(A) Conversions. These provisions shall apply in all zoning districts whether the use is permitted, conditional, accessory or temporary. Various conditional and permitted uses may also be subject to fencing and screening regulations. A certificate of compliance (§ 9.12) shall be required for all conversions from single- or two- family to multifamily. Dwellings converted for use as more than a two-family dwelling shall comply with the standards set forth for multifamily development in this ordinance.
(1) It is the purpose of this ordinance to discourage the conversion of existing dwellings originally designed for occupancy by two families or less to occupancy by more than two families when the conversion is likely to lead to overcrowding, lack of privacy, lack of sufficient light and air, unsafe or unsanitary living conditions or inadequate provisions for off-street parking and open space.
(2) Dwellings initially erected as single- or two-family dwellings may be converted to provide occupancy for three or more units, up to five units, subject to the following conditions:
(a) Conversions to three or more units may only take place in a district which permits that use;
(b) Only buildings erected more than 30 years before a conversion may be converted to provide occupancy for three or more dwellings;
(c) Any new dwelling created by conversion shall be completely self-contained (separate and individual kitchen and bathroom facilities) and shall conform to all applicable provision portions of the city code, including housing and building codes and fire safety and utility programs;
(d) Each dwelling unit shall have a total floor space of at least 500 square feet, plus an additional 150 square feet for each bedroom over one;
(e) No addition shall be made to a dwelling which increases either the lot coverage of the building or the height of the building;
(g) In connection with the conversion, there shall be no evidence of change in the building to indicate the extra dwelling units, except as may be required by the aforementioned ordinances and programs; all fire escapes or stairways leading to a second or higher floor shall be completely enclosed within the converted building; and no dwelling shall be so converted unless in connection therewith it be placed in a reasonable state of repair.
(3) In cases of question as to the applicability of these standards, the proposed conversion shall be deemed a conditional use and placed before the Board of Zoning Appeals in accordance with § 9.5.
(4) Conversions from multifamily use to single-family may be eligible for a waiver of fees.
(Ord. 07-16, passed 12-10-2007)