HomeMy WebLinkAboutGuide to Iowa City's Form-Based Zoning DistrictsGUIDE TO IOWA CITY’S FORM-BASED ZONING DISTRICTS
This reflects the code as it was adopted on 11-16-2021. Staff is currently considering multiple amendments. This document will be updated as those amendments are approved.
This document highlights key form-based code standards to guide those new to
developing in form-based zone districts. It is not comprehensive or intended to replace
the use of the Iowa City Zoning or Subdivision Codes.
Form-based zoning regulations are different than the conventional approach to zoning.
Form-based zoning focuses less on land use (e.g., commercial v. residential) and more
on the scale (e.g., bulk and height) of the development and its relationship to the
street and the public realm. The City of Iowa City’s form-based code standards are
designed to improve walkability, increase housing diversity and affordability, and
provide for a more sustainable neighborhood pattern. The form-based code promotes
a compatible mix of non-residential uses, including neighborhood nodes. These nodes
may encompass commercial areas that serve local needs as well as open spaces within
walking distance. Additionally, a key goal of the code is to create a highly
interconnected network of streets and paths that provide easy access to homes and
neighborhood amenities.
This document is for reference only.
Please see the
Iowa City Zoning and Subdivision Code
for full details.
DEVELOPING IN IOWA CITY’S FORM-BASED ZONING DISTRICTS This document is for reference
only. Please see the Iowa City
Zoning & Subdivision Code for full
details.
Contact the Iowa City Development Services -
Urban Planning to schedule a meeƟng to discuss
the development process.
Anne RusseƩ, Senior Planner
p: (319) 356-5251
e: arusseƩ@iowa-city.org
Staff is available to review concepts prior to formal
applicaƟon submiƩal.
The South District Plan and Southwest District Plan
address the unique issues and opportuniƟes in each
district based on extensive community parƟcipaƟon.
Southwest
District Plan
South
District Plan
AŌer creaƟng a concept of the street network and determining
zone districts, determine what building types will be used for
each block based on the relevant zone district.
T3NE T3NG T4NS T4NM T4MS
The Zoning Code includes form-based zone informaƟon and standards.
The Subdivision Code includes informaƟon related to street design,
uƟliƟes, public ameniƟes, length and layout of blocks and lots, etc.
Subdivision
Code
Zoning
Code
Review the Future Thoroughfare Map for the planned street
network. Refer to the Zoning Code for the thoroughfare type
standards.
Southwest
District FTM
South
District FTM
Standards
14-2H-9 Review the Future Land Use Map to see what zoning districts
are envisioned for the area. Refer to the Zoning Code for the
zone standards.
Southwest
District FLUM
South
District FLUM
Zones
14-2H-2
Mã ó®ã« P½ÄĮĦ S㥥
Rò®ó D®ÝãÙ®ã P½ÄÝ
CÙã SãÙã NãóÊÙ»
DãÙÃ®Ä ZÊÄÝ
Rò®ó ã« ZÊĮĦ Ι
Sç®ò®Ý®ÊÄ CÊÝ
DãÙîÄ
B箽®Ä¦ TùÖÝ
Sçîã CÊÄÖã
¥ÊÙ Ý㥥
Ùò®ó
Criteria
14-2H-1D
SOUTH DISTRICT FORM-BASED FUTURE LAND USE MAP This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning &
Subdivision Code for full details.
SOUTH DISTRICT FUTURE THOROUGHFARE MAP This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning &
Subdivision Code for full details.
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT FORM-BASED FUTURE LAND USE MAP This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning &
Subdivision Code for full details.
Rohret South Subarea
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT FUTURE THOROUGHFARE MAP This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning &
Subdivision Code for full details.
Rohret South Subarea
T3NE—T3 NEIGHBORHOOD EDGE ZONE
A walkable neighborhood environment of detached, small-to-large building
footprint, low-intensity housing choices from house large, duplex side-by-side to
cottage court, supporting and within short walking distance of neighborhood-
serving retail, food and service uses.
BUILDING PLACEMENT
Setbacks
Min Max
Front (Façade
Zone)1,2
Interior Design Site [F] 25’ 35’
Corner Design Site 25’ 35’
Side Street (Façade
Zone)1,2
Primary Building [G] 20’ 25’
Accessory Structures [H] 20’
Side Primary Building [I] 10’
Accessory Structures [J] 5’
Rear Primary Building [K] 25’
Accessory Structures [L] 5’
Building Within Façade Zone
Front 50% Total length of facade required within or abutting the
facade zone, exclusive of setbacks. Side Street 40%
(design site width – both side setbacks) x façade zone standard =
total length of the façade required within or abutting the façade zone
Standards
1.Facades facing a street or civic space must be designed in compliance with
section 14-2H-7 (Architectural Element Standards).
1 If utility easement is 10' as determined by the applicable abutting thoroughfare type
(14-2H-9), subtract 5' from required setback.
2 The area between the front and side street design site lines and the building shall not be
paved (except for allowed driveways and pedestrian routes) and is subject to the require-
ments in section 14-2H-8 (Frontage Type Standards).
BUILDING FORM
Height
Primary Building 1
Stories 2.5 stories max2
To Roofline3 30’ max [C]
Accessory Structure(s)1
Carriage House 2 stories max
Other 1 story max
Ground Floor Ceiling Height 9’ min [D]
Footprint
Depth, ground-floor space 30’ min4 [E]
Standards
1. Design site coverage defined by max. building size of primary building type allowed and
carriage house per section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards) and Item 5 (Building Placement)
standards of this zone.
1 See section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards) for refinements to massing and height standards.
2 ".5" refers to an occupiable attic.
3 Typically measured from average finished grade along the frontage. Solar energy systems shall
not be included in the maximum building height measurement. See building height in
article 14-9A (General Definitions).
4 12' min. for cottage court building type.
PARKING
Required Spaces
Residential Uses
Studio or 1-2 bedrooms 1 min per unit
3 or more bedrooms 2 min per unit
Non-Residential Uses
1,500 SF None
> 1,500 SF 2.5 min/1,000 SF after first 1,500 SF
Setbacks (Distance from ROW/Design Side Lines):
Front1
House Large 15’ min behind face of frontage types or building
whichever is closer to the street [Q]
All other building types 50’ min [R]
Side Street 20’ min [S]
Side 5’ min [T]
Rear 5’ min [U]
Characteristics
Curb Cut Width 12’ max2 [V]
Distance between driveways 40’ min [W]
Standards
1. Parking may be covered or uncovered and may be attached or detached from main body.
2. Parking may be located in rear or side wing in compliance with main body and wing(s)
standards per section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards).
3.Porte-cochère allowed if integrated into building facade.
4. Curb cut width along alley may exceed 12'.
5. A driveway may be shared between adjacent design sites.
1 Front access is not allowed in corner design sites.
2 With 2' planting strip on each side.
14-2H-2.C
ZONE STANDARDS OVERVIEW
General Note: the illustration above are intended to provide a brief overview of the zone and are descriptive in nature.
This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning &
Subdivision Code for full details.
T3NE—T3 NEIGHBORHOOD EDGE ZONE
DESIGN SITES BUILDINGS PER
DESIGN SITE STORIES UNITS PER
BUILDING MAIN BODY8 WINGS PRIVATE OPEN SPACE 9 ALLOWED FRONTAGE TYPES
Building Types Allowed Min
Width
Max
Width
Min
Depth
Max
Depth Min Max Max Min Max Max
Width
Max
Depth
Max
Width
Max
Depth
Separation
Between Wings
Offset from
Main Body Area Dimension Porch
Projecting
Porch
Engaged Dooryard Stoop
House Large 60’1 95’ 110’2 180’ 1 2.5 1 55’ 55’3 20’ 20’ 15’ 5’4 400 SF A A A A
Duplex Side-by-Side 60’1 75’ 100’2 180’ 1 2.5 2 48’ 40’3 225 SF/unit 15’ A A A A
Cottage Court 90’1 120’ 120’2 180’ 3 9 1.56 15 32’7 24’ See Code9 See Code9 A A A
Carriage House Accessory Dwelling Unit — See 14-2H-6C for details
1 Min. width may be reduced by 10' if vehicle access is provided from rear.
2 Min. depth may be adjusted as follows:
a.It may be reduced by 10' if utility easement is relocated to alley; and/or
b.It may be reduced by 15' if the design site fronts new civic space (14-2H-5) not shown on the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan. Min. depth reduction may not exceed 25' total.
3 When a porch is designed to extend the full width of the front facade (excluding garages), the maximum main body depth may be increased by 5'.
4 Except when used for parking, front parking setback shall comply with standards in Item 7 (Parking) of the zone.
5 Most rear cottage (i.e. cottage furthest from the street and located at the rear of the design site) may be a building with up to 3 units.
6 Max. height to mid- point of roof : 18’
7 Max. width of most rear cottage: 40’, Min. separation between cottages: 10’
8 See 14.2H.6 for the respective building type subsection 3 to see building size and massing standards
9 See 14.2H.6 for the respective building type subsection 7 to see private open space standards.
Stoop
Allowed Frontage Types
14-2H-6
Allowed Building Types
Porch Projected Porch Engaged Dooryard
Other Form-Based Zone Standards
Use Standards
Site Standards
Civic Space Standards
Architectural Element Standards
Frontage Type Standards
Thoroughfare Type Standards
Affordable Housing Incentives
BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS OVERVIEW
14-2H-3
14-2H-4
14-2H-5
14-2H-7
14-2H-8
14-2H-9
14-2F-4
14-2H-2.C
This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning and
Subdivision Code for full details.
House Large Duplex Side-by-Side Cottage Court
There shall be a mix of frontage and building types per block as outlined in sections
14-2H-6.B.6 (Building Type Standards) and 14-2H-8.B.5 (Frontage Type Standards).
T3NG—T3 NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL ZONE
A walkable neighborhood environment of small footprint, low-intensity housing
choices from house small, duplex side-by-side, duplex stacked, cottage court,
multiplex small to townhouse, supporting and within short walking distance of
neighborhood-serving retail and services.
BUILDING PLACEMENT
Setbacks
Min Max
Front (Façade
Zone)1,2
Interior Design Site [F] 20’ 30’
Corner Design Site 20’ 30’
Side Street (Façade
Zone)1,2
Primary Building [G] 15’ 25’
Accessory Structures [H] 15’
Side Primary Building [I] 7’
Accessory Structures [J] 5’
Rear Primary Building [K] 20’
Accessory Structures [L] 5’
Building Within Façade Zone
Front 60% Total length of facade required within or abutting the
facade zone, exclusive of setbacks. Side Street 50%
(design site width – both side setbacks) x façade zone standard =
total length of the façade required within or abutting the façade zone
Standards
1.Facades facing a street or civic space must be designed in compliance with
section 14-2H-7 (Architectural Element Standards).
1 If utility easement is 10' as determined by the applicable abutting thoroughfare type
(14-2H-9), subtract 5' from required setback.
2 The area between the front and side street design site lines and the building shall not be
paved (except for allowed driveways and pedestrian routes) and is subject to the require-
ments in section 14-2H-8 (Frontage Type Standards).
BUILDING FORM
Height
Primary Building 1
Stories 2.5 stories max2
To Roofline3 30’ max [C]
Accessory Structure(s)1
Carriage House 2 stories max
Other 1 story max
Ground Floor Ceiling Height 9’ min [D]
Footprint
Depth, ground-floor space 30’ min4 [E]
Standards
1. Design site coverage defined by max. building size of primary building type allowed and
carriage house per section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards) and Item 5 (Building Placement)
standards of this zone.
1 See section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards) for refinements to massing and height standards.
2 ".5" refers to an occupiable attic.
3 Typically measured from average finished grade along the frontage. Solar energy systems shall
not be included in the maximum building height measurement. See building height in
article 14-9A (General Definitions).
4 12' min. for cottage court building type.
PARKING
Required Spaces
Residential Uses
Studio or 1-2 bedrooms 1 min per unit
3 or more bedrooms 2 min per unit
Non-Residential Uses
1,500 SF None
> 1,500 SF 2.5 min/1,000 SF after first 1,500 SF
Setbacks (Distance from ROW/Design Side Lines):
Front1
House Small 15’ min behind face of frontage types or building
whichever is closer to the street [Q]
All other building types 40’ min [R]
Side Street 15’ min [S]
Side 5’ min [T]
Rear 5’ min [U]
Characteristics
Curb Cut Width 12’ max2 [V]
Distance between driveways 40’ min [W]
Standards
1. Parking may be covered or uncovered and may be attached or detached from main body.
2. Parking may be located in rear or side wing in compliance with main body and wing(s)
standards per section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards).
3.Porte-cochère allowed if integrated into building facade.
4. Curb cut width along alley may exceed 12'.
5. A driveway may be shared between adjacent design sites.
1 Front access is not allowed in corner design sites.
2 With 2' planting strip on each side.
14-2H-2.D
ZONE STANDARDS OVERVIEW
General Note: the illustration above are intended to provide a brief overview of the zone and are descriptive in nature.
This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning &
Subdivision Code for full details.
T3NG—T3 NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL ZONE
DESIGN SITES BUILDINGS PER
DESIGN SITE STORIES UNITS PER
BUILDING MAIN BODY 9 WINGS PRIVATE OPEN SPACE 10 ALLOWED FRONTAGE TYPES
Building Types Allowed Min
Width
Max
Width
Min
Depth
Max
Depth Min Max Max Min Max Max
Width
Max
Depth
Max
Width
Max
Depth
Separation
Between Wings
Offset from
Main Body Area Dimension Porch
Projecting
Porch
Engaged Door yard Stoop
House Small 50’1 75’ 100’2 180’ 1 2.5 1 35’ 45’5 20’ 20’ 15’ 5’6 400 SF A A A A
Duplex Side-by-Side 60’1 75’ 100’2 180’ 1 2.5 2 48’ 40’5 225 SF/unit 15’ A A A A
Duplex Stacked 50’1 70’ 100’2 180’ 1 2.5 2 36’ 40’5 15’ 20’ 15’ 5’ 225 SF/unit 15’ A A A A
Cottage Court 90’1 120’ 120’2 180’ 3 9 1.512 111 32’13 24’ See Code10 See Code10 A A A
Multiplex Small 70’ 100’ 110’ 150’ 1 2.5 3 6 50’ 50’5 20’ 30’ 15’ 5’ 225 SF 15’ A A A A
Townhouse (House Scale) 25’3 125’4 100’2 180’ 17 2.5 1 18’ min
30’ max8 50’5 15’ 15’ 8’ 64 SF/building 8’ A A A A
Carriage House Accessory Dwelling Unit — See 14-2H-6C for details
1 Min. width may be reduced by 10' if vehicle access is provided from rear. 9 See 14.2H.6 for the respective building type subsection 3 to see building size and massing standards.
2 Min. depth may be adjusted as follows: 10 See 14.2H.6 for the respective building type subsection 7 to see private open space standards.
a.It may be reduced by 10' if utility easement is relocated to alley; and/or 11 Most rear cottage (i.e. cottage furthest from the street and located at the rear of the design site) may be a building with u p to 3 units.
b.It may be reduced by 15' if the design site fronts new civic space (14-2H-5) not shown on the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive
Plan. Min. depth reduction may not exceed 25' total.
12 Max. height to mid- point of roof : 18’
3 Represents 1 townhouse. 13 Max. width of most rear cottage: 40’, Min. separation between cottages: 10’
4 Represents 3 townhouses side-by-side or attached.
5 When a porch is designed to extend the full width of the front facade (excluding garages), the maximum main body depth may be increased by 5'.
6 Except when used for parking, front parking setback shall comply with standards in Item 7 (Parking) of the zone.
7 House-scale building, 2 - 3 buildings 2 - 3 individual townhouses max. per row.
8 Max. width per building: 90’
Stoop
Allowed Frontage Types
14-2H-6
Allowed Building Types
Porch Projected Porch Engaged Dooryard
Other Form-Based Zone Standards
Use Standards
Site Standards
Civic Space Standards
Architectural Element Standards
Frontage Type Standards
Thoroughfare Type Standards
Affordable Housing Incentives
BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS OVERVIEW
14-2H-3
14-2H-4
14-2H-5
14-2H-7
14-2H-8
14-2H-9
14-2F-4
14-2H-2.D There shall be a mix of frontage and building types per block as outlined in sections
14-2H-6.B.6 (Building Type Standards) and 14-2H-8.B.5 (Frontage Type Standards).
This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning and
Subdivision Code for full details.
House Small Duplex Side-by-Side Duplex Stacked
Cottage Court Multiplex Small Townhouse (House Scale)
T4NS—T4 NEIGHBORHOOD SMALL ZONE
A walkable neighborhood environment of small-to- medium-footprint, moderate
-intensity housing choices from cottage court, multiplex small, courtyard building
small to townhouse, supporting and within short walking distance of
neighborhood-serving retail and services.
BUILDING PLACEMENT
Setbacks
Min Max
Front (Façade
Zone)1,2
Interior Design Site [F] 15’ 30’
Corner Design Site 15’ 30’
Side Street (Façade
Zone)1,2
Primary Building 15’ 25’
Accessory Structures [H] 15’
Side Primary Building [G] 5’
Accessory Structures [H] 3’
Rear Primary Building [I] 15’
Accessory Structures [J] 5’
Building Within Façade Zone
Front 65% Total length of facade required within or abutting the
facade zone, exclusive of setbacks. Side Street 55%
(design site width – both side setbacks) x façade zone standard =
total length of the façade required within or abutting the façade zone
Standards
1.Facades facing a street or civic space must be designed in compliance with
section 14-2H-7 (Architectural Element Standards).
1 If utility easement is 10' as determined by the applicable abutting thoroughfare type
(14-2H-9), subtract 5' from required setback.
2 The area between the front and side street design site lines and the building shall not be
paved (except for allowed driveways and pedestrian routes) and is subject to the require-
ments in section 14-2H-8 (Frontage Type Standards).
BUILDING FORM
Height
Primary Building 1
Stories 2.5 stories max2
To Roofline3 30’ max [C]
Accessory Structure(s)1
Carriage House 2 stories max
Other 1 story max
Ground Floor Ceiling Height 9’ min [D]
Footprint
Depth, ground-floor space 30’ min4 [E]
Standards
1. Design site coverage defined by max. building size of primary building type allowed and
carriage house per section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards) and Item 5 (Building Placement)
standards of this zone.
1 See section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards) for refinements to massing and height standards.
2 ".5" refers to an occupiable attic.
3 Typically measured from average finished grade along the frontage. Solar energy systems shall
not be included in the maximum building height measurement. See building height in
article 14-9A (General Definitions).
4 12' min. for cottage court building type.
PARKING
Required Spaces
Residential Uses
Studio or 1-2 bedrooms 1 min per unit
3 or more bedrooms 1.5 min per unit
Non-Residential Uses
1,500 SF None
> 1,500 SF 2.5 min/1,000 SF after first 1,500 SF
Setbacks (Distance from ROW/Design Side Lines):
Front1 40’ min [Q]
Side Street 15’ min [R]
Side 5’ min [S]
Rear 5’ min [T]
Characteristics
Curb Cut Width 12’ max2 [U]
Distance between driveways 40’ min [V]
Standards
1. Parking may be covered or uncovered and may be attached or detached from main body.
2. Parking may be located in rear or side wing in compliance with main body and wing(s)
standards per section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards).
3.Porte-cochère allowed if integrated into building facade.
4. Curb cut width along alley may exceed 12'.
5. A driveway may be shared between adjacent design sites.
1 Front access is not allowed in corner design sites.
2 With 2' planting strip on each side.
14-2H-2.E
ZONE STANDARDS OVERVIEW
General Note: the illustration above are intended to provide a brief overview of the zone and are descriptive in nature.
This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning &
Subdivision Code for full details.
T4NS—T4 NEIGHBORHOOD SMALL ZONE
z DESIGN SITES BUILDINGS PER DESIGN
SITE STORIES UNITS PER
BUILDING MAIN BODY 8 WINGS PRIVATE OPEN SPACE 9 ALLOWED FRONTAGE TYPES
Building Types Allowed Min Width Max
Width Min Depth Max
Depth Min Max Max Min Max Max Width Max Depth Max
Width
Max
Depth
Separation
Between
Offset from
Main Body Area Dimension Porch
Projecting
Porch
Engaged Dooryard Stoop
Cottage Court 90’1 120’ 120’2 180’ 3 9 1.511 112 32’13 24’ See Code9 See Code9 A A A
Multiplex Small 60’1 100’ 110’2 150’ 1 2.5 3 6 50’ 50’10 20’ 30’ 15’ 5’ 225 SF 15’ A A A A
Townhouse (Block-Scale) 18’3 1604 100’2 180’ 15 2.5 1 18’ min 30’
max6 50’10 15’ 15’ 8’ 64 SF 8’ A A A A
Courtyard Building Small 100’1 130’ 150’2 180’ 3 17 2.5 10 16 100’ 100’10 30’ width
50’ depth A A A
Carriage House Accessory Dwelling Unit — See 14-2H-6C for details
1 Min. width may be reduced by 10' if vehicle access is provided from rear. 10 When a porch is designed to extend the full width of the front facade (excluding garages), the maximum main body depth may be
increased by 5'. 2 Min. depth may be adjusted as follows:
a.It may be reduced by 10' if utility easement is relocated to alley; and/or 11 Max. height to mid- point of roof : 18’
b.It may be reduced by 15' if the design site fronts new civic space (14-2H-5) not shown on the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan.
Min. depth reduction may not exceed 25' total.
12 Most rear cottage (i.e. cottage furthest from the street and located at the rear of the design site)
3 Represents 1 townhouse. 13 Max. width of most rear cottage: 40’, Min. separation between cottages: 10’
4 Represents 4 townhouses side-by-side or attached.
5 Block-scale building, 4 - 8 individual townhouses max. per row.
6 Max width per building: 120’
7 Primary buildings may be designed as a up to two adjacent buildings not more than 15’ apart.
8 See 14.2H.6 for the respective building type subsection 3 to see building size and massing standards.
9 See 14.2H.6 for the respective building type subsection 7 to see private open space standards.
Stoop
Allowed Frontage Types
14-2H-6
Allowed Building Types
Porch Projected Porch Engaged Dooryard
Other Form-Based Zone Standards
Use Standards
Site Standards
Civic Space Standards
Architectural Element Standards
Frontage Type Standards
Thoroughfare Type Standards
Affordable Housing Incentives
BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS OVERVIEW
14-2H-3
14-2H-4
14-2H-5
14-2H-7
14-2H-8
14-2H-9
14-2F-4
14-2H-2.E
This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning and
Subdivision Code for full details.
Cottage Court Multiplex Small Townhouse (Block-Scale)
Courtyard Building Small
There shall be a mix of frontage and building types per block as outlined in sections
14-2H-6.B.6 (Building Type Standards) and 14-2H-8.B.5 (Frontage Type Standards).
T4NM—T4 NEIGHBORHOOD MEDIUM ZONE
A walkable neighborhood environment with medium-footprint, moderate-
intensity housing choices from multiplex large, courtyard building small to
townhouse, supporting and within short walking distance of neighborhood-
serving retail and services.
BUILDING PLACEMENT
Setbacks
Min Max
Front (Façade
Zone)1,2
Interior Design Site [F] 15’ 25’
Corner Design Site 15’ 25’
Side Street (Façade
Zone)1,2
Primary Building [G] 15’ 25’
Accessory Structures [H] 15’
Side Primary Building [I] 5’
Accessory Structures [J] 3’
Rear Primary Building [K] 15’
Accessory Structures [L] 5’
Building Within Façade Zone
Front 65% Total length of facade required within or abutting the
facade zone, exclusive of setbacks. Side Street 55%
(design site width – both side setbacks) x façade zone standard =
total length of the façade required within or abutting the façade zone
Standards
1.Facades facing a street or civic space must be designed in compliance with
section 14-2H-7 (Architectural Element Standards).
1 If utility easement is 10' as determined by the applicable abutting thoroughfare type
(14-2H-9), subtract 5' from required setback.
2 The area between the front and side street design site lines and the building shall not be
paved (except for allowed driveways and pedestrian routes) and is subject to the require-
ments in section 14-2H-8 (Frontage Type Standards).
BUILDING FORM
Height
Primary Building 1
Stories 3.5 stories max2 [C]
To Roofline3 40’ max
Accessory Structure(s)1
Carriage House 2 stories max
Other 1 story max
Ground Floor Ceiling Height 9’ min [D]
Footprint
Depth, ground-floor space 30’ min4 [E]
Standards
1. Design site coverage defined by max. building size of primary building type allowed and
carriage house per section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards) and Item 5 (Building Placement)
standards of this zone.
1 See section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards) for refinements to massing and height standards.
2 ".5" refers to an occupiable attic.
3 Typically measured from average finished grade along the frontage. Solar energy systems shall
not be included in the maximum building height measurement. See building height in
article 14-9A (General Definitions).
PARKING
Required Spaces
Residential Uses
Studio or 1-2 bedrooms 1 min per unit
3 or more bedrooms 1.5 min per unit
Non-Residential Uses
2,000 SF None
> 2,000 SF 2.5 min/1,000 SF after first 2,000 SF
Setbacks (Distance from ROW/Design Side Lines):
Front1 40’ min [Q]
Side Street 15’ min [R]
Side 5’ min [S]
Rear 5’ min [T]
Characteristics
Curb Cut Width 12’ max2 [U]
Distance between driveways 40’ min [V]
Standards
1. Parking may be covered or uncovered and may be attached or detached from main body.
2. Parking may be located in rear or side wing in compliance with main body and wing(s)
standards per section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards).
3.Porte-cochère allowed if integrated into building facade.
4. Curb cut width along alley may exceed 12'.
5. A driveway may be shared between adjacent design sites.
1 Front access is not allowed in corner design sites.
2 With 2' planting strip on each side.
14-2H-2.F
ZONE STANDARDS OVERVIEW
General Note: the illustration above are intended to provide a brief overview of the zone and are descriptive in nature.
This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning &
Subdivision Code for full details.
Porch Projected Porch Engaged Dooryard
T4NM—T4 NEIGHBORHOOD MEDIUM ZONE
DESIGN SITES BUILDINGS PER
DESIGN SITE STORIES UNITS PER
BUILDING MAIN BODY 8 WINGS PRIVATE OPEN SPACE 9 ALLOWED FRONTAGE TYPES
Building Types Allowed Min
Width
Max
Width
Min
Depth
Max
Depth Min Max Max Min Max Max
Width
Max
Depth Max Width Max Depth Separation
Between
Offset
from Main Area Dimension Porch
Projecting
Porch
Engaged Dooryard Stoop Terrace Forecourt
Multiplex Large 75’1 100’ 130’2 150’ 1 3.5 7 12 60’ 60’10 20’ 40’ 15’ 5’ 225 SF 15’ A A A A
Townhouse (Block-Scale) 18’3 130’4,5 100’2 180’ 16 3.5 112 18’ min
30’ max7 50’10 64 SF 8’ A A A A A
Courtyard Building Small 100’1 130’ 150’2 180’ 111 3.5 10 16 100’ 100’10 30’ width
50’ depth A A A A
Carriage House Accessory Dwelling Unit — See 14-2H-6C for details
1 Min. width may be reduced by 10' if vehicle access is provided from rear. 11 Primary buildings may be designed as a up to two adjacent buildings not more than 15’ apart.
2 Min. depth may be adjusted as follows: 12 3 max in T4NM-O zone
a.It may be reduced by 10' if utility easement is relocated to alley; and/or
b.It may be reduced by 15' if the design site fronts new civic space (14-2H-5) not shown on the Future Land Use Map of the
Comprehensive Plan. Min. depth reduction may not exceed 25' total.
3 Represents 1 townhouse.
4 Represents 4 townhouses side-by-side or attached.
5 In the open sub-zone, each townhouse may be divided vertically into 3 units.
6 Block-scale building, 4 - 8 individual townhouses max. per row.
7 Max width per building: 100’
8 See 14.2H.6 for the respective building type subsection 3 to see building size and massing standards.
9 See 14.2H.6 for the respective building type subsection 7 to see private open space standards.
10 When a porch is designed to extend the full width of the front facade (excluding garages), the maximum main body depth may be
increased by 5'.
Stoop Terrace Forecourt
Allowed Frontage Types
14-2H-6
Allowed Building Types Other Form-Based Zone Standards
Use Standards
Site Standards
Civic Space Standards
Architectural Element Standards
Frontage Type Standards
Thoroughfare Type Standards
Affordable Housing Incentives
BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS OVERVIEW
14-2H-3
14-2H-4
14-2H-5
14-2H-7
14-2H-8
14-2H-9
14-2F-4
14-2H-2.F
This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning and
Subdivision Code for full details.
Multiplex Large Townhouse (Block-Scale) Courtyard Building Small
There shall be a mix of frontage and building types per block as outlined in sections
14-2H-6.B.6 (Building Type Standards) and 14-2H-8.B.5 (Frontage Type Standards).
15’ 15 8’
T4MS—T4 MAIN STREET ZONE
A walkable, vibrant district of medium-to-large-footprint, moderate-intensity,
mixed-use buildings and housing choices from townhouse and courtyard building
large to main street building, supporting neighborhood- serving ground floor retail,
food and services, including indoor and outdoor artisanal industrial businesses.
BUILDING PLACEMENT
Setbacks
Min Max
Front (Façade
Zone)
Interior Design Site [F] 0’ 10’
Corner Design Site 0’ 10’
Side Street (Façade
Zone)
Primary Building [G] 0’ 10’
Accessory Structures [H] 0’
Side Primary Building [I] 0’
Accessory Structures [J] 3’
Rear Primary Building [K] 10’
Accessory Structures [L] 5’
Building Within Façade Zone
Total length of facade required within or abutting the
facade zone, exclusive of setbacks.
Front 80%
Side Street 70%
(design site width – both side setbacks) x façade zone standard =
total length of the façade required within or abutting the façade zone
Standards
1.Facades facing a street or civic space must be designed in compliance with
section 14-2H-7 (Architectural Element Standards).
2.Utility easement required in alley as identified by the applicable abutting thoroughfare
type (14-2H-9).
BUILDING FORM
Height
Primary Building 1
Stories 4 stories max
To Roofline2 45’ max [C]
Accessory Structure(s)1
Carriage House 2 stories max
Other 1 story max
Ground Floor Ceiling Height 14’ min [D]
Footprint
Depth, ground-floor space 30’ min4 [E]
Standards
1. Design site coverage defined by max. building size of primary building type allowed and
carriage house per section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards) and Item 5 (Building Placement)
standards of this zone.
1 See section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards) for refinements to massing and height standards.
2 Typically measured from average finished grade along the frontage. Solar energy systems shall
not be included in the maximum building height measurement. See building height in
article 14-9A (General Definitions).
PARKING
Required Spaces
Residential Uses
Studio or 1-2 bedrooms 1 min per unit
3 or more bedrooms 1.5 min per unit
Non-Residential Uses
5,000 SF 0 max
> 5,000 SF 2 max/1,000 SF after first 5,000 SF
Setbacks (Distance from ROW/Design Side Lines):
Front1 40’ min [Q]
Side Street [R]
75’ from front 25’ min [S]
> 75’ from front 5’ min
Side 0’ min [T]
Rear 5’ min [U]
Characteristics
Curb Cut Width 12’ max1
Standards
1. Parking may be covered or uncovered and may be attached or detached from main body.
2. Parking may be located in rear or side wing in compliance with main body and wing(s)
standards per section 14-2H-6 (Building Type Standards).
3. Curb cut width along alley may exceed 12'.
4. A driveway may be shared between adjacent design sites.
1 With 2' planting strip on each side.
14-2H-2.G
ZONE STANDARDS OVERVIEW
General Note: the illustration above are intended to provide a brief overview of the zone and are descriptive in nature.
This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning &
Subdivision Code for full details.
T4MS—T4 MAIN STREET ZONE
DESIGN SITES BUILDINGS PER
DESIGN SITE STORIES UNITS PER
BUILDING MAIN BODY 8 WINGS PRIVATE OPEN SPACE 9 ALLOWED FRONTAGE TYPES
Building Types Allowed Min
Width
Max
Width
Min
Depth
Max
Depth Min Max Max Min Max Max Width Max Depth Max
Width
Max
Depth
Separation
Between Area Dimension Dooryard Stoop Terrace Maker
Shopfront Shopfront Gallery Forecourt Arcade
Townhouse (Block-Scale) 18’2 220’3,4 100’1 180’ 15 3.5 3 18’ min
30’ max6 50’10 15’ 15’ 8’ 64 SF 8’ A A A
Courtyard Building Large 100’ 150’ 180’1 200’ 17 3.5 18 24 100’ 140’ 30’ width
70’ depth A A A A
Main Street Building 25’ 150’ 100’1 200’ 1 3.5 Unrestricted11 200’ 120’ Not Required A12 A A A12 A A A A
Carriage House Accessory Dwelling Unit — See 14-2H-6C for details
1 Min. depth may be reduced by 15' if the design site fronts a new civic space (14-2H-5) not shown on the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan. Min. depth reductions may not exceed 25' total.
2 Represents 1 townhouse.
3 Represents 8 townhouses side-by-side or attached.
4 Each townhouse may be divided vertically into 3 units.
5 Block-scale building, 4 - 8 individual townhouses max. per row.
6 Max width per building: 200’
7 Primary buildings may be designed as a up to two adjacent buildings not more than 15’ apart.
8 See 14.2H.6 for the respective building type subsection 3 to see building size and massing standards.
9 See 14.2H.6 for the respective building type subsection 7 to see private open space standards.
10 When a porch is designed to extend the full width of the front facade (excluding garages), the maximum main body depth may be increased by 5'.
11 Number of units restricted by Iowa City's adopted Building Code, Fire Code, and Housing Code standards.
12 Only on neighborhood (side) streets and min. 60’ from front of design site.
Allowed Frontage Types
14-2H-6
Allowed Building Types Other Form-Based Zone Standards
Use Standards
Site Standards
Civic Space Standards
Architectural Element Standards
Frontage Type Standards
Thoroughfare Type Standards
Affordable Housing Incentives
BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS OVERVIEW
14-2H-3
14-2H-4
14-2H-5
14-2H-7
14-2H-8
14-2H-9
14-2F-4
14-2H-2.G
This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning and
Subdivision Code for full details.
Townhouse (Block-Scale) Courtyard Building Large
Main Street Building
Dooryard Stoop Terrace Maker Shopfront
Shopfront Gallery Forecourt Arcade
ALL ZONES
ALLOWED ZONES DESIGN SITES BUILDINGS PER
DESIGN SITE STORIES UNITS PER
BUILDING MAIN BODY 9 WINGS PRIVATE OPEN SPACE 10 ALLOWED FRONTAGE TYPES
B箽®Ä¦ TùÖÝ A½½Êó T3NE T3NG T4NS T4NM T4MS Min
Width
Max
Width
Min
Depth
Max
Depth Min Max Max Min Max Max Width Max Depth Max Width Max Depth SeparaƟon
Between
Offset from
Main Body Area Dimension
House Large A 60’1 95’ 110’2 180’ 1 2.5 1 55’ 55’5 20’ 20’ 15’ 5’
6 400 SF porch projecƟng, porch engaged,
dooryard, stoop
House Small A 50’1 75’ 100’2 180’ 1 2.5 1 35’ 45’5 20’ 20’ 15’ 5’
6 400 SF porch projecƟng, porch engaged,
dooryard, stoop
Duplex Side-by-Side A A 60’1 75’ 100’2 180’ 1 2.5 2 48’ 40’5 225 SF/unit 15’ porch projecƟng, porch engaged,
dooryard, stoop
Duplex Stacked A 50’1 70’ 100’2 180’ 1 2.5 2 36’ 40’5 15’ 20’ 15’ 5’ 225 SF/unit 15’
porch projecƟng, porch engaged,
dooryard, stoop
CoƩage Court A A A 90’1 120’ 120’2 180’ 3 9 1.512 111 32’13 24’See Code10 See Code10 porch projecƟng, dooryard, stoop
Townhouse (House Scale) A 25’3 125’4 100’2 180’ 17 2.5 1 18’ min
30’ max8 50’5 15’ 15’ 8’
64 SF/
building 8’ porch projecƟng, porch engaged,
dooryard, stoop, terrace
Townhouse (Block Scale) A A A 18’3 130-
22018 100’2 180’ 116 2.5 117 18’ min
30’ max8 50’5 15’ 15’ 8’64 SF 8’
porch projecƟng, porch engaged,
dooryard, stoop, terrace
MulƟplex Small A A 70’14 100’ 110’ 150’ 1 2.5 3 6 50’ 50’5 20’ 30’ 15’ 5’ 225 SF 15’
porch projecƟng, porch engaged,
dooryard, stoop
MulƟplex Large A 75’1 100’ 130’2 150’ 1 3.5 7 12 60’ 60’5 20’ 40’ 15’ 5’ 225 SF 15’porch projecƟng, stoop, forecourt, terrace
Courtyard Building Small A A 100’1 130’ 150’2 180’ 3 115 2.5 10 16 100’ 100’5 30’ width 50’
depth
porch projecƟng, porch engaged, stoop,
terrace
Courtyard Building Large A 100’ 150’ 180’1 200’ 17 3.5 18 24 100’ 140’ 30’ width
70’ depth stoop, shopfront, terrace, gallery
Main Street Building A 25’ 150’ 100’1 200’ 1 3.5 Unrestricted19
Unrestricted11 200’ 120’Not Re-
quired Not Required dooryard20 , stoop, forecourt, maker shop-
front20, shopfront, terrace, gallery, arcade
Carriage House Accessory Dwelling Unit — See 14-2H-6C for details
1 Min. width may be reduced by 10' if vehicle access is provided from rear. 10 See 14.2H.6 for the respecƟve building type subsecƟon 7 to see private open space standards.
11 Most rear coƩage (i.e. coƩage furthest from the street and located at the rear of the design site) may be a building with up
to 3 units.
12 Max. height to mid-point of roof : 18’
13 Max. width of most rear coƩage: 40’, Min. separaƟon between coƩages: 10’
3 Represents 1 townhouse. 14 60’ min in the T4NS zone.
4 125’ - Represents 3 townhouses side-by-side or aƩached. 15 Primary buildings may be designed as a up to two adjacent buildings not more than 15’ apart.
5 When a porch is designed to extend the full width of the front facade (excluding garages), the maximum main body depth may be increased by 5'. 16 Block-scale building, 4 - 8 individual townhouses max. per row.
6 Except when used for parking, front parking setback shall comply with standards in Item 7 (Parking) of the zone. 17 In the open sub-zone (T4NM-O), each townhouse may be divided verƟcally into 3 units.
7 House-scale building, 2 - 3 buildings 2 - 3 individual townhouses max. per row.
18 160 - Represents 4 (T4NS) townhouses side-by-side or aƩached.
130 - Represents 4 (T4NM) townhouses side-by-side or aƩached.
220 - Represents 8 (T4MS) townhouses side-by-side or aƩached.
8 House Scale: Max. width per building: 90’ (T3NG). Block Scale: Max width per building: 120’ (T4NS) 100’ (T4NM) 200’ (T4MS). 19 Number of units restricted by Iowa City's adopted Building Code, Fire Code, and Housing Code standards.
9 See 14.2H.6 for the respecƟve building type subsecƟon 3 to see building size and massing standards.20 Only on neighborhood (side) streets and min. 60’ from front of design site.
2 Min. depth may be adjusted as follows:
a.It may be reduced by 10' if uƟlity easement is relocated to alley; and/or
b.It may be reduced by 15' if the design site fronts new civic space (14-2H-5) not shown on the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive
Plan. Min. depth reducƟon may not exceed 25' total.
14-2H-6
BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS OVERVIEW
14-2H-2There shall be a mix of frontage and building types per block as outlined in secƟons
14-2H-6.B.6 (Building Type Standards) and 14-2H-8.B.5 (Frontage Type Standards).
This document is for reference only.
Please see the Iowa City Zoning and
Subdivision Code for full details.