The Office District (O) is established to create a flexible district for low-intensity office and professional uses generally in smaller buildings. Some light-intensity retail uses are also permitted. Permitted uses should be compatible with adjacent residential areas by limiting heights to two stories and utilizing buffers and landscape materials. Adaptive reuse of existing structures is encouraged. Sites zoned office may be built over two stories, subject to certain restrictions, if located such that they will not adversely impact any properties zoned or used for a detached dwelling use. Buildings and structures in this district should strive for architectural compatibility.

(Code 2014, § 46-274; Ord. No. 629, § 01.10.001, 12-1-2006)

The permitted uses for the Office District (O) are as follows:

      (1)   Accessory or incidental uses to the main use (snack or food bars, automatic teller machines, etc.).

      (2)   Accessory structure (refer to section 46-734).

      (3)   Banks, savings and loans or credit union offices.

      (4)   Child care, Class B.

      (5)   Child care, Class C.

      (6)   Essential municipal uses.

      (7)   Recreational/community center.

      (8)   Fraternal/service organization.

      (9)   General office use (professional, administrative).

      (10)   Government (federal or state) owned structures, facilities, or uses.

      (11)   Hospital.

      (12)   Kiosk.

      (13)   Laboratory (scientific, research, medical, optical).

      (14)   Medical facilities or clinics.

      (15)   Museum/art gallery.

      (16)   Personal service shop or custom personal services.

      (17)   Pharmacies.

      (18)   Photography studio.

      (19)   Police station.

      (20)   Private utility office (no repair or outside storage).

      (21)   Radio or television broadcasting studio (without tower).

      (22)   Nursing home (retirement home).

      (23)   School.

      (24)   Temporary structures for uses incidental to construction work on the premises, which said buildings shall be removed upon the completion or abandonment of construction work.

      (25)   Veterinary services (no outdoor pens or runs).

(Code 2014, § 46-275; Ord. No. 629, § 01.10.002, 12-1-2006)

The conditional uses of the Office District (O) are as follows:

      (1)   College or university.

      (2)   Duplex.

      (3)   Fitness center.

      (4)   Funeral home/mortuary.

      (5)   Heliport or helistop.

      (6)   Multifamily dwelling.

      (7)   Municipal services support facility.

      (8)   Patio home (zero lot line dwelling).

      (9)   Place of worship.

      (10)   Restaurant or cafeteria.

      (11)   Reception hall.

      (12)   Studio.

      (13)   Townhouse.

(Code 2014, § 46-276; Ord. No. 629, § 01.10.003, 12-1-2006)

The height regulations of the Office District (O) are as follows:

      (1)   The maximum allowable height is 35 feet.

      (2)   Structures over 35 feet in height are permitted with the additional setback of one foot for each two feet in height over 35 feet.

(Code 2014, § 46-277; Ord. No. 629, § 01.10.004, 12-1-2006)

The setback regulations of the Office District (O) are as follows:

      (1)   Front setback shall have a minimum of 25 feet.

      (2)   Side setback shall have a minimum of ten feet.

      (3)   Side setback adjacent to a street shall have a minimum of 15 feet.

      (4)   Rear setback shall have a minimum of ten feet.

(Code 2014, § 46-278; Ord. No. 629, § 01.10.005, 12-1-2006)

The lot regulations of the Office District (O) are as follows:

      (1)   The minimum lot size shall be 8,000 square feet.

      (2)   The minimum lot width shall be 70 feet.

      (3)   The minimum lot depth shall be 100 feet.

(Code 2014, § 46-279; Ord. No. 629, § 01.10.006, 12-1-2006)

See article XIX of this chapter for off-street parking regulations.

(Code 2014, § 46-280; Ord. No. 629, § 01.10.007, 12-1-2006)

The building regulations for the Office District (O) are as follows:

      (1)   No building shall contain a single continuous exterior wall that exceeds 100 feet in length. All exterior walls shall be finished with at least 50 percent masonry, and consist of one or a combination of the following materials: brick, native types of stone, and/or cast stone. Alternative materials may be approved by the city manager if the alternative materials meet or exceed the standards of the materials listed in this subsection.

      (2)   Awnings and canopies may be made of sheet metal or canvas membrane. Plastic or vinyl awnings are not permitted.

      (3)   All ground-floor building faces shall utilize the similar architectural treatments on all sides visible from the street or adjacent residences.

      (4)   Pitched roofs shall be required on all buildings in this district. The slope of the pitch shall be a minimum ratio of 4:13.

      (5)   Glazed openings shall account for at least 25 percent of the overall wall surface along walls visible from a lot line. Glazing shall not exceed 80 percent. Mirrored glass is not permitted.

(Code 2014, § 46-281; Ord. No. 629, § 01.10.008, 12-1-2006)

The regulations specific to the Office District (O) are as follows:

      (1)   Displays and merchandise shall be fully contained and displayed within the building.

      (2)   A permanent structure with indoor facilities that include offices, restroom facilities, etc. to comply with all building code regulations is required.

      (3)   No drive-through facilities or walk-up facilities shall be permitted.

      (4)   Open storage is prohibited.

      (5)   Establishments selling alcoholic beverages shall not be located within:

         a.   300 feet of a public school, place of worship, or a public hospital.

         b.   1,000 feet of a public school, if the city council receives a request from the board of trustees of a school district under V.T.C.A., Education Code § 38.007; or

         c.   1,000 feet of a private school if the city council receives a request from the governing body of the private school.

      (6)   No temporary structures, such as recreational vehicles, travel trailers, construction trailers, or mobile homes may be used for on-site dwelling purposes.

      (7)   Duplex, townhouse, and patio home dwellings permitted conditionally in this district shall conform to standards as specified in article XXIV of this chapter.

      (8)   Wireless telecommunications facilities shall be allowed only as provided for in article XXV of this chapter.

      (9)   No use or operation, including those permitted by right, shall create a dangerous, injurious, noxious, or reasonably objectionable condition so as to adversely affect areas outside of the district.

(Code 2014, § 46-282; Ord. No. 629, § 01.10.009, 12-1-2006)

The applicable landscaping regulations for the Office District (O) are as provided in in article XX of this chapter.

(Code 2014, § 46-283; Ord. No. 629, § 01.10.010, 12-1-2006)

The sign regulations for the Office District (O) are as provided in sections 34-116 and 34-117.

(Code 2014, § 46-284; Ord. No. 813, § 1, 10-9-2018)