Chapter 18.145
SPECIAL USES
Sections:
18.145.020 Special uses as secondary classifications.
18.145.040 Discontinuance of special use.
18.145.050 List of special use designations.
18.145.070 Limitations on special uses.
18.145.010 Objectives.
Certain uses are necessary to the life and economic health of the community, but have characteristics of operation that do not readily permit classification in the usual residential, commercial, or industrial districts. Because of the various types of uses and locations requiring this special consideration, the specific conditions under which each use may be permitted must be considered. These uses are specifically listed in EMC 18.145.050. Conditions for the approval of a special use are enumerated in EMC 18.145.030. [Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 31, § 1; 1982 Code § 153.130; 1983 Code § 15.153.130.]
18.145.020 Special uses as secondary classifications.
Special uses are secondary classifications. If land is approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals for a special use, the special use designation shall be placed on the zoning map in addition to its primary zoning classification. [Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-87-32, passed 3-14-88; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 31, § 2; 1982 Code § 153.131; 1983 Code § 15.153.131.]
18.145.030 Procedure.
(A) A person desiring a special use classification must submit an application to the Board of Zoning Appeals at the Area Plan Commission office. The application must contain a site plan showing the following:
(1) The proposed use of the land;
(2) The location and size of all buildings and structures, including signs;
(3) The location of streets, access drives, and off-street parking and loading facilities;
(4) Buffer landscaping and required green area;
(5) Any other plans or specifications which the staff of the Area Plan Commission deems necessary.
(B) After receipt of the application, the Board of Zoning Appeals shall conduct a public hearing pursuant to IC 36-7-4 for which 12 days’ prior notice has been given by the applicant by certified mail, return receipt requested, to abutting property owners and to registered neighborhood associations, pursuant to EMC 2.108.060, whose boundaries include and/or are contiguous to the subject property, and to the public by legal advertisement. Also, no less than 12 days prior to the hearing, a notice containing the date, time, place, and purpose of the hearing must be posted conspicuously on the property by the petitioner. Should the petitioner fail to comply with the notice requirements, as provided by this section, before the second regular meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals following the date said petition is filed, the petition shall be withdrawn by the Board of Zoning Appeals and the time limits imposed by EMC 18.180.040 shall apply. After public hearing, the Board of Zoning Appeals shall make its determination for approval, denial, or modification of the special use classification based on the following criteria:
(1) Whether the specific site is an appropriate location for the use;
(2) Whether the use as developed will adversely affect the surrounding area;
(3) Whether there will be a nuisance or serious hazard to vehicles, pedestrians, or residents;
(4) Whether adequate and appropriate facilities will be provided for proper operation of the use;
(5) Whether the use is in harmony with the Evansville and Vanderburgh County Comprehensive Plan;
(6) Whether the use is essential or desirable to the public convenience and welfare.
(C) The Board of Zoning Appeals’ approval or modification of a special use classification may include whatever reasonable conditions, limitations, or temporary uses necessary for the protection of the public interest including the following:
(1) Greater front, side, and rear yards than the minimum for the area;
(2) More off-street parking and screening;
(3) Modification of exterior design or materials;
(4) Limitations on the lot coverage and occupancy of the building or structure;
(5) Limitations on signs and sign coverage;
(6) Time limitations.
(D) To protect the public interest and to ensure compliance with requirements to be included in the site plan, the Board of Zoning Appeals may require whatever evidence and guarantees are necessary to assure compliance with conditions, limitations, and temporary uses.
(E) In addition to all other limitations and provisions contained in this title, all towers and installations permitted with SU 15 approval shall be required to submit the following additional information:
(1) Commercial site plans meeting the requirements for commercial review by the Site Review Committee, including a surveyor certification of the exact location of tower from property lines; centerlines of abutting streets or rights-of-way; and distance to the nearest residential district, residence, or recorded residential subdivision;
(2) Structural plans including elevation and plan views showing height above grade level and dimensions are required in addition to site plan;
(3) Information regarding the number of antennas that the proposed new tower or structure is designed to or can safely accommodate;
(4) Evidence demonstrating that no existing tower or structure can accommodate applicant’s proposed antenna, either because there are no existing towers or structures meeting the applicant’s engineering requirements within the geographic area that the antenna is intended to serve, or if there are towers or structures in the geographic area, evidence that such structures do not have sufficient height or structural strength to meet the applicant’s engineering requirements. This section shall not be interpreted to mandate, but rather only to encourage, co-location.
(F) Each operator of a telecommunications facility must send to the Area Plan Commission a copy of any notice sent to the FCC of intention to cease operations. All abandoned or unused towers and associated facilities shall be removed within six months of the cessation of operations at the site unless a time extension is approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals. A copy of the relevant portions of a signed lease which requires the applicant to remove the tower and associated facilities upon cessation of operations at the site shall be submitted prior to issuance of the required improvement location permit, shall be incorporated as part of the permit, and permit approval shall be conditioned upon removal of the structure(s) within six months after cessation of the use. In the event that the tower is not removed within six months of the cessation of operations at a site, the tower and associated facilities may be removed by the City and the costs of removal assessed against the property. [Ord. G-2013-17 § 4, passed 11-19-13; Ord. G-2008-13 § 1, passed 4-15-08; Ord. G-2007-14, passed 10-22-07; Ord. G-2000-9, passed 4-17-00; Ord. G-98-13, passed 7-20-98; Ord. G-96-16, passed 10-21-96; Ord. G-96-11, passed 8-19-96; Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-87-32, passed 3-14-88. 1982 Code § 153.132; 1983 Code § 15.153.132.]
18.145.040 Discontinuance of special use.
(A) If a special use is abandoned for one year or has not been established within one year after the date granted, the special use classification shall be null and void.
(B) A special use may not be altered to become any use other than that approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals. [Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-87-32, passed 3-14-88; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 31, § 4; 1982 Code § 153.133; 1983 Code § 15.153.133.]
18.145.050 List of special use designations.
The following uses are subject to the requirements of this chapter:
|
USE |
DESIGNATION |
|---|---|
|
Schools |
SU 1 |
|
Churches and church-operated, incidental/accessory facilities (on same site), including Sunday schools, child care, preschools, adult day care, offices, soup kitchens, shelters and similar service uses |
SU 2 |
|
Hospitals, nursing homes, convalescent or custodial care centers |
SU 3 |
|
Golf courses and golf driving ranges (excluding miniature golf) |
SU 4 |
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Charitable and philanthropic institutions |
SU 5 |
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Cemeteries, mausoleums, columbaria, or crematoria |
SU 6 |
|
Public parks or public recreational facilities |
SU 7 |
|
Mobile home parks |
SU 8 |
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Land or structure used for the storage of junk or salvage; business selling principally junk or salvage |
SU 9 |
|
Parking lots and parking garages open to the public |
SU 10 |
|
Bus or railroad passenger stations, garages or lots |
SU 11 |
|
Airports or heliports |
SU 12 |
|
Electronic message signs and/or signs with moving, rotating, or intermittent lights or messages |
SU 13 |
|
Public buildings and public uses other than permitted uses |
SU 14 |
|
Electric power or steam generating plants, radio or television towers, wireless communications towers and installations, cellular antenna towers, and similar uses, but excluding solar energy systems for on-site consumption, commercial solar energy generating facilities and small cell facilities |
SU 15 |
|
Stadiums, auditoriums, or arenas |
SU 16 |
|
Sale of gasoline except in all districts where specifically permitted |
SU 17 |
|
One-operator barber or beauty shops in residence, resident-occupied and resident-operated |
SU 18 |
|
Mineral extraction, storage, and processing, limited to that reasonably related to the preparation for sale of the type of mineral primarily extracted from the site (limited processing shall not include the refining of oil products) |
SU 19 |
|
Sanitary landfills, including garbage dumping |
SU 20 |
|
Livestock sales or auctions, stockpens |
SU 21 |
|
Animal breeding and raising for fur production or experimental use |
SU 22 |
|
Gun clubs, skeet shoots, or target ranges |
SU 23 |
|
Private recreational use |
SU 24 |
|
Use Group 19 |
SU 25 |
|
Mobile offices, not for living or sleeping quarters |
SU 26 |
|
Uses desiring outside storage, displays, or sales |
SU 27 |
|
Resident-occupied and resident-operated preschools, adult day care facilities or similar operations which keep up to 12 persons on a daily basis, but not including 24-hour care |
SU 28 |
|
Massage parlors |
SU 29 |
|
Colleges and universities |
SU 30 |
|
Business/farm living quarters for a business/farm associated resident, clearly complementary to main use and not for rental purposes |
SU 31 |
|
Home occupations not specifically listed in EMC 18.125.050 (subject to the additional requirements listed in EMC 18.145.030(E)) |
SU 32 |
|
Owner-occupied/owner-operated bed and breakfast facility or boardinghouse limited to five rental rooms |
SU 33 |
|
Owner-occupied/owner-operated bed and breakfast facility or boardinghouse limited to 10 rental rooms |
SU 34 |
|
Repealed by Ord. G-2008-13 |
SU 35 – SU 42 |
|
One-operator catering service in the residence, resident-occupied and resident-operated (subject to the additional restrictions listed in EMC 18.145.030(E)) |
SU 43 |
|
Arts District-Haynie’s Corner: Resident-occupied/resident-operated art gallery for the display and sale of art produced on site and located within the arts district as defined by resolution adopted by the Common Council |
SU 44 |
|
Overlay Zones: Any artistic, live/work or other mixed uses involving spray painting of large items or excessive noise (as defined under Table I in EMC 9.30.050(B)) located within an overlay zone. |
SU 45 |
|
Community-based correction programs, residential reentry centers, halfway houses, or similar facilities for prison inmates or ex-inmates |
SU 46 |
|
Commercial solar energy generating facilities, community scale |
SU 47 |
|
Commercial solar energy generating facilities, large scale |
SU 48 |
[Ord. G-2023-8 § 4, passed 6-14-23; Ord. G-2022-5 § 4, passed 6-14-22; Ord. G-2019-8 § 3, passed 6-25-19; Ord. G-2018-19 § 3, passed 9-11-18; Ord. G-2016-28 § 7, passed 10-14-16; Ord. G-2013-17 § 2, passed 11-19-13; Ord. G-2011-8 § 3, passed 5-16-11; Ord. G-2008-13 § 1, passed 4-15-08; Ord. G-2007-14, passed 10-22-07; Ord. G-2000-9, passed 4-17-00; Ord. G-96-16, passed 10-21-96; Ord. G-96-11, passed 8-19-96; Ord. G-93-34, passed 1-25-94; Ord. G-93-24, passed 12-14-93; Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-88-35, passed 11-21-88; Ord. G-87-32, passed 3-14-88; Ord. G-84-8, passed 2-6-84; Ord. G-78-13, passed 5-8-78; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 31, § 5; 1982 Code § 153.134; 1983 Code § 15.153.134.]
18.145.060 Time limits.
The time limits established in EMC 18.180.040 shall apply to special use permits. [Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 31, § 6; 1982 Code § 153.135; 1983 Code § 15.153.135.]
18.145.070 Limitations on special uses.
(A) Only those special uses which are indicated on Table S.U. which follows this section shall be permitted in the zoning districts indicated by the table.
(B) All resident-occupied/resident-operated art galleries which receive SU 44 approval shall be subject to the following limitations:
(1) The resident/operator of an art gallery which receives SU 44 approval may not be varied from the applicant for which it is granted.
(2) A maximum of three artists can display and sell art produced on site at any SU 44 approved gallery. The resident artist must be one of these permitted artists.
(3) The gallery use shall not exceed 40 percent of the square footage of the residence or 500 square feet, whichever is less.
(4) One sign is allowed for an SU 44 gallery at a maximum size of 10 square feet.
(5) Resident-occupied/resident-operated art galleries may be permitted in all zoning districts except for F-1, AIR, C-1, C-2, and C-3.
(C) Community-based correction programs, residential reentry centers, halfway houses, or similar facilities for prison inmates or ex-inmates under Special Use 46 may not be located less than 1,000 feet from the nearest property line of any elementary or secondary school, preschool, or child day care facility.
(D) SU 32 and SU 43 shall be limited as follows:
(1) No identifying or business sign shall be erected or placed on any site for which an SU 32 or SU 43 has been granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(2) Except for the shipment and receipt of goods, products or items necessary for the SU 32 or SU 43, the use shall not be visible from the exterior of the premises.
(3) The maximum time for which the first SU 32 or SU 43 may be granted is two years from the date of approval; thereafter, a subsequent grant of an SU 32 or SU 43 for the same parcel of property for the same use shall be for such length of time as approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(4) No person or persons may be employed in the SU 32 or SU 43 home occupation at the site other than the resident (or residents) of the site for which the SU 32 or SU 43 has been granted.
(5) The use may not be varied from the specified home occupation or home catering service identified by the applicant for which it is granted.
(E) Any tower permitted with SU 15 approval shall be set back from any residential dwelling, property line of an undeveloped residential district or recorded residential subdivision a distance of two feet for each foot of height of the tower or 300 feet, whichever is greater.
(F) Wireless communications facilities that include towers are not permitted in residential districts or in CO-1, CO-2, C-1, C-2, and C-3 districts. However, in these districts, commercial telecommunications antennas attached to existing buildings or structures are permitted on any property with a commercial use or an institutional use such as church, park, library, government, school, hospital, utility or similar use. Commercial antennas mounted on roofs, walls, and existing structures may be approved by the Site Review Committee, providing the antennas meet the requirements of the district in which they are located and do not exceed the building height by more than 20 feet.
(G) The use of a wireless telecommunications facility by more than one wireless telecommunications provider (co-location) is encouraged, and when new towers are necessary, construction that can accommodate multiple users is encouraged. Co-location of antennas on a single tower, antennas attached to existing structures/buildings, or replacement towers to be constructed at the site of a current tower are permitted uses and will not be subject to the special use permitting process.
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SPECIAL USES |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
32 |
33 |
34 |
35 – 42 |
43 |
44 |
45 |
46 |
47 |
48 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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A |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
X2 |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
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X |
X |
X |
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Repealed by Ord. G-2008-13
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X |
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X |
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R-1 |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
X |
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X |
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X2 |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
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R-2 |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
X |
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X |
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X2 |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
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R-3 |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
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R-4 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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R-5 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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CO-1 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
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CO-2 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
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C-1 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
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X |
X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
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C-2 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
X |
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X |
X |
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X |
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C-3 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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C-4 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
X |
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X |
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W-R |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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W-I |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
X1 |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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M-1 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
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X |
X1 |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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M-2 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
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X |
X1 |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
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X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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M-3 |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
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X |
X1 |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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X |
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F-1 |
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X |
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X |
X |
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X |
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X |
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PUD |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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CON |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
X2 |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
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X |
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AIR |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
X |
X3 |
X |
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X |
X |
X4 |
X |
X |
X |
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X |
X |
1 Electric power or steam generating plants, radio and TV towers only. Non-guyed telecommunication facilities, cellular towers, and similar uses that are otherwise included within Special Use 15 shall be permitted on site review approval rather than requiring special use approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals, but are nonetheless subject to the provisions of EMC 18.145.030(E) and (F) and subsection (E) of this section.
2 Can only apply for Special Use 13 (electronic message signs) if there is an established special use on the property not involving an electronic message sign, and if the site is not located in a historic district. See EMC 18.140.080(B)(2) and 18.140.040(P).
3 Must have approval of EVAAD prior to approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
4 Only indoor firearms uses can be permitted in the AIR district with Special Use 23 approval, as uses involving outdoor firearms are prohibited for aircraft safety.
[Ord. G-2023-8 § 4, passed 6-27-23; Ord. G-2022-5 § 4, passed 6-14-22; Ord. G-2019-8 § 4, passed 6-25-19; Ord. G-2016-28* § 8, passed 10-14-16; Ord. G-2013-17** § 3, passed 11-19-13; Ord. G-2011-8 § 4, passed 5-16-11; Ord. G-2011-7 § 1(M), passed 5-16-11; Ord. G-2008-13 § 1, passed 4-15-08; Ord. G-2007-14, passed 10-22-07; Ord. G-2000-9, passed 4-17-00; Ord. G-96-16, passed 10-21-96; Ord. G-96-11, passed 8-19-96; Ord. G-93-24, passed 12-14-93; Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-88-35, passed 11-21-88; Ord. G-87-32, passed 3-14-88; Ord. G-85-64, passed 12-16-85; Ord. G-84-12, passed 5-14-84; Ord. G-78-13, passed 5-8-78. 1982 Code § 153.136; 1983 Code § 15.153.136.]
*Code reviser’s note: Ord. G-2016-28 inadvertently deleted Column 46 from this table. Per the request of the city, this column has been restored to read as in Ord. G-2013-17.
**Code reviser’s note: Ordinance G-2013-17 inadvertently omitted through a scrivener’s error the X in the “27” column for the C-2 row. It has been included to reflect the intent of the city legislation.