A. 
The residential districts are listed in Table 300-11 below. When this chapter refers to residential or "R" zoning districts it is referring to one of the following:
Table 300-11: Residential Districts
District Name
Map Symbol
Low Density Residential
R-1
Medium Density Residential
R-2
Mixed Density Residential
R-3
Multifamily Residential
R-4
B. 
The residential district names and map symbols are intended to provide a general indication of what is allowed in the district by denoting the residential densities (low, medium, etc.).
A. 
Low Density Residential (R-1). The purpose of the R-1 District is to support the vision and goals contained within the City of Cortland Comprehensive Plan through the preservation and enhancement of stable and developing single-family neighborhoods. The intent of this district is to permit the construction of single-family detached units that do not compromise the existing residential character and pedestrian-friendly setting of the established neighborhoods. Future development and investment should ensure the continuation of the existing neighborhoods' traditional development pattern generally consisting of owner-occupied, single-family detached homes, unobstructed front yards, and pedestrian-scaled streetscapes (e.g., with sidewalks, street lighting, street trees, etc.).
B. 
Medium Density Residential (R-2). The purpose of the R-2 District is to support the vision and goals of the City's Comprehensive Plan and permit a slightly higher density in neighborhoods with a mix of single- and two-family homes. The R-2 District is intended to foster a pattern of development that maintains the traditional character of the R-1 District with sidewalks, street lighting, street trees, etc. In areas where there are established neighborhoods, the intent of this district is to preserve the existing traditional settlement pattern, generally consisting of owner-occupied one- and two-family units, smaller lots, unobstructed front yards, and pedestrian-scaled streetscapes.
C. 
Mixed Density Residential (R-3). The purpose of the R-3 District is to support the vision and goals of the City of Cortland Comprehensive Plan and allow for a transitional zone between lower and higher density residential areas. These neighborhoods may contain a mix of single- or two-family homes, as well as higher-density developments such as apartments or townhouses where appropriate. The R-3 District is intended to recognize the need for varying scales and densities in residential developments to foster a suitable transition and buffer between established neighborhoods and new development.
D. 
Multifamily Residential (R-4). The purpose of the R-4 District is to provide for the broadest range of residential living opportunities and permit the highest density desirable within the City. The intent of the R-4 District is to accommodate multifamily residential development and supporting offices or services in accordance with the vision and goals contained in the City of Cortland Comprehensive Plan. Developments in this district shall employ techniques to minimize negative impacts (including circulation, parking, glare, noise, etc.) on established lower-density residential areas and neighboring properties.
Uses are allowed in residential or "R" zoning districts in accordance with Table 300-13 below.
A. 
Uses identified with a "P" in the table are permitted as-of-right in the subject zoning district, subject to compliance with all other applicable standards of this chapter.
B. 
Uses identified with a "SP" in in the table may be allowed if reviewed and approved in accordance with the special permit procedures contained in Article XVI.
C. 
Uses not listed and those identified with a "—" are expressly prohibited.
Table 300-13: Residential Permitted and Specially Permitted Uses
Land Use
Zoning District
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-4
1. Residential
Single-family dwellings, detached
P
P
P
P
Single-family dwellings, attached
SP
P
P
P
Single-family dwellings, non-owner occ.
SP
P
P
P
Two-family dwellings
P
P
P
Multifamily dwellings
P
P
Bed-and-breakfasts
SP
SP
SP
Home occupations
SP
SP
SP
SP
Fraternity or sorority dwellings
SP
SP
SP
Rooming houses and boarding houses
SP
SP
Accessory dwelling units
SP
SP
Accessory uses or structures
P
P
P
SP
Solar photovoltaic systems (accessory only)
P
P
P
SP
2. Institutional
Places of worship
SP
SP
SP
SP
Schools
SP
SP
SP
SP
Public service utilities
SP
SP
SP
SP
Clubs (lodges, fraternal or sororal organizations, etc.)
SP
Ancillary parking areas
SP
Parks, playgrounds
SP
SP
SP
SP
3. Commercial
Indoor lodging
SP
SP
Extended-care medical facilities
SP
SP
Personal or professional offices
SP
P
Medical offices
SP
P
Day-care centers
P
Cemeteries
SP
SP
SP
SP
NOTES:
"P" = Permitted;
"SP" = Specially Permitted;
"—" = Prohibited
[Amended 9-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019]
The lot, area, and yard requirements listed in Table 300-14 below shall apply to the residential districts within the City.
Table 300-14: Residential Lot, Area, and Yard Requirements
Land Use
Zoning District
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-4
A. Minimum Lot Size
Single-family/two-family
10,000 square feet
7,500 square feet
7,500 square feet
7,500 square feet
Multifamily
10,000 square feet
10,000 square feet
Nonresidential uses
10,000 square feet
7,500 square feet
10,000 square feet
10,000 square feet
B. Minimum Lot Width
Single-family/two-family
50 feet
50 feet
50 feet
50 feet
Multifamily
100 feet
100 feet
Nonresidential uses
70 feet
70 feet
70 feet
70 feet
C. Minimum Front Yard
Single-family/two-family
25 feet
25 feet
25 feet
25 feet
Multifamily
25 feet
25 feet
Nonresidential uses
25 feet
25 feet
25 feet
25 feet
D. Minimum Side Yard
Single-family
7 feet
7 feet
7 feet
7 feet
Multifamily
15 feet
15 feet
Nonresidential uses
10 feet
10 feet
15 feet
15 feet
E. Minimum Rear Yard
Single-family/two-family
25 feet
25 feet
25 feet
25 feet
Multifamily
25 feet
25 feet
Nonresidential uses
25 feet
25 feet
25 feet
25 feet
All accessory uses/structures
4 feet
4 feet
4 feet
4 feet
NOTE: Sheds and detached garages are only allowed in rear yards and must be set back at least four feet from all property lines.
The bulk requirements listed in Table 300-15 below shall apply to the residential districts within the City.
Table 300-15: Residential Bulk Requirements
Land Use
Zoning District
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-4
A. Maximum Lot Coverage
Single-family
60%
60%
60%
60%
Two-family
60%
60%
60%
Multifamily
60%
75%
Nonresidential uses
45%
45%
45%
75%
B. Maximum Building Height
Single-family
35 feet
35 feet
35 feet
35 feet
Two-family
35 feet
35 feet
35 feet
Multifamily
45 feet
45 feet
Nonresidential uses
35 feet
35 feet
45 feet
45 feet
All accessory uses/structures
10 feet
10 feet
10 feet
10 feet
The applicable special use requirements (see Article XVI) and development standards in this chapter shall apply to all uses in the residential districts.