The residential districts of the City of Lockport are listed in the following table. When this chapter refers to residential zoning districts it is referring to one of the following:
District Name
Abbreviation and Map Symbol
Low Density Residential
LDR
Medium Density Residential
MDR
Mixed Residential
MR
A. 
Low Density Residential (LDR). The purpose of the LDR District is to recognize and protect the lowest density neighborhoods within the City of Lockport. These properties are generally characterized by owner-occupied, single-family detached homes with large, unobstructed front yards situated on lots of at least 1/4 acre in size. Future investment within the LDR District should be consistent with the existing low density development pattern of these neighborhoods while also continuing pedestrian connectivity to the City's denser neighborhoods and urban center.
B. 
Medium Density Residential (MDR). The purpose of the MDR District is to preserve and enhance the City's traditional neighborhood blocks consisting of single- and two-family homes. The MDR District provides a natural transition from the City's central high-density neighborhoods to its low-density fringe developments. Each block maintains a relatively uniform character, with unobstructed front yards, garages located in the rear yard, and home entrances fronting the street with connections to public sidewalks. Investment in the MDR District should continue to preserve the historic settlement pattern of these neighborhoods while providing for a moderate increase in residential density.
C. 
Mixed Residential (MR). The purpose of the MR District is to identify and provide for the highest density and variation in residential living opportunities within the City. MR District neighborhoods located nearest to the City center include some of Lockport's oldest, most diverse housing stock, comprised of single-, two-, and multifamily dwellings. While the composition of dwelling types may vary, these neighborhoods exhibit similar characteristics to the traditional block development pattern of the MDR District. Mixed residential neighborhoods also include existing apartment complexes and properties where the development of or transition to a mix of residential densities may be desirable. Where considered, future development and/or redevelopment proposals shall achieve the following:
(1) 
Establish neighborhoods with a variety of housing options in a pedestrian-scale environment;
(2) 
Locate residential types and densities in a manner that provides a natural transition from existing single- and two-family neighborhoods to higher density developments, community resources, and commercial centers;
(3) 
Provide for the preservation and rehabilitation of historic structures and sites;
(4) 
Develop on- and off-site connections to nearby amenities, roadways, sidewalks, parks and trails; and
(5) 
Create a cohesive and interconnected traditional neighborhood development pattern throughout the entirety of the district area, regardless of the sequence of proposals or project phasing.
A. 
Uses identified with a "P" are permitted as-of-right, subject to compliance with all other applicable standards of this chapter.
B. 
Uses identified with a "SP" may be allowed with the issuance of a special use permit in accordance with Article 43.
C. 
Uses not listed and those identified with a "-" are expressly prohibited.
Land Use
LDR
MDR
MR
Additional Regulations
Residential
Single-family dwelling
P
P
P
-
Two-family dwelling
-
P
P
-
Multifamily dwelling, up to 4 units
-
-
P
Multifamily dwelling, over 4 units
-
-
SP
Multifamily dwelling, by conversion
-
-
SP1
Hospice, nursing home, or assisted living
-
-
SP
-
Upper floor dwelling units
P2
P2
P2
-
Commercial
Bed & breakfast
SP
SP
SP
Short-term rental
SP
SP
SP
Day care, child or adult
P2
P2
Office, administrative or professional
P2
P2
P2
-
Office, medical
P2
P2
P2
-
Retail store or personal service shop
P2
P2
P2
-
Restaurant
P2
P2
P2
-
Other
Municipal structure or use
P
P
P
-
Park or playground
P
P
P
-
Place of worship
P
P
P
-
Public utility
P
P
P
School, public or private
P
P
P
-
Telecommunications facility
-
-
-
Accessory
Accessory use or structure
P
P
P
Accessory dwelling unit or in-law suite
SP
SP
SP
Home occupation
SP
SP
SP
Keeping of bees or chickens
SP
-
-
Solar energy system
P
P
P
NOTES:
(1)
Conversion of a dwelling to more than four units is prohibited.
(2)
When in an existing structure built or currently used for nonresidential or mixed use purposes. The conversion of churches, schools, or other places of public assembly for commercial or residential purposes shall require the issuance of a special use permit.
LDR
MDR
MR
Min Lot Size1
Single- or two-family dwelling
10,000 sf
6,000 sf
2,500 sf
Multifamily dwelling
-
-
1,600 sf/unit2
Nonresidential use
15,000 sf
10,000 sf
10,000 sf
Min Lot Width1
Single- or two-family dwelling
50 ft
40 ft
30 ft
Multifamily dwelling
-
-
50 ft
Nonresidential use
65 ft
60 ft
60 ft
Min Front Setback1
35 ft
25 ft
20 ft
Min Side Setback
Primary use or structure
10 ft
5 ft
5 ft
Accessory use or structure
5 ft
3 ft
3 ft
Min Rear Setback
Primary use or structure
30 ft
20 ft
20 ft
Accessory use or structure
5 ft
3 ft
3 ft
NOTES:
(1)
Or the most common dimension on the block.
(2)
The notation "sf/unit" indicates square feet per dwelling unit.
LDR
MDR
MR
Max Building Height
Primary structure1
35 ft
(2.5 stories)
35 ft
(2.5 stories)
40 ft2
(3 stories)
Accessory structure3
15/20 ft4
15/20 ft4
15/20 ft4
Max Gross Impervious Surface
Lot size up to 1 acre
30%
50%
60%
Lot size over 1 acre
20%
25%
30%
NOTES:
(1)
Building height shall be determined in feet, while the visual scale or appearance in height of the structure shall be determined in stories.
(2)
Structures up to 55 feet or four stories may be allowable with special use permit and site plan approval.
(3)
No accessory structure may exceed the height of the primary structure on the lot.
(4)
The larger shall apply where such structure observes at least twice the minimum side and rear setback of the district in which it is located.