(A) The following chart sets forth the minimum area, setbacks and other requirements of each district:
Rural | VHS |
Rural | VHS | |
Blufflines | 40 feet | 40 feet |
Building setback from bluffline | 100 feet | 40 feet |
Building setback from ordinary high water mark | 200 feet | 100 feet |
Lot width at building setback line | 200 feet | 150 feet |
Lot width at waterline | 200 feet | 150 feet |
Maximum structure height | 35 feet | 35 feet |
Maximum total lot area covered by impervious surface | 10% (1.5 acres) | 20% or 4,350 square feet, whichever is greater |
Minimum lot size above ordinary high water mark | Five acres | One acre |
On-site sewage treatment system setback from bluffline | 40 feet | 40 feet |
On-site sewage treatment system setback from ordinary high water mark | 200 feet | 100 feet |
On slopes less than 12%, the controlled vegetative cutting areas setback are from ordinary high water mark | 200 feet | 100 feet |
(B) No structures shall be placed or grading done on any slopes greater than 12% (12 feet vertical rise in 100 feet horizontal distance).
(C) No structures shall be placed in any floodway. Structures proposed within a floodplain shall be consistent with Ch. 159 of this code and state floodplain ordinances.
(D) Exceptions to the minimal dimensional requirements include the following.
(1) (a) In Rural Districts, structure setbacks from a bluffline may be reduced up to a minimum of 40 feet when can be demonstrated that no change in the natural appearance of the shoreline, slope and bluffline will occur and the structure will be visually inconspicuous in summer months as viewed from the river. In reviewing the proposed building site, the City Council, after input from the Zoning Administrator, and in cooperation with an agent of the Commissioner of Natural Resources, and upon recommendation from the Planning Commission after public hearing, may determine that the structure setback can be varied to within the 40- to 100-foot range from a bluffline if the natural appearance of the shoreline, slope and bluffline is preserved, and the applicant shall agree to donate a scenic easement to the state and maintain the scenic easement in an undisturbed condition and appearance.
(b) The scenic easement shall specify that on all land lying from the proposed building line closest to the river, or property line closest to the river, or lesser area subject to the easement as may be accepted by the Commissioner, no destruction, cutting, trimming or removal of trees, shrubs, bushes or plants, and no topographic changes of the natural landscape by excavation, drainage, filling, dumping or any other means shall occur without a written authorization from the Commissioner of Natural Resources.
(2) Permitted public facilities which by their nature require a location on or adjacent to the public waters and which also require approval of the Commissioner of Natural Resources.
(3) Temporary or seasonal docks which extend into the water a minimum distance necessary for the launching or mooring of watercraft.
(4) Signs which are necessary for public health and safety or which designate areas available or not available for public use.
(5) Visually inconspicuous stairways and lifts enabling access to the river from steep slopes.
(6) On blufflines or shorelines with substandard adjacent structures on both sides of a vacant, substandard lot, any new structure on the vacant lot shall be setback the average setback of the adjacent structures plus 40 feet or the minimum standard setback, whichever is less.
(7) The maximum height limitations for churches and other places of worship shall be as follows:
(a) A maximum height of 35 feet for the occupied area of the structure;
(b) A maximum height of 50 feet for the structural elements; and
(c) A maximum height of 60 feet for the following non-structural elements: spires or steeples, belfries or bell towers, cupolas, crosses or other religious symbols or decorative elements.
(Prior Code, § 12-637) (Ord. 97-46, passed 1-15-2002; Ord. 46-2004, passed 8-17-2004; Ord. 02-2008, passed 1-9-2008; Ord. 05-2015, passed 9-15-2015)