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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA039 - Hearing on Zoning Text Amendment to Chapter 29 of the Ames Municipal Code to Create Townhome Building Type StandardsTo:Mayor & City Council From:Kelly Diekmann, Planning & Housing Director Date:March 7, 2025 Subject:Zoning Text Amendment to Chapter 29 for Townhome Standards Item No. 40 MEMO On February 25th, City Council reviewed a draft ordinance creating new Townhome building type design standards. At the meeting, City Council directed staff to make minor updates to the language of the ordinance and add a provision regarding corner lots and how to review buildings for compliance. The updated ordinance language is now attached. Staff recommends approval of the ordinance on first reading. ATTACHMENT(S): Ordinance Townhome Design (2nd Read w CC changes).pdf City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main 515.239.5142 fax 515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811 Ames, IA 50010 www.CityofAmes.org 1 ORDINANCE NO. ______ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING TABLE 29.406(2) AND ENACTING A NEW SECTION 29.410(3) THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING TOWNHOME DESIGN REQUIRMENTS AND CRITERIA REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT; 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 Table 29.406(2) and enacting a new Section 29.410(3) as follows: Table 29.406(2) Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirements PRINCIPAL LAND USE ALL ZONES EXCEPT DOWNTOWN AND CAMPUS TOWN SERVICE CENTER ZONES DOWNTOWN AND CAMPUS TOWN SERVICE CENTER ZONES *** 1 space/bedroom for units of 2 bedrooms or -UIE and O- 1 space/residential unit for an Independent or less (See §29.410(3)) DSC 0-2 bedrooms units: NONE 3+ bedroom units: 1 space/RU CSC – All Developments *** Sec. 29.410. SIZE AND APPEARANCE OF DWELLINGS. *** (3) Townhome Design. Townhome building types are three or more attached dwelling units with no units above, below or rear of the dwelling and does not require an individual lot for each dwelling. This building type is a version of an Apartment Dwelling as defined within this Ordinance but commonly constructed under the Residential Building Code rather than Commercial Building Code referenced in Chapter 5 of the Ames Municipal Code. Dwellings built as Single-Family Attached units are a separate classification within this Ordinance. To benefit from the Townhome building type, the building and site must comply with the following requirements. Buildings and units that do not comply with these requirements are subject to apartment dwelling requirements. (a) Zones Allowed. Townhome building type is an allowed apartment building configuration for the FS-RL, FS-RM, RM, RH and S-MD zoning districts, unless an overlay also applies to the base zone. Townhome dwellings may also be approved within the PUD Overlay and the University Impacted 2 Overlays subject to conformance to the standards of the Overlay unless otherwise stated. The density standards of units per acre related to apartments or overall units per acre in FS zones will apply. (b) Multi Building Exception When the total front facing units is four or more, the units may be split into sets of two or three units and be constructed on a single lot within the other limitations of the more than one apartment building. Setbacks between buildings served by a common drive do not apply. (c) Design requirements. (i) Townhome dwellings are only permitted as a five unit or less building configuration with no more than eight units total on the site, unless included as part of a PUD Overlay. (ii) All Townhome dwellings shall be designed in a manner that creates individual unit identity utilizing the following combination of features: (a) Facades facing a public street shall be oriented to the public street with a primary residential entrance to living area. (b) Street facing facades shall have proportionally sized porches complementary in style to the architectural character of the townhomes. Narrow street facing façade widths less than 24 feet may be approved to use a stoop; and (c) Street facing facades shall typically emphasize vertical building proportions with use of material differentiation, roof forms, and architectural projections for relief to break up wide facades and blank areas. (d) Street facing facades shall incorporate window patterns reflective of residential dwellings front facades and not allow for large blank areas. (e) For projects within or adjacent to one- and two-family areas may be required to utilize the two-family home design guidelines for project compatibility. (f) If the standards of this section and other design standards conflict or do not complement the intent of compatible design emphasizing unit individuality, the Planning and Housing Director shall determine the appropriate application of standards and guidelines to meet the intent of the zoning district and for compatible infill development. For lots with multiple street fronts, the Planning Director will determine the applicability of façade features for each façade to meet the intent of unit identify and interest along streets. (iii) Townhome sites with front facing units may have setback reductions of 10 feet. (iv) All dwellings shall have a sidewalk connection to the front door of each dwelling along a street. (d) Parking Reduction. Townhomes dwellings with individual garage parking may have reduced parking for units with three or less bedrooms. Only two parking spaces are required per unit for two and three bedrooms, one space for one bedroom unit. Additional guest parking may be required on site by the Planning Director at a rate of one ADA space plus one regular parking space per four units. Notwithstanding the University Impacted Overlays parking for apartment dwellings, the parking requirements for Townhomes shall apply. Front facing, setback reduction Side facing, no setback reduction entrance and articulation required Multi-Building Exception 3 Section Two. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, if any. Section Three. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as required by law. Passed this day of , 2025. ______________________________________ _______________________________________ Renee Hall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor 4