Monroe City Zoning Code
22.34 Limited
Open Space Zoning District
22.34.010 Purpose.
The purpose of the limited open space zoning district is to provide for low density residential uses on lands that lack the full range of public services and facilities necessary to support urban development and that are severely impacted by critical areas. This zone also provides a buffer between urban areas and transitional land uses on the urban growth boundaries of the city, and/or may also provide for enhanced recreational facilities and linkages to existing or proposed trails and open space systems. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))
22.34.020 Applicability.
The regulations, requirements, and standards contained in this chapter apply to all properties zoned limited open space (LS). All properties zoned limited open space shall comply with all applicable provisions within this title and the Monroe Municipal Code. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))
22.34.030 Land use.*
A. Land Use Matrix. The following zoning matrix found in Table 22.34.030: Land Use in the Limited Open Space Zoning District summarizes land uses permitted in the limited open space zoning district. A land use not explicitly permitted by Table 22.34.030 is prohibited within the limited open space zoning district.
Table 22.34.030. Land Use in the Limited Open Space Zoning District
Conforming Use (1) | Limited Open Space (LS) |
|---|---|
1. RESIDENTIAL LAND USES | |
Dwelling Units, Accessory | A (2) |
Dwelling Units, Detached | P |
Dwelling Units, Temporary Security Guard | A |
Group Homes | P |
Halfway Houses | EPF |
Home Occupations | A |
Model Homes and Associated Sales Office | P |
2. COMMERCIAL LAND USES | |
Building Material and Garden Supply Establishments | |
• Plant Nurseries | C |
3. SERVICE LAND USES | |
Day Care Services | |
• Adult Day Services | A |
• Family Child Care Services | A |
Social Services | |
• Permanent Supportive Housing | P |
• Community Housing Services | P |
Temporary Lodging Services | |
• Bed and Breakfast Inns | P |
4. INSTITUTIONAL LAND USES | |
Community Facilities | |
• Cemeteries | C |
• Religious Institutions | C |
Educational Facilities | |
• Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Professional | EPF |
• Schools, Elementary and Secondary (K-12) | EPF |
5. PARKS, RECREATION, AND ENTERTAINMENT LAND USES | |
Parks | |
• Concessions | A |
• Nonmotorized Trails | P |
• Parks and Open Spaces | P |
• Public Stables | P |
Recreational Facilities, Indoor | P |
Recreational Facilities, Outdoor | P |
6. INDUSTRIAL LAND USES | |
Storage Facilities | |
• Indoor (On-Site Only) | A |
7. UTILITY AND TRANSPORTATION LAND USES | |
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (All Levels) | A |
Major and Regional Utility Facilities | |
• Regional Utility Corridors | C |
Major and Regional Transportation Facilities | |
• State and Regional Transportation Facilities | EPF |
Minor Utility Facilities | P |
Wireless Communications Facilities | P |
8. UNCLASSIFIED LAND USES | |
Accessory Structures | A |
P = Permitted Use; A = Accessory Use; C = Requires a Conditional Use Permit; See Chapter 22.38 MMC for Requirements for Essential Public Facilities (EPF) | |
Table Notes:
1A land use not explicitly permitted by Table 22.34.030 is prohibited in the limited open space zoning district.
2Accessory dwelling units are subject to the requirements of MMC 22.16.050.
(Ord. 030/2025 § 7 (Exh. F); Ord. 009/2025 § 5 (Exh. D); Ord. 001/2025 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))
* Code reviser’s note: Ord. 030/2025, amending this section, is effective until May 26, 2026, unless terminated earlier or subsequently extended by the city council.
22.34.040 Bulk requirements.
Bulk requirements, as provided in this chapter, establish density and dimensional standards for lots within the limited open space zoning district in the city. Bulk requirements include maximum lot coverage, maximum building height, minimum setbacks, and other similar standards. Bulk requirements, specified in MMC 22.16.040, apply to all lots within the limited open space zoning district.
A. Maximum Residential Density. Table 22.34.040(A): Allowed Residential Density establishes the maximum density for the limited open space zoning district. Maximum density shall be calculated pursuant to MMC 22.16.040(B).
Table 22.34.040(A). Allowed Residential Density
Zoning District | Maximum Density |
|---|---|
Limited Open Space (LS) | 0.20 dwelling units per acre (1 dwelling unit per each 5 acres) |
B. Street Frontage. Street frontage shall be in compliance with the provisions of MMC 22.16.040(C) and subject to the applicable bulk requirements found in this section, Bulk requirements.
C. Lot Dimensions. Lot dimensions shall be in compliance with the provisions of MMC 22.16.040(D) and subject to the applicable bulk requirements found in this section, Bulk requirements.
D. Yard Setbacks. Required yard setbacks shall be in compliance with the provisions of MMC 22.16.040(E) and subject to the applicable bulk requirements found in this section, Bulk requirements.
E. Lot Coverage. Lot coverage shall be in compliance with the provisions of MMC 22.16.040(F) and subject to the applicable bulk requirements found in this section, Bulk requirements.
F. Building Height. Building height and its measurement shall be in compliance with the provisions of MMC 22.16.040(G) and subject to the applicable bulk requirements found in this section, Bulk requirements.
G. Limited Open Space Zoning District (LS). The following bulk requirements in Table 22.34.040(G): Limited Open Space Zoning District (LS) Bulk Requirements specifically apply to the LS zoning district. General information regarding bulk requirements is found in MMC 22.16.040, Bulk requirements.
Table 22.34.040(G). Limited Open Space Zoning District (LS) Bulk Requirements
Residential Density (1) | |
|---|---|
Maximum Dwelling Units per Lot | 1 dwelling unit |
Maximum Allowed Density | 0.2 units per acre (1 dwelling unit per each 5 acres) |
Street Frontage (1) | |
Minimum Street Frontage | 70 feet |
Minimum Street Frontage for Panhandle Lots | 20 feet |
Minimum Street Frontage for Cul-de-Sac Lots | 70 feet |
Minimum Street Frontage for Lots with Public Street Access from a Private Access Tract or Easement | 20 feet |
Lot Dimensions (1) | |
Minimum Lot Width | 70 feet |
Minimum Front Yard Setback Width | 20 feet |
Minimum Side Yard Setback Width | 20 feet |
Minimum Setback Width for Corner Lot Side Yards Abutting a Street | 20 feet (2) |
Minimum Setback Width for Corner Lot Side Yards Not Abutting a Street | 20 feet (2) |
Minimum Rear Yard Setback Width | 20 feet |
Minimum Setback from Private Access Tracts | 10 feet |
Minimum Setback from Private Access Easements | 10 feet |
Lot Coverage (1) | |
Maximum Lot Coverage | 30% |
Building Height (1) | |
Maximum Building Height(3) | 35 feet |
Table Notes:
1See MMC 22.16.040, Bulk requirements, for more information regarding the bulk requirements in the above table.
2On a corner lot, the yard adjacent to the widest dimension of the lot abutting a street is a side yard. The opposite yard is also a side yard.
3Exceptions to height limitations are specified in MMC 22.16.040(G)(4).
(Ord. 001/2025 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))
22.34.050 Variances.
No administrative deviations from the provisions of this chapter shall be made unless otherwise specified in this chapter. Variances to this chapter to adjust the application of specific regulations to a particular parcel of property shall require variance approval, as regulated by Chapter 22.66 MMC. An application for a variance may be made to the Monroe community development department on forms prescribed by the city. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))