§ 154.017 “MF-18” MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT–MEDIUM DENSITY.
   (A)   General purpose and description. The MF-18, Multi-family Residential District, is an attached residential district intended to provide for the highest residential density, that density being a maximum of 18 dwelling units per acre. The principal use of land in this district is for a wide variety of dwelling types, including single-family dwellings, multifamily dwellings, garden apartments, condominiums, and townhouses. Recreational, religious, health and educational uses normally located to service residential areas are permitted in this district in order to provide convenient and attractive residential areas. This district is usually located adjacent to a major street and serves as a buffer or transition between retail/commercial development or heavy automobile traffic and medium or low density residential development.
   (B)   Use regulations. Land and structures in this zoning district shall be used according to the regulations for this district as listed in § 154.010.
   (C)   “MF-18” density, area, yard, and height regulations.
“MF-18” AREA, YARD & HEIGHT REGULATIONS
“MF-18” AREA, YARD & HEIGHT REGULATIONS
Density (max.)
18 units per acre
Lot width (min.)
Lot depth (min.)
Setbacks (min.)
   From internal streets
30 feet from centerline
   From public rights-of- way
25 feet from right-of-way
   From facing structures
60 feet
   From adjacent structures
10 feet
Rear yard setback (min.)
25 feet
Height (max.)
40 feet
Unit area (min.)
900 square feet living area
 
      See image below for example.
 
   (D)   Minimum dwelling size. The minimum living area for multi-family dwelling units, MF-18, shall be as follows:
      (1)   One-bedroom apartment: 900 square feet.
      (2)   Two-bedroom apartment: 1,000 square feet.
      (3)   Three-bedroom apartment: 1,100 square feet.
      (4)   Four-bedroom apartment: 1,200 square feet.
   (E)   Lot coverage. In no case shall more than 40% of the total lot area be covered by the combined area of the main buildings and accessory buildings.
   (F)   Construction. Single-family detached, single-family zero lot line, and townhouse construction in this district shall conform to the requirements for their district standards respectively.
   (G)   Refuse facilities. Every dwelling unit shall be located within 250 feet of a refuse facility, measured along the designed pedestrian and vehicular travel-way. There shall be available at all times at least 6 cubic yards of refuse container per 30 multi-family dwelling units. For complexes with less than 30 units, no less than 4 cubic yards shall be provided. Each refuse facility shall be screened from view on 3 sides from persons standing at ground level on the site or immediately adjoining property, by a fence or wall not less than 6 feet, nor more than 8 feet in height or by an enclosure within a building. Refuse containers shall be provided and maintained in a manner to satisfy local public health and sanitary regulations. Each refuse facility shall be located so as to provide safe and convenient pickup by refuse collection agencies.
   (H)   Usable open space. Each lot or parcel of land, which is used for multi-family residences, shall provide on the same lot or parcel of land, usable open space. One-bedroom apartment units shall provide a minimum of 500 square feet of usable open space per unit. For each additional bedroom over 1, an additional 300 square feet shall be provided. In meeting this requirement, a credit of 3 square feet may be applied for each square foot utilized for swimming pools and adjacent decks, patios, or lounge areas within 10 feet of a pool; developed or equipped children’s play areas; and usable portions of recreational buildings. At any time of site plan approval, the Planning and Zoning Commission and/or City Council may allow a credit not to exceed 10% of the total required usable open space for adjacent and immediately accessible public parks or open space. The combined credit for areas calculated at a 3-to-1 basis and for public parks shall not exceed 50% of the total usable open space for an individual lot or parcel. At the time of site plan approval, the Planning and Zoning Commission and/or City Council may give full or partial credit for open areas that exceed the maximum slope, if it is determined that such areas are environmentally significant and that their preservation would enhance the development.
   (I)   Landscape requirements. These additional landscaping requirements are to ensure the attractiveness and desirability of new multi-family developments and enhance the visual image of the development, as well as the community. The City of Ferris landscape ordinance shall apply in addition to the following:
      (1)   No less than 40% of the required front yard in the MF-18 District shall be appropriately landscaped.
      (2)   A minimum of 10% of the total square footage of required parking spaces shall be landscaped in the parking area in the MF-18 District.
   (J)   Off-street parking regulations.
      (1)   Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with § 154.070.
      (2)   No required parking space shall occupy any part of the required front yard of a residential use.
(Ord. O-12-743, passed 12-3-2012)