The intent of this is to give brief understanding of the City of Ames Zoning Ordinance. Uses other than those listed may be permitted with a special use or home occupation permit. For details about other permitted uses, parking standards, setbacks, etc. see Chapter 29 of the Municipal Code (zoning ordinance). Occupancy information can be found on the Student Information Page.

Base Zones:

Agriculture Zone:

"A" Agricultural Zone

(Section 29.600 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=663)

Zone is intended to preserve the existing agricultural nature of land, serve as a buffer between urban areas and unincorporated areas, and can serve as a temporary designation for annexed land that hasn’t been zoned.

Permitted Uses *: Single-family homes, retail sales of plants and produce, basic utilities, parks and open areas, and ag and farm related activities.

Minimum Lot Area: One (1) acre

Residential Zones:

"RL" Residential Low Density Zone

(Section 29.701 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=664)

Zone is predominantly for single-family homes, some existing two-family homes, and other uses associated with single-family homes.

Permitted Uses *: Single-family homes, family homes, basic utilities, and parks and open space. Two family dwellings are allowed if pre-existing.

Minimum Lot Area: 6,000-sq. ft. for single-family home

7,000-sq. ft. for two-family home

"RM" Residential Medium Density Zone

(Section 29.702 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=664)

Zone is intended to allow for medium density residential development and to serve as a transition between low and high-density zones.

Permitted Uses *: Single-family homes, two-family homes, family homes, single-family attached homes, apartment buildings with 12 or fewer units, basic utilities, and parks and open space.

Minimum Lot Area: 6,000-sq. ft. for single-family home

7,000-sq. ft. for two-family home

3,500-sq. ft. for exterior single-family attached homes

1,800-sq. ft. for interior single-family attached homes

7,000-sq. ft for first two (2) units and

1,800-sq.ft. for each additional unit in apartment buildings

"RH" Residential High Density Zone

(Section 29.704 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=664)

Zone is intended to accommodate areas of high-density residential developments near the Iowa State University campus and areas near existing employment and commercial centers.

Permitted Uses *: Two-family homes, single-family attached homes, apartment buildings, family homes, group living facilities, community facilities, child day care facilities, funeral facilities, religious institutions, schools, basic utilities, and parks and open areas.

Minimum Lot Area: 6,000-sq. ft. for single-family home

7,000-sq. ft. for two-family home

3,500-sq. ft. for exterior single-family attached homes

1,800-sq. ft. for interior single-family attached homes

7,000-sq. ft for first two (2) units and 1,000-sq.ft. for each additional unit in apartment buildings

"UCRM" Urban Core Residential Medium Density Zone

(Section 29.703 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=664)

Zone is intended to preserve the character of one and two-family homes near the downtown area. The area is mainly one and two-family homes mixed with apartment buildings.

Permitted Uses *: Single-family homes, family homes, basic utilities, and parks and open area. Two-family homes, single-family attached, and apartment buildings with fewer that 12 units are allowed if they were pre-existing.

Minimum Lot Area: 6,000-sq. ft. for single-family home

7,000-sq. ft. for two-family home

3,500-sq. ft. for single-family attached homes

7,000-sq. ft for first two (2) units and 1,800-sq.ft. for each additional unit in apartment buildings

"RLP" Residential Low Density Park Zone

(Section 29.705 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=664)

Zone is intended to provide for areas for manufactured homes parks that would contain mobile homes and manufactured homes. This zone provides for orderly and complete development of manufactured home parks, as well as ample open space. The use of mobile homes is limited to this zone except for a few temporary uses.

Permitted Uses *: Household living

Minimum Lot Area for Manufactured Home Park: Ten (10) Acres

Maximum Density of Manufactured Home Spaces: Seven (7) Gross Acre

Commercial Zones:

"NC" Neighborhood Commercial Zone

(Section 29.801 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=662)

Zone is intended to allow small areas of commercial buildings within a residential area. This small-scale commercial area will serve the residents of the surrounding area. All development should be low impact, pedestrian friendly and have a positive effect on the surrounding area.

Permitted Uses *: Household living, office uses, general retail sales and service, entertainment, restaurant and recreation trade, community facilities, social service providers, religious institutions, basic utilities and child day care providers.

Maximum Lot Area: Single Building 20,000-sq. ft.

Neighborhood Commercial Center 30,000-sq. ft.

Pre-existing Areas and Centers 100,000-sq. ft.

"CCN" Community Commercial Node

(Section 29.802 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=662)

Zone is intended to provide shopping and service areas where the average citizen will make two or more stops within the area. In these areas those land uses that are often found in other business districts, such as linear commercial corridors, are clustered. However, the list of use types is more restrictive here than in the Highway-Oriented Commercial Zones.

Permitted Uses *: Short-term lodgings, office uses, general retail sales and service, entertainment, restaurant and recreation trade, community facilities, social service providers, passenger terminals, basic utilities, commercial parking, commercial outdoor recreation, child day care facilities and vehicle service facilities.

Minimum Lot Area: Single Building 25,000-sq. ft.

Center 100,000-sq. ft.

"HOC" Highway-Oriented Commercial Zone

(Section 29.804- http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=662 )

Zone is intended to accommodate the use of automobiles in developments that offer a wide variety of retail and service businesses. Although oriented toward the automobile, the street should have a pleasant appearance and should be pleasing to both pedestrians and motorists. This zone should also be compatible with adjacent residential areas.

Permitted Uses *: Short-term lodgings, office uses, general retail sales and service (including printing, publishing, commercial art and reproduction), retail trade-automotive etc., wholesale trade, community facilities, passenger terminals and basic utilities. Commercial parking, radio and TV broadcast facilities, commercial outdoor recreation, child day care facilities, detention facilities, major event entertainment, vehicle service facilities and adult entertainment facilities.

Minimum Lot Area: No minimum except for mixed uses, which must provide 6,000 ft of lot area for the first dwelling unit and 1,000-sq. ft. for each additional dwelling unit in a group living use.

"PRC" Planned Regional Commercial Zone

(Section 29.805 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=662)

Zone is intended to prevent detrimental impact on new land uses, and to accommodate large-scale commercial center, major retail and commercial service centers, promote clustered and integrated development and locate such facilities near major transportation routes.

Permitted Uses *: Short-term lodgings, office uses, general retail sales and service, community facilities, passenger terminals and basic utilities. Commercial parking, radio and TV broadcast facilities, commercial outdoor recreation, child day care facilities, major event entertainment, colleges and universities, medical centers, rail line and utility corridors, and vehicle service facilities.

Minimum Lot Area: One (1) Acre

"CCR" Community Commercial/Residential Node

(Section 29.806 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=662)

Zone is intended to provide shopping and service areas where the average citizen will make two or more stops within the area. In these areas those land uses that are often found in other business districts, such as linear commercial corridors, are clustered and may be combined with residential uses above the first floor. However, the list of commercial use types is more restrictive here than in the Highway-Oriented Commercial Zones.

Permitted Uses *: Household living above the first floor, short-term lodgings, office uses, general retail sales and service, entertainment, restaurant and recreation trade, community facilities, social service providers, passenger terminals, basic utilities, commercial parking, commercial outdoor recreation, child day care facilities and vehicle service facilities.

Minimum Lot Area: Single Building 25,000-sq. ft.

Center 100,000-sq. ft.

"CVCN" Convenience Commercial Node

(Section 29.807 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=662)

Zone is intended to provide small-scale retail and service uses within or near conventionally designed suburban residential neighborhoods. Uses are restricted in size, scale, material and type to be compatible with nearby residential uses and limit adverse impacts on them.

Permitted Uses*: Office uses, general retail sales and service (except kennels and crematories), entertainment, restaurant and recreation trade, community facilities, social service providers, basic utilities, child day care facilities and gasoline service/ car wash along with a convenience store.

Maximum building area: Single Building 25,000-sq. ft.
except for grocery store, which shall be a maximum of 35,000 sf

Center 100,000-sq. ft.

"DSC" Downtown Service Center

(Section 29.808 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=662)

Zone is intended to provide a variety of high-density developments within the urban core of Ames. Building placement in intended to be close together to encourage pedestrian friendly activities that help to stimulate the commercial, cultural and governmental aspects of the districts.

Permitted Uses *: Parks and open areas, adult entertainment business, short-term lodgings, office uses, general retail sales and service, entertainment, restaurant and recreation trade, community facilities, passenger terminals, basic utilities, commercial parking and child day care facilities.

Minimum Lot Area: No minimum, except for mixed uses, which shall provide 250-sq. ft. of lot area for each dwelling unit.

"CSC" Campustown Service Center

(Section 29.809 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=662)

Zone is intended to provide high-density development within an area of the city adjacent to Iowa State University. A broad range of uses is allowed to serve the needs of people who wish to be near ISU, including students and staff, and their families. Development is intended to encourage lively commercial activity in the building at the street level and pedestrian activity, with a strong emphasis on safe, vital and attractive streets.

Development is intended to be very dense with high building coverage, large buildings in scale with the predominant building pattern in the Campustown commercial area, and buildings placed close together, while also conserving and preserving existing valuable characteristics by assuring compatibility between existing and new development. Building placement, scale at the street, design and materials reinforce a dynamic, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood character.

Minimum Lot Area: No minimum, except for mixed uses, which shall provide 250-sq. ft. of lot area for each dwelling unit.

“CGS” Convenience General Service

(Section 29.810 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=662)

Zone is intended for strategically located nodes on major or minor thoroughfares within or near conventionally designed suburban residential neighborhoods. This zone is similar to, and under the same locational criteria as, the CVCN district, except that it is less restrictive in terms of design standards, permit procedures, and scale of uses, making it appropriate for those locations where it is less likely to impact surrounding residential development. Development is intended to accommodate vehicular travel associated with conventional suburban residential subdivision design. Building and site improvements are moderately regulated to promote compatibility with the character of surrounding residential development.

Permitted Uses *: Office uses, general retail sales and service (except kennels and crematories), entertainment, restaurant and recreation trade, community facilities, social service providers, basic utilities, child day care facilities and gasoline service/ car wash along with a convenience store.

Uses and Standards compared to CVCN: For convenience stores: Allows Minor Site Plan approval instead of Special Use Permit approval (as with CVCN). For convenience stores: Allows fueling points for 10 vehicles instead of 8 (as with CVCN).

Industrial Zones:

"GI" General Industrial Zone

(Section 29.901 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=661)

Zone is intended to provide only a limited city/developer review process while creating an environment that is friendly for industrial uses not compatible with commercial uses. Site plan process is required to ensure that the development and intensity of use assures a safe, functional, efficient, and environmentally sound operation of the site.

Permitted Uses *: Office uses, general retail sales and service (uses greater than one 3,000-sq.ft. use per site require a special use permit from the ZBA), automotive and marine craft (uses greater than one 10,000-sq. ft. use per site require a Special Use Permit from the ZBA). Wholesale trade, manufacturing/processing (except major industrial groups 28 & 29), resource production/extraction, warehousing/freight storage, industrial service, child day care facilities, vocational/technical high schools, vehicle servicing facilities and transportation, communications, and essential services (except passenger terminals).

Minimum Lot Area: No Limit

"PI" Planned Industrial Zone

(Section 29.902 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=661)

Zone is intended to provide help to create a desirable industrial environment and to accommodate large-scale industrial land uses, promote clustered and integrated development in a park like setting and to locate near major transportation routes.

Permitted Uses *: Office uses, Industrial Service - limited to: printing, publishing, commercial art and reproduction services; and research and development laboratories. Manufacturing and Processing - all uses except concrete batching and asphalt mixing; lumber and wood products manufacturing; manufactured homes and prefabricated structures manufacturing; and rock crushing and screening. Warehouse and Freight Handling limited to inter-modal transfer facilities, parcel services, regional postal distribution facilities, and wholesale distribution centers. Public facilities and services, passenger terminals, basic utilities, commercial parking, child day care facilities, radio and TV broadcast facilities, rail line and utility corridors.

Minimum Lot Area: One (1) Acre

Special Purpose Zones:

"S-HM" Hospital-Medical District

(Section 29.1001 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=660)

District is intended to accommodate all uses typically associated with medical services that require extended stay to be permitted. It is the goal of this district to intensify the hospital’s primary functions and to promote compatibility where the residential neighborhoods and medical uses meet.

Permitted Uses *: Hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, hearing test services-if pre existing, pharmacies, offices for dental care and surgery, kidney dialysis facilities, offices of opthamology, optometrist, optician, and child day care facilities.

Minimum Lot Area: 6,000-sq. ft.

"S-GA" Government/Airport District

(Section 29.1002 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=660)

District is reserved for structures and uses that are owned by federal, state, county, schools districts, and municipal government authorities. Although zoning regulations may not be applicable in this zone-except height restrictions near the airport, it is the hoped that the governmental bodies will cooperate with the Planning and Housing Department to create a desirable environment.

"S-SMD" South Lincoln Sub-Area Mixed-Use District

(Section 29.1003 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=660)

District is intended to ensure that this specific area within the City’s Urban Core continues to develop as a mixed-use area through intensification, expansion and diversification of uses. Redevelopment of this district is intended to integrate compact living areas in close proximity to commercial areas and civic space and provide areas of well-defined pedestrian emphasis. The purpose of development standards for this district is to limit the occurrence and impact of conflicts among uses and to ensure that development is pedestrian-oriented and compatible in scale, character and appearance with the traditional character of the neighborhood.

Permitted Uses *: Single- and two-family dwellings, single-family attached dwelling, apartment dwellings, family home, dwelling house, group living, home office, home business, office uses, general retail sales and service, entertainment, restaurant and recreation trade, community facilities, child daycare facilities, funeral facilities, social service providers, religious institutions, schools, transportation, communications and utility uses.

Minimum Lot Area: 6,000-sq. ft. for single-family home

7,000-sq. ft. for two-family home

3,500-sq. ft. for exterior single-family attached homes

1,800-sq. ft. for interior single-family attached homes

7,000-sq. ft. for first two (2) units and

1,000-sq.ft. for each additional unit in apartment buildings

6,000-sq. ft. for commercial

Overlay Zones:

Overlay zones are intended to serve as a supplement to the already established base zones. They are most often used to preserve the character of distinctive areas of the City of Ames, to protect the environment, create distinctive entries to the city, or to reflect the unique development patterns near Iowa State University.

"O-SFC" Single Family Conservation Overlay

(Section 29.1101 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=658)

This overlay is intended to preserve the existing single-family character to the area north of downtown. This overlay is also intended to serve as a transition to higher densities and compatibility where intensification is allowed. The overlay hopes to create and preserve the character, look and feel of the neighborhoods that it protects and to serve as a major part of the City of Ames’ identity.

Permitted Uses *: Single-family and two-family dwellings. Some apartment buildings may be allowed upon city council approval.

"O-H" Historical Preservation Overlay District

(Section 29.1102 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=658)

Overlay is intended to recognize the City’s establishment of local historic districts.

"O-E" Environmentally Sensitive Area Overlay District

(Section 29.1103 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=658)

Not applied as of this date.

"O-G" Gateway Overlay District

(Section 29.1104 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=658)

The Gateway overlay district is designed with the intention to promote development that is consistent with traditional corridors and major entryways to the city, thus protecting the character and attractiveness of these corridors and entryways. The O-G zone is designated on the Official Zoning Map by ordinance of the City.

"O-SLF" South Lincoln Fringe Overlay District

(Section 29.1106 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=658)

This overlay is intended to establish an orderly transition between land uses and to reduce conflicts between different land uses by increasing compatibility between buildings and sites facing each other across Sherman Avenue. These regulations require that building facades on Sherman Avenue function and appear as the front of the building.

Permitted Uses *: The underlying, base zoning establishes permitted uses.

Development Standards. Any property that abuts Sherman Avenue shall be considered to front on Sherman Avenue, the yard on the Sherman Avenue side of that building will be the front yard, and it shall have its principal commercial entrance on the Sherman Avenue side of the building.

"O-GSE" Southeast Gateway Overlay District

(Section 29.1107 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=658)

This overlay is intended to provide a distinctive entry to Ames and to major destinations in this area. This includes areas adjacent to the I-35/Highway 30 interchange, which is a primary gateway to the City of Ames, and the Dayton Avenue/Highway 30 interchange, which is a secondary entryway to the nearby commercial area and the industrial areas beyond.

Permitted Uses *: The underlying, base zoning establishes permitted uses. However, the following uses are prohibited in the O-GSE District; recreation vehicle parks, commercial parking, adult entertainment facilities, recreation vehicle and boat sales, cemeteries, stables, recycling centers, passenger terminals, detention facilities, agricultural, industrial or construction machinery sales, radio & TV broadcast facilities, sales of manufactured housing, vehicle storage facilities.

"O-GNE" Northeast Gateway Overlay District

(Section 29.1109 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=658)

This overlay is intended to ensure high quality development that represents the community’s most desirable design qualities and character, at the community’s northeast gateway: the I-35/East 13th Street interchange.

Permitted Uses *: The underlying, base zoning establishes permitted uses.

Development Standards: Specifies standards to guide and integrate overall design, site layout, access and circulation, landscaping, building design, signage and lighting

"O-UIE" East University Impacted District

(Section 29.1110 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=658)

The purpose of the East University Impacted District is to include areas where the majority of the facilities were developed by “Greek” organizations as housing for students, in order to maintain housing opportunities and housing density, to the extent that base zoning would allow, while assuring the provision of such requirements as adequate parking and architectural compatibility with the valued characteristics of existing structures and landscapes, such as location, height, materials and the appearance of variety of forms and of architectural styles.

"O-UIW" West University Impacted District

(Section 29.1111 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=658)

The purpose of the West University Impacted District is to include areas adjacent to the Iowa State University campus and affiliated facilities, in order to increase housing diversity opportunities and housing density, to the extent that base zoning would allow, while assuring the provision of such requirements as adequate parking and architectural compatibility with the valued characteristics of existing structures, such as location, height, materials and the appearance of façades facing streets.

"O-GSW" Southwest Gateway Overlay District

(Section 29.1112 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=658)

The Southwest Gateway Overlay District intends to provide for land uses and site and building design characteristics that enhance the appearance of the entry area at the South Dakota interchange with U.S. Highway 30 and western residential areas of the community. The District provides a distinct entry to the City and enhances arrival and directs traffic while identifying and accentuating the community commercial areas in the District.

Permitted Uses *: The underlying, base zoning establishes permitted uses, while prohibiting the following uses –

Recreation vehicle parks

Commercial parking

Adult entertainment facilities

Recreation vehicle and boat sales

Cemeteries

Stables

Recycling Centers

Passenger terminals

Detention facilities

Agricultural, industrial and construction machinery sales

Radio and TV broadcast facilities

Sales of manufactured housing

Vehicle storage facilities

Development Standards: Specifies standards to guide and integrate overall design, site layout, access and circulation, landscaping, building design, signage and lighting

Floating Zones:

The “floating” zone concept is not a pre-mapped zoning district on the City Zoning Map. It “floats” above the zoning map and is dropped or “mapped” on the zoning map upon compliance with standards. A Master Plan or Major Site Development Plan may be required as per standards laid down for the establishment of the zone. The floating zone replaces the base zone on the City Zoning Map.

"F-VR" Village Residential

(Section 29.1201 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=659)

This zone is intended to allow the integration of uses and design principles to create a better physical and social sense of a place. This is called a “village” concept. These designs are becoming popular around America, will utilize designs from Colonial America through the 1940s.

“FS-RL” Suburban Residential Low Density Floating Zone

(Section 29.1202 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=659)

(Table 29.1202(4)-1 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=659)

This zone is an alternate to village residential floating zones. The intent of this zone is to be more flexible and accommodate development patterns similar to the past 20-30 years. A master plan must be submitted at time of rezoning.

Permitted Uses *: Single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings (if pre-existing), single-family attached dwellings (12 units or less), Family Homes, Home Offices, Home Businesses, Colleges and Universities, Child Day Care Facilities, Community Facilities, Religious Institutions, Schools, basic utilities, parks and open space, Essential Public Services and Personal Wireless Service Facilities.

Minimum Lot Area: 6,000-sq. ft. for single-family home

7,000-sq. ft. for two-family home

3,500-sq. ft. for exterior single-family attached homes

1,800-sq. ft. for interior single-family attached homes

“FS-RM” Suburban Residential Medium Density Floating Zone

(Section 29.1202 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=659)

(Table 29.1202(4)-2 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=659)

Permitted Uses *: Single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, single-family attached dwellings (12 units or less), apartment dwelling (12 units or less), Family Homes, Independent Senior Living Facility (unlimited number of units), Home Offices, Homes Businesses, Group living (only Hospices, Assisted Living, and Nursing Homes permitted by Special Permit), Short Term Lodging (only Bed and Breakfast), Colleges and Universities, Community Facilities, Funeral Facilities, Child Day Care Facilities, Religious Institutions, Schools, Social Service Providers, basic utilities, Essential Public Services, parks and open space and Personal Wireless Communication Facilities.

Minimum Lot Area: 6,000-sq. ft. for single-family home

7,000-sq. ft. for two-family home

2,400-sq. ft. for exterior single-family attached homes

1,200-sq. ft. for interior single-family attached homes

7,000-sq. ft. for multiple-family dwellings

"F-PRD" Planned Residence District

(Section 29.1203 - http://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=659)

Zone is intended to provide for a variety of housing types. In developments using this zone all other base zone requirements apply in addition to an integrated design, open space, site amenities and landscaping that exceeds the existing requirements in the base zone.

Permitted Uses *: Single Family House, two-family House, apartment buildings, and townhouses.

Minimum Lot Area: Two (2) acres are required for all F-PRD developments.