Article II — Establishment of Zones, and Limiting the Uses of Land Therein

In order to classify, regulate, restrict and segregate the uses of land and buildings, to regulate and restrict the height and bulk of buildings, and, to regulate the area of yards and other open spaces about buildings, and to regulate the density of population, the following zoning classifications are established by this title:

(Prior code § 27-2.1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2; Ord. 23-1744, 12/5/2023; Ord. 24-1750, 10/1/2024)

The location and boundaries of the various zones are as shown and delineated on the official zoning map which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and which by this reference is adopted and made a part of this code as if herein set forth in full; or by legal description in the ordinance adopting the zoning of any area.

(Prior code § 27-2.2; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Changes in the boundaries of the zones shall be made by ordinance adopting an amended zoning map, or part of the zoning map, or unit of a part of the zoning map, or by ordinance describing the area rezoned.

(Prior code § 27-2.3; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Where uncertainty exists as to boundaries of any zone shown upon a zoning map or any part or unit thereof, the following rules for determination shall apply:

• A. Where such boundaries are indicated as approximately following particular street and alley lines or lot lines, such lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.

• B. In the case of unsubdivided property, and where a zone boundary divides a lot, the location of such boundaries, unless the same are indicated by dimensions or legal description, shall be determined by use of the scale appearing on the zoning map.

• C. Where a public street or alley or any portion of a public street or alley is vacated or abandoned, the area comprising such vacated street or alley or portion thereof shall acquire the respective classifications of the abutting properties to which it reverts.

• D. Areas of dedicated streets or alleys and railroad rights-of-way, other than such as are designated on the zoning map as being classified in one of the zones provided in this title, shall be deemed to be unclassified and, in the case of streets, permitted to be used only for purposes lawfully allowed and, in the case of railroad rights-of-way, permitted to be used solely for the purpose of accommodating tracks, signals, other operative devices and the movement of rolling stock.

• E. Where uncertainties exist, the Commission may, by written decision, determine the location of a boundary, applying the rules stated herein wherever applicable.

• (Prior code § 27-2.4; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Except as provided in this title, no building shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed or structurally altered, nor shall any building or land be used for any purpose except as hereinafter specifically permitted in the zone in which such building or land is located. (Prior code § 27-2.5; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

The minimum area of any lot or parcel of land or the minimum width of any lot or parcel of land, in any zone, may be established as different from that prescribed in the chapter describing the classification of the zone by the designating of such different area or width upon an official zoning map. The density (number of permitted dwelling units per acre) may be designated on maps and in texts as provided in subsection C of this section:

• A. Where a number follows the zoning symbol, it shall mean the following areas:

  1. The number of square feet if such number is greater than 100.

  2. The number of acres if the number is less than 100.

• B. Where a number precedes the zoning symbol, it shall mean the minimum permitted lot or parcel width in feet.

• C. Where (00/AC) follows the zoning symbol, the number preceding /ac designates the maximum number of dwelling units permitted per acre.

(Prior code § 27-2.6; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Whenever any area is placed in an overlay zone, the zoning symbol indicating the overlay zoning classification shall follow and be separated by a hyphen from the zoning symbol (including a number indicating minimum area) indicating the underlying zoning classification. (Prior code § 27-2.7; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Copies of official zoning maps, certified by the City Clerk, shall be filed with the City Clerk and shall constitute a portion of the official record. (Prior code § 27-2.8; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Amendments and changes to the official zoning maps shall be shown on official copies of the official zoning map in use by the Planning Commission and Building Official, within 30 days after such amendments or changes are effective. (Prior code § 27-2.9; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

All land or territory annexed to the City shall, upon completion of annexation proceedings, continue to be classified in the same zone classification as it had immediately prior to annexation, except as herein otherwise provided, if such zone classification exists in this title. The official zoning maps shall thereupon be amended to indicate such land in its existing zone without additional procedure. If such zone classification does not exist in this title or if the Commission and Council determine as a part of the annexation proceedings that such existing zone is not appropriate, the Commission or Council shall initiate proceedings as provided in Section 17.02.290 . Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect the right of the Council or Commission to change such zone classification of annexed territory at any later date.

(Prior code § 27-2.10; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)