Chapter 18.20
USE REGULATION FOR “A” AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT

Sections:

18.20.010    General regulations.

18.20.010 General regulations.

The “A” agricultural district is designed to serve the agricultural community and protect agricultural land from encroachment of urban land uses. Furthermore, in accordance with Iowa Code Chapters 335 and 352, as amended, it is the intent to preserve the availability of agricultural land and to encourage efficient urban development patterns. This district is not to be used for other than agricultural subdivisions, unless in existence at the time of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

In the “A” agricultural district, the following provisions, regulations, and restrictions shall apply:

A. Principal Permitted Uses.

1. Agricultural and incidental agricultural related uses.

2. Feedlots and confinement facilities for livestock.

3. Specialized animal farms including but not limited to fowl, rabbits, mink, chinchilla, and bees.

4. Specialized horticultural operations including orchards, viticulture, truck gardens, Christmas tree farms, floriculture, wholesale nurseries, raising of tree fruits, nuts and berries, sod, private or wholesale greenhouses, and vegetable raising.

5. Stables, private. Located at least 50 feet from all boundary lines of the property on which located.

6. Forest, forest preserves and environmentally significant lands.

7. Hiking and horseback riding trails.

8. Public or private utility structures, transmitting stations and towers, and equipment necessary for the operation thereof. These uses shall be allowed only after the recommendation on the need for and appropriateness of the requested use from the County Planning and Zoning Commission and approval of the County Board of Supervisors. Towers shall be permitted in accordance with BHCC 18.70.220 through 18.70.240.

9. Parks, recreation areas, wildlife preserves, and game refuges owned by governmental agencies.

10. Structures or methods for the conservation of soil.

11. Farm dwellings.

12. Single-family dwellings in existence prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, including a farmstead to be severed from the farm. Only one split per dwelling unit that existed prior to November 18, 1982, shall be allowed, with front yard, side yard, and rear yard requirements applicable to the zoning district in which it is located.

13. Single-family dwellings upon lots of record. More than one contiguous lot of record may be combined for purposes of meeting minimum yard area and setback requirements. No portion of said lot or lots shall be used or sold in a manner that diminishes compliance or increases noncompliance with yard area and setback requirements, or causes a decrease in lot area. For any single-family dwelling constructed upon a lot of record or multiple lots of record, no such dwelling shall be requested to be rezoned or subdivided from the lot or lots of record for a minimum time period of 15 years. The provisions of BHCC 18.85.050 shall also apply.

14. Any use erected or maintained on behalf of or pursuant to the authorization of Black Hawk County, for the use by Black Hawk County.

15. Mobile homes, in accordance with Chapter 18.95 BHCC.

16. Kennels, private, located at least 50 feet from all boundary lines of the property on which located.

17. Seed and feed dealerships; provided, however, there is no evidence of showroom or other commercial activities perceivable at or beyond the lot lines.

18. Home occupations in accordance with BHCC 18.70.190.

B. Accessory Uses.

1. Accessory buildings and uses customarily incidental to any of the above uses in accordance with BHCC 18.70.100.

2. Roadside stands, offering for sale any agricultural products or other products produced on the premises.

3. Church directional signs.

4. Home industries in accordance with BHCC 18.70.100 and 18.70.200.

C. Height Regulations. Shall be those specified in BHCC 18.70.210.

D. Water and Sewer Systems. Subject to approval of the County Department of Health.

E. Minimum Lot Area, Lot Frontage, and Yard Requirements for “A” Agricultural Districts. Shall be those specified in BHCC 18.70.210. [Ord. 120, 2013; Ord. 115, 2011; Ord. 106, 2009; Ord. 104, 2009; Ord. 86, 2004; Ord. 82, 2003; Ord. 74, 2002; Ord. 58, 2001; Ord. 41, 1997; Ord. 36 § 9, 1995. Code 2009 App. A, § 9.]