HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Zoning Text Amendment for Landscape Standards ORDINANCE NO.4312 ,
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY
OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 2,
SECTION 29.201 (228), (229), (230), CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 4 SECTION
29.403, 29.406, 29.407, 29.408, CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 8 SECTION
29.801(3), 802(3), 804(3), 805(3), 806(3), 807(3), 808(3), 809(3), 810(3),
(6)(D), (7)(A), CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 9 SECTION 29.901(3), 902(3),
903(3), CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 10 SECTION 29.1001(5)(A)(B),
29.1003(3), CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 11 SECTION 29.1104(2)(D),
29.1107(4)(A)(B), 29.1110(5)(A)(B), 29.1112(6)(F)(G), (8)(D), (9)(B),
CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 12 SECTION 1202(6), AND CHAPTER 29
ARTICLE 13 SECTION 29.1303(1) THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
REVISING AND ESTABLISHING LANDSCAPING STANDARDS;
REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH
CONFLICT; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED,by the City Council for the City of Ames,Iowa,that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
repealing the old and enacting new Chapter 29 Article 2 subsections as follows:
"CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 2
Sec.29.201. DEFINITIONS.
(228) Tree,Landscape means deciduous or coniferous tree. Deciduous trees at the time of planting must
be fully branched, have a minimum diameter of 1-1/2 inches, measured 4 feet above the ground when planted, and
be a minimum height of 6 feet. Coniferous trees at the time of planting must be a minimum height of 4 feet.
(229) Tree, Ornamental means an understory deciduous tree, 25 feet or less tall at maturity, planted
primarily for its ornamental value or screening purposes. Ornamental trees shall be at least 6 feet tall when planted.
(Ord. No. 3591, 10-10-00)
(230) Tree, Over-story means an over-story deciduous, greater than 25 feet tall at maturity, planted
primarily for its high crown of foliage or overhead canopy. Shade trees shall be at least 6 feet tall when planted.
(Ord. No. 3591, 10-10-00)
Section Two. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames,Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
repealing the old and enacting new Chapter 29 Article 4 subsections as follows:
CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 4
29.403 Landscaping Standards
The purpose of this section is to protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the City by
requiring landscaping in relation to development of property in such a manner to ameliorate effects of wind, heat,
and glare;to act as a valuable component of natural drainage systems, to incorporate native and existing vegetation,
to improve storm water runoff quality, to help clean and refresh air by returning oxygen to the atmosphere, to
conserve and stabilize property values through screening of incompatible uses and activities, and to promote a
healthy and aesthetically interesting natural environment so as to create an attractive and desirable community for
the City's many visitors,residents, and employees.
(1) Non-Residential Landscaping Standards
Non-residential landscaping standards are designed to be applied on commercial, industrial or other non-residential
sites. The minimum areas required to be landscaped are listed in the Zone Development Standards Tables for Base
Zones. In the case of Special Purpose Districts and Overlay Zones, landscaping, screening and buffer standards are
set forth in the applicable Article. Required landscaping and screening of Article IV must meet the standards
referenced in each applicable Zone Development Standards Table,supplemental standards, and general development
standards of Chapter 29.
(A) Front Yard Landscaping
Front yard landscaping standards are designed to provide decorative and well thought out landscaping between
streets and parking lots and between streets and buildings. These landscape standards are a
combination of low height decorative plantings and significant trees arranged in a manner that complements and
enhances the general site layout. The front yard,for the purposes of calculating front yard landscaping,is the
area between any abutting street and any building,parking lot or loading area. (see figure below)
(i) Front Yard Planting Requirements
(a) The landscaped front yard for parking lots shall be a minimum of 10
feet in depth from the property line to the first edge of paving unless the base zone specifies a greater setback. The
maximum depth of a landscaped front yard for the purpose of calculating landscaping is 30 feet.
(b) The Planning Director may approve a minimum 7-foot front yard depth
in certain circumstances in order that a site may achieve dimensional requirements of parking stalls for required
parking. When a reduction in depth is approved,the minimum landscaped area plantings shall be calculated by the
original 10-foot requirement.
(c) The minimum landscaped front yard for buildings shall conform to the
dimensional setback requirements of the base zone. The maximum depth of landscaped front yard for the purpose of
calculating landscaping is 30 feet.
(d) The front yard landscaped area requires minimum base plantings of 1
overstory tree per 50 lineal feet of street frontage or part thereof, and for the planting of 8 shrubs and 12 ornamental
grasses per 1,000 square feet of front yard area. The front yard area is calculated across the entire frontage of a site
regardless of interruptions,such as walkways,encroachments,or driveways.
(1)In some circumstances where screening of residential properties are
a priority for the front yard,the Planning Director may require denser planting of materials and for larger planting
materials to provide a taller and denser screen of site activities and parking.
(2)Additionally, if overhead utilities are in place,the Planning Director
may approve overstory trees to be substituted with alternative locations for planting of trees or for the planting of
smaller trees.
(B) Alternative Front Yard Plantings
In order to promote design interest and diversity,a property owner may propose substitution of landscaping to
enhance the front yard area in accordance with this Section. Substitutions that promote sustainability, color, and
texture are desirable. If arrangement of plantings and use of substitution landscaping diminishes any necessary
parking lot and loading area the screening will not be approved.
(1) Front yard plantings must contain a minimum of 4 overstory trees within the front yard(s)of a site
before allowing for substitutions. For sites that exceed 200 linear feet of frontage, ornamental trees may be
substituted at a rate of 2 for every 1 overstory tree for every required tree after the first 4 trees.No more than 50%of
the total trees planted to meet 1 per 50 linear foot standard shall be ornamental. For example, a 300-foot frontage
would require either 6 overstory trees or as few as 4 overstory trees with 4 ornamental trees. A 500-foot frontage
would require 10 overstory trees or as few as 7 overstory trees with 6 ornamental trees.
(a) Coniferous trees may be used in place of ornamental trees. No more than 30%
of the total required trees shall be coniferous trees unless specifically required to assist in screening of a site.
(2) Storm Water Treatment Features
When a site includes a landscaped based stormwater treatment feature, e.g. bio-cell, rain garden, or bio-Swale, an
alternative configuration of ground cover and shrubs and grasses may be approved by the Planning Director when
the landscape design provides for storm water quality treatment and includes plantings with visual interest within
and along the feature.
(3) Shrub/Grass Substitutions
(a) Large landscaped undulations or berms may be incorporated into the landscape
design with an allowance for up to a 35%reduction in required plantings of shrubs and grasses.
(b) Additional ornamental grasses may be substituted for 50% of required shrubs at
a rate of 3 grasses for 1 shrub.
(c) Additional shrubs may be substituted for ornamental grasses at a rate of 1 shrub
for 3 grasses.
(d) Decorative ground covers, flower beds, or similar plantings with interesting
color and textures may be substituted at a rate of 60 square feet for 2 shrubs or 6 ornamental grasses for up to 50%
of required shrubs and ornamental grasses.
(4) Design and Configuration
(a) Required front yard landscaping is encouraged to take on a variety of
configurations including clustering, layered rows,alternating patterns or other designs.Front yard plantings are to be
arranged in a manner that is well dispersed throughout the yard area, but may be clustered for interest and needed
parking lot screening. Although clustering and creating areas of interest is encouraged, some landscaping shall be
dispersed throughout a yard and not all materials may be shifted or concentrated to one area of the yard.
(b) Plantings may be provided in any area between a building or a parking lot and
the street when the landscaping is primarily arranged to be publicly visible from the street or upon immediate entry
to a site.
(c) In circumstances where there is a constraint on plantings due to space, the
Planning Director may authorize front yard landscaping to be placed in areas near side property lines, wrapped
around buildings, or placed within parking lot islands closest to the front yard.
(C). Front yards shall be maintained with landscaping however, walkways, plazas, ornamental
features, are permitted within the front yard, but they do not allow for a reduction in the calculated front yard
landscaping.
(D) Diversity Requirements
Required front yard landscaping must contain a mix of tree, shrub, and grass species based upon the overall area and
number of plantings. A mix of species would not exceed more than approximately 50% of any one species of trees,
shrubs,and grasses.
(E) Landscaping Requirements for Surface Parking and Loading Areas.
Parking lot landscaping standards are designed to provide an aesthetically pleasing parking lot design combined with
the support and encouragement of sustainability through increased shading from trees and allowing for stormwater
treatment design within parking lots.
(i) Surface Parking Lot Landscaped Area
(a) Parking lots must contain landscaped area equal to 10% of the total gross
parking lot and loading areas. The gross area of a parking lot is defined as the area of the paved surface measured
from the back of the curb or edge of paving when there is not a curb, excepting landscaped islands and medians.
Driveways within the front yard landscape area are excluded from the gross area of a parking lot.
(b) Overstory shade trees must be planted at a rate of 1 tree for every 200 square
feet of the required 10% landscape area. Trees must be dispersed across the entire parking lot area and not overly
concentrated to any one area of the parking lot.
(c) Perimeter side and rear yard planters abutting a parking lot that are 5 feet in
depth or greater may count towards the 10% area requirements. Note that to meet the dispersal requirement for the
parking lot, a site may need to exceed 10% landscaped area. If parking lot landscaping is placed in perimeter
planting areas the landscaping must be located within 10 feet of the edge of paving to count towards the required
10%area.No area of the front yard landscaping shall count toward parking lot landscaping.
(d) Parking lot required tree planters and islands must be a minimum of 150 square
feet and 7 feet in depth in all directions.
(e) In single drive aisle double loaded parking lots with three or fewer required
trees,the trees may all be placed on one side of the parking lot.
(f) The Planning Director may approve a reduction of up to three required parking
stalls to accommodate a vehicular cross-access route to an adjoining property.
(F) Perimeter Parking Lot Planters and Bufferyards
(i) Side and rear perimeter bufferyard landscaping is required for screening of the parking
lot and use of a site when it abuts a dissimilar principal use.
(a) When abutting a residential zone a high screen must be installed. In some
circumstances the base zone or overlay may require additional width or a greater level of buffering.
(b) During Site Development Plan review the City may require additional
bufferyard depth and plantings when a commercially zoned or industrially zoned lot is used for a dissimilar use.
(ii) When a perimeter bufferyard is not required, parking lots must be setback a minimum of
three feet from all side and rear property lines. Parking lot planters less than 5 feet that are not landscaped do not
count towards base zone requirements.Planting areas less than 5 feet in width shall not include turf or lawn,but may
have other low maintenance ground cover or ornamental plantings.
(G) Parking Lot Landscape Medians
In addition to the 10% parking lot landscaped area requirement, a landscaped median is required for every 3
contiguous double loaded parking drive aisles.
(i) A required median must be a minimum of 15 feet wide with a minimum length equal to
the average drive aisle length of the contiguous double loaded aisles.
(ii) A landscaped median must include 1 overstory shade tree for every 50 linear feet of
median. The trees must be located within a landscaped area that is a minimum of 7 feet in any one direction and
totals 150 sq. ft. of area.
(iii) Landscaped medians must include a minimum of 30% of the area landscaped with
ornamental or decorative landscaping that does not include lawn or turf.
(iv) The median may include a walkway when it does not encroach upon the placement of
trees or the 30%decorative landscape requirement.
(v) Alternative Median Configurations
Landscape medians may be configured into oversized landscape islands with a minimum size of 400 square feet for
each island. The total area of all oversized islands must equal the calculated required area of the median. The
oversized islands must be located within the parking lot and may not be configured along the perimeter of a parking
lot.
(H) Stormwater Treatment Credit in Parking Lots
If treating stormwater within a parking lot landscaped area, the required parking lot landscaping in this ordinance
may be substituted by up to 20%. To be eligible for this reduction, the storm water treatment features must treat at
least 30% of total site storm water volume needed to meet storm water quality standards of Chapter 5b. The storm
water measures must be within or abutting the parking lot as part of a bio-swale, rain garden or other bio-retention
treatment process. Detention and retention ponds are not eligible features for reducing landscaping.
(1) Loading Areas
A loading area shall require landscaping equal to 10% of the loading area. The required landscape area shall be
provided adjacent to or within the impervious space where the loading area is located. A loading area is defined as
an impervious area used for maneuvering vehicles principally for the purposes of loading or unloading trucks but are
not considered parking lots. Loading areas for businesses within the DSC and CSC Zoning Districts or businesses
relying upon an alley for maneuvering of trucks are exempt from this requirement.
2. Landscaping Requirements for Residential Uses.
Residential landscaping standards are designed to provide decorative and well thought out landscaping between
streets and parking lots and between streets and buildings. These landscape standards are a combination of low level
decorative plantings and significant trees arranged in a manner that complements and enhances the general site
appearance. The front yard, for the purposes of calculating front yard landscaping, is defined as the area between
the building and any abutting street and the area between the street and a parking area.
(A) Front Yard Planting Requirements
(i) The minimum landscaped front yard setback for buildings shall conform to the
requirements of the base zone for principal buildings.
(ii) The landscaped front yard for parking lots shall be a minimum depth equal to the
building setback requirement measured from the property line to the first edge of paving.
(iii) The minimum front yard landscaped area requires base plantings of 1 overstory tree per 50
lineal feet of street frontage.Up to 50%of required overstory trees may be substituted with ornamental or coniferous
trees at a 2 for 1 ratio:
(iv) Front yards between the street and parking lot require a planting density that provides for a
moderate level of screening with 12 shrubs per 50 linear feet of street frontage associated with the parking lot.
(a) A pro rata share of plantings may be substituted with ornamental grasses at a 3
to 1 ratio of grasses to shrubs if the layout provides for enhanced visual interest and a sufficient level of screening.
No more than 75%of required shrub plantings may be substituted with ornamental grasses,
(v) Front yards in all areas not between parking lots and streets require the planting
of shrubs with a mix of deciduous and coniferous at a rate of 9 shrubs or every 50 linear feet. Ornamental grasses
may be substituted for shrubs at a rate of 3 grasses for 1 shrub.No more than 75%of required front yard landscaping
may be ornamental grasses.
(vi) Large landscaped undulations or berms may be incorporated into the landscape design with
an allowance for up to a 35%reduction in required plantings of shrubs.
(B) Design and Configuration
(i) Required front yard landscaping is encouraged to take on a variety of configurations
including clustering, layered rows, alternating patterns or other designs. However, some landscaping shall be
dispersed throughout a yard and not all materials may be shifted or concentrated to one area of the yard. In
circumstances where there is a constraint on plantings due to space, the front yard landscaping may be placed in
areas near side property lines, wrapped around buildings, or placed within parking lot islands closest to the front
yard.
(ii) Uniform spacing along the foundation with a single row of plantings is discouraged.
Grouping in designated planter areas is preferred for the building front yard landscaping. The majority of the
building fagade length shall have plantings within approximately 15 feet of the building.
(iii) The Planning Director may approve an alternative front yard planting scheme in place of
shrubs that includes larger shrub species and ornamental trees in lieu of low growing shrubs. The Planning Director
may also approve decorative planter beds in lieu of some of the required shrub plantings.
(iv) If overhead utilities exist and are not planned to be placed underground, the Planning
Director may approve overstory trees to be substituted with alternative locations for planting of trees or for the
planting of smaller trees.
(v) Required front yard trees may be placed within the public right-of-way if there is adequate
space along the street frontage and there are no street trees located along the frontage of the site and no overhead
utilities are in place. The Planning Director in consultation with the Streets and Maintenance Manager, or designee,
must approve the proposed tree species as appropriate to the City's street tree standards and its placement.
(vi) When a site includes a landscaped based stormwater treatment feature of a bio-cell, rain
garden, or bio-swale, an alternative configuration of ground cover and shrubs and grasses may be approved by the
Planning Director when the design provides for storm water quality treatment and includes plantings with visual
interest within and along the feature.
(C) Diversity requirements
Required front yard landscaping must contain a mix of tree, shrub, and grass species based upon the overall area and
number of plantings. A mix of species will not exceed more than approximately 50% of any one species of trees,
shrubs, and grasses.
(D) Landscaping Requirements For Surface Parking Lots.
Parking lot landscaping standards are designed to provide an aesthetically pleasing parking lot design combined with
the support and encouragement of sustainability through increased shading from trees and allowing for stormwater
treatment design within parking lots. Increased parking lot separation is required along the boundaries of properties
with one and two-family homes.
(E) Surface Parking Lot Landscaped Area
(i) Parking lots must contain landscaped area equal to 10% of the total gross parking lot. The
total gross area of a parking lot is defined as the gross area of the paved surface measured from the back of the curb
or edge of paving excepting landscaped islands or medians.
(ii) Perimeter side and rear yard planters abutting a parking lot that are 5 feet in depth or greater
may count towards the 10%area requirements.
(iii) If parking lot landscaping is placed in perimeter planting areas the landscaping must be
located within 10 feet of the edge of paving to count towards the required 10% area. No area of the front yard
landscaping shall not count toward parking lot landscaping.
(iv) Overstory shade trees must be planted at a rate of 1 tree for every 200 square feet of the
required 10% landscape area. Note that to meet the dispersal requirement for the parking lot, a site may need to
exceed 10%landscaped area.
(a) Trees must be dispersed across the entire parking lot area and not overly
concentrated to any one area of the parking lot.
(b) Parking lots with less than 3 required trees may place all trees on one side of the
parking lot.
(c) Parking lot required tree planters and islands must be a minimum of 150 square
feet and 7 feet in depth in all directions.
(F) Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping and Bufferyards
Side and rear yards abutting a parking lot excepting front yard driveways; require a High Screen adjacent to
residential zoning.
(i) Buffers yards adjacent to one and two-family homes must be 10 feet in width and may be
reduced to 5 feet in width with installation of a 6 foot solid fence.
(ii) Parking lots located adjacent to outlots of a subdivision may qualify for reduced
landscape screening based upon the spacing and use of the adjacent outlot and the properties abutting the opposite
property line of the outlot. Use of lower growing shrubs or substitution of other equivalent materials or a greater
spacing of plantings may be permitted by approval of the Planning Director.
(G) Parking Lot Landscape Medians
In addition to the 10% parking lot landscaped area requirement, a landscaped median is required for every 3
contiguous double loaded parking drive aisles.
(i) A required median must be a minimum of 15 feet wide with a minimum length equal to
the average drive aisle length of the contiguous double loaded aisles.
(ii) A landscaped median must include 1 overstory shade tree for every 50 linear feet of
median. The trees must be located within a landscaped area that is a minimum of 7 feet in any one direction and
totals 150 sq. ft. of area.
(iii) Landscaped medians must include a minimum of 30% of the area landscaped with
ornamental or decorative landscaping that does not include lawn or turf.
(iv) The median may include a walkway when it does not encroach upon the placement of
trees or the 30%decorative landscape requirement.
(v) Alternative Median Configurations
Landscape medians may be configured into oversized landscape islands with a minimum size of 400 square feet for
each island. The total area of all oversized islands must equal the calculated required area of the median. The
oversized islands must be located within the parking lot and may not be configured along the perimeter of a parking
lot.
(H) Stormwater Treatment Credit in Parking Lots
If treating stormwater within a parking lot landscaped area, the required parking lot landscaping in this ordinance
may be substituted by up to 20%. To be eligible for this reduction,the storm water treatment features must treat at
least 30% of total site storm water volume needed to meet storm water quality standards of Chapter 5b. The storm
water measures must be within or abutting the parking lot as part of a bio-swale, rain garden or other bio-retention
treatment process.Detention and retention ponds are not eligible features for reducing landscaping.
(I) Other Residential Site Landscaping Standards
(i) When an apartment development consists of multiple buildings, landscaping with trees,
grasses, flowers, or shrubs shall be planted in open areas and along foundations or near primary entrances as
practicable to the available space.
(ii) Decorative Highway Landscaping. On residential sites abutting Highway 30 or Interstate
35 a landscape buffer consisting of coniferous plantings of 1 coniferous tree per 30 lineal feet of highway frontage
must be provided. Plantings are not required to be placed on center. Up to 20% of the required coniferous trees may
be substituted with overstory trees.
(iii) Short Term Lodging(Hotel)
Short term lodging establishments shall be landscaped in accordance with the non-residential landscaping standards
when located within a commercial base zone. If located within a residential base zone, short term lodging shall meet
the residential landscaping requirements.
(iv) Dwelling House,Two-Family, Single-Family or Single-Family Attached Housing
(a) Development of a residential property that is exempt from the Minor Site
Development Plan requirements shall also be exempt from residential landscaping standards of this section.
(b) For Dwelling Houses and Two-Family homes parking lot landscaping shall be
provided when a site includes more than four parking stalls configured in a manner to create individual parking
stalls outside of garage spaces or driveways to four or more garage spaces. The impervious area used for parking
stalls and drive aisles shall meet landscape buffering setbacks and plantings requirements of a High Screen along
the property line adjacent to the improvements.
3. General Requirements All Sites.
The following standards are required on all residential and non-residential sites.
(A) Any required plant materials shall be rounded up to the next whole number when there is a
calculated fraction of a plant. Rounding will occur upon calculation of the base standards before approving
substitutions.
(B) Required Landscaped Area Conditions.
(i) Required yard areas,bufferyards or planters must have suitable soil conditions and depth
exclusive of retaining walls,fill or other inorganic materials to permit the growth and maturity of the plant.
(ii) Soil located in required planting areas (yard areas, bufferyards, or planters) must be
either topsoil from the site(pre-approved by the City)or soil conditioned and tilled into the top 6 inches with at least
a 5% organic content. The approved landscape plan must specify the approach to meeting soil quality standards.
Certification of the soil conditioning and quality must be provided by a contractor, licensed engineer, or landscape
specialist prior to approval of final occupancy certificate for a building.
(C) Existing vegetation
Existing vegetation within the developed area of a site may be credited towards the corresponding landscape
requirement for trees, shrubs, and groundcover. Trees in good condition and of a desirable species that are greater
than 8-inches in diameter may count at a 2 to 1 ratio and trees greater than 12-inches in diameter may be count at a 3
to 1 ratio. Retained trees must be protected during construction.
(D) Minimum planting standards.
(i) Shrubs. Initial planting of shrubs shall be of #2 container class or greater in size or
approximately 18 inches in height.
(ii) Screening Height. Any materials planted for the purpose of achieving screening and for
bufferyards shall be plant varieties that at installation are a minimum of 4 feet in height or 75% of the height of
screened facility with the ability to mature to full screening requirements.
(iii) Bufferyards and Planter Area Slope and Plant Height. Bufferyards and planters must be
relatively flat to ensure fences.and plant materials grow or stand upright and achieve the intended height. The height
of plant materials shall be measured from the average grade of the planter or the top of the curb in a depressed
planter or sloped side of a planter.
(iv) Trees.All trees must be planted with a minimum 1.5"caliper tree for deciduous trees and
coniferous trees must be a minimum height of 4 feet at the time of planting.
(v) Ornamental grass shall be of a species that in every growing season has a height that
exceeds 24 inches. Grasses that are typically less than 24 inches in height and are intended for groundcover are
categorized as decorative grasses. Turf or lawn grasses are groundcover and are not classified as decorative grasses.
The landscape plan shall specify the size of grasses at the time of installation and shall be of a size to reach their
maturity within one growing season.
(vi) Plant materials must be installed to current nursery industry standards. Plant materials
must be properly supported to ensure survival. Support devices such as guy wires or stakes must be adequately
marked and must not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian movement.
(vii) All required planters, bufferyards, and islands must include living groundcover.
Foundation planters may use inorganic or non-living materials for ground cover. Organic mulch may be used in lieu
of living ground cover beneath or around shrubs and trees.
(E) Tree Spacing and Placement
Trees must be planted with recognition of the space needs for eventual growth and maturity. Small to medium trees
may be planted no closer than 10 feet to a building. Larger trees require a minimum spacing of 15 feet from a
building. Trees are to be located within and along parking lots in a manner that does not include parking lot lights
within 15 feet of the tree to the extent practicable. Medium and large trees can be planted as close as 20 feet from
another similarly sized tree on the same site. Large and medium sized trees must be planted a minimum distance of
3 feet from edge of paving.All spacing measurements are on center for the tree.
(F) High Screen Dissimilar Use Transition and Parking Screen.
Generally, the high screen landscape standard provides physical and visual separation between uses and
improvements.
(i) Required Landscape Elements. High shrubs shall be installed at a maximum distance of 6
feet on center to form a dense screen with a minimum mature height of 6 feet. In addition, one Landscape Tree is
required per 50 lineal feet of landscaped area. Ground cover plants must fully cover the remainder of the landscaped
area. The high shrubs must be at least 4 feet in height at the time of installation.
(ii) Alternatively, a 6-foot high fence with the fence posts on the interior side unless the fence
is finished on both sides may be substituted for some or all of the high shrubs. When a 6-foot high fence is installed,
high shrubs shall be planted at the rate of one shrub or 3 ornamental grasses per 20 lineal feet. In lieu of shrubs,
additional ornamental trees may be approved by the Planning Director. An existing fence that is in good condition
and repair may be utilized to meet the fence requirement with a condition that replacement or repair of the fence is
the obligation of property that requires fence to meet their High Screen requirement.
(G) Industrial Screen and Wall(Former L4)Screen between Industrial and Residential Areas.
(i) Generally. The industrial screening standard is intended to be used in special instances
where extensive screening of both visual and noise impacts is needed to protect abutting uses in areas where there is
little space for separation. These buffers must be designed and installed to separate activity areas of a site from the
surroundings. Areas behind buildings with no outdoor activity areas or openings do not require walls unless
necessary to enclose other activity areas on the site.
(ii) Required Landscape Elements. The L4 standard requires an 8-foot-high masonry (but
not non-decorative concrete block) wall along the interior side of the landscape area. One Landscape Tree is
required per 50 lineal feet of wall. In addition, 3 high shrubs or 6 low shrubs are required per 30 lineal feet of wall.
Ground cover plants must fully cover the remainder of the landscaped area.
(iii) Alternative Compliance. The L4 standard can be met alternatively for sites that provide a
minimum of 30 feet of separation from the property line to the use of the site by providing a berm with a minimum
height of 4 feet with coniferous shrubs placed on the slope of the berm with an aesthetically pleasing density and
coniferous trees planted within 10 feet of the berm. Landscaped trees shall also be provided at 1 tree per 50 linear
feet.
(H) F1,Partially Sight-Obscuring Fence.
(i) Generally: The F1 fence standard provides a tall, but not totally blocked, visual
separation. The standard is generally applied where a low level of screening is adequate to soften the impact of the
use of development or where visibility between areas is more important than a total visual screen. It is generally
applied in areas where landscaping is not necessary and where nonresidential uses are involved.
(ii) Construction Standards. Fences must be 6 feet high and at least 50% sight-obscuring.
Fences may be made of wood,metal,bricks,masonry or other permanent materials.
(1) F2,Fully Sight-Obscuring Fence.
(i) Generally. The F2 fence standard provides a tall and complete visual separation and is
primarily intended to be used in special instances where complete screening is needed to protect abutting uses and
landscaping is not practical. It is usually applied in nonresidential situations.
(ii) Construction Standards. Fences must be 6 feet high and 100% sight-obscuring. Fences
may be made of wood,metal,bricks,masonry or other permanent materials.
(J) Alternative Design Approvals
(i) Major Site Development Plan.
A landscape plan prepared by a certified Landscape Architect with alternative design and plantings may be approved
under the requirements of a major site development plan after review and approval by the City Council when found
to address the purposes of the ordinance and provides for a unique or high quality landscape environment that
exceeds the quality of the base standards.
(ii) Zoning districts, such as CSC, DSC, NC, and F-VR, with front yard building setbacks
less than 15 feet do not require approval of a variance to tree planting types, tree spacing, or reduced front yard
landscaping when approved by the Planning Director. The Planning Director may approve planting of required trees
as street trees in these circumstances.
(iii) The Planning Director may approve an alternative landscaping plan for unique conditions
related to site constraints and topography that achieve necessary screening and aesthetic purposes of the landscape
standards. The Planning Director may not approve reductions in landscaping based solely upon existence of
existing vegetation on an adjacent site.
(iv) Upon installation, minor irregularities in planting and spacing may be accepted by the
Planning Director.
(K) Detention Ponds and Landscaped Areas
Detention ponds must be unfenced and contain decorative landscaping elements such as tiered retaining walls,
decorative rock features and plantings to be eligible to be counted toward base zone landscape percentage. On `wet'
detention ponds or retention ponds the area of normal water height may not count towards the base zone landscape
percentage.
(4) CVCN and CGS District Landscaping.
In addition to (and in conjunction with) the High Screen landscaping requirements specified in Section 29.403,
increased landscaping shall be provided around the perimeter of parking lots that serve, or partially serve, Grocery
Stores and/or any category of Retail and Shopping Centers as listed in Table 29.406(2),as follows:
(A) For every 1 square foot of grocery store or shopping center gross floor area, 0.28 square feet of
landscaping shall be provided.
(B) Landscaping shall be contiguous to parking lot landscaping otherwise required by this Chapter, or
in landscaped areas abutting parking lots that are at least 350 square feet in area, and which are no narrower than 10
feet in any dimension.
(D) The area of increased landscaping required under this Section shall conform to the L1, General
Landscaping requirements of Section 29.403.
(E) All remaining areas of the site that are not otherwise covered by site improvements such as
parking areas, driveways, buildings or parking lot landscaping shall be landscaped under the standards listed in
Section 29.403.
(Ord. No. 3967, 9-9-08; Ord.No. 4029, 4-13-10)
(5) Alternate Landscape Standards for Automotive and Marine Craft Trade Uses.
As an alternative to non-residential landscaping standards found in Section 29.403, the following standards may be
applied to sites developed for automotive and marine craft trade as defined in Article 5;
(A) Landscaped area between parking lot pavement and property lines.
(i) Minimum Landscape Width — 20 feet along all property lines abutting public right-of-
way lines, 10 feet along all other property lines along a zoning boundary, and 5 feet along all other property lines of
properties within the same zone, landscaped as follows:
(a) 5 feet of the landscaped setback shall be landscaped with 1 overstory tree every 50
linear feet and with one shrub or a cluster of 3omamental grasses planted 4 feet on center, with the balance
landscaped according to subsection(d)below; or
(b) Landscaped according to a standard of 9 shrubs per 1,000 sq. ft. of area and with
1 overstory tree every 50 linear feet and up to 50%of the required shrubs which may be substituted with ornamental
grasses at a 3 grasses to 1 shrub ratio. The standards, except that required numbers of trees and shrubs may be
strategically clustered to allow visual openings into the site. Trees and shrubs must be clustered in regular intervals
within required landscaped areas, spaced no greater than 200 feet apart. Each cluster shall include no less than 3
trees spaced no greater than 15 feet apart (center to center) with the trunk of at least 1 tree in the cluster located
within 8 feet of the parking lot edge(to ensure some shading of abutting pavement).
Because landscaping under these options are less effective at softening impacts of lighting common to parking areas,
all outdoor lighting shall conform to the following regulations:
1. Lighting in sales display parking lots is limited to 15 foot candles
average, with a maximum 90 foot candles at a point on a 10 X 10 foot grid; except that after 10:00 p.m. lighting
shall be reduced to 2 foot candles average with a maximum 6 foot candles at a point on a 10 X 10 foot grid.*
2. Lighting in non-display parking lots (e.g., customer parking,
employee parking, storage areas) is limited to 2 foot candles average with a maximum 6 foot candles at a point on a
10 X 10 foot grid.*
3. All lighting fixtures shall be shielded in such a manner that the
lenses of the fixtures are not visible from public rights-of-way.
* Photometric layouts to utilize mean lumen output of light source design.
(ii) Setback areas beyond the minimum setbacks shall be fully landscaped applying the
landscape element ratios of(b)above at 50%of the required shrubs.
(Ord. 4137, 1-8-13)
(B) Landscaping around perimeter of all principal building facades visible from a public street.
(i) Minimum landscape area equivalent to 5 feet times the length of each visible facade.
(ii) Building perimeter landscaping may be reduced or eliminated along selected areas of the
perimeter if an equivalent amount of landscaped area is added to other areas of the building's perimeter, provided
that perimeter areas of increased landscaping are along building facades visible from public rights of way.
(iii) Up to 25%of the required landscaped area may consist of either a brick-paved surface, or
a raised sidewalk/pedestrian area consisting of either brick pavers or colored and pattern-stamped concrete.
(iv) Landscaping shall consist of 1 tree per 50 feet of building facade, and 1 shrub for every 6
feet of building facade. Plants and trees may be clustered as desired.
(C) Landscaped Entry Feature. A landscaped entry feature shall be provided that consists of either
a landscaped sidewalk or driveway extending from the right-of-way providing primary vehicular access to the site,
to within 20 feet of at least one principal building on the site. The landscape entry feature shall consist of the
following:
(i) A 5 foot wide landscape strip on each side of the sidewalk or driveway. Said landscaping
shall extend either:
(a) The full length of the required landscape entry feature; or
(b) At least 50%of the length of the landscape entry feature,provided that the entire
length and width of the entry feature consists of a color-contrasted brick paved surface. (Colored and pattern-
stamped concrete may be used for walkway areas,but will not suffice in areas of vehicle travel due to its poor color
retention over time).
(ii) Landscaping in the entry feature shall consist of 1 shrub or tree for every 40 square feet
of landscaped area. Shrubs may be low-lying to maximize visibility through the landscaped area.
(D) Additional landscaping requirements. In addition to the minimum landscaping areas
and plantings described above, the balance of all setbacks, landscape areas, and other portions of the site not
otherwise developed with pavement, buildings, stormwater facilities and/or protected environmentally sensitive
areas, shall be landscaped with lawn or groundcover plants (e.g., Sweet Woodruff, AjugaBugleweed, Candytuft,
Periwinkle, Vinca, Hosta, Carpet Juniper, prairie wildflower mix, etc.), and additional shrubs, flowers and trees as
desired. Ground covers shall be typed,spaced and sized to provide at least 75%coverage within a three-year period.
Within this context, Lawn means a managed area of grass forming a continuous turf mowed and maintained at a low
and consistent height, and that is generally free of weeds,sedges,and invasive or volunteer plants or grasses.
(E) Large sites. For sites 3 acres or larger, all of the above landscape provisions apply. For sites less
than 3 acres, the applicant may eliminate either the building perimeter landscaping of subsection (b) above, or the
landscaped entry feature of subsection(c)above.
(Ord. No. 4119, 7-10-12)
Sec.29.406. OFF-STREET PARKING.
(1) Applicability. The off-street parking requirements set forth in this Section apply to all off-street
parking uses, whether required by this Ordinance or in excess of the requirements of this Ordinance; whether
accessory to the principal use of a site,or operated as a commercial enterprise.
(2) Required Parking Spaces. Off-street parking spaces must be provided in accordance with the
minimum requirements set forth in Table 29.406(2) below, for any new building constructed and for any new use
established.
(a) The off-street parking space requirement for a use not specifically mentioned herein is
the same as required for a use of similar nature.
(b) Whenever a building or use lawfully existing on the effective date of this Ordinance, May 1,
2000, is enlarged in floor area, number of employees, number of dwelling units, seating capacity, or otherwise to
create a need for an increase of 10% or more in the number of required parking spaces, such spaces shall be
provided on the basis of such enlargement or change.
(c) The Planning Director may reduce required parking by 10% in order to increase
landscape area within parking lots that exceed 30 or more spaces.
(4) Occupancy of Structures Requiring Off-Street Parking. All required parking and loading
areas must be completed and landscaped prior to occupancy of any structure. If landscaping cannot be completed
due to weather or time of year, an agreement in a form prescribed by the Department of Planning and Housing shall
be signed by the developer,which shall specify the completion date.
.(7) Locating Parking Spaces in Front Yard.
(a) Unless a parking lot plan is submitted as part of the development process pursuant to
Section 29.1502,a Surface Parking Lot Landscaping Plan to meet the standards of Section 29.403 shall be submitted
to and approved by the Director of Planning and Housing (to be evidenced by a document signed by both the
property owner or owner's agent and the said Director), prior to any construction, reconstruction, installation,
erection, conversion, alteration, addition, enlargement or development of any structure, improvement, feature or
aspect of the premises. No Building/Zoning Permit required by Section 29.1501 shall be issued until the plan is
submitted and approved.
(i) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to the use of a front yard for
vehicular parking where it is proven by the property owner, by documentary evidence or the testimony of
disinterested third parties,that such use was lawfully established prior to the effective date of this Ordinance.
(ii) This Ordinance shall apply to any expansion or increase in the area of the front
yard used for parking, even if no other conversion, construction or change to the subject premises occurs. Wherever
this subsection applies, the subject parking area shall be so constructed and maintained as to meet the surfacing
standards in Section 29.406(11).
(Ord. No. 3591, 10-10-00, Ord No. 3660, 4-23-02; Ord. No. 3822, 3-8-05)
(9) Parking Space and Vehicle Aisle Dimensions.
(a) All required parking spaces must comply with the minimum dimensions for spaces stated
in Figure 29.406(9).
(i) The stall depth dimension for a 90 degree standard parking space may have up
to an 18 inch overhang into a landscaped planter area that is at least 7 feet wide.
(b) Smaller parking spaces for small cars are allowed only when the parking lot involved
consists of 10 or more off-street parking spaces. These parking spaces shall be at least 8 feet wide and 16 feet long.
No more than 20% of the required off-street parking spaces shall be designated for small cars. All small car spaces
shall be clearly identified with signs or markings. In computing the number of permitted small car spaces where a
fractional number of spaces results, the number of permitted small car spaces shall be rounded to the next lowest
number.
(c) If the degree of angle of parking provided is not listed in Figure 29.406(9),the aisle width
required shall be the next largest angle of parking shown in Figure 29.406(9). In circumstances where a strict
application would result in unnecessary practical difficulties,the Zoning Board of Adjustment may, after notice and
hearing, authorize such specific, limited exceptions to the above table of dimensions as it shall find warranted and
consistent with:
(i) protecting landscaping features;and
(ii) adequate space for maneuvering of trucks, vans and full-sized passenger
vehicles.
(d) No exceptions shall be allowed for any other feature of these off-street parking rules.
(e) Standard parking stalls that abut a planter area that is at least 7 feet in depth may allow
for vehicle overhang of 18 inches with an improved parking stall that is 17 feet 6 inches in length. An overhang
allowance is not permitted for compact parking spaces.
(f) The Planning Director may approve a reduction of up to three required parking stalls to
accommodate a vehicular cross-access route to an adjoining property.
(11) Improvements of Off-Street Parking Areas.
d. The Planning Director may approve a reduction of up to three required parking stalls to
accommodate a vehicular cross-access route to an adjoining property.
(14) Standards for Accessible Parking Spaces.
(v) Accessible Spaces and Passenger Access Aisles must meet parking, setback and
minimum landscaped yard requirements.
Sec.29.407. OFF-STREET LOADING.
(2) Loading Berth Location. Required off-street loading berths must be provided on the same or
adjacent lot as the structure for which the space is required and must be designed in such a manner that loading
activities will not block any required parking area, public right-of-way, public or private access, or sidewalk.
Loading areas must contain landscaped area equal to 10%of the total gross loading area. See 29.403.Loading berths
shall be designed to minimize visibility of loading berths from sidewalks and streets.
Sec.29.408. OTHER GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(3) Garbage Collection Areas. All outdoor garbage cans in outside collection areas shall be
screened from all public rights-of-way other than alleys and from any adjacent properties to the High Screen or F2
standards set forth in Section 29.403. Trash receptacles for pedestrian use are exempt.
(4) Mechanical Units.
(a) Screening Required.
(i) For all uses, except for single-family and two-family dwellings, all
mechanical units located on the ground shall be screened from ground level view from abutting streets by a sight
obscuring fence and/or shrubs that achieve a minimum opacity of approximately 75%. Such shrubs shall be at least
75%the height of the mechanical equipment at the time of installation. Screening shall be at least 6 inches higher
than the average height of the mechanical equipment at full growth. Fences shall be equal to the average height of
the equipment.
(ii) All mechanical equipment mounted on roofs, or on the walls of buildings, shall
be screened from the ground level view from both abutting streets and of any abutting residentially zoned lot with
materials that are the same color as the principal siding or trim materials of the exterior of the building. Required
screening shall be completely opaque, and shall ensure that at least 75% of the height of the mechanical unit is
screened or otherwise unseen.
(b) Screening Exemptions. Screening of mechanical units is not required in the following
instances:
(i) Wall-mounted meters and associated panels on a non-street facing side or rear
facade,provided they are located beyond the centerline of any facade visible from an abutting street;
(ii) Units mounted on roof surfaces that are at least 3 feet lower than the ground level
of the abutting street or property. (Screening is nonetheless required from other non-exempt vantage points):
(iii) Units visible from more than 300 feet beyond the side lot lines that intersect with
the street on which the subject site abuts. (Screening is nonetheless required from other non-exempt vantage points)
(Ord.No. 3610, 4-10-01;Ord.No. 3665, 5-28-02; Ord. No. 3997, 07-14-09; Ord. 4048, 10-26-10)
Section Three.The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
repealing the old and enacting new Chapter 29 Article 8 subsections as follows:
CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 8
(3) Zone Development Standards. The zone development standards for the NC Zone are set forth in
Table 29.801(3)below:
Table 29.801(3)
Neighborhood Commercial(NC)Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS NC ZONE
Maximum FAR .70
Maximum Lot Area,Single Building 20,000 sf
Maximum Lot Area,Neighborhood Commercial Center 30,000 sf
Maximum Lot Area for Pre-existing Buildings and Pre- 100,000 sf(with approval by Special Use Permit
existing Neighborhood Commercial Centers according to Sec.29.1503
Minimum Lot Frontage 60 ft.
Minimum Building Setbacks:
Front Lot Line 0 if pre-existing,10 ft.if not pre-existing.
Side Lot Line 0
Rear Lot Line 0
Side and Rear Lot Line Abutting a Residentially 5 ft.side(for RM&RH zones)&10 ft.side for RL,
zoned Lot UCRM&RLP zones,or a historic district
15 ft.rear
Maximum Building Setbacks: 60 ft.
Street Lot Line
Landscaping in Setbacks Abutting an R Zoned Lot High Screen;see Section 29.403
Maximum Building Coverage 35%
Minimum Landscaped Area 15%
Maximum Height 35 ft.
Parking Allowed Between Buildings and Streets No,except where allowed prior to the effective date of
this ordinance.
Drive-Through Facilities Permitted No
Outdoor Display Permitted No
Outdoor Storage Permitted No
Trucks and Equipment Permitted No
(Ord. No. 3591, 10-10-00)
(3) Zone Development Standards. The zone development standards for the CCN Zone are set
forth in Table 29.802(3)below:
Table 29.802(3)
Community Commercial Node(CCN)Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS CCN ZONE
Maximum FAR .75
Minimum Lot Area,Single Building 25,000 sf,17,500 sf if lot has frontage on a cul-
de-sac
Minimum Lot Area,Center 100,000 sf
Maximum Building Area,Single Building 150,000 sf
Maximum Building Area,Center 800,000 sf
Minimum Lot Frontage 60 ft.
Minimum Building Setbacks:
Front Lot Line 0
Side Lot Line 0
Rear Lot Line 0
Lot Line Abutting a Residentially Zoned Area 10 ft.side,10 ft.rear
Landscaping in Setbacks Abutting a Residentially Zoned Lot High Screen. See Sec 29.403
Maximum Building Coverage 65%
Minimum Landscaped Area 15%
Maximum Height 35 ft.
Parking Allowed Between Buildings and Streets Yes
Drive-Through Facilities Permitted Yes
Outdoor Display Permitted Plants and produce only. See Sec 29.405
Outdoor Storage Permitted No
Trucks and Equipment Permitted Yes
(Ord. No. 3591, 10-10-00; Ord. No. 3595, 10-24-00; Ord.No. 3822, 3-8-05; Ord.No. 3840, 07-12-05)
(3) Zone Development Standards. The zone development standards for the HOC Zone are set
forth in Table 29.804(3)below:
Table 29.804(3)
Highway-Oriented Commercial(HOC)Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS HOC ZONE
Maximum FAR .50
Minimum Lot Area No minimum except for mixed uses,which must provide 6,000
ft.of lot area for the first dwelling unit and 1,000 sf for each
additional dwelling unit in a group living use
Minimum Lot Frontage 50 ft.
Minimum Building Setbacks:
Front Lot Line 20 ft.,except for a fuel pump canopy,which shall maintain a
10 ft.setback measured from the front edge of the canopy
Side Lot Line 5 ft.
Rear Lot Line 10 ft.
Lot Line Abutting a Residentially Zoned Lot 20 ft.side,20 ft.rear
Landscaping in Setbacks Abutting a Residentially Zoned High Screen. See Section 29.403
Maximum Building Coverage 50%
Minimum Landscaped Area 15%
Maximum Height 85 ft.or 7 stories,except for fuel pump canopies,which are
limited to 18 ft.with a minimum clearance of 14 ft.
Parking Allowed Between Buildings and Streets Yes
Drive-Through Facilities permitted Yes. See Section 29.1303
Outdoor Display permitted Yes. See Section 29.405
Outdoor Storage permitted Yes. See Section 29.405
Trucks and Equipment Permitted Yes
(Ord. No. 3595, 10-24-00)
(3) Zone Development Standards. The zone development standards for the PRC Zone are set forth in
Table 29.805(3)below:
Table 29.805(3)
Planned Regional Commercial(PRC)Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PRC ZONE
Minimum Lot Area One Acre
Minimum Lot Frontage except in the O-GNE 50 ft.
Minimum Lot Frontage for O-GNE only 50 ft.or cross-access easement agreements to which the City
is a party for the limited purposes of modification or
termination of the legal access rights
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PRC ZONE
Minimum Building Setbacks:
Street Lot Line except in the O-GNE 50 ft.
Street Lot Line O-GNE only As specified in approved master plan
Side Lot Line 0
Rear Lot Line 0
Lot Line Abutting an R Zoned Lot 50 ft.side
50 ft.rear
Maximum Building Setbacks:
Street Lot Line None
Landscaping in Setbacks Abutting a Residentially 20 ft.with High Screen. See Section 29.403
Zoned Lot
Maximum Building Coverage 50%
Minimum Landscaped Area 15%
Maximum Height 100 ft.or nine stories
Parking Allowed Between Buildings and Streets Yes
Drive-Through Facilities Permitted Yes
Outdoor Display Permitted Limited to garden centers and similar accessory uses,
automotive and marine trade,in defined areas
Outdoor Storage Permitted No
Trucks and Equipment Permitted Yes
(Ord. No. 3899, 02-13-07; Ord. No. 3928, 07-24-07; Ord. 4138, 1-8-13)
(3) Zone Development Standards. The zone development standards for the CCR Zone are set forth in
Table 29.806(3)below:
Table 29.806(3)
Community Comm ercial/Residential Node(CCR)Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS CCR ZONE
Maximum FAR .75
Minimum Lot Area,Single Building 25,000 sf
Minimum Lot Area,Center 100,000 sf
Maximum Building Area,Single Building 150,000 sf
Maximum Building Area,Center 800,000 sf
Minimum Lot Frontage 60 ft.
Minimum Building Setbacks:
Front Lot Line 0
Side Lot Line 0
Rear Lot Line 0
Lot Line Abutting a Residentially Zoned Area 10 ft.side
10 ft.rear
Landscaping in Setbacks Abutting a Residentially Zoned High Screen, See Sec 29.403
Lot
Maximum Building Coverage 65%
Minimum Landscaped Area 15%
Maximum Height 35 ft.,or 45 ft.with a minimum roof pitch of 6/12
Parking Allowed Between Buildings and Streets Yes
Drive-Through Facilities Permitted Yes
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS CCR ZONE
Outdoor Display Permitted Plants and produce only. See Sec 29.405
Outdoor Storage Permitted No
Trucks and Equipment Permitted Yes
(Ord. No. 3591, 10-10-00; Ord.No. 3595, 10-24-00; Ord. No. 3822, 03-08-05; Ord.No. 3913,05-08-07)
(3) Zone Development Standards.The zone development standards for the CVCN Zone are set forth in
Table 29.807(3)below:
Table 29.807(3)
Convenience Commercial Node(CVCN)Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS CVCN ZONE
Maximum Building Square Feet,Single Building 25,000 sf,except for a grocery store,which shall be a
Maximum Building Area for a CVCN Commercial maximum of 35,000 sf
Center 100,000 sf
Minimum Lot Frontage 60 ft.
Minimum Setbacks for Buildings and Vehicle Paving:
Front Lot Line 20 ft.,except for a fuel canopy,which shall maintain a
10 ft.setback measured from the front edge of the
canopy
Side Lot Line 5ft
Rear Lot Line 10 ft.
Lot Line Abutting a Residentially Zoned
20 ft.
Landscaping in Setbacks Abutting an Residentially Zoned
Lot 20ft with High Screen.See Section 29.403
Minimum Landscaping See Section 29.403
Minimum Landscaping for Parking Lots Parking lot screening and landscaping shall be required
pursuant to Section 29.403.
Architectural Standards See Section 29.807(4)
Maximum Building Coverage 45%
Maximum Size of Gasoline Service Fueling points to serve not more than 8 vehicles at
once
Maximum Size of Car Wash Up to 5 washing bays(depending on SUP allowance)
including both automatic wash tunnels and hand wash
bays
Minimum Landscaped Area 25%
Maximum Height See Section 29.807(4)(b)
Parking Allowed Between Buildings and Streets No,except on arterial street
Drive-Through Facilities Permitted No,except separated a minimum of 80-ft from any
Residentially Zoned Lot.See Section 29.1303
Outdoor Display Permitted Yes.See Section 29.405
Outdoor Storage Permitted No
Trucks and Equipment Permitted No
Joint Use Parking Permitted under terms in 29.406(17)
(Ord. No. 3969, 10-14-08)
(7) Landscaping. Landscaping shall comply with Section 29.403(4)(h)and also comply with the following:
(11) Pedestrian and Vehicular Circulation.
(iii) Such on-site sidewalks shall be
a. lighted
b. no less than five(5)feet in width and,where a parked vehicle will
overhang into any sidewalk,minimum width shall increase two(2)feet for each overhang
C. concrete,brick or other masonry pavers,
(3) Zone Development Standards. The zone development standards for the DSC
Zone are set forth in Table 29.808(3) below:
Table 29.808(3)
Downtown Service Center (DSC) Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT DSC ZONE
Minimum FAR 1.0,Except that the Zoning Board of Adjustment may determine through review of a use
subject to approval of a Special Use Permit Use that such a proposed use and design is
compatible in character with its surrounding and is exempt from meeting minimum
FAR and minimum height.
Minimum Lot Area No minimum,except for mixed uses,which shall provide 250 sf of lot area for each
dwellingunit
Minimum Lot Frontage No minimum,except for mixed uses,which shall provide25 ft.
Minimum Building Setbacks:
Front Lot Line 0
Side Lot Line
0
Rear Lot Line
Lot Line Abutting a 0
ResidentiallyZoned Lot 10 ft.
Landscapingin Setbacks Abutting HighScr= See Section 29.403
an R Zoned Lot
Maximum Building Coverage 100%
Minimum Landscaped Area No minimum
Maximum Height 7 stories
Minimum Height 2 Stories, Except that the Zoning Board of Adjustment may determine through review of
a use subject to approval of a Special Use Permit Use that such a proposed use and
design is compatible in character with its surrounding and is exempt from meeting
minimum FAR and minimum height.
Parking Allowed Between Buildings No
Drive-Through Facilities Permitted Yes
Outdoor Display Permitted Yes. See Section29.405
Outdoor Storage Permitted No
Trucks and Equipment Permitted Yes
(3) Zone Development Standards.The zone development standards for the CSC Zone are set forth
in Table 29.809(3)below:
Table 29.809(3)
Campustown Service Center(CSC)Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS CSC ZONE
Minimum FAR 1.0,Except that the Zoning Board of Adjustment may
determine through review of a use subject to approval of a
Special Use Permit Use that such a proposed use and design is
compatible in character with its surrounding and is exempt
from meeting minimum FAR and minimum height.
Minimum Lot Area No minimum,except for mixed uses,which shall provide 250
sf of lot area for each dwelling unit
Minimum Lot Frontage No minimum, except for mixed uses,which shall provide 25
ft.
Minimum Building Setbacks:
Front Lot Line 0
Side Lot Line 0
Rear Lot Line 10 ft.
Lot Line Abutting a Residentially 10 ft.
Zoned Lot
Minimum Landscaped Area No minimum
Landscaping in Setbacks Abutting an High Screen. See Section 29.403
R Zoned Lot
Maximum Building Coverage No Maximum
Openings between buildings In order to provide access for vehicles and/or utilities to the
interior of the block,there shall be a twenty foot wide opening
between buildings, at the approximate mid-point of each face
of each block. In addition to this mid-block areaway or drive,
any lot without other means of access from a public street or
alley may have one driveway from the street of up to 20-ft in
width.
Minimum Height 25 feet,Except that the Zoning Board of Adjustment may
determine through review of a use subject to approval of a
Special Use Permit Use that such a proposed use and design is
compatible in character with its surrounding and is exempt
from meeting minimum FAR and minimum height.
Maximum height in portions of CSC 115 feet
bounded by:
Lincoln Way
Stanton Avenue
Hunt Street
Hayward Avenue
Maximum height within fifteen(15) 30 feet,except buildings of three stories height or fewer with
feet of the right-of-way lines of: frontage on Lincoln Way and without residential use
Lincoln Way from Hayward Avenue
to Stanton Avenue
Welch Avenue from Lincoln Way to
Chamberlain Street
Maximum Height in all other locations 75 feet.
Parking Allowed Between Buildings No
and Streets
Windows at ground line For Non-Residential Facades,more than 50%of the area of
primary or secondary facades between the ground line and
the second floor line shall be windows that allow views into
the interior space or be a display window.
For Residential Facades,more than 30%of the area of
primary or secondary facades between the ground line and the
second floor line shall be windows or entries with windows
Building Materials Clay brick shall comprise more than 50%of the exterior wall
surface of each building fagade.Exterior wall surface does not
include windows or doors or their trim.Internal courtyard
walls that are not visible from the street are exempt. This
requirement does not apply to additions to buildings which do
not have brick as an exterior material.
Entrance There shall be at least one functional pedestrian entrance
facing a street.
Short term lodging must have a lobby and entrance facing a
street.
Balconies There shall be no exterior balconies above the third floor.
Site materials No rocks,brick fragments or other hard,loose material over
3/4-inch in size shall be used.
Drive-Through Facilities Permitted Yes
Outdoor Display Permitted Yes, See Section 29.405
Outdoor Storage Permitted No
Trucks and Equipment Permitted Yes
(3) Zone Development Standards.The zone development standards for the CGS Zone are set forth in
Table 29.810(3)below:
Table 29.810(3)
Convenience General Service(CGS)Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS CGS ZONE
Maximum Building Square Feet,Single Building 25,000 sf,except for a grocery store,which shall
Maximum Building Area for a CVCN Commercial be a maximum of 35,000 sf
Center 100,000 sf
Minimum Lot Frontage 60 ft.
Minimum Setbacks for Buildings and Vehicle
Paving: 20 ft.,except for a fuel canopy,which shall
Front Lot Line maintain a 10 ft.setback measured from the front
edge of the canopy
5ft
Side Lot Line 10 ft.
Rear Lot Line
Lot Line Abutting a Residentially Zoned 20 ft.
Lot
Landscaping in Setbacks Abutting an Residentially
Zoned Lot 20 ft.with High Screen.See Section 29.403
Minimum Landscaping See Section 29.403
Minimum Landscaping for Parking Lots Parking lot screening and landscaping shall be
required pursuant to Section 29.403.
Architectural Standards See Section 29.807(4)
Maximum Building Coverage 45%
Maximum Size of Gasoline Service Fueling points to serve not more than 10 vehicles
at once
Maximum Size of Car Wash Up to 5 washing bays including both automatic
wash tunnels and hand wash bays
Minimum Landscaped Area 25%
Maximum Height See Section 29.807(4)(b)
Parking Allowed Between Buildings and Streets No,except on arterial street
Drive-Through Facilities Permitted No,except separated a minimum of 80-ft from any
Residentially Zoned Lot.See Section 29.1303
Outdoor Display Permitted Yes. See Section 29.405
Outdoor Storage Permitted No
Trucks and Equipment Permitted No
Joint Use Parking Permitted under terms in 29.406(17)
(Ord. No. 4028, 04-13-10)
(6) Service Areas
(d) Screening shall be integral and consistent with the overall design of the building and the landscape.
At a minimum, screening materials shall meet the High Screen or F2 standards set forth in Section 29.403.and shall include
materials of the same type,quality and color as the principal materials of the building or landscape.
(7) Landscaping. Landscaping shall comply with Section 29.403 and also comply with the
following:
(a) In addition to the standards of Section 29.403,at least 1 overstory tree shall be
planted within the parking (space between the public sidewalk and street curb, where sidewalk does not exist it is the area
between the property line and street curb)for every 60 ft.(or part thereof)of lot frontage. If the City of Ames planting standards
cannot be met due to site-specific conditions,the overstory tree shall be planted in the front yard, in addition to the other planting
required by Section 29.403.
(Ord. No. 3967, 9-09-08)
Section Four.The Municipal Code of the City of Ames,Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
repealing the old and enacting new Chapter 29 Article 9 subsections as follows:
CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 9
(3) Zone Development Standards. The zone development standards applicable in the GI Zone
are set forth in Table 29.901(3)below:
Table 29.901(3)
General Industrial(GI)Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARD GI ZONE
Minimum Lot Area No limit
Minimum Frontage 25 ft.
Minimum Building Setbacks
Front Lot Line 10 ft.;40 ft.if abutting an arterial street,except for a fuel pump
canopy,which shall maintain a 10 ft.setback from an arterial street,
measured from the front edge of the canopy
Side and Rear Lot Lines 12 ft.;40 ft.if abutting an arterial street except for a fuel pump
canopy,which shall maintain a 10 ft.setback from an arterial street,
measured from the front edge of the canopy
Lot line abutting a Residentially Zoned Lot 20 ft.
Landscaping in Setbacks Abutting a Residentially-Zoned Lot 10 ft.minimum with Industrial screen and wall. See Section 29.403
Maximum Building Coverage 85%
Minimum Landscaped Area 15%
Maximum Height 100 ft.or 9 stories
Parking Allowed Between Building and Streets Yes
Drive-Through Facilities Permitted Yes. See Section 29.1303
Outdoor Display Permitted Yes. See Section 29.405
Outdoor Storage Permitted Yes. See Section 29.405
Trucks and Equipment Permitted Yes
(Ord. No. 3970, 10-28-08)
(3) Zone Development Standards. The zone development standards applicable in the PI Zone are
set forth in Table 29.902(3)below:
Table 29.902(3)
Planned Industrial(PI)Zone Development Standards
DEVELOPMENTSTANDARDS PIZONE
Maximum FAR .35
Minimum Lot Area One Acre
Minimum Lot Frontage 100 ft.
DEVELOPMENTSTANDARDS PIZONE
Minimum Building Setbacks:
Street Lot Line 50 ft.
Side Lot Line 20 ft.
Rear Lot Line 30 ft.
Lot Line Abutting an R Zoned Lot 50 ft.side
50 ft.rear
Maximum Building Setbacks: None
Street Lot Line
Landscaping in Setbacks Abutting an R Zoned Lot 20 ft.with High Screen. See Section 29.403
Maximum Impervious Surface Coverage 70%
Minimum Landscaped Area 20%
Maximum Height 100 ft.
Parking Allowed Between Buildings and Streets Yes
Drive-Through Facilities Permitted No
Outdoor Display Permitted No
Outdoor Storage Permitted I es,See Section 29.405;Screened per Section 29.403(1)(c)
Trucks and Equipment Permitted Yes
(Ord. No. 4094, 12-20-11)
(3) Zone Development Standards. The zone development standards applicable in the RI Zone are
set forth in Table 29.903(3)below:
Table 29.903(3)
Development Standards
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS RI ZONE
Maximum FAR .35 for areas outside of Hub Activity Area/No limit
within Hub Activity Area
Minimum Lot Area One Acre
Minimum Lot Frontage 100 ft.
Minimum Building Setbacks:
Street Lot Line University Ave 30 ft.
Street Lot Line 10 ft.
Side Lot Line 10 ft.
Rear Lot Line 10 ft.
Lot Line Abutting a Residential Zoned 50 ft.
Lot
Maximum Building Setbacks in Hub Activity Area 20 ft.
for Principal Facade, excepting central common area
Landscaping in Setbacks Abutting an R Zoned Lot 20 ft. with High Screen. See Section 29.403
Maximum Impervious Surface Coverage 70%
Minimum Landscaped Area 20%
Maximum Height 100 ft.
Minimum Height Hub Activity Area 2-Stories
Parking Allowed Between Buildings and Streets Yes
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS RI ZONE
Parking Location Parking within the public right-of-way may count toward
required on-site parking in the Hub Activity Area for an
adjacent individual site as approved with a site
development plan.
Parking must be setback a minimum of 20 feet from a
street lot line.
Drive-Through Facilities Permitted No
Outdoor Display Permitted No
Outdoor Storage Permitted-not between building and Yes, See Section 29.405; Screened per Section
the street 29.403(1)(c)
Trucks and Equipment Permitted Yes
(Ord. No. 4223, 8-11-1 S; Ord. No. 4232, 10-13-1 S)
Section Five. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
repealing the old and enacting new Chapter 29 Article 10 subsections as follows:
CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 10
(5) Landscaping, Screening and Buffering Requirements. The landscaping, screening and
buffering requirements applicable in the S-HM District for the purpose of providing a transition between S-HM
District uses and adjacent residential areas, are set forth in Section 29.403 except as modified below.
(a) Where the boundary of the S-HM District is marked by a street, a buffer area not less
than 15 feet in width shall be maintained abutting the S-HM side of the street right-of-way. No structures shall be
permitted in said buffer area except for a high screen or high wall that conforms to the requirements of Section
29.403. The buffer area shall be landscaped in accordance with the planting standards set forth in Section 29.403 for
commercial front yards with an emphasis on screening.
(b) Where the boundary of the S-HM District is marked by a lot line, a buffer area not less
than 8 feet in width shall be maintained abutting the S-HM side of the lot line. There shall be constructed and
maintained in said buffer area, for its entire length, a high screen or high wall that conforms to the requirements of
Section 29,403.
(3) Zone Development Standards. The zone development standards for the South Lincoln Sub Area
Mixed Use District are set forth in Table 29.1003(3)below.
Table 29.1003(3)
South Lincoln Sub Area(S-SMD)Mixed-Use District
Zone Development Standards
Development Standards S-SMD Zone
Floor Area Ratio(FAR) Maximum-0.75
No more than 15,000 sq. ft. of total commercial use per
lot
Development Standards S-SMD Zone
Minimum Lot Area
Single-Family Dwelling 6,000 sq.ft.
Two-Family Dwelling 7,000 sq. ft.
Single-Family Attached Dwelling 3,500 sq. ft.per unit for the two exterior units; 1,800
sq.ft.per unit for interior units
Apartment Dwelling 7,000 sq. ft. for the first two units and 1,000 sq.ft. for
each additional unit
Commercial 6,000 sq. ft.
Minimum Lot Frontage 40 ft. at the property line and at the building line
Minimum Building Setbacks
Front Lot Line 25 ft.build-to-line
-Open porches may project into the
required setback 8 ft.
-Minor projections(e.g. eaves)are allowed
To extend into the required setback 3 ft.
Side Lot Line 6 ft. one story
8 ft.two story
10 ft.three story
12 ft. four or more stories
Rear Lot Line 25 ft.
Build-to-line along south side of 15 ft.build-to-line
South 3rd Street -projections are not allowed to extend into
the area between the build-to-line and the
South 3rd Street right-of-way line.
Build-to-line along north side of 10 ft.
South 3rd Street -Open porches may project into the area
between the build-to-line and the South
3rd Street right-of-way line a distance of
8 ft.
-Minor projections(e.g. eaves)are allowed
To extend into the area between the
Build-to-line and the South 3rd Street
right-of-way line a distance of 3 ft.
Landscaping in Setbacks abutting an R Zoned Lot High Screen. See Section 29.403
Development Standards S-SMD Zone
Minimum Landscaped Area 15%
Minimum Landscaping-All Buildings
At least one overstory tree shall be planted within the
parking(space between public sidewalk and street
curb)for every 60 ft. (or part thereof)of lot frontage.
If the City of Ames planting standards cannot be met
due to site-specific conditions,then the overstory tree
shall be planted in the front yard, in addition to the
other required plantings as noted above.
Parking lot screening and landscaping as a residential
site shall be required. See Section 29.403
Building Heights Maximum 3 stories or 40 feet,whichever is lower.
Can extend up to four stories if ground floor contains
more than 5,000 sq.ft. of walk-in retail and/or service
commercial uses.
Parking allowed between the Buildings and Streets No, except pre-existing
Drive-Through Facilities Permitted No
Outdoor Display Permitted No
Outdoor Storage permitted No
Trucks and Equipment over 19,500 lbs.permitted No
Parking As per Section 29.406.
Mixed-use buildings containing both commercial and
residential uses can reduce required parking for the
commercial uses of the building to one space per every
350 square feet.
Shared parking can be provided subject to the Joint
Use Parking provisions in Section 29.406(17).
No parking shall be allowed within any setback area
along a street,except on a driveway that leads to the
side or rear yard. No paving shall be allowed in such
setback area if it is likely that it will facilitate parking.
No parking shall be permitted between the building
and any street.
Density
Minimum See Minimum Lot Area above.
Development Standards S-SMD Zone
Maximum None
Entrance Walks Required from the principal pedestrian entrance to the
front property line. Must be a minimum of 5 ft. in
width. Must be physically separated from other
pavement.
Vehicular Access Any new driveways constructed from a public street
for one and two family structures shall not exceed 16
feet in width. Any new driveway constructed from a
public street for multifamily or commercial
development shall not exceed 20 feet in width.
Existing front yard driveways may be maintained and
replaced,but shall not be widened to more than 16 feet
in width for one and two family structures and 20 feet
for multifamily and commercial developments. For
lots accessed from South 3rd Street, driveways may
exceed 16 and 20 feet in width but shall not exceed 30
feet in width.
Building Form
Width Width of a primary facade shall be no greater than 40
ft. Width of the secondary facade(s)closest to the
street shall be no greater than 40 ft. Recessed facades
must be set back at least 8 feet from the primary or
secondary facade. A second primary facade or
secondary facade is permitted,but must be separated
from other primary or secondary facades along that
building face by a recessed facade of at least 24 ft. in
length.
Porches If the width of the primary facade or the secondary
facade closest to the street, is greater than 20 feet and
two or more stories in height,it must have a porch,or
alternatively a similar one-story,but enclosed,building
element,of at least 8 ft. in width projecting at least 6 ft.
from the facade.
Roofs All buildings shall have gable roofs,with a minimum
roof pitch of 6:12 rise to run.
All buildings shall have roofs with at least one or more
gable end sections, or at least two or more dormers,
facing a street.
Development Standards S-SMD Zone
Pedestrian Entrance There shall be at least one pedestrian entrance facing
the street.
Building Materials The appearance of primary exterior siding shall be
horizontally oriented overlap siding with 4 inches to 6
inches exposed between laps. Brick,stone,concrete
block,other masonry or EIFS shall only be used as an
exterior building material in combination with other
exterior siding materials.
The primary roof material shall be shingles.
Permitted Signage
Wall Signs Affixed to the outside of a building which contains the
business
Monument Signs Located on the lot on which the business is located
Number
Wall Signs 1 wall sign per street frontage
Monument Sign 1 per lot
Size
Wall Signs 16 sq.ft., except that a wall sign may be up to 32 sq. ft.
in size if it is affixed to a building on a lot which abuts
an arterial street and the wall sign faces the arterial
street.
Monument Signs 16 sq. ft.,except that a monument sign may be up to 32
sq. ft. in size if the lot on which it is located abuts an
arterial street,and the monument sign faces the arterial
street.
Monument Sign Height The maximum height of a monument sign is 8 ft.,
including the sign base;that is,the top of a monument
sign shall be no more than eight feet above the grade of
the site on which it is located.
Development Standards S-SMD Zone
Lighting The lighting of both wall signs and monument signs
shall be projected downward,regardless of whether the
lighting source is internal or external. If the sign faces
an abutting residentially zoned lot, or a residentially
zoned lot that is separated from the site of the
illuminated sign by only one street,the face of the
illuminated sign shall have a dark background.
(Ord. No. 3801, 09-20-04)
Section Six. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames,Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
repealing the old and enacting new Chapter 29 Article 11 subsections as follows:
CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 11
Sec.29.1104. "O-G" GATEWAY OVERLAY
(2) Applicability. The O-G Zone shall be designated on the Official Zoning Map by ordinance of the
City. Some examples of such possible areas are:
(d) University Blvd.,U.S. Highway 30;
Sec.29.1107 "O-GSE" SOUTHEAST ENTRYWAY GATEWAY OVERLAY DISTRICT
(4) Landscaping Standards.
(a) All parking areas shall be set back and screened pursuant to Section 29.403 of this
Ordinance, except that native prairie wildflower and prairie grasses from the list of plant materials for the Southeast
Entryway as prepared by City staff, shall be substituted for the required shrubs and trees not located within parking
areas. The plantings shall be sufficient to form a continuous screen to meet the intent of Section 29.403. In
addition, native tree species from the list of plant materials for the Southeast Entryway as approved by City staff,
shall be planted in small groupings to compliment the wildflowers and prairie grasses and to provide shade within
the parking areas.
(b) Landscape screening is required along all arterial streets.
(i) Landscape screening shall consist of a minimum of ten (10) feet on private
property and,as space permits,within the public right-of-way.
Sec.29.1110."O-UIE" EAST UNIVERSITY IMPACTED DISTRICT
(5) Landscaping and Fences.
(a) Site materials.No rocks,brick fragments or other hard, loose material over'/o-inch in size shall be
used.
(b) Fences. Any parking lot adjacent to a Low-Density Residential Zoning District requires type F-2
screen.
Sec.29.1112"O-GSW" SOUTHWEST GATEWAY OVERLAY DISTRICT
(6) Landscaping.
(f) Fencing shall be integral and consistent with the overall design of the building and the
landscape and also shall include materials of the same type, quality and color as the principal materials of the
building or landscape.
(g) Chain link fences and fences containing barbed wire, electric charges or sharp materials
are prohibited.
(8) Service Areas.
.. (d) Landscaping shall be integral and consistent with the overall design of the building and
the surrounding landscape. At a minimum, landscaping materials shall meet the High Screen or F2 standards set
forth in Section 29.403.and shall include materials of the same type, quality and color as the principal materials of
the building or landscape.
(9) Drive-through facilities.
(b) Integrated such site features with the building design and screened from off-site property
with screening materials that meet at least the High Screen standard.
Section Seven. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended
by repealing the old and enacting new Chapter 29 Article 12 subsections as follows:
CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 12
(6) Suburban Residential Floating Zone Suburban Regulations. The Suburban Regulations for the F-S
zone are provided for in Table 29.1202(6)below.
Table 29.1202(6)
Suburban Residential Floating Zone Suburban Regulations
SUBURBAN REGULATIONS F-S ZONE
Minimum Density The minimum average density for one and two-family
Suburban Residential Low dwelling units,two-family dwelling units, and single family
Density attached dwelling units in areas zoned FS-RL shall be 3.75
(FS-RL) dwelling units per net acre. Net acres shall be determined
only by subtracting from the gross acreage of a subdivision
the land area devoted to the following uses or containing the
following characteristics:
1. Public or private right-of-way:
2. Common open space owned by the City of Ames or
owned by property owners in common through a
Homeowner's Association or a similar private entity
3. Areas of severe slope where the topography exceeds 10%
as determined by the Story County Soil Survey;
4. Areas containing natural resources as identified in the
Natural Areas Inventory of the City of Ames dated 1994.
5. Areas reserved as an outlot or by easement to the city for
planting as woodland,prairie,wetland or other native plant
community.
6. Stormwater detention areas and stormwater retention
ponds required by the Ames Municipal Code or as a condition
of a permit or other City approval.
7. Areas reserved as an outlot or by easement to the city to
protect natural archeological and/or historic features.
Minimum Density The minimum density for property developed in the FS-RM
Suburban Residential Medium zone shall be 10 dwelling units per net acre.
Density (FS-RM)
Lot and Block Design Block lengths that exceed 660 feet in length on a block face
Requirements shall contain a mid-block cut through or cross walk to enable
effective pedestrian movement through the block. From one
street to another street on the opposite block face.
Open Space Requirement A minimum of 10%of the gross area shall be devoted to
common open space. A minimum of 15%of the gross area
shall be devoted to common open space for back-to-back
single family attached dwellings. Common open space shall
be owned and maintained by the City of Ames or by a
Homeowner's Association or a similar private entity.
Landscape Buffer Requirement A landscaped buffer of 10 feet in width shall be provided in
the setback area of any lot zoned FS-RM where the lot is
adjacent to any lot zoned FS-RL or RL. The landscaping
shall adhere to the High Screen Standards as provided for in
Section 29.403 of the ordinance.
Parking Requirements Parking shall be provided to meet the requirement as set forth
in Section 29.406 of this ordinance.
(Ord. No. 3579, 8-22-00; Ord. No. 3591, 10-10-00; Ord. No. 3640, 12-11-01; Ord. No. 3660, 4-23-02; Ord.
No.4021, 1-12-10; Ord. No. 4188, 7-22-14)
Section Eight. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended
by repealing the old and enacting new Chapter 29 Article 13 subsections as follows:
CHAPTER 29 ARTICLE 13
Sec.29.1303. DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITIES.
All Drive-Through Facilities, whether primary or accessory uses, must comply with the following
conditions:
(1) Setbacks and Landscaping. Stacking lanes and driveways are parking lot areas for conformance
to development standards. Stacking lanes for a Drive-Through Facility must be setback at least 5 feet from all lot
lines. Where the setback abuts a Residential Zone, the setback must be landscaped to at least the High Screen
Standard.
Section Nine.Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a municipal infraction
punishable as set out by law.
Section Ten. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances,in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent
of such conflict, if any.
Section Eleven. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication
as required by law.
Passed this 27'h day of June,2017.
,11i �.�.w
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell,Mayor