ZONING REGULATIONS CITY OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARKANSAS. Most recent update UPDATE Prepared for:

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1 ZONING REGULATIONS CITY OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARKANSAS Most recent update UPDATE Prepared for: CITY OF PRAIRIE GROVE Andrew Bain, Mayor Larry Oelrich, Director of Public Works Prepared by: HULL & COMPANY Craig F. Hull, AICP Fayetteville, Arkansas

2 CITY OF PRAIRIE GROVE ZONING ORDINANCE - TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 TITLE Authority Administration Purpose Nature and Application ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS The Official Zoning Map Interpretation of District Boundaries Use Area, Zones or Districts Compliance with City Ordinances Application of Zoning District Regulations Building Groups DEFINITIONS General Accessory Building or Use Alley Apartment Appurtenance Automobile Junk or Salvage Yard Basement Bed & Breakfast Inn Board of Adjustment Boarding or Lodging Home Building Block Front Building Coverage Building, Height of Building, Main or Principal Cellar Child Care Center City Council Clinic, Dental or Medical Conditional Use Country Club Court Coverage, Lot or Site Day Care Family Home Distance between Structure Discontinuance of a Nonconforming Use of Land, or Sign... 16

3 3.26 District, Zoning Drive-in Commercial Uses Dwelling Dwelling, Attached Dwelling, Detached Dwelling, Single-Family Dwelling, Two-Family Dwelling, Multiple-Family Dwelling, Rear Dwelling Dwelling, Townhouse or Row House Dwelling Unit Family FEMA Floor Area Garage, Private Garage, Public or Repair Gasoline or Service Station Hardship Home Occupation Hospital Hotel Institution Kennel, Commercial Land Development Plan Lot Area Lot, Back-up or Through Lot, Corner Lot Depth Lot, Interior Lot Line Lot Line, Front Lot Line, Rear Lot Line, Side Lot Width Lot, Zoning Manufactured Home Master Street Plan Mobile Home Mobile Home Park Nonconforming Use Nursing Home Open Space Open Use of Land... 24

4 3.69 Parking Lot Parking Space Planning Commission Planning Jurisdiction Principal Use Profession Professional Office Public Utility Salvage Yard Setback Sign Sign Area Signs, Accessory Signs, Advertising Sign, Bulletin Sign, Business Sign, Identification Story Street Structure Structural Alterations Variance Yard Yard, Front Yard, Rear Yard, Side Zero Lot Line ZONING DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED Residential Districts Commercial Districts Residential District Regulations Area Requirements-Residential Buildings Area Requirements-Places of Public Assembly Constructed or Established after Effective Date of these regulations on a New Site Commercial Districts Permitted Uses Commercial Signs Commercial Development Guidelines Setbacks for Displays INDUSTRIAL USE DISTRICTS Industrial Use Districts Permitted Uses Conditional Uses Permitted M Zone Area and Bulk Regulations... 45

5 5.5 Approval of Industrial Uses by Planning Commission AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT Permitted Uses Uses Not Permitted Area and Bulk Regulations ANNEXED AREA COMPLETION NONCONFORMING Definitions A Nonconforming Use of Land A Nonconforming Use of a Structure A Nonconforming Structure OCCUPATIONS PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES USED FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT LOT AREA AREA NOT TO BE DIMINISHED VISIBILITY AT INTERSECTIONS-VISION CLEARANCE Views Not Obstructed At Corners Foliage Higher than Six Feet not Affected Thirty Days Notice Required City May Remove Obstructions and Bill Owner BILLBOARDS AND SIGNS Commercial Signs Billboards MANUFACTURED HOMES, MOBILE HOMES AND MOBILE HOME PARKS Manufactured Homes Mobile Home Parks Mobile Homes CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS Permit Required Application Public Hearing and Notice Conditions for Issuance of Permit Fee Revocation of Permit for Non-compliance Penalty for Violation BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT ORGANIZATIONS Board Consists of Same Persons as Planning Commission Appointments Meetings Quorum Seven Days Notice Required for Meetings... 57

6 17.6 Members Removed for Non-participation APPEALS VARIANCES Variances Granted APPEAL FROM DECISION OF THE BOARD NOTICE AND FEE REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMITS, APPEALS AND VARIANCES Fees for the Various Permits Variance Applicants and Appellants Pay for Public Notices Filing Fee Required AMENDMENTS Amendments in Accordance with State Statutes Amendments to the Text Change in District Boundary Notice Hearing and Approval Rezoning Requests Limited Rezoning Applicants Pay for Public Notices ENFORCEMENT City Inspector or Other City Staff Responsible No Structural Improvements without Permit Building Permit Application Certification of Occupancy and Compliance Required for Use Inspection Required PENALTY FOR VIOLATION SEVERABILITY CLAUSE CONFLICTING PROVISIONS REPEALED... 64

7 SECTION 1. TITLE, AUTHORITY, ADMINISTRATION, PURPOSE, NATURE AND APPLICATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARKANSAS 1.0 TITLE This Ordinance shall be known as the "The Prairie Grove Zoning Ordinance" and may be cited as such. 1.1 AUTHORITY Act 186 of 1957, as amended by Act 128 of 1959, Act 36 of 1963, Act 134 of 1965, Act 138 of 1965, Act 66 of 1967, and Act 379 of 1969, of the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, empowers the City to engage in municipal planning, to adopt plans and ordinances to regulate land-use and development practices, and to provide for the administration, enforcement, and amendment thereof. 1.2 ADMINISTRATION The principal functions of each of the entities authorized to administer this Ordinance are as follows: (a) (b) The Board of Zoning Adjustment is authorized, in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance, to hear appeals from the decision of the administrative officers in respect to the enforcement and application of said ordinance; and may affirm or reverse, in whole or in part, said decision of the administrative officer. In addition, the Board of Adjustment is responsible for hearing requests for variances from the literal provisions of the Zoning Ordinance in instances where strict enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance would cause undue hardship due to circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration, and grant such variances only when it is demonstrated that such action will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. The Board of Zoning Adjustment may impose conditions in the granting of a variance to insure compliance and to protect adjacent property. The Planning Commission is authorized pursuant to the provisions of Act 186 of the Arkansas Acts of 1957, as amended, to secure the Page 7

8 benefits to the public of a coordinated, adjusted and harmonious development of the City of Prairie Grove, to promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity and general welfare of the citizens thereof and shall make recommendations on planning issues and report to the Mayor and City Council concerning the operation of the Commission and the status of planning within its jurisdiction. 1.3 PURPOSE The Zoning Regulations set forth herein are enacted to implement the land use portion of the Land Development Plan and the transportation elements of the Master Street Plan for the City of Prairie Grove and to promote, in accordance with present and future needs, the safety, order, convenience, prosperity, to insure the coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development and general welfare of the citizens of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and to provide for efficiency and economy in the process of development for the appropriate and best use of land, for the use and occupancy of buildings, for healthful and convenient distribution of population, for good civic design and arrangement, and for adequate public utilities and facilities. The City Planning Commission of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, having made a comprehensive study of present conditions and of the probably future growth of the City and its neighboring territory and having prepared and adopted a Land Development Plan, finds that these regulations carry out the intent of the Land Development Plan and promote, in accordance with present and future needs, the public safety, order, convenience, efficiency, and economy; allow for convenience in population distribution, good civic design, and arrangement; and insure adequate provisions for public utilities and other public improvements. 1.4 NATURE AND APPLICATION For the purposes herein before stated, the City has been divided into zone districts in which the regulations contained herein will govern lot coverage; the height, area, bulk, location, and size of buildings; open space, parking requirements, and the uses of land, buildings, and structures. In interpreting and applying the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare. Page 8

9 Except as hereinafter otherwise provided, no land shall be used and no building, structure, or improvement shall be made, erected, constructed, moved, altered, enlarged, or rebuilt which is designed, arranged, or intended to be used or maintained for any purpose or in any manner except in accordance with the requirements established in the district in which such land, building, structure, or improvement is located, and in accordance with the provisions of the sections contained herein relating to any or all districts. No proposed plat of any new subdivision of land shall hereafter be considered for approval by the City Planning Commission unless the lots within such plat equal or exceed the minimum size and area regulations specified in the applicable zoning district of the Ordinance. 2.0 ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS 2.1 The Official Zoning Map The City of Prairie Grove is hereby divided into zones or districts as shown on the Official Zoning Map, which (together with all explanatory matter thereon) is hereby declared to be a part of these regulations and which shall be the final authority for current zoning status of lands and buildings in the City of Prairie Grove. The Official Zoning Map shall be filed in the Office of the City Clerk where it shall be available to the public, and if, in accordance with the provisions of these regulations, changes shall be authorized in the district boundaries or any other lines portrayed on the map, such changes shall be made and certified by the City Clerk. 2.2 Interpretation of District Boundaries When uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of districts as shown on the Official Zoning Map, the following rules shall apply: District boundary lines are intended to be along or parallel to the center line of streets, alleys, railroads, easements, other rightsof-way, and creeks, streams, or other water channels. Page 9

10 2.2.2 District boundary lines are intended to be along or parallel to property lines or the lot lines of platted additions In the absence of specific distances, such dimensions shall be determined by the scale of the official map, or by supplemental filings with more precise legal descriptions of specific parcels When the street or property layout existing on the ground is at variance with that shown on the Official Zoning Map, the City Planning Commission shall interpret the district boundaries of these regulations. 2.3 Use Areas, Zones, or Districts Descriptions of districts and permitted uses therein shall be as designated by color, mark, or description on the Official Zoning Map as described in Compliance with City Ordinances Any uses in these zones shall comply with present or future legally adopted ordinances of the City of Prairie Grove, regulating the location and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, drainage structures, control of animals, signs, mobile homes, use, transportation and storage of explosives, inflammable liquids, environmental hazards; and nuisances. 2.5 Application of Zoning District Regulations The bulk and area regulations pertaining to each zoning district shall be applied uniformly within the zoning district except as may be varied by the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) The uses permitted or prohibited in each zoning district establish the character of the zoning district and shall include, but shall not be limited to, those uses enumerated as being permitted or prohibited within the respective zoning district When a use is proposed for a zoning district that is not explicitly permitted or prohibited within the zoning district, the Planning Page 10

11 Commission shall determine whether said use is compatible (i.e., in character with other uses in the district) and shall recommend to the City Council for authorization of said use to be established or disallowed. The Planning Commission shall decide each application on its merits, taking into consideration such factors as existing uses, access, location, major streets, plans, etc. The Planning Commission and City Council may impose conditions under which a use may be permitted in order to insure compatibility. The finding of a use to be compatible in one location does not imply that the same use is compatible at another location, even within the same zoning district No building or structure or part thereof shall hereafter be erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, or structurally altered unless in conformity with all of the regulations herein specified for the zoning district in which it is located. 2.6 Building Groups Plans for all building groups shall be submitted to the Planning Commission for approval to insure that such building groups shall conform to the character of the district. Requirements of these regulations may be waived at the discretion if the Planning Commission where such waiver does not nullify the intent of the regulations and where waiver will facilitate a more desirable design for building groups. Such waiver must be approved by a majority of the members of the Planning Commission and the reasons therefor entered into the minutes of the meeting. Page 11

12 3.0 DEFINITIONS GENERAL Unless the context otherwise requires the following definitions shall be used in the interpretation and construction of this Ordinance; words used in the present tense include the future; the singular number includes the plural, and the plural includes the singular; the word "building" includes the word "structure"; and the word "used" includes arranged, designed, converted, constructed, altered, rented, leased, or intended to be used; the word "shall" is mandatory and not directive; and the word "person" includes a firm, partnership, or corporation as well as an individual. 3.1 Accessory Building or Use A subordinate structure located on the same lot with the main structure, (except in the case of off-street parking space) or a subordinate use of land, either of which is customarily incidental to the main structure or the principal use of the land. Storage buildings, garages and carports, hobby shops and similar facilities, either portable or affixed to a permanent foundation, are examples of accessory buildings. Where a substantial part of the wall of the accessory structure is a part of the wall of the main building or where an accessory structure is attached to the main building in a substantial manner, as by a roof, such accessory structure shall be counted as a part of the main structure. An accessory use includes, but is not limited to the following: Keeping of domestic animals for personal enjoyment or household use, but not including a commercial stable or kennel Domestic or agricultural storage Home occupation (See definition in this Section.) Incinerator or compost shed incidental to a principal use Storage of merchandise normally carried in stock in connection with a commercial or manufacturing use Accessory signs. Page 12

13 3.2 Alley A minor public way used for utility easements and vehicular services access to the back or side of properties abutting a street. 3.2 Apartment A multiple family dwelling (See "Dwelling, Multiple"). 3.4 Appurtenance An improvement, excluding accessory buildings, detached from the principal structure and located on the same lot. Examples include: TV satellite dishes, swimming pool, and ham radio transmitter tower. 3.5 Automobile Junk or Salvage Yard An area outside of a building where motor vehicles are disassembled, dismantled, junked, or "wrecked", or where motor vehicles not in operable condition or used parts or motor vehicles are stored. 3.6 Basement A story whose floor is more than one (1) foot, but not more than one-half (1/2) of its story height below the average level of the adjoining ground (as distinguished from a cellar, which is used as a dwelling, shall be counted as a story for purposes of height measurements and as a half story for purposes of side yard determination). 3.7 Bed & Breakfast Inn A use (1) that takes place within a building that was designed and used as a single family detached dwelling, (2) that consists of a single dwelling unit together with the rental of one or more rooms on a daily or weekly basis to tourists, vacationers, or similar transients, (3) where provision of meals, is provided at all, is limited to the breakfast meal, and (4) where the bed and breakfast operation is conducted primarily by persons who reside within the dwelling unit, with the assistance of not more than the equivalent of one full-time employee. Page 13

14 3.8 Board of Adjustment The Board of Adjustment of the City of Prairie Grove is the Planning Commission, as appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. 3.9 Boarding or Lodging Home A dwelling or part thereof where meals and/or lodging are provided for compensation for two (2) or more persons, not transients Building Any structure including a roof supported by walls, designed, or intended for the support, enclosure, shelter, or protection of persons, animals, chattels, or property and forming a construction that is safe and stable; the word building shall include the word structure Block Front All of the property on one side of the street between two (2) intersecting streets or between and intersecting street and the dead end of a street Building Coverage The percentage of the lot area covered by the building. The building area shall include all overhanging roofs Building, Height of The vertical distance measured from the average elevation of the finished grade at the front of the building to the highest point of the structure, exclusive of chimneys, ventilators, or other extension above the roof line that are not intended for occupancy or internal usage by persons. Page 14

15 3.14 Building, Main or Principal Zoning Ordinance--City of Prairie Grove, Arkansas A building in which is conducted or intended to be conducted, the main or principal use of the lot on which said building is located Cellar A story the floor of which is more than one-half (1/2) of its story height below the average contact ground level at the exterior walls of the buildings Child Care Center Any place, home, or institution which receives five (5) or more children under the age of sixteen (16) years, and not of common parentage, for care apart from their natural parents, legal guardians, or custodians, which received for regular periods of time for compensation; provided, however, this definition shall not include public and private schools organized, operated, or approved under the laws of this State, custody of children fixed by a court of competent jurisdiction, children related by blood or marriage within the third degree of the custodial persons, or to churches or other religious or public institutions caring for children within the institutional building while their parents or legal guardians are attending services or meetings or classes or engaged in church activities City Council The legislative body of the City of Prairie Grove, Arkansas Clinic, Dental or Medical A facility for the examination and treatment of ill and afflicted human out-patients; provided, however, that patients are not kept overnight except under emergency conditions Conditional Use A conditional use is a use allowed in a designated zoning district only upon the owner/developer's compliance with various special conditions imposed by the Planning Commission. Special conditions such as site improvements, buffers, Page 15

16 ingress and egress controls, number of occupants or employees, hours or days of operation, control of light and noise may be required to enable a proposed land use to function with minimal conflicts on neighboring properties and implement the policies of the Land Development Plan Condominiums: A multiple unit land development in which there is a system of separate ownership of individual units of occupancy and undivided interest of land and common facilities Country Club A chartered, non-profit membership club catering primarily to its membership, providing one or more of the following recreational and social activities: golf, tennis, swimming, riding, outdoor recreation, club house, locker room, and pro shop Court An open, unoccupied, and unobstructed space, other than a yard, on the same lot with a building or group of buildings Coverage, Lot or Site The percentage of the lot or site area permitted to be covered by a building or buildings Day Care Family Home A child care center as defined in Section 3.16 that provides care for between five (5) and ten (10) children Distance between Structures The shortest horizontal distance measured between the outside walls of two structures Discontinuance of a Nonconforming Use of Land, or Sign Page 16

17 Discontinuance of a nonconforming use of land or sign shall mean the discontinuance of the activity and removal of all nonconforming above-surface improvements, equipment, signs, goods, and materials. The requirement of removal shall not apply to the contents of a dump District, Zoning Any section, sections, or divisions of the City for which the regulations governing the use of land density, bulk, height, and coverage of buildings and other structures are uniform Drive-In Commercial Uses Any retail commercial use providing considerable off-street parking and catering primarily to vehicular trade such as drive-in restaurants, drive-in theaters, and similar uses Dwelling Any building, or portion thereof, which is designed or used as living quarters for one or more families, but not including house trailers, mobile homes, or travel trailers Dwelling, Attached A dwelling having any portion of one or more walls in common with adjoining dwellings Dwelling, Detached A dwelling having open space on all sides Dwelling, Single-Family A dwelling designed to be occupied by one family Dwelling, Two-Family Page 17

18 A dwelling designed to be occupied by two families living independently of each other Dwelling, Multiple-Family A dwelling designed for occupancy by three (3) or more families living independently of each other, exclusive of auto or trailer courts or camps, motels, hotels, or inns Dwelling, Rear Dwelling Any structure (whether movable or immovable) which is designed primarily for use for residential purposes and which is located or proposed to be located behind and on the same lot or parcel as an existing residential structure and which is not connected by a common wall Duplex, Townhouse or Row House Two (2) or more dwelling units attached at the side or sides, each unit of which has separate outdoor entrance. Townhouses and/or condominiums typically are: Attached residential units that share common walls, but where individual owners own the unit and the property adjoining that unit Dwelling Unit A room or group of rooms within a dwelling and forming a single habitable unit with facilities for living, sleeping, and cooking Family One or more persons related by blood or marriage, including adopted children, or a group or not to exceed four (4) persons not all related by blood or marriage, occupying premises and living as a single, non-profit housekeeping unit, as distinguished from a group occupying a boarding or lodging house, hotel, club, or similar dwelling for group use. A family may include domestic servants employed by said family. Page 18

19 3.39 FEMA The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal agency that issues flood plain maps for flood insurance purposes Floor Area The sum of the gross horizontal areas of all of the floors of a building or buildings measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls of from the center line of walls separating two buildings Garage, Private An accessory building or a part of a main building used for storage purposes only, designed for automobiles used solely by the occupants and their guests of the building to which it is necessary. Garage, Public or Repair A building in which are provide facilities for the care, servicing, repair, or equipping of automobiles Gasoline or Service Station Any building, structure, or land used primarily for the dispensing, sale of fuels, oils, accessories, or minor maintenance and repair services but not including painting, major repairs, or automatic washing facilities Hardship Special and unique circumstances affecting a particular lot or parcel of land, including; extreme slopes, wetlands and springs, natural and cultural resources that should not be developed or altered, irregular lot size or shape not caused by the owner. The normal and usual financial requirements necessary for quality development as encountered by the owner or developer are not considered hardships Home Occupation Page 19

20 A use conducted entirely within an enclosed dwelling which is clearly incidental and secondary to residential occupancy and does not change the character thereof. Specifically excluded is any activity involving building alterations, window display, construction features, equipment, machinery or outdoor storage, any of which is visible from off the lot on which located. Any occupation or profession carried on only by the inhabitants and which is conducted entirely within the main or accessory building; provided that no trading in merchandise is carried on and in connection with which there is no display of merchandise or sign other than one (1) nonilluminated accessory identification sign, not more than two (2) square feet in area attached to the main or accessory building. No mechanical equipment is used or activity is conducted which creates any noise, dust, odor, or electrical disturbance beyond the confines of the lot on which said occupation is conducted. The term "Home Occupation" may include the following uses, provided they meet the provisions set forth in Section 3.44: Custom dressmaking, millinery, tailoring, sewing of fabrics for custom apparel and custom home furnishings Fabrication and/or assembly of handicraft articles, not involving heating, refining, chemical, or similar processes Foster family care (not more than four (4) children at one time unless they are members of the same family) Laundering or pressing Professional office Rooming or boarding of not more than one (1) person Teaching or tutoring, limited to one (1) pupil at a time Beauty or Barber Shop, provided: (a) Conducted in main building only, Page 20

21 (b) (c) Diagram of the home, with the location of the shop indicated, is submitted and approved by the Planning Commission, and Two (2) off-street parking spaces are provided in addition to the normal residential parking, with a minimum of three (3) offstreet parking spaces. The term "Home Occupation" shall not be interpreted to include any of the following uses: commercial kennel or stable, sales to customers on the premises, veterinary surgeon, commercial repair of automobiles, appliances, or similar items Hospital An institution providing health services primarily for human inpatient or medical or surgical care for the sick or injured, and including related facilities such as laboratories, out-patient departments, training facilities, central service facilities, and staff offices which are an integral part of the facilities Hotel A building of part thereof occupied as a more or less temporary abiding place for individuals in which the rooms are usually occupied singularly for hire and in which rooms provisions for cooking are generally not made, and in which building there is usually a kitchen and public dining room for the accommodation of the occupants and guests. This definition does not include an auto or trailer court or camp, sanitarium, hospital, asylum, orphanage, or building where persons are housed under restraint Institution An establishment providing for resident and/or aid to persons for charitable, educational, therapeutic, corrective, or religious purposes Kennel, Commercial A place where five (5) or more dogs, ten (10) weeks in age or older, are kept Land Development Plan Page 21

22 The Land Development Plan consists of a written text and supporting maps that state the existing conditions in the community and future development patterns and practices that will promote orderly growth. The policies adopted in the Land Development Plan are the guiding concepts used by the Planning Commission and City Council in the administration of the Zoning Ordinance Lot Area The product of the width multiplied by the length of a zoning lot, or the generally accepted geometrical calculation for irregularly shaped lots Lot, Back-up or Through An interior lot whose rear line abuts on a thoroughfare other than an alley Lot, Corner A lot located at the intersection of and abutting two (2) or more streets Lot Depth The mean horizontal distance between the front lot line and rear lot line of a zoning lot Lot, Interior Any zoning lot which is not a corner lot Lot Line A boundary of a zoning lot Lot Line, Front The street line at the front of a zoning lot. The owner, for the purpose of this Ordinance shall have the privilege of selecting any street lot line as the front lot line Lot Line, Rear Page 22

23 The lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line Lot Line, Side A lot line which is not a front lot line or a rear lot line Lot Width The mean horizontal distance between the side lot lines of a zoning lot Lot, Zoning A piece, parcel, or tract of land which is located within a single block fronting on an improved and accepted public street, and is occupied or utilized, or designated to be occupied, developed, or utilized as a unit under single ownership or control for a principal use and uses accessory thereto, together with such open spaces as are required by the Ordinance Manufactured Home A dwelling unit constructed in a factory in accordance with the federal standards and meeting the definitions set forth in the federal standards and under Federal Standards, being, the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, 24 CFR part 3280, promulgated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development under the authority of 42 U.S.C et seq., as it existed on January 1, Master Street Plan The Master Street Plan consists of a written text and supporting map (s) that sets forth the minimum standards for street design and construction and indicate the functional classification of existing and proposed roadways within the City of Prairie Grove's Planning Jurisdiction Mobile Home A dwelling constructed in a factory before the enactment of federal standards as defined in Page 23

24 3.64 Mobile Home Park Any lot or plot of ground upon which two or more mobile homes, occupied for dwelling or sleeping purposes, are located, regardless of whether or not a charge is made for such accommodation, but excluding any lot upon which a single mobile home is permitted by the Planning Commission Nonconforming Use Any lawful use of a building, structure, or land which does not conform to the applicable use regulations for the district in which it is located, either at the effective date of this Ordinance or as a result of a subsequent amendment thereto. No existing principal use shall be deemed nonconforming because of lack of required off-street parking or loading space Nursing Home Any premises where more than three (3) unrelated persons are lodged and furnished with meals and nursing care Open Space Area in any side, rear, or front yard or any other unoccupied space on a lot that is open and unobstructed to the sky except for ordinary projection of cornices, eaves, or porches Open Use of Land A use which does not involve improvements other than grading, drainage, fencing, surfacing, signs, utilities, or accessory structures. Open uses of land involve, but not limited to, auto wrecking yards, junk or salvage yards, dumps, sales yards, storage yards, and race tracks Parking Lot Page 24

25 An off-street facility including parking spaces and drives and aisles for maneuvering, and providing access and for entrance and exit, developed in a way to accommodate the parking of automobiles Parking Space An off-street space available for the parking of one (1) motor vehicle and having an area of not less than one hundred eighty (180) square feet exclusive of passageways and driveways, and having direct access to a street or alley. It shall measure not less than 9' x 20' Planning Commission The City Planning Commission, City of Prairie Grove, Arkansas Planning Jurisdiction The Planning Jurisdiction of the City of Prairie Grove is that area indicated on an officially adopted map that includes the corporate limits of the City and those areas beyond the corporate limits up to a distance of five miles, where the City Council and Planning Commission have determined that the community will eventually grow and develop. Zoning jurisdiction is limited to the corporate boundaries. Subdivision regulations may be enforced outside the corporate limits through cooperation with officials of the Washington County Planning Board and County Road Department Principal Use The specific primary purpose for which land, building, or structure is used or intended to be used Profession A vocation requiring specialized knowledge and skills in some department of learning or science. The following criteria must be met to be considered a profession under this ordinance: Page 25

26 1. Graduate of a recognized College or University. 2. A Profession Licensed by the State of Arkansas Professional Office An office in which no activity is carried on catering to retail trade with the general public and no stock of goods is maintained for sales to customers. Page 26

27 3.76 Public Utility Any person, firm, corporation, municipal department, board or commission, duly authorized to furnish and furnishing to the public, electricity, gas, television cable, telecommunications, transportation, drainage, water, or sanitary sewage Salvage Yard Any land or area used, in whole or in part, for commercial storage and/or sale of scrap iron and metals for remelting purposes, and other related items such as hides, automobile and truck bodies and engines, batteries, waste paper, rags, and other scrap which is not to be sold for purpose for which it was originally intended Setback The minimum allowable horizontal distance from a given point or line of reference, such as a thoroughfare right-of-way, to the nearest vertical wall or a building or structure. Eaves and roof overhangs are included in the measurement Sign A sign is any structure or part thereof, or any device attached to, painted on, or represented on a building or other structure, upon which is displayed or included any letter, work model, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, decoration, device, or representation used as, or which is in the nature of an announcement, direction, device, or representation used as, or which is in the nature of an announcement, direction, advertisement, or other attention getting device. A sign shall not include a similar structure or device located within a building except for illuminated signs within show windows. A sign includes any billboard, but does not include the flag, pennant, or insignia of any state, city, or other political unit, or any political, charitable, educational, philanthropic, civic, professional, religious, or like campaign, drive, movement, or event Sign Area The area within a line including the outer extremities of all letters, figures, characters, and delineations, or within a line including the outer extremities of the framework or background of the sign, whichever line includes the larger area. The support for the Page 27

28 sign background, whether is be columns, a pylon, or a building or part thereof, shall not be included in the sign area Signs, Accessory A sign that is incidental to the principal use of the structure or land on the lot on which the sign is located Sign, Advertising A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, or service which is entirely or primarily conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than upon the lot on which the sign is located Sign, Bulletin An accessory board or sign erected by a church, school, community center, public agency, or institution on its own premises for announcement purposes Sign, Business An accessory sign which directs attention to a profession, business, commodity, or service conducted, sold, or offered on the same zoning lot Sign, Identification An accessory sign whose content is limited to the name and/or occupation of the occupant of the premises Story That portion of a building, other than a basement, included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it or, if there is no floor above it, the space between the floor and ceiling next above it. A half story is a partial story under a gable, hip, or gambrel roof, the wall plates of which on at least two (2) opposite exterior walls are not more than four (4) feet above the floor of each story Street Page 28

29 Any public or private thoroughfare which affords the principal means of access to abutting property Structure Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires a fixed location on the ground or attached to something having a fixed location on the ground Structural Alterations Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls or partitions, columns, beams, or girders, or any substantial change in the roof or in the exterior walls Variance A deviation from these regulations that requires approval of the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment, City Council or City staff to be legal. Variances shall be granted only when a clear demonstration of a Hardship, as defined herein is presented by the applicant Yard An open space on the same lot with a building unobstructed from the ground upward and measured as the minimum horizontal distance between the lot line and the main building Yard, Front A yard extending across the front of a lot between the side yard lines, and being the minimum horizontal distance between the street line and the main building or any projections thereof other than terraces, or uncovered porches. On corner lots the front yard shall be consider as parallel to the street upon which the lot has its least dimension. Page 29

30 3.93 Yard, Rear A yard extending across the rear of the lot between the side lot lines and measured between the rear lot line in the rear of the main building or any projection other than steps, unenclosed porches, or entrance ways Yard, Side A yard existing between the main building and the side line of the lot, and extending from the front lot line to the rear yard, and being the minimum horizontal distance between a side lot line and the side of the main building or any projection thereof Zero Lot Line A residential development that has no side yard and where a common wall exists or anticipated between dwellings that are located on the property line. END OF DEFINITIONS Page 30

31 4.0 ZONING DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED 4.1 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS Zoning Ordinance--City of Prairie Grove, Arkansas The residential zoning districts are intended as areas of residence with related uses for such things as churches, schools, home occupations, select low intensity professional uses and recreational facilities allowed only by conditional use permit to insure protection of the residential uses Residential zoning district A-1(agricultural) is a zone where agricultural and low density residential uses can co-exist and as an area of transition on the urban fringe that is anticipated to develop into urban uses in the future Residential zoning district R-1 is a zone of low density for single family detached dwellings and is an area protected from all commercial and industrial uses. Typically associated with large lot of one fifth acre per dwelling unit or larger Residential District R-1.5 is a zone of medium density for single family dwellings on smaller lots than those in R Residential District R1.75 is a zone of high density for single family dwellings on small lots Effective September 1, 2008, the following sub-zones will be available for use in addition to the existing R-1, R-1.5, & R- 1.75zones: R-1/12, R-1/14, R-1/16, R-1/18, R-1/20, R-1.5/12, R- 1/14, R-1.5/16, R-1.5/18, R-1.75/12, R-1.75/14, R-1.75/16. All standards applicable to residential zones R-1, R-1.5, & R-1.75 shall apply to these sub-zones, with the exception of the minimum size, heated space found at table a Residential zoning district R-2 is of higher density than R-1 and R-1.5 permitting single family and duplex structures on relatively small lot areas. Page 31

32 4.1.5 Residential zoning district R-3 is reserved for high density single family, single family attached and multi-family residential developments designed to provide innovative and alternative housing. The R-3 district is intended to allow and encourage affordable housing through use of zero lot lines, mixed single family and multifamily dwellings, manufactured home subdivisions and energy efficient community development. Compliance with the City of Prairie Grove Subdivision Regulations may be a condition of approval for an R-3 rezoning COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS Commercial Zoning Districts are intended for the conducting of business and the providing of services Central Business District (CBD) is the designation for the historic retail center of the community, as defined on the zoning map. A variety of retail, wholesale, professional and governmental functions have developed in the CBD over the past one hundred plus years. The intent of the CBD District regulations is to encourage a diversity of uses that sustain the historic character of downtown Prairie Grove. Mixed use developments are allowed such as commercial use on street level with apartment dwellings located upstairs General Commercial Use District B-1 is the designation for all types of retail centers for "shopping goods", commercial sales and service, equipment sales, and also for banking, offices, commercial recreation, and restaurants for the City and region Quiet Business Use District B-2 is to provide locations for the conduct of retail trade and personal-service enterprises to meet the regular needs of, and for the convenience of, people in adjacent residential areas. The types of uses authorized in this District are limited to those that serve the everyday need of the household. Page 32

33 4.2.4 Office Use District O-1 is intended to differentiate office uses with minimal customer traffic from traditional retail and high traffic service business uses. Office uses qualifying for inclusion in this district are those enterprises that conduct a large portion of their business over the telephone, mails or computer network and whose employees and equipment require little external traffic and minimal inbound or outbound freight Office Use District O-2 is intended to handle heavier traffic than O-1 uses. Commercial offices such as doctors, dentists, chiropractors, real estate title companies, etc. with frequent visitors. 4.3 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT REGULATIONS Uses Allowed: ("P" indicates the use is permitted. "C" indicates the use is permitted only by issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. "N" indicates the use is prohibited.) A-1 R-1 R-1.5 R-1.75R-2 R-3 a. Single-family structure P P P P P P b. two/three-family structure N N N N P P c. Multi-family (>3) structure N N N N N P d. Manufactured Home C N N N P P e. Mobile Home C N N N N N f. Churches and recreational bldg. C C C C C P g. Public parks, playgrounds, recreational buildings P C C C C C h. Private playgrounds & swimming P C C C C C i. Hospitals and nursing homes C N C C C C j. Libraries, museums (public) C C C C C C k. Home occupations C C C C P2/ P l. Public and private schools, and kindergartens C C C C C C Page 33

34 m. Child care center C C C C C C n. Day care family home C C C C C C o. Clubs, lodges, etc. C N C C C C p. Golf courses, except commercial miniature golf C C C C C C q. Public utility sub & pump station P3/ P3/ P3/ P P3/ P3/ r. Bed & Breakfast Inns C C C C C C s. Compatible accessory buildings P P P P P P t. Dog Kennel/or similar animal C N N N N N breeding operation 1/ See Section 16.0 of this Regulation. 2/ See Section 11.0 of this Regulation. 3/ This use permitted if housed in buildings that harmonize with the character of the neighborhood and having adequate fences and other safety devices. Refer also to Section / Accessory Structures & Uses shall be subject to the applicable use conditions set forth in the zoning district within which they fall and to the following general conditions: (1) Located on the rear two thirds (2/3) of the lot. (2) Buildings greater than two hundred (200) square feet shall be located at least ten (10) feet from any existing dwelling or dwelling under construction. This separation shall be a minimum of eight feet (8') for smaller structures. (3) Located at least eight feet (8') from any interior lot line but shall not infringe on any easement or right-of-way. (4) If on a corner lot, shall not project in front of the front building line required on any adjacent lot, nor closer than thirty feet (30') from the street line from which vehicular access is gained. (5) No portable buildings exceeding a hundred sixty square feet (160 SF) are allowed. 4.4 Area Requirements - Residential Buildings (N/A = requirements not applicable.) A-1 R-1 R-1.5 R1.75 R-2 R-3 Minimum lot area (in square feet).. Page 34

35 a. Single-family 40,000 10,000 7,500 5, N/A b. Two-family dwelling N/A N/A N/A N/A 6, c. (1) Multi-family dwelling N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,800/unit Minimum Yard, Single family (in feet). No minimums for R-3. a. Front b. Side (minimum) c. Side (street) d. Rear Note: Portable accessory buildings meeting the size requirements hereinabove may encroach into the setback lines in all residential districts, subject to property owners agreement to move said structure at their own expense to allow utility easement access Minimum Yard, Two-family (in feet). R-2 & R-3 Duplex Only a. Front 25 b. Side (each, minimum) 5 c. Side (street) 25 d. Rear (from property line) 10 e. exemption for townhouses; where a townhouse has a common wall shared by two units the lot line may be zero feet parallel with and abutting that common line. The townhouse shall be centered on that common lot line. (2006) Minimum Yard, Multi-family (in feet). R-3 Only a. Front 25 b. Side (each, minimum) 10 c. Side (street) 25 d. Rear (from property line) Page 35

36 Minimum lot width (at front building line in feet).. A-1 & R-1 R1.5 R1.75 R-2 R-3 a. Single-family dwelling None b. Two-family dwelling N/A N/A N/A 50 None c. (1) Multi-family dwelling (2) Additional width for each 30 dwelling unit over 3 d. exemption for townhouse construction; where a townhouse is located on two lots with a common lot line parallel to a common wall, the minimum lot width shall be not less than 40 per unit in the structure. (2006) Off Street parking (spaces per dwelling unit). A-1 & R-1 R1.5 R1.75 R-2 R-3 a. Single-family b. Two-family N/A N/A N/A N/A 2 2 c. Multi-family N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Maximum height. Fire Dept Approval for R-3 over 60'. a. (1) Feet above mean surface elevation / 4/ All structures more than two (2) stories in height or thirty-five (35) feet measured from the foundation to the highest part of the roof line shall be required to increase the side yard by one (1) foot for every additional foot of height. Sprinkler systems & Fire Department approval required Permitted Signs (square feet) See also PG a. Private use (advertise sale or rent of premises) 6 6 b. Community use (e.g. church, lodge, hospital) N/A 12 c. Commercial use (advertisement, Page 36