(A) Abandoned buildings and structures. Any building or structure not in continuous use as defined by permitted, special land use or nonconforming uses in any district for a period greater than six months shall be considered abandoned and come under the provisions of this chapter and other city codes for buildings and structures. In order to obtain a certificate of occupancy as a use in the future, once six months have passed, the building or structure shall have to meet all the current standards of all applicable city codes.
(B) Accessory buildings or accessory structures in R-1, R-2 and R-3.
(1) No accessory building or structure may be built upon any lot on which there is no principal building. Accessory structures and buildings may not be inhabited. No accessory building (except for school bus shelters) shall be placed in any required front or side yard nor closer than ten feet to any other building.
(2) Size of accessory structures: no accessory structure may exceed the square footage of the ground floor of the principal structure on the same lot.
(3) Structures must meet all required yards, lot coverage and height regulations. If setback and lot coverage requirements cannot be met, the total square footage of the accessory structure must be reduced or a variance obtained from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
(C) Building and occupancy permits.
(1) Building permits required. Any construction related to any type of zoning administrative approval shall be commenced only after a building permit has been obtained.
(2) Prior building permits. Any building permit issued prior to the effective date of this chapter shall be valid, even though not conforming to the provisions of this chapter, provided that construction is commenced within 90 days, with continuous substantial progress, after the date the permit was issued and that the building is completed according to the plans filed with the permit application within one year of the date of issuance.
(3) Occupancy permit. Upon completion of a structure and all required site improvements per approved site plan, and before moving into a building in any district, an occupancy permit is required
(D) Storage and screening of garbage. In multiple-family residential, business and industrial districts, all garbage and rubbish must be stored in closed containers or in a dumpster. All containers and dumpsters must be screened from view so as not to be visible to pedestrian or vehicular traffic passing on a public thoroughfare. More specific screening may be required during a site plan review.
(E) Connections to drainage system. Surface drains, ground water drains and foundation or footing drains shall be connected whenever possible to an enclosed storm sewer, but they shall not discharge to a sanitary sewer or private waste water treatment plant.
(F) Dwelling unit standards. The following standards shall be applied to each dwelling unit constructed or placed in the city:
(1) It complies with the minimum square footage requirements of the zone in which it is located;
(2) It has a minimum width across any section of 20 feet and complies in all respects with the City Building Code, including minimum heights for habitable rooms. Where a dwelling is required by law to comply with any federal or state standards or regulations for construction, and where the standards of construction are less stringent than those imposed by the City Building Code, then the more stringent city regulations shall apply;
(3) It is firmly attached to a permanent foundation, constructed on the site in accordance with the City Building Code;
(4) It does not have exposed wheels, towing mechanism, undercarriage or chassis; and
(5) The dwelling is connected to a public sewer and water.
(G) Height and area zoning exceptions to uses and structures. The height and area requirements of all zones shall apply except for the following:
(1) Height. Height exceptions include parapet walls not exceeding four feet in height; chimneys; cooling towers; elevator bulkhead; fire towers; gas tanks; grain elevators; stacks; stage towers or scenery lofts; television antennas; refineries; tanks; water towers; radio towers; ornamental towers; monuments; cupolas; domes and spires; and necessary mechanical appurtenances.
(2) Permitted yard encroachments. Accessory structures, even though they may be attached to a principal building, may project into the required side or rear yards for the principal building to the following extent.
(a) Structural elements such as cornices, sills, chimneys, gutters and similar features may project a maximum of two and one-half feet from the principal structure.
(b) Fire escapes, outside stairways and balconies, if of open construction, may project a maximum of five feet from the principal structure.
(d) School bus shelters when do not interfere with a clear vision area.
(Ord. passed 11-2-2005)