Chapter 18.53
RM-8-D RESIDENTIAL ZONE

Sections:

18.53.010    Purpose.

18.53.020    Permitted uses.

18.53.030    Conditional uses.

18.53.040    Permitted accessory uses.

18.53.050    Area requirements.

18.53.060    Private yard requirements.

18.53.070    Design standards.

18.53.080    Setback requirements.

18.53.090    Square footage of dwelling units.

18.53.100    Building height.

18.53.110    Multi-unit development standards.

18.53.120    Parking and access.

18.53.130    Trash storage.

18.53.140    Vehicle storage.

18.53.150    Standards for open space.

18.53.160    Fencing.

18.53.170    Swimming pools.

18.53.180    Individual dwelling lot standards.

18.53.010 Purpose.

To provide areas of medium residential density with the opportunity for varied housing styles within the downtown area, with a maximum density of eight dwelling units per gross acre. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.020 Permitted uses.

(1) Condos or townhomes (attached or detached).

(2) Residential planned developments.

(3) Parks and open spaces (public).

(4) Household pets (two maximum). [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.030 Conditional uses.

(1) Public and quasi-public buildings and uses.

(2) Independent senior citizen housing.

(3) Other compatible uses, not elsewhere specified, approved by the city council after recommendation by the planning commission. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.040 Permitted accessory uses.

(1) Accessory Buildings. Garage, shed, and any building on a foundation (maximum one story or 15 feet).

(2) Accessory Structures. Pools and jacuzzis, subject to this chapter.

(3) Recreation Facilities. Basketball courts, tennis courts, and similar structures. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.050 Area requirements.

(1) Area. Each application pursuant to this chapter must be for a parcel or parcels within the downtown area, as defined in Figure 1 attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter.

(2) Parcel Size. Each application pursuant to this chapter shall be for a site of not less than two acres.

(3) Percent Open Space. Each development in the RM-8-D zone shall have a minimum of 25 percent of the site reserved for common open space. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.060 Private yard requirements.

A minimum of 500 square feet of private yard space per unit shall be required in the RM-8-D zone. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.070 Design standards.

The treatment of buildings, materials and exterior appurtenances shall create an aesthetically pleasing site that is compatible with structures in the immediate area. Exterior materials for all buildings in the RM-8-D zone shall include brick, stucco, stone, or other decorative masonry products including fiber-cement siding as approved by the city council upon recommendation from the planning commission. A minimum of 25 percent of the exterior shall be brick or stone. Vinyl and wood siding are not permitted. However, shake shingles may be permitted as an accent material as approved. All sides of dwellings shall receive equal design consideration, particularly where they may be readily viewed by pedestrians and motorists, or from adjacent properties. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.080 Setback requirements.

(1) Front Yard Setback. The minimum setback shall be 20 feet from the top back of curb which abuts an internal public or private driveway or road if no sidewalk exists, or 20 feet from back of sidewalk if a sidewalk is installed.

(2) Side Yard Setback. All buildings shall have a setback of 10 feet between detached buildings. Where a side yard is located contiguous with an external public street, the side yard setback shall not be less than 20 feet. The side yard setback from an internal driveway, road, and/or parking area shall be 12 feet from top back of curb.

(3) Rear Yard Setback. All buildings shall have a rear setback of 20 feet that may include both private yard and common open space. Parking areas shall have a setback of 10 feet from the property line. Adjacent to a single-family residential zone, a minimum of seven feet depth of landscaping shall be installed along that property line.

(4) Setbacks shall be measured to foundation.

(5) Accessory Buildings and Uses.

(a) There shall be a five-foot minimum setback from the side and rear property lines to the closest portion of the building (including the eaves); provided, that rain gutters and rain pipes are installed. If the building does not meet the previous criteria the setback shall be a minimum of 10 feet from all property lines. If the accessory building is located within 20 feet of a dwelling or main building on an adjoining lot, it shall be constructed of fire-resistant materials that provide a one-hour or greater fire rating.

(b) Detached garages and accessory buildings shall be set at least 10 feet back of the normal front setback and a minimum of 10 feet from the main structure. In cases where accessory garages and/or buildings are placed in the side yard, the standard side yard setbacks for main structures shall apply.

(c) Accessory buildings or uses shall not encroach upon any easement or right-of-way.

(d) Accessory building placement, architecture, and building materials shall be approved as part of site plan approval for the overall development. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.090 Square footage of dwelling units.

A minimum of 1,100 square feet of main level living area, exclusive of garage or basement area, shall be required for all single-story dwelling units, whether attached or detached. For two-story units, a minimum of 900 square feet of main level living area and a minimum total of 1,400 square feet, exclusive of garage or basement area, shall be required. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.100 Building height.

The maximum height for all buildings and structures in the RM-8-D zone shall be no more than 35 feet or two and one-half stories. Accessory buildings shall be a maximum of 18 feet in height. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.110 Multi-unit development standards.

Dwelling units may be clustered in common wall construction. Such units may have no more than two walls in common with other dwelling units, not including units situated above other dwelling units. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.120 Parking and access.

The following requirements shall be followed when planning parking for a multifamily or condominium project:

(1) Restrictions on Corner Lots. On any corner lot, no driveway shall be closer than 20 feet to the point of intersection as measured at the property line.

(2) Restrictions of Driveways on Collector Streets. Residential units may not access directly onto any collector or arterial street.

(3) Minimum Number of Parking Spaces. Multiple-family developments shall have a minimum of two off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit, at least one of which shall be in an enclosed garage. Driveways on individual units may be counted as an off-street parking space only if there is a minimum driveway depth of 20 feet from back of sidewalk. Guest parking shall be provided as approved by the city council as part of the site plan approval process.

(4) Internal Roadways. Internal roadways may be publicly or privately maintained as approved by the city council. Public or publicly maintained roadways may not be gated or otherwise obstructed. Internal roadway dimensions and configuration, including curb and gutter, shall be as approved in the site plan, upon recommendation from the city engineer and Unified Fire Authority. However, sidewalks shall not be publicly owned or maintained unless approved as such by the city council. The city council may allow a monolithic sidewalk without a park strip as part of the overall site plan approval. On private roads or driveways, sidewalks shall be installed as approved during the site plan approval process. All paved surfaces shall meet minimum standards of construction as specified in the Riverton City standards and specifications manual. Internal public rights-of-way and roadways may be included in the gross density calculations as approved by the city council.

(5) Utilities on Public Rights-of-Way. As approved by the city council upon recommendation from the city engineer, public utilities may be placed within an easement or easements outside of the public right-of-way.

(6) Other Requirements. Parking in the RM-8-D zone shall follow all other applicable parking regulations as listed in Chapter 18.145 RCC. [Ord. 12-18 § 1; Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.130 Trash storage.

No junk or trash shall be stored in an open area. All common trash receptacles or materials must be screened from public streets and adjacent properties with a solid decorative masonry enclosure with solid vinyl or comparable solid gating, or must be stored within an enclosed building. Storage of commercial goods or materials is expressly prohibited. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.140 Vehicle storage.

(1) RV Storage. RV, boat, or other recreational vehicle storage is not permitted in the RM-8-D zone. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.150 Standards for open space.

Open space shall be maintained by the owner and shall meet the following minimum requirements:

(1) Grading. All areas shall be properly graded so as to cause no drainage problems to adjacent homes or other uses.

(2) Turf. All open space shall be sodded or seeded to provide a visually pleasing as well as functional space for appropriate activities.

(3) Native Vegetation. Where it is deemed appropriate by the city, native grasses and plants may be used along equestrian trails, bicycle paths, etc. Steps will be taken by developers to guard against such spaces becoming a fire hazard or haven for insects.

(4) Trees. All areas shall have a minimum number of both deciduous and evergreen trees to provide for shade and to provide visual relief and a source of rural atmosphere.

The following shall be required:

(a) A minimum of 15 trees per acre shall be planted and maintained within the project, with tree type, placement, and caliper as approved by Riverton City.

(b) Tree types, placement, and caliper shall be designated in the approved project landscape plan.

(c) Irrigation. All areas shall be watered by an installed irrigation system.

(5) Landscaping Guarantees. Whenever a residential dwelling is constructed, landscaping in the form of lawn, trees, or other plantings or landscape features, except for areas covered by walls, driveways, and other structures, shall be installed before issuing a certificate of occupancy.

All landscaping shall be of sufficient quality, durability and survivability. Landscaping and open spaces shall be watered by a pressurized irrigation system installed to meet the watering needs of all flora.

(6) Amenities. Amenities within a development, such as a clubhouse, gazebo, pool, tot lot or play area, or similar amenities, must be proposed and approved as part of the overall site plan. The city council and planning commission may amend, add to, or otherwise modify proposed amenities or types of amenities, based on the size of the project, unit types, projected demographics and other considerations. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.160 Fencing.

(1) Collector Street Fencing. All developments that have dwelling units adjacent to, or abutting onto, a collector or arterial street shall have decorative masonry collector street fencing, in compliance with Chapter 18.155 RCC.

(2) Incompatible Land Uses. Fencing between noncompatible zones shall comply with RCC 18.155.080.

(3) Height Requirements. No wall or fence higher than eight feet shall be erected or maintained in any private rear yard, nor shall any wall, fence, opaque hedge, or screening material be erected or maintained in any required front yard in excess of three feet in height, except that any fence erected within 10 feet of any driveway and exceeding two feet in height shall be of visually nonobstructive material and shall be used to provide a safe distance for pedestrian and street traffic.

(4) Corner Lots. No wall, fence, opaque hedge, or screening material in excess of two feet shall be placed on any corner lot within a triangular area formed by the street property lines and a line connecting them at point equal to the required setback lines.

(5) Fencing Design. Required perimeter fencing shall be of a consistent design and type, with both internal and external sides of the fence similarly decorated and colored. [Ord. 15-02 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.170 Swimming pools.

Any private swimming pool not completely enclosed within a building having solid walls shall be set back at least five feet from all property lines, and any public swimming pool not completely enclosed within a building having solid walls shall be set back at least 10 feet from all property lines. Any swimming pool shall be completely surrounded by a nonaccessible wall or fence having a height of at least six feet in which there shall be no openings larger than 36 square inches except for gates which shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices, with latches placed a minimum of five feet above finished grade of the fence. [Ord. 12-10 § 1 (Exh. A).]

18.53.180 Individual dwelling lot standards.

Where a development proposes dwelling units on separate lots, the following standards apply. This does not include condominium units where the building footprint is in separate ownership.

(1) Lot Area. For single detached units, the minimum lot area shall be 5,000 square feet. For multifamily units, the minimum lot area shall be 7,000 square feet.

(2) Lot Width. For single detached units, the minimum lot width shall be 50 feet. For multifamily units, the minimum lot width shall be 70 feet. Lot width shall be measured at the front yard setback line.

(3) Lot Depth. The minimum lot depth shall be 80 feet.

(4) Front Yard.

Main Building: 15-foot minimum front yard setback measured to foundation.

Garage: 20-foot minimum setback measured to foundation.

(5) Side Yards.

Main Building: Five feet minimum side yard setback measured to foundation. Where adjacent to existing incompatible zoning or use, the setback shall be one foot for every foot in building height, with a maximum setback of 25 feet.

On corner lots, the street side yard setback shall be 15 feet from the right-of-way.

(6) Rear Yard.

Main Building: The minimum rear yard setback shall be 15 feet. Where adjacent to existing incompatible zoning or use, the setback shall be one foot for every foot in building height, with a maximum setback of 25 feet.

(7) Minimum Living Area Square Footage. The minimum finished living area square footage shall be 1,000 square feet for a single-story dwelling unit and 1,200 square feet for a two-story or split level dwelling unit.

(8) Maximum Building Height.

Main Building: 35 feet. No dwelling shall contain less than one story.

(9) Accessory Buildings. Accessory buildings shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 18.225 RCC, Accessory Structures.

(10) Exterior Materials. Brick, tile, stone, or fiber-cement siding is required on the front exterior walls of all residential buildings and the street side(s) of a corner lot. The minimum required amount of brick, tile, stone, fiber-cement siding, or combination thereof (measured in square feet) is 20 percent of the facade on which it is required. Vinyl, aluminum, or other metal siding products are not permitted.

(11) Open Space. Areas where individual dwelling lots are utilized shall not be included in the open space requirements or calculations, with the exception of shared driveway clusters, as described below. Projects over 10 acres shall include a minimum of one acre of open space. A 10 percent reduction in lot size may be allowed to compensate for this requirement, except where a stormwater management area is utilized as open space. Said open space shall be privately owned and maintained unless otherwise approved by the city council prior to recordation of a plat and/or issuance of any building permits within the project.

(12) Shared Driveway Clusters. Where two or more units are clustered on a common shared driveway, the units shall be considered multifamily structures and this section shall not apply, regardless of whether the units are detached. All other applicable standards and requirements of this chapter shall apply. [Ord. 18-30 § 1 (Exh. A).]