This section presents the Zoning District Regulations. Zoning Districts are established to promote compatible land use patterns and to establish site development regulations appropriate to the purposes and specific nature of each district.
1. Establishment of Districts. The following base districts and overlay districts are hereby established. Table 165.12-1 displays the purposes of these districts.
Base Zoning Districts | District Names |
A1 | Agricultural District |
RR | Rural Residential District |
R1 | Low-Density Single-Family Residential District |
R1A | Moderate-Density Single-Family Residential District |
R1B | Medium-Density Single-Family Residential District |
R1C | Neotraditional Single-Family Residential District |
R2 | Two-Family Residential District |
R3 | Multiple-Family Residential District |
R4 | Mobile Home Park District |
CBD | Commercial – Central Business District |
CUC | Commercial – Mixed Use Urban Center |
CC | Community Commercial District |
CPD | Commercial – Planned Development District |
INS | Institutional District |
M1 | Limited/Light Industrial District |
M2 | Heavy Industrial District |
Special and Overlay Districts | District Names |
PUD | Planned United Development District |
DR | Design Review Overlay District |
FP | Flood Plain District |
GC | Gateway Corridor Overlay District |
DURE | Dutch Residential Overlay District |
2. Application of Districts. A base district designation shall apply to each lot or site within the City and its planning jurisdiction. A site must be in one base district. Overlay districts may be applied to any lot or site or any portion thereof, in addition to a base district designation. Where one parcel of property is divided into two (2) or more portions by reason of different zoning classifications, each of these portions shall be used independently of the other in its respective zoning classification, and for the purpose of applying the regulations of this chapter, each portion shall be considered as if in separate and different ownership.
3. Hierarchy. References in this chapter to less intensive or more intensive districts shall be deemed to refer to those agricultural, residential, commercial and industrial base zoning districts established in Section 165.12, and shall represent a progression from the A1 Agricultural District as the least intensive to the M2 Heavy Industrial District as the most intensive. The Overlay Districts shall not be included in this reference.
4. Development Regulations. For each Zoning District: Purposes are set forth in Table 165.12-1; uses permitted are set forth in Table 165.12-2; site development regulations are presented in Table 165.12-3. Supplemental Use Regulations (Sections 165.19 through 165.29) and/or Supplemental Site Development Regulations (Section 165.30) may affect specific land uses or development regulations in each zoning district. Some applicable supplemental regulations are noted in Table 165.12-2, Table 165.12-3 and
Notes and Clarifications for Table 165.12-3. Additional supplemental use regulations and supplemental site development regulations that may affect specific land uses or development regulations are contained in Sections 165.19 through 165.30 of this chapter.
5. Zoning Map. Boundaries of zoning districts established by these Zoning Regulations shall be shown on the Zoning Map maintained by the Zoning Administrator. This map, together with all legends, references, symbols, boundaries and other information, shall be adopted as a part of, and concurrent with, these Regulations. Said Zoning Map shall be prominently displayed in the Council Chambers or an area accessible to the public at Pella City Hall or Public Works. The Zoning Map may be changed from time to time by ordinance, following the procedure set forth by Section 165.38. Such changes shall be reflected on the Zoning Map. The City Clerk shall keep a complete record of all changes to the Zoning Map.† 7
6. Interpretation of District Boundaries. The following rules shall apply in determining the boundaries of any zoning district shown on the Zoning Map.
A. Where district boundaries are indicated as approximately following lot lines, such lot lines shall be considered the district boundaries.
B. Where district boundaries are indicated as within street or alley, railroad, or other identifiable rights-of-way, the centerline of such rights-of-way shall be deemed the district boundary.
C. Where a district boundary divides a property, the location of the boundary shall be determined by the use of the scale appearing on the Zoning Map.
7. Vacation of Streets and Alleys. Whenever a public street or alley is vacated, the zoning district adjoining each side of such right-of-way shall be extended out to the former centerline.
8. Annexation of Territory. All unimproved or agricultural territory which may hereafter be annexed to the City shall be considered as lying in the A1 Agricultural District until such classification shall be changed as provided by this chapter. Any improved property that is annexed into the City shall be zoned according to the zoning district that most nearly describes either its present use or the use proposed by the City’s Comprehensive Plan. This zoning shall be established by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council at the time of annexation.
9. Addressing. All addresses of existing property within the corporate limits, or property recently annexed shall conform to the existing street naming and numbering system of the City of Pella.
10. Number of Principal Buildings Permitted on a Lot. More than one principal institutional, public or semi-public, multi-family, commercial or industrial building may be located on a lot provided that no such building or portion thereof is located outside the buildable area of the lot. However, except in the case of Planned Unit Developments not more than one detached single-family or two family residential building shall be located on a lot, nor shall either such type of building be located on the same lot with any other principal building.
(Ord. 624 – Sep. 03 Supp.)
11. Setbacks for Attached Decks and Porches. Decks and porches attached to the principal structure shall adhere to all setback requirements of the principal structure. Decks and porches which are less than 2 feet from the principal structure shall be considered as attached for purposes of this regulation.
(Ord. 626 – Sep. 03 Supp.)
12. R3-PUD Requirement.
A. R3 Rezoning. Where a rezoning is requested for R3 and where the proposed use is for multi-family residential defined as three or more dwelling units in a structure then in conjunction with the rezoning a PUD Planned Unit Development pursuant to 165.14 shall also apply.
B. If a parcel is rezoned to R3-PUD under this section, a developer shall have no longer than two years in which to begin construction of at least one multi- family structure. If the project has not begun within two years of the date of City Council adoption of the rezoning ordinance, then the zoning for the parcel shall revert back to the prior zoning classification before the R3-PUD zoning request.
(Ord. 786 - Nov. 08 Supp.)
13. Vehicle and Equipment Display Lots. Vehicles or equipment for sale and/or excess inventory are permitted on parcels without any buildings or principal use provided the associated business with the principal use building is located in the same subdivision and within 1000 feet of the display lot. Vehicle and equipment display lots shall be permitted for Agricultural Sales/Service, Vehicle Rental/Sales, or Vehicle Services uses in districts where said uses are permitted.
(Ord. 814 - Mar. 10 Supp.)
14. Cantilever Allowance. Roofs and decks may cantilever up to a maximum of 2 feet out from the main structure on the same parcel without being subject to minimum district setback requirements. Any additional cantilever beyond 2 feet out shall be subject to applicable district setback requirements. In the case of enclosed room addition or main structure, cantilever is permitted but must adhere to minimum district setback requirements.
(Ord. 882 - Nov. 13 Supp.)
15. Sale of Consumer Fireworks.
A. Retail sales of consumer fireworks, as defined in Iowa Code section 727.2, shall be permitted only in the M-1, Limited/Light Industrial, and M-2, Heavy Industrial, zoning districts.
B. In each zoning district where retail sales of consumer fireworks are classified as a permitted use, such sales shall be permitted only as a principal permitted use and not as an accessory use.
C. In each zoning district where retail sales of consumer fireworks are classified as a permitted use, such sales shall be undertaken in full compliance with Iowa Code Chapter 100.
D. Consumer fireworks may be sold at temporary structures in the M-1 and M-2 zoning districts as long as such sales are undertaken in full compliance with Iowa Code Chapter 100.
E. The following information must be stated in an easily readable type size and prominently posted at the place of payment at each location selling consumer fireworks:
(1) It is unlawful for a person to use or explode consumer fireworks within the Pella city limits.
(2) It shall be a simple misdemeanor punishable by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars for any person to use or explode consumer fireworks within the city limits.
(Ord. 940 - Jun. 18 Supp.)
Table 165.12-1 Purposes of Base Zoning Districts † 8
Symbol | Title | Purpose |
A1 | Agricultural District | The A1 District provides for and preserves the agricultural and rural use of land, while accommodating very low-density residential development generally associated with agricultural uses. In addition, land included in the Urban Reserve in the Comprehensive Development Plan should be retained in the A1 District to prevent premature or inappropriate development. |
RR | Rural Residential District | This district provides for the rural residential use of land, accommodating low-density residential environments. The district’s regulations assure that density is developed consistent with land use policies of the Pella Comprehensive Plan regarding rural subdivisions and levels of infrastructure. |
R1 | Low-Density Single-Family Residential District | This district is intended to provide for low-density residential neighborhoods, characterized by single-family dwellings on relatively large lots with supporting community facilities and urban services. Its regulations are intended to minimize traffic congestion and to assure that density is consistent with the carrying capacity of infrastructure. |
R1A | Moderate-Density Single-Family Residential District | This district is intended to provide for moderate-density residential neighborhoods, characterized by single-family dwellings on moderately large lots with supporting community facilities and urban services. Its regulations are intended to minimize traffic congestion and to assure that density is consistent with the carrying capacity of infrastructure. |
R1B | Medium-Density Single-Family Residential District | This district is intended to provide for medium-density residential neighborhoods, characterized by single-family dwellings on moderately sized lots. It adapts to both established and developing neighborhoods, as well as transitional areas between single-family and multi-family neighborhoods. Its regulations are intended to minimize traffic congestion and to assure that density is consistent with the carrying capacity of infrastructure. |
R1C | Neotraditional Single-Family Residential District | This district is intended to provide for medium density residential neighborhoods, characterized by single-family dwellings on moderate to small lots with supporting community facilities and urban services. Its regulations are intended to minimize traffic congestion and to assure that density is consistent with the carrying capacity of infrastructure. This district allows for smaller, single family lots that are more traditional of “Old Pella” and could be applied to a new traditional (neotraditional) development. Alleys are a requirement for this district. Garages shall front on the alley. |
R2 | Two-Family Residential District | This district is intended to provide locations for medium density residential areas for single-family and two-family use with supporting and appropriate community facilities. Its regulations are intended to minimize traffic congestion and to assure that density is consistent with the carrying capacity of infrastructure. |
Symbol | Title | Purpose |
R3 | Multiple-Family Residential District | This district is intended to provide locations primarily for multiple-family housing, with supporting and appropriate community facilities. It also permits some non-residential uses to permit the development of mixed use neighborhoods. |
R4 | Mobile Home Park District | This district is intended to provide locations for manufactured homes in a community or campus setting. Manufactured homes without permanent foundations are only allowed in the R4 Mobile Home Park District. |
CBD | Central Business District | This district is intended to provide appropriate development regulations for Downtown Pella. Mixed uses are encouraged within the CBD District with the primary use type being retail commercial. The grouping of uses with retail as the primary use type is designed to strengthen the town center’s role as a center for trade, service, and civic life. |
CUC | Mixed Use Urban Commercial Corridor | This district recognizes the mixed use character of urban entry corridors into Pella’s downtown, including Washington Street and Main Street, which contain a combination of residential, commercial, and office uses. These entry corridors include special aesthetic and sign design standards, which will help enhance their status as principal entrances and arterials into Pella’s downtown, and to maintain their character as urban streets. |
CC | Community Commercial District | This district accommodates a variety of commercial uses, some of which have significant traffic or visual effect. These districts may include commercial uses which are oriented to services, including automotive services, rather than retail activities. These uses may create land use conflicts with adjacent residential areas, requiring provision of adequate buffering. This district is most appropriately located along major arterial streets or in areas that can be adequately buffered from residential districts. |
CPD | Commercial Planned Development District | This district is intended to provide appropriate development regulations for the development of “shopping center” type business areas. |
INS | Institutional District | This district accommodates a variety of Institutional uses. College campus environments, schools, churches, hospitals, medical campus and elder care facilities. The district is designed to provide appropriate space regulations and assure that facilities are served with adequate parking facilities. |
M1 | Limited/Light Industrial District | This district is intended to reserve sites appropriate for the location of industrial uses with relatively limited environmental effects. The district is designed to provide appropriate space and regulations to encourage good quality industrial development, while assuring that facilities are served with adequate parking and loading facilities. |
M2 | Heavy Industrial District | This district is intended to accommodate a wide variety of industrial uses, some of which may have significant external effects. These uses may have operating characteristics that create conflicts with lower-intensity surrounding land uses. The district provides the reservation of land for these activities and includes buffering requirements to reduce incompatibility. |
Table 165.12-2 Permitted Uses by Zoning Districts
Notes
| 7 | † (See EDITOR’S NOTE at the end of this chapter for ordinances amending the zoning map.) |
| 8 | † See Sections 165.13 - 165.18 for a complete description and requirements of the Special and Overlay Districts. |