Discussion and Review of Tiffin Municipal Code Revisions – Preparation for Setting the Public Hearing — Tiffin City Code - DRAFT

CHAPTER 166 ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS AND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP two-family dwellings for which setbacks are reduced, the first floor elevation must be elevated at least 30 inches above the grade of the adjacent sidewalk. Other methods to increase privacy are encouraged such as use of front porches or screening. e. Residential buildings that are located in close proximity to each other must be designed to preserve privacy. This can be achieved by placement of windows to prevent direct views into the windows of adjacent residential dwelling units. In addition, balconies and air conditioning units may not be located along a building wall that is within 20 feet of a building wall of an adjacent principal building on the same lot if the wall of the adjacent building contains windows or door openings into dwelling units. Proximity of building walls will be subject to all current building code fire protection requirements. (2) The maximum building height and building coverage may be modified or waived, provided the design of the development results in sufficient light and air circulation for each building and adequate accessible open space for all residents of the development. When the underlying zoning district is R-1 or R-2 at least 35 percent of the net land area in a planned development shall remain free of buildings, parking, and vehicular maneuvering areas. (3) Minimum lot area, lot width, and lot frontage requirements may be reduced. However due to the concentration of dwelling units that will occur if these dimensional requirements are reduced, the following conditions must be met: a. The proposed modifications will not result in increased traffic congestion or a reduction in neighborhood traffic circulation. To mitigate the concentration of dwellings, shorter block lengths may be appropriate and the locations of driveways and pedestrian facilities must be carefully planned. b. Garages and off-street parking areas must be located so that they do not dominate the streetscape. Alley or private rear lane access will be required unless garages are recessed behind the front façade of the dwelling in a manner that allows the residential portion of the dwelling to predominate along the street. c. If garages are located with access to the street, the development must be designed so there is adequate right-of- way and front yard area available to accommodate sidewalks and landscaping. The width of driveways may need to be reduced and garages set back an adequate distance to accommodate these elements. CODE OF ORDINANCES, TIFFIN, IOWA - 1762 -