The R-3 District is established to provide for rental multiple-family residential uses (apartments).
1. Principal Permitted Uses. Only the uses of structures or land listed in this section are permitted in the R-3 District:
A. Uses permitted in the R-4 District.
B. Multiple-family dwellings intended for rental occupancy (apartments).
C. Boarding and rooming houses.
D. Nursing, convalescent and retirement homes.
2. Permitted Accessory Uses. The following accessory uses are permitted in the R-3 District:
A. Accessory uses as permitted in the R-1 District.
B. Storage garages, where the lot is occupied by multiple dwellings.
C. In R-3 residential zones, developed as a senior care, congregate care facility, condominium, or apartment complex, an accessory management office, retail convenience or service shop may be permitted, provided that such complex be self-governed or under similar control and contains more than 30 permanent dwelling units provided that:
(1) Such shops are located on the first floor or lower level and there is no entrance to such place of business except from the inside of the building or internal courtyard.
(2) Display of any stock, goods, or advertising is so arranged that it cannot be viewed from outside of the building.
3. Bulk Regulations. The following minimum requirements shall be observed, subject to the modifications contained in Section 165.19 of these zoning regulations:
Density | 18 dwelling units per acre |
Lot Width | 75 feet |
Front Yard | 30 feet |
Rear Yard | 30 feet for dwelling; 40 feet for other principal permitted uses |
Side Yard | A total of 15 feet; one side may be reduced to not less than 7 feet; 15 feet for any other principal building. |
Maximum Height | 3 stories or 45 feet for principal building 1 story or 14 feet for accessory building |
Floor Area | 750 square feet per unit except for efficiency units and one-bedroom apartments, which shall be 600 square feet |
More Than One Dwelling Unit on Lot | Where more than one principal building is constructed on a lot such principal buildings shall be separated by not less than 40 feet and the front, rear, and side yards shall be determined considering all principal buildings as one unit. |
3. Dwelling Occupant Load: The maximum permitted occupant load within a dwelling unit in any residential district shall not exceed the following:
Room Type | Room Area | Maximum Occupant Load |
Bedroom room | At least 70 sq. ft. but less than 120 sq. f.t | 1 per room |
Bedroom room | 120 sq. ft. to 180 sq. ft. | 2 per room |
Bedroom room | 180 sq. ft. or more | 3 per room |
Multipurpose room | At least 70 sq. ft. | 1 per room, not more than 2 per dwelling unit |
For the purposes of this section, a “bedroom” is defined as a space primarily designed and intended for use as a sleeping room which shall include all of the following characteristics:
A. A room with a minimum floor area of 70 square feet of area is capable of being secured by a door.
B. A room with an enclosed closet space of a minimum floor area of six square feet.
C. A room with the provisions for emergency escape and natural light in accordance with the adopted version of the international residential code or international building code as applicable for the dwelling type.
D. For the purposes of this section, a multipurpose room may include a living room, den, study, or other similar room that by design or layout is not primarily intended to be used as a bedroom, but that is otherwise habitable and provides accommodations for sleeping such as a bed, daybed, couch, futon or other similar multipurpose sleeping furniture.
4. Minimum Width. The minimum dimension of the main body of the principal building shall not be less than 24 feet.
5. Perimeter Foundation Requirement. A permanent perimeter foundation meeting Waukee Building Code standards is required for all principal buildings.
6. Off-Street Parking and Loading. Spaces for off-street parking and loading shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 168, for all permitted uses.
7. Site Plan Requirements. For site plan requirements, see Chapter 160 of this Code of Ordinances.
8. Minimum Open Space. The total land area devoted to open space and landscaping shall not be less than 20 percent of the gross land area included in the building lot. Such open space shall be maintained as grassed and landscaped area and shall not include access drives, parking areas, structures or buildings, except ornamental structures included as part of the landscaping theme.
A. Except where rear or sidewall is a common wall.
B. Internal Setback Dimensions: In the case of zero lot line layouts, an open space shall be provided between the buildings/units such that the required front, rear or side yard depth for each building/unit is provided.