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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
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16-5-2-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
R-1 Residential
Minimum
Lot Area
Minimum
Lot
Frontage
Maximum Lot
Coverage
(Lot Area)
Setbacks
Maximum
Height
Front
Minimum
Side
Minimum
Rear
Minimum2
Maximum
R-1 Residential
Minimum
Lot Area
Minimum
Lot
Frontage
Maximum Lot
Coverage
(Lot Area)
Setbacks
Maximum
Height
Front
Minimum
Side
Minimum
Rear
Minimum2
Maximum
Permitted uses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Place of religious exercise or assembly, school
20,000 sq. ft.
100 ft.
40%
20 ft.
-
20 ft.
20 ft.
75 ft.1
Single-family detached dwelling
5,000 sq. ft.
50 ft.
40%
20 ft.
50 ft.
6 ft.
20 ft.
30 ft.
Conditional uses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bed and breakfast home
5,000 sq. ft.
50 ft.
40%
20 ft.
50 ft.
6 ft.
20 ft.
30 ft.
Licensed adult day services, licensed childcare center
5,000 sq. ft.
50 ft.
40%
20 ft.
-
6 ft.
20 ft.
30 ft.
Mortuary, funeral home or crematorium
20,000 sq. ft.
100 ft.
40%
20 ft.
-
20 ft.
20 ft.
30 ft.
 
Notes:
   1.    May be erected to a height not exceeding 75 feet; provided, that such buildings shall provide at least 1 additional foot of yard space on all sides for each additional foot by which such building exceeds the maximum height limit of the district in which it is located.
   2.    See section 16-3-17 of this title for adjustment of minimum front yard setbacks.
(Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-5-3: R-2 TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL:
The R-2 district is intended to provide residential areas characterized by single-family and two-family dwellings. Increased densities and the introduction of two-family housing types are intended to provide greater housing options while maintaining the basic qualities of a low density residential neighborhood. The principal use of land in this district is for low density single- and two-family dwellings and related recreational, religious and educational facilities. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-5-3-1: PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES:
The following uses are permitted in the R-2 district:
   Cemetery, mausoleum, or columbarium.
   Community gardens.
   Golf course.
   Maternity group home.
   Parks, public or private, and similar natural recreation areas.
   Place of religious exercise or assembly.
   Public, private, or parochial school, approved by the state of Iowa (K - 12).
   Railroad or public or quasi-public utility, including substation.
   Single-family detached dwelling.
   Townhouse (maximum 2 dwelling units).
   Two-family dwelling (duplex). (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009; amd. Ord. 17-13, 3-18-2013; Ord. 19-20, 5-18-2020; Ord. 49-23, 11-20-2023)
16-5-3-2: CONDITIONAL USES:
The following conditional uses may be permitted in the R-2 district, subject to the provisions of section 16-8-5 of this title:
   Accessory dwelling unit.
   Bed and breakfast home.
   Hospice.
   Licensed adult day services.
   Licensed childcare center.
   Mortuary, funeral home, or crematorium.
   Off street parking.
   Tour home.
   Tourist home.
   Wind energy conversion system. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009; amd. Ord. 66-14, 11-17-2014; Ord. 20-22, 5-20-2022)
16-5-3-3: ACCESSORY USES:
The following uses are permitted as accessory uses as provided in section 16-3-7 of this title:
   Detached garage.
   Fence.
   Garage sale, provided that not more than three (3) such sales shall be allowed per premises per calendar year and not more than three (3) consecutive days per sale.
   Home based business.
   Keeping of hens for egg production.
   Noncommercial garden, greenhouse or nursery.
   Off street parking and storage of vehicles.
   Satellite receiving dish.
   Solar collector (freestanding arrays are limited to not more than 100 aggregate square feet and 10 feet in height).
   Sport, recreation, or outdoor cooking equipment.
   Storage building.
   Tennis court, swimming pool or similar permanent facility.
   Wind turbine (building mounted). (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009; amd. Ord. 47-14, 7-21-2014; Ord. 54-15, 8-17-2015)
16-5-3-4: TEMPORARY USES:
Temporary uses shall be regulated in conformance with the provisions of section 16-3-19 of this title. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-5-3-5: PARKING:
Minimum parking requirements shall be regulated in conformance with the provisions of chapter 14 of this title, except for properties located within the Jackson Park and Cathedral Historic Districts where off-street parking is not required. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009; amd. Ord. 9-24, 4-15-2024)
16-5-3-6: SIGNS:
Signs shall be regulated in conformance with the provisions of chapter 15 of this title. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-5-3-7: BULK REGULATIONS:
R-2 Residential
Minimum Lot Area
Minimum Lot Frontage
Maximum Lot Coverage (Lot Area)
Setbacks
Maximum Height
Front
Minimum Side
Minimum Rear
Minimum2
Maximum
R-2 Residential
Minimum Lot Area
Minimum Lot Frontage
Maximum Lot Coverage (Lot Area)
Setbacks
Maximum Height
Front
Minimum Side
Minimum Rear
Minimum2
Maximum
Permitted uses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Place of religious exercise or assembly, school
20,000 sq. ft.
100 ft.
40%
20 ft.
-
20 ft.
20 ft.
75 ft.1
Single-family detached dwelling
5,000 sq. ft.
50 ft.
40%
20 ft.
50 ft.
6 ft.
20 ft.
30 ft.
Townhouse (2 du maximum)
3,000 sq. ft./du
25 ft./du
40%
20 ft.
50 ft.
6/0 ft.
20/0 ft.
30 ft.
Two-family dwelling
6,000 sq. ft.
50 ft.
40%
20 ft.
50 ft.
6 ft.
20 ft.
30 ft.
Conditional uses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bed and breakfast home
5,000 sq. ft.
50 ft.
40%
20 ft.
50 ft.
6 ft.
20 ft.
30 ft.
Hospice
5,000 sq. ft.
50 ft.
40%
20 ft.
-
6 ft.
20 ft.
30 ft.
Licensed adult day services, licensed childcare center
5,000 sq. ft.
50 ft.
40%
20 ft.
-
6 ft.
20 ft.
30 ft.
Mortuary, funeral home or crematorium
20,000 sq. ft.
100 ft.
40%
20 ft.
-
20 ft.
20 ft.
30 ft.
 
Notes:
   1.    May be erected to a height not exceeding 75 feet; provided, that such buildings shall provide at least 1 additional foot of yard space on all sides for each additional foot by which such building exceeds the maximum height limit of the district in which it is located.
   2.    See section 16-3-17 of this title for adjustment of minimum front yard setbacks.
(Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
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