(A) Intent. The RM-1, multiple-family residential districts, are intended to provide opportunities for the building of low density multiple-family dwelling structures. Generally the type of areas that would be appropriate for the zoning designation areas adjacent to major thoroughfares that have been previously subdivided into large estate type lots and may be near existing single-family residential development. The intent is further to encourage the development of small multiple-family structures so that the scale of the buildings remain somewhat in keeping with a large single-family housing structure.
(B) Principal uses permitted. In an RM-1, multiple-family residential district, no building or land shall be used and no building shall be erected except for 1 or more of the following specified uses unless otherwise provided in this ordinance:
(1) Two-family dwellings;
(2) Single-family attached dwelling units, provided they meet the following requirements:
(a) The attachment is affected:
1. Through a common party wall which does not have over 25% of its area in common with an abutting dwelling unit wall;
2. By means of an architectural wall detail which does not have over 25% of its area in common with an abutting dwelling unit wall;
3. By means of an architectural wall detail which does not form interior room space; or
4. Through a common party wall in only the garage portion of adjacent structures, there being no common party wall relationship permitted through any other portion of the residential unit.
(b) The maximum number of dwelling units that in some degree be attached shall not exceed 4 in a cluster.
(3) Accessory buildings and uses customarily incident to any of the above permitted uses.
(C) Required conditions.
(1) In the case of multiple-dwelling developments, all site plans shall be submitted to the Planning Commission for its review and approval prior to the issuance of a building permit. Approval shall be contingent upon a finding that:
(a) The site plan shows a proper relationship exists between local streets and any proposed service roads, driveways, and parking areas to encourage pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety; and
(b) All the development features including the principal building or buildings and any accessory buildings, or uses, open spaces, and any service roads, driveways, and parking areas, are so located and related to minimize the possibility of any adverse effects upon adjacent property, such as, but not limited to: channeling excessive traffic onto local residential streets, lack of adequate screening or buffering of parking or service areas, or building groupings and circulation routes located so as to interfere with police or fire equipment access.
(2) All access to the site shall be from a major thoroughfare.
(D) Principal uses permitted subject to special conditions. The following uses may be permitted subject to the conditions hereinafter imposed for each use and subject further to the review and approval of the Planning Commission:
(1) Townhouses not to exceed 6 attached dwelling units subject to the following conditions: All townhouse housing structures shall be so situated that access through single-family detached housing lots is avoided. Generally, townhouses shall be restricted to arterial streets unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission as a function of site plan approval. Generally, townhouse structures shall be limited to the first 300 feet of depth from a major road;
(2) Triplex and fourplex apartment structures subject to the same conditions as subsection (D)(1) above; and
(3) Any configuration of dwelling units may be permitted upon approval of the Planning Commission who shall, in the review of the project, address the following conditions:
(a) Relationship of the proposed building to adjacent existing land use to determine scale compatibility;
(b) The topography of the land is such that the effect of the size and bulk of the building is not as large as it might otherwise be; and
(c) The Planning Commission is otherwise satisfied that the development be compatible with adjacent uses.
(E) Area and bulk requirement. See Appendix A, Schedule of Regulations, limiting the height and bulk of buildings, the minimum size of lot permitted by land use, the maximum density permitted, and providing minimum yard setback requirements.
(F) Maximum density. The maximum density for residential development within this zoning classification shall be 8 units per acre.