Show All Answers

1. What is the zoning on my property?

You can find the zoning on your property by clicking on this map link. From the map you can search by address in the upper left corner. You can also zoom into your area of interest. Once you find the property you are interested in click on the property to show the zoning information. When you click on a property, a small window will appear that contains zoning and other property information. To access all of the information on a property click on the next feature arrow at the top of the window.

2. What uses are allowed in a particular zone?

The allowed uses for agricultural and residential zones are found in Section 7-6-201 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The allowed uses for commercial and manufacturing zones are found in Section 7-6-301. Definitions of uses are found in Section 7-1-103.

3. I would like to build a detached garage or shed. What zoning regulations apply?

The answer to this question will vary depending upon the zoning of your property and whether you wish to place the detached garage or shed (referred to as accessory buildings in the ordinance) behind or to the side of your home. For minimum setbacks, maximum heights and maximum rear yard building coverage, please refer to Section 7-6-202. Additional requirements and some exceptions are outlined in Section 7-6-203 and Section 7-6-204. Approval from utility companies is required for any accessory building that encroaches on a utility easement. The graphic accessible at this link illustrates a typical example.

4. I would like to add a patio cover to my house. What zoning regulations apply?

The answer to this question will vary depending upon the zoning of your property. For minimum setbacks, please refer to Section 7-6-202. An exception to the minimum setbacks is outlined in Section 7-6-204. Approval from utility companies is required for any patio cover that encroaches on a utility easement. The graphic accessible at this link illustrates a typical example.

5. I would like to add an attached garage to my house. What zoning regulations apply?

The answer to this question will vary depending upon the zoning of your property. For minimum setbacks and maximum heights, please refer to Section 7-6-202. Additional requirements and some exceptions are outlined in Section 7-6-203 and Section 7-6-204. Approval from utility companies is required for any attached garage that encroaches on a utility easement. The graphic accessible at this link illustrates a typical example.

6. Can I rent out my basement?

Assuming your home is zoned for a single unit dwelling, the answer to this question will vary depending upon how the basement will be used and how it is designed. A homeowner may rent a portion of the home only if all of the following standards are met:

• There is no more than one lease for any portion of the home.
• All persons residing in the home live together as a single housekeeping unit where all residents maintain free access to all living spaces within the home and all exits to and from the home. In other words, those persons living in the basement must have free access to the upstairs.
• There is no more than one door between a bedroom and any kitchen, living room, dining room or family room that is on the same floor as the bedroom.

7. Can I have an accessory dwelling unit or mother-in-law apartment in or detached from my home?

Accessory dwelling units or mother-in-law apartments are not allowed on any property zoned for single unit dwellings which includes the RB zone, RE zone, all R-1 zones and all A zones.

8. What are the requirements for home occupations or home-based businesses?

The requirements for home occupations or home-based businesses are found in Section 7-7-115 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

9. How much parking is required for a particular use?

The number of off-street parking spaces required for different land uses is found in Section 7-9-104 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

10. How tall can my fence be?

Regulations governing fence height are found in Section 7-2-114 and Section 7-2-109. The graphic accessible at this link illustrates these regulations.

11. How many pets can I have?

Regulations governing the number of pets are found in Section 7-2-122 and Section 23-3-108.

12. Where can I find your design standards?

The design standards for single unit dwellings and two unit dwellings are found in Part 2 of Chapter 7-11 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The design standards for commercial buildings are found in Part 3 of Chapter 7-11. The design standards for multi-unit residential dwellings are found in Part 4 of Chapter 7-11.

13. I have agricultural zoning on my property. How many animals can I have?

The number of animals allowed in agricultural zones is outlined in Section 7-6-205.