Chapter 165: Zoning Regulations
In the August 2026 draft recodification (Zoning and Subdivision), from page 411. Current 165 Zoning Regulations, Zoning § 1, Zoning § 10, Zoning § 11, Zoning § 12, Zoning § 13, Zoning § 14, Zoning § 6, Zoning § 7, Zoning § 8, Zoning § 9.
Comparison with a draft: not adopted. The archive holds no public hearing, ordinance or vote adopting the recodified Code through the October 20, 2026 meeting packet. Until one is adopted, every page here compares the consolidated code with a draft that can still change: the revised draft with the October 6 changes is not in the archive.
A comparison with the August 2026 draft recodification prepared by Iowa Codification for the City. The draft has not been adopted and can still change; the current code (unofficial compilation) governs until a recodified Code is adopted. Matches between sections are made by machine from the texts and are reviewed where uncertain.
The city's explanation
“The former "Home Occupation" provision has been replaced with a new Home-Based Businesses section.”
23 renumbered or moved, 6 merged, 3 new, 35 removed · 19 notable changes.
Section by section
—→ § 165.01 Adoption And Title · New · read match not yet reviewed: 30% of its words appear in § 1.01 of the current code
Zoning § 1.02 Interpretation And Application→ § 165.02 Interpretation And Application · Renumbered or moved wording changed (91% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 1.03 Intent And Purpose→ § 165.03 Intent And Purpose · Renumbered or moved wording changed (92% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 1.04 Compatibility With The Comprehensive Land Use Plan→ § 165.04 Compatibility With The Comprehensive Land Use Plan · Renumbered or moved minor wording (95% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 1.05 Rules And Definitions; Zoning § 6.02 Definitions; Zoning § 7.02 Definitions; Zoning § 8.02 Definitions→ § 165.05 Definitions · Merged wording changed (89% same words) · compare the texts
- Amount or number: …Ordinance. Day Care Facility is a facility where
67 or more children stay for part of the… - Amount or number: …portion of a building, other than a basement
not having over 50% of its height below grade,included between the surface of the floor next… - Permit, license or registration: …dwelling. Mobile Home: A vehicle without motor power
intended for useused or so manufactured or constructed as to permit its being used as a conveyance upon the public ways. The… - Permit, license or registration: …includes the word “billboard” for purposes of this
Ordinance. Story: ThatZoning Code. “Sign also includes any identification, description, illustration, or device illuminated or non-illuminated that is visible from any public place or is located on private property and exposed to the public. A sign directs attention to a referent. A sign includes any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard, temporary sign, lights, balloons, or other device designed to attract attent… portion of a building, other than a basement… - New requirement: …private persons and not intended primarily for advertising.
Sexually-Oriented Businesses: AnJ. “Public place” means public parks, City right-of-way, or any other public property owned or controlled by the City and dedicated to public use. K. “Public utility” means a business or service engaged in regularly supplying the public with some commodity or service of public consequence and need. 17. Words beginning with “Q” 18. Words beginning with “R” A. “Recreational vehicle” means to include… establishment, including bookstores, bars, restaurants, movie theaters, and… - New requirement: …refer to the paving installed within such right-of-way.
Structure: AnythingAA. “Street, frontage” means the lot line or the length of a lot line that is also the line of any public street right-of-way other than an alley. The street frontage of a lot or parcel that is legally created or described as extending to the center line of a street must be measured along the line that denotes the edge or boundary of the easement established for the street. The street must exist o… constructed or erected that requires a permanent location…
Zoning § 9.15 Handicapped Car Parking→ § 165.06 Parking And Loading Requirements · Merged largely rewritten (3% same words) · compare the texts
- New requirement: … 1. Bicycle Parking Requirements. When bicycle parking is required within this section the number of required spaces may be expressed as a whole number or as a percentage of the required number of vehicle parking spaces required. When required bicycle parking shall also meet the following requirements: A. When required the minimum number of spaces required shall be 4. B. When the number required ex… Where handicapped parking spaces are required by state…
- New requirement: …so designated by the proper signs and insignia. 3. Recreational Vehicle Parking. Recreational vehicle parking in R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2 R-4 R-8 R-12 districts shall comply with following: A. Occupancy. No recreational vehicle shall be used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes while parked or stored in a residentially zoned district. B. Front Yard Parking. No more than 1 recreational vehicle shall be parked within a front yard at 1 time… …
Zoning § 8.01 Intent; Zoning § 8.03 Regulations; Zoning § 8.04 Procedure; Zoning § 8.05 Measuring Light Levels; Zoning § 8.06 Standards And Requirements→ § 165.07 Exterior Lighting · Merged wording changed (91% same words) · compare the texts
- Permit, license or registration: …Design Standards Manual, Section 11 for lighting minimums. Table 2 Maximum Foot Candles At A Property Line - Horizontal and Vertical Measurement Residential to Non-Residential to Non-Residential Non-Residential to Non-Residential Residential Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical Security Operating Security Operating Security Operating Security Operating Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours 0.25 0.5 2 5 3 10 0.25 0.5 0.5 0.… …
- Text removed: …and approval by the City of Tiffin. Table
2 sets forth the maximum allowable foot-candles to be measured both at a property line and internal to a non-residential property. The standards consider the nature of the land uses, the nature of the abutting land uses, and whether for a non-residential use the time is during hours of operation or security hours. Maximum foot-candles allowable are set for lighting internal to the property in ques…1 Lighting in Residential Districts Lighting in Non-Residential… - Text removed: …SU = Special Use NP = Not Permitted
TABLE 2 MAXIMUM FOOT CANDLES AT A PROPERTY LINE - HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL MEASUREMENT Residential to Residential Non-Residential to Non-Residential Non-Residential to Non-Residential Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical Security Operating Security Operating Security Operating Security Operating Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours hours Hours Hours 0.25 0.5 2 5 3 10 0.25 0.5 0.5 0.…(2) Table 2 sets forth the maximum allowable foot-candles…
Zoning § 9.01 Annexed Territory→ § 165.08 Annexed Territory · Renumbered or moved minor wording (98% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.02 Vacated Streets→ § 165.09 Vacated Streets · Renumbered or moved wording changed (89% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.03 Conversion Of Use Or Building→ § 165.10 Conversion Or Use Or Building · Renumbered or moved minor wording (99% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.05 Accessory Buildings And Structures→ § 165.11 Accessory Buildings And Structures · Renumbered or moved wording changed (92% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.06 Height And Density, Or Yards Shall Not Be Violated→ § 165.12 Height And Density Or Yards Shall Not Be Violated · Renumbered or moved minor wording (96% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.07 Separate Yards, Open Space, And Off-Street Parking Required→ § 165.13 Separate Yards, Open Space, And Off-Street Parking Required · Renumbered or moved wording changed (94% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.08 Minimum Yards And Lot Areas Shall Not Be Reduced→ § 165.14 Minimum Yards And Lot Areas Shall Not Be Reduced · Renumbered or moved wording changed (88% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.09 Visibility At Intersection→ § 165.15 Visibility At Intersection · Renumbered or moved minor wording (95% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.10 More Than One Principal Structure On A Lot→ § 165.16 More Than One Principal Structure On A Lot · Renumbered or moved minor wording (96% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.11 Height Regulation Exception→ § 165.17 Height Regulation Exception · Renumbered or moved wording changed (94% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.12 Use Of Public Right Of Way→ § 165.18 Use Of Public Right-Of-Way · Renumbered or moved minor wording (97% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.13 Proposed Use Not Covered In This Ordinance→ § 165.19 Proposed Use Not Covered In This Zoning Code · Renumbered or moved wording changed (91% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.14 Building To Have Access→ § 165.20 Building To Have Access · Renumbered or moved wording changed (94% same words) · compare the texts
—→ § 165.21 Home-Based Businesses · New · read
“The former "Home Occupation" provision has been replaced with a new Home-Based Businesses section.”
“Limits business activity to 49% of the total floor area of the dwelling and accessory structures.”
Zoning § 9.17 Communication Towers→ § 165.22 Communication Towers · Renumbered or moved wording changed (92% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.18 Eaves Or Structural Overhangs→ § 165.23 Eaves Or Structural Overhangs · Renumbered or moved citations or formatting only · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.19 Lots On Cul-De-Sacs→ § 165.24 Lots On Cul-De-Sacs · Renumbered or moved wording changed (93% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 9.21 Temporary Uses And Structures→ § 165.25 Temporary Uses And Structures · Renumbered or moved minor wording (96% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 10.04 Fees→ § 165.26 Fees · Renumbered or moved largely rewritten (49% same words) · compare the texts
- Permit, license or registration: …request. The fee does not apply to any
pre-application meetings with the Commission.issuance of a permit. …
Zoning § 11.01 Creation And Membership; Zoning § 11.02 Meetings And Proceedings; Zoning § 11.03 Voting And Decisions; Zoning § 11.04 Fees; Zoning § 11.05 Powers And Duties; Zoning § 11.06 Appeals To The Board Of Adjustment; Zoning § 11.07 Special Exceptions Application Procedures; Zoning § 11.08 Variances Application And Procedure; Zoning § 11.09 Appeals From The Board Of Adjustment; Zoning § 11.10 Compensation For Board Of Adjustment Members→ § 165.27 Board Of Adjustment · Merged wording changed (94% same words) · compare the texts
- Amount or number: …of Public Hearing must be given at least
74 days in advance but not more than 20…
Zoning § 12.01 Intent; Zoning § 12.02 Amendment Procedure→ § 165.28 Amendment Procedure · Merged wording changed (71% same words) · compare the texts
- New requirement: …special meeting of the P&Z to consider the
application ifapplication. The applicant shall be responsible for any costs related to the applicant pays the fee for a special… - Text removed: …application, the City Council must establish a public
hearing date on the application. That public hearing date must have a Notice of it published at least 7 but not more than 20 days prior to the public hearing being held and inhearing. In no case can it be earlier than the… - Text removed: …feet from the property involved in the rezoning.
The notice must also be mailed to land owners within a proposed rezoning area. The applicant must provide the list of property owners with mailing addresses confirmed by county tax records. For purposes of this ordinance, notice must be given to each of the owners of units within a condominium regime that are within 200 feet of the proposed property rezoning.E. City Council Public Hearing and Vote: The… - Text removed: …Planning and Zoning Commission recommends disapproval of the
amendment; or, 2. Prior to or at the public hearing, if a written protest against such a change is filed with the city clerk and signed by the owners of 20% percent or more of the area of the lots included in the proposed change or repeal, or by the owners of 20% or more of the property that is located within 200 feet of the exterior boundaries of the property for that the change or repeal is prop…amendment. …
Zoning § 13.01 Intent; Zoning § 13.02 Building Permit; Zoning § 13.03 Fees→ § 165.29 Permits And Fees · Merged wording changed (89% same words) · compare the texts
- Permit, license or registration: …which building activity is allowed. This section also
establisheddescribes the process to obtain a restricted use permit. This section also establishes the procedure for setting fee amounts and their… - Permit, license or registration: …setting fee amounts and their collection and use. 2. Building Permit. No building may be erected, reconstructed, or structurally…
Zoning § 14.01 Administration And Enforcement→ § 165.31 Administration And Enforcement · Renumbered or moved wording changed (82% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 14.02 Violations And Penalties→ § 165.32 Violations And Penalties · Renumbered or moved largely rewritten (63% same words) · compare the texts
Zoning § 1.01 Repealing, Adoption, And Title→ not in the draft · Removed
Zoning § 10.01 Creation And Membership→ not in the draft · Removed
Zoning § 10.03 Powers & Duties→ not in the draft · Removed
Zoning § 12.03 Amendment For Request For Rezoning→ not in the draft · Removed
Zoning § 15.01 Severability→ not in the draft · Removed
Zoning § 15.02 Repealing→ not in the draft · Removed
Zoning § 15.03 Effective Date→ not in the draft · Removed
Zoning § 16.02 Definitions→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 44% of its words appear in § 165.05 of the draft
Zoning § C-1O.01 Intent→ not in the draft · Removed
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-1O.02 Principal→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 38% of its words appear in § 166.21 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-1O.03 Accessory→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 57% of its words appear in § 166.19 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-1O.04 Special→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 49% of its words appear in § 166.15 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-1O.06 Sign→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 86% of its words appear in § 166.25 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-1O.07 Parking→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 92% of its words appear in § 166.13 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-1O.08 Lighting→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 88% of its words appear in § 166.22 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-1O.09 Landscaping→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 66% of its words appear in § 166.21 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-1O.10 Special→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 77% of its words appear in § 166.19 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-1O.11 Performance→ not in the draft · Removed
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-2O.02 Principal→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 52% of its words appear in § 166.21 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-2O.03 Accessory→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 57% of its words appear in § 166.19 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-2O.06 Sign→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 86% of its words appear in § 166.25 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-2O.07 Parking→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 92% of its words appear in § 166.13 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-2O.08 Lighting→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 88% of its words appear in § 166.22 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-2O.09 Landscaping→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 65% of its words appear in § 166.22 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-2O.10 Special→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 69% of its words appear in § 166.16 of the draft
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § C-2O.11 Performance→ not in the draft · Removed
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § 3.05 → not in the draft · Removed
Ord. 2013-333, 2017-393 amend this part of the current code in ways not read to its sections: some differences may come from those ordinances, not from the draft.
Zoning § 5.03 Location→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 49% of its words appear in § 166.27 of the draft
Zoning § 5.04 Height Restrictions→ not in the draft · Removed match not yet reviewed: 45% of its words appear in § 166.27 of the draft
Zoning § 7.01 Intent→ not in the draft · Removed
Zoning § 7.03 Americans With Disabilities Act→ not in the draft · Removed
Zoning § 7.04 Parking Or Loading Space→ not in the draft · Removed
Zoning § 9.04 Design Standards→ not in the draft · Removed
Zoning § 9.16 Home Occupation→ not in the draft · Removed
Zoning § 9.20 First Floor & Second Floor Apartments In Commercial Zones→ not in the draft · Removed
‹ 161 Post-construction Stormwater Runoff Control · 166 Establishment of Zoning Districts and the Official Zoning Map › · This chapter as JSON
Data last updated October 22, 2026. Built from the archive's documents; see how the data is built.