In order to regulate and restrict the height, location, size, and type of buildings, structures, and uses allowed on land in the City, the City is hereby divided into districts in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan.

      The City is hereby divided into districts, as shown on the Official Zoning Map, which, together with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this Zoning Code. The Official Zoning Map shall be identified by the signature of the Mayor, attested by the City Clerk, and bearing the seal of the City under the following words: “This is to certify that this is the Official Zoning Map referred to in Section 165B.02 of the Zoning Code of the City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa,” together with the date of the adoption of this Zoning Code. If, in accordance with the provisions of this Zoning Code, changes are made in the district boundaries or other matter portrayed on the Official Zoning Map, such changes shall be entered on the Official Zoning Map promptly after the amendment has been approved by the City Council.

   2.   In the event that the Official Zoning Map becomes damaged, destroyed, lost, or difficult to interpret because of the nature or number of changes and additions, the City Council may by resolution adopt a new Official Zoning Map. The new Official Zoning Map may correct drafting or other errors or omissions in the prior Official Zoning Map, but no such correction shall have the effect of amending the original Official Zoning Map or any subsequent amendment thereof. The new Official Zoning Map shall be identified by the signature of the Mayor attested by the City Clerk and bearing the seal of the City under the following words: “This is to certify that this Official Zoning Map supersedes and replaces the Official Zoning Map adopted by Ordinance No. _______ of the City of Sergeant Bluff Iowa.” Unless the prior Official Zoning Map has been lost, or has been totally destroyed, the prior map or any significant parts thereof remaining shall be preserved, together with all available records pertaining to its adoption or amendment.

For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the City is hereby divided into 17 districts, designated as follows:

(AR)      Agricultural-Residential District

(RS150)   Single-Family Residential District

(RS80)   Single-Family Residential District

(RG60)   General Residential District

(RG20)   General Residential District

(MF-1)      Multi-Family Residential District

(M)      Mobile Home Residential District

(BG)      General Business District

(BGC)      Central Business District

(BN)      Neighborhood Business District

(HSB)      Highway Service Business District

(BGH)      Heavy General Business District

(ML)      Light Manufacturing District

(MH)      Heavy Manufacturing District

(MLG)      Manufacturing Light Green District

(AP)      Airport Overlay District

(PD)      Planned Unit Development District

The boundaries of the districts are hereby established as shown on the map entitled “Official Zoning Map of the City of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa.” Said maps and all explanatory matter thereon accompany and are hereby made a part of this Zoning Code as if fully written herein. The Official Zoning District Map shall be identified by the signature of the Mayor, and attested by the City Clerk. No changes shall be made on the Zoning District Map except as may be required by amendments to this Zoning Code. Such changes shall be promptly indicated on the Zoning District Map with the ordinance number, nature of change, and date of change noted on the map.

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of districts as shown on the Official Zoning Map, the following rules shall apply:

   1.   Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of streets, highways, or alleys shall be construed to follow such centerlines.

   2.   Boundaries indicated as approximately following platted lot lines shall be construed as following such lot lines.

   3.   Boundaries indicated as approximately following City limits shall be construed as following such City limits.

   4.   Boundaries indicated as following railroad lines shall be construed to be midway between the main tracks.

   5.   Boundaries indicated as following shore lines shall be construed to follow such shore lines, and in the event of change in the shore line shall be construed as moving with the actual shore line.

   6.   Boundaries indicated as approximately following the center lines of streams, rivers, canals, lakes, or other bodies of water shall be construed to follow such centerlines.

   7.   Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of features indicated in Subsections 1 to 6 above shall be so construed. Distances not specifically indicated on the Official Zoning Map shall be determined by the scale of the map.

   8.   Where physical or cultural features existing on the ground are at variance with those shown on the Official Zoning Map, or in other circumstances not covered by Subsections to 7 above, the Board of Zoning Adjustment shall interpret the district boundaries.

   9.   Where a district boundary line divides a lot which was in single ownership at the time of passage of this Zoning Code, the Board of Zoning Adjustment may permit the extension of the regulations for either portion of the lot, not to exceed 50 feet beyond the district line into the remaining portion of the lot.

   10.   When a district boundary line splits a lot, tract, or parcel that is in sole ownership, the zoning district with the most restrictive requirements may be extended over the entire property without amending the zoning map through the public hearing process.

   11.   When a lot, tract, or parcel is bisected by the extraterritorial jurisdiction boundary line, the jurisdiction with the greatest portion of the property shall have controlling interest.

The Matrix found in Section 165B.09 of this chapter is a listing of uses that may be allowed within the variety of Zoning Districts. The different uses are grouped into specific Land Use Categories. The Land Use Categories are listed in each of the Zoning Districts in lieu of specific uses. It is important to note, if a Land Use Category is listed within a specific Zoning District, it DOES NOT indicate every use in the Land Use Category is allowed within the specific District. The different uses within Section 165B.09 are: permitted (P), allowed upon approval of a conditional use permit (C), temporary (T), or not permitted (-). In order to determine if a specific use is allowed in a Zoning District, the following steps need to be followed:

   1.   Find the use type that matches your application.

   2.   Look across the table and determine which of the Zoning Districts it may be allowed.

   3.   Determine any special criteria for the uses by referring to the specific district.

   4.   Determine where the specific zoning districts are by reviewing the Official Zoning Map.

   5.   Determine the necessary procedures to receive required permits after the land or property is the control of the applicant.

   6.   When in doubt, please confer with planning staff.

The Table in Section 165B.09 also lists accessory uses that may be allowed or not allowed in any specific Zoning District. The accessory use listing can be found at the end of the Table. Additional requirements for specific uses are given in numbered footnotes below the Table.

Some uses may be required to meet the requirements of Sections 165E.07 through 165E.10 of this Zoning Code. Some of these uses include but are not limited to:

   1.   Multiple family developments with four or more dwelling units.

   2.   Any proposed mixed use development plans.

   3.   Education facilities.

   4.   Automotive washing.

   5.   Automotive sales.

   6.   Any use including drive-in services.

   7.   Any construction of commercial, office, or civic structures over 10,000 square feet in building area.

   8.   Any industrial use.

   9.   Any commercial/office development proposed near any intersection with streets considered a collector and/or arterial.

   10.   Any development within an Urban Renewal Area (TIF District).

   11.   Any other sites/developments deemed necessary by City staff at the time of application.

   12.   Planned Developments as prescribed in Section 165B.25 of this Zoning Code.

   13.   Assembly buildings and halls.

Areas annexed into the corporate limits of the City shall be zoned to conform to the Future Land Use Plan.