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Riverdale City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 17

07 CONSERVATION AND RESIDENCE DISTRICTS

§ 17.07.010 Permitted uses.

Permitted uses of land or buildings, as hereinafter listed, shall be permitted in the districts indicated under the conditions specified. Unless otherwise specifically set forth, wherever a permitted use is named as a major category in this section, it shall be deemed to include all and only those itemized uses under the said major category listed in the R-1 district. No building or tract of land shall be devoted to any use other than a use permitted hereinafter in the zoning district in which such building or tract of land shall be located, with the exception of the following:
A. 
Uses lawfully established on the effective date of this title.
B. 
Conditional uses, allowed in accordance with the provisions of RMC § 17.07.020.
Uses already established on the effective date of this zoning code and rendered nonconforming by the provisions thereof shall be subject to the regulations of Chapter 17.05 RMC (Nonconforming Buildings, Structures, and Uses). (1980 Zoning Code § 7, Part A 1)

§ 17.07.020 Conditional uses.

Conditional uses, as hereinafter listed, may be allowed in the zoning districts indicated, subject to the issuance of conditional use permits in accordance with the provisions of RMC § 17.03.110. Unless otherwise specifically set forth, wherever a conditional use is named as a major category in this section, it shall be deemed to include all and only those itemized uses listed under the said category in the R-1 district. (1980 Zoning Code § 7, Part A 2)

§ 17.07.030 Lot size requirements.

Lot size requirements shall be as specified under each zoning district in Article II of this chapter. In addition, the following regulations shall be complied with:
A. 
No building shall be converted so as to conflict with, or further conflict with, the lot size requirements of the district in which such building is located.
B. 
No use shall be established or hereafter maintained on a lot recorded after the effective date of this title which is of less area or less width than prescribed hereinafter for such use in the zoning district in which it is to be located. (1980 Zoning Code § 7, Part A 3)

§ 17.07.040 Yard requirements and open space.

A. 
Yard requirements shall be as set forth under each zoning district. Front, side, and rear yards shall be provided in accordance with the regulations hereinafter indicated and shall be unobstructed from the ground level to the sky, except as allowed in RMC § 17.04.070(E).
B. 
All accessory buildings which are attached to principal buildings (e.g., attached garages) shall comply with the yard requirements of the principal building.
C. 
Front yards shall be as specified in each zoning district, except as may be established by the president and board of trustees and reflected on the zoning district map.
D. 
In single-family residential developments containing eight or more units, the yard requirements may be waived in order to encourage innovative design and to provide for such housing types as the atrium or patio house. Such waiver may be obtained only by conditional use permit, as provided within each residential district.
E. 
Upon approval of the plan commission and president and board of trustees, as evidenced by acceptance of the subdivision plat, a developer shall be allowed to satisfy yard requirements by establishing "average" setbacks and varying front yards. However, in such instances, the average setbacks or yards shall be at least equal to the minimum prescribed for that district, and the shortest setbacks or yards shall be consistent with the public safety and health. (1980 Zoning Code § 7, Part A 4)

§ 17.07.050 Building bulk (volume) limitations.

Building bulk limitations shall be expressed in terms of minimum yard requirements and maximum building height. (1980 Zoning Code § 7, Part A 5)

§ 17.07.060 Signs.

Signs shall be allowed in conservation and residence districts in accordance with the regulations established in Chapter 17.10 RMC. (1980 Zoning Code § 7, Part A 6)

§ 17.07.070 Off-street parking and loading.

Off-street parking and loading facilities, accessory to uses allowed in conservation and residence districts, shall be provided in accordance with the regulations established in Chapter 17.11 RMC. (1980 Zoning Code § 7, Part A 7)

§ 17.07.200 CR conservation/recreation district.

The CR district is designed to encourage the development of land for "open space" recreational activities or preserve natural resources; a secondary purpose is that of protecting the public health, safety, comfort, and welfare and reducing financial burdens imposed on the community and its individuals by restricting the use of those areas in Riverdale which may be subject to periodic flooding or which constitute water retention or recharge areas. This district is not intended to encourage retail commercial operations.
A. 
Permitted Uses. Land located in the CR district shall be used for the following purposes only:
1. 
Agriculture, including incidental agricultural structures.
2. 
Botanical gardens and arboretums.
3. 
Forest preserves, wildlife reservations, and ecological sanctuaries.
4. 
Parks and playgrounds.
5. 
Zoological gardens.
6. 
Accessory uses and buildings, incidental to and on the same zoning lot as a principal use, as follows:
a. 
Agricultural buildings and structures.
b. 
Administration buildings or field houses.
B. 
Conditional Uses. Subject to the conditions prescribed in RMC § 17.03.110, the following conditional uses may be allowed:
1. 
Cultural facilities, including: libraries, museums, and similar cultural institutions.
2. 
Golf courses, tennis centers, and similar open recreational activities.
3. 
Governmental facilities.
4. 
Nurseries, for the growing and sale of trees and shrubbery.
5. 
Accessory uses and buildings, incidental to and on the same lot as a principal use.
6. 
Marinas and associated uses.
C. 
Lot Size Requirements. In the CR district, there shall be provided not less than one acre in area for each use as may be allowed.
D. 
Setback from Property Lines. No building or structure in the CR district shall be located closer than thirty feet from any property lines.
E. 
Height Limitations. No building or structure shall exceed two stories or thirty feet in height.
(1980 Zoning Code §§ 7, Part B 7.1; Ord. 91-2, 1991; Ord. 93-3, 1993)

§ 17.07.210 R-1 single-family residence district.

The R-1 single-family residence district is intended to provide for prime single-family areas and protect such areas from the encroachment of incompatible uses.
A. 
Permitted Uses. The following uses are permitted in the R-1 district;
1. 
Single-family detached dwellings.
2. 
Parks and playgrounds.
3. 
Religious institutions.
4. 
Accessory uses and buildings, incidental to and on the same zoning lot as a principal use, as follows:
a. 
Garages and carports.
b. 
Greenhouses and conservatories, private (noncommercial).
c. 
Home occupations.
d. 
Storage of building materials and equipment for dwelling construction purposes for a period not to exceed the duration of such construction.
e. 
Swimming pools, private.
f. 
Toolhouses, sheds, and other similar buildings for the storage of domestic supplies.
B. 
Conditional Uses. The following conditional uses may be allowed in the R-1 district, subject to the provisions of RMC § 17.03.110:
1. 
Cultural institutions, including:
a. 
Public libraries and public art galleries.
b. 
Public museums and aquariums.
2. 
Planned developments, residential; in accordance with RMC § 17.03.110(M).
3. 
Public utilities and service uses, and civic buildings as follows:
a. 
Fire stations.
b. 
Police stations.
c. 
Telephone exchange and telephone transmission equipment buildings.
d. 
Waterworks, reservoir, pumping station, and filtration plant.
e. 
Other municipal buildings.
4. 
Recreational and social facilities, as follows:
a. 
Recreational buildings and community centers, noncommercial.
b. 
Swimming pools, noncommercial.
c. 
Tennis clubs and courts, noncommercial.
5. 
Waiver of yard requirements, in accordance with RMC § 17.07.040(D).
6. 
Accessory uses and buildings incidental to and on the same zoning lot as a principal use.
7. 
Day care centers.
8. 
Educational institutions (nonboarding), as follows:
a. 
Elementary schools.
b. 
Junior and senior high schools.
9. 
Group home, type 1. A group home shall not be located within a distance of eight hundred feet measured in any direction from another group home.
C. 
Lot Size Requirements.
1. 
Permitted Uses.
Minimum Lot Area
Minimum Lot Width
Single-family detached dwellings
4,800 sq. ft.
40 ft.
Parks and playgrounds
No size limitation
2. 
Conditional Uses.
Minimum Lot Area
Minimum Lot Width
Cultural institutions
2 acres
200 ft.
Day care centers
9,600 sq. ft.
60 ft.
Educational institutions
2 acres
200 ft.
Planned developments
4 acres
200 ft.
Public utility and service uses
As specified by plan commission
Recreational and social facilities
15,000 sq. ft.
75 ft.
Religious institutions
15,000 sq. ft.
75 ft.
3. 
Accessory Uses. Each accessory use may be established on the same lot as a principal use; provided, that such lot meets the lot size requirements of the R-1 district as provided in subsections (C)(1) and (2) of this section.
D. 
Yard Requirements.
1. 
Permitted Uses.
Front Yard
Interior Side Yard
Corner Side Yard
Rear Yard
Single-family detached dwellings
15 ft.
3 ft.
10 ft.
20 ft.
Parks and playgrounds
Not applicable
2. 
Conditional Uses.
Front Yard
Interior Side Yard
Corner Side Yard
Rear Yard
Cultural institutions
30 ft.
15 ft.*
25 ft.
40 ft.
Day care centers
20 ft.
10 ft.*
15 ft.
25 ft.
Educational institutions
30 ft.
15 ft.*
25 ft.
40 ft.
Planned developments
As specified by plan commission
Public utilities
As specified by plan commission
Recreational and social facilities
25 ft.
10 ft.*
20 ft.
30 ft.
Religious institutions
25 ft.
10 ft.*
20 ft.
30 ft.
*Plus one foot for each two feet by which the building or structure height exceeds fifteen feet.
3. 
Accessory Uses. Except as indicated below, the yard requirements of the principal uses shall apply to their accessory buildings:
Front Yard
Interior Side Yard
Corner Side Yard
Rear Yard
Buildings accessory to dwellings
15 ft.
3 ft.
10 ft.
3 ft.
E. 
Building Height Limitations. No building or other structure erected within the R-1 district shall exceed two stories or thirty feet in height.
(1980 Zoning Code §§ 7, Part B 7.2; Ord. 88-7, 1988; Ord. 90-2, 1990; Ord. 93-3, 1993; Ord. 2005-18, 2005; Ord. 2018-33 § 4, 2018)

§ 17.07.220 R-2 townhouse residence district.

The R-2 townhouse residence district is primarily designed to accommodate existing single-family attached (townhouse) developments, as characterized by the Pacesetter development.
A. 
Permitted Uses. The following uses are permitted in the R-2 district:
1. 
Single-family attached dwellings.
2. 
Parks and playgrounds.
3. 
Accessory uses and buildings, incidental to and on the same zoning lot as a principal use.
B. 
Conditional Uses. The following conditional uses may be allowed in the R-2 district, subject to the provisions of RMC § 17.03.110:
1. 
Cultural institutions.
2. 
Planned developments, residential.
3. 
Public utility and service uses and civic buildings.
4. 
Recreational and social facilities.
5. 
Waiver of yard requirements, in accordance with RMC § 17.07.040(D).
6. 
Accessory uses and buildings, incidental to and on the same zoning lot as a principal use.
7. 
Religious institutions.
8. 
Day care centers.
9. 
Educational institutions (nonboarding) as follows:
a. 
Elementary schools.
b. 
Junior and senior high schools.
10. 
Group home, type 1. A group home shall not be located within a distance of eight hundred feet measured in any direction from another group home.
C. 
Lot Size Requirements.
1. 
Permitted Uses.
Minimum Lot Area
Minimum Lot Width
Single-family attached dwellings
2,000 sq. ft.
Not applicable
Parks and playgrounds
No size limitation
2. 
Conditional Uses.
Minimum Lot Area
Minimum Lot Width
Cultural institutions
40,000 sq. ft.
150 ft.
Educational institutions
40,000 sq. ft.
150 ft.
Planned developments
4 acres
200 ft.
Public utility and service uses
As specified by plan commission
Recreational and social facilities
15,000 sq. ft.
75 ft.
Religious institutions
15,000 sq. ft.
75 ft.
Day care centers
9,600 sq. ft.
60 ft.
3. 
Accessory Uses. Each accessory use may be established on the same lot as a principal use; provided, that such lot meets the lot size requirements of the R-2 district as provided in subsections (C)(1) and (2) of this section.
D. 
Yard Requirements.
1. 
Permitted Uses.
Front Yard
Interior Side Yard
Corner Side Yard
Rear Yard
Single-family attached dwellings
15 ft.
N.A.*
10 ft.
20 ft.
Parks and playgrounds
Not applicable
2. 
Conditional Uses.
Front Yard
Interior Side Yard
Corner Side Yard
Rear Yard
Cultural institutions
25 ft.
12 ft.**
20 ft.
30 ft.
Educational institutions
25 ft.
12 ft.**
20 ft.
30 ft.
Planned developments
As specified by plan commission
Public utilities
As specified by plan commission
Recreational and social facilities
20 ft.
10 ft.**
15 ft.
25 ft.
Religious institutions
20 ft.
10 ft.**
15 ft.
25 ft.
Day care centers
20 ft.
20 ft.**
15 ft.
25 ft.
c. 
Accessory Uses. Except as indicated below, the yard requirements of the principal uses shall apply to their accessory buildings:
Front Yard
Interior Side Yard
Corner Side Yard
Rear Yard
Buildings accessory to dwellings
15 ft.
3 ft.
10 ft.
3 ft.
*Not applicable; however, a minimum distance separation of twelve feet shall be provided between building clusters.
**Plus one foot for each two feet by which the building or structure height exceeds fifteen feet.
E. 
Building Height Limitations. No building or other structure erected within the R-2 district shall exceed two stories or thirty feet in height.
(1980 Zoning Code §§ 7, Part B 7.3; Ord. 88-7, 1988; Ord. 90-2, 1990; Ord. 93-3, 1993; Ord. 2005-18, 2005; Ord. 2018-33 § 5, 2018)

§ 17.07.230 R-3 limited general residence district.

The R-3 limited general residence district is intended to provide areas which are to be occupied substantially by single-family and two-family dwellings and attached dwellings. It is designed to accommodate limited apartment dwellings while maintaining a low-density "owner-occupancy" flavor.
A. 
Permitted Uses. The following uses are permitted in the R-3 district:
1. 
Single-family detached dwellings.
2. 
Single-family attached dwellings.
3. 
Two-family dwellings.
4. 
Parks and playgrounds.
5. 
Accessory uses and buildings, incidental to and on the same zoning lot as a principal use.
B. 
Conditional Uses. The following conditional uses may be allowed in the R-3 district, subject to the provisions of RMC § 17.03.110:
1. 
Convalescent and nursing homes.
2. 
Cultural institutions.
3. 
Day care centers.
4. 
Health and medical facilities.
5. 
Planned developments, residential.
6. 
Public utility and service uses and civic buildings.
7. 
Recreational and social facilities.
8. 
Waiver of yard requirements, in accordance with RMC § 17.07.040(D).
9. 
Accessory uses and buildings, incidental to and on the same zoning lot as a principal use.
10. 
Religious institutions.
11. 
Educational institutions (nonboarding) as follows:
a. 
Elementary schools.
b. 
Junior and senior high schools.
12. 
Multiple-family dwellings, containing three or fewer units.
13. 
Group home, type 1. A group home shall not be located within a distance of eight hundred feet measured in any direction from another group home.
C. 
Lot Size Requirements.
1. 
Permitted Uses.
Minimum Lot Area
Minimum Lot Width
Single-family detached dwellings
4,800 sq. ft.
40 ft.
Dwellings other than single-family detached
1,000 sq. ft.* (per D.U.)
40 ft.
Parks and playgrounds
No size limitation
2. 
Conditional Uses.
Minimum Lot Area
Minimum Lot Width
Convalescent homes
9,600 sq. ft.
60 ft.
Cultural institutions
40,000 sq. ft.
150 ft.
Day care centers
9,600 sq. ft.
60 ft.
Educational institutions
40,000 sq. ft.
150 ft.
Health and medical facilities
20,000 sq. ft.
100 ft.
Multiple-family dwellings
1,000 sq. ft. per dwelling unit*
40 ft.
Planned developments
2 acres
150 ft.
Public utility and service
As specified by plan commission
Recreational and social facilities
9,600 sq. ft.
60 ft.
Religious institutions
9,600 sq. ft.
60 ft.
*However, minimum lot area shall be four thousand eight hundred square feet.
3. 
Accessory Uses. Each accessory use may be established on the same lot as a principal use, provided such lot meets the lot size requirements of the R-3 district.
D. 
Yard Requirements.
1. 
Permitted Uses.
Front Yard
Interior Side Yard
Corner Side Yard
Rear Yard
Single-family detached dwellings
15 ft.
3 ft.
10 ft.
20 ft.
Dwellings other than single-family detached
15 ft.
3 ft.**
10 ft.
20 ft.
Parks and playgrounds
Not applicable
2. 
Conditional Uses.
Front Yard
Interior Side Yard
Corner Side Yard
Rear Yard
Convalescent homes
20 ft.
10 ft.**
15 ft.
25 ft.
Cultural institutions
25 ft.
12 ft.*
20 ft.
30 ft.
Day care centers
20 ft.
10 ft.**
15 ft.
25 ft.
Educational institutions
25 ft.
12 ft.*
20 ft.
30 ft.
Health and medical facilities
25 ft.
12 ft.*
20 ft.
30 ft.
Multiple-family dwellings
15 ft.
3 ft.**
10 ft.
20 ft.
Planned developments
As specified by plan commission
Public utility and service
As specified by plan commission
Recreational and social facilities
20 ft.
10 ft.*
15 ft.
30 ft.
Religious institutions
20 ft.
10 ft.*
15 ft.
25 ft.
3. 
Accessory Uses. Except as indicated below, the yard requirements of the principal uses shall apply to their accessory buildings:
Front Yard
Interior Side Yard
Corner Side Yard
Rear Yard
Buildings accessory to dwellings
15 ft.
3 ft.
10 ft.
3 ft.
*Plus one foot for each two feet by which the building or structure height exceeds fifteen feet.
**Plus one foot for each three feet by which the building or structure exceeds twenty-five feet.
E. 
Building Height Limitations. No building or other structure erected within the R-3 district shall exceed three stories or forty-five feet in height.
(1980 Zoning Code §§ 7, Part B 7.4; Ord. 88-7, 1988; Ord. 93-3, 1993; Ord. 2005-18, 2005; Ord. 2018-33 § 6, 2018)

§ 17.07.240 R-4 general residence district.

The R-4 general residence district is intended to protect and enhance the character and value of residential areas primarily occupied by varied dwelling types of moderate to high density (approximately thirty to seventy dwelling units per acre), and to accommodate areas planned for new residential development of moderate to high density.
A. 
Permitted Uses. The following uses are permitted in the R-4 district:
1. 
Single-family attached dwellings.
2. 
Two-family dwellings.
3. 
Multiple-family dwellings.
4. 
Parks and playgrounds.
5. 
Accessory uses and buildings, incidental to and on the same zoning lot as a principal use.
B. 
Conditional Uses. The following conditional uses may be allowed in the R-4 district, subject to the provisions of RMC § 17.03.110:
1. 
Convalescent and nursing homes.
2. 
Cultural institutions.
3. 
Day care centers.
4. 
Health and medical facilities.
5. 
Planned developments, residential.
6. 
Public utility and service uses and civic buildings.
7. 
Recreational and social facilities.
8. 
Waiver of yard requirements, in accordance with RMC § 17.07.040(D).
9. 
Building height in excess of forty-five feet.
10. 
Accessory uses and buildings, incidental to and on the same zoning lot as a principal use.
11. 
Religious institutions.
12. 
Educational institutions.
13. 
Single-family detached dwellings.
14. 
Group home, type 2. A group home shall not be located within a distance of eight hundred feet measured in any direction from another group home.
C. 
Lot Size Requirements.
1. 
Permitted Uses.
Minimum Lot Area
Minimum Lot Width
Dwellings other than single-family detached
600 sq. ft.* (per D.U.)
40 ft.
Parks and playgrounds
No size limitation
* However, minimum lot area shall be four thousand eight hundred square feet.
2. 
Conditional Uses.
Minimum Lot Area
Minimum Lot Width
Convalescent homes
9,600 sq. ft.
60 ft.
Cultural institutions
40,000 sq. ft.
150 ft.
Day care centers
9,600 sq. ft.
60 ft.
Educational institutions
40,000 sq. ft.
150 ft.
Health and medical facilities
20,000 sq. ft.
100 ft.
Planned Developments
2 acres
150 ft.
Public utility and service
As specified by plan commission
Recreational and social
9,600 sq. ft.
60 ft.
Religious institutions
9,600 sq. ft.
60 ft.
Single-family detached dwellings
4,800 sq. ft.
40 ft.
3. 
Accessory Uses. Each accessory use may be established on the same lot as a principal use, provided such lot meets the lot size requirements of the R-4 district.
D. 
Yard Requirements.
1. 
Permitted Uses.
Front Yard
Interior Side Yard
Corner Side Yard
Rear Yard
Dwellings other than single-family detached
15 ft.
3 ft.**
10 ft.
20 ft.
Parks and playgrounds
Not applicable
2. 
Conditional Uses.
Front Yard
Interior Side Yard
Corner Side Yard
Rear Yard
Convalescent homes
20 ft.
6 ft.**
15 ft.
25 ft.
Cultural institutions
20 ft.
10 ft.*
15 ft.
25 ft.
Day care centers
20 ft.
6 ft.**
15 ft.
25 ft.
Educational institutions
20 ft.
10 ft.*
15 ft.
25 ft.
Health and medical facilities
20 ft.
10 ft.*
15 ft.
25 ft.
Planned developments
As specified by plan commission
Public utility and service
As specified by plan commission
Recreational and social
20 ft.
6 ft.*
15 ft.
25 ft.
Religious institutions
20 ft.
6 ft.*
15 ft.
25 ft.
Single-family detached dwellings
15 ft.
3 ft.
10 ft.
20 ft.
3. 
Accessory Uses. Except as indicated below, the yard requirements of the principal uses shall apply to their accessory buildings:
Front Yard
Interior Side Yard
Corner Side Yard
Rear Yard
Buildings accessory to dwellings
15 ft.
3 ft.
10 ft.
3 ft.
*Plus one foot for each three feet by which the building or structure height exceeds twenty feet.
**Plus one foot for each three feet by which the building or structure height exceeds twenty-five feet.
E. 
Building Height Limitations. No building or other structure erected within the R-4 district shall exceed three stories or forty-five feet in height; unless specifically authorized by conditional use permit.
(1980 Zoning Code §§ 7, Part B 7.5; Ord. 88-7, 1988; Ord. 93-3, 1993; Ord. 2005-18, 2005; Ord. 2018-33 § 7, 2018)

§ 17.07.250 Setback lines.

That notwithstanding any other provisions of the Riverdale zoning ordinance regulating conservation and residence districts, any accessory building in said districts shall be set back not less than four feet from the alley line.
(Ord. 95-12 § 1, 1995)