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Mesa City Zoning Code

ARTICLE 1

INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS[2]


Footnotes:
--- (2) ---

Editor's note— Previously, Chapter 1 derived from Ord. No. 4842, 5-19-08; Ord. No. 4843, 5-19-08; Ord. No. 4913, 2-17-09; Ord. No. 5025, 2-7-11.


CHAPTER 2 - RULES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF LANGUAGE AND INTERPRETATION[3]


Footnotes:
--- (3) ---

Editor's note— Previously, Chapter 2 derived from Ord. No. 5032, 3-21-11; Ord. No. 5123, 9-24-12; Ord. No. 5447, 7-9-18.


CHAPTER 3 - DESIGNATION OF ZONING DISTRICTS, ZONING MAP, AND BOUNDARIES[4]


Footnotes:
--- (4) ---

Editor's note— Previously, Chapter 3 derived from Ord. No. 3746, 2-22-00; Ord. No. 4262, 8-16-04.


11-1-1: - TITLE AND AUTHORITY

Title 11 of the City Code shall be known and cited as the "City of Mesa Zoning Ordinance," "Zoning Ordinance of the City of Mesa," "Zoning Ordinance", or "this Ordinance". Whenever reference is made to any portion of the ordinance set out in this Title 11, or of any other law or ordinance, the reference applies to all amendments and additions to this Title made hereafter.

(Ord. No. 3746, 2-22-00)

11-1-2: - PURPOSE

The purpose of this Ordinance is to implement the City's General Plan and to protect and promote the public health, safety, peace, comfort, convenience, prosperity and general welfare. More specifically, this Ordinance is intended to:

A.

Provide a guide for the physical development of the City in a manner that progressively achieves the arrangement of land uses depicted in the General Plan, consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan.

B.

Promote combinations and mixtures of harmonious land uses, limit the effects of incompatible land uses, and do so in a manner that reduces transportation requirements, promotes livability, and raises the quality of life for residents, guests, students, workers, business owners, tourists and other visitors.

C.

Foster a harmonious, convenient and workable relationship among land uses and ensure compatible infill development, consistent with the General Plan.

D.

Support economic development and job creation.

E.

Provide for the diverse housing needs of all economic segments of the community.

F.

Promote high quality architecture and design.

G.

Promote the stability of existing land uses that conform to the General Plan, protecting them from inharmonious influences and harmful intrusions.

H.

Promote a safe and efficient traffic circulation system; foster the provision of adequate off-street parking and off-street loading facilities, bicycle facilities and pedestrian amenities, and support a multi-modal transportation system. Encourage improved connectivity between residential, commercial, educational, employment and recreational uses.

I.

Facilitate the appropriate location of community facilities, institutions and parks and recreational areas.

J.

Protect and enhance real property values.

K.

Promote environmental quality and encourage development patterns that meet the following sustainability goals: improve air quality; improve energy conservation and renewable energy production; integrate land use and mobility; allow housing diversity; improve community health and safety; increase water conservation; and mitigate stormwater pollution.

L.

Provide diverse settings, with a wide-range of employment, housing and commercial options and a variety of intensities of land uses.

M.

Provide development options that are designed in an aesthetically pleasing manner, incorporate public spaces in manners that are integral to projects, and provide effective transitions between abutting parcels appropriate to the context of the circumstance.

N.

Safeguard and enhance the appearance of the City.

O.

Define duties and powers of administrative bodies and officers responsible for implementation of this Ordinance.

11-1-3: - STRUCTURE OF ZONING REGULATIONS

A.

Organization of Regulations. This Ordinance consists of eight articles:

Article 1: Introductory Provisions

Article 2: Base Zones

Article 3: Overlay Zones

Article 4: Development Regulations

Article 5: Sign Regulations

Article 6: Form-Based Development Regulations

Article 7: Administration and Permits

Article 8: General Terms

B.

Types of Regulations. Four types of zoning regulations control the use and development of property in the City:

1.

Land Use Regulations. These regulations specify land uses permitted, conditionally permitted or specifically prohibited in each zone, and include special requirements, if any, applicable to specific uses. Land use regulations for base zones are in Article 2 of this Ordinance and in Article 3 for overlay zone regulations. Certain regulations, applicable in some or all of the districts, and performance standards that govern special uses, are in Article 4. When used in conjunction with an adopted regulating plan, use standards related to specific building forms located within specified transects are found in Article 6.

2.

Development Regulations. These regulations control the height, bulk, density, intensity, location and appearance of structures on development sites. Development regulations for base zones are in Article 2 of this Ordinance. The regulations for overlay zones are in Article 3. Certain development regulations, applicable to some or all zones are in Article 4. These include regulations for specific uses, development and site regulations, performance standards, parking, sign, antennas and wireless telecommunications and nonconforming uses. Sign regulations are found in Article 5. Certain other development regulations principally oriented on building form and building placement (also known as Form-Based Code) are found in Article 6.

3.

Administrative Regulations. These regulations contain detailed procedures for the administration of this Ordinance, and include responsibilities of the planning agency, common procedures, processes and standards for discretionary entitlement applications and other permits. Administrative regulations are found in Article 7.

4.

General Terms and Use Classifications.Article 8 provides a list of use classifications and a list of terms and definitions used in this Ordinance.

(Ord. No. 4006, 8-5-02)

11-1-4: - GENERAL RULES FOR APPLICABILITY OF ZONING REGULATIONS

A.

Applicability to Property. This Ordinance shall apply, to the extent permitted by law, to all property within the City of Mesa, including all uses, structures and land owned by any private person, firm, corporation or organization, or local, state or federal agencies. Any governmental agency shall be exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance only to the extent that such property may not be lawfully regulated by the City of Mesa.

B.

Compliance with Regulations. No land shall be used, and no structure shall be constructed, occupied, enlarged, altered, demolished or moved in any zoning district, except in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance.

C.

Provisions Interpreted as Minimum Requirements. In interpreting and applying the provisions of Title 11, the applicant shall meet or exceed the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare.

D.

Relation to Other Regulations. The regulations of this Ordinance and requirements or conditions imposed pursuant to this Ordinance shall not supersede any other regulations or requirements adopted or imposed by the State of Arizona, or any federal agency that has jurisdiction by law over uses and development authorized by this Ordinance. All uses and development authorized by this Ordinance shall comply with all other such regulations and requirements. Where conflict occurs between the provisions of the Ordinance and any other City Ordinance, chapter, resolution, guideline or regulation, the more restrictive provisions shall control, unless otherwise specified.

E.

Relation to Private Agreements. The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply regardless of any private agreements in the event that the provisions of this Ordinance are more restrictive. Otherwise, this Ordinance shall not interfere with, affect or annul any recorded easement, covenant, or other private agreement now in effect, unless a Development Agreement has been authorized by the City Council and executed by recording the Development Agreement with the County Recorder's Office, pursuant to ARS 9-500.05.

11-1-5: - CONSISTENCY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN

Each application for a Special Use Permit, Council Use Permit, Development Plan, Development Plan Modification or request to modify the zoning classification of a parcel of land shall be reviewed and evaluated for consistency with the City of Mesa General Plan. With regard to requests to modify the zoning classification of specific parcels of land, where there is a conflict between this Ordinance and the General Plan, the General Plan shall prevail.

(Ord. No. 3943, 11-5-01; Ord. No. 5996, § 4, 3-9-26)

11-1-6: - EFFECT ON PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PROJECTS AND PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

Upon the effective date of this Ordinance, the following requirements shall apply to all properties:

A.

Violations Continue. Any violation of the Zoning Ordinance previously in effect will continue to be a violation under this Ordinance and shall be subject to penalties and enforcement under Title 11, Chapter 79 unless the use, development, construction or other activity complies with the provisions of this Ordinance.

B.

Projects with Land Use Approvals or Building Permits.

1.

Development Plans, Site Plans or Design Review Approved Prior to Effective Date of This Ordinance.

a.

A project which has received Development Plan, Site Plan, or Design Review approval prior to the effective date of this Ordinance may file an application for a building permit in compliance with the approved Development Plan, Site Plan, or Design Review Plans and conditions of approval, even if the project does not comply with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.

b.

Development Plans, Site Plans, and Design Reviews approved prior to the effective date of this Ordinance are subject to the expiration and extension provisions of Section 11-67-9 of the Zoning Ordinance.

c.

Requests to modify Development Plans, Site Plans, or Design Review Plans approved prior to the effective date of this Ordinance shall comply with the current Zoning Ordinance in effect.

2.

Preliminary Plat Approved Prior to Effective Date of This Ordinance.

a.

Preliminary plat approved prior to the effective date of this Ordinance constitutes authorization for the applicant to proceed with preparation of the final plat, engineering plans, and specifications for public improvements even if the subdivision does not fully comply with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.

b.

Preliminary plat approved prior to the effective date of this Ordinance is subject to the expiration and extension provisions of Section 9-6-2(B)(5) of Title 9 of the City Code.

3.

Conditional Use Permit Approved Prior to Effective Date of This Ordinance, No Development Plan Review.

a.

A project which has received a Conditional Use Permit (including Special Use Permits or Council Use Permits) prior to the effective date of this Ordinance may file an application for a building permit, even if the project does not fully comply with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.

b.

A Conditional Use Permit approved prior to the effective date of this Ordinance is subject to the expiration and extension provisions of Section 11-67-9 of the Zoning Ordinance.

4.

Conditional Use Permit Approved Prior to Effective Date of This Ordinance, Development Plan Review, Site Plan Review, or Design Review Required.

a.

A project which has an approved Conditional Use Permit (including Special Use Permits or Council Use Permits) may file an application for Development Plan Review even if the use does not fully comply with the land use regulations of the Zoning Ordinance. However, the Development Plan Review Application must comply with all other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.

b.

A Conditional Use Permit approved prior to the effective date of this Ordinance is subject to the expiration and extension provisions of Section 11-67-9 of the Zoning Ordinance except as provided in Subsection 11-1-6(C) below.

c.

If an associated Development Plan is approved before the expiration of the Conditional Use Permit, the Conditional Use Permit shall remain valid for the duration of the effective period of the Associated Development Plan, Site Plan, or Design Review.

5.

Building Permit Application Filed Prior to Effective Date of This Ordinance.

a.

Any building, structure, or sign for which a completed building permit application is filed prior to the effective date of this Ordinance may be issued a building permit and may be constructed in compliance with the building permit and other applicable approvals, permits and conditions, even if such building, structure or sign does not fully comply with the Zoning Ordinance.

b.

If construction has not commenced in compliance with the applicable permit terms, the Building Official may grant an extension pursuant to the provisions of the Building Code.

c.

If the building, structure, or sign has not been completed before the building permit or any extension of the permit expires, then the building, structure, or sign shall be constructed, completed or occupied only in compliance with the Zoning Ordinance.

6.

Building Permit Issued Prior to Effective Date of This Ordinance.

a.

Any building, structure, or sign for which a lawful building permit is issued prior to the effective date of this Ordinance may be completed in conformance with the permit and other applicable permits and conditions, even if such building, structure or sign does not fully comply with the Zoning Ordinance.

b.

If construction has not commenced in compliance with the applicable permit terms, the Building Official may grant an extension pursuant to the provisions of the Building Code.

c.

If the building, structure, or sign has not been completed in conformance with the building permit and any extension thereof, then the building, structure, or sign shall be constructed, completed or occupied only in compliance with the Zoning Ordinance.

C.

Land Use Applications Filed Prior to the Effective Date of This Ordinance.

1.

Land use applications, including modifications to previously approved applications, filed prior to the effective date of this Ordinance may be approved under the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance in place prior to the effective date of this Ordinance, if deemed complete, meaning that:

a.

A pre-submittal conference was held, if required;

b.

All required application materials were submitted; and

c.

All required fees were paid.

2.

Applicants may elect to develop under the provisions of this Ordinance, but in that case shall comply with all provisions of this Ordinance.

D.

Partially Constructed Project.

1.

If a project has a valid building permit and construction has started but halted prior to completion, and a Certificate of Occupancy has not been issued, the project shall, within three (3) years from the effective date of this Ordinance, resume work and complete all remaining elements in accordance with the approved plan and building permit(s).

2.

In the event the project is not restarted, or actively under construction before the three-year period specified lapses, the project shall have the option to be brought entirely into compliance with requirements of this Ordinance, or to apply for and be subject to all conditions and requirements of an approved Substantial Compliance Improvement Permit (SCIP), as specified in Chapter 73 of this Ordinance.

E.

Development of Projects Located within an Existing PC District, or within a PAD, DMP or BIZ Overlay Zoning Districts. A lot or parcel located within the Planned Community (PC) District, or within overlay districts such as Planned Area Development (PAD), Development Master Plan (DMP), under the zoning ordinance in effect prior to September 3, 2011, or Bonus Intensity Zone (BIZ), subject to a preliminary development plan, standards and/or with conditions of approval, and adopted prior to the effective date of the Zoning Code, shall be developed in accordance with the approved preliminary development plan, standards, and/or conditions of approval. The development standards and requirements of this Ordinance shall apply if not specifically modified by the adopted plan submitted, associated or conditioned with the ordinance adopting the PAD/BIZ/DMP overlay zoning district or the PC District. This provision is not intended to limit minor modifications to approved plans approved by the Planning Director.

F.

Planning Applications Filed After the Effective Date of This Ordinance. All applications for rezoning, design review, use permits, and preliminary subdivision plats filed after the effective date of this Ordinance, including modifications and amendments, shall conform to the provisions of this Ordinance.

(Ord. No. 3430, 1-20-98; Ord. No. 3817, 2-22-00; Ord. No. 3943, 11-5-01; Ord. No. 4005, 8-5-02; Ord. No. 4006, 8-5-02; Ord. No. 4084, 6-30-03; Ord. No. 4101, 9-22-03; Ord. No. 4262, 8-16-04; Ord. No. 4467, 10-24-05; Ord. No. 4681, 4-2-07; Ord. No. 4770, 10-15-07; Ord. No. 5996, § 3, 3-9-26)

11-1-7: - SEVERABILITY

If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City of Mesa hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof, regardless of the fact that any or one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

11-2-1: - PURPOSE

The purpose of this Chapter is to provide precision in the interpretation of the planning and zoning regulations. The meaning and construction of words and phrases defined in this Chapter apply throughout the Ordinance, except where the context indicates a different meaning. Rules for measurement of height, floor area, sign area, setbacks and other development standards also are established. Finally, this Chapter prescribes rules and procedures for interpretation of regulations, where there may be uncertainty in deciding on a particular application of a provision of the Ordinance.

(Ord. No. 4770, 10-15-07)

11-2-2: - RULES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LANGUAGE

In interpreting the various provisions of the Ordinance, the following rules of construction shall apply:

A.

The particular controls the general.

B.

Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, the following conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows:

1.

"And" indicates that all connected words or provisions shall apply.

2.

"And/or" indicates that the connected words or provisions may apply singly or in any combination.

3.

"Or" indicates that the connected words or provisions may apply singly or in any combination.

4.

"Either … or" indicates that the connected words or provisions shall apply singly but not in combination.

C.

In case of conflict between the text and a diagram or graphic, the text controls.

D.

All references to departments, committees, commissions, boards, or other public agencies are to those of the City of Mesa, unless otherwise indicated.

E.

All references to public officials are to those of the City of Mesa, and include designated deputies of such officials, unless otherwise indicated.

F.

All references to days are to calendar days, unless otherwise indicated. If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, or a day when the city offices are closed, it shall be extended to the next working day. The end of a time period shall be the close of business on the last day of the period.

G.

All references to "section," "chapter," or "article" shall refer to this zoning ordinance unless another meaning is clear from the context of the reference.

H.

The words "shall," "will," "must," and "is to" are always mandatory and not discretionary. The words "should" and "may" are permissive.

I.

The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future tense includes the past.

J.

The singular number includes the plural, and the plural, the singular.

K.

Sections and section headings contained herein shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify, or in any manner affect the scope, meaning, or intent of any section.

11-2-3: - RULES FOR MEASUREMENT

The purpose of this Section is to explain how various measurements referred to in this Ordinance are to be calculated.

A.

Applicant's Responsibility. For all calculations, the applicant shall be responsible for supplying drawings illustrating the measurements that apply to a project. These drawings shall be drawn to scale and of sufficient detail to allow easy verification upon inspection by the Planning Director or designee.

B.

Fractions. Whenever the result of a required arithmetical calculation, using a stated mathematical formula or ratio, contains a fraction of a whole number, fractions of ½ or greater shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number and fractions of less than ½ shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number. This rule shall be superseded when an alternate rule for rounding is specified by the same chapter of this Ordinance that describes the requirement.

C.

Measuring Distances.

1.

Measurements are Shortest Distance. When measuring a required distance, such as the minimum distance between a structure and a lot line, the measurement is made at the closest or shortest distance between the two objects.

2.

Distances are Measured Horizontally. When determining distances for setbacks and structure dimensions, all distances are measured along a horizontal plane from the appropriate line, edge of building, structure, storage area, parking area, or other object. These distances are not measured by following the topography or slope of the land.

3.

Measurements Involving a Structure. Measurements involving a structure, such as required yards, separations between buildings, or distances between structures, are made to the closest support wall, post or column of the structure. Structures or portions of structures that are entirely underground are not included in measuring required distances.

4.

Measurement of Vehicle Stacking or Travel Areas. Measurement of a minimum travel distance for vehicles, such as garage entrance setbacks and stacking lane distances, are measured down the center of the vehicle travel area. For example, curving driveways and travel lanes are measured along the center arc of the driveway or traffic lane.

5.

Measurement From an Intersection. Measurements involving a distance from an intersection are measured in a straight line from all points along the lot line of the subject property to the nearest edge of right-of-way.

FIGURE 11-2-3.C: MEASURING DISTANCES

FIGURE 11-2-3.C: MEASURING DISTANCES

D.

Measuring Radius. When a specified land use is required to be located a minimum distance from another land use, the minimum distance is measured in a straight line from all points along the lot line of the subject project. In the event the lot line is curved, the separation radius shall also curve in a similar manner to maintain the specified minimum radius distance. The starting point for the measurement shall be the closest point on the outermost property line for the lot or development site of the protected use, including multiple parcel development sites acting as a campus, or sharing parking, access aisles and other appurtenant shared facilities, such as group development sites. The distance shall be measured to the outside nearest wall of the building intended to house the proposed use.

E.

Measuring Height.

1.

Measuring Building Height. Building height is measured from the average level of the highest and lowest point of that portion of the lot covered by the building to the mean point between the plate line (where the vertical wall attaches to the roof) and the highest point of the roof ridge, or to the top of a parapet wall or flat roof.

FIGURE 11-2-3.E.1: MEASURING HEIGHT GABLE OR HIP ROOF

FIGURE 11-2-3.E.1: MEASURING HEIGHT GABLE OR HIP ROOF

FIGURE 11-2-3.E.2: MEASURING HEIGHT FLAT ROOF WITH PARAPET

FIGURE 11-2-3.E.2: MEASURING HEIGHT FLAT ROOF WITH PARAPET

FIGURE 11-2-3.E.3: MEASURING HEIGHT MANSARD or GAMBREL ROOF

FIGURE 11-2-3.E.3: MEASURING HEIGHT MANSARD or GAMBREL ROOF

2.

Measuring Height of Other Structures. The height of other structures such as fences is the vertical distance from the ground level immediately under the structure to the top of the structure. Special measurement provisions are also provided below:

a.

Measuring the Height of Fences on Retaining Walls. The height of a fence that is on top of a retaining wall is measured from the ground level on the highest side of the fence and wall.

b.

Measuring the Height of Decks. Deck height is determined by measuring from the ground to the top of the floor of the deck.

FIGURE 11-2-3.E.4: MEASURING HEIGHT DECKS AND FENCES ON RETAINING WALLS

FIGURE 11-2-3.E.4: MEASURING HEIGHT DECKS AND FENCES ON RETAINING WALLS

F.

Measuring Lot Width and Depth.

1.

Lot Width. The horizontal distance between the side property lines of a lot, measured along the required front setback.

2.

Lot Depth. The distance measured from the midpoint of the front property line to the midpoint of the rear property line, or to the rear most point of the lot where there is no rear lot line.

FIGURE 11-2-3.F: MEASURING LOT WIDTH AND DEPTH

FIGURE 11-2-3.F: MEASURING LOT WIDTH AND DEPTH

G.

Determining Average Slope. The average slope of a parcel is calculated using the following formula: S = 100(I) (L)/A, where:

1.

S = Average slope (in percent).

2.

I = Contour interval (in feet).

3.

L = Total length of all contour lines on the parcel (in feet).

4.

A = Area of subject parcel (in square feet).

H.

Determining Floor Area.

1.

Gross Floor Area. As defined in Chapter 87, includes the floor area of garages, carports, basements, mezzanines, interior balconies, and all upper stories or levels.

2.

Floor Area (Habitable Floor Area, Net Floor Area). As defined in Chapter 87, includes space in a building for purposes including living, working, sleeping, sanitation, eating, cooking, conditioned storage, recreation, or any combination of the above. Space used only for unconditioned storage or parking is not habitable space.

I.

Determining Floor Area Ratio. The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is the ratio of the floor area of all principal and accessory buildings on a lot to the lot area. To calculate FAR, floor area is divided by lot area, and typically expressed as a decimal. For example, if the floor area of all buildings on a lot totals 20,000 square feet, and the lot area is 10,000 square feet, the FAR is expressed as 2.0.

Figure 11-2-3.1: Determining Floor Area Ratio

Figure 11-2-3.1: Determining Floor Area Ratio

J.

Determining Building Coverage. Building coverage is the ratio of the total footprint area of all structures on a lot to the net lot area, typically expressed as a percentage. The total footprint of all principal and accessory structures, including garages, carports, covered patios, and roofed porches, is used to calculate building coverage; except the calculation excludes the following areas:

1.

Decks, patio slabs, landings, balconies and stairways (less than 6-feet in height), when unenclosed, unroofed, and/or uncovered;

2.

Eaves and roof overhangs projecting up to two-and-a-half feet from a building wall;

3.

Trellises and similar structures that do not have solid roofs;

4.

Swimming pools and hot tubs that are not enclosed in roofed structures or decks; and

5.

One small, non-habitable accessory structure under 120 square feet and under seven feet high. All other accessory structures are included in building coverage.

FIGURE 11-2-3.J: DETERMINING BUILDING COVERAGE

FIGURE 11-2-3.J: DETERMINING BUILDING COVERAGE

K.

Determining Lot Frontage.

1.

Corner Lot. The front of a lot is the narrowest dimension of the lot with street frontage.

2.

Through Lot (Double Frontage Lot). The front yard borders the street primarily used as frontage by neighboring lots. If both street fronts of the through lot are adjacent to lots that also front onto the same street, both street fronts of the though lot shall be considered as required front yards for the purpose of determining building setbacks and fence height requirements.

L.

Determining Setbacks. A setback shall be measured perpendicular to a property line except as follows:

1.

Lots or Parcels Abutting Planned Street Expansions. If a lot or parcel abuts an existing or proposed street for which the existing right-of-way is narrower than the right-of-way ultimately required for the street as determined by the City Council through the latest adopted transportation and/or street plan, the required setback shall be established from the future right-of-way rather than the property line.

FIGURE 11-2-3.L: DETERMINING SETBACKS

FIGURE 11-2-3.L: DETERMINING SETBACKS

2.

Lots or Parcels Abutting an Alley.

a.

If a side property line abuts an alley, the setback shall be considered an interior side setback.

b.

No part of an alley right-of-way may be considered a part of the required setback when a lot or parcel abuts an alley, except for rear setback in RS Districts as specified in Chapter 5 of the Zoning Ordinance.

M.

Measuring Signs. The height of signs is measured in the same method as the height of other structures. Calculation of sign area is described in Article 5, Signs.

(Ord. No. 5592, § 1, 12-1-20; Ord. No. 5593, § 1, 12-1-20; Res. No. 12269, § 1, 9-23-24; Ord. No. 5883, § 3, 10-7-24; Ord. No. 5996, § 4, 3-9-26)

11-2-4: - RULES OF INTERPRETATION

The Zoning Administrator shall interpret any provision or any method of measurement not expressly identified in this Chapter, and provide clarification and determination of these rules and their application to a specific site. The Zoning Administrator shall maintain a record of these interpretations.

The Particular Controls the General

Whenever a general provision in a rule shall be in conflict with a particular provision in the same or another rule, the two shall be construed, if possible, so that effect may be given to both. If the conflict between the two provisions is irreconcilable, the particular provisions shall prevail and shall be construed as an exception to the general provision, unless the general provision shall be promulgated later and it shall be the manifest intention of the Supreme Court that such general provision shall prevail.

(Ord. No. 5447, 6-4-18)

11-3-1: - DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED

The City shall be classified into districts or zones. The designation and regulation of which are set forth in this Ordinance.

A.

Base Zones. Base zones into which the City is divided are established as follows:

Short Name/
Map Symbol
Full Name
AG Agricultural
RS-6, 7, 9, 15, 35, 43, and 90 Residential Single Dwelling Districts 6, 7, 9, 15, 35, 43, and 90
RSL-2.5, 3, and 4 Residential Small Lot Single Dwelling Districts 2.5, 3, and 4
RM-2, 3, 4, and 5 Residential Multiple Dwelling Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5
NC Neighborhood Commercial
LC Limited Commercial
GC General Commercial
OC Office Commercial
MX Mixed Use
LI Light Industrial
GI General Industrial
HI Heavy Industrial
PEP Planned Employment Park
DR 1, 2, and 3 Downtown Residence Districts 1, 2, and 3
DB 1 and 2 Downtown Business Districts 1 and 2
DC Downtown Core
LR Leisure and Recreation
PS Public and Semi-Public
PC Planned Community
ID 1 and 2 Infill Development Districts 1 and 2
T3N Transect 3: Neighborhood
T4N, T4NF, T4MS Transect 4: Neighborhood, Neighborhood Flex, and Main Street
T5N, T5MSF, T5MS Transect 5: Neighborhood, Main Street Flex and Main Street
T6MS Transect 6: Main Street

 

B.

Overlay Zones. Overlay zones, one (1) or more of which may be combined with one (1) or more base districts, are established as follows:

Short Name/
Map Symbol
Full Name
AF Airfield
AS Age-Specific
BIZ Bonus Intensity Zone
PAD Planned Area Development
HD Historic District
HL Historic Landmark
DE Downtown Event
BO Billboard Overlay District

 

C.

References to Classes of Base Districts. Throughout the Ordinance, base zoning districts may be referred to as a group or in a singular manner through the use of the associated words listed as "Synonymous Terms" in the table below, based on the context of how the phrase is used.

Base Zoning District GroupsAssociated Synonymous Terms
Residential Groups
RS, Residential Single-Dwelling;
RM, Residential Multiple-Dwelling;
RSL, Residential Small Lot Single-Dwelling;
DR, Downtown Residential
R-Zone;
R-District;
Residential Zone; or
Residential District
Commercial Groups
NC, Neighborhood Commercial;
LC, Limited Commercial;
GC, General Commercial;
OC, Office Commercial
C-Zone;
C-District;
Commercial Zone; or
Commercial District
Mixed Use Groups
MX, Mixed Use;
DB, Downtown Business;
DC, Downtown Core
PC, Planned Community
Mixed-District;
Mixed-Zone
Industrial or Employment Groups
LI, Light Industrial;
GI, General Industrial;
HI, Heavy Industrial;
and PEP, Planned Employment Park;
EO, Employment Opportunity
I-Zone;
I-District;
Industrial Zone;
Industrial District;
Employment District; or
Employment Zone
Downtown Groups
DR, Downtown Residential;
DB, Downtown Business;
DC, Downtown Core
Downtown District;
Downtown Zone
Form-Based Code or Transect Groups
T3N, T4N, T4NF, T4MS, T5N, T5MSF, T5MS, T6MS Transects
Infill District Groups
ID, Infill Development ID-Zone;
ID District
Public and Semi-Public Groups
PS, Public and Semi-Public,
LR, Leisure and Recreation
PS District;
LR District

 

(Ord. No. 5544, § 1, 12-9-19; Ord. No. 5554, § 2, 2-10-20; Ord. No. 5996, § 4, 3-9-26)

11-3-2: - OFFICIAL ZONING MAP AND DISTRICT BOUNDARIES

The boundaries of the zones established by this Ordinance are not included in this Ordinance but are shown on the Official Zoning Map maintained by the City. The Official Zoning Map, together with all legends, symbols, notations, references, zoning district boundaries, map symbols, and other information on the maps, has been adopted by the City Council and are hereby incorporated into this Ordinance by reference, together with any amendments previously or hereafter adopted, as though they were fully included here.

A.

Uncertainty of Boundaries. Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any district shown on the Official Zoning Map, the following rules shall apply:

1.

Boundaries indicated as approximately following property or land parcel lines, street or alley rights-of-way, city limits, or extraterritorial boundary lines shall be construed as following such lines, limits or boundaries.

2.

In the case of un-subdivided property or where a district boundary divides a lot and no dimensions are indicated, the following shall apply:

a.

Lots Greater than One Acre. The location of such boundary shall be determined by the use of the scale appearing on the Official Zoning Map.

b.

Lots Less than One Acre. The lot shall be deemed to be included within the zone which is the more restrictive.

3.

In the case of any remaining uncertainty, the Zoning Administrator shall determine the location of boundaries.

4.

Where any public street or alley is officially vacated or abandoned, the land underlying the street or alley will be added to abutting lots as required by state law. The regulations that applied to the abutting parcel or parcels before the vacation or abandonment shall apply to the entire new larger parcel or parcels that result from such vacation or abandonment.

5.

Where any private right-of-way or easement of any railroad, railway, transportation or public utility company is vacated or abandoned the land underlying the right-of-way or easement shall be added to abutting lots as required by state law. If the abandoned or vacated property is unclassified, the property shall be automatically classified as being in the same zone of the abutting land to which it is added.

B.

Conditions. Conditions imposed by special ordinance in conjunction with amendments to the Zoning Map are referenced by separate files maintained in the Planning Division and are made a part of the Zoning Map.

(Ord. No. 4467, 10-24-05)