HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/19/2017Council Work Session
June 19, 2017
Time indicated below
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Roll Call.
Approval of Agenda, as proposed or amended.
Cancelled—City that Speaks: Interactive tech projects.
Submitted By: Cherie Kabbah, Visitor Services Manager
4:25 p.m. Amendment to the City of Waterloo Zoning Ordinances Regarding
Hobby Farms and Farm Animals.
Submitted By:Aric Schroeder, City Planner
Approx. Sidewalk Ordinance Revision to City Code Section 7-1-6.
4:55 p.m.
Submitted By: David R. Zellhoefer, City Attorney
ADJOURNMENT
Kelley Felchle, CMC
City Clerk
CITY OF WATERLOO
Council Communication
Cancelled --City that Speaks: Interactive tech projects.
City Council Meeting: 6/19/2017
Prepared: 6/14/2017
REVIEWERS:
Department Reviewer Action Date
Culture & Arts Even, LeAnn Approved 6/14/2017 - 2:02 PM
SUBJECT:
Submitted by:
Recommended Action:
Summary Statement:
Expenditure Required:
Source of Funds:
Policy Issue:
Alternative:
Background Information:
Cancelled --City that Speaks: Interactive tech projects.
Submitted By: Cherie Kabbah, Visitor Services Manager
CITY OF WATERLOO
Council Communication
Amendment to the City of Waterloo Zoning Ordinances Regarding Hobby Farms and Farm Animals.
City Council Meeting: 6/19/2017
Prepared: 6/14/2017
REVIEWERS:
Department Reviewer Action Date
Planning & Zoning Schroeder, Aric Approved 6/14/2017 - 10:34 AM
Clerk Office Even, LeAnn Approved 6/14/2017 - 11:03 AM
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
D Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Hobby Farms Backup Material
SUBJECT:
Submitted by:
Recommended Action:
Summary Statement:
Amendment to the City of Waterloo Zoning Ordinances Regarding Hobby
F arms and F arm Animals.
Submitted By:Aric Schroeder, City Planner
Review and suggest any additional changes before it is brought before the
Council for adoption.
Staff is proposing an amendment to the City of Waterloo Zoning Ordinance
regarding hobby farms and farm animals. The amendment would change
multiple definitions that relate to farm animals, and make changes to how
farm animals are regulated, including changes in the "A-1" Agricultural
District, "R -R" Rural Residence District, and "R-1" One and Two Family
Residence District (which said "R-1" regulations apply in all other zoning
districts as well). It also updates the wording and requirements in the
Special Permit section, requiring a Special Permit for most, but not all
hobby farms, and creates a new section specifically regulating hobby farms,
which are called an Urban Animal Hobby Farm (UAHF).
Prior to 2011 most farm animals were not permitted within the City of
Waterloo with limited exceptions. In 2011, as part of the major overhaul to
the entire Zoning Ordinance, hobby farms were added to the Zoning
Ordinance, but were required to obtain special permit approval (requires
recommendation of Planning Commission and final approval by the Board
of Adjustment). But the ordinance did not provide any standards for
issuance of a special permit. After several requests for special permit for a
hobby farm were tabled indefnitely, the Commission and Board asked
planning staff to re-evaluate hobby farms and propose an amendment that
would provide more standards for where and how they would be permitted.
After significant research and input, staff prepared a proposed amendment.
Expenditure Required:
Source of Funds:
Policy Issue:
Alternative:
Background Information:
After multiple meetings with the Commission and tweaks made based on
their input, the proposed amendment attached was unanimously
recommended for approval by the Commission.
None
N/A
Zoning Ordinance/Land Use
Amendment to the City of
Waterloo Zoning Ordinance
Changes and Updates to the City of Waterloo Zoning Ordinance, including:
- Section 10-3-1 Definition: update definition of Abutting to include adjoining
- Section 10-3-1 Definitions: update definition of Animals, Household Pet to add reference to
"when housed within a dwelling" for rabbits
- Section 10-3-1 Definitions: update definition of Animals, Livestock
- Section 10-3-1 Definitions: update definition of Farm, Hobby to refer to Urban Animal Hobby
Farm (UAHF)
- Section 10-3-1 Definitions: update definition of Feed Lot to prohibit new or expanded feed lots.
- Section 10-3-1 Definitions: add a definition of Urban Animal Hobby Farm (UAHF)
- Section 10-6-1 "A-1" Agricultural District Principal Permitted Uses: update regulations pertain-
ing to farm animals, livestock and specialized animal farms
- Section 10-7-1 "R -R" Rural Residence District Principal Permitted Uses: update regulations per-
taining to farm animals, livestock and specialized animal farms
- Section 10-8-1 "R-1" One and Two Family Residence District Principal Permitted Uses: update
regulations pertaining to farm animals, livestock and specialized animal farms
- Section 10-27-1 (H)(26) Update Hobby Farm as a Special Permit use
- Section 10-27-1 (U) Create a new Section U regulating Urban Animal Hobby Farms (UAHF)
Ordinance No. Amending Ordinance No. 5079
Planning and Zoning Commission Hearing:
City Council Approval:
CHAPTER 1
TITLE AND PURPOSE
10-1-1 TITLE AND PURPOSE.
CHAPTER 1
TITLE AND PURPOSE
[Ordinance 3196, 2/22/82]
10-1-1 TITLE AND PURPOSE.
A. Title.
This Ordinance shall be known and may
be cited and referred to as the "Zoning Ordi-
nance" of the City of Waterloo, Iowa.
B. Purpose.
The purpose of this Ordinance shall be to
promote the health, safety, morals, order,
convenience, prosperity and general welfare;
to conserve and protect the value of property
throughout the City and to encourage the
most appropriate use of land; to lessen con-
gestion in the streets; to prevent the over-
crowding of land; to avoid undue concentra-
tion of population; and to facilitate the ade-
quate provision of transportation, water,
sewerage, schools, parks and other public re-
quirements.
C. Authority.
This Ordinance is adopted in accordance
with the City of Waterloo Comprehensive
Plan, as amended, and as permitted and spe-
cifically authorized in Chapter 414, City Zon-
ing, Code of Iowa, as amended.
CHAPTER 2
INTERPRETATION OF
STANDARDS
10-2-1 INTERPRETATION OF
STANDARDS.
In their interpretation and application, the
provisions of this Ordinance shall be held to
be the minimum requirements and shall be
liberally construed in favor of the governing
body and shall not be deemed a limitation or
repeal of any other powers granted by State
1
statutes. Where provisions or requirements
of this Ordinance conflict, the most restrictive
provision or requirements applies, unless
otherwise specified.
10-2-2 INTERPRETATION PERTAINING
TO FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT.
[Ordinance 3487, 6/15/87]
In their interpretation and application, the
provisions of this Ordinance shall be held to
be the minimum requirements and shall be
liberally construed in favor of the governing
body and shall not be deemed a limitation or
repeal of any other powers granted by State
statutes. Where provisions or requirements
of this Ordinance conflict, the most restrictive
provision or requirement applies, unless oth-
erwise specified. [Ordinance 5049, 6/20/11]
CHAPTER 3
DEFINITIONS
[Ordinance 3175, 12/14/81]
[Ordinance 3378, 12/17/84]
10-3-1 DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this Ordinance, certain
terms and words are hereby defined. Words
used in the present tense shall include the
future, the singular number shall include the
plural and the plural number includes the
singular; the word "shall" is mandatory, the
word "may" is permissive; and the word
"person" includes a firm, association, organi-
zation, partnership, trust, company, or corpo-
ration as well as an individual; the words
"used" or "occupied" include the words in-
tended, designed, or arranged to be used or
occupied. The word "lot" includes the words
plot or parcel.
Abutting: Having property or district
lines in common, adjoining.
Accessory Structure: A structure located
on the same lot with the principal use or
CHAPTER 3
DEFINITIONS
10-3-1 DEFINITIONS.
premise consumption), commonly
known as a liquor store or similar
establishment.
e. Non -Limited Alcohol Sales use
(on -premise consumption), which
shall include any alcohol sales use
with on -premise consumption that
does not meet the definition of ei-
ther an incidental alcohol sales use
or a limited alcohol sales use (on -
premise consumption), commonly
known as a bar, tavern, night club,
dance hall or similar establish-
ment.
Alley: A public way, other than a street,
affording secondary means of access to abut-
ting property.
Animals, Farm: Animals other than
household pets, such as livestock, that, where
permitted, are kept and maintained for com-
mercial production and sale, family food or
by-product production, and/or educational
or recreational purposes.
Animals, Household Pet: Includes, but is
not limited to, dogs, cats, rabbits (when
housed within a dwelling), birds, hamsters,
and other similar animals kept for family en-
joyment or companionship, and not for com-
mercial or economic reasons. See also "Ken-
nel".
Animals, Livestock: Includes, but is not
limited to, horses, cows, pigs, sheep, chickens
and poultry (excluding roosters), goats, os-
triches, rheas, emus, farm deer, and other
similar animals that are typically raised for
meat, wool, eggs, milk or other functional or
economic uses. Roosters, camel, guinea, fal-
con, peacock, or any exotic animals as deter-
mined in the reasonable discretion of the City
Planner or designee shall be prohibited with-
in the City of Waterloo. Swine (including pot
belly pigs) shall be prohibited within the City
of Waterloo except as provided in Section 5-1-
2 of the Code of Ordinances.
5
Amendment: A change, supplement, revi-
sion or reclassification in the Zoning Ordi-
nance. An amendment can take three (3)
forms: (1) a comprehensive revision or modi-
fication of the zoning text and map; (2) a text
change in zone requirements; and (3) a
change in the map, i.e., the zoning desig-
nation of a particular parcel or parcels.
Apartment: A dwelling unit in a multiple
dwelling.
Apartment Hotel: A building containing
both dwelling units and rooming units, used
primarily for permanent occupancy.
Apartment House: See Dwelling, Multi-
ple.
Auction Establishments: Any property or
structure devoted to public auction or sales,
two (2) or more times a year, for selling of
private property or consigned goods, except
as provided in Section 3-4A-2 of the City
Code.
Base Flood: The flood having one (1) per-
cent chance of being equaled or exceeded in
any given year. (See One Hundred (100) Year
Flood). [Ordinance 5049, 6/20/11]
Basement: A story having part but not
more than one-half (1/2) of its average height
below grade. A basement is counted as a sto-
ry for the purpose of height regulations. A
basement may be used as a habitable floor
subject to the requirements of the currently
adopted Building Code. For floodplain man-
agement purposes only, a basement shall
mean any enclosed area of a building having
its floor or lowest level below ground level
(subgrade) on all sides. [Ordinance 5049,
6/20/11]
Bed and Breakfast: A building other than
a hotel where, for compensation, meals or
lodging are provided on a short-term basis.
Short-term shall be defined as two weeks or
less.
Billboard: "Billboard" as used in this Or-
dinance shall include all structures regardless
of the material used in the construction of the
CHAPTER 3
DEFINITIONS
10-3-1 DEFINITIONS.
the City of Waterloo. May also be referred to
as "existing structure". [Ordinance 5049,
6/20/11]
Factory -Built Home Park or Subdivision:
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land divid-
ed into two or more factory -built home lots
for rent or sale. [Ordinance 3487, 6/15/87] Any
such development that will classify the struc-
tures as non -real estate will require a Special
Permit, as a mobile home park or subdivision.
[Ordinance 5049, 6/20/11]
Factory -Built Housing: A factory -built
structure designed for long-term residential
use. For the purposes of these regulations,
factory -built housing consists of three (3)
types: modular homes, mobile homes, and
manufactured homes.
Factory -Built Structure: Any structure,
designed for residential use, which is wholly
or in substantial part, made, fabricated,
formed or assembled in manufacturing facili-
ties for installation or assembly and installa-
tion, on a building site. For the purpose of
this Ordinance, including floodplain man-
agement, factory -built homes include mobile
homes, manufactured homes and modular
homes and also include park trailers, travel
trailers and other similar vehicles placed on a
site for greater than 180 consecutive days.
[Ordinance 5049, 6/20/11]
Family: One or more persons occupying a
single dwelling unit, provided that unless all
members are related by blood, marriage, or
adoption, no such family shall contain over
four (4) persons. This provision shall not re-
strict children under foster care or exchange
students.
Family Home: Family home providing
care for the mentally or physically dependent
under Iowa Code Chapter 135C or as a child
foster care facility under Iowa Code Chapter
237 to provide room and board, personal
care, rehabilitation services, and supervision
within a family home for not more than eight
(8) mentally or physically dependent individ-
uals. [Ordinance 3959, 7/26/93] [Ordinance
9
4554, 6/3/02] Family Home shall also refer to
homes for other individuals protected by the
Fair Housing Amendments Act.
Farm: An area comprising thirty-five (35)
acres or more which is used for the growing
of usual farm products, such as vegetables,
fruits, and grain and their storing on the area,
as well as for the raising thereon of the usual
farm poultry and farm animals. The term
"farming" includes the operation of such area
for uses for treating or storing the food pro-
duce, provided, however, that the operation
of any such accessory uses shall be secondary
to that of the normal farming activities and
such accessory uses do not include the feed-
ing of garbage or offal to swine or other ani-
mals.
Farm, Hobby: A small gathcring of farm
tic, horses, elk, dccr or similar large animals.
Such animals may be kept for commercial
production and sale, family food or by
product production, and/or educational or
recreational purposes, but not as a primary
source of incomc.See Urban Animal Hobby
Farm (UAHF).
Farm House: A house located on land
operated as a farm which is, or will be, occu-
pied by a person engaged in agriculture on
that same unit.
Fast Food: See Restaurant.
Feed Lot: Any parcel of land or premises
on which the principal use is the concentrated
feeding within a confined area of cattle, hogs,
or sheep. After January 1, 2018 no new feed
lot shall be established, and no existing feed
lot shall be expanded in area, except those
meeting Urban Animal Hobby Farm (UAHF)
requirements.
Fence, Non -Residential: A barrier and/or
structure erected accessory to a non-
residential use and not located in an "R" Dis-
trict intended to provide security, mark a
boundary or a means of landscaping with no
portion of fence extending onto adjacent
CHAPTER 3
DEFINITIONS
10-3-1 DEFINITIONS.
structures on separate lots with diverse own-
ership shall be required to meet all applicable
codes and ordinances regarding building,
fire, water and utility connections, drainage,
subdivision, etc., and shall provide perma-
nent cross easements for access, parking, and
utilities and permanent maintenance agree-
ments for shared infrastructure, such as the
parking and vehicular use areas, storm water
detention, utility connections, etc. [Ordinance
4774, 06/06/05]
Structural Alterations: Any replacement
or changes in the types of construction or in
the supporting members of a building such as
bearing walls or partitions, columns, beams,
or girders, beyond ordinary repairs and
maintenance.
Structure: Anything constructed or erect-
ed including, but not limited to, buildings,
mobile homes, factory built homes, fences,
billboards and signs. [Ordinance 4725,
09/20/04]
Structure, Height of The vertical distance
from the average grade to the highest point.
See "Building, Height of" for buildings.
Structure, Principal: The main or primary
structure on a lot used or intended for use for
a principal use. This shall not prohibit more
than one principal structure on a lot if all oth-
er requirements of this Ordinance are met.
Substance Abuse Facility: See Group
Home (Supervised or Unsupervised) [Ordi-
nance 4554, 6/3/02]
Substantial Damage: Damage of any
origin sustained by a structure whereby the
cost of restoring the structure to its before -
damage condition would equal or exceed 50%
of the market value of the structure before the
damage occurred. [Ordinance 3810, 8/19/91]
Substantial Improvement: Any im-
provement to a structure which satisfies ei-
ther of the following criteria: 1.) Any repair,
reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or im-
provement of a structure, the cost of which
equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of
21
the structure either (a) before the start of con-
struction of the improvement, or (b) if the
structure has been substantially damaged and
is being restored, before the damage oc-
curred. The term does not, however, include
either (1) any project for improvement of a
structure to correct existing violations of state
or local health, sanitary or safety code specifi-
cations which have been identified by the lo-
cal code enforcement officer and which are
the minimum necessary to assure safe living
conditions or (2) any alteration will not pre-
clude the structure's continued designation as
a "historical structure." [Ordinance 3810,
8/19/91] 2.) Any addition that increases the
original floor area of a building by 25 percent
or more. All additions constructed after July
3, 1985 shall be added to any proposed addi-
tion in determining whether the total increase
in original floor space would exceed 25 per-
cent. [Ordinance 5049, 6/20/11]
Trailer: See "Mobile Home."
Trailer Park: See "Mobile Home Park."
Urban Animal Hobby Farm (UAHF): A
small gathering of farm animals kept for
commercial production and sale, family food
or byproduct production, and/or educational
or recreational purposes, but not as a primary
source of income. Animals not allowed as
part of a UAHF include swine (including pot
belly pigs), camels, roosters, guinea, falcon,
peacock, or any exotic animals as determined
in the reasonable discretion of the City Plan-
ner or designee. Horses shall not be regulat-
ed as part of a UAHF.
Used Car Lot: A designated location
wherein proper and adequate facilities shall
be maintained for displaying, reconditioning
and repairing any motor vehicle of a type
subject to registration under the laws of the
State of Iowa.
Use, Principal: The main or primary
purpose for which a building, structure or lot
is designed, arranged, or intended, or for
which they may be used, occupied, or main-
tained under this Ordinance.
CHAPTER 6
"A-1" AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT 10-6-1 REGULATIONS.
pruning, mowing of lawns, adequate wa-
tering for all plant life, and also weeding
in accordance with the Tree and Shrub
Care Guidelines as set in forth by the Wa-
terloo Park Commission. The owner shall
also be responsible for any replacement,
as necessary, in order to preserve the
landscaping plan as approved by this Sec-
tion. The responsibility to maintain the
landscaping shall include the parking
strip located between the private property
line and the public street or highway, di-
rectly adjacent to the owner's property. A
maintenance and right to enter agreement
shall be signed prior to a building permit
being issued.
6. Submittal Requirements.
Submittal for landscape approval shall
include a separate planting plan showing
type, size, and number of plantings; a site
plan showing total area and total land-
scaped area and any supplementary in-
formation as required to demonstrate con-
formance to the landscape requirements.
Any deviations from the approved land-
scape plan must receive approval from
the City Planner or his/her designated
representative prior to installation.
7. Measured Compliance.
The following point schedule and
conditions apply to required landscaping
in all zones and shall be used in determin-
ing achieved points for required planting:
Overstory Trees
4 inch caliper or greater 100 points
3 inch caliper or greater 90 points
2 inch caliper or greater 80 points
Trees with caliper of more
than 4 inches 25 points per inch
Understory Trees
2 inch caliper or greater 40 points
11 inch caliper or greater 30 points
1 inch caliper or greater 20 points
41
Shrubs
5 gallon or greater
2 gallon or greater
Conifers
10 foot height or greater
8 foot height or greater
6 foot height or greater
5 foot height or greater
4 foot height or greater
3 foot height or greater
10 points
5 points
100 points
90 points
80 points
40 points
30 points
20 points
[Ordinance 3907, 12/21/92]
CHAPTER 6
"A-1" AGRICULTURAL
DISTRICT
10-6-1 REGULATIONS.
The regulations set forth in this Chap-
ter and those contained in Chapter 5 shall
apply in the "A-1" Agricultural District.
The "A-1" District is intended to provide for
areas of the community which are suitable for
agricultural and interrelated agricultural uses
that are adjacent to residential, commercial or
industrial districts. Any outside storage of
materials or equipment shall be limited and
clearly incidental and accessory to the Princi-
pal Permitted Use, and shall not include the
outside storage of junk or salvage material or
similar debris. Outside storage of materials or
equipment shall not be permitted in a front
yard. This provision shall not restrict the
outside storage of licensed and operable ve-
hicles or agricultural equipment or machinery
that are accessory and clearly incidental to
the Principal Permitted Use.
A. Principal Permitted Uses:
1. Agricultureal, farming and the usual
agricultural buildings and structures,
including specialized animal farms,
provided that no structures shall be
permitted unless accessory to another
Principal Permitted Use or unless
such structures are located on a farm
CHAPTER 6
"A-1" AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT 10-6-1 REGULATIONS.
as defined herein. The Urban Animal
Hobby Farm (UAHF) regulations of
Section 10 27 1(U) shall govern the
keeping of any farm animals not a:ro
ciated with a farm of at least 35 acres.
Any fenced confinement area (exclud-
ing pastures) for farm animals shall
have a minimum 10 -foot setback from
all property lines. Also a single-
family dwelling provided that the
owner/occupant is actively engaged
in the farming operation and is a
member of the farm owner's immedi-
ate family. For the purpose of this
Section, the immediate family shall be
interpreted as father, mother, son,
daughter, wife, husband, brother, sis-
ter, grandparent or grandchild. Only
one (1) lot that is a minimum of three
(3) acres for this purpose shall be sep-
arated from a farm and at least thirty-
five (35) acres shall remain after the
transfer with the farm. [Ordinance
4656, 11/10/03]
2. Truck gardening and nurseries [Ordi-
nance 4656, 11/10/03], provided how-
ever that any structures associated
with such uses shall comply with Sec-
tion 10-5-1(E) as if accessory to a sin-
gle family residence, unless such uses
are located on a farm as defined here-
in.
3. Pigeon, rabbit and other specialized
animal farms, but not including the
feeding or disposal of community or
collected garbage.
4.3. Stables, public and private, riding
academies and clubs, and riding are-
nas, where there exists a minimum lot
size of ten (10) acres and an area de-
voted to such purposes of at least five
thousand (5,000) square feet per ani-
mal and provided further that no
structure or building for the stabling
of horses or tethering area be closer
than fifty (50) feet from abutting resi-
dential properties. The area devoted
42
to such uses shall be kept in a clean
and sanitary condition. Private (non-
commercial) stables shall not be sub-
ject to the ten (10) acres requirement.
5.4. Grain elevators with usual accessory
structures and the seasonal storage of
coal whenever on or adjacent to and
not more than one hundred (100) feet
from a railway right-of-way.
6.5. Mining and extraction of minerals or
raw material, including sand or gravel
pits or borrow sites, upon approval of
a Special Permit by the Board of Ad-
justment after review by the Commis-
sion.
7,6. Airports and landing fields, with Fed-
eral Aviation Administration approv-
al if required.
877. Forest and forestry.
9,8. Parks, playgrounds, recreational
trails, and similar recreational uses.
10 9.Any public building or use erected or
maintained by any department of the
city, township, county, state or federal
government a public agency, upon
approval of a Special Permit by the
Board of Adjustment after recom-
mendation of the Commission, except
as provided in Section 10-27-1.
14-10.Public utility structures and equip-
ment necessary for the operation
thereof in accordance with Section 10-
27-1.
1 11.Transmitting stations and towers in
accordance with Section 10-27-1.
1-12.Recreational vehicles as defined
herein, within special flood hazard ar-
eas zoned A, AH, AO and AE on the
Flood Insurance Rate Map must:
1. Be on the site for fewer than 180
consecutive days, and
2. Be fully licensed and ready for
highway use.
CHAPTER 6
"A-1" AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT 10-6-2 HEIGHT REGULATIONS.
A recreational vehicle is ready for
highway use if it is on its wheels or
jacking system, is attached to the site
only by disconnect type utilities and
security devices, and has no perma-
nent attached additions. [Ordinance
4125, 9/11/95] A recreational vehicle
that is accessory to a Principal Permit-
ted Use and is fully licensed and
ready for highway use may be on the
site for more than 180 consecutive
days for storage purposes only and
not living quarters. [Ordinance 5049,
6/20/11]
1443.Single-family homes that were legal-
ly built prior to adoption of Ordinance
2479, adopted 02/03/69. For the pur-
poses of this Ordinance, any such le-
gally established dwelling is not con-
sidered a non -conforming use as de-
fined herein, but is considered a legal
use. Furthermore, any such legally es-
tablished dwelling may be rebuilt on
the same lot as legally established,
provided that all other rules and regu-
lations of this Ordinance are met.
However, such rebuild must occur
within two (2) years of the removal of
the original structure or within two (2)
years of removal of a legal replace-
ment structure. [Ordinance 4656,
11/10/03] [Ordinance 5288, 06/15/15]
15,14.Public and parochial schools and
other educational institutions having
an established current curriculum
similar to that ordinarily given in Wa-
terloo public schools, and colleges,
universities, or institutions of higher
education, upon approval of a Special
Permit by the Board of Adjustment af-
ter review by the Commission.
16715.Large Wind Energy Facilities upon
approval of a Special Permit by the
Board of Adjustment after review by
the Commission and in accordance
with Section 10-27-1.
B. Accessory Uses:
1. Accessory uses and structures cus-
tomarily incidental to any of the
above uses. [Ordinance 4724, 9/20/04]
2. Repealed by Ordinance 4724, 9/20/04.
10-6-2 HEIGHT REGULATIONS.
Any building hereafter erected or
structurally altered may be erected to any
height not in conflict with other existing or
future ordinances of the City of Waterloo.
10-6-3 BULK REGULATIONS.
The following minimum requirements
shall be observed, subject to the modified re-
quirements contained in Section 10-27-1:
"A-1" AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT
USE
MINIMUM
LOT AREA
MINIMUM
LOT WIDTH
MINIMUM
LOT AREA
PER FAMILY
MINIMUM
FRONT
YARD (1)
MINIMUM
SIDE
YARD
MINIMUM
REAR YARD
Farm Building or Farm
35 Acres
No Minimum
35 Acres
50 Feet
25 Feet
50 Feet
House
Single Family Dwellings
built prior to Ordinance
1.5 Acres
150 Feet
1.5 Acres
50 Feet
25 Feet
50 Feet
Other Permitted Uses
1.5 Acres
No Minimum
1.5 Acres
50 Feet
50 Feet
50 Feet
(1) The front yard depth of any lot abutting on a "Major Street" shall be measured from the proposed right-of-way lines as shown on
the Official Major Street Plan.
43
CHAPTER 7
"R -R" RURAL RESIDENCE DISTRICT 10-7-1 PURPOSE.
CHAPTER 7
"R -R" RURAL RESIDENCE
DISTRICT
[Ordinance 4616, 6/9/03]
10-7-1 PURPOSE.
The "R -R" Rural Residential District is
intended to provide regulations for land
that is being converted to large lot resi-
dential uses. Lots to be included in this
District must be larger than one and one
half (1.5) acres but smaller than ten (10)
acres. Because availability of either water
or sewer services for properties in this
District are provided through the use of
individual wells or rural water type sys-
tem and septic systems they must meet
Board of Health standards. Areas to be
developed shall be conducive to the con-
struction and operation of onsite waste
treatment systems and private water
wells to be determined by the Black
Hawk County Health Department. The
Health Department may require an engi-
neered plan for onsite waste treatment
systems and private water wells. The
purpose of this District is to restrict the
permitted uses to those that are compati-
ble with agricultural, residential, and en-
vironmentally sensitive areas. Individu-
als building in this area should be made
aware of potential conflicts with agricul-
tural uses (such as the spreading of ma-
nure) and that the City of Waterloo pro-
vides no protection against 24 hour agri-
cultural operations. Police and fire pro-
tection, as well as other services, in the
"R -R" Rural Residential District may not
be comparable to other residential dis-
tricts in the City of Waterloo. This District
should only be used in areas where the
City of Waterloo does not foresee extend-
ing infrastructure due to topography or
other barriers and not used as a means to
circumvent extending city services in are-
as where it is feasible.
44
10-7-2 REGULATIONS.
The regulations set forth in this Chap-
ter and the regulations contained in
Chapter 5 shall apply in the "R -R" Rural
Residential District.
A. Principal Permitted Uses:
1. Single-family dwellings.
2. Farming, specialized animal farms
and truck gardening, but not on a
scale that would be obnoxious to adja-
cent areas because of noise or odors.
The Urban Animal Hobby Farm
(UAHF) regulations of Section 10-27-
1(U) shall govern specialized animal
farms and the keeping of farm ani-
mals; and livestock, except when on a
farm of over 35 acres and specialized
animal farms shall be permitted upon
approval of a Special Permit by the
Board of Adjustment after rccom
mcndation of the Commission, except
as provided in Section 10 27 1. Hors
cs shall be regulated by 10 7 2(B)(4).
3. Public or semi-public parks.
4. Public utility structures and equip-
ment necessary for the operation
thereof in accordance with Section 10-
27-1.
B. Accessory Uses:
1. Accessory uses and structures cus-
tomarily incidental to any of the
above uses. [Ordinance 4724, 9/20/04]
2. Temporary buildings for uses inci-
dental to construction work, which
buildings shall be removed upon the
completion or abandonment of the
construction work.
3. Home Occupations
4. Stables, non-commercial where there
exists an area devoted to such pur-
poses of twenty thousand (20,000)
square feet with an additional ten
thousand (10,000) square feet per an-
CHAPTER 8
"R-1" ONE AND TWO FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT
10-7-3 HEIGHT REGULATIONS.
imal exceeding two (2) in number
housed or tethered and provided fur-
ther that no structure or building for
the stabling of horses or tethering area
be closer than fifty (50) feet from the
abutting residential properties. The
area devoted to such uses shall be
kept in a clean and sanitary condition
10-7-3 HEIGHT REGULATIONS.
No building shall exceed three (3) sto-
ries or forty (40) feet in height, except as
provided in Section 10-27-1.
10-7-4 BULK REGULATIONS.
The following minimum requirements
shall be observed, subject to the modified
requirements contained in Section 10-27-
1:
"R -R" RURAL RESIDENCE DISTRICT
USE
Minimum
Lot Area
Maximum
Lot Area
Minimum Lot
Width
Minimum
Front Yard
Minimum Side
Yard
Minimum Rear
Yard
Single Family Dwell-
ings
1.5 Acres
10 Acres
150 Feet
50 Feet
25 Feet
50 Feet
Other Permitted Uses
1.5 Acres
10 Acres
150 Feet
50 Feet
25 Feet
50 Feet
CHAPTER 8
"R-1" ONE AND TWO
FAMILY RESIDENCE
DISTRICT
10-8-1 REGULATIONS.
The regulations set forth in this Chap-
ter and the regulations contained in
Chapter 5 shall apply in the "R-1" Resi-
dence District.
The "R-1" District is intended to pro-
vide for areas of the community which
are suitable for low density residential
uses that are adjacent to residential, pro-
fessional office or neighborhood commer-
cial uses. Any outside storage of materials
or equipment shall be limited and clearly
incidental and accessory to the Principal
Permitted Use, and shall not include the
outside storage of junk or salvage materi-
al or similar debris. Outside storage of
materials or equipment shall not be per-
mitted in a front yard. This provision
45
shall not restrict the outside storage of li-
censed and operable vehicles that are ac-
cessory and clearly incidental to the Prin-
cipal Permitted Use.
A. Principal Permitted Uses:
1. One and two family dwellings, includ-
ing two-family row dwellings. [Ordi-
nance 4618, 6/16/03] Alterations and
conversions of single family dwellings
into two family dwellings shall only
be allowed in accordance with the lot
area, frontage and yard requirements
as set forth in this Section, and upon
approval of a Special Permit by the
Board of Adjustment after recom-
mendation of the Commission. [Ordi-
nance 5288, 06/15/15]
2. Religious facilities, upon approval of a
Special Permit by the Board of Ad-
justment after recommendation of the
Commission.
3. Public and parochial schools and oth-
er educational institutions having an
CHAPTER 8
"R-1" ONE AND TWO FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT
10-8-1 REGULATIONS.
established current curriculum similar
to that ordinarily given in Waterloo
public schools, and colleges, universi-
ties, or institutions of higher educa-
tion, upon approval of a Special Per-
mit by the Board of Adjustment after
recommendation of the Commission.
4. Private recreational areas and facilities
such as swimming pools, skating facil-
ities, community building or indoor
institutional or community recreation
centers or fields, country clubs, golf
courses and driving ranges when in-
cidental to a golf course, upon ap-
proval of a Special Permit by the
Board of Adjustment after recom-
mendation of the Commission. [Ordi-
nance 5395, 04/10/17]
5. Farming and truck gardening, but not
on a scale that would be obnoxious to
adjacent areas because of noise or
odors, and provided that no struc-
tures shall be permitted unless acces-
sory to another Principal Permitted
Use or unless such structures is -are lo-
cated on a farm as defined herein. The
Urban Animal Hobby Farm (UAHF)
regulations of Section 10-27-1(U) shall
govern specialized animal farms and
the keeping of fFarm animals and
livestock, except when on a farm of
over 35 acres, except horses and cx
ccpt hobby farms as provided in Scc
tion 10 27 1, shall be prohibited.
6. Family Homes. [Ordinance 3959,
7/26/93] [Ordinance 4554, 6/3/02]
7. Recreational vehicles as defined here-
in within special flood hazard areas
zoned A, AH, AO and AE on the
Flood Insurance Rate Map must:
a. Be on the site for fewer than 180
consecutive days, and
b. Be fully licensed and ready for
highway use.
46
A recreational vehicle is ready for
highway use if it is on its wheels or
jacking system, is attached to the site
only by disconnect type utilities and
security devices, and has no perma-
nent attached additions. [Ordinance
4125, 9/11/95] A recreational vehicle
that is accessory to a Principal Permit-
ted Use and is fully licensed and
ready for highway use may be on the
site for more than 180 consecutive
days for storage purposes only and
not living quarters. [Ordinance 5049,
6/20/11]
8. Parks, playgrounds, recreational
trails, and similar recreational uses.
9. Any public building or use erected or
maintained by any department of the
city, township, county, state or federal
government, upon approval of a Spe-
cial Permit by the Board of Adjust-
ment after recommendation of the
Commission, except as provided in
Section 10-27-1.
10. Public or private cemetery or burial
ground provided it is on a minimum
of thirty (30) acres, upon approval of a
Special Permit by the Board of Ad-
justment after recommendation of the
Commission. This provision shall not
prohibit the expansion of an existing
cemetery or burial ground that is less
than thirty (30) acres. [Ordinance 5395,
04/10/17]
11. Public utility structures and equip-
ment necessary for the operation
thereof in accordance with Section 10-
27-1.
12. Transmitting stations and towers in
accordance with Section 10-27-1.
B. Accessory Uses:
1. Accessory Uses and structures cus-
tomarily incidental to any of the
above uses. [Ordinance 4724, 9/20/04]
Accessory structures shall meet the
CHAPTER 27
SPECIAL PROVISIONS, EXCEPTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS 10-27-1 SPECIAL PROVISIONS, EXCEPTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS.
justment shall have the author-
ity to amend or revoke the
special use permit. [Ordinance
4976, 11/23/09]
c. The purpose and intent of these
special permit regulations is to
avoid undue concentration of cer-
tain alcohol sales uses, to mitigate
the secondary effects of certain al-
cohol sales uses, to preserve and
protect neighborhoods from dete-
rioration and loss of property val-
ue due to incompatible uses, and
otherwise to promote the general
purposes of the zoning ordinance.
Except in the "C-3" District, the
provisions of this subsection 15
shall apply in addition to any oth-
er zoning district regulations and
requirements in which the land
may be classified. In the case of
conflict, the most restrictive provi-
sions shall govern, except as oth-
erwise expressly provided in this
subsection.
16. Religious facilities.
17. Non-profit institutions of a philan-
thropic or educational nature, includ-
ing libraries but excluding philan-
thropic professional offices in the "R-
4" Multiple Residence District or less
restrictive district. Also private clubs,
fraternities, sororities and lodges.
18. Commercial mining and extraction of
minerals or raw material, including
sand or gravel pits or borrow sites.
19. Mini -storage or storage rental devel-
opment when in a "C-2" District.
20. Towers including wireless communi-
cations and wind generation devices,
except as provided in Sections 10-27-
1(B)(4), 10 -27 -1(D),
0 -27-
1(B)(4),10 -27-1(D), and 10-27-1(T).
21. Kennels.
22. Public utility structures and equip-
ment necessary for the operation
150
thereof except as provided in Section
10-27-1(S).
23. Contractor Businesses when including
equipment yards and when located in
a "C-2" or "C-3" District.
24. Off -Premise Advertising Signs and
Billboards, when exceeding 300
square feet.
25. Farm animals, livestock and special-
ized animal farms, excluding horses
and in other than an "A-1" District.
Due to the incompatibility of farm an-
imals and livestock with urban devel-
opment, large scale animal operations,
including animal confinement opera-
tions, shall be prohibited unless the
Board of Adjustment shall find that a
proposed operation would be con-
sistent and compatible with existing
and future surrounding land uses. Fu-
ture land uses shall be reviewed based
on the designation of property on the
Future Land Use Map, a component
of the City of Waterloo Comprehen-
sive Plan.
26. Urban Animal Hobby Farms (UAHF)
except as provided for in Section 10-
27-1 (U), as herein defined, in other
than an "A 1" or "R R" District, when
the applicant can demonstrate that
such a use will not constitute a nui-
sance on adjoining property. Other
criteria to determine if a Special Per-
mit shall be granted shall include, but
not be limited to: size of lot in relation
to the size and number of proposed
animals, size of pen(s) in relation to
the size and number of proposed an-
imals, proximity of surrounding de-
velopment, in particular residential
development, and the proposed waste
disposal plan. An approved Hobby
Farm shall require an annual license
issued by Planning staff. The license
shall be valid from July 1 to the fol
lowing June 30. Every Hobby Farm
CHAPTER 27
SPECIAL PROVISIONS, EXCEPTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS 10-27-1 SPECIAL PROVISIONS, EXCEPTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS.
shall be inspected prior to i ,uance of
a licence. Failure of a Hobby
FarmUAHF to comply with the re-
quirements for a Hobby FarmUAHF
or any requirements or conditions
placed on the Special Permit approval
for a Hobby Farm shall be subject to
review by the Board of Adjustment to
determine if the Special Permit shall
be revoked result in thc licence being
denied. Any Hobby Farm denied a li
cense shall bc subject to review by the
Board of Adjustment to determine if
thc Special Pcrmit shall bc revoked.
No Hobby Farm or farm animals shall
bc kcpt in an "R 1" or lees restrictive
District if they have not been ap
proved as required herein, or if Spc
cial Permit approval has been rc
yoked. Any such property with farm
animals existing at the time of enact-
ment of this Ordinance shall obtain
apply for Special Permit approval (if
required) for a Hobby FarmUAHF or
remove said farm animals within one
year of enactment of this Ordinan
eeprior to January 1, 2018.
27. Alterations and conversions of single
family dwellings or duplexes into two
family dwellings or multiple family
dwellings in accordance with the lot
area, frontage and yard requirements
as set forth in the Bulk Regulations of
the district in which it is located. [Or-
dinance 5288, 06/15/15]
28. Freestanding commercial parking lots.
[Ordinance 5288, 06/15/15]
Before issuance of any Special Permit for
any of the above buildings or uses, the Board
of Adjustment [Ordinance 3614, 1/9/89] shall
refer the proposed application to the Com-
mission, which shall be given forty-five (45)
days in which to make a report regarding the
effect of such proposed building or use upon
the character of the neighborhood, traffic
conditions, public utility facilities and other
matters pertaining to the general welfare. No
151
action shall be taken upon any application for
a proposed building or use above referred to
until and unless the report of the Commission
has been filed; provided, however that if no
report is received from the Commission with-
in forty-five (45) days, it shall be assumed
that approval of the application has been giv-
en by the Commission. [Ordinance 3918,
1/11/93] The provisions of 10-28-4 (Special
Permit, Appeals, and Variances) shall also
apply.
Minor changes that do not substantially
alter the character of any Special Permit may
be administratively reviewed and approved
by the Planning staff. If staff determines that
the magnitude of such a change is insignifi-
cant in nature, staff may approve the change
without a review before the Commission and
public hearing by the Board of Adjustment.
[Ordinance 3918, 1/11/93]
Examples of minor changes include, but
are not limited to the following: the location,
construction, replacement or change in type
of signage, minor change in building loca-
tions, or change in the locations of access,
driveways, or parking areas, and may be car-
ried out through the administrative review
and approval of the Planning staff.
Minor changes may include additions to
an existing building which do not increase
the existing floor area by more than fifty (50)
percent of the floor area of the building pro-
posed to be added on to, or new buildings
with a floor area not exceeding ten (10) per-
cent of the floor area of all existing or ap-
proved principal buildings. A change from
one Special Permit use to another is not a mi-
nor change and shall require Board of Ad-
justment approval as though it were a new
request. [Ordinance 3918, 1/11/93] If staff de-
termines that the magnitude of any such
change is significant in nature or could be-
come significant in nature, the change shall be
deemed major and the change shall require
approval as though it were a new request. In
determining if a change is significant in na-
ture the Planning staff shall consider, among
10-27-1 SPECIAL PROVISIONS, EXCEPTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS.
17. Violation and Permit Revocation
a. All wind energy facilities shall be
maintained in operational condi-
tion at all times, subject to reason-
able maintenance and repair out-
ages. Operational condition in-
cludes meeting all noise require-
ments and other permit condi-
tions. Should a wind energy facili-
ty become inoperable, or should
any part of the wind energy facili-
ty be damaged, or should a wind
energy facility violate a permit
condition, the owner/operator
shall remedy the situation within
three (3) months after written no-
tice from the City of Waterloo.
Upon request of the owner or as-
signs, and for good cause, the City
Planner or designee may grant a
reasonable extension of time.
b. Notwithstanding any other
abatement provision, if the wind
energy facility is not repaired or
made operational or brought into
compliance after said notice, the
City Council may, after a public
meeting at which the operator or
owner shall be given opportunity
to be heard and present evidence,
including a plan to come into
compliance, (1) order either reme-
dial action within a specified
timeframe, or (2) order revocation
of the permit and require the re-
moval of the wind energy facility
within three (3) months. For large
wind energy facilities not removed
within the specified time period,
the City of Waterloo shall have the
right to use the irrevocable letter
of credit, bond, or cash escrow to
cover the costs associated with
removal of the large wind energy
facility.
c. Any wind energy facility that does
not meet the requirements of this
178
Ordinance, including, but not lim-
ited to those dealing with noise,
height, setback, or visual appear-
ance, or does not meet any condi-
tions attached to approval of the
wind energy facility, shall be
deemed an unlawful structure and
shall provide grounds for the rev-
ocation of the permit.
U. Urban Animal Hobby Farm (UAHF).
1. The UAHF regulations of this Section
shall in all cases govern specialized
animal farms and the keeping of farm
animals and livestock, except when on
a farm of at least 35 acres or in an "A-
1" Agricultural District. Notwith-
standing anything in Section 10-5-1(B)
to the contrary, any existing uses that
include farm animals, livestock or
specialized animal farms that do not
conform to the UAHF regulations
shall conform no later than January 1,
2018.
2. A UAHF shall be allowed within Wa-
terloo City limits on lots or parcels of
land as an accessory use to a principal
dwelling when the following re-
quirements are met:
a. Minimum fenced (confined) area
of 40,000 square feet or more for
large and intermediate sized ani-
mals such as cows, calves, sheep,
goats, llamas, emus, ostrich and
similar animals, excluding swine
(including pot belly pigs), camels
and exotic animals as determined
in the reasonable discretion of the
City Planner or designee.
b. Minimum fence (confined) area of
20,000 square feet or more for
small sized animals such as rab-
bits, mink, ferrets, chinchilla,
chicken, goose, pigeon, pheasant,
quail, duck and similar animals,
excluding rooster, guinea, falcon,
peacock, and exotic animals as de-
10-27-1 SPECIAL PROVISIONS, EXCEPTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS.
termined in the reasonable discre-
tion of the City Planner or design-
ee.
c. The UAHF owner resides on the
property.
d. Containing shelters for animals.
Lean-tos, tarps, car -ports and simi-
lar structures are prohibited. Fowl
must be kept in an enclosure or
fenced area at all times and se-
cured within a henhouse or "fowl -
tractor" type enclosure during
non -daylight hours.
e. Shelters must be roofed, predator -
resistant, ventilated, and easy to
access, clean and properly main-
tained, with water and food acces-
sible at all times.
f. Multiple -unit lots or parcels of
land in common ownership must
have approval for UAHF from all
occupants.
g. Density of a UAHF for large or in-
termediate sized animals, as de-
fined in subparagraph 2.a. above,
is set at 2 animals for the first
40,000 square feet and 1 additional
animal for each additional 20,000
square feet. A combination of
large or intermediate sized ani-
mals and small animals is allowed,
as long as it does not exceed the
total density allowed.
h. Density of a UAHF for small sized
animals, as defined in subpara-
graph 2.b. above, is set at 4 ani-
mals for the first 20,000 square feet
and 1 additional animal for each
additional 5,000 square feet. A
combination of large or intermedi-
ate sized animals and small ani-
mals is allowed, as long as it does
not exceed the total density al-
lowed.
179
i. The density of a UAHF is based
on the square footage within the
animals' confined (fenced) area
minus the square footage of any
structures within that same area
that are not devoted to the ani-
mals.
j. The confined area must be fenced
with approved material for a resi-
dential fence per the residential
fence regulations and in such a
way as to prohibit escape and be
properly maintained.
k. There shall be a 10 -foot setback of
the fenced (confined) area from
neighboring property lines for a
UAHF containing any large or in-
termediate sized animals, and said
fenced (confined) area for all
UAHF's shall not be located in a
front yard as defined herein.
3. All enclosures and fenced (confined)
areas must be kept in a clean, dry,
odor -free, neat and sanitary condi-
tions at all times, free of insects and
rodents, and all animal excrement
shall be properly disposed of and not
allowed to accumulate. All animals
shall have clean bedding. Odors from
animals, animal manure or other ani-
mal related substances shall not be
perceptible beyond the boundaries of
the UAHF property. All stored ma-
nure shall be covered by a fully en-
closed structure with a roof or lid, and
no more than four (4) cubic feet of
manure shall be stored on the UAHF
property. All other manure not used
for composting or fertilizing shall be
removed.
4. Animals born in a UAHF are allowed
to remain until 12 weeks old at which
time they must be removed unless
density limits allow them to remain.
5. No UAHF shall be operated so that
crowing, cackling, gobbling, bleating
CHAPTER 28
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
10-28-1 APPOINTMENT - MEMBERSHIP.
or other animal or fowl noises, etc.,
occur at a level that creates a nuisance
for adjacent properties.
6. The Board of Adjustment shall have
the authority to grant exceptions to
the requirements of this Subsection U.
Such request will require submittal of
a variance application, but the Board
is not required to apply all standards
for issuance of a variance when con-
sidering a variance request for a
UAHF, except for requests involving
regulation under Chapter 22 Flood -
way and Flood Plain Districts.
7. Beekeeping shall be allowed within
the Waterloo City limits on lots or
parcels of land as an accessory use to
a principal dwelling when the follow-
ing requirements are met:
a. Minimum lot size of 20,000 square
feet.
b. The beekeeper resides on the
property.
c. Density shall be set at two hives
(with only one swarm per hive)
for every 20,000 square feet of to-
tal lot size. No more than 6 hives
shall be permitted on a lot, unless
the lot is more than 35 acres and
primarily used for agricultural
purposes.
d. Hives shall not be located within
25 feet of any lot line, shall not ex-
ceed 20 cubic feet in volume, and a
constant supply of water shall be
provided for all hives to prevent
bees from congregating at other
sources of water on nearby prop-
erties. The water shall be main-
tained so as not to become stag-
nant.
e. Queens: In any instance in which a
colony exhibits unusually aggres-
sive characteristics by stinging or
attempting to sting without due
provocation, or exhibits an unusu-
al disposition towards swarming
outside the hive, it shall be the du-
ty of the beekeeper to re -queen the
colony. Queens shall be selected
from stock bred for gentleness and
nonswarming characteristics.
8. All UAHF's, excluding beekeep-
ing, shall be required to be ap-
proved by Special Permit by the
Board of Adjustment after rec-
ommendation of the Commission,
except when the UAHF owner
submits to the Planning Depart-
ment a consent petition which in-
dicates approval of the UAHF
signed by 100 percent of the abut-
ting property owners to the UAHF
property, and signed by 60 per-
cent of the property owners within
250 radial feet of the UAHF prop-
erty. Planning Staff shall have the
authority to determine if a petition
meets these requirements.
CHAPTER 28
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
180
10-28-1 APPOINTMENT —MEMBERSHIP.
A Board of Adjustment is hereby estab-
lished which shall consist of five (5) members
each appointed to a term of five (5) years.
Members shall be removable for cause by the
appointing authority by written charges and
after public hearing. Vacancies shall be filled
for the unexpired term of any member whose
term becomes vacant. [Ordinance 4074,
2/20/95] [Ordinance 4080, 3/13/95]
10-28-2 RULES —MEETINGS — GENERAL
PROCEDURE.
The Board shall adopt rules in accordance
with the provisions of this Ordinance. Meet-
ings of the Board shall be held at the call of
the chairman and at such other times as the
CITY OF WATERLOO
Council Communication
Sidewalk Ordinance Revision to City Code Section 7-1-6.
City Council Meeting: 6/19/2017
Prepared: 6/14/2017
REVIEWERS:
Department Reviewer Action Date
Water Works Felchle, Kelley Approved 6/14/2017 - 3:19 PM
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
o Sidewalk Ordinance Change Memo Backup Material
SUBJECT: Sidewalk Ordinance Revision to City Code Section 7-1-6.
Submitted by: Submitted By: David R. Zellhoefer, City Attorney
Recommended Action: Approval.
Summary Statement:
Expenditure Required:
Source of Funds:
Policy Issue:
Alternative:
Background Information:
The City needs to revise section City of Waterloo City Code section 7-1-6
regarding a property owner's obligation to maintain the right of way,
including sidewalks. This is due to a recent Iowa Supreme Court case,
Madden v. City of Iowa City, 848 NW2d 40 (Iowa 2014). The Supreme
Court was clear that "in order to establish liability, the Ordinance must
expressly make an abutting landowner liable for damages occasioned by the
defective condition of sidewalks."
MEMORANDUM
TO: Kelley Felchle, City Clerk
FROM: Dave Zellhoefer, Waterloo City Attorney
RE: Sidewalk Ordinance Revision
DATE: June 14, 2017
The City needs to revise City Ordinance 7-1-6 regarding a property owner's
obligation to maintain the right of way, including sidewalks. Presently our
Ordinance reads as follows:
PROPERTY OWNERS TO MAINTAIN RIGHTS OF WAY:
The abutting property owner shall be required to maintain all public rights
of way between the property line and the edge of roadway or curbline upon the
public streets. This shall include, but not be limited to, sidewalk maintenance and
repair, keeping the ground at a level grade with the street, keeping the area free of
holes, fences, litter, debris, all loose materials and all other obstructions, except
the abutting property owner is not required to remove diseased trees or dead
wood. (Rev. Ord. 1783, Comp. 1941, p. S-25; amd. Ord. 3626, 3-13-1989; Ord.
3649, 6-5-1989).
We need to add a sentence at the end of the Ordinance, stating the
following:
The abutting property owner may be liable for damages caused by failure
to maintain the sidewalk and right of way.
This is all being done as a result of a recent Iowa Supreme Court case, entitled
Madden v. City of Iowa City, 848 NW2d 40 (Iowa 2014). The Supreme Court
was quite clear that "in order to establish liability, the Ordinance must expressly
make an abutting landowner liable for damages occasioned by the defective
condition of sidewalks." This is a step that virtually all municipalities in the State
of Iowa are taking, and we are just joining the fray as a result of the recent Iowa
Supreme Court decision.