North Liberty City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 168

ZONING CODE - ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS

168.01 ZONING DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED.

1. Zoning Districts. In order to carry out the purpose and intent of this Ordinance, the City is divided into the following zoning districts:

A. Residential Districts

(1) RS-3 Single-Unit Residence District.

(2) RS-4 Single-Unit Residence District.

(3) RS-6 Single-Unit Residence District.

(4) RS-7 Single-Unit Residence District.

(5) RS-8 Single-Unit Residence District.

(6) RS-9 Single-Unit Residence District.

(7) RD-8 Two-Unit Residence District.

(8) RD-10 Two-Unit Residence District.

(9) RM-8 Multi-Unit Residence District.

(10) RM-12 Multi-Unit Residence District.

(11) RM-21 Multi-Unit Residence District.

(12) R-MH Residential Manufactured Home Park District.

(Ord. 2023-26 – Jan. 24 Supp.)

B. Commercial Districts

(1) C-1-A Central Commercial District.

(2) C-1-B General Commercial District.

(3) C-2 Highway Commercial District.

(4) C-3 Higher-Intensity Commercial District.

(5) O/RP Office and Research Park District

(Ord. 2023-26 – Jan. 24 Supp.)

C. Industrial Districts

(1) I-1 Light Industrial District.

(2) I-2 Heavy Industrial District.

(3) I-P Industrial Park District.

D. Special Purpose Districts.

(1) ID Interim Development District.

(2) P – Public Use District.

(3) PO – Professional Office Overlay District.

(4) PAD – Planned Area Development Overlay District.

2. Location of Zoning Districts. The location and boundaries of the zoning districts established by this Ordinance are set forth in the Official Zoning Map, as periodically amended. The Official Zoning Map, and all the notations, references and other information shown thereon are incorporated into, and made part of, this Ordinance.

3. Use Regulations. Principal and conditional use regulations for each such district are governed by Sections 168.06 and 168.07. Chapter 169 contains development regulations applicable to each district, such as accessory uses, off-street parking, landscaping and exterior lighting requirements. Chapter 173 contains regulations concerning the usage and display of signs in each zoning district.

168.02 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.

1. RS Districts Defined.

A. RS-3 Single-Unit Residence District. The RS-3 District is intended to provide and maintain low-density single-unit residential neighborhoods. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the RS-3 District.

(Ord. 2023-26 – Jan. 24 Supp.)

B. RS-4 Single-Unit Residence District. The RS-4 District is intended to provide and maintain low-density single-unit residential neighborhoods. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the RS-4 District.

C. RS-6 Single-Unit Residence District. The RS-6 District is intended to provide for and maintain moderate density single-unit residential neighborhoods. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the RS-6 District.

D. RS-7 Single-Unit Residence District. The RS-7 District is intended to provide for and maintain moderate to high-density single-unit residential neighborhoods. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the RS-7 District.

E. RS-8 Single-Unit Residence District. The RS-8 District is intended to provide for and maintain moderate to high-density single-unit residential neighborhoods. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the RS-8 District. The use of the RS-8, Single-Unit Residence District shall be limited to the existing RS-8 Districts within the City, primarily designated as the original town of North Liberty bounded by Zeller Street, Dubuque Street, Penn Street, and Stewart Street. The use of the RS-8 Zoning District for any new development within the City is discouraged as being incompatible with the desired design standards for the City.

F. RS-9 Single-Unit Residence District. The RS-9 District is intended to provide for and maintain high-density single-unit residential neighborhoods. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the RS-8 District.

2. RD Districts Defined.

A. RD-8 Two-Unit Residence District. The RD-8 District is intended to allow for attached single-unit dwellings joined together on a common boundary line with a common wall between the units. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the RD-8 District.

B. RD-10 Two-Unit Residence District. The RD-10 District is intended to allow for attached single-unit dwellings joined together on a common boundary line with a common wall between the units. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the RD-10 District.

3. RM Districts Defined.

A. RM-8 Multi-Unit Residence District. The RM-8 District is intended to provide and maintain medium-density, multiple-unit housing residential neighborhoods with a maximum residential density of 8 units/acre. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the RM-8 District.

B. RM-12 Multi-Unit Residence District. The RM-12 District is intended to provide and maintain medium-density, multiple-unit housing residential neighborhoods with a maximum residential density of 12 units/acre. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the RM-12 District.

C. RM-14 Multi-Unit Residence District. The RM-14 District is intended to provide and maintain medium-density, multiple-unit housing residential neighborhoods with a maximum residential density of 14 units/acre. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the RM-14 District.

D. RM-21 Multi-Unit Residence District. The RM-21 District is intended to provide and maintain high-density, multiple-unit housing residential neighborhoods with a maximum residential density of 21 units/acre. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the RM-21 District.

(Ord. 2025-10 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

4. R-MH Residential Manufactured Home District Defined. The R-MHP District is intended to accommodate manufactured home parks, which are areas containing manufactured home sites arranged on a large tract, typically under single ownership, and designed to accommodate manufactured homes. Limited non-residential uses that are compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods may be permitted in the R-MH District.

5. Dimensional Standards.

A. RS Districts.

Table 168.02-A Dimensional Standards SF = Square Feet, ’ = Feet
	RS-3	RS-4	RS-6	RS-7	RS-8	RS-9
Bulk
Minimum Lot Area	15,000 SF	10,000 SF	7,000 SF	6,000 SF	5,000 SF	4,500 SF
Minimum Frontage	50’	40’	35’	35’	35’	35’
Minimum Lot Width	100’	80’	70’	60’	60’	40’
Maximum Building Height	35’	35’	35’	35’	35’	35’
Setbacks
Minimum Required Front Yard	25’	25’	25’	20’	20’	20*
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	25’	25’	25’	20’	20’	25’
Minimum Required Side Yard	10’	10’	8’	5’	5’	5’
Minimum Required Rear Yard	30’	30’	30’	25’	25’	25’
*Garage doors facing a public street shall be setback a minimum of 25’.

(Ord. 2024-09 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

B. RD and RM Districts.

(Ord. 2025-10 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

Table 168.02-B Dimensional Standards SF = Square Feet, DU= Dwelling Unit, ' = Feet
	RD-8	RD-10	RM-8	RM-12	RM-14	RM-21
Bulk (Prior to Subdividing into DU Individual Lots)
Minimum Lot Area	10,000 SF	9,000 SF	21,780 SF	21,780 SF	21,780 SF	21,780 SF
Minimum Frontage	40'	35'	75'	50'	50'	50'
Minimum Lot Width	100'	80'	100'	80'	80'	80'
Maximum Building Height	35'	35'	40'	40'	45'	65'
Maximum Density	--	--	8 DU/Acre	12 DU/Acre	14 DU/Acre	21 DU/Acre
Setbacks (Prior to Subdividing into Individual DU Lots)
Minimum Required Front Yard	25'	25'	25' *	25' *	25' *	25' ***
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	25'	25'	25' *	25' *	25' *	25' ***
Minimum Required Side Yard	8'	5'	5' if that side yard abuts RM District, otherwise 15'	5' if that side yard abuts RM District, otherwise 15'	5' if that side yard abuts RM District, otherwise 15'	10' **
Minimum Required Rear Yard	30'	30'	30'	30'	30'	30' **
Bulk (After Subdividing into Individual DU Lots)
Minimum Lot Area	5,000 SF	4,500 SF	1,500 SF	1,500 SF	1,500 SF	1,500 SF
Minimum Frontage	25'	20'	10'	10'	10'	10'
Minimum Lot Width	50'	40'	15'	15'	15'	15'
Maximum Building Height	35'	35'	40'	40'	40'	40'
Setbacks (After Subdividing into Individual DU Lots)
Minimum Required Front Yard	25'	25'	25' *	25' *	25' *	25' * **
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	25'	25'	25' *	25' *	25' *	25' * **
Minimum Required Side Yard (Between Units)	0'	0'	0'	0'	0'	0'
Minimum Required Side Yard (at the End of Units)	8'	5'	5' if that side yard abuts RM District, otherwise 15'	5' if that side yard abuts RM District, otherwise 15'	5' if that side yard abuts RM District, otherwise 15'	10' **
Minimum Required Rear Yard	30'	30'	30'	30'	30'	30' **
* Townhouses may reduce setback to a minimum of 20 except when garage doors face a public street. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there shall be a minimum setback of 20 to any sidewalk or street edge ** One foot of additional setback is required for every one-foot of building height above 45

(Ord. 2025-10 Aug. 25 Supp.)

C. R-MH District.

Table 168.02-C Dimensional Standards SF = Square Feet, ' = Feet
	Manufactured Home Park	Manufactured Home Site
Bulk
Minimum Lot Area	10 acres	5,500 SF
Minimum Frontage	400'	35'
Minimum Lot Width	500'	50'
Maximum Building Height	--	35'
Minimum Separation Distance	--	10' as measured between the walls of manufactured homes
Setbacks
Minimum Required Front Yard	25'	20'
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	25'	20'
Minimum Required Side Yard	25'	--
Minimum Required Rear Yard	25'	25'

(Ord. 2024-09 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

6. District Specific Design Standards.

A. RS-7 Single-Unit Resident District. The RS-7 District shall be subject to the following:

(1) Planned Area Development submittal.

(2) A variety of housing designs are required. A Planning Commission subcommittee will be created to review all elevations of proposed home design before building permits are issued. If the subcommittee does not approve of an elevation, the applicant may appeal to the Commission for final approval.

(3) Alleys are preferred. A homeowners association will be responsible for maintenance of alleys.

(4) One two-inch caliper tree will be required in the front yard of each lot within the RS-7 District.

(5) One two-inch caliper tree will be required in the corner side yard of each lot within the RS-7 District.

(6) A minimum of 25 percent of the development shall be reserved as open space.

168.03 COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.

1. Defined.

A. C-1-A Central Commercial District. The C-1-A District is intended to provide a traditional central setting oriented toward pedestrians as well as automobiles. It is typified by high-density commercial development with minimal setback requirements.

B. C-1-B General Commercial District. The C-1-B District is intended to provide for the uses established under the C-1-A Central Commercial District and other commercial uses which due to space requirements and the nature of operations are not suitable for location within a compact central commercial center. Setback and yard requirements are greater than under the C-1-A Central Commercial District.

C. C-2 Highway Commercial District. The C-2 District is intended to provide for those commercial uses which may take particular advantage of a highway location and/or due to size or other nuisance constraints may be incompatible with the predominantly retail uses permitted in the C-1-A and C-1-B Commercial Districts, and whose service area is not confined to any one neighborhood or community.

D. C-3 Higher-Intensity Commercial District. The C-3 District is intended to accommodate higher-intensity commercial development that serves both local and regional markets. The C-3 District addresses medium and large-scale development that may generate considerable traffic and typically requires significant off-street parking. Higher density residential uses are also allowed to facilitate a mixed-use orientation where appropriate.

E. CU C-3 District Central Urban Higher-Intensity Commercial District. The CU C-3 District is intended to accommodate a mixture of higher-intensity residential and commercial development in a planned manner. Setbacks are reduced to encourage more compact and efficient development and uses are limited to ensure compatibility with surrounding properties. The use of the CU C-3 District shall be limited to the area bounded by Zeller Street, CRANDIC railroad, Cherry Street, and Highway 965/Ranshaw Way.

F. O/RP Office and Research Park District. The O/RP District is intended to accommodate office buildings, similar structures, and complementary uses in a mutually compatible environment. It is designed to provide landscaping and space requirements suitable for an office and research setting. Uses are limited to those compatible with an office setting and those which do not produce noise, air, or other environmental nuisances which might interfere with activities within the district and surrounding residential areas.

2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 168.03 Dimensional Standards SF = Square Feet, ' = Feet
	C-1-A	C-1-B	C-2	C-3	CU C-3	O/RP
Bulk
Minimum Lot Area	None	None	None	20,000 SF	20,000 SF	1.5 acres
Minimum Frontage	35'	35'	35'	35'	35'	100'
Minimum Lot Width	35'	35'	35'	35'	35'	150'
Maximum Building Height	45'	45'	45'	75'	75'	75'
Setbacks
Minimum Required Front Yard	0'	25'	25'	25'	10'	50'
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	0'	25'	25'	25'	10'	50'
Minimum Required Side Yard	0'	10'	10'	10' , unless abutting a residential district then 20' *	0' unless abutting a residential district then 10' *	20'
Minimum Required Rear Yard	10'	10' unless abutting a residential district than 20' *	10' unless abutting a residential district than 20' *	10' unless abutting a residential district then 20'' *	0' unless abutting a residential district then 10' *	50'
* One foot of additional setback as measured from a lot line of property within a residential district for every one-foot building height above 35 feet. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the additional setback is required when the lot line is adjacent to Muddy Creek

(Ord. 2025-10 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

168.04 INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.

1. Defined.

A. I-1 Light Industrial District. The I-1 District is intended to provide for the development of modern landscaped light-industrial and commercial establishments which have negligible impacts upon areas outside of the zoned district, and seek a hazard- and nuisance-free environment. The district is intended to provide for manufacture, assembly, fabrication, storage, and/or processing of goods listed for the location of compatible uses.

B. I-2 Heavy Industrial District. The I-2 District is intended to provide for the development of industrial establishments that may require special conditions applied to the use to prevent negative impacts upon areas outside of the zoned district, and seek a hazard- and nuisance-free environment.

(Ord. 2025-10 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 168.09 Dimensional Standards ' = Feet
	I-1	I-2
Bulk
Minimum Lot Area	None	None
Minimum Frontage	35'	35'
Minimum Lot Width	25'	25'
Maximum Building Height	45'	45'
Setbacks
Minimum Required Front Yard	25'	25'
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	25'	25'
Minimum Required Side Yard	20'	20'
Minimum Required Rear Yard	20'	20'

(Ord. 2025-10 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

168.05 SPECIAL PURPOSE AND OVERLAY DISTRICTS.

1. Defined.

A. ID Interim Development District. The ID District is intended to preserve existing agriculture and other non-intensive uses to prevent premature development and non-orderly encroachment of higher intensity urban uses, and to help guide urban growth into suitable areas.

B. P Public Use District. The P District is intended to provide space for public safety, administration, recreational, and community facilities.

C. PO Professional Office Overlay District. The PO District is intended to be limited in use and will only be used for those special situations where the establishment of this district will not alter the essential character of any residential district in which it could be placed, and will, in addition, require that any land owner desiring to establish this district shall enter into a written agreement with the City to abide by such terms and conditions as required by the City.

D. PAD Planned Area Development Overlay District. The PAD District is intended to encourage innovation and flexibility in planning the development of land so development is compatible with the site’s physical and environmental characteristics. This district allows for flexibility in district requirements. The Planned Area Development District provides an opportunity for the development of a mixture of uses and housing types in a coordinated manner. The intent of the underlying district shall guide the development. It is incumbent upon the person proposing the PAD to justify the project, and any variations from the underlying zone district.

2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 168.10 Dimensional Standards SF = Square Feet, ‘ = Feet
	ID	P	PO	PAD
Bulk
Minimum Lot Area	1 acre	None	**	**
Minimum Frontage	150’	35’	**	**
Minimum Lot Width	150’	35’	**	**
Maximum Building Height	35’	45’	**	**
Setbacks
Minimum Required Front Yard	50’	*	**	**
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	50’	*	**	**
Minimum Required Side Yard	10’	*	**	**
Minimum Required Rear Yard	50’	*	**	**
* Required yards are contextual based on adjacent lots. The required yard shall be equal to the adjoining zone district or the actual yard of the main building on the adjacent lot, whichever is less. ** Same as the underlying district.

3. District Specific Design Standards.

A. PO Professional Office Overlay District.

(1) Use Restrictions. An existing single-unit dwelling in the RS District will be permitted to be used as a professional office in said dwelling.

(2) Locational Criteria. The property shall be located on an arterial street or at the intersection of two collector streets.

(3) The professional office use shall be subject to the following:

(a) No more than seven full-time employees will be allowed on said premises, including the owner, during normal working hours.

(b) Adequate off-street parking for each employee, up to a maximum of seven parking places, shall be provided. All employees shall park in designated off-street parking spaces.

(c) There shall be no exterior display, and no exterior storage of materials which would indicate the nature of the use of the dwelling.

(d) One non-illuminated sign, either freestanding, window, or wall, is permitted. Such sign may not exceed six square feet in sign area. Freestanding signs shall be a maximum six feet in height and must be a minimum of five feet from any lot line.

(e) There will be no walk-in or retail business conducted on the premises.

(f) The use will be subject to an annual inspection and renewal by the City.

(g) The dwelling will maintain a residential character both on the interior and exterior.

(h) At such time as the business use terminates in the premises or ceases to be used as a business use for six months in any 12-month period, the City may initiate a zoning map amendment to remove the overlay district.

B. PAD Planned Area Development Overlay District

(1) General. Planned area developments may be allowed by Council approval in any zoning district. No such planned area development permit shall be granted unless such development either meets the use limitations of the zoning district in which it is located and the density and other limitations of such district, except as such requirements may be lawfully modified as provided by this code. Compliance with the regulations of this section in no way excuses the developer from the applicable requirements of a subdivision ordinance, except as modifications thereof are specifically authorized in the approval of the application for the planned area development.

(2) Conditions.

(a) Area. No planned area development shall have area less than that approved by the Council as adequate for the proposed development.

(b) Uses. A planned area development that will contain uses not permitted in the zoning district in which it is to be located will require a change of zoning and shall be accompanied by an application for a zoning amendment, except that any residential use shall be considered a permitted use and shall be governed by density, design and other requirements of the planned area development permit.

(c) Ownership. The development shall be in single or corporate ownership at the time of application, or the subject of an application filed jointly by all owners of the property.

(d) Design. The Commission and Council shall require such arrangements of structures and open spaces within the site development plan as necessary to ensure that adjacent properties will not be adversely affected.

(i) Density. Density of land use shall in no case be more than 25 percent higher than allowed in the zoning district, except not more than 10 percent higher in residential districts.

(ii) Arrangement. Where feasible, the least height and density of buildings and uses shall be arranged around the boundaries of the development.

(iii) Specific Regulations. Lot area, width, yard, height, density, and coverage regulations shall be determined by approval of the preliminary site plan, which shall accompany the application.

(e) Open Spaces. Preservation, maintenance, and ownership of required open spaces within the development shall be accomplished by either:

(i) Dedication of land as a public park or parkway system, or

(ii) Granting to the jurisdiction a permanent, open space easement on and over the said private open space to guarantee that the open space remain perpetually in recreational use, with ownership and maintenance being the responsibility of an owners’ association established with articles of association and bylaws which are satisfactory to the Council.

(f) Landscaping. Landscaping, fencing, and screening related to the uses within the site and as means of integrating the proposed development into its surroundings shall be planned and presented to the Commission and Council for approval.

(g) Signs. The size, location, design, and nature of signs, if any, and the intensity and direction of floodlighting shall be detailed in the application.

(h) Exterior Lighting. The size, material type, location, and intensity of all exterior lighting shall be detailed in the application.

(i) Desirability. The proposed use of the particular location shall be shown, as necessary or desirable, to provide a service or facility which will contribute to the general well-being of the surrounding area. It shall also be shown that under the circumstances of the particular case, the proposed use will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of persons residing in the vicinity of the planned area development.

(3) Commission and Council Determination. In carrying out the intent of this section, the Commission and Council shall consider the following principles:

(a) It is the intent of this section that site and building plans for a planned area development shall be prepared by a designer or team of designers having professional competence in urban planning as proposed in the application. The Commission and Council may require the applicant to engage such expertise as a qualified designer or designer team.

(b) The Council may approve or disapprove an application for a planned area development. In approval, the Council may attach such conditions as it may deem necessary to secure compliance with the purpose set forth in this chapter.

(4) Commission and Council Action.

(a) Approval. In order that it may approve a planned area development, the Council shall have authority to require that the following conditions (among others it deems appropriate) be met by the applicant:

(i) The proponents of the planned area development shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Council that they are financially able to carry out the proposed project.

(ii) The proponents intend to start construction within one year of either approval of the project or of any necessary zoning district change, and intend to complete said construction, or approved stages thereof, within four years from the date construction begins.

(b) Limitations on Application.

(i) Upon approval of a planned area development, construction shall proceed only in accordance with the plans and specifications approved by the Council, and in conformity with any conditions attached by the jurisdiction as to its approval.

(ii) Amendment to approved plans and specifications to a planned area development shall be obtained only by following procedures here outlined for first approval.

(iii) The Code Official shall not issue any permit for any proposed building, structure or use within the project unless such building, structure, or use is in accordance with the approved development plan and any conditions imposed in conjunction with its approval.

168.06 PRINCIPAL AND CONDITIONAL USES.

1. Table 168.06 lists principal and conditional uses.

A. “P” in a cell indicates that the use is permitted in that district.

B. “C” in a cell indicates that the use is permitted in that district only if reviewed and approved as a conditional use in accordance with the procedures of Section 171.02 and subject to any use standards set forth in Section 168.07.

C. A blank cell indicates that the use is prohibited in that district.

2. Any use that is not included in the use matrix and is not interpreted by the Code Official to be part of a use included within the matrix is prohibited in all districts. The Code Official may consider the following characteristics and reach a determination that such a use is permitted in that or any other district, or determine that the use is not similar to other uses and therefore not permitted in that or any other district:

A. Characteristics or specific requirements of the use and how those compare with characteristics and requirements of listed uses within the zoning districts;

B. Potential impacts of the use on potential neighboring uses and the City in general; and

C. Consequences of determining that the use is allowed in one or more district.

3. A site may contain more than one principal use, so long as each principal use is allowed in the district. Each principal use is approved separately. In certain cases, uses are defined to include ancillary uses that provide necessary support and/or are functionally integrated into the principal use.

4. All uses must comply with the use standards of Section 168.07, as applicable, as well as all other regulations of the North Liberty Code of Ordinances.

Table 168:06: Use Matrix

See Section 168.07 for Use Definitions and Use Standards

Use

R-MH

C-1-A

C-1-B

C-2

C-3

CU C-3

O R/P

I-1

I-2

1. Accessory Dwelling Unit

2. Adult Entertainment

3. Agricultural Experience

4. Agriculture

5. Amusement Facility – Indoor

6. Amusement Facility – Outdoor

7. Animal Care Facility

8. Animal Shelter

9. Art Gallery

10. Arts and Fitness Studio

11. Bar

12. Bed and Breakfast Home

13. Body Art Establishment

14. Brewery-Micro

15. Broadcasting Studio

16. Building Trades and Services

17. Car Wash

18. Child Care Center

19. Child Care Home

20. Child Development Home

21. Community Center

22. Community Pantry

23. Cultural Facility

24. Distillery, Micro

25. Drive-Through Facility

26. Dwelling – Manufactured Home

27. Dwelling – Mixed Use

28. Dwelling – Multiple-Unit

29. Dwelling – Single-Unit

30. Dwelling – Single-Unit Zero Lot Line

31. Dwelling – Townhouse

32. Dwelling – Two Unit

33. Educational Facility – Primary

34. Educational Facility – Secondary

35. Educational Facility – University or College

36. Educational Facility - Vocational

37. Financial Institution

38. Fireworks, Retail Sales of

39. Food Bank

40. Fueling Station

41. Fulfillment Center, Micro

42. Funeral Home

43. Golf Course/Driving Range

44. Greenhouse/Nursery - Retail

45. Group Home

46. Healthcare Institution

47. Heavy Rental and Service Establishment

48. Heavy Retail Establishment

49. Hotel

50. Industrial - General

51. Industrial - Light

52. Industrial Design

53. Live Performance Venue

54. Manufactured Home Park

55. Medical/Dental Office

56. Office

57. Outdoor Seating

58. Park, Private

59. Park, Public

60. Parking Lot (Principal Use)

61. Parking Structure (Principal Use)

62. Personal Services Establishment

63. Place of Worship

64. Private Club

65. Public Safety Facility

66. Public Works Facility

67. Research and Development

68. Residential Care Facility

69. Restaurant

70. Retail Good Establishment

71. Salvage Yard

72. Self-Storage – Enclosed

73. Self-Storage - Outdoor

74. Specialty Food Service

75. Storage – Outdoor (Principal Use)

76. Truck Stop

77. Utility (Sub)Stations

78. Vehicle Dealership, New and Used

79. Vehicle Dealership, Used

80. Vehicle Operations Facility

81. Vehicle Rental

82. Vehicle Repair - Major

83. Vehicle Repair - Minor

84. Warehouse

85. Wholesale Establishment

86. Winery, Micro

(Ord. 2025-15 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

168.07 USES DEFINED AND USE STANDARDS.

All uses within Table 168.06 are defined in this section. Certain uses are defined to be inclusive of many uses. When a use meets a specific definition, it is regulated as such and is not regulated as part of a more inclusive use category. Where applicable, uses are required to comply with all use standards of this section, whether a permitted or conditional use, in addition to all other regulations of this Ordinance.

1. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

A. Defined. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) means a self-contained unit that provides living facilities on the same lot as a primary dwelling. ADUs can be attached, detached, or repurposed from existing space within the primary dwelling.

B. Use Standards.

(1) A property shall be limited to one ADU not exceeding 1,000 square feet, or 50% of the total assessed living area of the residence in accordance with Johnson County Assessor’s Office records, whichever is larger.

(2) Each ADU must be located on a frost-protected perimeter foundation.

(3) Each ADU is subject to the maximum height and setback requirements in the underlying zoning district.

(4) No ADU shall be located within any utility, sewer, drainage, access or walkway easement, where such easement is dedicated to the City or to public use.

(5) Detached ADUs shall be standalone structures and not be attached or in combination with any other structures.

2. Adult Entertainment.

A. Defined. Adult Entertainment means adult book stores, adult motion picture theaters, adult mini motion picture theaters, adult massage parlors, adult theaters, adult artist-body painting studios, adult modeling studios, adult sexual encounter centers, adult cabaret and all other adult entertainment establishments catering or appealing to prurient interests.

B. Use Standards.

(1) An adult entertainment establishment must be a minimum of 1,000 feet from any of the following:

(a) A residential district.

(b) A primary and/or secondary educational facility.

(d) A place of worship.

(e) A park.

(f) A cemetery.

(g) A library.

(2) An adult entertainment establishment must be a minimum of 500 feet from any other adult use.

(3) The adult use owner must provide the Zoning Administrator with a survey acceptable and satisfactory to the City that demonstrates the establishment meets the separation requirements of this section.

(4) Signs for adult entertainment establishments are subject to the following:

(a) Signage is limited to wall sign(s).

(b) Each wall sign shall not exceed 10 square feet.

(d) Temporary signs are prohibited.

3. Agricultural Experience.

A. Defined. Agriculture Experience means any agriculture-related activity, as a secondary use in conjunction with a permitted agricultural use, which activity is open to the public with the intended purpose of promoting or educating the public about agriculture, agricultural practices, agricultural activities, or agricultural products. An activity is an agriculture experience activity whether or not the participant paid to participate in the activity. The sale of merchandise and service and/or sale of food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, is permitted as an accessory use to activities sponsored by the organization.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Uses permitted in conjunction with an agricultural experience.

(a) Agriculturally related seasonal festivals including crop mazes or hayrides.

(b) You-pick operations, including, but not limited to vegetable and berry picking, pumpkin patches and similar uses.

(c) Direct sale of agricultural products grown and/or produced on or off-site. Examples of agricultural products grown and/or produced off-site include, but are not limited to, fruits and vegetables and seasonal flowers and trees.

(d) Value-added (other than alcohol products) processing of produce and fruit grown on the farm.

(e) Agricultural clinics and tours, seminars or classes and organized agricultural related group activities with no overnight accommodations.

(f) On-the-farm weddings and wedding receptions.

(g) On-the-farm events sponsored by the City of North Liberty.

(h) Up to twelve non-agricultural related events may occur within a calendar year. The event shall be described in a permit issued by the Code Official prior to the commencement of the event. The Zoning Code Official may impose such conditions on the event as are necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare, and adjacent uses. No fee is required for this permit.

(2) Dimensional standards (applies to buildings, structures and livestock enclosures.

(a) Minimum frontage: 400 feet.

(b) Minimum lot width: 400 feet.

(d) Maximum building height: 35 feet.

(e) Required front yard: 100 feet.

(f) Required corner side yard: 100 feet.

(g) Required side yard: 50 feet.

(h) Required rear yard: 100 feet.

(3) Design standards.

(a) The area devoted to the agricultural experience shall only have direct access to roadway classified as a collector or arterial roadway.

(b) In order to maintain the rural theme, agricultural experience uses shall not be subject to any of the provisions of Section 169.10. Rather, building style and design standards shall be subject to the following:

(i) Buildings and structures shall have color schemes primarily based on earth tones. Earth tone colors include colors from the palette of browns, tans, greys, greens, and red. White or off-white is also acceptable. Earth tone and white colors shall be flat or muted. Building trim and accent areas may feature non-earth tone and brighter colors.

(ii) Buildings and structures shall have the eaves of roof extend a minimum of one foot past the outside walls.

(iii) Buildings and structures shall have a minimum 5/12 roof pitch.

(iv) Exterior wall coverings shall be wood vertical or horizontal grooved or lapped siding. Substitute materials achieving a similar appearance may be utilized.

(v) No building shall exceed 6,000 square feet in area.

(vi) Design standards do not apply to buildings or structures under 200 square feet in area, playground equipment or other similar structures. Existing buildings or structures 200 square feet in area or greater not meeting design standards may be permitted if identified in the Conditional Use.

(c) Off-street parking. In order to maintain a rural theme, an agricultural use shall not be subject to the provisions of Section 169.01. Rather, safe vehicular access and customer parking shall be provided on site, such that vehicles are not required to back onto public streets or cause congestion on public streets. The use of gravel is limited to primary and secondary driveway isles. Off-street parking areas shall be located outside of public rights-of-way and shall be maintained in such a manner to allow access to the site by emergency vehicles.

(d) Lighting. In order to maintain a rural theme, an agricultural use shall not be subject to the provisions of Section 169.06. Rather, any exterior lighting shall be appropriately shielded and/or directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.

(e) Sign regulations. Signs shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 173, except where it conflicts with the exception of the following:

(i) One non-internally illuminated sign is permitted per public street access. The surface area for each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet and the height shall not exceed 12 feet. Sign shall be designed with one or more wooden posts that are part of the overall sign structure and sign design. Signs may be externally illuminated.

(ii) Electronic message signs are prohibited. Mobile signs are prohibited, but a message board sign may be incorporated in the permanent sign.

(iii) Two seasonal event temporary signs are permitted per calendar year. Such signs shall be the only sail-shaped vertical flag signs and shall be removed immediately upon termination of the special event or at the end of 60 days, whichever comes first.

(iv) There are no restrictions for signs not visible from the boundary of the property.

(f) Landscaping requirements. Landscaping shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 169.02, with the exception of where it conflicts with the following:

(i) Along a street frontage. 10 foot wide landscape area.

(ii) Adjacent to a residential zone. 25 foot wide landscape area.

(iii) Tree planting is encouraged within landscape areas.

(g) Temporary restroom facilities. Temporary restroom facilities may be provided, but shall not supplant permanent restroom facilities, when required.

(h) Maximum capacity. The Fire Marshall and Building Official shall establish the maximum occupant capacity for meetings, training, educational or similar events which shall be appropriate to the site and facilities in terms of capacity in buildings, parking areas and sanitation limitations of the site.

4. Agriculture.

A. Defined. Agriculture means the use of land and associated structures dedicated to the art or science of cultivating the ground, including harvesting of crops and rearing and management of livestock and bee keeping.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Dimensional Standards for all Agriculture Establishments.

(a) Minimum frontage: 200 feet.

(b) Minimum lot width: 200 feet.

(d) Maximum building height: 35 feet.

(2) Dimensional Standards for all Agricultural Buildings, Structures and Livestock Enclosures.

(a) Required front yard: 100 feet.

(b) Required corner side yard: 100 feet.

(d) Required rear yard: 100 feet.

(3) Animal feed operations are prohibited.

5. Amusement Facility - Indoor.

A. Defined. Indoor Amusement Facility means a facility for spectator and participatory uses conducted within an enclosed building, such as movie theaters, sports arenas, bowling alleys, tumbling centers, skating centers, roller rinks, escape room/physical adventure game facilities, and pool halls. An indoor amusement facility may include uses such as, but not limited to, concession stands, restaurants, and retail sales as ancillary uses. Indoor amusement facility does not include an adult entertainment establishment, live performance venues. or private recreational facilities.

B. Use Standards. None.

6. Amusement Facility - Outdoor.

A. Defined. Outdoor Amusement Facility means a facility for spectator and participatory uses conducted outdoors or within partially enclosed structures, such as outdoor stadiums, batting cages, and miniature golf courses. An outdoor amusement facility may include uses such as, but not limited to, concession stands, restaurants, and retail sales as ancillary uses.

B. Use Standards. None.

7. Animal Care Facility.

A. Defined. Animal Care Facility means an establishment which provides care for domestic animals, including veterinary offices for the treatment of animals, pet grooming facilities and animal training centers and clubs. The boarding of animals is limited. Animal care facilities do not include animal breeders or animal shelters.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Animal care facilities must locate exterior exercise areas in the rear yard only. Exterior exercise areas must provide covered areas over a minimum of 30% of the exterior area to provide shelter against sun/heat and weather. A fence a minimum of six feet in height is required for all exterior exercise areas.

(2) Animal care facilities must locate all overnight boarding facilities indoors. Overnight boarding is not permitted in the C-1-B and C-2 Districts unless short-term boarding is incidental to the veterinary treatment of animals.

(3) All animal quarters and exterior exercise areas must be kept in a clean, dry, and sanitary condition.

8. Animal Shelter.

A. Defined. Animal Shelter means a facility where stray, lost, abandoned, sick, wounded, or surrendered animals are kept and rehabilitated.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Animal shelter facilities must locate exterior exercise areas in the rear yard only. Exterior exercise areas must provide covered areas over a minimum of 30% of the exterior area to provide shelter against sun/heat and weather. A fence a minimum of six feet in height is required for all exterior exercise areas.

(2) Animal shelter facilities must locate all overnight boarding facilities indoors.

(3) All animal quarters and exterior exercise areas must be kept in a clean, dry, and sanitary condition.

9. Art Gallery.

A. Defined. Art Gallery means an establishment that sells, loans and/or displays paintings, sculpture, photographs, video art, or other works of art. Art gallery does not include a cultural facility, such as a library or museum, which may also display paintings, sculpture, photographs, video art, or other works.

B. Use Standards. None.

10. Arts and Fitness Studio.

A. Defined. Arts and Fitness Studio means an establishment where an art or activity is taught, studied, or practiced such as dance, martial arts, photography, music, painting, gymnastics, pilates, or yoga. An arts studio also includes private exercise studios for private sessions with trainers and/or private classes; health clubs are not an arts and fitness studio, but rather a personal service establishment. Arts and fitness studio do not include a private recreational facility.

B. Use Standards. None.

11. Bar

A. Defined. Bar means an establishment where the primary purpose is the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. Snack foods or other prepared food may be available for consumption on the premises as an ancillary use. Wine bars are allowed to sell bottles for off-premise consumption of the wines they serve.

B. Use Standards. None.

12. Bed and Breakfast.

A. Defined. Bed and Breakfast means a single-unit dwelling where a resident/owner provides lodging for a daily fee and prepares meals for guests. A bed and breakfast may include dining facilities.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Bed and breakfasts shall only be located in single-unit, owner-occupied dwellings.

(2) A bed and breakfast must be a minimum of 1,200 feet from any other bed and breakfast.

(3) The exterior of a bed and breakfast must maintain its original appearance as a single-unit dwelling. No parking shall be permitted in the front or corner side yard.

(4) Cooking equipment is prohibited in individual guest rooms. However, a mini-refrigerator and/or a microwave is allowed.

(5) Retail sales are limited to items such as souvenirs, postcards, and snacks.

(6) No bed and breakfast may operate a restaurant. Meals may only be served to registered guests and at private events.

(7) One non-illuminated sign, either freestanding, window, or wall, is permitted. Such sign may not exceed six square feet in sign area. Freestanding signs shall be a maximum six feet in height and must be a minimum of five feet from any lot line.

13. Body Art Establishment.

A. Defined. Body Art Establishment means an establishment that offers tattooing services, body piercing, and/or non-medical body modification. Body modification establishment does not include an establishment that offers only ear piercing as an ancillary service.

B. Use Standards.

14. Brewery, Micro.

A. Defined. A Micro Brewery means a facility for the production and packaging of malt beverages of alcoholic content for wholesale distribution, with a capacity of less than 15,000 barrels per year and may include a tasting room for consumption on-premises. A tasting room allows customers to taste/consume products manufactured on site and purchase beverages manufactured on site and related items. Brewery facilities that exceed this capacity are considered light or general industrial uses.

B. Use Standards. None.

15. Broadcasting Studio.

A. Defined. A Broadcasting Studio means an indoor facility engaged in over-the-air, cable, satellite, or internet delivery of radio or television programs, or studios for the audio or video recording or filming with or without live audiences of musical performances, radio or television programs, or motion pictures. Towers and antenna shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 173.

B. Use Standards. None.

16. Building Trades and Services.

A. Defined. Building Trades and Services means an establishment that undertakes activities related to building construction projects, as well as those that provide repair and maintenance services to buildings, including building systems, home appliances, and the like. These specialized trade contractors may work on subcontract from a general contractor, performing only part of the work covered by the general contract, or they may work directly for the owner of the building or project. Building and Trade Services uses primarily perform their work at the site of the structure being constructed or serviced, although they also may have shops where they perform work incidental to the job site. Examples of building trades and services include electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractors, painting, masons, stone and tile setters, glass and glazing services.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Building area shall be limited to 7,500 square feet in the C-2 and C-3 Districts.

(2) Vehicles such as cars, vans and pickup trucks shall be permitted in designated parking spaces in any location. Box trucks, and other similar vehicles, along with trailers which may be pulled by permitted vehicles, shall also be permitted in designated parking spaces, but shall not be located within a front or corner side yard. Smaller equipment such as skid loaders, forklifts, etc. may be permitted, provided they are stored indoors or inside enclosed trailers. Heavy vehicles and equipment such as tractor trailers, semi-trucks, construction equipment, and other large specialty vehicles as determined by Code Official shall be prohibited.

(3) Outdoor storage shall only be permitted in the I-1 District.

(a) Outdoor storage or display areas shall be screened with landscaping consisting of shade trees and evergreen trees and shrubs. Such landscaped area shall be of sufficient width and density to provide an effective and aesthetically pleasing screen with trees and shrubs not less than five feet in height when planted. In lieu of planting strips, a six-foot tall solid vertical fence or masonry, heavy wood construction, or other similar material approved by the Code Official may be used as a screen.

(b) Outdoor storage or display shall be allowed only on hard-surface areas paved to parking lot specifications with asphalt or concrete.

17. Car Wash.

A. Defined. Car Wash means an establishment for the washing and cleaning of vehicles or other light duty equipment, whether automatic, by hand, or self-service. The car wash facility may be within an enclosed structure, an open bay structure, or similar configurations.

B. Use Standards. None.

18. Child Care Center.

A. Defined. Child Care Center means a facility where, for a portion of a day, care and supervision is provided for children in a protective setting that are not related to the owner or operator. Day care centers within a residential dwelling are prohibited.

B. Use Standards.

(1) The facility shall be approved and licensed by the state.

(2) A child care center must provide a pickup/drop off area. When a child care center is part of a multi-tenant retail center, the pickup/drop off area shall not interfere with vehicle circulation in the parking lot, including blocking of the drive aisle.

19. Child Care Home.

A. Defined. Child Care Home means a residential dwelling where care and supervision is provided by a permanent occupant of the dwelling for five or fewer children in a protective setting for a portion of a day, where no state registration is required.

B. Use Standards.

(1) The resident occupant shall be the principal child care home provider, and shall be present during operating hours.

(2) The exterior of a child care home shall not be altered in any way which alters the residential character of an existing structure.

(3) A child care home must provide an off-street pickup/drop off area which achieves consistency with Section 169.01.

(4) No signs are permitted for a child care home.

(5) A child care home is permitted to have only one employee which is over the age of 14. One off-street parking area shall be provided for the employee. Family members are not considered employees for the purpose of this section.

(6) A child care home shall be subject to the provisions of 169.06(6).

20. Child Development Home.

A. Defined. Child Development Home means a residential dwelling where care and supervision is provided by a permanent occupant of the dwelling for 6 to 12 or fewer children in a protective setting that are not related to the owner or operator of the facility for a portion of a day.

B. Use Standards.

(1) The resident occupant shall be the principal child development home provider, shall have a state license and/or registration as set forth by the Iowa Department of Human Services.

(2) When there are more than 8 children are present for more than 2 hours, an assistant 14 years or older needs to be present.

(3) The exterior of a child development home shall not be altered in any way which alters the residential character of an existing structure.

(4) Any exterior play areas shall be effectively screened from adjacent residential uses.

(5) A child development home must provide an off street pickup/drop off area which achieves consistency with Section 169.01.

(6) No signs are permitted for a family day care home.

(7) A child development home is permitted to have only one employee which must be over the age of 14. One off-street parking area shall be provided for the employee. Family members are not considered employees for the purpose of this section.

(8) A child development home shall obtain an annual license approved by the City Council. A fee for services shall be set by resolution of the City Council.

21. Community Center.

A. Defined. Community Center means a facility used as a place of meeting, recreation, or social activity, that is open to the public and is not operated for profit, and offers a variety of educational, fitness and community service activities.

B. Use Standards. None.

22. Community Pantry.

A. Defined. Community Pantry means a non-profit organization that receives/buys, stores, and distributes food, clothing, household supplies, personal care items and other related items directly to those in need. Community pantries may also have community gardens and prepare meals to be served at no cost to those who receive them.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Non-residential districts. None.

(2) ID, RS RD and RM districts.

(a) Permitted only as an ancillary use for a non-profit principal use on the same lot. The community pantry shall also be operated as a non-profit.

(b) Maximum building size is to be 2,500 square feet, but in no case larger than the square foot total of the principal structure. Additionally, the use may occupy up to 50% of a separate storage building or garage.

(d) Zoning district design standards shall apply to the building(s) being utilized by the community pantry.

(e) Signage. Limited to one ground and one wall sign with a maximum sign area of 8 square feet. Ground signs are limited to 5 feet in height.

23. Cultural Facility.

A. Defined. Cultural Facility means a facility open to the public that provides access to cultural exhibits and activities including, but not limited to, museums, cultural or historical centers, non-commercial galleries, historical societies, and libraries. A cultural facility may include uses such as, but not limited to, retail sales of related items and restaurants as ancillary uses.

B. Use Standards. None.

24. Distillery, Micro.

A. Defined. Micro Distillery means a facility for the production and packaging of alcoholic spirits in quantities not to exceed twelve 12,000 gallons per year and may include a tasting room for consumption on-premises. A tasting room allows customers to taste/consume products manufactured on site and purchase beverages manufactured on site and related items. Distillery facilities that exceed this capacity are considered light or general industrial uses.

B. Use Standards. None.

25. Drive-Through Facility.

A. Defined. Drive-Through Facility means that portion of a business where business is transacted directly with customers via a service window that allows customers to remain in their vehicle. A drive through facility must be approved separately as a principal use when in conjunction with another principal uses such as restaurants and financial institutions. A standalone ATM is considered a drive-through facility for the purposes of this definition.

B. Use Standards.

(1) All drive-through facilities must provide a minimum of four stacking spaces per lane or bay, unless additional stacking spaces are specifically required by this Ordinance. Stacking spaces provided for drive-through uses must:

(i) Be a minimum of nine feet in width, as measured from the outermost point of any service window or bay entrance, to the edge of the driveway, and 18 feet in length. In the case of a recessed service window, the measurement is taken from the building wall.

(ii) Begin behind the vehicle parked at a final point of service exiting the drive through aisle, such as a service window or car wash bay (this does not include a menu board). Spaces must be placed in a single line behind each lane or bay.

(2) All drive-through lanes must be located and designed to ensure that they do not adversely affect traffic circulation on adjoining streets.

26. Dwelling – Manufactured Home.

A. Defined. Manufactured Home Dwelling is a prefabricated structure that is regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), via the Federal National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, rather than local building codes. A manufactured home is built in a factory on an attached chassis before being transported to a site. Manufactured homes include those transportable factory built housing units built prior to the Federal National Manufactured Housing and Safety Standards Act (HUD Code), also known as mobile homes. Modular homes are not considered manufactured homes, and refer to a method of construction. When a manufactured home meets all the requirements for a single-family dwelling, including the definition of a dwelling unit, and is located and installed to the same standards as a single-unit dwelling, such manufactured home is considered a single-unit dwelling, subject to any additional requirements or specific exceptions of Iowa State Code Section 414.28.

B. Use Standards. None.

27. Dwelling – Mixed Use.

A. Defined. Dwelling – Mixed use. Mixed Use Dwelling means a structure containing a mix of residential and non-residential uses where non-residential uses account for at least 50% of the ground floor area of the building. Non-residential uses are limited to permitted and conditional uses in the underlying zoning district.

B. Use Standards. None.

28. Dwelling – Multiple–Unit.

A. Defined. Multiple-Unit Dwelling means a structure containing three or more attached dwelling units used for residential occupancy. A multiple-unit dwelling does not include a townhouse dwelling.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Buildings must be designed with consistent materials and treatments that wrap around all building elevations. There must be a unifying architectural theme for the entire multi-unit development, utilizing a common vocabulary of architectural forms, elements, materials, or colors in the entire structure.

(2) Building facades must include windows, projected or recessed entrances, overhangs, and other architectural features. Three-dimensional elements, such as balconies and bay windows, are encouraged to provide dimensional elements on a facade.

(3) To the maximum extent permitted by Iowa Code § 414.1(1)(h), minimum required masonry on front and corner side yard building elevations in residential districts is 25%.

(4) A 15% minimum transparency requirement applies to any facade facing a street and is calculated on the basis of the entire area of the facade.

(5) Buildings shall be oriented to the best extent possible so that attached garages doors do not face the public right-of-way.

(6) Additional commercial district design standards.

(a) Roofs shall be designed to be generally flat and shall be concealed from view by use of parapet walls or other architectural methods. Portions of roofs that are curved or pitched may be allowed as architectural accents but shall not be used as the primary roof design.

29. Dwelling - Single-Unit.

A. Defined. Single-Unit Dwelling means a structure containing only one dwelling unit on a single lot.

B. Use Standards.

(1) The structure must contain 24 feet of width at its largest dimension.

(2) The structure must contain a minimum living area of 660 square feet.

(3) The structure must be located on a frost-protected perimeter foundation.

(4) Every room within a dwelling unit must be accessible from every other room within the dwelling via a completely internal route within the envelope of the dwelling structure.

(5) To the maximum extent permitted by Iowa Code § 414.1(1)(h), minimum required masonry on front yard building elevation is 25%, with the exception that masonry is not required in the RS-7 and RS-8 districts.

(6) On corner lots, the façade facing the corner side yard shall contain two insets and/or protrusions, such as wall corners, bay windows, cantilevers, etc., or other means approved by the Code Official. As an alternative, two, two-inch caliper trees may be planted in the corner side yard.

(7) The front entry must be an integral part of the structure, using features such as porches, raised steps and stoops with roof overhangs, or decorative railings to articulate the front facade.

(8) A 5% minimum transparency requirement applies to the front facade and is calculated on the basis of the area of the facade below the roofline.

(9) A dwelling with a front-facing attached three-car garage shall have one of the garages offset a minimum of one foot from the other garages.

(10) Front-facing garages shall not exceed 16’ or 60% the width of the front building line, whichever is greater. Garage width is measured between the edges of the garage door; in the case of garages designed with multiple garage doors, the distance is measured between the edges of the outermost doors.

30. Dwelling – Single-Unit Zero Lot Line.

A. Defined. A Single-Unit Zero Lot Line Dwelling means a structure containing two dwelling units, the interior of which is configured in a manner such that the dwelling units are separated by a party wall and are on separate lots. A single-unit zero lot line dwelling is typically designed so that each unit has a separate exterior entrance and yard areas.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Each unit must have an approved one-hour fire-resistive wall between them that is built in such a manner as to allow no connections other than the wall itself between the units.

(2) The front entry must be an integral part of the structure, using features such as porches, raised steps and stoops with roof overhangs, or decorative railings to articulate the front facade.

(3) To the maximum extent permitted by Iowa Code § 414.1(1)(h), minimum required masonry on front yard building elevation is 25%.

(4) On corner lots, the façade facing the corner side yard shall contain two insets and/or protrusions, such as wall corners, bay windows, cantilevers, etc., or other means approved by the Code Official. As an alternative, two, two-inch caliper trees may be planted in the corner side yard.

(5) A 5% minimum transparency requirement applies to the front facade and is calculated on the basis of the area of the facade below the roofline.

31. Dwelling – Townhouse.

A. Defined. Townhouse Dwelling means structure consisting of three or more dwelling units, the interior of which is configured in a manner such that the dwelling units are separated by a party wall and may or may not be on separate lots. A townhouse is typically designed so that each unit has a separate exterior entrance and yard areas. A townhouse dwelling does not include a multi-family dwelling. To provide for design flexibility, a townhouse dwelling development may include single-unit and two-unit dwellings.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Each unit must have an approved one-hour fire-resistive wall between them that is built in such a manner as to allow no connections other than the wall itself between the units

(2) The front entry must be an integral part of the structure, using features such as porches, raised steps and stoops with roof overhangs, or decorative railings to articulate the front facade.

(3) To the maximum extent permitted by Iowa Code § 414.1(1)(h), minimum required masonry on front yard building elevation in residential districts is 25%.

(4) A 5% minimum transparency requirement applies to the front facade and is calculated on the basis of the area of the facade below the roofline.

(5) Additional commercial district design standards.

(a) Buildings shall be oriented to the best extent possible so that attached garages doors do not face the public right-of-way.

(b) Roofs shall be designed to be generally flat and shall be concealed from view by use of parapet walls or other architectural methods. Portions of roofs that are curved or pitched may be allowed as architectural accents but shall not be used as the primary roof design.

(c) A 15% minimum transparency requirement applies to any facade facing a street and is calculated on the basis of the entire area of the facade.

32. Dwelling - Two-Unit.

A. Defined. A Two-Unit Dwelling means a structure containing two dwelling units, arranged side-by-side with each unit having an exterior entrance, on a single lot. To provide for design flexibility, a two-unit dwelling development may include single-unit dwellings.

B. Use Standards.

(1) The front entry must be an integral part of the structure, using features such as porches, raised steps and stoops with roof overhangs, or decorative railings to articulate the front facade.

(2) To the maximum extent permitted by Iowa Code § 414.1(1)(h), minimum required masonry on front yard building elevations is 25%.

(3) On corner lots, the façade facing the corner side yard shall contain two insets and/or protrusions, such as wall corners, bay windows, etc., or other means approved by the Code Official. As an alternative, two, two-inch caliper trees may be planted in the corner side yard.

(4) A 5% minimum transparency requirement applies to the front facade and is calculated on the basis of the area of the facade below the roofline.

33. Educational Facility – Primary.

A. Defined. Primary Educational Facility means a public, private, or parochial facility that offers instruction at the elementary and/or junior high school levels.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Dimensional standards

(a) Minimum frontage: 150 feet.

(b) Minimum lot width: 300 feet.

(d) Maximum building height: 35 feet.

(e) Required front yard: 50 feet.

(f) Required corner side yard: 50 feet.

(g) Required side yard: 50 feet.

(h) Required rear yard: 50 feet.

34. Educational Facility – Secondary.

A. Defined. Secondary Educational Facility means a public, private, or parochial facility that offers instruction at the high school level.

B. Use Standards. None.

(1) Dimensional standards.

(2) Minimum frontage: 300 feet.

(3) Minimum lot width: 600 feet.

(4) Minimum lot area: 20 acres.

(5) Maximum building height: 55 feet.

(6) Required front yard: 100 feet.

(7) Required corner side yard: 100 feet.

(8) Required side yard: 50 feet.

(9) Required rear yard: 100 feet.

35. Educational Facility – University or College.

A. Defined. University or College Educational Facility means a facility for post-secondary higher learning that grants associate or bachelor degrees. The institution may also have research facilities and/or professional schools that grant master and doctoral degrees. Educational facilities – university or college include ancillary uses such as dormitories, cafeterias, restaurants, retail sales, indoor or outdoor recreational facilities, and similar uses.

B. Use Standards. None.

36. Educational Facility – Vocational.

A. Defined. Vocational Educational Facility means a facility that offers instruction in industrial, clerical, computer, managerial, automotive, repair (electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc.), or commercial skills, or a business conducted as a commercial enterprise, such as a school for general educational development or driving school. Educational facility - vocational also applies to privately operated schools that do not offer a complete educational curriculum.

B. Use Standards. None.

37. Financial Institution.

A. Defined. Financial Institution means a bank, savings and loan, credit union, or mortgage office.

B. Use Standards. None.

38. Fireworks, Retail Sales of.

A. Defined. Retail Sales of Fireworks means the sale of consumer fireworks as defined by the Iowa State Code.

B. Use Standards. None.

39. Food Bank

A. Defined. Food Bank means a non-profit organization that collects and distributes food to hunger relief organizations. Food is not distributed to those in need from a food bank.

B. Use Standards. None.

40. Fueling Station.

A. Defined. Fueling Station means an establishment where fuel for vehicles is dispersed from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks or battery cells of said vehicles. A fueling station may also include ancillary car wash bays.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Canopy support structures shall be wrapped in masonry materials consistent with the principal building.

41. Fulfillment Center, Micro.

A. Defined. Micro-fulfillment center means an establishment not exceeding 20,000 square feet that provides physical goods, products, or merchandise directly to the consumer, where such goods are available for purchase over the internet or through mobile applications and either delivered to the purchaser or made available for pickup. Fulfillment facilities that exceed this capacity are considered light industrial uses.

B. Use Standards. None.

42. Funeral Home.

A. Defined. Funeral Home means an establishment where the dead are prepared for burial display and for rituals before burial or cremation, including chapels for the display of the deceased and the conducting of rituals before burial or cremation, and crematoriums.

B. Use Standards. None.

43. Golf Course/Driving Range.

A. Defined. Golf Course/Driving Range means a tract of land design with at least nine holes for playing a game of golf and improved with tees, greens, fairways, and hazards. A golf course may include a clubhouse, restrooms, snack-bar, and pro-shop as ancillary uses. A driving range may be designed as a standalone facility or included as part of a golf course, which is defined as a tract of land equipped with distance markers, clubs, balls, and tees for practicing the hitting of golf balls.

B. Use Standards. None.

44. Greenhouse/Nursery - Retail.

A. Defined. Retail Greenhouse/Nursery means an establishment where flowers, shrubbery, vegetables, trees, and other horticultural and floricultural products are propagated and sold, and may include gardening and landscape supplies and products, such as hardware, garden tools and utensils, paving stones and bricks, and other related items for sale. If all such activities are indoors with no outdoor component (growing, displays, storage, sales), then such use is considered a retail goods establishment.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Outdoor storage or display areas shall be screened with landscaping consisting of shade trees and evergreen trees and shrubs. Such landscaped area shall be of sufficient width and density to provide an effective and aesthetically pleasing screen with trees and shrubs not less than five feet in height when planted. In lieu of planting strips, a six-foot tall solid vertical fence or masonry, heavy wood construction, or other similar material approved by the Code Official may be used as a screen.

(2) Outdoor storage or display shall be allowed only on hard-surface areas paved to parking lot specifications with asphalt or concrete.

(3) See Section 169.05(B) for outdoor storage areas as an accessory use.

45. Group Home.

A. Defined. Group Home means a residential dwelling for: 1) care of persons in need of personal services or assistance essential for activities of daily living; or 2) care of persons in transition or in need of supervision. Group homes include facilities for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, excluding medical detoxification services. Group home does not include facilities for adults or minors that function as a court ordered alternative to incarceration. Group home does not include group living facilities for persons who have been institutionalized for criminal conduct.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Group homes must be licensed by the state.

(2) When a group home is located within an existing residential structure, the location, design, and operation of such facility must not alter the residential character of the structure.

46. Healthcare Institution.

A. Defined. Healthcare Institution means facilities for primary health services and medical or surgical care to people, primarily in-patient, and including, as an integral part of the institution, related facilities such as laboratories, outpatient facilities, dormitories, or educational facilities, and ancillary uses such as, but not limited to, cafeterias, restaurants, retail sales, and similar uses.

B. Use Standards. None.

47. Heavy Rental and Service Establishment.

A. Defined. Heavy Rental and Service Establishment means rental, and/or service establishments of a heavier and larger-scale commercial character typically requiring permanent outdoor service and storage areas and/or partially enclosed structures. Examples of heavy rental and service establishments include truck rental establishments, amusement equipment rental, and sales, rental, and repair of heavy equipment.

B. Use Standards.

(2) Outdoor storage or display shall be allowed only on hard-surface areas paved to parking lot specifications with asphalt or concrete.

(3) See Section 169.05(B) for outdoor storage areas as an accessory use.

48. Heavy Retail Establishment.

A. Defined. Heavy Retail Establishment means retail centers of a heavier and larger-scale commercial character typically requiring permanent outdoor storage areas and/or partially enclosed structures. Examples of heavy retail establishments include large-scale home improvement centers with outdoor storage and display, lumberyards, recreational vehicle dealerships, and sales of heavy equipment. Wholesale establishments that sell to the general public, including those establishments where membership is required, are not considered heavy retail establishments if there is no outdoor storage and/or display. Equipment rental is permitted if conducted solely inside the principal structure.

B. Use Standards.

(2) Outdoor storage or display shall be allowed only on hard-surface areas paved to parking lot specifications with asphalt or concrete.

(3) See Section 169.05(B) for outdoor storage areas as an accessory use.

49. Hotel.

A. Defined. Hotel means a commercial facility that provides sleeping accommodations for a fee and customary lodging services. Related ancillary uses include, but are not be limited to, meeting facilities, restaurants, bars, and recreational facilities for the use of guests.

B. Use Standards. None.

50. Industrial - General.

A. Defined. General Industrial means the manufacture, fabrication, processing, reduction, and/or destruction of any article, substance, or commodity, or any other treatment thereof in such a manner as to change the form, character, and/or appearance, and incidental storage, sales, and distribution of such products. General industrial uses may produce noise, vibrations, illumination, or particulate that is perceptible to adjacent land users. These industrial uses typically have ancillary outdoor storage areas.

B. Use Standards. None.

51. Industrial - Light.

A. Defined. Light Industrial means research and development activities, and the manufacture, fabrication, processing, reduction, and/or destruction of any article, substance, or commodity, or any other treatment thereof in such a manner as to change the form, character, and/or appearance, where such activities are conducted wholly within an enclosed building. A light industrial use may also include a showroom, ancillary sales of products related to the items manufactured or stored on-site, and/or ancillary outdoor storage.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Outdoor service or display areas shall be screened with landscaping consisting of shade trees and evergreen trees and shrubs. Such landscaped area shall be of sufficient width and density to provide an effective and aesthetically pleasing screen with trees and shrubs not less than five feet in height when planted. In lieu of planting strips, a six-foot tall solid vertical fence or masonry, heavy wood construction, or other similar material approved by the Code Official may be used as a screen.

(2) Outdoor service or display shall be allowed only on hard-surface areas paved to parking lot specifications with asphalt or concrete.

(3) See Section 169.05(B) for outdoor storage areas as an accessory use.

52. Industrial Design.

A. Defined. Industrial Design means an establishment where the design, marketing, and/or brand development of various products are researched and developed typically integrating the fields of art, business, science, and/or engineering. An industrial design establishment may create prototypes and products, but may not mass manufacture products from the premises.

B. Use Standards. None.

53. Live Performance Venue.

A. Defined. Live Performance Venue means the presentation of live entertainment, including musical acts, including disc jockeys (DJs), theatrical plays, stand-up comedy, and similar performances within a fully enclosed building. Performances are scheduled in advance and tickets are required for admission and available for purchase in advance, though tickets may be purchased at the venue’s box office on the day of the performance. A live performance venue is only open to the public when a live performance is scheduled. A live performance venue may include classroom space utilized during hours it is not open to the public for a performance. A live performance venue may include concession stands, including sale of alcohol, but only when it is open to the public for a performance. A live performance venue does not include adult entertainment establishments.

B. Use Standards. None.

54. Manufactured Home Park.

A. Defined. Manufactured Home Park means a parcel of land with single control or unified ownership that has been planned and improved for the placement of manufactured homes for residential use.

B. Use Standards.

(1) The perimeter yard of a manufactured home park shall have a landscape area 15 feet in width at the furthest point in the required yard containing the following:

(a) A mix of shade and evergreen trees planted at an average of one tree for every 50 linear feet of yard width. These shade and evergreen trees may be clustered to allow for access points or to maximize the screening effect.

(b) Two ornamental trees may be substituted for one shade tree for up to 25% of required trees.

This landscape area is not required along any portion of a perimeter that abuts a manufactured home park.

(2) All manufactured home parks shall have a recreation area not less than five percent of the total manufactured home park area shall be provided. Recreation areas may be provided in one or more areas, but each area shall be no less than one acre. Recreation areas shall be open and planted with low groundcover, which may or may not contain playgrounds and other recreational amenities. Storm shelters may be placed within recreation areas.

(3) All manufactured home parks shall have enclosed or outdoor storage areas for the use of the manufactured home park residents. Storage areas shall be a minimum of 100 square feet per manufactured home space/lot. Storage areas may be provided in one or more areas, but each area shall be no less than one-half acre. Outdoor storage areas must be improved with a hard surfaced, all-weather dustless material; pervious and non-pervious pavers may be used. Sealcoating and roto milling (the process of removing at least part of the surface of a paved area) and gravel is prohibited. Thickness of surfacing must comply with the regulations of the Iowa Statewide Urban Design and Specifications, as amended.

(4) All manufactured home parks shall have storm shelters. Storm shelters may be in one or more buildings but the total area shall be a minimum of seven square feet per manufactured home space/lot.

(5) Manufactured home parks may have a maintenance facility and/or an office. All maintenance facilities shall be maintained in a clean condition.

55. Medical/Dental Office.

A. Defined. Medical/dental office means a facility operated by one or more physicians, dentists, chiropractors, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, or other licensed practitioners of the healing arts for the examination and treatment of persons solely on an outpatient basis. Medical/dental offices also include alternative medicine clinics, such as acupuncture and holistic therapies, and physical therapy offices for physical rehabilitation.

B. Use Standards. None.

56. Office.

A. Defined. Office means an establishment that engages in the processing, manipulation, or application of business information or professional expertise. Such an office may or may not offer services to the public. An office is not materially involved in fabricating, assembling, or warehousing of physical products for the retail or wholesale market, nor engaged in the repair of products or retail services. An office does not include financial institution, or industrial design.

B. Use Standards. None.

57. Outdoor Seating.

A. Defined. Outdoor seating means an area that is located outdoors and contiguous to a restaurant or bar, typically in addition to an indoor seating area. Outdoor dining is approved separately as a principal use. Outdoor dining areas may be roofed or covered with an awning.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Outdoor seating may only be established when allowed as a use within a zoning district and in conjunction with another principal use such as a bar or restaurant.

(2) Outdoor seating areas must be located on private property. Outdoor seating on public property is not controlled by the Zoning Code.

(3) Outdoor seating areas must be paved with concrete or other suitable permanent materials and the area must be clearly delineated by fencing, plant materials or other landscaping.

(4) Outdoor seating areas must not interfere with any pedestrian access or parking spaces and aisles.

(5) When a structure is required to be constructed at a build-to line, the structure may have up to 50% or 60 linear feet of the applicable façade, whichever is less, designated as outdoor dining may be setback up to 30 feet from the required build-to line.

58. Park, Private.

A. Defined. Private park means a privately-owned area of land that serves recreational needs of residents and visitors, which may or may not have limited access. Private park includes, but is not limited to, playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis and pickle ball courts and passive recreation areas. Private parks shall not be used for commercial use.

B. Use Standards. None.

59. Park, Public.

A. Defined. Public parks means a publically owned area of land that serves the recreational needs of residents and visitors. Public park includes, but is not limited to, playgrounds, ballfields, athletic fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis and pickle ball courts, dog parks, skateboard parks, passive recreation areas, and gymnasiums. Public parks may also include non-commercial indoor recreation facilities, and amphitheaters, as well as ancillary uses such as, but not limited to, restroom facilities, restaurant and retail establishments, and temporary outdoor uses such as festivals and performances.

B. Use Standards. None.

60. Parking Lot (Principal Use).

A. Defined. Parking lot/structure means an open, hard-surfaced area, excluding a street or public way, or structure, used for the storage of operable vehicles, whether for compensation or at no charge.

B. Use Standards. None.

61. Parking Structure (Principal Use).

A. Defined. A structure used for the parking or storage of operable vehicles, whether for compensation or at no charge.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Parking structures must be designed to minimize blank facades through architectural detail and landscape.

(2) On portions of the ground floor façade where parking spaces are visible, a decorative fence and landscape or a kneewall is required to screen parking spaces. Such fence or kneewall must be a minimum of four feet in height.

(3) For parking structures with rooftop open-air parking, a four-foot parapet wall is required for screening.

(4) A vehicular clear sight zone must be included at vehicular exit areas as follows:

(a) Vehicular exit areas must be set back from any pedestrian walkway along that building elevation a minimum of eight feet for the portion of the building that includes the vehicle exit area and eight feet on each side of the exit opening.

(b) A sight triangle is defined by drawing a line from the edge of the vehicular exit area to a point on the property line abutting the pedestrian walkway eight feet to the side of the exit lane.

(c) In the sight triangle (bound by the parking structure wall, pedestrian walkway and vehicular exit lane), groundcover, landscape, or decorative wall must be used to act as a buffer between the exit aisle and the pedestrian walkway. Landscape or a decorative wall must not exceed three feet in height in order to maintain driver sightlines to the pedestrian walkway.

(d) The upper story building elevations of the parking structure may overhang the vehicular clear sight zone.

62. Personal Service Establishment.

A. Defined. Personal service establishment means an establishment that provides frequent or recurrent needed services of a personal nature. Typical uses include, but are not limited to, beauty shops, barbershops, tanning salons, electronics repair shops, bicycle repair shops, nail salons, laundromats, health clubs, dry cleaners, and tailors. Personal service establishment does not include a private recreational facility.

B. Use Standards. None.

63. Place of Worship.

A. Defined. Place of worship means a facility where persons regularly assemble for religious purposes and related social events, and may include group housing for persons under religious vows or orders. Places of worship may also include ancillary uses such as day care facilities, meeting rooms, auditoriums, and/or classrooms for weekly religious instruction. The service and/or sale of food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, is permitted as an ancillary use to activities sponsored by the organization.

B. Use Standards. None.

64. Private Club.

A. Defined. Private club means an establishment open to members, their families, and invited guests organized and operated for a common purpose, including a meeting hall for a fraternal or social organization or a union hall and/or a facility which has indoor and/or outdoor recreation facilities. The service and/or sale of food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, is permitted as an ancillary use to activities sponsored by the organization.

B. Use Standards.

65. Public Safety Facility.

A. Defined. Public safety facility means an establishment operated by and for the use of public safety agencies, such as the fire department and the police department, including the dispatch, storage, and maintenance of police and fire vehicles. Public safety facilities include shelter and training facilities.

B. Use Standards. None.

66. Public Works Facility.

A. Defined. A facility operated by a municipal department providing municipal services, including water and wastewater treatment plants, dispatch, storage, and maintenance of municipal vehicles and the storage and maintenance of municipal materials.

B. Use Standards. None.

67. Research and Development Facility.

A. Defined. Research and development facility means an establishment where research, development and/or testing is conducted in industries that include, but are not limited to, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical instrumentation or supplies, communication, and information technology, electronics and instrumentation, and computer hardware and software. A research and development establishment may create prototypes of products, but may not manufacture products for direct sale and distribution from the premises.

B. Use Standards. None.

68. Residential Care Facility.

A. Defined. Residential care facility means a licensed establishment that provides 24-hour medical and/or non-medical care of persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living, or for the protection of the individual. A residential care facility includes nursing care, assisted living, hospice care, and continuum of care facilities. Continuum of care facilities may also include independent living facilities as part of the continuum. This includes institutions that are located in one or more buildings on contiguous property with one administrative body. Residential care facility does not include a residential drug/alcohol treatment facility.

B. Use Standards. None.

69. Restaurant.

A. Defined. Restaurant means an establishment where food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are provided to the public for on-premises consumption by seated patrons and/or for carry-out service.

B. Use Standards.

70. Retail Goods Establishment.

A. Defined. Means an establishment that provides physical goods, products, or merchandise directly to the consumer, where such goods are available for immediate purchase and removal from the premises by the purchaser. Retail goods establishment does not include micro fulfillment center.

B. Use Standards. None.

71. Salvage Yard

A. Defined. Salvage yard mean an establishment where vehicles or other machinery is broken up and the parts saved and processed for resale.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Outdoor service or storage areas shall be screened with landscaping consisting of shade trees and evergreen trees and shrubs. Such landscaped area shall be of sufficient width and density to provide an effective and aesthetically pleasing screen with trees and shrubs not less than five feet in height when planted. In lieu of planting strips, a six-foot tall solid vertical fence or masonry, heavy wood construction, or other similar material approved by the Code Official may be used as a screen.

(2) Outdoor service or storage areas shall be allowed only on hard-surface areas paved to parking lot specifications with asphalt or concrete.

(3) See Section 169.05(B) for outdoor storage areas as an accessory use.

72. Self-Storage Facility: Enclosed.

A. Defined. Enclosed self-storage facility means an establishment for the storage of personal property where individual renters control and access individual storage spaces located within a fully enclosed building that is climate controlled. Ancillary retail sales of related items, such as moving supplies, and facility offices may also be included. Rental of vehicles and other equipment for moving is a separate use from self-storage facility. The heavy retail, rental, and service use must be allowed within the district and requires separate approval.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Storage units cannot be used for residential occupancy or business.

(2) No plumbing connections are permitted in self-storage units.

(3) All self-storage activities must be contained within a single building and conducted exclusively indoors. Individual storage units shall be accessed from inside the building only.

(4) The building shall be designed in such a way that none of the storage units located on the first floor are visible from any public right-of-way.

73. Self-Storage Facility: Outdoor.

A. Defined. Outdoor self-storage facility means an establishment for the storage of personal property where individual renters control and access individual storage spaces and where each storage unit has individual access from the outdoors. Ancillary retail sales of related items, such as moving supplies, and facility offices may also be included. Rental of vehicles and other equipment for moving is a separate use from self-storage facility. The heavy retail, rental, and service use must be allowed within the district and requires separate approval.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Storage units cannot be used for residential occupancy or business.

(2) No plumbing connections are permitted in self-storage units.

(3) Outdoor self-storage facilities shall be oriented to the best extent possible so that storage unit access doors do not face the public right-of-way, or residential districts as set forth in Section 168.02.

(4) Exterior facades not facing the exterior of the property are not subject to the masonry requirements set forth in Section 169.10.

(5) Commercial district design standards.

(a) Exterior facades that face a right-of-way or adjoining residential district shall include the following:

(i) Color, texture and building material changes.

(ii) Wall articulation change of no less than two feet in depth or projection every 50 feet.

(iii) Wall articulation change no less than two feet in vertical elevation every 50 feet in building width. The change in elevation shall extend a minimum of 20 feet in building width.

(iv) Exterior facades that face a right-of-way or adjoining residential district shall include windows or faux windows.

74. Specialty Food Service.

A. Defined. Specialty food service means an establishment that specializes in the sale of certain food products, such as a delicatessen, bakery, candy maker, meat market, catering business, cheesemonger, coffee roaster, or fishmonger, and may offer areas for ancillary retail sales or restaurants that serve the products processed on-site. Specialty food service also includes preparation, processing, canning, or packaging of food products where all processing is completely enclosed and there are no outside impacts.

B. Use Standards. None.

75. Storage Yard – Outdoor (Principal Use).

A. Defined. Outdoor storage means the storage of material outdoors as a principal use of land for more than 24 hours.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Outdoor storage areas shall be screened with landscaping consisting of shade trees and evergreen trees and shrubs. Such landscaped area shall be of sufficient width and density to provide an effective and aesthetically pleasing screen with trees and shrubs not less than five feet in height when planted. In lieu of planting strips, a six-foot tall solid vertical fence or masonry, heavy wood construction, or other similar material approved by the Code Official may be used as a screen.

(2) Outdoor storage or display shall be allowed only on hard-surface areas paved to parking lot specifications with asphalt or concrete.

(3) See Section 169.05(B) for outdoor storage areas as an accessory use.

76. Truck Stop

A. Defined. Truck stop means an establishment where short-term parking is providing for semi-trucks and other large trucks. A truck stop may also include ancillary truck wash bays.

B. Use Standards. None.

77. Utility (Sub)Station

A. Defined. Utility (sub)station means a structure or facility used by a public or quasi-public utility agency to store and/or distribute public utilities. Utility (sub)stations does not include outdoor storage or maintenance facilities.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Utility (sub)stations, shall to the greatest degree possible, be located so as to minimize impacts on surrounding properties and public infrastructure.

(2) No setbacks are required, however, utility (sub)stations shall not block visibility or create traffic hazards.

(3) Minimum required masonry on all building elevations is 60%.

(4) Utility (sub)stations shall be screened with landscaping consisting of shade trees and evergreen trees and shrubs. Such landscaped area shall be of sufficient width and density to provide an effective and aesthetically pleasing screen with trees and shrubs not less than five feet in height when planted. In lieu of a landscape area, a masonry wall may be used as a screen.

(5) Decorative fences within the front yard may exceed the maximum height specified in section 169.04 subject to the following:

(a) Fence material shall be wrought iron or ornamental metal and shall have masonry columns spaced a maximum of 50 feet.

(b) Maximum height is 10 feet.

78. Vehicle Dealership, New and Used.

A. Defined. New and Used Vehicle dealership means an establishment that sells or leases new or primarily new automobiles, vans, motorcycles, and/or all-terrain vehicles (ATV) vehicles, or other similar motorized transportation vehicles. Vehicle dealerships do not include medium duty trucks (with the exception of pickup trucks), heavy duty trucks, trailers, boats, or heavy equipment sales, which are considered heavy retail, rental, and service. A dealership may provide ancillary on-site facilities for the repair (minor or major) and service of the vehicles sold or leased by the dealership.

B. Use Standards.

(1) The number and location of vehicles shall be designated on an approved site plan. The vehicle display area shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of Sections 169.01 and 169.02 with the exception that display areas do not need to be delineated with paint or other permanent materials.

(2) All vehicles offered for sale shall be operational and roadworthy as provided in the applicable sections of the Code of Iowa and the Iowa Administrative Code.

79. Vehicle Dealership, Used.

A. Defined. Used Vehicle dealership means an establishment that sells or leases used automobiles, vans, motorcycles, and/or all-terrain vehicles (ATV) vehicles, or other similar motorized transportation vehicles. Vehicle dealerships do not include medium duty trucks (with the exception of pickup trucks), heavy duty trucks, trailers, boats, or heavy equipment sales, which are considered heavy retail, rental, and service. A dealership may provide ancillary on-site facilities for the minor repair and service of the vehicles sold or leased by the dealership.

B. Use Standards.

(2) All vehicles offered for sale shall be operational and roadworthy as provided in the applicable sections of the Code of Iowa and the Iowa Administrative Code.

80. Vehicle Operations Facility.

A. Defined. Vehicle operations facility means an establishment for the dispatch, storage, and maintenance of emergency medical care vehicles, taxicabs and similar vehicles for hire, school buses, utility vehicles, and similar vehicles.

B. Use Standards. None.

81. Vehicle Rental.

A. Defined. Vehicle rental means an establishment that rents automobiles and vans, including incidental parking and servicing of rental vehicles. A motor vehicle rental establishment may maintain an inventory of the vehicles for sale or lease either on-site or at a nearby location, and may provide on-site facilities for the repair and service of the vehicles sold or leased by the dealership. Vehicle rental does not include the rental of medium duty trucks, with the exception of pickup trucks, heavy duty trucks, or rental of heavy equipment, which is considered part of heavy retail, rental, and service.

B. Use Standards. None.

82. Vehicle Repair - Major.

A. Defined. Major vehicle repair means an establishment that provides services in major reconditioning of worn or damaged motor vehicles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), recreational vehicles and trailers, towing and collision service, including body, frame, or fender straightening or repair, painting of motor vehicles, interior (upholstery, dashboard, etc.) reconstruction and/or repairs, and restoration services. A major vehicle repair business may also include minor vehicle repair services.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Repair of vehicles and storage of all merchandise, auto parts, and supplies must be within an enclosed structure.

(2) Vehicles may not be stored outdoors on the premises for longer than 15 days once repair is complete.

(3) No partially dismantled, wrecked, junked, or discarded vehicles may be stored outdoors on the premises unless these vehicles are waiting repair. All such open storage of these types of vehicles awaiting repair shall be subject to the following:

(b) Outdoor storage or display shall be allowed only on hard-surface areas paved to parking lot specifications with asphalt or concrete.

83. Vehicle Repair – Minor.

A. Defined. Minor vehicle repair means an establishment that provides services in minor repairs to motor vehicles, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) vehicles, including, but not limited to, repair or replacement of cooling, electrical, fuel and exhaust systems, brake adjustments, relining, and repairs, wheel servicing, alignment, and balancing, repair and replacement of shock absorbers, engine rebuilding, and replacement or adjustment of mufflers and tail pipes, hoses, belts, light bulbs, fuses, windshield wipers/wiper blades, grease retainers, wheel bearings, and the like. Any type of vehicle repair services for recreational vehicles is a major vehicle repair business and does not qualify as minor repair under this Ordinance regardless of the level of repair service.

B. Use Standards.

(1) Repair of vehicles and storage of all merchandise, auto parts, and supplies must be within an enclosed structure.

(2) Vehicles may not be stored outdoors on the premises for longer than 15 days once repair is complete.

(3) No partially dismantled, wrecked, junked, or discarded vehicles may be stored outdoors on the premises.

84. Warehouse.

A. Defined. Warehouse means an establishment for the indoor storage and distribution of manufactured products, supplies, and/or equipment.

B. Use Standards. None.

85. Wholesale Facility.

A. Defined. Wholesale facility means an establishment that sells goods to either retailers, or to industrial, commercial, institutional, or other professional business users, or to other wholesalers and related subordinated services.

B. Use Standards. None.

86. Winery, Micro.

A. Defined. A facility for the production and packaging of any alcoholic beverages obtained by the fermentation of the natural contents of fruits, vegetables, and/or honey, including such beverages when fortified by the addition of alcohol or spirits, in quantities not to exceed 25,000 gallons per year and may include a tasting room for consumption on-premises. A tasting room allows customers to taste/consume products manufactured on site and purchase beverages manufactured on site and related items. Wineries that exceed this capacity are considered light or general industrial uses.

B. Use Standards. None.

(Ord. 2025-15 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

(Chapter 168 - Ord. 2022-02 – May 22 Supp.)

North Liberty City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 168

ZONING CODE - ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS

168.01 ZONING DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED.

1. Zoning Districts. In order to carry out the purpose and intent of this Ordinance, the City is divided into the following zoning districts:

A. Residential Districts

(1) RS-3 Single-Unit Residence District.

(2) RS-4 Single-Unit Residence District.

(3) RS-6 Single-Unit Residence District.

(4) RS-7 Single-Unit Residence District.

(5) RS-8 Single-Unit Residence District.

(6) RS-9 Single-Unit Residence District.

(7) RD-8 Two-Unit Residence District.

(8) RD-10 Two-Unit Residence District.

(9) RM-8 Multi-Unit Residence District.

(10) RM-12 Multi-Unit Residence District.

(11) RM-21 Multi-Unit Residence District.

(12) R-MH Residential Manufactured Home Park District.

(Ord. 2023-26 – Jan. 24 Supp.)

B. Commercial Districts

(1) C-1-A Central Commercial District.

(2) C-1-B General Commercial District.

(3) C-2 Highway Commercial District.

(4) C-3 Higher-Intensity Commercial District.

(5) O/RP Office and Research Park District

(Ord. 2023-26 – Jan. 24 Supp.)

C. Industrial Districts

(1) I-1 Light Industrial District.

(2) I-2 Heavy Industrial District.

(3) I-P Industrial Park District.

D. Special Purpose Districts.

(1) ID Interim Development District.

(2) P – Public Use District.

(3) PO – Professional Office Overlay District.

(4) PAD – Planned Area Development Overlay District.

168.02 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.

1. RS Districts Defined.

(Ord. 2023-26 – Jan. 24 Supp.)

2. RD Districts Defined.

3. RM Districts Defined.

(Ord. 2025-10 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

5. Dimensional Standards.

A. RS Districts.

Table 168.02-A Dimensional Standards SF = Square Feet, ’ = Feet
	RS-3	RS-4	RS-6	RS-7	RS-8	RS-9
Bulk
Minimum Lot Area	15,000 SF	10,000 SF	7,000 SF	6,000 SF	5,000 SF	4,500 SF
Minimum Frontage	50’	40’	35’	35’	35’	35’
Minimum Lot Width	100’	80’	70’	60’	60’	40’
Maximum Building Height	35’	35’	35’	35’	35’	35’
Setbacks
Minimum Required Front Yard	25’	25’	25’	20’	20’	20*
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	25’	25’	25’	20’	20’	25’
Minimum Required Side Yard	10’	10’	8’	5’	5’	5’
Minimum Required Rear Yard	30’	30’	30’	25’	25’	25’
*Garage doors facing a public street shall be setback a minimum of 25’.

(Ord. 2024-09 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

B. RD and RM Districts.

(Ord. 2025-10 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

Table 168.02-B Dimensional Standards SF = Square Feet, DU= Dwelling Unit, ' = Feet
	RD-8	RD-10	RM-8	RM-12	RM-14	RM-21
Bulk (Prior to Subdividing into DU Individual Lots)
Minimum Lot Area	10,000 SF	9,000 SF	21,780 SF	21,780 SF	21,780 SF	21,780 SF
Minimum Frontage	40'	35'	75'	50'	50'	50'
Minimum Lot Width	100'	80'	100'	80'	80'	80'
Maximum Building Height	35'	35'	40'	40'	45'	65'
Maximum Density	--	--	8 DU/Acre	12 DU/Acre	14 DU/Acre	21 DU/Acre
Setbacks (Prior to Subdividing into Individual DU Lots)
Minimum Required Front Yard	25'	25'	25' *	25' *	25' *	25' ***
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	25'	25'	25' *	25' *	25' *	25' ***
Minimum Required Side Yard	8'	5'	5' if that side yard abuts RM District, otherwise 15'	5' if that side yard abuts RM District, otherwise 15'	5' if that side yard abuts RM District, otherwise 15'	10' **
Minimum Required Rear Yard	30'	30'	30'	30'	30'	30' **
Bulk (After Subdividing into Individual DU Lots)
Minimum Lot Area	5,000 SF	4,500 SF	1,500 SF	1,500 SF	1,500 SF	1,500 SF
Minimum Frontage	25'	20'	10'	10'	10'	10'
Minimum Lot Width	50'	40'	15'	15'	15'	15'
Maximum Building Height	35'	35'	40'	40'	40'	40'
Setbacks (After Subdividing into Individual DU Lots)
Minimum Required Front Yard	25'	25'	25' *	25' *	25' *	25' * **
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	25'	25'	25' *	25' *	25' *	25' * **
Minimum Required Side Yard (Between Units)	0'	0'	0'	0'	0'	0'
Minimum Required Side Yard (at the End of Units)	8'	5'	5' if that side yard abuts RM District, otherwise 15'	5' if that side yard abuts RM District, otherwise 15'	5' if that side yard abuts RM District, otherwise 15'	10' **
Minimum Required Rear Yard	30'	30'	30'	30'	30'	30' **
* Townhouses may reduce setback to a minimum of 20 except when garage doors face a public street. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there shall be a minimum setback of 20 to any sidewalk or street edge ** One foot of additional setback is required for every one-foot of building height above 45

(Ord. 2025-10 Aug. 25 Supp.)

C. R-MH District.

Table 168.02-C Dimensional Standards SF = Square Feet, ' = Feet
	Manufactured Home Park	Manufactured Home Site
Bulk
Minimum Lot Area	10 acres	5,500 SF
Minimum Frontage	400'	35'
Minimum Lot Width	500'	50'
Maximum Building Height	--	35'
Minimum Separation Distance	--	10' as measured between the walls of manufactured homes
Setbacks
Minimum Required Front Yard	25'	20'
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	25'	20'
Minimum Required Side Yard	25'	--
Minimum Required Rear Yard	25'	25'

(Ord. 2024-09 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

6. District Specific Design Standards.

A. RS-7 Single-Unit Resident District. The RS-7 District shall be subject to the following:

(1) Planned Area Development submittal.

(3) Alleys are preferred. A homeowners association will be responsible for maintenance of alleys.

(4) One two-inch caliper tree will be required in the front yard of each lot within the RS-7 District.

(5) One two-inch caliper tree will be required in the corner side yard of each lot within the RS-7 District.

(6) A minimum of 25 percent of the development shall be reserved as open space.

168.03 COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.

1. Defined.

2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 168.03 Dimensional Standards SF = Square Feet, ' = Feet
	C-1-A	C-1-B	C-2	C-3	CU C-3	O/RP
Bulk
Minimum Lot Area	None	None	None	20,000 SF	20,000 SF	1.5 acres
Minimum Frontage	35'	35'	35'	35'	35'	100'
Minimum Lot Width	35'	35'	35'	35'	35'	150'
Maximum Building Height	45'	45'	45'	75'	75'	75'
Setbacks
Minimum Required Front Yard	0'	25'	25'	25'	10'	50'
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	0'	25'	25'	25'	10'	50'
Minimum Required Side Yard	0'	10'	10'	10' , unless abutting a residential district then 20' *	0' unless abutting a residential district then 10' *	20'
Minimum Required Rear Yard	10'	10' unless abutting a residential district than 20' *	10' unless abutting a residential district than 20' *	10' unless abutting a residential district then 20'' *	0' unless abutting a residential district then 10' *	50'
* One foot of additional setback as measured from a lot line of property within a residential district for every one-foot building height above 35 feet. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the additional setback is required when the lot line is adjacent to Muddy Creek

(Ord. 2025-10 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

168.04 INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.

1. Defined.

(Ord. 2025-10 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 168.09 Dimensional Standards ' = Feet
	I-1	I-2
Bulk
Minimum Lot Area	None	None
Minimum Frontage	35'	35'
Minimum Lot Width	25'	25'
Maximum Building Height	45'	45'
Setbacks
Minimum Required Front Yard	25'	25'
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	25'	25'
Minimum Required Side Yard	20'	20'
Minimum Required Rear Yard	20'	20'

(Ord. 2025-10 – Aug. 25 Supp.)

168.05 SPECIAL PURPOSE AND OVERLAY DISTRICTS.

1. Defined.

B. P Public Use District. The P District is intended to provide space for public safety, administration, recreational, and community facilities.

2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 168.10 Dimensional Standards SF = Square Feet, ‘ = Feet
	ID	P	PO	PAD
Bulk
Minimum Lot Area	1 acre	None	**	**
Minimum Frontage	150’	35’	**	**
Minimum Lot Width	150’	35’	**	**
Maximum Building Height	35’	45’	**	**
Setbacks
Minimum Required Front Yard	50’	*	**	**
Minimum Required Corner Side Yard	50’	*	**	**
Minimum Required Side Yard	10’	*	**	**
Minimum Required Rear Yard	50’	*	**	**
* Required yards are contextual based on adjacent lots. The required yard shall be equal to the adjoining zone district or the actual yard of the main building on the adjacent lot, whichever is less. ** Same as the underlying district.