The A-1 Agricultural District zoning is intended to maintain and enhance agricultural operations and preserve agricultural lands utilized for crop production or the raising of livestock and to serve as a holding zone for lands where future urban expansion is possible, but not yet appropriate due the lack of urban facilities and services. The preservation of agricultural land is intended to prevent urban sprawl, control the public costs of providing urban services and reduce urban/rural conflicts which arise as a result of premature development of rural areas. The district is further intended to preserve open space and natural resource areas.

   1.   Permitted Principal Uses and Structures.

      A.   Agriculture, horticulture, dairy farming, poultry farming, livestock farming as provided for in Code of Iowa Chapter 172D, general farming, truck gardening, and other agricultural activities. 

      B.   Single-family dwellings.

      C.   Those structures essential to farming operations not otherwise restricted within this chapter.

      D.   Public and private parks, playgrounds, golf courses, and recreation areas.

      E.   Advertising signs and billboards as regulated in Section 165.23 of this chapter.

      F.   Churches and temples.

      G.   Public schools, elementary, junior high, and high schools.

      H.   Parochial or private schools having no rooms used regularly for housing or sleeping purposes.

      I.   Religious, educational, and nonprofit charitable institutions.

      J.   Sexually oriented businesses, as defined in Chapter 126 of this Code of Ordinances, and subject to all provisions and regulations contained therein.

   2.   Permitted Accessory Uses and Structures.

      A.   Private garages.

      B.   Farm buildings incidental to agricultural uses.

      C.   Private greenhouses or plant nurseries not operated for commercial purposes.

      D.   Private swimming pools.

      E.   Accessory uses or structures subject to the provisions of Section 165.25.

   3.   Special Exceptions. The following special exceptions are permitted in the A-1 District subject to provisions of Section 165.31(4).

      A.   Public utilities.

      B.   Seasonal or temporary recreational development.

      C.   Roadside stand for sale of produce raised on the premises.

      D.   Dog kennels and dog runs.

      E.   Greenhouses and plant nurseries operated for commercial purposes.

      F.   Airports, meeting or exceeding the most current FAA Standards and Regulations.

      G.   Home occupations.

   4.   Bulk Requirements.

 

 

   5.   Minimum Off-Street Parking Loading Space.

      A.   Residential dwellings – two spaces for each dwelling unit.

   6.   Special Regulations.

      A.   Provision must be made for disposal of manure, other organic wastes, or chemicals in such a manner as to avoid pollution of ground water or any lake, river, or receiving stream. Livestock confinement buildings for the purpose of raising hogs, poultry, or cattle must conform to the provisions of paragraph B of this subsection.

      B.   Agricultural uses are permitted with no restrictions as to the operation of such vehicles or machinery as are customarily incidental to such uses, and with no restrictions to the sale or marketing of products raised on the premises, provided that any buildings, structure or yard for the raising, feeding, housing or sale of livestock or poultry shall be located at least 300 feet from residentially zoned land, and provided further that there shall be no disposal of garbage, rubbish or offal, other than regular removal, within 300 feet of property residentially or commercially zoned land. Pasturing of livestock shall be restricted to no closer than 100 feet of residentially or commercially zoned land.

      C.   All signage must meet the Sign Regulations described in Section 165.23 of this chapter.