R-3 (single-family residential—high density) zoning districts are intended to establish and preserve quiet, relatively medium-density neighborhoods of single-family residences and to introduce duplexes and small multi-family. These neighborhoods allow smaller homes on smaller lots and require curb and gutter and streetlights. Sidewalks may be required. These districts are free from other uses which are incompatible with residential uses.

(Ord. No. 2010-16, 11-16-10; Ord. No. 2020-07, § 1, 11-17-20)

The factors contained in section 410 of these regulations must be thoroughly considered by the planning commission as well as the Lamar County Board of Commissioners when determining in which zoning district an area of land is to be placed. This will assure that rational comprehensive planning principles are the basis upon which the decision is made. Land use decisions which are based on sound planning principles encourage the development and preservation for land use patterns that provide healthful and safe living conditions for the residents of Lamar County.

(Ord. No. 2010-16, 11-16-10; Ord. No. 2020-07, § 1, 11-17-20)

The official zoning map (section 2301 of these regulations) shows the boundaries of all R-3 districts within Lamar County. Article 23 also contains additional information concerning interpreting district boundaries, amending boundaries, etc.

(Ord. No. 2010-16, 11-16-10; Ord. No. 2020-07, § 1, 11-17-20)

(a)

The following principal uses are permitted in R-3 districts:

(1)

Site-built single-family detached dwelling with a floor area of at least one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet.

(2)

Industrialized/modular home with a floor area of at least one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet.

(3)

Class A manufactured home with a floor area of at least one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet. All pre-owned/pre-lived in (used) manufactured homes must be inspected for health, safety and aesthetic standards by a Lamar County building inspector before these homes may be brought into or relocated within Lamar County. The applicant for the used manufactured home must pay an inspection fee based on the time and distance traveled by the Lamar County building inspector to perform the required inspection.

(4)

Local, state, or federal government building.

(5)

Deleted.

(6)

Publicly owned and operated park or recreation area.

(7)

Subdivision recreation area owned, operated, and maintained by a homeowner's association exclusively for the use of residents and their guests.

(8)

Utility substation meeting the following development standards:

a.

Structures must be placed at least thirty (30) feet from all property lines.

b.

Structures must be enclosed by a woven wire fence at least eight (8) feet high with bottom of fence either flush with the ground or with masonry footing.

c.

No vehicles or equipment may be stored on the lot.

d.

A buffer must be maintained along the side and rear property lines.

(b)

The following principal uses are permitted as special exceptions in R-3 districts:

(1)

Two-family dwellings (set of two (2)). Floor area of each dwelling unit must meet minimum requirements.

(2)

Multi-family dwelling of no more than four (4) units. Floor area of each dwelling unit must meet minimum requirements.

(c)

The following accessory uses are permitted in R-3 districts:

(1)

Private garage or carport not to exceed the storage capacity of three (3) automobiles per dwelling unit.

(2)

Structure for the storage of equipment and supplies used in maintaining the principal building and its grounds.

(3)

Structure for a children's playhouse and the storage of children's play equipment.

(4)

Private swimming pool and bath house, or cabana meeting the following development standards:

a.

All such swimming pools which are at least three (3) feet deep must be completely enclosed by a fence that is at least four (4) feet high.

(5)

Private tennis court and/or basketball facilities; if lighted, lights must be designed so that they do not intrude upon adjacent lots. Such a court may be surrounded by a fence up to ten (10) feet high.

(6)

Noncommercial garden, including a greenhouse and other customary garden structures not over eight (8) feet high.

(7)

Deck, patio, barbecue grill, or other such facility.

(8)

Fence, wall, exterior lighting fixture, or other general landscaping and site development facility.

(9)

Antenna — Satellite, television, radio, etc.

(10)

Temporary building for storage of materials, during construction, meeting the following development standards:

a.

Permitted only in conjunction with construction of a building;

b.

Allowed either on the same lot where construction is taking place or on adjacent lots;

c.

Such a use must be terminated upon completion of construction.

(11)

The parking of unoccupied travel trailers, motor coaches, or pleasure boats.

(12)

Sign as permitted by the Lamar County Sign Ordinance (Appendix F).

(13)

Home occupation, as defined in section 202.

(d)

The following accessory uses are permitted as special exceptions in R-3 districts:

(1)

Refer to section 504(d) for other accessory uses permitted as special exceptions.

(e)

All accessory uses must meet the standards set forth in section 504(e).

(f)

Any similar use may be applied for as a special exception.

(Ord. No. 2010-16, 11-16-10; Res. No. 2012-08, 8-21-12; Ord. No. 2020-07, § 1, 11-17-20)

In addition to the development standards contained in article 4 of these regulations, the following standards are required within R-3 districts:

(a)

Minimum floor area per dwelling unit: One thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet.

(b)

Minimum lot area:

(1)

Unsewered areas without public water: Not allowed; however, a lot of record lawfully zoned R3 existing at the time of passage of these regulations, may nevertheless be developed with a use which is permitted within a R-3 district, with the exception of two family dwellings and multi-family dwellings, if approved by the Lamar County Health Department.

(2)

Sewered areas: Thirty-two thousand six hundred seventy (32,670) square feet (0.75 acre); however, a lot of record lawfully existing at the time of passage of these regulations, and having an area of less than 0.75 acre (nonconforming) may nevertheless be developed with a use which is permitted within a R-3 district.

(3)

Unsewered areas with public water: Not allowed; however, a lot of record lawfully zoned R3 existing at the time of passage of these regulations, may nevertheless be developed with a use which is permitted within this district, with the exception of two-family dwellings and multi-family dwellings, if approved by the Lamar County Health Department.

(c)

Minimum lot width: One twenty-five (125) feet for one (1) acre or greater lots. One hundred (100) feet for three-quarter (0.75) to one (1) acre lots.

(d)

Minimum front yard: Fifty (50) feet from the property line unless located on an arterial or collector street then seventy-five (75) [feet].

(e)

Minimum side yard: Twenty (20) feet.

(f)

Minimum rear yard: Forty (40) feet.

(g)

Maximum lot coverage by impervious surfaces: Forty (40) percent.

(h)

Development standards common to most districts are listed under subsections 505(h)—(x).

(Ord. No. 2010-16, 11-16-10; Ord. No. 2020-07, § 1, 11-17-20)