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Dubuque Overview
Dubuque, IA Code of Ordinances
CITY CODE of DUBUQUE, IOWA
ORDINANCES PENDING REVIEW FOR CODIFICATION
TITLE 1 ADMINISTRATION
TITLE 2 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
TITLE 3 REVENUE AND TAXATION
TITLE 4 BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS
TITLE 5 TRANSIT SYSTEM
TITLE 6 HEALTH, HOUSING, SANITATION AND ENVIRONMENT
TITLE 7 POLICE, FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
TITLE 8 EQUITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
TITLE 9 MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
TITLE 10 PUBLIC WAYS AND PROPERTY
TITLE 11 RIGHTS-OF-WAY
TITLE 12 AIRPORT
TITLE 13 PUBLIC UTILITIES
TITLE 14 BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT
TITLE 15 PLANNING AND ZONING
TITLE 16 UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
CHAPTER 1 TITLE, PURPOSE AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS
CHAPTER 3 LAND USE GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 4 NONCONFORMITIES
CHAPTER 5 ZONING DISTRICTS
16-5-1: GENERALLY:
16-5-1-1: APPLICATION OF ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS:
16-5-1-2: ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES:
16-5-1-3: OFFICIAL ZONING MAP:
16-5-1-4: ZONING DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED:
16-5-1-5: ANNEXATION ZONING POLICY:
16-5-1-6: CONFORMANCE TO CODE REQUIRED:
16-5-2: R-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL:
16-5-2-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-2-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-2-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-2-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-2-5: PARKING:
16-5-2-6: SIGNS:
16-5-2-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-3: R-2 TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL:
16-5-3-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-3-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-3-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-3-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-3-5: PARKING:
16-5-3-6: SIGNS:
16-5-3-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-4: R-2A ALTERNATE TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL:
16-5-4-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-4-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-4-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-4-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-4-5: PARKING:
16-5-4-6: SIGNS:
16-5-4-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-5: R-3 MODERATE DENSITY MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL:
16-5-5-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-5-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-5-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-5-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-5-5: PARKING:
16-5-5-6: SIGNS:
16-5-5-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-6: R-4 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL:
16-5-6-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-6-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-6-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-6-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-6-5: PARKING:
16-5-6-6: SIGNS:
16-5-6-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-7: OR OFFICE RESIDENTIAL:
16-5-7-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-7-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-7-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-7-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-7-5: PARKING:
16-5-7-6: SIGNS:
16-5-7-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-8: OS OFFICE SERVICE:
16-5-8-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-8-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-8-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-8-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-8-5: PARKING:
16-5-8-6: SIGNS:
16-5-8-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-9: OC OFFICE COMMERCIAL:
16-5-9-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-9-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-9-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-9-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-9-5: PARKING:
16-5-9-6: SIGNS:
16-5-9-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-10: C-1 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL:
16-5-10-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-10-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-10-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-10-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-10-5: PARKING:
16-5-10-6: SIGNS:
16-5-10-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-10-8: STANDARDS FOR NONRESIDENTIAL USES:
16-5-11: C-2 NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING CENTER:
16-5-11-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-11-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-11-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-11-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-11-5: PARKING:
16-5-11-6: SIGNS:
16-5-11-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-12: C-2A MIXED USE NEIGHBORHOOD:
16-5-12-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-12-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-12-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-12-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-12-5: PARKING:
16-5-12-6: SIGNS:
16-5-12-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-13: C-3 GENERAL COMMERCIAL:
16-5-13-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-13-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-13-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-13-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-13-5: PARKING:
16-5-13-6: SIGNS:
16-5-13-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-14: C-4 DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL:
16-5-14-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-14-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-14-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-14-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-14-5: PARKING:
16-5-14-6: SIGNS:
16-5-14-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-15: C-5 CENTRAL BUSINESS:
16-5-15-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-15-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-15-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-15-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-15-5: PARKING:
16-5-15-6: SIGNS:
16-5-15-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-16: CS COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND WHOLESALE:
16-5-16-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-16-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-16-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-16-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-16-5: PARKING:
16-5-16-6: SIGNS:
16-5-16-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-17: CR COMMERCIAL RECREATION:
16-5-17-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-17-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-17-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-17-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-17-5: PARKING:
16-5-17-6: SIGNS:
16-5-17-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-18: LI LIGHT INDUSTRIAL:
16-5-18-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-18-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-18-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-18-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-18-5: PARKING:
16-5-18-6: SIGNS:
16-5-18-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-19: HI HEAVY INDUSTRIAL:
16-5-19-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-19-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-19-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-19-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-19-5: PARKING:
16-5-19-6: SIGNS:
16-5-19-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-20: MHI MODIFIED HEAVY INDUSTRIAL:
16-5-20-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-20-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-20-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-20-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-20-5: PARKING:
16-5-20-6: SIGNS:
16-5-20-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-21: AG AGRICULTURE:
16-5-21-1: PROHIBITED USES:
16-5-21-2: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-21-3: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-21-4: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-21-5: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-21-6: PARKING:
16-5-21-7: SIGNS:
16-5-21-8: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-22: ID INSTITUTIONAL:
16-5-22-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-22-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-22-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-22-4: DISTRICT ESTABLISHMENT, EXPANSION AND MODIFICATION:
16-5-22-5: COMMENCEMENT OF USE BY PARTIES UNASSOCIATED WITH PRINCIPAL INSTITUTION PROHIBITED:
16-5-22-6: DISTRICT STANDARDS:
16-5-22-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-23: POS PUBLIC OPEN SPACE:
16-5-23-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
16-5-23-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
16-5-23-3: ACCESSORY USES:
16-5-23-4: TEMPORARY USES:
16-5-23-5: PARKING:
16-5-23-6: SIGNS:
16-5-23-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
16-5-24: PUD PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT:
16-5-24-1: PURPOSE:
16-5-24-2: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
16-5-24-3: DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS:
16-5-24-4: PROCEDURE TO ESTABLISH, AMEND, OR EXPAND PUD:
16-5-24-5: PLAN APPROVAL STANDARDS:
16-5-24-6: COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
16-5-24-7: COUNCIL ACTION:
16-5-24-8: DEVELOPMENT TO FOLLOW APPROVED SITE PLAN:
CHAPTER 6 OVERLAY DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 7 SUPPLEMENTAL USE REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 8 ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 9 ZONING ADVISORY COMMISSION APPLICATIONS AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 10 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION APPLICATIONS AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 11 LAND SUBDIVISION
CHAPTER 12 SITE PLANS
CHAPTER 13 SITE DESIGN STANDARDS
CHAPTER 14 PARKING
CHAPTER 15 SIGNS
CHAPTER 5
ZONING DISTRICTS
SECTION:
16-5-1: Generally
16-5-1-1: Application Of Zoning District Regulations
16-5-1-2: Zoning District Boundaries
16-5-1-3: Official Zoning Map
16-5-1-4: Zoning Districts Established
16-5-1-5: Annexation Zoning Policy
16-5-1-6: Conformance To Code Required
16-5-2: R-1 Single-Family Residential
16-5-2-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-2-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-2-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-2-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-2-5: Parking
16-5-2-6: Signs
16-5-2-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-3: R-2 Two-Family Residential
16-5-3-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-3-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-3-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-3-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-3-5: Parking
16-5-3-6: Signs
16-5-3-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-4: R-2A Alternate Two-Family Residential
16-5-4-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-4-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-4-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-4-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-4-5: Parking
16-5-4-6: Signs
16-5-4-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-5: R-3 Moderate Density Multi-Family Residential
16-5-5-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-5-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-5-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-5-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-5-5: Parking
16-5-5-6: Signs
16-5-5-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-6: R-4 Multi-Family Residential
16-5-6-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-6-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-6-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-6-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-6-5: Parking
16-5-6-6: Signs
16-5-6-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-7: OR Office Residential
16-5-7-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-7-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-7-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-7-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-7-5: Parking
16-5-7-6: Signs
16-5-7-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-8: OS Office Service
16-5-8-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-8-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-8-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-8-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-8-5: Parking
16-5-8-6: Signs
16-5-8-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-9: OC Office Commercial
16-5-9-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-9-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-9-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-9-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-9-5: Parking
16-5-9-6: Signs
16-5-9-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-10: C-1 Neighborhood Commercial
16-5-10-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-10-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-10-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-10-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-10-5: Parking
16-5-10-6: Signs
16-5-10-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-10-8: Standards For Nonresidential Uses
16-5-11: C-2 Neighborhood Shopping Center
16-5-11-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-11-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-11-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-11-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-11-5: Parking
16-5-11-6: Signs
16-5-11-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-12: C-2A Mixed Use Neighborhood
16-5-12-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-12-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-12-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-12-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-12-5: Parking
16-5-12-6: Signs
16-5-12-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-13: C-3 General Commercial
16-5-13-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-13-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-13-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-13-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-13-5: Parking
16-5-13-6: Signs
16-5-13-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-14: C-4 Downtown Commercial
16-5-14-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-14-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-14-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-14-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-14-5: Parking
16-5-14-6: Signs
16-5-14-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-15: C-5 Central Business
16-5-15-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-15-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-15-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-15-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-15-5: Parking
16-5-15-6: Signs
16-5-15-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-16: CS Commercial Service And Wholesale
16-5-16-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-16-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-16-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-16-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-16-5: Parking
16-5-16-6: Signs
16-5-16-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-17: CR Commercial Recreation
16-5-17-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-17-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-17-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-17-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-17-5: Parking
16-5-17-6: Signs
16-5-17-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-18: LI Light Industrial
16-5-18-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-18-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-18-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-18-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-18-5: Parking
16-5-18-6: Signs
16-5-18-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-19: HI Heavy Industrial
16-5-19-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-19-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-19-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-19-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-19-5: Parking
16-5-19-6: Signs
16-5-19-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-20: MHI Modified Heavy Industrial
16-5-20-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-20-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-20-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-20-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-20-5: Parking
16-5-20-6: Signs
16-5-20-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-21: AG Agriculture
16-5-21-1: Prohibited Uses
16-5-21-2: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-21-3: Conditional Uses
16-5-21-4: Accessory Uses
16-5-21-5: Temporary Uses
16-5-21-6: Parking
16-5-21-7: Signs
16-5-21-8: Bulk Regulations
16-5-22: ID Institutional
16-5-22-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-22-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-22-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-22-4: District Establishment, Expansion And Modification
16-5-22-5: Commencement Of Use By Parties Unassociated With Principal Institution Prohibited
16-5-22-6: District Standards
16-5-22-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-23: POS Public Open Space
16-5-23-1: Principal Permitted Uses
16-5-23-2: Conditional Uses
16-5-23-3: Accessory Uses
16-5-23-4: Temporary Uses
16-5-23-5: Parking
16-5-23-6: Signs
16-5-23-7: Bulk Regulations
16-5-24: PUD Planned Unit Development
16-5-24-1: Purpose
16-5-24-2: General Requirements
16-5-24-3: Development Regulations
16-5-24-4: Procedure To Establish, Amend, Or Expand PUD
16-5-24-5: Plan Approval Standards
16-5-24-6: Commission Recommendation
16-5-24-7: Council Action
16-5-24-8: Development To Follow Approved Site Plan
16-5-1: GENERALLY:
16-5-1-1: APPLICATION OF ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS:
In order to regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures; the percentage of lot that may be occupied; the size of the yards, courts, and other open spaces; the density of population; and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes, the city and the area within its extraterritorial jurisdiction is hereby divided into zoning districts. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-5-1-2: ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES:
Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of the various districts shown on the official zoning map, the following rules apply:
   A.   The district boundaries are the centerlines of either streets or alleys unless otherwise shown, and where the districts designated on the official zoning map are bounded approximately by street or alley centerlines, the street or alley centerline shall be construed to be the boundary of the district.
   B.   Where the property has been or may hereafter be divided into blocks and platted lots, the district boundaries shall be construed to coincide with the nearest platted lot lines; and where the districts designated on the official zoning map are bounded approximately by platted lot lines, the platted lot line shall be construed to be the boundary of the district.
   C.   In unsubdivided property, the district boundary lines on the official zoning map shall be determined by use of the scale appearing on the map. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-5-1-3: OFFICIAL ZONING MAP:
   A.   The city is hereby divided into districts as shown on the official zoning map, which together with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this title. The official zoning map shall be identified by the signature of the mayor, attested by the city clerk together with the date of adoption of this title. The official zoning map shall be located in the planning services department.
   B.   No changes of any nature shall be made on the official zoning map except in conformity with the procedure set forth in this title. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-5-1-4: ZONING DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED:
In order to carry out the purposes of this title, the following districts are hereby established:
Residential districts:
Residential districts:
 
R-2
Two-family residential
 
R-2A
Alternate two-family residential
 
R-3
Moderate density multi-family residential
 
R-4
Multi-family residential
Office districts:
 
OR
Office residential
 
OS
Office service
 
OC
Office commercial
Commercial districts:
 
C-1
Neighborhood commercial
 
C-2
Neighborhood shopping center
 
C-2A
Mixed use neighborhood
 
C-3
General commercial
 
C-4
Downtown commercial
 
C-5
Central business
 
CS
Commercial service and wholesale
 
CR
Commercial recreation
Industrial districts:
 
LI
Light industrial
 
HI
Heavy industrial
 
MHI
Modified heavy industrial
Special purpose districts:
 
AG
Agriculture
 
ID
Institutional
 
POS
Public open space
 
PUD
Planned unit development
Overlay districts:
 
RROD
Rural residential
 
RHOD
Restricted height
 
SOD
Freeway 61/151 corridor signage
 
 
Flood hazard
 
OTN
Old town neighborhood
 
(Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-5-1-5: ANNEXATION ZONING POLICY:
All unincorporated territory which may come within the jurisdiction of the city limits by virtue of annexation to the city shall be placed and continued in the AG agriculture district, unless prior to annexation, such land is classified, effective upon annexation, as another zoning district. If voluntary annexation of the territory is requested, but the territory is not classified as requested by the applicant, the applicant may withdraw the voluntary annexation request. If not so classified, the territory shall be classified AG agriculture district, and shall remain in that classification pending request for reclassification in accordance with the provisions of section 16-9-5 of this title. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-5-1-6: CONFORMANCE TO CODE REQUIRED:
   A.   No building, structure, or land shall hereafter be used or occupied, and no building, structure, or part hereof, shall hereafter be erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, or structurally altered except in conformity with all of the regulations herein specified for the district in which it is located. Regulations within each district shall be applied uniformly to each class or kind of structure or land.
   B.   Unless permitted elsewhere in this title, no building, structure, or part thereof, shall hereafter be built, moved or remodeled, and no building, structure or land shall hereafter be used, occupied or designed for use or occupancy:
      1.   So as to exceed the maximum building or structure height, or maximum lot coverage specified for the zoning district in which the building or structure is located; or
      2.   So as to provide any front, side, or rear yard or other open space that is less than the minimum specified for the zoning district in which such building, structure or use of land is located or maintained; or
      3.   So as to exceed the maximum number of units specified for the zoning district in which such building is located. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
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