Chapter 17.12
R-A RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT

Sections:

17.12.010    Intent.

17.12.020    Permitted uses.

17.12.030    Accessory uses.

17.12.035    Administrative conditional uses.

17.12.040    Conditional uses.

17.12.045    Repealed.

17.12.050    Lot area and width.

17.12.060    Setbacks.

17.12.070    Lot coverage.

17.12.080    Signs.

17.12.090    Parking.

17.12.010 Intent.

The intent of this chapter is to provide for uses and activities more rural in character than those found in more concentrated, urban residential neighborhoods. Properties zoned R-A that do not have an associated comprehensive plan designation of agricultural (AG) shall be rezoned to be consistent with their existing comprehensive plan designation when a development project for anything other than one single-family house or an accessory use per lot is proposed. (Ord. 3315, 2006; Ord. 2352, 1989).

17.12.020 Permitted uses.

Permitted primary uses in the R-A districts include:

A. Detached, single-family residential dwelling units. This use is limited to the placement of one such dwelling unit per certified lot and may consist of manufactured homes;

B. The growing of crops;

C. The sale of products produced on the premises; provided, that the lot area is greater than two acres; and provided, that only one sales stand, 300 square feet or less, shall be permitted; and provided that marijuana and marijuana products shall not be permitted;

D. The raising of livestock, except commercial hogs; provided, that the operation conforms to all applicable health laws; and provided, that no more than one hoofed animal (excluding sucklings) shall be permitted for each one-half acre of lot area. In no case shall any building housing livestock be located less than 200 feet from any property line;

E. Municipal parks and playgrounds of less than one-half acre. (Ord. 3627 § 13, 2014; Ord. 3429 § 49, 2008).

17.12.030 Accessory uses.

Permitted accessory uses in the R-A district include:

A. Those accessory uses permitted in the R-1 districts;

B. Animal and implement barns, silos, sheds, accessory structures, and similar buildings needed in agricultural activities. Animal roaming areas shall be fenced;

C. Home occupations as set forth in Chapter 17.96 MVMC and subject to the conditions contained therein;

D. Each single-family residence is permitted to have one detached private garage;

E. Each single-family residence is permitted to have one accessory structure that can be used as a shed to store tools or other household items as long as it complies with the following requirements:

1. The total building area of the accessory structure shall be no more than 120 square feet.

2. The accessory structure is required to be a single story and is not allowed to be taller than the primary structure on the site.

3. The accessory structure shall be located in the rear yard and is required to maintain a minimum five-foot setback from all property lines and all other structures.

4. The accessory structure shall not have a permanent heat source.

5. The accessory structure is intended to be for storage of tools or other household items and is not to be a space that is slept in.

6. The accessory structure is not allowed in critical areas or their associated buffers regulated under Chapter 15.40 MVMC; and

F. Accessory dwelling units must comply with the requirements outlined in MVMC 17.73.110. (Ord. 3802 § 7, 2019).

17.12.035 Administrative conditional uses.

Uses permitted by an administrative conditional use and classified as Type II permits in R-A districts are as follows:

A. Day nurseries. (Ord. 3315, 2006; Ord. 3193 § 2, 2004).

17.12.040 Conditional uses.

Uses permitted by a conditional use permit and classified as Type III permits in R-A districts are as follows:

A. Kennels; provided, that:

1. The portion of the building or structure housing animals is soundproofed;

2. Any run areas are enclosed by eight-foot-high solid walls;

3. Animal runs are surfaced with impervious materials;

4. Drainage is away from the nearest adjoining properties;

5. All applicable health laws are met;

6. The lot area is not less than one acre.

B. Bed and breakfast establishments which meet the following criteria:

1. The structure shall be “owner-occupied” and serve as the primary residence of the owner.

2. Adequate off-street parking of one parking space per guest room plus two spaces for the owner shall be provided but shall not be in the required front yard unless it is screened and is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

3. The structure shall meet all city building and fire codes to protect the safety of customers.

4. Individual rooms that are rented shall not contain cooking facilities.

5. The only meal to be provided to guests shall be breakfast and it shall only be served to guests taking lodging in the facility.

6. There shall not be any other bed and breakfast establishments within a 300-foot radius.

7. The maximum number of days that a guest may stay shall be limited to 14 consecutive days. Guests may not stay more than 60 days in any one year.

8. The building structure may not be altered or remodeled to the extent that the resulting structure would be incompatible with the residential character of the neighborhood. (Ord. 3315, 2006; Ord. 3193 § 3, 2004; Ord. 2379 § 1, 1990; Ord. 2352, 1989).

17.12.045 Special uses.

Repealed by Ord. 3802. (Ord. 3315, 2006; Ord. 2593 § 3, 1994).

17.12.050 Lot area and width.

Minimum lot area per dwelling unit shall be 35,000 square feet. The minimum lot area for any other permitted primary use without a selling unit on the premises shall be 30,000 square feet. Minimum lot width of the building line shall be 100 feet. (Ord. 3315, 2006; Ord. 2352, 1989).

17.12.060 Setbacks.

Minimum setback requirements are as follows:

A. Front yard: 35 feet on arterial streets and 30 feet on all other streets. Buildings on corner lots and through lots shall observe the minimum setback on both streets;

B. Side yard: 10 feet on each side;

C. Rear yard: 20 feet. (Ord. 3315, 2006; Ord. 2531 § 5, 1993; Ord. 2352, 1989).

17.12.070 Lot coverage.

Not more than 35 percent of the area of a lot may be covered by buildings and other structures, including accessory structures and any parking areas; provided, however, such limitation shall not include temporary growing structures that are exempt from building permit requirements and that have the sides and roof covered with polyethylene, polyvinyl, or similar flexible synthetic material and are used to provide plants with either frost protection or increased heat retention. (Ord. 3315, 2006; Ord. 2761 § 1, 1996; Ord. 2352, 1989).

17.12.080 Signs.

No signs are permitted except as provided in Chapter 17.87 MVMC. (Ord. 3315, 2006; Ord. 2352, 1989).

17.12.090 Parking.

There shall be provided and maintained for each residence at least two enclosed (private garage) parking spaces plus a driveway apron that can accommodate a minimum of two vehicles used by the residents and guests of a residence for a total of not fewer than four parking spaces per dwelling unit.

Exception: The community and economic development director may reduce the amount and type of required off-street parking for:

A. Affordable housing units as defined by Chapter 17.06 MVMC;

B. Senior housing developments. (Ord. 3429 § 51, 2008).