HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Zoning Text Amendment regarding the Extension of Building Features into required Setbacks ORDINANCE NO.4425
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE
CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING SECTIONS 29.201,
29.402 AND 29.1506(4)(d) THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
UPDATING LANGUAGE IN THE ZONING CODE RELATED
TO SETBACK ENCROACHMENTS AND PROJECTIONS, AND
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 amending Sections 29.201,29.402 and 29.1506(4)(d)as follows:
"Sec.29.201. DEFINITIONS.
Except as otherwise defined in this Ordinance or unless the context may otherwise require, the
following words are defined for the purpose of this Ordinance as follows:
• (17)Awning means an architectural projection that provides weather protection,visual interest, or
decoration and is wholly supported by the building to which it is attached.
stationary, anaelied to and deriving its suppen frofn &ameweFk, posts eF other- means independent of
eenneeted stmetum fbF the purpose of shielding a platf4m, stoop OF sidewalk ftem the elements Aff-aa r-o-of
like stmetur-e of a pefmanent RaWFe PFE�eefing ftem the wall of a stmeture;and-ever-hanging a publieway.
(27) Building Coverage means the area of a lot covered by buildings or roof areas, including
eevered-porches,accessory buildings and areas for outdoor storage,but excluding minor projections such as
allowed-prejeeting eaves,uncovered balconies,and similar features.
(49a)Deck means a horizonal platform built above grade and typically supported by pillars or posts
and may include railing.
(157a)Pergola means a structure of vertical posts or columns that support a series of cross-beams
providing primarily an open covering that is not a roof. Pergolas may be attached to a building as an
architectural feature to provide enhanced visual interest or as a stand-alone structure for shade and shelter.
For purposes of the Zoning Ordinance,pergolas are accessory buildings.
(160) Porch means a roofed area attached at the first floor of a building and located at a building
entrance. A Porch must be open on two or more sides, but may include support columns, piers, and
balustrades or railing(including kneewalls).
eoveFed shelteF at a building entFanee. A Per-oh is open on at least one side, eXCept that it FROy be efle!05ed
with sefeens or-lattieewer-k.
Sec.29.402. SETBACKS.
(1) Building Setback Standard. Except as provided below,all buildings and structures, Principal
and Accessory,shall be located to comply with the minimum and maximum Building Setbacks established
for Principal and Accessory Buildings listed in each Zone Development Standards Table, Supplemental
Development Standards Table,condition or other regulation applicable to the lot or the use being employed
at the site.
f
(2) Extensions into Required Building Setbacks. Certain building elements and site features are
allowed to be located within or project into required setbacks. Extensions of architectural features into
nonconforming setbacks may be granted as a minor area modification under Section 29.1506.
(a)PFiffipal Buildings.
Caj(i)Minor projections allowed. Minor features of a building, such as eaves, chimneys,open eF
lattirse fire escapes,bay windows,uncovered stairways leading to an upper story entrance
or deck,wheelchair-ramps,awnings,and uncovered desks eF balconies,may extend into a required
setback up to 3-three feet.Such projections,however,may be no closer than 3-three feet to a lot line.
(b)Projection of Architectural features.Architectural features of an oven design attached to and
protruding from building facades located at first floor building entrances(such as porches,pergola,
stoops.porticos,decks)may proiect into a front-,street-,or rear yard setback as much as eight feet,
and into a side setback not more than three feet. Such projections,however,may be no closer than
three feet to a lot line. Allowed projections must be open in design without walls, screening,
windows or doors. Enclosing an open projecting architectural feature is prohibited.
(S)F Full projections allowed. In addition to the minor projections listed in the previous section,
the following features are allowed to fully project into required setbacks:
(i)a-.Covered walkways leading to main entrances in commercial and industrial zones;
(ii)b: Uncovered stairways (including landings), wheelchair lifts, and aA4teelshaif
accessible access ramps and associated handrails that lead directly to a first floor,basement,
or at-grade building entrance;
(iii)At- rag de steps, above-grade steps up to three feet in height, and associated handrails,
sidewalls,and landings;
(iv)d-. Uncovered decks,with or without railings, no higher than 24 inches above finished
grade;
(v*.Retaining walls that retain fill and which are up to four feet in height in front setbacks
and up to six feet in height in side and rear setbacks.
(vi) Retaining walls of any height that retain existing natural grade;
g. At gFade steps,above gFade steps up to thFee f�et in height,and assooiated ;
(vii)Driveways,patios,sidewalks,and similar at-grade surfaces;
(viii)h-.Landscape accents that include but are not limited to arbors Arbors with a€eetpr-in
coverage area no greater than 4-0 15 square feet; fountains and statuary up to four feet in
height, and constructed ponds and waterfalls at or below finished grade, and similar
incidental landscape accents.The design and location of accent features shall not have the
effect of creating a continuous wall that does not meet fence standards.
(ix)i.Mechanical Units(within rear and side yards only);
(x)t.Play structures within rear and side yards only),no closer than 3-three feet to property
lines;
(xi)lF Fences as allowed in Section 29.408(2);
(xii)l Planter boxes/walls at allowable fence heights;
(xiii)m Alternative Energy devices as allowed in Sections 29.1309&29.1310;
(xiv)n-. Satellite dishes less than'24 inches one meter in diameter;
(xv)o:Mailboxes, little libraries,cluster box units, flagpoles,and lamp poles;
(xvi*. Signs are subject to the standards of Chapter 21 and Chapter 29. Free standing
signs described as ground,pole,or monument signs,including any support structure of said
signs,where the sign has less than 150 square feet of coverage.Signs attached to a principal
building,such as wall signs and projecting signs,that do not have support extending to the
ground ,
(xvii)q-.Public Art when located within a public art easement accepted by the City of Ames.
(xviii)r-. Bicycle Parking Systems. Bicycle Parking Systems may be located in the front
setback of nonresidential zoning districts when it is no higher than four feet in height and
it does not interfere with required landscaping. This exception does not allow for parking
areas where otherwise not permitted.
Sec.29.1506. EXCEPTIONS.
(4)When Authorized.
(d)Exceptions for minor area modifications.
(vi)extension of architectural features into a required building setback pursuant to Sec. 29.402(b)
when the setback of the principal building is non-conforming.An approved minor area modification
under this subsection shall:
(A)provide for a minimum usable area,
(B)preserve compatible open yard areas intended within the zone,and
(C)ensure the aesthetic compatibility of the feature with the surroundings."
Section Two.Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a municipal infraction
punishable as set out by law.
Section Three. All ordinances,or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to
the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law.
Passed this 22"d day of December,2020.
y,
• U�
Diane R.Voss,City Clerk ohn A. Haila,Mayor