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Carroll, IA, Iowa Code of Ordinances
CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF CARROLL, IOWA
SUPPLEMENT RECORD
GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 1 CODE OF ORDINANCES
CHAPTER 2 CHARTER
CHAPTER 3 ELECTION WARDS AND VOTING PRECINCTS
CHAPTER 4 MUNICIPAL INFRACTIONS
CHAPTER 5 OPERATING PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 6 CITY ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 7 FISCAL MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 8 INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS
CHAPTER 9 URBAN RENEWAL
CHAPTER 10 URBAN REVITALIZATION
CHAPTER 11 HOTEL AND MOTEL TAX
CHAPTER 15 MAYOR
CHAPTER 16 MAYOR PRO TEM
CHAPTER 17 CITY COUNCIL
CHAPTER 18 CITY CLERK
CHAPTER 19 CITY TREASURER
CHAPTER 20 CITY MANAGER
CHAPTER 21 CITY ATTORNEY
CHAPTER 22 LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CHAPTER 23 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
CHAPTER 24 PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL ADVISORY BOARD
CHAPTER 25 COMMUNICATIONS UTILITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CHAPTER 26 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
CHAPTER 27 AIRPORT COMMISSION
CHAPTER 28 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
CHAPTER 30 POLICE DEPARTMENT
CHAPTER 35 FIRE DEPARTMENT
CHAPTER 40 PUBLIC PEACE
CHAPTER 41 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
CHAPTER 42 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY
CHAPTER 43 DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
CHAPTER 44 NOISE CONTROL
CHAPTER 45 ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
CHAPTER 46 MINORS
CHAPTER 47 PARK REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 50 NUISANCE ABATEMENT PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 51 JUNK AND JUNK VEHICLES
CHAPTER 55 ANIMAL PROTECTION AND CONTROL
CHAPTER 56 DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS ANIMALS
CHAPTER 60 ADMINISTRATION OF TRAFFIC CODE
CHAPTER 61 TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
CHAPTER 62 GENERAL TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 63 SPEED REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 64 TURNING REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 65 STOP OR YIELD REQUIRED
CHAPTER 66 LOAD AND WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
CHAPTER 67 PEDESTRIANS
CHAPTER 68 ONE-WAY TRAFFIC
CHAPTER 69 PARKING REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 70 TRAFFIC CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 71 PUBLIC OFF-STREET PARKING
CHAPTER 72 COURTHOUSE PARKING
CHAPTER 73 PRIVATE PARKING LOTS
CHAPTER 75 ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES AND SNOWMOBILES
CHAPTER 76 BICYCLE REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 77 IN-LINE SKATES, ROLLER SKATES AND SKATEBOARDS
CHAPTER 80 ABANDONED VEHICLES
CHAPTER 81 RAILROAD REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 90 WATER SERVICE SYSTEM - GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 91 WATER METERS
CHAPTER 92 WATER RATES
CHAPTER 93 WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES
CHAPTER 94 PRIVATE WATER WELLS
CHAPTER 95 SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM - GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 96 BUILDING SEWERS AND CONNECTIONS
CHAPTER 97 USE OF PUBLIC SEWERS
CHAPTER 98 ON-SITE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 99 SEWER SERVICE CHARGES
CHAPTER 100 STORM WATER UTILITY
CHAPTER 105 PUBLIC SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
CHAPTER 106 COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER 110 NATURAL GAS FRANCHISE
CHAPTER 111 ELECTRIC FRANCHISE
CHAPTER 112 CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE
CHAPTER 113 RIGHTS-OF-WAY
CHAPTER 114 CITY ENTERPRISE FEES
CHAPTER 115 CEMETERY
CHAPTER 120 LIQUOR LICENSES AND WINE AND BEER PERMITS
CHAPTER 121 CIGARETTE AND TOBACCO PERMITS
CHAPTER 122 PEDDLERS, SOLICITORS AND TRANSIENT MERCHANTS
CHAPTER 123 PAWNBROKERS
CHAPTER 124 HOUSE MOVERS
CHAPTER 125 ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES
CHAPTER 135 STREET USE AND MAINTENANCE
CHAPTER 136 SIDEWALK REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 137 VACATION AND DISPOSAL OF STREETS
CHAPTER 138 STREET GRADES
CHAPTER 139 NAMING OF STREETS
CHAPTER 140 CONTROLLED ACCESS FACILITIES
CHAPTER 141 CURB LINES
CHAPTER 145 DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
CHAPTER 146 MANUFACTURED AND MOBILE HOMES
CHAPTER 150 BUILDING NUMBERING
CHAPTER 151 TREES
CHAPTER 155 BUILDING CODE
CHAPTER 156 SIGN CODE
CHAPTER 157 FIRE PREVENTION CODE
CHAPTER 158 RENTAL HOUSING CODE
CHAPTER 159 VACANT PROPERTY CODE
CHAPTER 160 EMERGENCY REPAIRS OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
CHAPTER 161 COMMUNICATIONS TOWERS AND ANTENNAS
CHAPTER 165 FLOOD PLAIN REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 170 ZONING REGULATIONS
170.01 TITLE.
170.02 PURPOSE.
170.03 DEFINITIONS.
170.04 DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED.
170.05 CLASSIFICATION OF NEWLY ANNEXED TERRITORY.
170.06 ZONING MAP.
170.07 RULES FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF DISTRICT BOUNDARIES.
170.08 APPLICATION OF DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
170.09 HOME OCCUPATIONS.
170.10 NON-CONFORMING USE OF LAND, NON-CONFORMING STRUCTURES AND NON-CONFORMING USES OF STRUCTURES.
170.11 A-1, AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT.
170.12 A-2, AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT.
170.13 R-1 LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
170.14 R-2, LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
170.15 A-P, AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT.
170.16 R-3, LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
170.17 R-4, MEDIUM-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
170.18 R-5, HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT.
170.19 R-6, MOBILE HOME PARKS.
170.20 R-7, ONE AND TWO FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT.
170.21 RB-1, RESIDENTIAL-BUSINESS TRANSITIONAL DISTRICT.
170.22 R-8, RESDENTIAL-AGRICULTURAL TRANSITIONAL DISTRICT.
170.23 P.U.D. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT.
170.24 B-1, LIGHT BUSINESS DISTRICT.
170.25 B-2, GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT.
170.26 B-3, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT.
170.27 I-1, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT.
170.28 I-2, GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT.
170.29 F-1, FLOOD PLAIN DISTRICT.
170.30 WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS.
170.31 SOLAR ENERGY STANDARDS.
170.32 HEIGHT REGULATIONS.
170.33 SPECIAL PROVISIONS.
170.34 OFF-STREET PARKING & LOADING REQUIREMENTS.
170.35 BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.
170.36 SPECIAL USE PERMITS.
170.37 AMENDMENTS.
170.38 INTERPRETATION, ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTY OF ORDINANCE.
170.39 TEMPORARY PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS.
CHAPTER 171 AIRPORT ZONING REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 175 SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
APPENDIX TO CODE OF ORDINANCES
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170.36   SPECIAL USE PERMITS.  
Allowable special uses may be permitted, enlarged, or altered upon application for a special use permit in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment will grant or deny a special use permit in accordance with the standards set forth herein and the intent and purposes of this ordinance. In granting special use permits, the Board of Adjustment will authorize the issuance of a special use permit and may prescribe and impose appropriate conditions, safeguards, and a specified time limit for the performance of the special use permit. Special use permits are not transferable.
1.   Application for Special Use Permit. A request for a special use permit for a special use or modification of a special use may be initiated by a property owner or his authorized agent by filing an application with the Clerk upon forms prescribed for the purpose. The application shall be accompanied by a site plan and such other plans and data showing the dimensions, arrangements, descriptive data, and other materials constituting a record essential to an understanding of the proposed use or proposed modification in relation to the standards set forth herein. The application shall also be accompanied with a fee of $50.00.
2.   Meeting. Before issuance of any special use permit, the Board of Adjustment will consider the application for special use permit at a meeting held at the call of the chairman within 47 days after the filing of the application.
3.   Decisions. The concurring vote of four members of the Board of Adjustment shall be necessary to grant a special use permit. No order of the Board of Adjustment granting special use permit shall be valid for a period longer than six months from the date of such order, unless the Board of Adjustment specially grants a longer period of time or a building permit is obtained within the six month period and construction is commenced.
4.   Standards. No special use permit shall be granted by the Board of Adjustment unless such Board shall find:
A.   That the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the special use will not be detrimental to, or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort, or general welfare of the community.
B.   That the special use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purpose already permitted, nor substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood.
C.   That the establishment of the special use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the district.
D.   That adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and/or necessary facilities have been or are being provided.
E.   That adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress and egress so designed as to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets.
F.   The use shall not include any activity involving the use or storage of flammable, or explosive material unless protected by adequate firefighting and fire suppression equipment and by such safety devices as are normally used in the handling of any such material.
G.   The use shall not include noise which is objectionable due to volume, frequency, or beat unless muffled or otherwise controlled.
H.   The use shall not include vibration which is discernible without instruments on any adjoining lot or property.
I.   The use shall not involve any malodorous gas or matter which is discernible on any adjoining lot or property.
J.   The use shall not involve any pollution of the air by fly ash, dust, vapors, or other substance which is harmful to health, animals, vegetation or other property or which can cause soiling, discomfort, or irritation.
K.   The use shall not involve any direct or reflected glare which is visible from any adjoining property or from any public street, road, or highway.
L.   The use shall not involve any activity substantially increasing the movement of traffic on public streets unless procedures are instituted to limit traffic hazards and congestion.
M.   The use shall not involve any activity substantially increasing the burden on any public utilities or facilities unless provisions are made for any necessary adjustment.
5.   General Area Standards.
A.   The principal uses or special uses hereunder permitted in a district shall be located not less than 500 feet from a residential district.
The buildings, structures, enclosures, or use of land other than growing of cultivated farm crops, shall be located not less than 100 feet from the nearest property line.
(1)   Auction or sale barns for the sale of livestock, poultry, eggs, or other similar agricultural produce.
(2)   Fox, mink, or other similar fur-bearing animal farms.
(3)   Feeding or shelter for livestock or poultry, kept on the premises for commercial purposes.
(4)   Dog kennels.
(5)   Landfills, including sanitary landfills, or dry waste dumps.
170.37   AMENDMENTS.  
The City Council may, from time to time, on its own initiative, on application, or on recommendation by the City Planning and Zoning Commission, after public notice and hearings provided by law, and after report by the City Planning and Zoning Commission or after thirty days written notice to said Commission, amend, supplement, or change the regulations or districts herein or subsequently established.
1.   Application. Whenever the owners of fifty percent or more of the area of the lots in any district or part thereof desire any amendment, supplement, or change in any of the provisions of this Chapter applicable to this area, they may file an application with the City Clerk requesting the City Council to make such amendment, supplement, or change.
2.   Application and Fee. Such application shall be accompanied by a map or diagram showing the area affected by the proposed amendment, supplement, or change, together with the boundaries of the said area and the names and addresses of all the owners of record in the office of the County Recorder of Carroll County, Iowa, of lots therein and within a distance of 200 feet outside of the boundaries in said area, said application should be accompanied by a fee of $100.00 payable to the general fund of Carroll, Iowa.
3.   City Planning and Zoning Commission. Said application shall immediately be transmitted to the City Planning and Zoning Commission for an investigation and report and said Commission shall file its recommendations approving, disapproving, or modifying the proposed amendment, supplement, or change with the City Council within 47 days thereafter.
4.   Protest. If a written protest against any proposed amendment, supplement, or change shall be presented to the City Council, signed by twenty percent or more of the owners, either of the area of the lots included in such proposed change or those immediately adjacent in the rear thereof, extending the depth of one lot or not to exceed 200 feet therefrom or of those directly opposite thereto, extending the depth of one lot or not to exceed 200 feet from the street frontage of such opposite lots, such amendments shall not become effective, except by the favorable vote of at least three-fourths of all the members of the City Council.
5.   Limitation. Whenever an application requesting an amendment, supplement, or change of any regulation prescribed by this Chapter has been denied by the City Council, such application cannot be reviewed for one year thereafter unless it be signed by at least fifty percent of the property owners who previously objected to the change; this provision, however, shall not prevent the City Council from acting on its initiative in any case or at any time as provided in this ordinance.
6.   Record. Administrative officer shall maintain a record of amendments to the text, the land use plans, and zoning maps in a form convenient for the use of the public and shall provide the City Clerk with a copy of each amendment to the text of this Ordinance and change to the land use plans and zoning maps and shall keep them as a part of the public record.
170.38   INTERPRETATION, ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTY OF ORDINANCE.  
No building, structure or land shall hereafter be used or occupied and no building or part thereof shall be erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, or altered contrary to the provisions of this ordinance.
1.   Administrative Officer. The City Manager or his authorized representative shall serve as the administrative officer. The administrative officer shall have authority to grant building permits or certificates of occupancy; to make inspections and to make all decisions necessary to a proper carrying out of the provisions of this chapter. No oversight or dereliction on the part of any official or employee of the City shall legalize, authorize or excuse the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.
2.   Enforcement and Interpretation. The administrative officer or his authorized representative shall have the power and the duty to enforce and interpret the provisions of this ordinance. Any appeal from a ruling of the administrative officer shall be made to the Board of Adjustment. It is the intent of this ordinance that all questions or interpretation and enforcement shall first be presented to the administrative officer.
Where this ordinance imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or land or upon the height of buildings or requires larger lots or yards than are imposed or required by existing provisions of law or ordinance or by such rules or regulations, this ordinance shall control.
3.   Form of Petitions, Application and Appeals. All petitions, applications, appeals provided in this ordinance shall be made on forms provided for the purpose or as otherwise prescribed by the Board of Adjustment in order to assure the fullest practical presentation of pertinent facts and to maintain a permanent record. All applications shall be accompanied by plans drawn to scale showing the actual shape and dimensions of a lot to be built upon, the exact size and location on the lot of the buildings and other structures existing and proposed buildings or structures, the existing and proposed and intended use of each building, structure, or land and such other pertinent descriptive information as is needed to determine their conformance with the provisions of this ordinance.
4.   Violation and Penalties. Any person, firm, co-partnership, corporation, or other association of persons, whether acting directly or through employees or agents, that violates, disobeys, omits, neglects, refuses to comply with, or resists the enforcement of any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a municipal infraction and upon conviction thereof shall for each offense pay a sum not exceeding the maximum allowed by law. Each day that the violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.
(Ch. 170 – Ord. 1507 – Jan. 16 Supp.)
170.39   TEMPORARY PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS.
1.   Definition. "Temporary Portable Storage Container" shall be defined as: a container primarily fabricated for the purpose of transporting freight or goods on a truck, railroad or ship, including cargo containers, shipping containers, storage units, or other portable structures that are placed on private property and used for storage of items, including, but not limited to, clothing, lawn and garden materials, lawnmowers, snowblowers, other equipment, goods, household or office furnishings, materials and merchandise. Temporary Portable Storage Containers shall also include, but not limited to storage box shipping containers, storage moving "pods", or any other similar portable storage containers, whether with or without wheels, and whether with or without a chassis.
2.   Districts.
A.   Residential Districts: The use of Temporary Portable Storage Containers in a Residential District including RB-1 and P.U.D. Districts is prohibited, except for the following uses:
(1)   A single Temporary Portable Storage Container may be used in all residential zoning districts when a building permit has been issued for construction of a residential unit on that parcel. The Temporary Portable Storage Container shall be allowed on residential parcels during construction only. The Temporary Portable Storage Container shall be removed within ten (10) days after final building inspection by the City Building Officials upon completion of the residential unit or ten (10) days after the end of the construction period, whichever comes first.
(2)   No Temporary Portable Storage Container shall be permitted on a vacant parcel unless the vacant parcel is adjacent to the parcel where a construction or remodel project has been issued a building permit by the City Building Officials.
(3)   Temporary Portable Storage Container may be allowed on a residential parcel for a period not to exceed ten (10) days, if requested, and said request is allowed by building and zoning officials.
(4)   Temporary Portable Storage Containers shall not impede traffic or pedestrians. No Temporary Portable Storage Container shall be located in a circulation aisle/lane, fire access lane, public utility easement or public right-of-way, including streets, sidewalks, and parks.
(5)   Temporary Portable Storage Containers shall not be considered an accessory building and shall not be allowed as such.
B.   Business Districts: The use of Temporary Portable Storage Containers in any Business District is prohibited, except for the following:
(1)   Temporary Portable Storage Containers may be used for shipping and receiving merchandise and goods, provided that the Temporary Portable Storage Container does not remain stationary for more than five (5) days.
(2)   Temporary Portable Storage Containers may be used for storing merchandise or goods, including long-term storage, provided that the Temporary Portable Storage Container is not kept in the front setback area or landscaped area, designated parking areas, fire access lanes, or public right-of-way. Any property used as residential in a Business District and is a nonconforming use in the Business District shall be prohibited from the use of a Temporary Portable Storage Container on that property and is subject to Section 170.39(2)(A) above.
(3)   Temporary Portable Storage Containers may be used for construction or remodeling purposes when a building permit has been issued for construction on a parcel. The Temporary Portable Storage Container shall be allowed during construction only. The Temporary Portable Storage Container shall be removed within ten (10) days after final building inspection by the City Building Officials upon completion of the business unit or ten (10) days after the end of the construction period, whichever comes first. No Temporary Portable Storage Container shall be permitted on a vacant parcel unless the vacant parcel is adjacent to the parcel where a construction or remodel project has been approved by the City Building and Zoning Officials.
(4)   Temporary Portable Storage Containers shall not impede traffic or pedestrians. No Temporary Portable Storage Container shall be placed or located in a circulation aisle/lane, fire access lane, public utility easement or public right-of-way, including streets, sidewalks, and parks.
C.   Industrial Districts: The use of a Temporary Portable Storage Container is permissible in all industrial districts, provided they are not stored on public rights-of-way, in fire access lanes, in landscaped or front setback areas.
(1)   Temporary Portable Storage Containers shall not impede traffic or pedestrians. No Temporary Portable Storage Container shall be placed or located in a circulation aisle/lane, fire access lane, public utility easement or public right-of-way, including streets, sidewalks, and parks.
(2)   Any property used as residential in an Industrial District and is a nonconforming use in the Industrial District shall be prohibited from the use of a Temporary Portable Storage Container on that property and is subject to Section 170.39(2)(A) above.
3.   Vertical stacking of Temporary Portable Storage Containers and stacking of any other materials on top of or around any Temporary Portable Storage Container shall be prohibited in all residential districts. Vertical stacking of Temporary Portable Storage Containers in business and industrial districts shall be allowed but limited to two containers, one stacked on top of another. Stacking of any other materials on top or around Temporary Portable Storage Containers shall be prohibited.
4.   In all zoning districts, Temporary Portable Storage Containers must be kept in good repair, be secured against unauthorized entry and comply with City health regulations.
A.   A Temporary Portable Storage Container is not in a state of good repair when it is incapable of being moved intact, holes in the container exist due to damage or rust, or it has been infested with vermin or other pests, has lapsed into disrepair or deterioration, or has been desecrated with graffiti to the point it becomes an eyesore to the public.
B.   Any Temporary Portable Storage Container that is not in the state of good repair must be removed immediately.
5.   Temporary Portable Storage Containers used for construction purposes must be approved by the City Building and Zoning Officials prior to placement when used during construction or remodel purposes for less than twelve (12) months.
6.   A Temporary Portable Storage Container shall not be used as a dwelling or living quarters, nor for camping, cooking or recreation purposes for any amount of time in any zoning district.
7.   Any Temporary Portable Storage Container existing on any property in the City of Carroll on the date of final passage of this ordinance shall be removed from such property or be brought into compliance with the provisions of this section within thirty (30) days of final passage of this ordinance.
(Ord. 2405 - Aug. 24 Supp.)
EDITOR’S NOTE
The following ordinances have been adopted amending the Official Zoning Map referred to in Section 170.06 of this chapter and have not been included as a part of this Code of Ordinances but have been specifically saved from repeal and are in full force and effect.
ORDINANCE
ADOPTED
SUBJECT
1508
November 9, 2015
Rezoning from R-3PUD to R-3
1510
December 28, 2015
Rezoning from R-5 to B-2
1607
April 25, 2016
Rezoning from A-1 to B-2
1608
April 25, 2016
Rezoning from A-1 to R-2
1801
January 22, 2018
Rezoning from A-2 to I-2
1802
August 6, 2018
Rezoning from A-1 to PUD
1803
August 6, 2018
Rezoning from R-3 to PUD
20-01
January 13, 2020
Rezoning from PUD to R-3
2102
July 26, 2021
Rezoning from B-2 to RB-1
2204
August 22, 2022
Rezoning from A-1 to R-3 & R-4
2403
January 22, 2024
Rezoning from A-1 to R-3
2406
March 11, 2024
Rezoning from R-6 to B-2
2411
May 28, 2024
Rezoning from A-1 to R-3
2413
July 8, 2024
Rezoning from R-2 to R-5