(a)

Generally. The city is hereby divided into zoning districts as shown on the official zoning district map which may be subsequently amended by the procedures of section 109-7.

(b)

Boundaries. The boundaries are generally on the center of streets, on lot lines, on shorelines, or on the center of streams or rivers.

(c)

Districts established. The following districts are hereby established:

(1)

Traditional Residential (R). The traditional town plats of the city where smaller lot sizes and setbacks are predominant. This is typically associated with the old town development area on the land use map. Developed property should be served by both municipal sewer and water services. Single-family and duplex structures and churches are appropriate. Densities should range from one unit per 7,500 square feet to one unit per 10,000 square feet.

(2)

Rural Residential (RR). The purpose of this district is to provide low density rural residential development in rural portions of the city, outside the shore land zone and within areas of anticipated municipal growth for which such development is desired and most suitable. The primary use within the rural residential district is single-family residence but may also include agricultural, forestry, and those commercial enterprises intended primarily to serve nearby rural residence low intensity industrial light activities.

(3)

Low Density Residential (LDR). Newly platted areas served by municipal sewer and water services or property with more difficult topography not feasible to extend municipal services. Slightly greater setbacks should be used. Single-family and duplex structures and churches are appropriate. Densities should range from one unit per 15,000 square feet to one unit per 30,000 square feet for sewered properties and between 20,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet for unsewered developments.

(4)

Multi-Family Residential (MFR). Newly platted or redeveloped areas served by municipal sewer and water services. Duplex, town home, condominium, and apartment structures may be appropriate. Densities should range from one unit per 5,000 square feet to one unit per 10,000 square feet. Developments should be considered by PUD process with open space.

(5)

Central Business District (CBD). The city's downtown commercial district and Cass County Courthouse, oriented towards efficient pedestrian movement with municipal parking areas and on-street parking. Typical uses will include government facilities, service-oriented commercial and tourism-oriented retail uses. Zero lot line setbacks are permitted for commercial retail uses and coordinated off-street parking.

(6)

Transitional Commercial (TC). The commercial expansion area into residential areas that are adjacent to the CBD where both residential and commercial uses should coexist. Typical uses should include residential, office, and tourism-oriented retail. Efforts should be made to maintain the residential character of commercial buildings. Both residential and light commercial uses should be allowed with commercial uses controlled by conditional use permit.

(7)

General Commercial (GC). The general commercial zone oriented towards job growth and service businesses. Typical uses may include motels, lumberyards, restaurants, grocery stores, and other retail not included in the CBD. On-site parking should be provided with landscaping plans reviewed by the planning commission.

(8)

Waterfront Commercial (WC). The waterfront commercial zone oriented towards uses associated with public waters, including resorts, motels/hotels, marinas, and other uses associated with the shorelands.

(9)

Industrial (I). Areas designated for manufacturing and light industrial uses which provide for employment opportunities for area residents. Areas shall provide on-site parking and landscaping to prevent possible negative impact on surrounding land uses.

(10)

Public (P). Public uses of land not oriented towards recreation and open space. Typical uses may include federal, state, or local government offices, schools, or utilities.

(11)

Parks and Recreation (PR). Traditional and linear parks and open space. Includes both the Paul Bunyan and Heartland Regional Trail Systems, Community Park, softball fields, and future park lands.

(d)

Lakes and streams. The lakes and streams in the city have been classified as follows:

Recreational Development (RD)

General Development (GD)

(e)

Criteria for land use categories. The following criteria shall be used to determine initial zoning classifications and future land use district changes:

(1)

Preservation of natural sensitive areas.

(2)

Present ownership and development.

(3)

Shoreland soil types and their engineering capabilities.

(4)

Topographic characteristics.

(5)

Vegetative cover.

(6)

In-water physical characteristics.

(7)

Recreational use of surface water.

(8)

Road and service center accessibility.

(9)

Socio-economic development needs of the public.

(10)

Availability of public sewer and water.

(11)

The necessity to preserve and restore certain areas having significant historical or ecological value.

(12)

Conflicts between land uses and impacts of commercial or industrial uses or higher densities on adjacent properties.

(13)

Alternatives available for desired land use.

(14)

Prevention of spot zoning.

(15)

Conformance to the city land use plan.

(Code 2000, § 154.025; Ord. of 10-8-1998; Ord. No. 2017-05, § 1, 9-11-2017)

LAND USE CLASSIFICATION CHART

Key:
X = Prohibited
I = Interim Use Permitted
C = Conditionally Permitted
P = Permitted

(Code 2000, § 154.026, ch. 154(app., § 1); Ord. of 10-8-1998; Res. No. 18-2004, 7-12-2004; Ord. No. 012005, 12-5-2005; Res. No. 17-2007, 6-4-2007; Ord. of 3-3-2008; Ord. No. 2009-02, 7-6-2009; Ord. No. 2013-04, 12-2-2013; Ord. No. 2016-07, § 4, 8-1-2016; Ord. No. 2017-05, § 2, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2019-02, § II, 7-1-2019; Ord. No. 2022-04, § 1, 6-6-2022; Ord. No. 2024-04, §§ 1, 2, 2-5-2024; Ord. No. 2025-01, § 2, 7-7-2025)

(a)

Setback.

(b)

Coverage.

*35 percent in Tier #1 and 25 percent in all subsequent tiers.

(c)

Lot size.

*10,000 square feet for existing lots and 15,000 square feet on newly created lots

(d)

Building height.

(Code 2000, § 154.027, ch. 154(app., § 2); Ord. of 10-8-1998; Ord. No. 2017-05, § 3, 9-11-2017)