Residential A is the largest of the residential districts. It is characterized predominantly by single-family detached dwellings. The purpose and intent are to maintain the walkability and density of housing of the neighborhoods.

(Ord. 1594 § 110, 2002; Ord. 1382; Ord. 1366, 1987; Ord. 1359, 1987)

(Ord. No. 2049, Att., 12-16-2024)

Within any Residence A District, no building, structure, or premises shall be used or arranged or designed to be used, except for the following:

Primary Uses.

A.

A detached dwelling for only one family or for one housekeeping unit;

B.

A detached dwelling for two families or for two housekeeping units;

C.

The taking of boarders or the leasing of rooms by a resident family, provided the total number of boarders and roomers does not exceed two in any one-family dwelling or does not exceed four in any two-family dwelling;

D.

Churches and other places of worship;

E.

Community centers, except those in which a chief activity is a gainful service or activity usually conducted as a business;

F.

Truck gardens or nurseries;

G.

Educational or religious institutions;

I.

Municipal playgrounds and parks.

Accessory Uses.

Accessory uses customarily incidental to any of the above permitted uses, but not including the conduct of a business or industry or any driveway or walk giving access thereto:

A.

A private garage on the same lot with or within the building to which it is accessory and in which garage no business or industry is conducted. Garage space may be provided for two motor vehicles on any lot and may be provided for one additional motor vehicle for each two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of lot area by which such lot area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet. Only one commercial vehicle may be stored on any lot.

B.

Where alleys are present, alleys must be used as vehicular access to the lot.

C.

Home Occupations.

Customary home occupations are defined as those carried out in the residence of the occupant but which do not generate traffic to or from the residence; nor do does it invite on-site customers or direct sales. Home occupations may not consume more than one-half of the floor area of one story; provided further, that no person is employed in said occupation other than a member of the immediate family residing in the home. No sign shall be used to advertise such occupation except as is provided in this section.

D.

Signs.

1.

Any sign provided for herein shall not materially alter the appearance of said lot or dwelling nor affect the welfare of the neighbors.

2.

There shall be no electronic signs.

3.

Any illuminated signs must be downward directional.

4.

Signs pertaining to the lease or sale, or use of a lot or building may be placed on the property; provided that the total area of all such signs does not exceed eight square feet.

5.

Signs bearing the name or occupation of an occupant, shall not exceed six-square-foot for each family housed.

6.

Signs not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area may be erected upon the premises of a church, or other institution for the purpose of displaying the name and activities or services therein provided.

7.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, non-illuminated political or campaign signs may be placed on the property. Any such signs may not be placed on the property so as to obstruct the vision of any driver of motor vehicles to the extent a safety hazard is created. All campaign signs must be removed within three days after the election to which the sign relates.

(Ord. 1594 § 112, 2002; Ord. 1359, 1987)

(Ord. No. 2049, Att., 12-16-2024)

The minimum lot size shall be six thousand (6,000) square feet for each dwelling.

(Ord. 1359, 1987)

(Ord. No. 2049, Att., 12-16-2024)

No building shall be erected, reconstructed, or altered so as to project in any manner beyond the property line.

Front Yard.

A.

No new building shall be erected with its street wall or walls nearer than twenty-five (25) feet to the front property line.

B.

Steps and/or ramps extending beyond the front wall of the building are exempt from the above provision.

Rear yard.

There shall be a rear yard on every lot, with a minimum depth of twenty-four (24) feet for a one-story building, and thirty-six (36) feet for a two story or two and one-half story building.

Side yard.

There shall be a side yard on each side of every building except as provided for accessory buildings. The minimum side setback shall be seven feet and the least sum of the widths of both side yards shall be sixteen (16) feet.

Corner lot.

In the case of a corner lot, the minimum side setback on the side street shall be fifteen (15) feet.

(Ord. 1359, 1987)

(Ord. No. 2049, Att., 12-16-2024)

Each single-family residence shall have a minimum footprint of not less than seven hundred (700) square feet. Each unit of a two-family dwelling shall have a minimum footprint of not less than five hundred fifty (550) square feet including one bedroom, and another one hundred (100) square feet per each additional bedroom.

(Ord. 1359, 1987)

(Ord. No. 2049, Att., 12-16-2024)

No building shall exceed thirty (30) feet in height.

(Ord. 1359, 1987)

(Ord. No. 2049, Att., 12-16-2024)

A.

Accessory buildings not more than fifteen (15) feet high may be located in the rear yard; provided such buildings occupy not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the rear yard area; provided, further, such accessory buildings come not nearer than three feet to any lot line.

B.

On corner lots, no wall of an accessory building shall be nearer to a side street property line than the side wall of the main building.

C.

Industrial storage (freight containers) are not permitted.

(Ord. 1359, 1987)

(Ord. No. 2049, Att., 12-16-2024)

Vacant lots shall be maintained and kept free of weeds. Certain uses of vacant lots may be permitted by written authority of the building inspector and the board of adjustment, with the consent of the owners of eighty percent (80%) of the property within three hundred (300) feet of the lot or lots.

(Ord. 1359, 1987)

(Ord. No. 2049, Att., 12-16-2024)

All construction shall be in accordance with the city's adopted building code.

(Ord. 1359, 1987)

(Ord. No. 2049, Att., 12-16-2024)

A.

Outdoor storage of materials is not permitted other than typical items designed for residential outdoor use.

B.

Recreational Fires. Must only be located in rear yards; and shall not be conducted within twenty-five (25) feet of a structure or combustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace shall only be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and may not be operated within fifteen (15) feet of a structure or combustible material. (See International Fire Code Section 307 Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces.)

(Ord. 1359, 1987)

(Ord. No. 2049, Att., 12-16-2024)