1.   Visibility at Intersections. On a corner lot in any agricultural or residential district, no fence, wall, hedge or other planting, signs or structure will obstruct the visibility at the intersection. Site distance at the intersection shall be determined by the distance from the edge of pavement at an intersection if no curb exists, or if a curb exists, from the back of curb where it meets the grass. Height and distance shall be determined as follows:

      A.   No fence, wall, hedge, or other planting, signs or structure will exceed the height of 1 foot within a right triangle with its two sides equal to 10 feet of an intersection at the edge of pavement if no curb exists, or if a curb exists, from the back of curb where it meets the grass.

      B.   No fence, wall, hedge, or other planting, signs or structure will exceed the height of 2½ feet within a right triangle with its two sides equal to 25 feet of an intersection at the edge of pavement if no curb exists, or if a curb exists, from the back of curb where it meets the grass.

      C.   No fence, wall, hedge, or other planting, signs or structure will exceed the height of 3½ feet within a right triangle with its two sides equal to 35 feet of an intersection at the edge of pavement if no curb exists, or, if a curb exists, from the back of curb where it meets the grass.

      D.   Exceptions to these restrictions for visibility at intersections are:

         (1)   Utility poles.

         (2)   Traffic control and warning signs and signals.

         (3)   Trees 18 feet or greater in height shall be trimmed within 1 inch of the trunk to the height of at least 9 feet from the ground to the canopy. All trees shall be spaced not less than 25 feet from center to center of the trunks. Trees less than 18 feet in height shall be trimmed within 1 inch of the trunk so that the trimmed height to the canopy equals 50% or greater of the tree height. All trees shall be spaced no less than 25 feet center to center of the trunks.

         (4)   Permitted signs mounted at least 10 feet in height with supports that do not encroach into the visibility zone.

   2.   No accessory building or structure shall be erected in any yard other than a rear yard, and it shall occupy less than 30 percent of the required rear yard. An accessory building or structure may be erected prior to the primary structure only if building permits are submitted and issued at the same time for both primary and accessory structures and completed within 12 months of the date the permits are issued.

 

      A.   In Lots over one-acre, accessory buildings or structures may be erected in the front-side or side yard as long as it is within front and side yard setbacks. An accessory building or structure may be erected prior to the primary structure only if building permits are submitted and issued at the same time for both primary and accessory structures and completed within 12 months of the date the permits are issued.

   3.   One Principal Structure on a Lot. In any district except A-1, no more than one principal structure housing a permitted principal use may be erected on a single lot. In A-1 Districts, two permitted principal structures may be permitted, provided that the area, yard, and other requirements of this Code are met for each structure as though it were on an individual lot. A minor subdivision process shall be required in cases of more than two permitted principal structures on a single lot.

   4.   Height Regulation Exception. The height limitations contained in the Schedules of District Regulations do not apply to spires, belfries, cupolas, chimneys, antennas, water tanks, ventilators, elevator housings, or other structures placed above the roof level and not intended for human use or occupancy.

   5.   Use of Public Right-of-Way. No portion of the public street or alley right-of-way shall be used or occupied by an abutting use of land or structures for storage or display purposes, or to provide any parking or loading space required by this chapter, or for any other purpose that would obstruct the use or maintenance or the public right-of-way.

   6.   Proposed Use Not Covered in This Code. Any proposed use not covered in this chapter as a permitted use or special exception shall be referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation as to the proper district in which such use should be permitted and the Zoning Code amended by the Council as provided in Section 165.34 before a permit is issued for such proposed use.

   7.   Building To Have Access. Every building hereafter erected or structurally altered shall be a lot having frontage on a public street.

   8.   Parking For Disabled. Where parking spaces for persons with disabilities are required by State law, a minimum of two percent of the vehicle capacity of the off-street parking area shall be so designated by the proper signs and insignia.

   9.   Home Occupation. Said use is allowed in all R and A zones as a special exception, provided that no home occupation shall be permitted in which there is associated therewith:

      A.   Any commodity sold upon the premises except that which is produced thereon or is accessory to the home occupation conducted on the premises.

      B.   Any disturbance such as noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odor, heat, or glare beyond the confines of the dwelling unit or accessory building.

      C.   Any exterior display, exterior storage of materials, signs (except as otherwise permitted), house calls after 10:00 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m., or other indication from the exterior that the dwelling unit or accessory building is being used in part for any use other than that of a dwelling or accessory building for purely residential purposes.

      D.   More than two full-time equivalent employees other than employees who reside on the premises.

      E.   Utilizes no more than two on-street parking spaces at any one time.

   The sale of the premises on which the home occupation is situated shall constitute a surrender of the permit authorizing said home occupation. Permits for the home occupations shall be issued by the Zoning Administrator.

   10.   Communication Towers. All radio station, cellular, television, or other communication towers shall be subject to the following minimum regulations:

      A.   All towers shall comply with all applicable City ordinances, regulations, and codes.

      B.   The setbacks for all towers shall comply with all applicable zoning ordinance district regulations for the district in which the tower is located.

      C.   The Zoning Board of Adjustment may impose additional setback requirements in conjunction with the approval of a special exception permit.

      D.   Any tower in excess of 125 feet in height shall not be located closer than 200 feet from an existing inhabited residential structure regardless of the district in which the structure is located.

   12.   Eaves or Structural Overhangs. Eaves and structural overhangs may extend up to three feet beyond the setback requirement, provided they are two or more feet from the lot line.

   13.   Lots on Cul-de-Sacs. Lots on cul-de-sacs shall contain the minimum area as required in said lot’s district. Minimum frontage shall be 30 feet (chord length).

   14.   14.   Parking and Loading Regulations. For all buildings and structures erected in residential districts after the effective date of the Zoning Ordinance, accessory parking and loading facilities shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of this section and subject to any restrictions contained elsewhere in this chapter for the district in which such facilities are located.

      A.   All open, off-street parking and storage areas including all driveways, aisles, turnarounds, and loading areas shall be hard surfaced and maintained so as to provide a dustless surface as defined in this chapter.

      B.   All open, off-street parking areas shall be graded and drained to dispose of surface water accumulation in accord with City specifications.

      C.   Each open, off-street parking space shall open directly upon an aisle or driveway of a width and design meeting City specifications.

      D.   Driveway pavement between the back of street curb and the sidewalk constructed of Portland cement concrete shall be a minimum of 6 inches thick and shall contain three reinforcing steel bar of five eighths inch diameter in the longitudinal and transverse directions spaced evenly in either direction. The outer reinforcing steel bars shall be placed approximately 6 inches from the edge of pavement. All reinforcing steel bars shall be continuous and shall be centered in the pour.

   15.   Permanent Foundation for Residence. All dwelling units, including mobile homes, modular homes and factory-built homes as defined in the Code of Iowa shall comply with all Zoning Ordinance requirements relating to residences or homes in the City (including setback and other yard requirements) and shall be affixed to a permanent perimeter foundation constructed of cement, concrete blocks with mortar or other permanent material approved by the Council.

   16.   Awnings and Canopies.

      A.   The purpose of this subsection is to provide that all awnings and canopies are constructed and kept in a safe condition and not located as to cause a safety hazard. No awnings/canopies shall be erected, placed, or maintained within the City street right-of-way except in District C-1. Any person desiring a variance from this regulation may appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment following the same procedures for appeals as set forth in this chapter. All awnings/canopies must be securely fastened and constructed so that there will be no danger of the same being dislodged by ordinary winds or falling from other cause. The roof covering of the awning/canopy must be made of a suitable all-weather material designed to last three to five years and supported by metal frames or brackets securely fastened to the building, without any posts or other device that will obstruct the free space or hinder or interfere with the free passage of pedestrians. No canopy/awning shall be erected extending over any public sidewalk, street, alley, or other public place in such a location as to obstruct the view of any traffic light or other traffic sign or signal. All projecting canopies/awnings shall have the clear space of not less than seven feet below all parts of the canopy or awning.

      B.   Moveable awnings shall be supported throughout on metal frames. Every awning frame shall be not less than seven feet, six inches from the ground immediately below and any fringe attached to the awning shall not be less than seven feet from the ground immediately below.

   17.   Solar Energy Collection Systems.

      A.   Permitted Zoning Districts. Solar energy collection systems are permitted all zoning districts except: Mobile Home Park Residential (R-4), subject to the following regulations and the issuance of a building permit.

      B.   General Requirements.

         (1)   Alliant Energy Approval. The applicant shall obtain written approval from Alliant Energy prior to submitting a building permit application for the solar energy system.

         (2)   Net Metering. Net metering or interconnected systems shall meet all requirements of Alliant Energy.

         (3)   Trees. Trees shall not be removed or destroyed within the street right-of-way for the purposes of better access for solar energy.

         (4)   Building Permit. All solar energy systems shall be required to include the following information:

            a.   Manufacturer specifications for components and installation shall be required with each application including dead and wind load design of equipment, roofing material (if applicable), specifications of fasteners, sealing of penetrations.

            b.   A detailed site plan indicating where the solar panels will be located.

            c.   Elevation drawings of the solar panels and the structure supporting the panels, including the size of the space between the roof and the panels. For ground mounted, elevation drawings should include the dimensions for the proposed fence enclosure (if applicable).

            d.   Where applicable, show compliance with the International Residential Code (IRC) and National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 690.

            e.   The name and license number of a licensed installer as approved by the State of Iowa.

         (5)   Abandonment. If a solar energy system is not operational or maintained for a period of one year, then the owner shall have the system immediately removed from the property.

         (6)   Roof Mount Standards. Only Roof Mounted Solar Systems (RMSES) are permitted within commercial and residential districts in the City. A RMSES may be installed upon the roof of the primary structure or an accessory structure subject to the following conditions:

            a.   Flat or Sloped Roofs. The solar system may be located on flat or sloped surfaces.

            b.   Height. The height of the system shall not exceed the height of the roof ridge, and shall not exceed the permitted height within the zone.

            c.   Reflection. Collectors shall not reflect sunlight into neighboring windows.

            d.   Overhang. In no instance shall any part of the system extend beyond the lower roof line or eave.

         (7)   Industrial and Agricultural Districts. Solar energy systems may be installed in Light Industrial (I-1), Heavy Industrial (I-2), and Agricultural (A-1) districts so long as the systems are enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high and not more than 10 feet high. All fences must conform to the setback requirements and Section 165.24, Fence Regulations, of this Code of Ordinances.

      C.   Urban Solar Farms. Urban solar farms are permitted in Agricultural (A-1), Light Industrial (I-1), and Heavy Industrial (I-2) Districts in accordance with the following regulations:

         (1)   Fencing. Solar farms shall be enclosed by perimeter fencing to restrict unauthorized access at a height of no less than 32 inches.

         (2)   Signage. The manufacturer's or operator's identification and appropriate warning signage shall be posted at the site in a clearly visible manner. A telephone number will be posted on the sign to call in cases of emergency.

         (3)   On-Site Power Lines. Power lines should be placed underground to the maximum extent practical.

         (4)   Setback Requirements. Solar farms shall adhere to the setback, height, and coverage requirements of the district in which they are located.

         (5)   Permit Application Requirements. The following requirements shall be met for permit applications:

            a.   A descriptive site plan including setbacks, panel sizes, locations of property lines, buildings, and road rights-of-way.

            b.   No urban solar farm shall be installed until evidence has been given to the City that the electric utility company has been informed or the customer's intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator. Off-grid systems shall be exempt from this requirement.

            c.   An affidavit or evidence of agreement between the lot owner and the facility's owner or operator confirming that the owner or operator has permission of the property owner to apply for necessary permits for construction and operation of the urban solar farm.

            d.   Any other relevant studies, reports, certificates and approvals as may be reasonably requested by the City, including (but not limited to) design.

         (6)   Decommissioning Requirements. The following requirements shall be met for decommissioning:

            a.   Solar farms that have not been in active or continuous service for a period of one year shall be removed at the owner's or operator's expense.

            b.   The site shall be restored to as natural condition as possible within six months of the removal.

   18.   On-Site Storage Containers

      A.   On-site storage containers are restricted on residential properties.

         (1)   No On-Site Storage Container shall be permitted in any residential-zoned district of the City, or on any property within the City used for residential purposes.

         (2)   An On-Site Storage Container shall not be considered to be an "Accessory Building" under Chapter 165.

         (3)   Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection (1) of this section, the temporary placement of portable On-Site Storage Containers on residentially-zoned properties, or on properties the primary use of which are residential, for limited purpose of temporary storage to accommodate a move, a remodeling project, or the clean-up of a casualty loss, shall be permitted for a period of time not exceeding thirty (30) days in any one calendar year.

         (4)   Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection (1) of this section, licensed and bonded contractors may use On-Site Storage Containers for the temporary location of an office, or temporary storage equipment, and/or materials during construction which is taking place on the property where the Container is located, if the use of the Container is authorized pursuant to a city building permit under Section 165.25.18(A) below.

      B.   Permit Required.

         (1)   A building permit is required prior to placement of an On-Site Storage Container. The proposed On-Site Storage Container must be accessory to the permitted use of the property, and shall meet the setback requirements of the underlying zone and all State and County Building Codes adopted by the City.

         (2)   On-Site Storage Containers shall not be stacked above the height of a single container, and shall be placed only in the rear yard of the property.

         (3)   On-Site Storage Containers shall be painted to match the décor of the primary structure, shall not be used for any advertising purpose and shall be kept free of all alpha-numeric signage and writing.

         (4)   As a condition of placement, On-Site Storage Containers may be required to be fenced or screened from abutting properties and/or right-of-way pursuant to the provisions of the underlying zoning regulations.

         (5)   On-Site Storage Containers shall be in an approved designated area on the same property as the principal use and be included in the calculation of overall lot usage.

         (6)   On-Site Storage Containers shall not occupy off-street parking, loading or landscaping areas.

         (7)   Materials stored within On-Site Storage Containers are subject to inspection and approval by local and state fire officials.