Chapter 18.50
RM-8 RESIDENTIAL ZONE

Sections:

18.50.010    Purpose.

18.50.020    Permitted uses.

18.50.030    Conditional uses.

18.50.040    Permitted accessory uses.

18.50.050    Area requirements.

18.50.060    Private yard requirements.

18.50.070    Frontage requirements.

18.50.080    Setback requirements.

18.50.090    Square footage of dwelling units.

18.50.100    Building height.

18.50.110    Multi-unit development standards.

18.50.120    Parking and access.

18.50.130    Trash storage.

18.50.140    Vehicle storage.

18.50.150    Standards for open space.

18.50.160    Fencing.

18.50.170    Swimming pools.

18.50.180    Individual dwelling lot standards.

18.50.010 Purpose.

To provide areas of medium residential density with the opportunity for varied housing styles and neighborhood character, with a maximum density of eight dwelling units per gross acre. [Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-005.]

18.50.020 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. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-010.]

18.50.030 Conditional uses.

(1) Nursing homes or convalescent care centers.

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

(3) Group day care.

(4) Golf course (public or private) as part of a planned development.

(5) Medical clinics.

(6) Independent senior citizen housing.

(7) Other compatible uses, not elsewhere specified, approved by the city council after recommendation by the planning commission. [Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-015.]

18.50.040 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. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-020.]

18.50.050 Area requirements.

(1) Parcel Size. Each application pursuant to this chapter shall be for a site of not less than five acres and not more than 10 acres.

(2) Percent Open Space. Each development in the RM-8 zone shall have a minimum of 30 percent of the site reserved for common open space. [Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 3-18-03-1 § 1; Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-025.]

18.50.060 Private yard requirements.

A minimum of 500 square feet of private yard space per unit shall be required in the RM-8 zone. [Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-030.]

18.50.070 Frontage requirements.

No more than four units per 150 feet of frontage shall be allowed. [Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-035.]

18.50.080 Setback requirements.

(1) Front Yard Setback. The minimum setback from the foundation of the residential building to the dedicated public right-of-way shall be no less than 30 feet, and 50 feet from an arterial street. The minimum setback shall be 10 feet from the back of a sidewalk which abuts a private driveway, private road, and/or parking areas.

(2) Side Yard Setback. All buildings shall have a setback of 20 feet between detached buildings. Where a side yard is located contiguous with a public street or a property line shared with an incompatible zone, the side yard setback shall not be less than 30 feet.

(3) Rear Yard Setback. All buildings shall have a rear setback of 30 feet that may include both private yard and common open space. Parking areas shall have a setback of 10 feet from the rear 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) 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 buildings shall be of quality design and workmanship to match the integrity and materials of the existing home. If approved hard surface materials are used for the main dwelling, similar and/or complementary materials shall be used on the accessory structure. Exterior materials may not include metal, particle board, plywood or other similar materials. [Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-040.]

18.50.090 Square footage of dwelling units.

A minimum of 1,100 square feet 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 main level living area, exclusive of garage or basement area, shall be required. [Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-045.]

18.50.100 Building height.

The maximum height for all buildings and structures in the RM-8 zone shall be no more than 35 feet or two and one-half stories. Accessory buildings shall be a maximum of 20 feet in height. [Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-050.]

18.50.110 Multi-unit development standards.

(1) 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. Such developments shall be limited to a maximum of five attached units.

(2) 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 and units with facades adjacent to a street. 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. [Ord. 18-30 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-055.]

18.50.120 Parking and access.

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

(1) Number and Width of Driveways. Two driveways shall be used for each 200 feet of parcel frontage or fraction thereof. Each driveway shall have a minimum width of 24 feet and a maximum width of 40 feet exclusive of turnout areas to allow access to a garage or side yard.

(2) Restrictions on Corner Lots. On any corner lot, no driveway shall be closer than 30 feet to the point of intersection as measured at the property line.

(3) Restrictions of Driveways on Collector Streets. Any lot fronting on a collector street shall have the driveway designed so that automobiles will not back onto the street.

(4) 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. In addition, guest parking shall be provided at a ratio of one-half stall per unit.

(5) Internal Roadways. Internal roadways shall include a minimum of 28 feet measured face of curb to face of curb, with high-backed curbs required. Sidewalks shall be installed on both sides of the roadway, but may be installed in an easement if the roadway is privately maintained. All paved surfaces shall meet minimum standards of construction as specified in the Riverton City Standards and Specifications Manual.

(6) Other Requirements. Parking in the RM-8 zone shall follow all other applicable parking regulations as listed in Chapter 18.145 RCC. [Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-060.]

18.50.130 Trash storage.

No junk or trash shall be stored in an open area. All such 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. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-065.]

18.50.140 Vehicle storage.

(1) RV Storage. Each multifamily or condominium development shall provide recreational vehicle storage areas for one recreational vehicle for every 10 units within the development. Storage areas shall be fully enclosed and screened with a solid decorative masonry enclosure, with solid vinyl or comparable solid grating. [Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-070.]

18.50.150 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 20 trees per acre shall be planted and maintained.

(b) Trees shall be as follows:

(i) Ten percent shall be three-inch caliper.

(ii) Thirty percent shall be two-inch caliper or, if evergreen, nine feet or larger.

(iii) Fifty percent shall be one-and-one-half-inch caliper or, if evergreen, seven feet or larger.

(iv) Ten percent shall be one-inch caliper or, if evergreen, five feet or larger.

(v) In no case will trees of less than one-inch caliper be accepted.

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

(5) Open Space Guarantees. Within all areas where condominium ownership is established in the RM-8 zone, adequate assurance in a form approved by the city attorney shall be provided for permanent retention and maintenance of all open space and areas of common ownership. A building permit shall not be issued until all required guarantees have been reviewed by the planning commission and approved by the city council. Such open space guarantees could include easements to the city for perpetual use as open space.

(6) 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, unless weather forces the developer to bond with the city for the landscaping for a maximum period of six months.

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.

(7) Tot Lots. Tot lots, including jungle gyms and other play equipment, shall be provided as part of the open space requirements at a ratio of one tot lot per 100 one-bedroom apartments, or 50 two-bedroom apartments, with a minimum of one tot lot per development. An exception to this requirement may be granted where the subject development is specifically set aside for senior citizens or elderly persons. Play equipment type and placement must be proposed and reviewed as part of the overall site plan. [Amended during 2011 recodification; Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-075.]

18.50.160 Fencing.

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

(2) Incompatible Land Uses. All properties adjacent to or abutting a single-family residential or commercial zone shall install fencing compliant with RCC 18.155.080. Fencing for properties adjacent to other uses may also be required by the planning commission or city council.

(3) Height Requirements. No wall or fence higher than six 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. [Ord. 15-02 § 1 (Exh. A); amended during 2011 recodification; Ord. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-080.]

18.50.170 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. 3-22-06-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 8-17-99-1 § 1 (Exh. A). Code 1997 § 12-240-085.]

18.50.180 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).]