Loading...
District boundaries shown within the lines of streets, streams, and transportation rights-of-way shall be deemed to follow their centerlines. The vacation of streets shall not affect the location of such district boundaries. When the Planning Director cannot definitely determine the location of a district boundary by such centerlines, by the scale of dimensions stated on the Zone Map, or by the fact that it clearly coincides with a property line, he or she shall refuse action, and the Board of Zoning Appeals, upon appeal, shall interpret the location of the district boundary with reference to the scale of the Zone Map and the purposes set forth in all relevant provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 4-2009, passed 3-9-09)
The city and contiguous unincorporated area are divided into the districts stated in this chapter as shown by the district boundaries on the Zone Map. There are created for zoning purposes within the territory under the jurisdiction of the Plan Commission, classes of districts with the following names and designations:
(A) Conservation District. The conservation district (“C-1") is intended to be limited to agricultural, recreational and certain other open land uses. The purpose of this district is to prevent intensive development of land that is unsuitable for development because of topography, soil conditions, periodic flooding, or other natural features. Residential and related uses may be permitted by special exception. Refer to the Appendix A: Official Schedule of Uses.
(B) Agricultural-Residential District. The agricultural-residential district (“A-R”) is intended for areas that cannot feasibly be served with public water and sewer facilities. This district will preserve and protect agricultural land from undesirable urban growth while permitting residential development on large lots, which provide adequate space for private water and sewerage facilities.
(C) Residential Districts. The residential districts (“R-l”, “R-2", and “R-3") are intended to be limited to dwellings and public or semi-public uses which are normally associated with residential neighborhoods. The only uses permitted in the residential districts are those which would not detract from the residential character of the neighborhood (refer to Appendix A: the Official Schedule of Uses). While the number of families, the lot and yard requirements, and the setbacks may vary between each residential district so that the city may provide for the housing needs and desires of all its citizens, the overarching purpose of these districts is to create an attractive, stable, and orderly residential neighborhood environment.
(D) Business Districts. The business districts (“B-1, “B-2", and “B-3") are intended to be limited to business, public and certain residential uses and to provide for conveniently located unified shopping destinations. Through the establishment of relatively compact districts for all business related uses, the city is better able to provide for more efficient and effective traffic movement, parking facilities, and emergency services. Industrial uses are often excluded in order to reduce the hazards caused by the extensive truck and rail movements which are typically associated with such industrial uses. The “B-1 district is intended to be limited to the downtown area.
(E) Industrial Districts. The industrial districts (“I-1" and “I-2") are intended to provide suitable space for the expansion of existing industrial uses as well as for future industrial development. The desirable location for these districts are parcels near railroads or highways. These parcels are typically well suited to the transportation needs of industrial uses. Performance and developing standards and regulations are set forth in this chapter in order to insure that industrial development is compatible with adjacent uses.
(F) Planned Unit Development District. The intent of a planned unit development (PUD) is to encourage innovative residential communities and mixed-use developments within the City of Crawfordsville that will preserve the natural amenities of the site and provide for the general welfare of the jurisdiction. Developers of planned unit developments will be offered flexibility in design and development. However, a PUD shall not compromise the purpose of this chapter nor shall it be a far departure from the purpose and intent of the original district.
(G) Stream Corridor District. The purpose of the stream corridor district (“SC”) is to preserve and protect the existing natural and scenic qualities of lands adjacent to streams of unique historical, scenic and recreational value. By limiting the type of uses permitted, either by right or be special exception, within the SC District, the city is better able to: preserve the stream and the lands adjacent to it in an undisturbed natural state so as to add in the aesthetic appeal and water quality of the stream corridor; protect wildlife and natural vegetation; and, prevent erosion. The Stream Corridor District shall extend 150 feet horizontally in each direction measured from the center thread and/or secondary thread of the stream. Special exceptions may require flood plain permits and/or recommendations from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. These permits and/or recommendations shall be obtained prior to any action by the Board of Zoning Appeals. The BZA may impose greater restrictions. In addition, there shall be no clear cutting of timber or complete removal of vegetation within the district. Timber may be cut using good forestry practices and vegetation may be trimmed.
(Ord. 4-2009, passed 3-9-09)
EXPLANATION OF USE CLASSIFICATIONS
Certain principal and accessory uses are permitted, either by right or by special exception, in each zoning district. The city’s Official Schedule of Uses shall determine whether or not a specific use is permitted or prohibited in each of the established zoning districts. Uses not specifically listed or defined to be included in this division shall be prohibited.
(Ord. 4-2009, passed 3-9-09)
Cross reference:
Schedule of Uses, see Ch. 153, Appendix A
Permitted uses are allowed, by right, in a particular zoning district or districts and shall be subject to the restrictions applicable to that zoning district. Permitted uses do not require consideration or approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(Ord. 4-2009, passed 3-9-09)
Certain uses may be appropriate in any number of districts; however, some uses may require an added degree of scrutiny in the form of development plan review to ensure that the proposed activities, traffic generation, on- and off-street parking, and other elements of the project do not negatively affect adjacent properties. Special exception uses are only permissible with the issuance of a special exception use permit. The special exception uses for each district are listed in the official schedule of uses. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall take into consideration all of the applicable provisions of this chapter, and any other applicable ordinance or regulations when reviewing and deciding on any special exception use permit.
(Ord. 4-2009, passed 3-9-09)
Accessory uses and structures such as privacy garages, tool sheds, fences, and swimming pools may be permitted in conjunction with a principal use or structure, provided that the accessory use or structure does not alter the character of the district in which it is being proposed. In addition, accessory uses and structures shall meet the follow requirements:
(A) General provisions for accessory uses and structures.
(1) Accessory uses and structures may be permitted subject to approval by the Planning Director.
(2) There can be no accessory use/structure without a principal use/structure.
(3) No accessory use/structure shall be permitted prior to the operation or erection of its principal use/structure.
(4) No accessory use/structure shall be used unless the principal use/structure is also being used.
(5) Accessory uses/structures shall be operated and maintained under the same ownership and shall be located on the same lot as the principal use/structure.
(6) The materials, and any architectural design elements, used for the construction of the accessory structure shall be comparable in color, texture, and scale as the principal structure.
(7) Accessory structures shall be clearly subordinate in height, area, extent and purpose when compared to principal structure.
(B) Provisions for individual accessory uses and structures. The following provisions are in addition to the general provisions listed above and are use specific in their applicability.
(1) Private residential swimming pool. A private residential swimming pool may be permitted as an accessory use, provided that access to the said accessory use is restricted by one of the following means:
(a) Walls or fencing not less than five feet high and completely surrounding the pool and deck area with the exception of self-closing and latching gates or doors, each capable of being locked.
(b) Other means not less than five feet high, and deemed impenetrable by the Planning Director, at the time of construction and completely surrounding the pool and deck area when the pool is not in use.
(c) A combination of (a) and (b) above that completely surrounds the pool and deck with the exception of self-closing and latching gates or doors, which are capable of being locked.
(d) A power safety pool cover, provided that it:
1. Provides a continuous connection between the cover and the deck, so as to prohibit access to the pool when the cover is completely drawn over the pool;
2. Be mechanically operated by a key or key and switch such that the cover cannot be drawn open or retracted without the use of a key;
3. Is installed with track, rollers, rails, guides, or other accessories necessary to accomplish clauses (a) and (b) above, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; and
4. Bears an identification tag indicating that the cover satisfied the requirements of ASTM F 1346 for power safety pool covers.
(2) Pools, multi-family or commercial (public or private). All outdoor pools installed as an accessory use to a mufti-family residential dwelling or commercial establishment (including public pools) shall be completely surrounded by walls or fencing not less than 72 inches high and of a design that will restrain the entrance of intruders. Ornamental fencing shall not have over four inches of space between pickets.
(Ord. 4-2009, passed 3-9-09)
Loading...