City of New Buffalo, MI Article 7 R-2 Medium Density Residential District

Section 7-1 Intent and purpose.

This district is intended primarily for single-family detached and two-family dwellings and support services or facilities which are typically found in residential areas and which can be located in a manner to be compatible with such residential uses.

Section 7-2 Uses permitted by right.

[Amended 2-19-2008 by Ord. No. 175; 11-23-2021 by Ord. No. 253]

A. Land and/or buildings in the R-2 District may be used for the following purposes by right:

1. Single-family detached dwelling units.

2. Two-family dwelling units.

3. Accessory uses pursuant to Section 3-2.

4. Home occupations pursuant to Section 3-26.

5. State-licensed residential care family facilities.

6. State-licensed family day-care centers.

7. Municipal parks.

B. Short-term rental units are prohibited in the R-2 District except when established as a nonconforming use and operating in compliance with the regulations in Section 20-8.

Section 7-3 Uses permitted by special land use.

Land and/or buildings in the R-2 District may be used for the following purposes when approved by the Planning Commission in accordance with the requirements of Article 17:

A. All uses permitted by special land use in the R-1 District.

Section 7-4 Site development requirements.

All permitted uses and special land uses are subject to the following site development requirements:

A. Site Plan Review is required in accordance with Article 19.

B. Parking is required in accordance with Article 15.

C. Signs are permitted in accordance with the requirements of Article 16.

D. Setbacks, height, area, and lot dimensions are required as noted below.

R-2 District Regulations	Requirements
Minimum lot area	Single-family dwelling: 8,700 square feet; provided that all lots platted prior to the date of adoption of this ordinance may be 8,000 square feet; two-family dwelling: 11,000 square feet
Minimum lot width	66 feet (residential), 200 feet (nonresidential)
Minimum front yard setback	20 feet
Minimum side yard setback	side yard not to be less than 6 feet
Minimum rear yard setback	30 feet
Maximum lot coverage	40%
Maximum building height	Residential: 35 feet, not exceeding 2 1/2 stories Nonresidential: 65 feet, provided that for every foot of height in excess of 35 feet there shall be added to each yard requirement 1 corresponding foot of width or depth
Minimum dwelling unit square footage	One-story: 1,000 square feet Two-story: minimum of 800 square feet on first floor Two-family: 1,600 square feet