, 7-17-2000)

A building permit may be issued for a model home upon approval and recording of a final plat, provided that:

   A.   The number of model homes within the final plat shall not exceed:

      1.   Prior to completion of public infrastructure improvements provided that at least a maintainable Class 5 aggregate base, structurally sufficient to allow public safety access to each building site approved by the City Engineer is installed prior to issuance of a building permit:

         a.   One (1) building per homebuilder or the following, whichever is greater:

            (1)   Plats with less than forty (40) lots:

               (a)   Two (2) single family or detached townhouse buildings.

               (b)   One (1) two family or townhouse building.

            (2)   Plats with forty (40) lots or more:

               (a)   Three (3) single family or detached townhouse buildings.

               (b)   One (1) two family or townhouse building.

         b.   Construction of more than one (1) model home building allowed under this subsection shall require the buildings be located on abutting lots.

      2.   After completion of public infrastructure improvements, including a first lift of asphalt, approved by the City Engineer:

         a.   Single family or detached townhouse dwellings: Three (3) buildings or ten percent (10%) of the single family or detached townhouse lots within the final plat, whichever is greater.

         b.   Two family or townhouse dwellings: Six (6) units or 10 percent (10%) of the total number of attached units within the final plat, whichever is greater.

   B.   No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for a model home until the public infrastructure improvements including the first lift of asphalt have been completed and approved by the City Engineer. (Ord. 979, 5-15-2017; amd. Ord. passed 8-4-2025)

The erection of a model home(s) within all residential districts, which may include a temporary real estate office(s), shall require an administrative permit, as may be issued by the Zoning Administrator. (Ord. 674, sec. 1, 7-17-2000)

   A.   Model homes and model homes with temporary real estate offices shall be allowed in all residential zoning districts in which they are located and shall be utilized solely for selling purposes of lots and/or homes within the subdivision in which it is located. (Ord. 674, sec. 1, 7-17-2000)

   B.   Temporary off street parking facilities equal to three (3) paved spaces per model home dwelling unit or a model home with a temporary real estate office shall be provided. The head-in parking area on the driveway for the model home may be used to satisfy the off street parking requirement provided that the stalls are not in a tandem arrangement and no portion of the stall encroaches into the public right-of-way. The overall design, drainage, and surfacing of the temporary off street parking facility shall be subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator. (Ord. 730, sec. 25, 3-17-2003)

   C.   Access from a temporary parking facility shall be directed away from developed and occupied residential neighborhoods to the greatest extent possible.

   D.   No model home or model home with a temporary real estate office shall incorporate outside lighting which creates a nuisance due to glare or intensity, as provided for in section 11-16-17 of this title.

   E.   All signage shall comply with the sign regulations as contained in chapter 23 of this title for the zoning district in which the model home and/or temporary real estate office is located. (Ord. 674, sec. 1, 7-17-2000)

   F.   The administrative permit shall terminate three (3) years from its date of issuance or when building permits have been issued for all of the lots within a final plat or subsequent phases of the same preliminary plat of a subdivision, whichever comes first, unless extended by the Zoning Administrator. (Ord. 867, sec. 80, 5-17-2010)

   G.   No residential certificate of occupancy shall be issued for a model home or model home with a temporary real estate office until such time as the structure has been fully converted to a residence in compliance with the adopted Building Code. Additionally, such conversion shall include, but not be limited to, parking lot restoration and the removal of signage and lighting. (Ord. 762, sec. 12, 4-5-2004)

   H.   The restoration of all temporary parking areas with appropriate landscaping shall be completed by the end of the following growing season. (Ord. 674, sec. 1, 7-17-2000)

Model homes and model homes with temporary real estate offices shall be used solely for the display and sale of home fixtures and products, and real estate for the subdivision in which they are located unless approved by the Zoning Administrator through an administrative permit. (Ord. 674, sec. 1, 7-17-2000)