Wright City City Zoning Code
ARTICLE III
Residential District Regulations
Section 405.190 Intent.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.010; Ord. No. 228 § 704.1, 5-10-1990]
The residential districts are designed to encourage the creation and maintenance of stable and enduring neighborhoods by establishing limitations on land use and character of development to take advantage of, or to avoid conflicts with, natural topography, hydrology, existing development, social needs, and arrangements and location of existing or planned community facilities.
Section 405.200 Classifications.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.020; Ord. No. 228 § 704.2, 5-10-1990; Ord. No. 766 § I, 7-26-2012]
A.
The classifications within this district are listed herein:
[Ord. No. 890, 8-25-2016]
Section 405.210 Permitted Land Uses And Developments, All Residential Classifications.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.030; Ord. No. 228 § 704.3, 5-10-1990]
A.
These uses are allowable in residential districts provided they meet the necessary criteria established by the density requirements listed herein:
1.
Farming, limited to cultivating plant crops, including for off-premises sale.
2.
Forests, wildlife refuges and conservation projects.
3.
Public and private not-for-profit parks, parkways and playgrounds.
4.
Directional and information signs.
5.
Local public service facilities and utility transmission/transportation lines, providing any installation of utility lines, other than poles and equipment attached thereto, shall be adequately screened with landscaping, fencing, walls or any combination thereof, or shall be placed underground or shall be enclosed in a structure in such a manner to blend with and complement the surrounding area's character. All plans for screening said facilities shall be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review. No building permit or installation permit shall be issued until said plans have been approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
6.
Accessory buildings, land uses and activities customarily incident to any of the above uses, including home occupations.
[Ord. No. 1030, 9-22-2022]
7.
Portable storage containers, subject to the temporary use permit procedures of Section 400.050(A)(3)(f) and conditions of Section 405.100(A)(1)(b)(18).
[Ord. No. 910, 4-27-2017]
8.
Group homes, subject to the following:
a.
Purpose. The City has determined that it is necessary and desirable to provide suitable sites for group homes in residential areas while, in furtherance of the recognized goals of deinstitutionalization and dispersal, ensuring that group homes are not unduly concentrated in neighborhoods to afford mentally or physically disabled persons every opportunity to be integrated in the community. To that end, group homes in residential districts shall comply with the following:
(1)
To promote deinstitutionalization and dispersal, no group home may be located within five hundred (500) feet of another group home, measured by the straight-line distance between the nearest points of the exterior walls (exclusive of overhangs) of the buildings within which the relevant facilities or uses are located;
(2)
Adjoin any lot upon which another group home already exists; or
(3)
Be separated from any lot upon which an existing group home already exists only by a street or roadway.
b.
The exterior appearance of the home and property, occupancy limitation, signage and other standards applicable to single-family dwellings shall apply equally to group homes.
Section 405.220 Conditional Land Uses And Developments, All Residential Classifications.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.040; Ord. No. 228 § 704.4, 5-10-1990]
A.
These uses may be permitted in residential districts provided they meet at least the necessary criteria established by the density requirements listed herein and any additional requirements of the Planning and Zoning Commission listed elsewhere in these regulations.
1.
Churches.
2.
Fire stations.
4.
Public utilities service installations and facilities, to include gas metering stations, water and sewer pumping stations and off-street parking areas to serve adjoining property in an adjacent district.
5.
Major utility and transportation installations, to include sewage treatment plants and outfall sewers, radio, television and communication transmitting or relay towers and facilities, electrical substations, telephone exchanges and water towers.
6.
Public and private kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools.
7.
Public or private libraries.
8.
Municipal buildings.
9.
Swimming pools, picnic grounds, private clubs, community centers and other recreational land uses, commercial or not-for-profit.
10.
Temporary buildings and uses, to include voting places and real estate sales offices.
Section 405.230 Height Limitations.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.050; Ord. No. 228 § 704.5, 5-10-1990]
See Section 405.100, Supplemental Regulations, within this Title.
Section 405.240 Lot Dimensions, Lot Areas And Yard Requirements, All Residential Classifications.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.060; Ord. No. 228 § 704.6, 5-10-1990]
A land use requiring a conditional use permit, when the tract proposed is less than is specified in the applicable residential district section of this Chapter, may be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission provided the development and use contemplated are deemed consistent with good planning practice, can be operated in a manner not detrimental to the permitted developments and uses of the said district, can be developed and operated in a manner visually compatible with the permitted uses of the surrounding areas, are deemed essential or desirable to preserve and promote public health, safety and general welfare, and where the related parking needs, outdoor facilities, size of buildings and potential population of said developments and uses are deemed consistent with the land use intensity in the said neighborhood; provided however, the minimum tract area for said conditional developments and uses shall not be less than the minimum tract area for dwelling units in said residential districts.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: R.O. 1992 § 425.070, Parking, All Residential Classifications, enacted 5-10-1990 by Ord. No. 228 § 704.7, which previously followed this Section, was repealed 4-23-2015 by Ord. No. 852 § XIV.
Section 405.250 Sign Regulations, All Residential Classifications.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.080; Ord. No. 228 § 704.8, 5-10-1990]
A.
Sign regulations for all residential classifications are listed herein:
1.
Information signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in outline per facing.
2.
Directional signs shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in outline per facing.
3.
No sign shall extend more than fifteen (15) feet above ground elevation, and no sign shall exceed eight (8) feet in width.
4.
No advertising signs except temporary realty "for sale" shall be permitted within any residential district. Realty signs may not exceed five (5) square feet and may be displayed only on the subject premises.
Section 405.260 Accessory Buildings, All Residential Classifications.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.090; Ord. No. 228 § 704.9, 5-10-1990; Ord. No. 827 § II, 5-22-2014]
A.
Notwithstanding the inclusion of accessory buildings within the definition of a "structure" or any general requirements for structures set forth in Article III of this Chapter, the following specific regulations shall govern accessory buildings in all residential districts:
1.
When a garage is entered from an alley, it shall not be located closer than ten (10) feet to the alley line. If a garage is located closer than five (5) feet to the principal building, the garage will be regarded as part of the principal building for the purposes of determining side and rear yards.
2.
Specific setbacks.
a.
An accessory building to a primary dwelling structure shall be set back no less than the existing building line of the property and in no instance be located or constructed in the following applicable setbacks:
[Ord. No. 979, 12-12-2019]
District | Side Yard Setback (in feet) | Rear Yard Setback (in feet) |
|---|---|---|
SR-1 | 10 | 10 |
SR-2 | 10 | 10 |
SR-3 | 5 | 5 |
SR-4 | 5 | 5 |
MR-1 | 5 | 5 |
MR-2 | 5 | 5 |
MH | See § 405.330(A)(5)(d) | See § 405.330(A)(5)(e) |
b.
All accessory buildings to a primary building other than a dwelling structure shall comply with the setbacks applicable to all structures in the district.
3.
No single accessory building in any district shall occupy more than thirty percent (30%) nor shall all such buildings collectively occupy more than forty percent (40%) of the required yard spaces in the rear one-half (1/2) of a lot.
4.
On external corner lots in a subdivision, an accessory building shall not project closer than fifteen (15) feet to the street side lot line; except if a required parking garage with access to said street, such setback shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet.
5.
No accessory building shall be erected in any front yard or side yard (as defined in Section 405.090), and no separate accessory building shall be erected within five (5) feet of any other building.
6.
No accessory building shall be constructed upon a lot until the construction of the principal building has commenced, and no accessory building shall be placed in use until the principal building is completed and in use.
7.
No accessory building shall be used for dwelling purposes.
Section 405.270 Dwelling Regulations, All "SR" Residential Classifications.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.095; Ord. No. 297 § I, 8-10-1995; Ord. No. 436 § I, 9-11-2003; Ord. No. 979, 12-12-2019]
A.
All dwellings located in "SR-1," "SR-2," "SR-3," and "SR-4" shall contain a minimum square footage of living space as follows:
Section 405.280 "SR-1" Single-Family Residential Districts.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.100; Ord. No. 228 § 704.10, 5-10-1990; Ord. No. 310 § I, 3-14-1996]
A.
Every lot, tract, parcel or building site in this type of district shall be subject to the following regulations and to all general provisions contained herein.
1.
Intent. To provide a suitable environment for low-density single-family dwellings.
3.
Additional Conditional Uses And Developments, By Permit. Animal husbandry.
5.
Lot dimension, lot area and yard requirements.
a.
Dwellings shall be situated on tracts providing areas not less than one (1) acre for each dwelling unit.
b.
Kindergarten schools shall be situated on tracts providing areas not less than three (3) acres.
c.
Libraries shall be situated on tracts providing areas not less than three (3) acres.
d.
All other permitted and conditional land uses in this district, except public utility facilities, shall be situated or conducted on tracts of at least five (5) acres in area, except as may be clearly indicated otherwise by context of these regulations.
e.
No structure more than six (6) feet in height shall be erected within thirty-five (35) feet of any public roadway right-of-way line.
f.
No structure shall be erected within fifteen (15) feet of any side or rear property line.
g.
The minimum lot width in this district shall be one hundred fifty (150) feet.
h.
Any non-dwelling structure exceeding twenty-five (25) feet in height shall be set back at least one (1) additional foot from all property lines for every foot of height above twenty-five (25) feet.
i.
Principal and accessory buildings shall not cover more than thirty percent (30%) of the lot area.
Section 405.290 "SR-2" Single-Family Residential Districts.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.110; Ord. No. 228 § 704.11, 5-10-1990; Ord. No. 310 § I, 3-14-1996; Ord. No. 766 § II, 7-26-2012]
A.
Every lot, tract, parcel or building site in this district type shall be subject to the following regulations and to all general provisions contained herein.
1.
Intent. To provide suitable locations for single-family dwellings in a slightly higher land-use density environment than the preceding district to create a smooth transition between the City's lowest-density and highest-density single-family residential districts.
3.
Additional Conditional Land Uses And Developments, By Permit. Collegiate schools and affiliated on-campus dormitories.
5.
Lot Dimension, Lot Area And Yard Requirements.
a.
Dwellings shall be situated on tracts providing areas not less than half an acre for each dwelling unit.
b.
Schools, churches and libraries shall be situated on tracts providing areas not less than set in the following table:
Type of Facility | Minimum Acreage |
|---|---|
Church | 3 |
Library | 1 |
Kindergarten (separate) | 1 |
Nursery or day nursery | 1/2 |
c.
Except as otherwise provided, all other permitted and conditional land uses in this district shall be situated or conducted on tracts at least five (5) acres in area.
d.
No structure more than six (6) feet in height shall be erected within twenty-five (25) feet of any public roadway right-of-way line.
e.
No structure shall be erected within ten (10) feet of any side property line.
f.
No structure shall be erected within fifteen (15) feet of any rear property line.
g.
The minimum lot width in this district shall be one hundred (100) feet.
h.
Any non-dwelling structure exceeding twenty-five (25) feet in height shall be set back at least one (1) additional foot from all property lines for every foot of height above twenty-five (25) feet.
i.
Main and accessory buildings shall not cover more than thirty percent (30%) of the lot area.
Section 405.300 "SR-3" Single-Family Residential Districts.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.120; Ord. No. 228 § 704.12, 5-10-1990; Ord. No. 310 § I, 3-14-1996; Ord. No. 766 § II, 7-26-2012]
A.
Every lot, tract, parcel or building site in this district type shall be subject to the following regulations and to all general provisions contained herein.
1.
Intent. To provide suitable locations for single-family dwellings in a proportionally higher land-use density environment than the preceding districts to provide a medium-density area within the City's residential plan.
5.
Lot dimension, lot area and yard requirements.
a.
Dwellings shall be situated on tracts providing at least ten thousand (10,000) square feet of lot area for each dwelling unit.
b.
Schools, churches and libraries shall be situated on tracts providing areas not less than set in the following table.
Type of Facility | Minimum Tract |
|---|---|
Church | 1 acre |
Library | 1 acre |
Kindergarten (separate) | 1 acre |
Nursery or day nursery | 10,000 square feet |
c.
Except as otherwise provided, all other permitted and conditional land uses in this district shall be situated or conducted on tracts at least five (5) acres in area.
d.
No structure more than six (6) feet in height shall be erected within twenty-five (25) feet of any public roadway right-of-way line.
e.
No structure shall be erected within seven (7) feet of any side property line.
[Ord. No. 898, 11-10-2016]
f.
No structure shall be erected within fifteen (15) feet of any rear property line.
g.
The minimum lot width in this district shall be seventy-five (75) feet.
h.
Any non-dwelling structure exceeding twenty-five (25) feet in height shall be set back at least one (1) additional foot from all property lines for every foot of height above twenty-five (25) feet.
i.
Main and accessory buildings shall not cover more than thirty percent (30%) of the lot area.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: R.O. 1992 § 425.130, "SR-4" Single-Family Residential Districts, adopted 5-10-1990 by Ord. No. 228 § 704.13, as amended, which immediately followed this Section, was repealed 8-12-2004 by Ord. No. 485 § I.
Editor's Note: R.O. 1992 § 425.140, "SR-5" Single-Family Residential Districts, adopted 5-10-1990 by Ord. No. 228 § 704.14, as amended, which immediately followed R.O. 1992 § 425.130, was repealed 3-25-1999 by Ord. No. 355 § I.
Section 405.303 "SR-4" Single-Family Residential Districts.
[Ord. No. 979, 12-12-2019]
A.
Every lot, tract, parcel or building site in this district type shall be subject to the following regulations and to all general provisions contained herein.
1.
Intent. To provide suitable locations for single-family dwellings in a proportionally higher land use density environment than the preceding districts to provide a higher density area within the City's residential plan.
5.
Lot dimension, lot area and yard requirements.
a.
Single-family dwellings shall be situated on tracts providing at least eight thousand four hundred (8,400) square feet of lot area for each dwelling unit.
b.
Schools, churches and libraries shall be situated on tracts providing areas not less than set in the following table.
Type of Facility | Minimum Tract |
|---|---|
Church | 1 acre |
Library | 1 acre |
Kindergarten (separate) | 1 acre |
Nursery or day nursery | 8,400 square feet |
c.
Except as otherwise provided, all other permitted and conditional land uses in this district shall be situated or conducted on tracts at least five (5) acres in area.
d.
No structure more than six (6) feet in height shall be erected within twenty-five (25) feet of any public roadway right-of-way line.
e.
No structure shall be erected within seven (7) feet of any side property line.
f.
No structure shall be erected within fifteen (15) feet of any rear property line.
g.
The minimum lot width in this district shall be seventy (70) feet.
h.
Any non-dwelling structure exceeding twenty-five (25) feet in height shall be set back at least one (1) additional foot from all property lines for every foot of height above twenty-five (25) feet.
i.
Main and accessory buildings shall not cover more than thirty percent (30%) of the lot area.
Section 405.305 (Reserved) [1]
[1]
Editor's Note: This Section is reserved as a placeholder for the SR-5 District.
Section 405.310 "MR-1" Two-Family Residential Districts.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.150; Ord. No. 228 § 704.15, 5-10-1990; Ord. No. 310 § I, 3-14-1996; Ord. No. 499 § I, 11-11-2004; Ord. No. 766 § II, 7-26-2012]
A.
Every lot, tract, parcel or building site in this district type shall be subject to the following regulations and to all general provisions contained herein:
1.
Intent. To provide a high-density area transitioning from single-family to multi-family land use.
3.
Additional conditional land uses and developments, by permit.
5.
Lot dimension, lot area and yard requirements.
b.
Two-family dwellings shall be situated on tracts providing at least seven thousand (7,000) square feet of lot area for each dwelling unit.
c.
Three-family dwellings shall be situated on tracts providing at least five thousand (5,000) square feet of lot area for each dwelling unit.
d.
Four-family dwellings shall be situated on tracts providing at least four thousand (4,000) square feet of lot area for each dwelling unit.
e.
Schools, churches and libraries shall be situated on tracts providing areas not less than set in the following table.
Type of Facility | Minimum Tract |
|---|---|
Church | 1 acre |
Library | 1 acre |
Kindergarten (separate) | 1 acre |
Nursery or day nursery | 15,000 square feet |
f.
Nursing, senior citizen and retirement homes shall be situated on tracts providing areas not less than two (2) acres.
g.
Except as otherwise provided, all other permitted and conditional land uses in this district shall be situated or conducted on tracts at least three (3) acres in area.
h.
No structure more than six (6) feet in height shall be erected within twenty-five (25) feet of any public roadway right-of-way line.
i.
No principal building shall be erected within seven (7) feet of any side property line.
[Ord. No. 1000 § I, 6-24-2021]
j.
No structure shall be erected within fifteen (15) feet of any rear property line.
k.
The minimum lot width in this district shall be sixty (60) feet.
l.
Any non-dwelling structure exceeding thirty-five (35) feet in height shall be set back at least one (1) additional dwelling foot from all property lines for every foot of height above thirty-five (35) feet.
Section 405.320 "MR-2" Multiple-Family Residential Districts.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.160; Ord. No. 228 § 704.16, 5-10-1990; Ord. No. 310 § I, 3-14-1996; Ord. No. 500 §§ I – II, 11-11-2004; Ord. No. 766 § II, 7-26-2012]
A.
Every lot, tract, parcel or building site in this district type shall be subject to the following regulations and to all general provisions contained herein:
1.
Intent. To provide a high-density area for multi-family land-use.
3.
Additional conditional land uses and developments, by permit.
a.
Single-family dwellings.
b.
Hospitals.
c.
Group living facilities for educational, religious or charitable purposes.
d.
Golf courses, including practice driving tees on the same premises, not including miniature courses.
e.
Nursing, senior citizen and retirement homes.
f.
Retreats owned and operated by religious, educational or other not-for-profit establishments.
4.
Height Limitations. No structure shall exceed fifty (50) feet in height above the average finished ground elevation at the perimeter of such structure.
5.
Lot dimension, lot area and yard requirements.
b.
Two-family dwellings shall be situated on tracts providing at least seven thousand (7,000) square feet of lot area for each dwelling unit.
c.
Three-family dwellings shall be situated on tracts providing at least five thousand (5,000) square feet of lot area for each dwelling unit.
d.
Four-family dwellings shall be situated on tracts providing at least four thousand (4,000) square feet of lot area for each dwelling unit.
e.
Schools, churches and libraries shall be situated on tracts providing areas not less than set in the following table:
Type of Facility | Minimum Tract |
|---|---|
Church | 1 acre |
Library | 1 acre |
Kindergarten (separate) | 1 acre |
Nursery or day nursery | 15,000 square feet |
f.
Nursing, senior citizen and retirement homes shall be situated on tracts providing areas not less than two (2) acres.
g.
Hospitals shall be situated on tracts at least five (5) acres in area.
h.
Except as otherwise provided, all other permitted and conditional land uses in this district shall be situated or conducted on tracts at least three (3) acres in area.
i.
No structure more than six (6) feet in height shall be erected within twenty-five (25) feet of any public roadway right-of-way line.
j.
No structure shall be erected within ten (10) feet of any side property line.
k.
No structure shall be erected within fifteen (15) feet of any rear property line.
l.
The minimum lot width in this district shall be sixty (60) feet.
m.
Any non-dwelling structure exceeding fifty (50) feet in height shall be set back at least one (1) additional foot from all property lines for every foot of height above fifty (50) feet.
n.
Specific measurements.
(1)
No wall of any separate (detached) structure shall be located closer to any wall of another separate structure than as set in the following table.
Walls | Front | Side | Rear | Accessory Building |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Front | 50 feet plus add'l 10 feet for each bldg. over 2 stories | 30 feet except 20 feet if side wall has no windows | 100 feet | 30 feet |
Side | 30 feet except 20 feet if side wall has no windows | 20 feet | 30 feet | 10 feet |
Rear | 100 feet | 30 feet | 30 feet | 20 feet |
(2)
Except any dimension given in the preceding table shall include the side yard required for a single-family dwelling, stated above, when any described wall faces the side lot of any separately owned property, whether or not any structure is located on said property.
Section 405.330 "MH" Manufactured Home Residential District.
[R.O. 1992 § 425.170; Ord. No. 228 § 704.17, 5-10-1990; Ord. No. 310 § I, 3-14-1996; Ord. No. 766 § II, 7-26-2012]
A.
Every lot, tract, parcel or building site in the "MH" Manufactured Home Residential District shall be subject to the following regulations and to all general provisions contained herein:
1.
Intent. To provide a suitable environment for the orderly development of land uses by manufactured homes for single-family occupancy.
3.
Total Area. A manufactured home residential district shall be no less than five (5) acres in total area.
5.
Lot dimension, lot area and yard requirements.
a.
Manufactured homes shall be situated on tracts providing at least five thousand (5,000) square feet of lot area for each unit.
b.
No manufactured home may be located less than thirty (30) feet from another manufactured home or structure, except storage or other auxiliary structures for the exclusive use with the manufactured home may be no closer to another home than twenty (20) feet.
c.
All other permitted and conditional land uses in this district, except public utility facilities, shall be situated or conducted on tracts of at least five (5) acres in area, except as may be clearly indicated otherwise by context of these regulations.
d.
No structure more than six (6) feet in height shall be erected within twenty-five (25) feet of any public roadway right-of-way line.
e.
No structure shall be erected within ten (10) feet of any side property line.
f.
No structure shall be erected within fifteen (15) feet of any rear property line.
g.
The minimum lot width in this district shall be fifty (50) feet.
h.
Any non-dwelling structure exceeding fifteen (15) feet in height shall be set back at least one (1) additional foot from all property lines for every foot of height above fifteen (15) feet.
i.
Main and accessory buildings shall not cover more than thirty percent (30%) of the lot area.
j.
Two off-driveway parking spaces with not less than four inches of crushed stone or other suitable material on a well compacted subbase shall be provided for each manufactured home space. required parking spaces may be included within the 5,000 square feet required for each manufactured home space.
k.
At least 200 square feet of recreation space for each manufactured home space shall be reserved within each manufactured home district as common recreation space for the residents of the district. Such areas shall, along with driveways and walkways, be adequately lighted for safety.
l.
Buffer. A densely planted buffer strip, consisting of trees, shrubs, and other plantings at least five feet in height, shall be provided along all rear and side property lines of the district. A six-foot solid fence may be substituted if approved by the Board of Aldermen after review and recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
m.
Any expansion of manufactured home districts in existence on the effective date of this Section shall comply with the provisions of this Section.
6.
Specific Prohibitions. No more than one (1) manufactured home shall be located on a recorded parcel of land, except when said parcel is designated a manufactured home park and is in compliance with such ordinances as apply.