Watertown City Zoning Code
ARTICLE II
Establishment of Zoning Districts
§ 550-16 Purpose.
The area located within the jurisdiction of this chapter (see § 500-9) is hereby divided into zoning districts of such number and community character as are necessary to achieve compatibility of land uses within each district, to implement the officially adopted City of Watertown Comprehensive Plan, and to achieve the other purposes of this chapter (see § 550-5).
§ 550-17 Standard zoning districts and standard zoning district categories.
For the purpose of this chapter, all areas within the jurisdiction of this chapter (see § 500-9) are hereby divided into the following standard zoning districts and standard zoning district categories, which shall be designated as follows:
B.
Residential districts.
(1)
Countryside Residential-10 (CR-10ac) District.
(2)
Exurban Residential-1 (ER-1) District.
(3)
Single-Family Residential-4 (SR-4) District.
(4)
Two-Family Residential-6 (TR-6) District.
(5)
Multifamily Residential-8 (MR-8) District.
(6)
Multifamily Residential-10 (MR-10) District.
(7)
Senior Residential (SNR) District.
§ 550-18 Map of standard zoning districts.
[Amended by Ord. No. 03-22]
Standard zoning districts established by this chapter are shown on the Official Zoning Map of the City of Watertown dated June 3, 2003, which, together with all explanatory materials thereon, is hereby made part of this chapter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Official Zoning Map is on file with the Engineering Department.
§ 550-19 Interpretation of zoning district boundaries.
The following rules shall be used to determine the precise location of any zoning district boundary shown on the Official Zoning Map of the City of Watertown:
A.
Zoning district boundaries shown as following or approximately following the limits of any city, village, town or county boundary shall be construed as following such limits.
B.
Zoning district boundaries shown as following or approximately following streets or railroad lines shall be construed as following the center line of such streets or railroad lines.
C.
Zoning district boundary lines shown as following or approximately following platted lot lines or other property lines as shown on the City of Watertown or County of Dodge and Jefferson Tax Maps shall be construed as following such lines.
D.
Zoning district boundaries shown as following or approximately following the center lines of streams, rivers or other continuously flowing watercourses shall be construed as following the channel center lines of such watercourses, and in the event of a natural change in the location of such streams, rivers or other watercourses, the zoning district boundary shall be construed as moving with the channel center line.
E.
Zoning district boundaries shown as following or approximately following ridgelines or watershed boundaries shall be construed as following such lines.
G.
Where any uncertainty exists as to the exact location of a zoning district boundary line, as shown on the Official Zoning Map, the location of the line shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator.
§ 550-20 Purpose and intent of standard zoning districts.
The following sections specify the purpose and intent of the standard zoning districts established by this chapter.
§ 550-21 Rural Holding (RH) District.
[Amended by Ord. No. 03-37; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit development that is solely of a rural community character. The land use standards for this district permit very low-density single-family residential development at a density of one dwelling unit for every 35 gross acres, as well as a variety of agricultural and agricultural-support land uses. Density and intensity standards for this district are designed to ensure that development requiring even a minimum of urban services does not occur until such services are available. As such, the Rural Holding (RH) District shall serve either as a designation which preserves and protects agricultural activities or as a "holding zone" which provides for an interim land use (agriculture) that will easily permit further development (with rezoning to another district) at the appropriate time.
Rationale: This district is used to provide for the protection of agricultural activities and a very low-density residential area for those who want to live in a rural environment and who retain enough land with their residence to ensure that the rural environment is maintained as long as the Rural Holding (RH) District designation is retained. In this manner, even if all property were developed in a given area with the Rural Holding (RH) District designation, the rural community character of that area would still be maintained. |
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(2)
Principal land uses permitted as conditional use (per § 550-45B):
(a)
Single-family: one-acre lot (for lots smaller than 35 acres, remainder of 35 acres must be deed-restricted with a conservation easement prohibiting subsequent development of additional principal structures unless rezoned for higher-density development).
(b)
Husbandry.
(c)
Intensive agriculture.
(d)
Agricultural services.
(e)
Clear-cutting.
(f)
Indoor institutional (church and school only).
(g)
Outdoor institutional.
(h)
Outdoor commercial entertainment.
(i)
Commercial animal boarding.
(j)
Bed-and-breakfast establishments.
(k)
Campground.
(l)
Junkyard or salvage yard.
(m)
Waste disposal facility.
(n)
Composting operation.
(o)
Airport/heliport.
(p)
Communication tower.
(q)
Extraction use.
(r)
Sexually oriented land use.
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses.
(1)
Residential density and intensity requirements:
(2)
Residential bulk requirements.
(a)
Minimum lot area: 35 acres.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 150 feet.
(c)
Minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(d)
Minimum setbacks.
[1]
Front or street side lot line to house: 35 feet; 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Front or street side lot line to attached garage: 35 feet; 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[3]
Side lot line to house or attached garage: 50 feet.
[4]
Total of both sides, lot lines to house/attached garage: 100 feet.
[5]
Rear lot line to house or attached garage: 100 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: 50 feet.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: 50 feet.
(f)
Minimum paved surface setback: three feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(g)
Minimum dwelling unit separation: 100 feet.
(h)
Maximum height of dwelling unit: 35 feet.
(i)
Maximum height of accessory structure: 15 feet.
(k)
Minimum dwelling core dimensions: 24 feet by 40 feet.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 40,000 square feet (20,000 square feet permitted as a conditional use).
(b)
Minimum lot width: 200 feet (100 feet permitted as a conditional use); minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks.
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet; 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 30 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 30 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 15 feet.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 30 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 30 feet; 20 feet of separation between hangars and/or other buildings typically unoccupied by persons.
(g)
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
§ 550-22 Countryside Residential (CR-10ac) District.
[Amended 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit development that has a very-low-density countryside community character. Unlike the case for the Rural Holding (RH) District, the land use standards for this district permit primarily single-family detached residential development and a variety of related institutional land uses and are not oriented to a wide range of agricultural activities. Density and intensity standards for this district are designed to ensure that the Countryside Residential (CR-10ac) District shall serve as a designation that preserves and protects the countryside community character of its area. A variety of residential development options are available in this district, with a maximum gross density (MGD) of one dwelling unit for every 10 gross acres.
Rationale: This district is used to provide for the permanent protection of a very-low-density residential area for those who want to live in a countryside environment and retain enough land with their residence or in their development to ensure that the countryside character is maintained as long as the CR-10ac District designation is retained, regardless of how much development occurs within that area. |
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(1)
Principal land uses permitted by right (per § 550-45A):
(a)
Single-family: thirty-five-acre lot.
(b)
Single-family, lot of 40,000 to 70,000 square feet (for parcels containing the unbuilt remainder of the original acreage parcel; the parcel containing the remainder of the original acreage must be deed-restricted with a conservation easement in favor of the City of Watertown prohibiting subsequent development of additional principal structures unless rezoned for higher-density development; density within any land division in this zoning district must remain at or under a maximum density of one dwelling unit per 10 acres).
(c)
Cultivation.
(d)
Selective cutting.
(e)
Passive outdoor public recreation.
(f)
Active outdoor public recreation.
(g)
Public services and utilities.
(h)
Community living arrangement (one to eight residents).
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses.
(2)
Residential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 40,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 150 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Front or street side lot line to house, single-family: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Front or street side lot line to attached garage: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[3]
Side lot line to house or attached garage: 30 feet.
[4]
Total of both sides, lot lines to house/attached garage: 60 feet.
[5]
Rear lot line to house/attached garage: 25 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line or 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line or 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: three feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum dwelling unit separation: 60 feet.
(g)
Maximum height of dwelling unit: 35 feet.
(h)
Maximum height of accessory structure: 15 feet.
(i)
Minimum number of off-street parking spaces required on the lot (includes garage, drives and all designated parking surfaces): three.
(j)
Minimum dwelling core dimensions: 24 feet by 40 feet.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 40,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 100 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 35 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 30 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 30 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 30 feet.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 30 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 60 feet.
(g)
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
§ 550-23 Exurban Residential-1 (ER-1) District.
[Amended 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit development that has a low-density estate community character. The land use standards for this district permit primarily single-family detached residential development and a variety of related institutional land uses. Density and intensity standards for this district are designed to ensure that the Exurban Residential-1 District shall serve as a designation that preserves and protects the estate character of its area.
Rationale: This district provides for the permanent protection of a low-density residential area for those who want to live in an estate environment and retain enough land with their residence or in their development to ensure that the estate community character is maintained as long as the ER-1 District designation is retained, regardless of how much development occurs within that area. |
B.
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses.
(2)
Residential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 40,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 150 feet.
(c)
Minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(d)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Front or street side lot line to house: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Front or street side lot line to attached garage: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[3]
Side lot line to house or attached garage: 30 feet.
[4]
Total of both sides, lot lines to house/attached garage: 60 feet.
[5]
Rear lot line to house/attached garage: 25 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(f)
Minimum paved surface setback: three feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(g)
Minimum dwelling unit separation: 60 feet.
(h)
Maximum height of dwelling unit: 35 feet.
(i)
Maximum height of accessory structure: 15 feet.
(j)
Minimum number of off-street parking spaces required on the lot (includes garage, drives and all designated parking surfaces): three spaces per dwelling unit.
(k)
Minimum dwelling core dimensions: 24 feet by 40 feet.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 40,000 square feet; 20,000 square feet with a conditional use permit.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 100 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 30 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 30 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 30 feet.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 30 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line or 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line or 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 60 feet.
(g)
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
§ 550-24 Single-Family Residential-4 (SR-4) District.
[Amended 10-6-2015 by Ord. No. 15-34; 10-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-18; 12-20-2016 by Ord. No. 16-24; 9-18-2018 by Ord. No. 18-10; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit development that has a moderate-density community character. Density and intensity standards for this district are designed to ensure that the Single-Family Residential-4 (SR-4) District shall serve as a designation that preserves and protects the residential community character of its area. Residential development with a maximum gross density (MGD) of four dwelling units per gross acre is available within this district.
Rationale: This district is used to provide for the permanent protection of a moderate-density residential area for those who want to live in a suburban residential environment and who retain enough land with their residence or in their development to ensure that the community character is maintained as long as the SR-4 District designation is retained, regardless of how much development occurs within that area. |
B.
C.
List of allowable accessory uses (per § 550-45C).
(1)
Accessory land uses permitted by right:
(a)
Farm residence.
(b)
Residential accessory structure.
(c)
Home occupation.
(d)
Family day-care home.
(e)
On-site parking lot.
(f)
Private residential recreational facility.
(g)
Drainage structure.
(h)
Filling.
(i)
Lawn care.
(j)
Exterior communication devices.
(k)
Keeping and raising of chickens.
(l)
Short-term rental.
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses.
(2)
Residential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 8,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 75 feet.
(c)
Minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(d)
Minimum setbacks.
[1]
Front or street side lot line to house: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Front or street side lot line to attached garage: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[3]
Side lot line to house or attached garage: 10% lot width or a minimum of eight feet, up to 14 feet.
[4]
Total of both sides, lot lines to house/attached garage: 16 feet.
[5]
Rear lot line to house or attached garage: 25 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line or 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line or 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(f)
Minimum paved surface setback: three feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(g)
Minimum dwelling unit separation: 12 feet.
(h)
Maximum height of dwelling unit: 35 feet.
(i)
Maximum height of accessory structure: 15 feet.
(j)
Minimum number of off-street parking spaces required on the lot (includes garage, drives and all designated parking surfaces): three.
(k)
Minimum dwelling size: 24 feet by 40 feet.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements.
(a)
Minimum lot area: 14,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 100 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks.
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 12 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 40 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 12 feet.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 40 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three from property line; 10 feet from alley.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 16 feet.
(g)
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
§ 550-25 Two-Family Residential-6 (TR-6) District.
[Amended 10-6-2015 by Ord. No. 15-35; 9-18-2018 by Ord. No. 18-10; 8-1-2023 by Ord. No. 23-19; 4-16-2024 by Ord. No. 24-12; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit development that has a moderate-density community character. The land use standards for this district permit both single-family detached residential development and twin house/duplexes permitted by right and two-flat, mobile home parks, and mobile home subdivisions permitted as conditional use. Density and intensity standards for this district are designed to ensure that the Two-Family Residential-6 District shall serve as a designation that preserves and protects the moderate-density residential community character of its area. Various residential development options are available in this district, with a maximum gross density (MGD) of six dwelling units per gross acre.
Rationale: This district is used to provide for the permanent protection of an area for those who want to live in a moderate-density residential environment and who retain enough land with their residence or in their development to ensure that the desired community character is maintained as long as the TR-6 District designation is retained, regardless of how much development occurs within that area. As such, this district is intended to provide the principal location for a wide range of single-family attached dwelling types, including single-family, duplexes, twin houses and two-flats. |
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(1)
Principal land uses permitted by right (per § 550-45A):
(a)
Single-family: lot of 8,000 square feet.
(b)
Twin house/duplex: 4,500 square feet per dwelling unit.
(c)
Cultivation.
(d)
Selective cutting.
(e)
Passive outdoor public recreation.
(f)
Active outdoor public recreation.
(g)
Public services and utilities.
(h)
Community living arrangement (one to eight residents).
(i)
Community living arrangement (nine to 15 residents).
C.
List of allowable accessory uses (per § 550-45C).
(1)
Accessory land uses permitted by right:
(a)
Farm residence.
(b)
Residential accessory structure.
(c)
Home occupation.
(d)
Family day-care home.
(e)
On-site parking lot.
(f)
Private residential recreational facility.
(g)
Drainage structure.
(h)
Filling.
(i)
Lawn care.
(j)
Exterior communication devices.
(k)
Keeping and raising of chickens.
(l)
Short-term rental.
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses.
(1)
Residential density and intensity requirements. For single-family dwellings, see the SR-4 District.
(a)
Conventional development.
(2)
Residential bulk requirements.
(a)
Minimum lot area: 9,000 square feet (except for twin homes at 4,500 square feet per dwelling unit).
(b)
Minimum lot width: 85 feet. Except twin homes: minimum lot width: 42.5 feet.
(c)
Minimum street frontage: 50 feet. Except twin homes: minimum street frontage: 42.5 feet.
(d)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Front or street side lot line to house: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Front or street side lot line to attached garage: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[3]
Side lot line to house or attached garage: 10% lot width or a minimum of eight feet, up to 14 feet.
[4]
Total of both sides, lot lines to house/attached garage: 18 feet or zero feet along common wall.
[5]
Rear lot line to house or attached garage: 25 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(f)
Minimum paved surface setback: three feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(g)
Minimum dwelling unit separation: 12 feet or zero feet along common wall.
(h)
Maximum height of dwelling unit: 35 feet.
(i)
Maximum height of accessory structure: 15 feet.
(j)
Minimum number of off-street parking spaces required on the lot (includes garage, drives and all designated parking surfaces): three.
(k)
Minimum dwelling size: 24 feet by 40 feet.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements.
(a)
Minimum lot area: 14,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 100 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 12 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 40 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 12 feet.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 40 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 16 feet.
(g)
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
§ 550-26 Multifamily Residential-8 (MR-8) District.
[Amended 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit development that has a higher-density community character. The land use standards for this district permit single-family detached, twin house/duplex, two-flats, townhouses and multiplexes permitted by right and related institutional land uses. Density and intensity standards for this district are designed to ensure that the Multifamily Residential-8 District shall serve as a designation that preserves and protects the community character of its area. A variety of residential development options are available in this district, with a maximum gross density (MGD) of eight dwelling units per gross acre.
Rationale: This district is used to provide for the permanent protection of an area for those who want to live in a higher-density residential environment and who retain enough land with their residence or in their development to ensure that the urban community character is maintained as long as the MR-8 District designation is retained, regardless of how much development occurs within that area. As such, it is intended to provide the principal location for mixed residential development. |
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(1)
Principal land uses permitted by right (per § 550-45A):
(a)
Single-family: lot of 8,000 square feet.
(b)
Twin house/duplex: 4,500 square feet per dwelling unit.
(c)
Two-flat: lot of 9,000 square feet.
(d)
Townhouse: 5,445 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(e)
Multiplex: 5,445 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(f)
Cultivation.
(g)
Selective cutting.
(h)
Passive outdoor public recreation.
(i)
Active outdoor public recreation.
(j)
Public services and utilities.
(k)
Community living arrangement (one to eight residents).
(l)
Community living arrangement (nine to 15 residents).
(2)
Principal land uses permitted as conditional use (per § 550-45B):
(a)
Apartment: 4,350 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(b)
Institutional residential.
(c)
Clear-cutting.
(d)
Indoor institutional.
(e)
Outdoor institutional.
(f)
Community living arrangement (16 or more residents).
(g)
Bed-and-breakfast establishments.
(h)
Group day-care center (nine or more children).
(i)
Boardinghouse.
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses. For single-family dwellings, see the SR-4 District. For two-family dwellings, see the TR-6 District.
(2)
Residential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 5,445 square feet per dwelling unit.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 100 feet; 20 feet for townhouse on interior of row; 30 feet for townhouse on end of row.
(c)
Minimum street frontage: 50 feet; 20 feet for townhouse on interior of row; 30 feet for townhouse on end of row.
(d)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Front or street side lot line to house: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Front or street side lot line to attached garage: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[3]
Side lot line to house or attached garage: 10% lot width or a minimum of eight feet, up to 14 feet.
[4]
Total of both sides, lot lines to house/attached garage: 20 feet or zero feet along common wall.
[5]
Rear lot line to house or attached garage: 30 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley.
(f)
Minimum paved surface setback: three feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(g)
Minimum dwelling unit separation: 20 feet or zero feet along common wall.
(h)
Maximum height of dwelling unit: 35 feet, greater with conditional use permit.
(i)
Maximum height of accessory structure: 18 feet.
(j)
Minimum number of off-street parking spaces required on the lot (includes garage, drives and all designated parking surfaces): 2.5 per three-bedroom; two per two-bedroom, one-bedroom or efficiency.
(k)
Minimum dwelling core dimensions: 24 feet by 40 feet.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 14,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 100 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 12 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 40 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 12 feet.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 40 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 20 feet.
(g)
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
§ 550-27 Multifamily Residential-10 (MR-10) District.
[Amended 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit development that has a higher-density community character. The land use standards for this district permit single-family detached, twin house/duplex, two flats, townhouses, multiplexes and apartments permitted by right and related institutional land uses. Density and intensity standards for this district are designed to ensure that the Multifamily Residential-10 District shall serve as a designation that preserves and protects the community character of its area. A variety of residential development options are available in this district, with a maximum gross density (MGD) of 10 dwelling units per gross acre.
Rationale: This district is used to provide for the permanent protection of an area for those who want to live in a higher-density residential environment and who retain enough land with their residence or in their development to ensure that the urban community character is maintained as long as the MR-10 District designation is retained, regardless of how much development occurs within that area. As such, it is intended to provide the principal location for mixed residential development. |
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(1)
Principal land uses permitted by right (per § 550-45A):
(a)
Single-family: lot of 8,000 square feet.
(b)
Twin house/duplex: 4,500 square feet per dwelling unit.
(c)
Two-flat: lot of 9,000 square feet.
(d)
Townhouse: 5,445 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(e)
Multiplex: 5,445 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(f)
Apartment: 4,350 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(g)
Cultivation.
(h)
Selective cutting.
(i)
Passive outdoor public recreation.
(j)
Active outdoor public recreation.
(k)
Public services and utilities.
(l)
Community living arrangement (one to eight residents).
(m)
Community living arrangement (nine to 15 residents).
(2)
Principal land uses permitted as conditional use (per § 550-45B):
(a)
Apartment: 4,350 square feet per dwelling unit (five- to twenty-four-unit building).
(b)
Institutional residential.
(c)
Clear-cutting.
(d)
Indoor institutional.
(e)
Outdoor institutional.
(f)
Community living arrangement (16 or more residents).
(g)
Bed-and-breakfast establishments.
(h)
Group day-care center (nine or more children).
(i)
Boardinghouse.
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses. For single-family dwellings, see the SR-4 District. For two-family dwellings, see the TR-6 District. For three- to four-unit multifamily dwellings, see the MR-8 District.
(2)
Residential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 4,350 square feet per dwelling unit.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 100 feet; 20 feet for townhouse on interior of row; 30 feet for townhouse on end of row.
(c)
Minimum street frontage: 50 feet; 20 feet for townhouse on interior of row; 30 feet for townhouse on end of row.
(d)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Front or street side lot line to house: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Front or street side lot line to attached garage: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[3]
Side lot line to house or attached garage: 10% lot width or a minimum of eight feet, up to 14 feet.
[4]
Total of both sides, lot lines to house/attached garage: 50 feet or zero feet along common wall.
[5]
Rear lot line to house or attached garage: 25 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(f)
Minimum paved surface setback: three feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(g)
Minimum dwelling unit separation: 20 feet or zero feet along common wall.
(h)
Maximum height of dwelling unit: 35 feet, greater with conditional use permit.
(i)
Maximum height of accessory structure: 18 feet.
(j)
Minimum number of off-street parking spaces required on the lot (includes garage, drives and all designated parking surfaces): 2.5 per three-bedroom; two per two-bedroom, one-bedroom or efficiency.
(k)
Minimum dwelling core dimensions: 24 feet by 40 feet.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 14,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 100 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 12 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 40 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 12 feet.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 40 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 20 feet.
(g)
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
§ 550-28 Senior Residential (SNR) District.
[Amended by Ord. No. 10-11; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit senior institutional residential development, including market-rate and non-market-rate senior housing. Housing units that are not institutional or senior housing shall not be permitted in this district. These prohibited uses include market-rate and affordable or subsidized housing for nonsenior and noninstitutional residents.
Rationale: This district is used to provide for the construction of multiple-unit developments intended for use as housing for elderly persons or elderly households, defined as 55 years or older, in a higher-density setting in areas containing adequate public utilities, public services and community facilities with the specific needs of the elderly in mind. As such, it is intended to provide the principal location for institutional residential development. |
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(1)
Principal land uses permitted by right (per § 550-45A):
(a)
Single-family (deed-restricted or otherwise reserved for seniors): lot of 8,000 square feet.
(b)
Twin house/duplex (deed-restricted or otherwise reserved for seniors): 4,500 square feet per dwelling unit.
(c)
Two-flat (deed-restricted or otherwise reserved for seniors): lot of 9,000 square feet.
(d)
Townhouse (deed-restricted or otherwise reserved for seniors): 5,445 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(e)
Multiplex (deed-restricted or otherwise reserved for seniors): 5,445 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(f)
Apartment (deed-restricted or otherwise reserved for seniors): 4,350 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(g)
Cultivation.
(h)
Selective cutting.
(i)
Passive outdoor public recreation.
(j)
Active outdoor public recreation.
(k)
Public services and utilities.
(l)
Community living arrangement (one to eight residents).
(2)
Principal land uses permitted as conditional use (per § 550-45B):
(a)
Apartment (deed-restricted or otherwise reserved for seniors): 4,350 square feet per dwelling unit (five- to twenty-four-unit building).
(b)
Institutional residential (deed-restricted or otherwise reserved for seniors).
(c)
Clear-cutting.
(d)
Indoor institutional.
(e)
Outdoor institutional.
(f)
Community living arrangement (nine to 15 residents).
(g)
Community living arrangement (16 or more residents).
(h)
Bed-and-breakfast establishments.
(i)
Group day-care center (nine or more children).
(j)
Boardinghouse.
C.
List of allowable accessory uses (per § 550-45C).
(1)
Accessory land uses permitted by right:
(a)
Farm residence.
(b)
Residential accessory structure.
(c)
Company cafeteria.
(d)
Company-provided on-site recreation.
(e)
Home occupation.
(f)
Family day-care home.
(g)
On-site parking lot.
(h)
Private residential recreational facility.
(i)
Drainage structure.
(j)
Filling.
(k)
Lawn care.
(l)
Exterior communication devices.
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses. For single-family dwellings, see the SR-4 District. For two-family dwellings, see the TR-6 District. For three- to four-unit multifamily dwellings, see the MR-8 District. For five-or-more-unit multifamily dwellings, see the MR-10 District.
(2)
Residential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 40,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 100 feet.
(c)
Minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(d)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Front or street side lot line to principal structure: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Front or street side lot line to attached garage: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[3]
Side lot line to house or attached garage or other principal structure: 20 feet or zero feet along common wall or other attached part of the principal structure.
[4]
Total of both sides, lot lines to house/attached garage or other principal structure: 40 feet or zero feet along common wall or other attached part of the principal structure.
[5]
Rear lot line to house or attached garage or other principal structure: 25 feet or zero feet along common wall or other attached part of the principal structure.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(f)
Minimum paved surface setback: three feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(g)
Minimum dwelling unit or other principal structure separation: 20 feet or zero feet along common wall or other attached part of the principal structure.
(h)
Maximum height of dwelling unit: 25 feet, greater with conditional use permit.
(i)
Maximum height of accessory structure: 18 feet.
(j)
Minimum number of off-street parking spaces required on the lot (includes garage, drives and all designated parking surfaces): 1.5 per dwelling unit.
(k)
Minimum dwelling core dimensions: 24 feet by 40 feet.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 14,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 100 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 12 feet or zero feet along a common wall or other attached part of the principal structure.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 40 feet or zero feet along a common wall or other attached part of the principal structure.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 12 feet or zero feet along a common wall or other attached part of the principal structure.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 40 feet or zero feet along a common wall or other attached part of the principal structure.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 20 feet or zero feet along a common wall or other attached part of the principal structure.
(g)
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
§ 550-29 Neighborhood Office (NO) District.
[Amended 6-7-2022 by Ord. No. 22-55; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose.
(1)
This district is intended to permit high-quality office and institutional land uses at an intensity compatible with the older portions of the City predominately developed with large homes which are desirable to maintain, where traffic volumes and adjacent land uses dictate the transition of these areas to certain nonresidential uses. The desired neighborhood character of the development is attained through landscape surface area ratio (LSR) requirements and by restricting the maximum building size (MBS) of all buildings within each instance of this district to 5,000 square feet. A range of dwelling unit types may be allowed. Significant areas of landscaping are required in this district to ensure that this effect is achieved. In order to ensure a minimum of disruption to adjacent residential development, no development within this district shall take direct access to a local residential street or a residential collector street.
Rationale: This district is used to provide for the permanent protection of an area which preserves the original residential appearance yet permits office and institutional land uses, and which ensures that the neighborhood character is maintained as long as the NO District designation is retained, regardless of how much development occurs within that area. |
(2)
Neighborhood Office requirements.
(a)
Maximum zoning district: two acres.
(b)
Minimum zoning district separation: 2,000 feet.
(c)
All new Neighborhood Office (NO) Districts shall be established through the standard rezoning process. The final approval of the rezoning request shall not be granted until Plan Commission approval of a site plan for the subject property.
(d)
Maximum building size: 5,000 square feet (one-story); 10,000 square feet (two-story).
(e)
No parking in required setbacks for principal buildings.
(f)
Residential architectural and landscaping requirements include foundation planting, pitched roof, fifteen-percent window covering, natural materials (brick, wood, stone).
(g)
Minimum landscape surface ratio: 40%.
(h)
Operating hours: no earlier than 6:00 a.m. or later than 11:00 p.m.
(i)
Shall provide a neighborhood-oriented amenity, per Plan Commission direction (i.e., outdoor neighborhood gathering area, public art, etc.).
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(2)
Principal land uses permitted as conditional use (per § 550-45B):
(a)
Twin house/duplex: 4,500 square feet per dwelling unit.
(b)
Two-flat: lot of 9,000 square feet.
(c)
Townhouse: 5,445 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(d)
Multiplex: 5,445 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(e)
Apartment: 4,350 square feet per dwelling unit (three- to sixteen-unit building).
(f)
Institutional residential.
(g)
Clear-cutting.
(h)
Indoor institutional.
(i)
Outdoor institutional.
(j)
Community living arrangement (one to eight residents).
(k)
Community living arrangement (nine to 15 residents).
(l)
Community living arrangement (16 or more residents).
(m)
Indoor sales or service.
(n)
Indoor commercial entertainment.
(o)
Bed-and-breakfast establishments.
(p)
Group day-care center (nine or more children).
(q)
Boardinghouse.
C.
List of allowable accessory uses (per § 550-45C).
(1)
Accessory land uses permitted by right:
(a)
Farm residence.
(b)
Residential accessory structure.
(c)
Company cafeteria.
(d)
Company-provided on-site recreation.
(e)
Home occupation.
(f)
On-site parking lot.
(g)
Private residential recreational facility.
(h)
Drainage structure.
(i)
Filling.
(j)
Lawn care.
(k)
Exterior communication devices.
(l)
Nonresidential accessory structure.
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses:
(1)
For single-family dwellings, see the SR-4 District. For two-family dwellings, see the TR-6 District. For three- to four-unit multifamily dwellings, see the MR-8 District. For five-or-more-unit multifamily dwellings and institutional residential developments, see the MR-10 District.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 7,200 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 75 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: eight feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 25 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: eight feet.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 25 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 16 feet.
(g)
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
§ 550-30 Planned Office and Institutional (PO) District.
[Amended 6-7-2022 by Ord. No. 22-55; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit high-quality office and institutional land uses at an intensity compatible with the overall community character of the City. A relatively low maximum floor area ratio (FAR) and significant areas of landscaping are required in this district to ensure that this effect is achieved. In order to ensure a minimum of disruption to residential development, no development within this district shall take direct access to a local residential street or a residential collector street.
Rationale: This district is used to provide for the permanent protection of an area for those who desire a high-quality office environment which maintains the attractiveness of the site and retains enough open land in its development to ensure that the community character is maintained as long as the PO District designation is retained, regardless of how much development occurs within that area. |
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(2)
Principal land uses permitted as conditional use (per § 550-45B):
(a)
Clear-cutting.
(b)
Indoor institutional.
(c)
Outdoor institutional.
(d)
Institutional residential.
(e)
Community living arrangement (nine to 15 residents).
(f)
Community living arrangement (16 or more residents).
(g)
Indoor sales or service.
(h)
In-vehicle sales or service.
(i)
Indoor commercial entertainment.
(j)
Commercial indoor lodging.
(k)
Group day-care center (nine or more children).
(l)
Airport/heliport.
C.
List of allowable accessory uses (per § 550-45C).
(1)
Accessory land uses permitted by right:
(a)
Farm residence.
(b)
Residential accessory structure.
(c)
Company cafeteria.
(d)
Company-provided on-site recreation.
(e)
Home occupation.
(f)
On-site parking lot.
(g)
Private residential recreational facility.
(h)
Drainage structure.
(i)
Filling.
(j)
Lawn care.
(k)
Exterior communication devices.
(l)
Nonresidential accessory structure.
F.
Regulations applicable to institutional residential uses. For institutional residential developments, see the MR-10 District.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 40,000 square feet, 20,0000 square feet with a conditional use permit.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 75 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks.
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: eight feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 25 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: eight feet or zero feet on zero lot line side.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 25 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: 10 feet.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 20 feet or zero feet on zero lot line side.
(g)
Maximum building height: 40 feet.
§ 550-31 Neighborhood Business (NB) District.
[Amended 9-18-2018 by Ord. No. 18-10; 6-7-2022 by Ord. No. 22-55; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose.
(1)
This district is intended to permit small-scale commercial development that is compatible with the desired overall neighborhood community character of the area in general and with adjacent residential development in particular. The desired neighborhood community character of the development is attained through landscape surface area ratio (LSR) requirements and by restricting the maximum building size (MBS) of all buildings within each instance of this district to 5,000 square feet. Significant areas of landscaping are required in this district to ensure that this effect is achieved. In order to ensure a minimum of disruption to residential development, no development within this district shall take direct access to a local residential street or a residential collector street.
Rationale: This district is used to provide both convenience-oriented goods and services and for the permanent protection of adjacent residential areas by permitting only a limited range of commercial activities. Together, these requirements ensure that the desired character is maintained as long as the NB District designation is retained, regardless of how much development occurs within the area. |
(2)
Neighborhood Business requirements.
(a)
Maximum zoning district: two acres.
(b)
Minimum zoning district separation: 2,000 feet.
(c)
All new Neighborhood Business (NB) Districts shall be established through the standard rezoning process. Final approval of the rezoning request shall not be granted until Plan Commission approval of a site plan for the subject property.
(d)
Maximum building size: 5,000 square feet (one-story); 10,000 square feet (two-story).
(e)
No parking in required setbacks for principal buildings.
(f)
Residential architectural and landscaping requirements include foundation planting, pitched roof, fifteen-percent window covering, natural materials (brick, wood, stone).
(g)
Minimum landscape surface ratio: 40%.
(h)
Operating hours: no earlier than 6:00 a.m. or later than 11:00 p.m.
(i)
Shall provide a neighborhood-oriented amenity, per Plan Commission direction (i.e., outdoor neighborhood gathering area, public art, etc.).
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(1)
Principal land uses permitted by right (per § 550-45A):
(a)
Single-family: lot of 8,000 square feet.
(b)
Cultivation.
(c)
Selective cutting.
(d)
Passive outdoor public recreation.
(e)
Active outdoor public recreation.
(f)
Indoor institutional.
(g)
Public services and utilities.
(h)
Office.
(i)
Personal or professional services.
(j)
Indoor sales or service.
(k)
Indoor maintenance service.
(2)
Principal land uses permitted as conditional use (per § 550-45B):
(a)
Twin house/duplex: 4,500 square feet per dwelling unit.
(b)
Two-flat: lot of 9,000 square feet.
(c)
Townhouse: 5,445 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(d)
Multiplex: 5,445 square feet per dwelling unit (three- or four-unit building).
(e)
Apartment: 4,350 square feet per dwelling unit (three- to sixteen-unit building).
(f)
Clear-cutting.
(g)
Indoor institutional.
(h)
Outdoor institutional.
(i)
Institutional residential.
(j)
Community living arrangement (one to eight residents).
(k)
Community living arrangement (nine to 15 residents).
(l)
Community living arrangement (16 or more residents).
(m)
In-vehicle sales or service.
(n)
Indoor commercial entertainment.
(o)
Bed-and-breakfast establishments.
(p)
Group day-care center (nine or more children).
(q)
Boardinghouse.
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses. For single-family dwellings, see the SR-4 District. For two-family dwellings, see the TR-6 District. For three- to four-unit multifamily dwellings, see the MR-8 District. For five-or-more-unit multifamily dwellings and institutional residential developments, see the MR-10 District.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 7,200 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 60 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 12 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 25 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 12 feet.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 25 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 16 feet.
(g)
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
§ 550-32 Planned Business (PB) District.
[Amended 6-7-2022 by Ord. No. 22-55; 4-16-2024 by Ord. No. 24-12; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit large- and small-scale commercial development that is compatible with the desired overall community character of the area in general. Significant areas of landscaping are required in this district to ensure that this effect is achieved. A wide range of office, retail and lodging land uses are permitted within this district. In order to ensure a minimum of disruption to residential development, no development within this district shall take direct access to a local residential street or a residential collector street.
Rationale: This district is intended to provide the principal zoning district for commercial development occurring after the adoption of this chapter. The standards of this district are designed to provide a clear distinction from the General Business and Central Business Districts in terms of permitted intensity of development, treatment of outdoor sales, and required green space areas. The desired suburban community character of the development is attained through the landscape surface area ratio (LSR) requirements. Together, these requirements ensure that the desired community character is maintained as long as the Planned Business District designation is retained, regardless of how much development occurs within that area. |
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(2)
Principal land uses permitted as conditional use (per § 550-45B):
(a)
Clear-cutting.
(b)
Indoor institutional.
(c)
Outdoor institutional.
(d)
Institutional residential.
(e)
Outdoor display.
(f)
In-vehicle sales or service.
(g)
Indoor commercial entertainment.
(h)
Commercial animal boarding.
(i)
Commercial indoor lodging.
(j)
Bed-and-breakfast establishments.
(k)
Group day-care center (nine or more children).
(l)
Vehicle repair and maintenance.
(m)
Convenient cash business.
C.
List of allowable accessory uses (per § 550-45C).
(1)
Accessory land uses permitted by right:
(a)
Farm residence.
(b)
Residential accessory structure.
(c)
Company cafeteria.
(d)
Company-provided on-site recreation.
(e)
Home occupation.
(f)
On-site parking lot.
(g)
Private residential recreational facility.
(h)
Drainage structure.
(i)
Filling.
(j)
Lawn care.
(k)
Exterior communication devices.
(l)
Nonresidential accessory structure.
(2)
Accessory land uses permitted as conditional use:
F.
Regulations applicable to institutional residential uses: for institutional residential developments, see the MR-10 District.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 7,200 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 60 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 12 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 25 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 12 feet or zero feet on zero lot line side.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 25 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 24 feet or zero feet on zero lot line side.
(g)
Maximum building height: 40 feet.
§ 550-33 General Business (GB) District.
[Amended by Ord. No. 03-37; 10-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-18; 12-20-2016 by Ord. No. 16-24; 9-18-2018 by Ord. No. 18-10; 6-7-2022 by Ord. No. 22-55; 4-16-2024 by Ord. No. 24-12; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit both large- and small-scale commercial development at intensities that provide significant incentives for infill development and the continued economic viability of existing development. To accomplish this effect, minimum required green space ratios (GSRs) are substantially lower than those required in the Planned Business District. A wide range of office, retail and lodging land uses are permitted within this district. In order to ensure a minimum of disruption to residential development, no development within this district shall take direct access to a local residential street or a residential collector street.
Rationale: This district is intended to provide an alternative, primarily infill development, designation for commercial activity to the Planned Business District. Performance standards for the General Business District are designed to ensure the long-term economic health of strip commercial development areas existing as of the effective date of this chapter by limiting the attraction of the Planned Business District to those uses which can afford the relatively higher development costs and rents associated with development in that district. |
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(2)
Principal land uses permitted as conditional use (per § 550-45B):
(a)
Clear-cutting.
(b)
Indoor institutional.
(c)
Outdoor institutional.
(d)
Institutional residential.
(e)
Outdoor display.
(f)
In-vehicle sales or service.
(g)
Indoor commercial entertainment.
(h)
Outdoor commercial entertainment.
(i)
Commercial animal boarding.
(j)
Commercial indoor lodging.
(k)
Bed-and-breakfast establishments.
(l)
Group day-care center (nine or more children).
(m)
Boardinghouse.
(n)
Vehicle repair and maintenance.
(o)
Personal storage facility.
(p)
Sexually oriented land use.
(q)
Convenient cash business.
C.
List of allowable accessory uses (per § 550-45C).
(1)
Accessory land uses permitted by right:
(a)
Farm residence.
(b)
Residential accessory structure.
(c)
Company cafeteria.
(d)
Company-provided on-site recreation.
(e)
Home occupation.
(f)
On-site parking lot.
(g)
Private residential recreational facility.
(h)
Drainage structure.
(i)
Filling.
(j)
Lawn care.
(k)
Exterior communication devices.
(l)
Tourist rooming house.
(m)
Nonresidential accessory structure.
(2)
Accessory land uses permitted as conditional use:
F.
Regulations applicable to institutional residential uses. For institutional residential developments, see the MR-10 District.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 7,200 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 60 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 12 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 25 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 12 feet or zero feet on zero lot line side.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 25 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 24 feet or zero feet on zero lot line side.
(g)
Maximum building height: 40 feet.
§ 550-34 Central Business (CB) District.
[Amended 6-19-2018 by Ord. No. 18-4; 9-18-2018 by Ord. No. 18-10; 9-1-2020 by Ord. No. 20-20; 6-1-2021 by Ord. No. 21-24; 6-7-2022 by Ord. No. 22-55; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit both large- and small-scale "downtown" commercial development at an intensity that provides significant incentives for infill development, redevelopment and the continued economic viability of existing development. To accomplish this effect, minimum landscape surface ratios (LSRs) permitted in this district are much lower than those allowed in the Planned Business and General Business Districts. A wide range of office, retail and lodging land uses are permitted within this district. In order to ensure a minimum of disruption to residential development, no development within this district shall take direct access to a local residential street or a residential collector street. No requirements for on-site landscaping or parking are required in this district. This district is strictly limited to the central City locations.
Rationale: This district is intended to provide an alternative, primarily infill development, designation for commercial activity to the Planned Business (PB) and General Business District and is designed to assist in maintaining the long-term viability of the central City. |
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(2)
Principal land uses permitted as conditional use (per § 550-45B):
(a)
Clear-cutting.
(b)
Indoor institutional.
(c)
Outdoor institutional.
(d)
Institutional residential.
(e)
In-vehicle sales or service.
(f)
Indoor commercial entertainment.
(g)
Outdoor commercial entertainment.
(h)
Commercial indoor lodging.
(i)
Bed-and-breakfast establishments.
(j)
Group day-care center (nine or more children).
(k)
Central business apartments (greater than 12 dwelling units).
(l)
Convenient cash business.
C.
List of allowable accessory uses (per § 550-45C).
(1)
Accessory land uses permitted by right:
(a)
Commercial apartment.
(b)
Farm residence.
(c)
Residential accessory structure.
(d)
Company cafeteria.
(e)
Company-provided on-site recreation.
(f)
Home occupation.
(g)
On-site parking lot.
(h)
Private residential recreational facility.
(i)
Drainage structure.
(j)
Filling.
(k)
Lawn care.
(l)
Exterior communication devices.
(m)
Tourist rooming house.
(n)
Outdoor commercial entertainment incidental to indoor commercial entertainment.
(o)
Nonresidential accessory structure.
F.
Regulations applicable to institutional residential uses. For institutional residential developments, see the MR-10 District.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 2,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 10 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: zero feet.*
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: zero feet.*
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 10 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: zero feet.*
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: zero feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: zero feet.*
(f)
Minimum building separation: zero feet.*
(g)
Maximum building height: 50 feet; minimum building height: 20 feet.
§ 550-35 Planned Industrial (PI) District.
[Amended by Ord. No. 03-37; 10-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-18; 12-20-2016 by Ord. No. 16-24; 6-7-2022 by Ord. No. 22-55; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit both large- and small-scale industrial and office development at an intensity that is consistent with the overall desired suburban community character of the community. Beyond a relatively high minimum green space ratio (GSR), the primary distinguishing feature of this district is that it is geared to indoor industrial activities not typically associated with high levels of noise, soot, odors and other potential nuisances for adjoining properties. In order to ensure a minimum of disruption to residential development, no development within this district shall take direct access to a local residential street or a residential collector street.
Rationale: This district is intended to provide a location for suburban-intensity light industrial land uses, such as assembly operations, storage and warehousing facilities, offices and light manufacturing, which are protected from potential nuisances associated with certain development permitted within the GI District. In addition, land uses shall comply with the minimum performance standards presented in Article XI. |
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(1)
Principal land uses permitted by right (per § 550-45A):
(a)
Cultivation.
(b)
Selective cutting.
(c)
Passive outdoor public recreation.
(d)
Active outdoor public recreation.
(e)
Indoor institutional.
(f)
Public services and utilities.
(g)
Office.
(h)
Personal or professional services.
(i)
Indoor maintenance service.
(j)
Indoor storage or wholesaling.
(k)
Light industrial.
(2)
Principal land uses permitted as conditional use (per § 550-45B):
(a)
Clear-cutting.
(b)
Outdoor institutional.
(c)
Indoor institutional.
(d)
Indoor sales or service.
(e)
Indoor commercial entertainment.
(f)
Group day-care center (nine or more children).
(g)
Personal storage facility.
(h)
Airport/heliport.
(i)
Distribution center.
(j)
Communication tower.
(k)
Sexually oriented land use.
C.
List of allowable accessory uses (per § 550-45C):
(1)
Accessory land uses permitted by right:
(a)
Farm residence.
(b)
Residential accessory structure.
(c)
Company cafeteria.
(d)
Indoor sales incident to light industrial use.
(e)
Home occupation.
(f)
On-site parking lot.
(g)
Private residential recreational facility.
(h)
Drainage structure.
(i)
Filling.
(j)
Lawn care.
(k)
Exterior communication devices.
(l)
Nonresidential accessory structure.
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses: not applicable.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 40,000 square feet (20,000 square feet permitted as a conditional use).
(b)
Minimum lot width: 200 feet (100 feet permitted as a conditional use); minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks.
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 30 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 30 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 15 feet.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 30 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 30 feet.
(g)
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
§ 550-36 General Industrial (GI) District.
[Amended by Ord. No. 03-37; 6-7-2022 by Ord. No. 22-55; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit both large- and small-scale industrial and office development at an intensity that is consistent with existing transition and urban intensity development. Beyond a relatively high minimum green space ratio (GSR), the primary distinguishing feature of this district is that it is geared to indoor industrial activities not typically associated with high levels of noise, soot, odors and other potential nuisances for adjoining properties. To ensure a minimum of disruption to residential development, no development within this district shall take direct access to a local residential street or a residential collector street.
Rationale: This district is intended to provide a location for urban-intensity light industrial land uses, such as assembly operations, storage and warehousing facilities, offices and light manufacturing, which are protected from potential nuisances associated with certain development permitted within the HI District. In addition, uses shall comply with the minimum performance standards presented in Article XI. |
B.
C.
List of allowable accessory uses (per § 550-45C).
(1)
Accessory land uses permitted by right:
(a)
Farm residence.
(b)
Residential accessory structure.
(c)
Company cafeteria.
(d)
Company-provided on-site recreation.
(e)
Indoor sales incidental to light industrial use.
(f)
Home occupation.
(g)
On-site parking lot.
(h)
Private residential recreational facility.
(i)
Drainage structure.
(j)
Filling.
(k)
Lawn care.
(l)
Exterior communication devices.
(m)
Nonresidential accessory structure.
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses: not applicable.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 9,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 75 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 50 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 30 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 20 feet.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 30 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 40 feet.
(g)
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
§ 550-37 Heavy Industrial (HI) District.
[Amended 10-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-18; 12-20-2016 by Ord. No. 16-24; 2-2-2021 by Ord. No. 21-10; 6-7-2022 by Ord. No. 22-55; 11-19-2024 by Ord. No. 24-28]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to permit both large- and small-scale industrial and office development at an intensity that provides ample incentive for infill development and redevelopment of industrial areas existing as of the effective date of this chapter. This district is designed to permit a very wide variety of industrial uses which may occur both indoors and outdoors, including certain land uses which are permitted in no other zoning district because of their potential to create nuisances for adjoining properties. In order to ensure a minimum of disruption to residential development, no development within this district shall take direct access to a local residential street or a residential collector street.
Rationale: This district is intended to provide a location for both light and heavy industrial uses in a zoning district in which the potential for nuisance complaints from nearby properties is minimized. It must be emphasized that this is not a district where virtually any land use is permitted, as all uses shall comply with the minimum performance standards presented in Article XI. In addition, certain land uses, such as junkyards and salvage operations and freight terminals, are permitted within this district only upon the granting of a conditional use permit. |
B.
List of allowable principal land uses (per Article III).
(1)
Principal land uses permitted by right (per § 550-45A):
(a)
Cultivation.
(b)
Selective cutting.
(c)
Passive outdoor public recreation.
(d)
Public services and utilities.
(e)
Office.
(f)
Indoor maintenance service.
(g)
Indoor storage or wholesaling.
(h)
Outdoor storage or wholesaling.
(i)
Off-site parking lot.
(j)
Distribution center.
(k)
Light industrial.
(l)
Heavy industrial.
(2)
Principal land uses permitted as conditional use (per § 550-45B):
(a)
Agricultural services.
(b)
Clear-cutting.
(c)
Outdoor maintenance service.
(d)
Sexually oriented land use.
(e)
Vehicle repair and maintenance.
(f)
Junkyard or salvage yard.
(g)
Waste disposal facility.
(h)
Composting operation.
(i)
Airport/heliport.
(j)
Freight terminal.
(k)
Communication tower.
(l)
Personal storage facility.
C.
List of allowable accessory uses (per § 550-45C).
(1)
Accessory land uses permitted by right:
(a)
Farm residence.
(b)
Residential accessory structure.
(c)
Company cafeteria.
(d)
Company-provided on-site recreation.
(e)
Indoor sales incident to light industrial use.
(f)
Home occupation.
(g)
On-site parking lot.
(h)
Private residential recreational facility.
(i)
Drainage structure.
(j)
Filling.
(k)
Lawn care.
(l)
Exterior communication devices.
(m)
Nonresidential accessory structure.
F.
Regulations applicable to residential uses: not applicable.
G.
Regulations applicable to nonresidential uses.
(2)
Nonresidential bulk requirements:
(a)
Minimum lot area: 9,000 square feet.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 100 feet; minimum street frontage: 50 feet.
(c)
Minimum setbacks:
[1]
Building to front or street side lot line: 25 feet, 40 feet for a lot adjacent to a street with an officially mapped right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.
[2]
Building to residential side lot line: 50 feet.
[3]
Building to residential rear lot line: 40 feet.
[4]
Building to nonresidential side lot line: 20 feet.
[5]
Building to nonresidential rear lot line: 30 feet.
[6]
Side lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
[7]
Rear lot line to accessory structure: three feet from property line; 10 feet from alley right-of-way.
(e)
Minimum paved surface setback: five feet from side or rear; 10 feet from street.
(f)
Minimum building separation: 40 feet.
(g)
Maximum building height: 45 feet.
§ 550-38 Planned Development Overlay District.
[Amended 1-7-2025 by Ord. No. 24-33]
A.
Description and purpose. This district is intended to provide more incentives for redevelopment in areas of the community which are experiencing a lack of reinvestment, or which require flexible zoning treatment because of factors specific to the site. This district is designed to forward both aesthetic and economic objectives of the City by controlling the site design and the land use, appearance, density or intensity of development within the district in a manner that is consistent with sound land use, urban design and economic revitalization principles. The application of these standards will ensure long-term progress and broad participation toward these principles. Refer to § 550-152 for the procedures applicable to proposal review in this overlay zoning district.
§ 550-39 Purpose and mapping of natural resource protection overlays.
[Amended 1-7-2025 by Ord. No. 24-33]
A.
This section introduces overlay zoning districts which regulate areas in which natural resource protection requirements apply. Each type of natural resource regulated by this chapter is represented by an overlay zoning district bearing its name. Natural resource protection overlay districts include:
B.
Natural resource protection overlay zoning districts established by this chapter are shown on the Official Zoning Map of the City of Watertown which, together with all the explanatory material thereon, is hereby made part of this chapter. For specific natural resource protection overlay district designation criteria, see §§ 550-41 through 550-43.4 of this chapter and also Chapter 532, Floodplain and Shoreland-Wetland Overlay Zoning.
C.
Purpose. The purpose of this article is to set forth the requirements for the mandatory protection of natural resources and permanently protected green space areas within the jurisdiction of this chapter (see § 550-9). The provisions of this article interact closely with the provisions of § 550-58 (Natural resource disruption and required mitigation standards), § 550-73 (Required natural resources site evaluation), and §§ 550-74 and 550-75 which provide residential and nonresidential development standards. Section 550-76 provides a complete overview of the interrelationship between the above-listed sections. Appendix B[1] provides a table of permitted land uses in permanently protected green space areas.
(1)
In part, the provisions of this article are designed to ensure the implementation of the City of Watertown Comprehensive Plan and §§ 62.231 and 87.30, Wis. Stats.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to this chapter.
D.
How to use this article. This article contains the standards that govern the protection, disturbance and mitigation of disruption of all natural resources and other permanently protected green space areas. The provisions of this article are intended to supplement those of the City of Watertown, Dodge and/or Jefferson County, the State of Wisconsin, and the federal government of the United States that pertain to natural resource protection. Prior to using the provisions of this article to determine the permitted disruption of such areas, the requirements provided below should be reviewed. This article recognizes the important and diverse benefits that natural resource features provide in terms of protecting the health, safety and general welfare of the community. Each of the following sections is oriented to each natural resource type and is designed to accomplish several objectives:
E.
Where an apparent discrepancy exists between the location of the outermost boundary of the flood-fringe district or the floodplain district shown on the Official Zoning Map and actual field conditions, the location shall be initially determined by the Zoning Administrator using the criteria described in Subsections F and G below. Where the Zoning Administrator finds that there is a significant difference between the map and the actual field conditions, the map shall be amended using the procedures established in § 550-141. Disputes between the Zoning Administrator and the applicant over the location of the district boundary line shall be settled using the procedures outlined in § 550-156H.
F.
Where flood profiles exist, the location of the district boundary line shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator using both the scale appearing on the map and the elevations shown on the water surface profile of the regional flood. Where a discrepancy exists between the map and actual field conditions, the regional flood elevations shall govern. A map amendment is required where there is a significant discrepancy between the map and actual field conditions. The Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to grant or deny a land use permit on the basis of a district boundary derived from the elevations shown on the water surface profile of the regional flood, whether or not a map amendment is required. The Zoning Administrator shall be responsible for initiating any map amendments required under this section within a reasonable period of time.
G.
Where flood profiles do not exist, the location of the district boundary line shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator using the scale appearing on the map, visual on-site inspection and any available information provided by the Department of Natural Resources. Where there is a significant difference between the map and actual field conditions, the map shall be amended. Where a map amendment has been approved by both the Common Council and the Department of Natural Resources, the Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to grant or deny a land use permit.
§ 550-40 Floodway, Flood-Fringe, and Floodplain Overlay Districts.
[Amended 1-7-2025 by Ord. No. 24-33]
See Chapter 532, Floodplain and Shoreland-Wetland Overlay Zoning.
§ 550-41 Shoreland-Wetland Overlay District.
[Amended 1-7-2025 by Ord. No. 24-33]
See Chapter 532, Floodplain and Shoreland-Wetland Overlay Zoning.
§ 550-42 Waterways Overlay District.
[Amended 1-7-2025 by Ord. No. 24-33]
A.
Definition. Waterways are navigable or non-navigable, aboveground watercourses, detention basins and/or their environs which are identified by the presence of one or more of the following:
(1)
All areas within 75 feet of the ordinary high-water mark of a perennial stream, as shown on a detailed on-site survey prepared by the applicant [see § 550-145C(8)].
(a)
Where an existing development pattern exists, the waterway setback for a proposed principal structure may be reduced to the average waterway setback of the principal structure on each adjacent lot, but the waterway setback may not be reduced to less than 35 feet from the ordinary high-water mark of any perennial stream.
(2)
All areas within 50 feet of the ordinary high-water mark of an intermittent stream or open channel waterway, as shown on a detailed on-site survey prepared by the applicant [see § 550-145C(8)].
(a)
Where an existing development pattern exists, the waterway setback for a proposed principal structure may be reduced to the average waterway setback of the principal structure on each adjacent lot, but the waterway setback may not be reduced to less than 35 feet from the ordinary high-water mark of an intermittent stream or open channel waterway.
B.
Purpose of waterway protection requirements. Waterways serve in the transporting of surface runoff to downstream areas. As such, waterways serve to carry surface waters, supplement floodplain, wetland and lakeshore water storage functions in heavy storm or melt events, filter waterborne pollutants and sediments, promote infiltration and groundwater recharging, and provide a unique habitat at the land/water margin. Waterway protection requirements preserve each of these functions as well as greatly reducing the potential for soil erosion along waterways by protecting vegetative ground cover in areas which are susceptible to variable runoff flows and moderate-to-rapid water movement.
C.
Determination of waterway boundaries. General waterway boundaries are depicted on the Official Zoning Map. Upon the proposal of development activity on any property which contains a waterway depicted on the Official Zoning Map, the petitioner shall prepare a detailed site analysis per the requirements of § 550-145C(8). This analysis shall depict the location of all waterway areas on the subject property as related to the provisions of Subsection A above.
D.
Mandatory waterway protection requirements. Waterways shall remain in an undisturbed state except for the land uses permitted in Appendix B[1] per the requirements in § 550-58. Vegetation clearing to maintain waterway functions is permitted with the written approval of the Public Works Director/City Engineer. All areas designated as waterways shall be located within a public easement or dedication for maintenance purposes to preserve proper drainage flow.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to this chapter.
§ 550-43 Woodland Overlay District.
[Amended 1-7-2025 by Ord. No. 24-33]
A.
Definition. Woodlands are areas of trees whose combined canopies cover a minimum of 80% of an area of one acre or more, as shown on a detailed on-site survey prepared by the applicant [see § 550-145C(8)].
B.
Purpose of woodland protection requirements. Woodlands provide a wide variety of environmental functions. These include atmospheric benefits such as removing airborne pollutants, carbon dioxide uptake, oxygen production, and evapotranspiration returns. Water quality benefits include substantial nutrient uptake rates (particularly for nitrogen and phosphorus) and surface runoff reduction in terms of both volumes and velocities. Woodlands provide unique wildlife habitats and food sources. Woodlands are excellent soil stabilizers, greatly reducing runoff-related soil erosion. Woodlands also serve to reduce wind velocities which further reduces soil erosion. Finally, under proper management techniques, woodlands serve as regenerative fuel sources.
C.
Determination of woodland boundaries. General woodland boundaries are depicted on the Official Zoning Map. Upon the proposal of development activity on any property which contains a woodland depicted on the Official Zoning Map, the petitioner shall prepare a detailed site analysis per the requirements § 550-145C(8). This analysis shall depict the location of all woodland areas on the subject property as related to the provisions of Subsection A above.
D.
Mandatory woodland protection requirements. Woodlands shall remain in an undisturbed state except for the land uses permitted in Appendix B[1] per the requirements of § 550-58 and areas subject to the following mitigation requirements:
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to this chapter.
§ 550-43.1 Steep Slope Overlay District.
[Added 1-7-2025 by Ord. No. 24-33]
A.
Definition. Steep slopes are areas which contain a gradient of 12% or greater (equivalent to a ten-foot elevation change in a distance of 83 feet or less), as shown on a detailed on-site survey prepared by the applicant [see § 550-145C(8)].
B.
Purpose of steep slope protection requirements. Steep slopes are particularly susceptible to damage resulting from site disruption, primarily related to soil erosion. Such damage is likely to spread to areas which were not originally disturbed. Such erosion reduces the productivity of the soil, results in exacerbated erosion downhill, and results in increased sedimentation in waterways, wetlands, streams, ponds and lakes. Beyond adversely affecting the environmental functions of these resources areas, such sedimentation also increases flood hazards by reducing the floodwater storage capacity of hydrological system components, thus elevating the flood level of the drainage system in affected areas. Beyond these threats to the public safety, disruption of steep slopes also increases the likelihood of slippage and slumping, unstable soil movements which may threaten adjacent properties, buildings and public facilities such as roads and utilities.
C.
Determination of steep slope boundaries. General steep slope boundaries are depicted on the Official Zoning Map. Upon the proposal of development activity on any property which contains a steep slope depicted on the Official Zoning Map, the petitioner shall prepare a detailed site analysis per the requirements of § 550-145C(8). This analysis shall depict the location of all steep slope areas on the subject property as related to the provisions of Subsection A above.
D.
Mandatory steep slope protection requirements. Steep slopes shall remain in an undisturbed state except for the land uses permitted in Appendix B[1] per the requirements of § 550-58.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to this chapter.
§ 550-43.2 Downtown Historic Preservation Overlay Zoning District.
[Added 1-7-2025 by Ord. No. 24-33]
A.
Purpose. This district is intended to implement the urban design recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan by preserving and enhancing the historical quality of the downtown and by attaining a consistent visually pleasing image for the downtown area. As emphasized by said plan, this district is designed to forward both aesthetic and economic objectives of the City by controlling the site design and appearance of development within the district in a manner that is consistent with sound land use, urban design and economic revitalization principles. The application of these standards will ensure long-term progress and broad participation toward these principles. Refer to § 550-149 for the procedures applicable to proposal review in this overlay district.
§ 550-43.3 Community Entry Corridor Design Overlay Zoning District.
[Added 1-7-2025 by Ord. No. 24-33]
A.
Purpose. This district is intended to implement the urban design recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan by preserving and enhancing the historical quality of the STH 19 corridor west and east of the downtown, STH 26 south of the downtown and the STH 16 corridor north of the downtown by enhancing the economic redevelopment potential of the STH 26 corridor north and south of the downtown. As emphasized by the plan, this district is designed to forward both aesthetic and historic preservation objectives of the City by controlling the site design and appearance of development within the district in a manner that is consistent with sound land use, urban design and economic revitalization principles. The application of these standards will ensure long-term progress and broad participation toward these principles. Refer to § 550-150 for the procedures applicable to proposal review in this overlay district.
§ 550-43.4 Airport Overlay Zoning District.
[Added 1-7-2025 by Ord. No. 24-33]
A.
Purpose. This district is intended to implement height limitations for preservation of the City of Watertown Municipal Airport approach zones. The application of these standards will ensure long-term viability and safety of airport operations. Refer to Chapter 211 for procedures applicable to proposal review in this overlay district.