APPENDIX C - ZONING REGULATIONS\Article 7 Countryside District (CS)

SECTION 7-1  INTENT

7-101.  The “CS” Countryside District is intended to provide a rural residential lifestyle where residents have adequate open space by which to preserve that character even after the area becomes fully developed in accordance with this Article. To that end the district is particularly suited for cluster subdivisions developed in accordance with subdivision regulations.

The district is also intended to allow for limited future single-family residential development without encouraging the premature loss of open space or the loss of land used for agricultural purposes. While intended primarily to be used for lands within designated Growth Areas of the cities, CS zoning classification may also be used for other unincorporated areas.  Absent unique circumstances, CS zoning should not be used for property within city corporate limits.

7-102.  Following the effective date of these regulations, to be eligible for zoning classification as Countryside, land should be considered on a section (640 acres) basis.  Only sections of land which: (1) were comprised of 16 or more tracts, parcels or lots, and each conforming to the relevant zoning regulations and subdivision regulations in effect prior to the effective date of these regulations and (2) have a minimum of three miles of public roads through or abutting the section, should be zoned Countryside.  Land which does not itself meet the above criteria, but which is surrounded by sections of land zoned Countryside, may also be zoned Countryside.

7-103.  New lots shall be created within the Countryside District only if two (2) or more acres in size.

SECTION 7-2  PERMITTED USES

7-201.        In the Countryside District no building, structure, land or premises shall be used and no building or structure shall be hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or altered, except for the following uses:

a.     Agricultural purposes.

b.     Grain storage structures.

c.     One-family dwellings.

d.     Subdivisions for one-family dwellings, when constructed as cluster subdivisions in accordance with adopted subdivision regulations.

SECTION 7-3  CONDITIONAL USES

In the CS District the following uses are allowed upon the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with the provisions of Article 26:

a.     Greenhouses, nurseries and garden centers.

b.     Veterinarian clinic or animal hospital for large or small animals, including livestock.

c.     Daycare facilities, including adult daycare homes, child care centers, daycare homes, family daycare homes, group daycare homes and preschools.

d.     Churches and similar places of worship.

SECTION 7-4  ACCESSORY USES

7-401.  Regulations relating to accessory uses and structures in the CS District are set out in Article 20.

SECTION 7-5  PARKING REGULATIONS

7-501. Two (2) off-street parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit. 

7-502.  Additional parking requirements are contained in Article 22 of these regulations.

SECTION 7-6  SIGN REGULATIONS

7-601.  The following signs shall be allowed by permit in the Countryside District (CS):

a.     One (1) non-illuminated sign per residence or building under construction, not more than sixty-four (64) square feet in area showing the name of the architects, engineers, builders or contractors. Any such sign shall be removed within ten (10) days of project completion.

b.     One (1) non-illuminated home occupation sign per property lot, not to exceed six (6) square feet in area.

7-602.  Additional sign regulations are contained in Article 27 of these Regulations.

SECTION 7-7  HEIGHT AND YARD REQUIREMENTS

7-701.  Height:  Buildings or structures other than those actually used for agricultural purposes shall not exceed 35 feet and/or two and one-half (2 1/2) stories in height.

7-702.  In the Countryside District, the minimum dimensions of yards shall be as follows:

a.     Front Yard.  75 feet. 

b.     Side Yard.  16 feet.

c.     Rear Yard.  50 feet.