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Lyons City Zoning Code

ARTICLE VIII

ADDITIONAL HEIGHT, AREA, AND USE REGULATIONS

Sec. 40-683.- Qualifications and supplementations to district regulations.

The regulations hereinafter set forth in this section qualify or supplement, as the case may be, the district regulations appearing elsewhere in this chapter.

(1)

In districts where public buildings, semi-public buildings, public service buildings, hospitals, institutional buildings, schools, and churches and similar places of worship are permitted, one foot of additional height will be permitted for each one foot of additional building setback provided up to a maximum of 15 feet of additional height.

(2)

Chimneys, cooling towers, elevator headhouses, fire towers, grain elevators, monuments, stacks, stage towers or scenery lofts, tanks, water towers, ornamental towers and spires, church steeples, radio and television towers, or necessary mechanical appurtenances, which do not conflict with airport approach zones, may be erected to a height not to exceed 150 feet.

(3)

Accessory buildings may be built in a side or rear yard, but such accessory buildings shall not be nearer than the main building to any side lot line. When any accessory building is constructed in a rear yard, it shall not encroach on any required utility easements and shall not be located any closer to the rear line of the property than ten feet or closer than eight feet to the side lot line, except that where vehicular access to a garage is perpendicular to the alley line, a setback of at least eight feet from the alley line shall be required. No accessory building shall cover more than 30 percent of the required rear yard.

(4)

No accessory building shall be constructed upon a lot until the construction of the main building has been actually commenced, and no accessory building shall be used for dwelling purposes.

(5)

The setback line for yard requirements shall be determined by measuring the horizontal distance from the property line to the nearest architectural projection of the building.

(6)

On block faces where 50 percent of the existing principal structures are closer to the street than the required front yard setback, new principal structures, except on corner lots may be located out to the average setback of the existing structures along the block face.

(7)

Open or lattice-enclosed fire escapes, fireproof outside stairways and balconies opening upon fire towers, and the ordinary projections of chimneys and flues into the rear yard may be permitted by the city building inspector for a distance of not more than 3½ feet provided the same are so placed as not to obstruct light and ventilation.

(8)

For the purpose of the side yard regulations, a two-family dwelling or a multiple-family dwelling shall be considered as one building occupying one lot.

(9)

Temporary buildings and temporary construction signs that are used in conjunction with construction work may be permitted in any district during the period that the building is being constructed, but such temporary building or sign shall be removed upon completion of the construction work.

(10)

No side yards are required where dwelling units are erected above commercial structures, and front, side, and rear yard requirements shall not apply to the interior walls of dwelling units established under the Kansas Apartment Ownership Act, K.S.A. 58-3101 et seq., or under the Kansas Townhouse Ownership Act, K.S.A. 58-3701 et seq.

(11)

When the number of employees is restricted in connection with any use in the commercial districts, such maximum number applies only to employees principally engaged in processing, selling, or treating materials or products on the premises and not to employees engaged in delivery or off-site similar activities.

(12)

Electronic communications towers shall be permitted in any commercial, industrial, or agricultural district providing the height of the towers do not conflict with any airport approach or landing zone or with any other ordinance, and providing that towers within 150 feet of a residential district shall not exceed 80 feet in height. (Also see section 40-695.)

(13)

On a corner lot in any residential district, nothing shall be erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as materially to impede vision between a height of 2½ and ten feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets in the area bounded by the street lines of such corner lots and a line joining points along the street lines 90 feet from the point of the centerline intersection.

(14)

In any district, more than one structure housing a permitted or permissible principal use may be erected on a zoning lot, provided that yard and other requirements of this chapter shall be met for each structure as though it were on an individual lot.

(15)

Every building hereafter erected or moved shall be on a lot adjacent to a public street, or with access to an approved private street, and all structures shall be so located on lots as to provide safe and convenient access for servicing, fire protection and required off-street parking.

(16)

Privately owned swimming pools shall be enclosed as appropriate to ensure privacy and safety.

(17)

Recreational equipment and commercial/industrial equipment shall not be stored in a residential district unless stored entirely within an enclosed building, except that recreational equipment may be stored outside of an enclosed building when behind the front yard setback line, provided that:

a.

On a corner lot such recreational equipment shall be kept behind the front yard setback lines on both streets.

b.

No such recreational equipment shall be utilized for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes when parked on a residential lot or in any location not approved for such use.

(18)

Conversion of a two-family or multiple-family structure to individually owned single-family dwelling units may be permitted subject to the requirements of the subdivision regulations, and to the following:

a.

An application for such unit conversion shall be filed for review and comment by city staff and the planning commission and approval by the city council. Such application shall be accompanied by the following information, as a minimum:

1.

A plot plan showing site and structure arrangements and proposed re-platting.

2.

A full legal description of the subject property, including legal descriptions of proposed individual properties after re-platting.

3.

A description of proposed structural and utility alterations to provide for individual services and maintenance.

4.

A description of proposed public access patterns, both vehicular and pedestrian.

5.

A copy of protective covenants which shall be written to run with the land in which shall be specified methods for providing for maintenance of shared property or easements, responsibilities for shared expenses, and continued use of the property for specified purposes. Such covenants shall be written to provide for the long-term maintenance and use of the premises for residential purposes only, within the overall context of neighborhood development.

6.

Any other supplementary information as may be required to assess short- and long-term neighborhood impacts associated with the proposed conversion.

b.

The applicant for unit conversion shall submit with his application a consent agreement signed by 75 percent of all owners of property within 200 feet of the premises whereon the unit conversion is proposed.

c.

When a two-family or multiple-family structure is converted to individually owned, single-family dwelling units, a separation of utility service lines is required from each individually owned, single-family dwelling unit to a public utility line or to a utility line, private well, septic system, or lagoon which is located in an area of a lot or building that is owned by or accessible to a party legally responsible for maintenance of utility lines or systems on behalf of the owners of each converted single-family dwelling unit.

d.

The planning commission and city council shall not approve an application for conversion from a two-family or multiple-family structure to individually-owned, single-family dwelling units where it is determined that an existing or proposed utility service line, private well, septic system, or lagoon exists or is proposed to exist in an area where the maintenance of the utilities would require entry into an individually-owned dwelling unit.

e.

All conversions of two-family or multiple-family structures to individually-owned, single-family dwelling units are subject to all applicable city regulations, including building permit application and inspection procedures.

f.

The above procedures and regulations are applicable even where the conversion does not require new construction.

g.

After reviewing a conversion application for compliance with all applicable city regulations, the building official/code enforcement officer shall report to the planning commission and city council all details of noncompliance with this Code.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 1, 11-28-2006; Ord. No. 1983, § 1, 11-16-2020)

Sec. 40-684. - Fences.

Except as otherwise specifically provided in other codes, ordinances, or resolutions, the following regulations shall apply to the construction of fences:

(1)

No fence shall be constructed closer to the street than the front setback line established for the district in which such fence is to be erected, except that fences installed upon public or parochial school grounds or in public parks and public playgrounds may be permitted by conditional use permit approved by the planning commission and city council without any front yard setback limitation, providing the fence does not encroach on any required utility easements or cause any vision impairment for vehicles.

(2)

No fence shall be constructed which will constitute a traffic hazard and no permit shall be granted for the construction of a fence unless the city building inspector has certified that the proposed fence will not constitute a traffic hazard.

(3)

No fence shall be constructed in such a manner or be of such design as to be hazardous or dangerous to persons or animals.

(4)

No person shall erect or maintain any fence, which will materially damage the adjacent property by obstructing the view, shutting out the sunlight, or hindering ventilation, or any fence, which shall adversely affect the public health, safety, and welfare.

(5)

No fence, except fences erected upon public or parochial school grounds or in public parks and in public playgrounds, shall be constructed of a height greater than eight feet; provided, however, that the planning commission and city council may, by exception, authorize the construction of a fence higher than eight feet if the board finds the public welfare is preserved.

(6)

All fences shall conform to the construction standards of the building code and other applicable ordinances and resolutions.

(7)

Fences shall be exempt from the provisions of section 40-685; however, the city retains the right to remove any fence for right-of-way purposes.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 2, 11-28-2006)

Sec. 40-685. - Building setback lines.

Building setback lines are hereby established for all arterial and collector streets, as shown on the adopted major street plan in the city comprehensive plan. The setback lines, as established in this section, shall be held to the minimum for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, order, convenience and economy in the process of development and shall conform with the following requirements:

(1)

Arterial streets. No building or structure which fronts or sides on an arterial street shall be located nearer to the centerline of the arterial street than the sum of the required front yard (in feet), plus 50 feet, except as provided in section 40-684.

(2)

Collector streets. No building or structure which fronts or sides on a collector street shall be located nearer to the centerline of the collector street than the sum of the required front yard (in feet), plus 40 feet, except as provided in section 40-684.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 3, 11-28-2006)

Sec. 40-686. - Lots of record.

A lot or group of lots, which were platted and recorded in the office of the register of deeds prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, may be used for any purpose permitted in the district in which it is located; provided, however, that no residential building permit shall be issued for construction of a residential structure that does not conform with the minimum yard and height requirements unless specifically authorized by the planning commission and city council.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 4, 11-28-2006)

Sec. 40-687. - Canopy and marquee.

A canopy, marquee, or balcony may be permitted to overhang a public way in districts C-1 and C-2, providing:

(1)

The canopy, marquee, or balcony is constructed and maintained in accordance with the city building code and other applicable codes, ordinances, and resolutions.

(2)

No portion of the canopy, marquee, or balcony, including supports, shall be less than eight feet above the level of the sidewalk or other public way, except as required by section 40-683(12).

(3)

The canopy, marquee, or balcony shall not extend beyond a point two feet inside the curb line of a public street.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 5, 11-28-2006)

Sec. 40-688. - Temporary uses permitted.

(a)

Christmas tree sales. Christmas tree sales in any business or industrial district for a period not to exceed 60 days. Display of Christmas trees need not comply with the yard and setback requirements of this chapter, provided that no trees shall be displayed which would obstruct intersection sight distance requirements.

(b)

Contractor's office. Contractor's office and equipment sheds (containing no sleeping or cooking accommodations) accessory to a construction project and to continue only during the duration of such project.

(c)

Real estate offices. Real estate offices (containing no sleeping or cooking accommodations unless located in a model dwelling unit) incidental to a new housing development to continue only until the sale or lease of all dwelling units in the development.

(d)

Carnivals and circuses. A carnival or circus, but only in a C-1, C-2, I-1 or I-2 district, and then only for a period that does not exceed one week. Such use need not comply with the front yard requirements, provided that structures or equipment, which might block the view of operators of motor vehicles on the public streets, shall conform to the requirements for the street intersection sight distance as defined by this chapter.

(e)

Seasonal sales events and festivals. Seasonal sales events and festivals in any district subject to any special requirements of the city council.

(f)

Special temporary uses. Other special temporary uses as may be permitted by the city council and under such conditions as they may require.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 6, 11-28-2006)

Sec. 40-689. - Wind energy conversion systems (WECS).

Wind energy conversion systems (WECS) may be permitted subject to the following requirements:

(1)

The minimum distance from any lot line to any tower, pole or other support structure of the wind energy conversion system shall be established by the following minimum standards:

MINIMUM DISTANCE

Rotor Diameter
(Feet)
Setback Distance
(Feet)
5 100
10 165
15 220
20 270
25 310
30 340
35 365
40 385

 

Intermediate rotor size distances shall be interpolated from the above values.

(2)

The WECS shall not be located in any required yard.

(3)

The WECS shall not cause interference to microwave communications or radio and television reception in the area. Noise levels measured at the lot line shall not exceed 60 dBA in a residential zone.

(4)

To limit climbing access to WECS tower, or other support structure, a six-foot-high fence with locking portal shall be place around the WECS support or, if a tower is utilized, the tower climbing apparatus shall be limited to no lower than 12 feet from the ground or the WECS support may be mounted on a rooftop.

(5)

All blades of a WECS shall be constructed of non-metallic substances. If the applicant can prove, in writing form, that no electromagnetic interference will result, a metal content of up to 25 percent will be acceptable.

(6)

The WECS shall be located in compliance with the guidelines of the Federal Aviation Administration regulations with regard to airport approach and clearance around VOR and DVOR stations.

(7)

Height of the WECS shall not exceed the maximum height restriction in the zone where it is located by more than 20 feet. The height of the WECS shall be measured at the center of the blade diameter.

(8)

Data pertaining to the WECS' safety and structural integrity shall be certified by a licensed engineer and filed with the building permit application. The tower or support and top adapter shall meet the restrictions specified in the city's building regulations.

(9)

The WECS, if interconnected to a utility system, shall meet the requirements for interconnection and operation as set forth in the electric utility's current service regulations applicable to WECS.

(10)

A plot plan shall be submitted with the application for building permit showing the proposed location and height of the WECS, fencing and all existing buildings within 200 feet of the exterior lot lines.

(11)

The owner/operator shall provide covenants, easements or similar documentation to ensure sufficient wind to operate the WECS unless adequate accessibility to the wind is provided by the site.

(12)

The owner/operator shall certify that the WECS does not violate any covenants of record.

(13)

The applicant shall provide a certificate of liability insurance. Annually the owner/operator shall present evidence to the zoning administrator that the liability insurance is still in effect.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 7, 11-28-2006)

Sec. 40-690. - Joint driveways and garages.

When joint driveways and joint garages were in existence prior to the passage of this chapter, it shall be permissible to repair, reconstruct or enlarge joint garages and it is not necessary to conform to the provisions governing internal lot lines.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 8, 11-28-2006)

Sec. 40-691. - Protection of sewer and other utility lines.

No building or addition thereto shall be erected over or across any public sewer or utility line, nor upon any platted or recorded easement, unless permission is granted in writing by the respective party whose lines are involved.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 9, 11-28-2006)

Sec. 40-692. - Mining and extraction of minerals.

In districts where mineral extraction is a permitted use, the following shall apply:

(1)

In the case of open excavation, there will be required a substantial fence with suitable gates completely enclosing the portion of the property in which the excavation is located, and such fence shall be located 40 feet or more distance from the edge of such excavation.

(2)

The slope of the material in such sand, gravel or other pit shall not exceed the normal angle of repose of such materials, and the plane of such angle of repose shall not come nearer than 40 feet to any property lines.

(3)

In the case of a quarry or other excavation in rock, there will be required a substantial fence, with suitable gates at all points a distance of 40 feet or more from the face of any quarry walls.

(4)

Rock crushers, cement plants or other crushing, grinding, polishing, or cutting machinery or other physical or chemical process for treating the product of such quarry may be prohibited.

(5)

No such quarry shall be nearer than 40 feet to any property boundary line, street or highway right-of-way line.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 10, 11-28-2006)

Sec. 40-693. - Vacated streets and alleys.

When any street, alley or other public right-of-way is vacated by official action of the city council, any zoning districts adjoining each side of any such vacated street, alley or public way shall be automatically extended to the center of such vacated street or alley and all area included in such adjusted boundary shall then and thenceforth be subject to all regulations of the extended districts.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 11, 11-28-2006)

Sec. 40-694. - Sanitary sewerage requirements.

All new construction of residential units, relocation of residential units, manufactured housing and all other buildings which would generate sewage, shall be connected to a public sewer system where available, or provided with a private system meeting the following requirements:

(1)

All percolation rates shall be based on the standard test procedures and shall be the responsibility of the person applying for a permit.

(2)

Septic tanks constructed of concrete, metal, concrete blocks or other material of similar nature, the size of which shall be as follows:

Two-bedroom home 1,000 gallons minimum
Three-bedroom home 1,250 gallons minimum
Four-bedroom home 1,500 gallons minimum

 

(3)

All wastewater must run through septic tanks, including laundry, kitchen, lavatory, etc.

(4)

Individual laterals shall not be less than 90 feet or more than 100 feet in length. There shall be a separation of six feet between laterals.

(5)

Trench bottom and tile lines shall have a fall of two to four inches per 100 feet and shall be ten inches in depth.

(6)

Lateral lines shall be constructed for continual flow, or if desired, use of absorption fields will be accepted.

(7)

Absorption field not less than six feet long, four feet wide, and not more than six feet deep, shall be available at the end of each lateral line. The last tile must lie in the absorption field with high rock below and above the tile with building or tar paper over the grade, and backfill of earth over paper, with an overfill of four to six inches for settlement.

(8)

The owner is required to provide a sketch with percolation times to the county health department for evaluation and recommendations, prior to receiving a permit for construction of an individual sewage system.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 12, 11-28-2006)

Sec. 40-695. - Wireless communications towers.

Wireless communication and other telecommunications towers may be permitted subject to the following requirements:

(1)

The minimum distance from any lot or property line to any tower, pole or other support structure shall be the total maximum height of the tower, pole or other support structure, plus attached antennas.

(2)

Anchors, guy wires and other accessory structures may not be located in any required yard.

(3)

The tower, pole or other support structure shall not exceed the maximum height restriction in the zone where it is located by more than 30 feet, unless technical data indicating a greater requirement for adequate reception is provided.

(4)

Unauthorized access to the tower, pole or other support structure, including anchors and guy wires, shall be limited by provision of an immediately surrounding six-foot-high fence with locking portal. Tower climbing apparatus shall be limited to no lower than 12 feet from the ground.

(5)

Telecommunications towers shall be located in compliance with the guidelines of the Federal Aviation Administration regulations with regard to airport approach and clearance around VOR and DVOR stations.

(6)

The tower or other support structure shall be designed to permit addition of antenna array for at least two additional service providers so as to limit the number of permitted structures in the zoning jurisdiction.

(7)

Information certifying safety and structural integrity of the tower and other support structures shall be certified by a licensed engineer and filed with the permit application.

(8)

When located within 1,000 feet of a residential district, the tract shall be appropriately landscaped to produce a visually pleasing appearance.

(9)

An application for a permit to site a wireless telecommunications facility shall be accompanied by the following:

a.

A site development plan, including landscape provisions and topographic information.

b.

A technical description of the tower and the reasons for its design and location.

c.

An explanation of need for a separate tower as opposed to an existing facility.

d.

Information establishing structural integrity and capacity for an additional antenna array.

e.

Proof of ownership or authorization to use the proposed site.

f.

Copies of any necessary easements.

g.

A certificate of liability insurance.

h.

An affidavit certifying that the space on the proposed tower will be made available to future users when technically feasible.

(10)

The applicant shall also provide such other additional support information as may be determined by the city.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 13, 11-28-2006)

Sec. 40-696. - Home occupations.

Home occupations, where specifically permitted, shall meet all of the following conditions:

(1)

The residential character of the property shall be maintained.

(2)

The activity shall be conducted in such a manner as not to give an outward appearance nor manifest any characteristic of a business in the ordinary meaning of the term, nor infringe upon the right of neighboring residents to enjoy the peaceful occupancy of their homes.

(3)

No display or storage shall indicate from the exterior of the buildings that they are being used in part for any purpose other than a dwelling or accessory building.

(4)

Not more than one non-illuminated nameplate shall be used. The nameplate shall be attached to the building and shall not exceed three square feet in area.

(5)

No equipment or process shall be in such home occupation, which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses of a person off the lot if the occupation is conducted in a residence, or outside the individual dwelling unit if conducted in other than a residence. In the case of electrical interference, no equipment or process shall be used which creates visual or audible interference in any radio or television receivers off the premises or causes fluctuations in line voltage off the premises.

(6)

No traffic shall be generated by such home occupation in substantially greater volumes than would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood.

(7)

There shall be on file in the office of the city clerk a consent agreement to the proposed home occupation signed by 75 percent of all owners of property within 200 feet of the property whereon such use is to be operated.

(8)

A letter of consent shall also be required from the owner of record for a property to be used for home occupation purposes. This shall specifically apply to rental properties. This letter of consent shall be submitted with the consent petition required in subsection (7) of this section.

(9)

The owner shall have received from the city planning commission and city council, a conditional use permit to operate such home occupation in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and other applicable rules and regulations. Such permit shall be personal to the applicant thereof and shall not be assignable.

(10)

The conditional use permit shall be reconsidered by the city planning commission and city council, with regard to revoking the permit if a review petition stating problems regarding the home occupation has been submitted and signed by 50 percent of all owners of property within 200 feet of the premises whereon the home occupation is conducted.

(11)

The following uses shall not, in any event, be considered home occupations within this definition of the term "home occupations":

a.

Funeral homes.

b.

Restaurants.

c.

Liquor stores.

d.

Grocery stores.

e.

Stables, animal kennels, or hospitals.

f.

Tourist accommodations, including bed and breakfast establishments.

g.

Renting of trailers or equipment.

h.

Auto and other vehicle repair.

(Ord. No. 1740, art. XXVIII, § 14, 11-28-2006)