HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-21-2009 Planning and Zoning CommissionPLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 7:30 PM
Formal Meeting
Iowa City City Hall
Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
AGENDA:
A. Call to Order
B. Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda
C. Zoning Code Item
Discussion of amendments to Title 14, Zoning, to:
■ Add a Business Services land use category;
• Modify the street width standard for institutional uses in residential zones,
■ Clarify applicable regulations to and allow minor modifications to site development standards
in the Public Zone; and
D. Consideration of Meeting Minutes: May 7, 2009
E. Other
F. Adjournment
Upcoming Planning & Zoning Commission Meetings
Informal
June 1
June 15
June 29
July 13
Formal
June 4
June 18
1 July 2
July 16
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 15, 2009
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Karen Howard, Associate Planner
RE: Zoning Code clean-up amendments
There are a number of small provisions in the zoning code that have not been working as
intended or that have proved to be less flexible than intended when originally adopted.
Over the next several months, we will be including small groups of these "clean up" zoning
code amendments on your meeting agendas, in order to correct or clarify provisions that
have proved problematic.
For your meeting on May 21, staff recommends that you consider the following
amendments to the zoning code:
For institutional uses located in residential zones, such as daycare centers,
schools, and churches, there is a provision in the code that requires that these
uses have access to streets that are greater than 28 feet in width. This is a
simplification of previous code language that required access from a collector,
arterial, or street with pavement width greater than 28 feet. However, what was not
considered when this language was simplified was that some collector and arterial
streets are narrower than 28 feet, so by simplifying the language we have caused
some existing institutions to become nonconforming, which prevents them from
making changes to their site, constructing additions, or even adding storage sheds
and garages. To clean this up and make it more flexible, we suggest adding back
the words, "collector and arterial streets" and also providing an allowance for
consideration of reasonable expansions for institutions located on narrower streets,
where the proposed expansion will not create traffic problems for the
neighborhood.
Staff recommends adding language to the office use category to make it clear that
"business service" uses are included in the general office category. Currently, it is
not clear how some of these uses would be classified. You will note that we have
added some examples to the office use category and deleted some examples from
both the personal service -oriented retail category and the light manufacturing
category, to make it clear how business service -type uses will be classified. Given
that these uses tend to function in manner similar to office uses, it makes sense to
include them in the same category and regulate them in the same fashion.
The intent of the Public Zones is not necessarily to exempt public uses from
zoning standards, rather it is to give notice to surrounding property owners that the
land is publicly owned and will be used for public purposes. There was an
assumption when these regulations were written that public entitites would develop
land in a manner that was in general compliance with the standards adopted and
expected in the community. However, in practice, by only listing some standards
that apply in the zone, we have created confusion for contractors hired to complete
projects for public entities. It makes sense for public entities to meet the same site
development standards as private property owners unless there is a greater public
purpose, such as public safety considerations that require more flexibility.
May 15, 2009
Page 2
Therefore, to prevent confusion and inconsistent application of development
standards, staff recommends that we reference and apply standards from the
accessory use article, construction standards for parking areas, and screening and
street tree requirements. In addition, we suggest allowing minor modifications to
these site development standards to provide flexibility for unusual circumstances,
similar to what we have done in other zones.
The following pages show the proposed changes to the zoning code language. New
language is underlined and language to be deleted is shown with a strike -through notation.
In paragraph14-48-4D-6, Daycare Uses, amend subparagraph c., Vehicular Access, as
follows:
c. Vehicular Access
In Single Family Residential Zones, a daycare center that provides care for
more than 16 persons must have d+rest vehicular access to a collector street,
arterial street, or street with paving wider than 28 feet. For expansions of
existing uses that are nonconforming with this provision access to streets with
pavement width 28 feet or narrower will be considered based on the traffic
capacity of the subiect street and the projected traffic generated by the
Proposed expansion. If the proposed expansion will cause an increase in the
amount of traffic, a plan must be submitted illustrating how traffic to and from
the facility will be accommodated during peak periods. Estimates of vehicle
trips to the site during peak periods must be submitted with the circulation
plan. This plan must be reviewed by the City's traffic engineering planner and
approved by City.
In paragraph 14-48-4D-8, General Educational Facilities in the RR-1, RM-12, RM-20,
RNS-20, RM-44, PRM, MU, and CO-1 zones, amend subparagraph a., as follows.
Vehicular access to the proposed use is limited to collector streets, arterial
streets, or streets with pavement width greater than 28 feet. For expansions
of existing uses that are nonconforming with this provision access to streets
with pavement width 28 feet or narrower will be considered based on the
traffic capacity of the subject street and the projected traffic generated by the
Proposed expansion. If the proposed expansion will cause an increase in the
amount of traffic, a plan must be submitted illustrating how traffic to and from
the facility will be accommodated during peak periods. Estimates of vehicle
trips to the site during peak periods must be submitted with the circulation
plan. This plan must be reviewed by the City's traffic engineering planner and
approved by City.
In paragraph 14-48-4D-9, General Educational Facilities in the RS-5, RS-8, RS-12, and
RNS-12 Zones, amend subparagraph a., as follows:
Vehicular access to the proposed use is limited to collector streets, arterial
streets, or streets with pavement width greater than 28 feet. For expansions
of existing uses that are nonconforming with this provision access to streets
with pavement width 28 feet or narrower will be considered based on the
traffic capacity of the subject street and the projected traffic generated by the
Proposed expansion. If the proposed expansion will cause an increase in the
amount of traffic, a plan must be submitted illustrating how traffic to and from
the facility will be accommodated during peak periods. Estimates of vehicle
trips to the site during peak periods must be submitted with the circulation
plan. This plan must be reviewed by the City's traffic engineering planner and
approved by City.
In paragraph 14-48-4D-13, Religious/Private Group Assembly in the ID-RM, ID-C, RR-1,
RM-12, RM-20, RNS-20, RM-44, PRM, MU, and CO-1 Zones, amend subparagraph a.,
as follows:
Vehicular access to the proposed use is limited to collector streets, arterial
streets, or streets with pavement width greater than 28 feet. For expansions
of existing uses that are nonconforming with this provision, access to streets
with pavement width 28 feet or narrower will be considered based on the
traffic capacity of the subject street and the projected traffic generated by the
proposed expansion. If the proposed expansion will cause an increase in the
amount of traffic, a plan must be submitted illustrating how traffic to and from
the facility will be accommodated during peak periods. Estimates of vehicle
trips to the site during peak periods must be submitted with the circulation
plan. This plan must be reviewed by the City's traffic engineering planner and
approved by City.
In paragraph 14-48-4D-13, Religious/Private Group Assembly in the ID-RS, RS-5, RS-8,
RS-12, and RNS-12 Zones, amend subparagraph a., as follows:
a. Vehicular access to the proposed use is limited to collector streets, arterial
streets, or streets with pavement width greater than 28 feet. For expansions
of existing uses that are nonconforming with this provision, access to streets
with pavement width 28 feet or narrower will be considered based on the
traffic capacity of the subject street and the projected traffic generated by the
proposed expansion. If the proposed expansion will cause an increase in the
amount of traffic, a plan must be submitted illustrating how traffic to and from
the facility will be accommodated during peak periods. Estimates of vehicle
trips to the site during peak periods must be submitted with the circulation
plan. This plan must be reviewed by the City's traffic engineering planner and
approved by City.
Amend subsection 144A 4G, Office Uses, as follows:
G. Office Uses
1. Characteristics
Office uses are characterized by activities conducted in an office setting and
generally focusing on business, government, professional, medical, or
financial services.
2. Examples
Examples include uses from the two subgroups listed below:
a. GeneralOffICe: Professional offices, such as lawyers, accountants,
engineers, architects, and real estate agents; financial businesses, such
as mortgage lenders, brokerage houses, administrative and back office
banking facilities; data processing; government offices; public utility
offices; social service agency offices; television and radio studios; and
business services, such as advertising agencies, consumer credit
reporting agencies, collection agencies, mailing and copying services,
quick printing_ services, building management services, detective
agencies, computer services, software development, research and
development, consulting and public relations, protective services,
bondspersons, drafting services, auctioneer services, call centers.
b. Medical/Dental Office Medical and dental clinics; chiropractic clinics;
medical and dental labs; blood -collection facilities; physical therapy
clinics.
Amend 14-4A-4H., Retail Uses, as follows:
H. Retail Uses
1. Characteristics
Establishments involved in the sale, lease, or rent of new or used products to
the general public for personal or household consumption and establishments
involved in the sale of personal services, hospitality services, or product repair
services to the general public.
2. Examples
Examples include uses from the five subgroups listed below:
a. Sales -oriented: Stores selling, leasing, or renting consumer, home, and
business goods, including, but not limited to, antiques, appliances, art,
art supplies, bicycles, carpeting, clothing, dry goods, electronic
equipment, fabric, flowers, furniture, garden supplies, gifts, groceries,
hardware, household products, jewelry, pets, pet food, pharmaceuticals,
plants, printed material, stationery, videos. Also includes retail
establishments that have a cottage industry component, such as
bakeries, confectioneries, upholsterer, artist/artisan's studios, and
similar.
b. Personal Service -Oriented: Establishments engaged in providing retail
services and services related to the care of a person or a person's
apparel, such as retail banking establishments, laundromats, catering
services, dry cleaners, tailors, shoe repair, photographic studios,
, beauty
salons, tanning salons, therapeutic massage establishments,
taxidermists, mortuaries, funeral homes, and crematoriums.
C. Repair -Oriented: Repair of consumer goods, such as electronics,
bicycles, office equipment; appliances.
d. Hospitality -Oriented`. Hotels; motels; convention centers; guesthouses;
commercial meeting halls/event facilities.
e. Outdoor Storage and Display -Oriented: Uses that typically include large
areas of outdoor storage or display, such as lumber yards; sales or
leasing of consumer vehicles, including passenger vehicles, light and
medium trucks, and recreational vehicles; sales of landscaping materials
and nursery products to the general public; farm supply and implement
sales; equipment or vehicle rental businesses.
Amend 14-4A-5B, Manufacturing and Production Uses, as follows:
B. Manufacturing and Production Uses
1. Characteristics
Firms that are involved in the manufacturing, processing, fabrication,
packaging, or assembly of goods. Natural, man-made, raw, secondary, or
partially completed materials may be used. Products may be finished or semi-
finished and are generally made for the wholesale market, for transfer to
other plants, or to order for businesses or consumers. Goods are generally
not displayed or sold on site, but if so, they are a subordinate part of sales.
Relatively few customers come to the manufacturing site.
2. Examples
Examples include uses from the three subgroups listed below:
a. Technical/Light Manufacturing: Firms engaged in the manufacturing,
development, processing, fabricating, packaging or assembling of
electronic components; electrotherapeutic, electromedical and x-ray
apparatus; engineering, scientific and research laboratory equipment;
measuring and controlling instruments; office, computing and accounting
machines; eeFnpwteF sef6vaFe; optical instruments and lenses;
pharmaceuticals; photographic equipment and supplies; photofinishing
laboratories; pFinting, publishing, and lithegFaphy faeilities; FeSeaFEh and
b. General Manufacturing. Manufacturing, compounding, assembling or
treatment of most articles, materials, or merchandise. This subgroup
excludes those manufacturing firms.listed as examples under Heavy
Manufacturing and also excludes those manufacturing uses that are
expressly prohibited in Iowa City. For example, this subgroup includes
the manufacture of most chemicals and allied products and the
manufacture of most food and kindred products, except those listed
under the Heavy Manufacturing subgroup.
C. Heavy Manufacturing. Manufacturing firms not included in the
manufacturing categories above because they may have significant
external effects (excessive odor, fumes, smoke, dust, hazardous waste)
on adjacent less intense commercial or industrial uses. Included in this
category are uses such as concrete batch/mix plants; asphalt mixing
plants; meat packing plants; sawmills and planing mills; wet corn milling;
manufacture of animal feeds; and paper and paperboard mills.
Amend Section 14-2F-3, General Provisions (in Public Zones) as follows:
1472F-3 General Provisions
All principal and accessory uses allowed in the Public Zone, whether allowed as a
permitted, provisional or special exception use, are subject to certain Use Regulations
and Site Development Standards contained in Chapters 3, 4 and 5 of this Title. Said
Chapters are indicated as follows:
A. Overlay Zones
1. Historic District and Conservation District Overlay
See Article 14-36.
2. Design Review
See Article 14-3C.
B. Use Regulations
1. Minor Modifications, Variances, Special Exceptions and Provisional
Uses
See Article 14-413.
2. Accessory Uses and Buildings
See Article 14-4C
3. Nonconforming Situations
See Article 14-4E.
C. Site Development Standards
1. Off -Street Parking and Loading Standards
Sections 14-5A-5 Construction and Design Standards are applicable to uses
within the Public Zone.
2. Sign Regulations
Sections 14-513-3 and 14-56-4 are applicable to uses within the Public Zone.
3. Access Management Standards
See Article 14-5C.
4. Intersection Visibility Standards
See Article 14-5D.
S. Landscaping and Tree Standards
See Article 14-5E.
6. Screening and Buffering Standards
See Article 14-5F.
7. Outdoor Lighting Standards
See Article 14-5G, except that uses in the Public Zone are exempt from the
Total Outdoor Light Output Standards contained in Section 5 of this Article.
8. Performance Standards
See Article 14-5H.
9. Sensitive Lands and Features
See Article 14-5I.
10. Flood Plain Management Standards
See Article 14-53.
PAGE 21 14-2D
Industrial and
Research Zones
Add a subsection E to Section 14-2F-5, Public Zone Site Development Standards, as
follows:
E. Minor Modifications to Site Develooment Standards
A minor modification to adjust specific provisions of this section may be requested
in either of the qualifying situations listed in the paragraphs below. Such requests
will be reviewed by the Director of Planning and Community Development and the
Building Official according to the procedures for Minor Modifications as set forth in
Article 14-813 and must meet the following approval criteria. The following approval
criteria are to be applied in lieu of the general approval criteria listed in Section 14-
413-1, Minor Modifications.
1. Oualifvina Situation: The configuration of the lot or other existing physical
condition of the lot makes the application of a specific standard impractical. In
such a case, the applicant must demonstrate that the following approval
criteria are met:
a. The applicant must provide evidence that the configuration of the lot,
the topography, or other physical characteristic of the property makes
the application of a specific standard impractical. Examples of situations
that may qualify include double -fronting lots, triangular shaped lots, and
steeply sloping lots.
b. The applicant must demonstrate that the proposed alternative design is
not contrary to the intent of the site development standards.
C. The applicant must propose an alternative site or building design that
best meets the intent of the specific standard being modified.
d. The requested modification will not be detrimental to the public health,
safety, or welfare or be injurious to other property or improvements in
the vicinity and in the zone in which the property is located.
e. The requested modification does not allow a use or activity not otherwise
expressly authorized by the regulations governing the subject property.
f. The requested modification complies with other applicable statutes,
ordinances, laws and regulations.
2. Qualifying Situation: The proposed site or building is uniquely designed to fit
the site and the surrounding area. In such a situation, the applicant must
demonstrate that the following approval criteria are met:
a. The applicant proposes an alternative design solution that equally or
better meets the intent of the specific standard being modified.
b. The proposed site and building design is uniquely designed to fit the
characteristics of the site and the surrounding area such that it equally
or better meets the purpose of the site development standards.
PAGE 22 14-2D
Industrial and
Research Zones
C. The requested modification will not be detrimental to the public health,
safety, or welfare or be injurious to other property or improvements in
the vicinity and in the zone in which the property is located.
d. The requested modification does not allow a use or activity not otherwise
expressly authorized by the regulations governing the subject property.
e. The requested modification complies with other applicable statutes
ordinances, laws, and regulations.
In Section 14-48-1, Minor Modifications, amend paragraph 14-48- IA- 18, as follows:
18. Modifications to the site development standards contained in 14-2D-5,
Industrial and Research Zone Site Development Standards, and 14-2F-5,
Public Zone Site Development Standards, according to the alternate approval
criteria set forth in that section. The Building Official must obtain approval
from the Director of Planning and Community Development prior to granting
any such modification.
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MAY 7, 2009 — 7:30 PM — FORMAL
CITY HALL, EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Elizabeth Koppes, Josh Busard, Charlie Eastham, Tim Weitzel,
Michelle Payne, Wally Plahutnik
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ann Freerks
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Doug Ongie, Sara Greenwood Hektoen
OTHERS PRESENT: Kris Ackerson, Ron Amelon, Libris Fidelis
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
The Commission voted 6-0 (Freerks absent) to approve SUB09-00001, an application from A.F.
Streb for a preliminary and final plat of Scott -Six Industrial Park, 2"d Addition, a 2-lot, 3.06 acre
industrial subdivision located at 2802 Independence Road subject to approval of the preliminary
and final plats, construction drawings and legal papers by the Public Works Department and City
Attorney prior to consideration by the City Council.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Vice -Chair Elizabeth Koppes.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
JCCOG Metro Bicycle Master Plan Presentation:
Miklo introduced Kris Ackerson, Assistant Transportation Planner for the Johnson County Council of
Governments (JCCOG), who delivered the presentation. Ackerson began by explaining that in 2007, the
City of Iowa City had applied for the designation of a Bicycle Friendly Community and had received an
"Honorable Mention," the lowest possible score. The feedback given to the City indicated deficiencies in
three main areas: 1) a lack of on -street bike facilities such as bike lanes and bike routes, 2) a lack of
educational programs, and 3) a lack of an adopted bike plan. The City along with Coralville, North
Liberty, Tiffin, Johnson County, University Heights and the University of Iowa then asked the JCCOG
transportation planners to put together a regional bike plan. Ackerson said that JCCOG has been
working with the Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee to develop this plan since August, and has
been presenting the plan to local governments and overseers to get their final feedback on this draft. He
said that many of the city councils involved hope to have the plan adopted by the fall.
Ackerson explained that the designation of a "Bicycle Friendly Community" was primarily a marketing tool,
but was also useful for cities to gauge how bicycle friendly they are in comparison to other cities. An
application is made every three years for this designation. Ackerson said that Iowa City has some of the
highest rates of biking and walking to work in the entire country, citing an article in AARP Magazine.
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 7, 2009 - Formal
Page 2
Local cities, Ackerson noted, have successfully focused a lot of attention over the last 15 years on trail
development, resulting in over 40 miles of trails in the urbanized area. Ackerson said the Metro Bicycle
Master Plan looks at that as well as at bike access, the availability of bike lanes, signage, the inventory of
bike parking, educational efforts, encouragement programs (i.e., free rent to the Bike Library in the John
Wilson's Building) and enforcement. Ackerson noted that he had been surprised to learn that all of the
local communities have trained bike patrol officers.
In developing this plan, public input was sought through an online survey in which 495 people
participated, as well as through workshops held in Coralville and Iowa City that were attended by 150
people. Ackerson noted that a wide variety of opinions and suggestions were offered on areas in which
improvements were needed. The purpose of the public input process was to identify what things people
generally agreed on so that city councils would have public guidance on which programs should receive
priority for funding.
Ackerson said that after public input was received, recommendations were developed. He said that there
are two different sets of recommendations, 1) system -wide recommendations that all of the cities, the
County and the University of Iowa can all be working toward, and 2) specific recommendations for each
individual community.
The first system -wide recommendation is to install more on -street accommodations for bicycles; a lot of
consensus was found for this recommendation. Two different types of on -street accommodations were
proposed, 1) bike lanes and 2) sharrows ("shared lane arrow") which are markers painted on streets that
are not wide enough to have bike lanes; there are plans to install these on Market, Jefferson and College
Streets this spring.
The second system -wide recommendation is to install way -finding signs on trails and streets. This plan
calls for signed bike routes that outline the turns necessary to get a cyclist from the west side of town to
the east side of town and from the south to the north. Ackerson noted that the County would also like to
install signs for rural bike routes common to recreational bikers and for those commuting by bike between
communities for work.
Part of the inventory process for this plan was to evaluate the seven-year history of all the bike collisions
in the area. In this evaluation, it was discovered that half of all the collisions involved either a cyclist or a
driver that was under the age of 20. Ackerson said this statistic was useful in identifying the need to
target educational programs for college and high school students.
Ackerson noted that the feedback that had been received at the workshops indicated that cyclists in the
community see a need for greater enforcement of existing bike laws, such as reflector and headlight
requirements, and called for ticketing cyclists who do not obey the same basic traffic laws governing cars
on the road. Ackerson said this had surprised him initially, but that he came to understand that cyclists
see a need for cycling to be more respected in the community if it is to become more popular.
Ackerson said that the local communities involved have all agreed that they wish to receive a rating of
"platinum" for their bicycle friendliness in the future. Ackerson said this would be a goal that was worked
toward slowly, over time.
Specific recommendations to Iowa City included: 1) amending the bike parking requirements for Iowa
City, as there are no requirements in the CB-10 or CB-5 zones, 2) adding additional sheltered bike racks
in the downtown area, 3) decreasing the number of mopeds in bike racks, 4) evaluating the possibility of
converting Washington Street from a one-way to a two-way through downtown as a convenient
alternative to Burlington Street, 5) consider reducing Madison Street from four lanes to three lanes to
provide space for a bike lane (based on initial evaluations current traffic on Madison could be effectively
served by three lanes).
Ackerson said that the final step in this process is working with the cities to adopt the plan. He stressed
that the recommendations put forth are simply that, recommendations, with no obligation to implement
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 7, 2009 - Formal
Page 3
any of the measures if cities should choose to adopt the plan. Ackerson said the plan is a road map for
the cities to consult if they decide to become more bike- friendly.
Eastham asked if there were any cities that had received the "platinum" rating for bike friendliness.
Ackerson replied that Davis, California and Boulder, Colorado had received this rating. Eastham asked if
there were any major obvious differences between those cities and Iowa City in terms of potential for bike
friendliness. Ackerson said both cities have very strong bike cultures and advocacy groups. Ackerson
said that he believed Iowa City would have a good chance at a "bronze" level rating when they reapply
because as a part of this planning process a much more thorough inventory was done which reflects
positive efforts by the city. Ackerson said that having a bike plan in place and having begun the process
of implementing shared lane arrows and bike lanes will also help.
Koppes asked if there was some public education that needed to go along with the shared lane arrows.
Ackerson replied that there was, and that the process of producing public service announcements to be
aired on the government channel has begun. Ackerson said that a ribbon -cutting event is also being
planned for their installation as they will be the first of their kind in Iowa; the media will be contacted for
that event. Payne asked if there were plans to work with schools in the education efforts. Ackerson said
that they are working with the school district on a separate project to map safe routes to school. Part of
that partnership involves opening up opportunities to use the district's e-mail system to distribute that kind
of educational material.
Eastham noted that the off-street accommodations recommended by the public workshops heavily favor
bike lanes, way -finding signs and bike routes. He asked if there was currently a mechanism in place to
implement these at the time new subdivisions are developed. Miklo said that he believed there was in
that the new subdivision code has a "complete streets policy" which in many cases calls for a wider right
of way to accommodate bike lanes through new development. He said that the review of plats for a new
subdivision does include a review by JCCOG transportation planners who would be able to call attention
to additional needs for bike accommodations. Miklo noted that the way -finding signs have historically
been a public expenditure and are not typically anticipated as a part of a new subdivision. Ackerson
noted that JCCOG has been asked to submit an application for funding for way -finding signs for trails
throughout the metro area, which would be a dedicated funding -source from the Iowa Department of
Transportation (IDOT). Eastham noted that this would make the signage system consistent throughout
the area. Ackerson said that the Quad Cities had hired a consultant to come up with a similar system for
all the communities that have unique identifiers for each of the communities so that a cyclist can know
when they have gone from one community to the next; this would also be a possibility for the Iowa City
area. Eastham asked if the maintenance of those signs would be the responsibility of the local
government once installed by JCCOG and Ackerson replied that it would be.
Weitzel noted that in times of high water many of the local trails are inaccessible; currently a number of
trails are underwater. He asked if there was any discussion about officially marking out alternative routes.
Ackerson said JCCOG had not looked at that, and that it was perhaps best for each municipality to
determine its own detours based on the height of the water.
Koppes asked what the recommended changes to the parking ordinance would be. Ackerson said he did
not know that he could speak to the specific amount of bike parking that should be required. Miklo said
that when requirements for bike parking were adopted a number of years ago the downtown zones were
specifically exempted. Miklo said that the theory at that time was that the City would provide the
necessary bicycle parking. Miklo said that the City has not been able to keep up with the demand for bike
parking. Recent significant commercial and residential developments in the downtown area require
reconsideration in terms of property owners supplementing the bicycle parking already provided by the
City. Miklo said exact numbers have not yet been determined.
Eastham said that it seemed to him that cyclists could be generally divided into three groups of people: 1)
avid cyclists, 2) families recreationally cycling, and 3) older cyclists. Each of these groups might have
different expectations and needs in terms of bicycle routes and trails, and Eastham asked if the
perspectives of groups other than the avid bicyclists were represented at the public workshops that were
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 7, 2009 - Formal
Page 4
held. Ackerson said that he was a little surprised at the people who actually participated in the online
survey and workshops because they were not actually the avid, hard-core cyclists one might have
expected. Ackerson said that a little over half of the participants ride more for utility — to get to work or
school— than they do for recreation. One-third of the participants only ride once a week or less; so the
discussions were not dominated by daily commuters either. The streets that were recommended for
improved cyclist accommodations are streets that participants identified as streets they would like to ride
on more frequently but are uncomfortable doing so currently. Ackerson said that the planning research
that has been done over the last 10-15 years on bike lanes has demonstrated that bike lanes make
cyclists feel more comfortable on the road, although they do not necessarily make cyclists safer.
Because of the increased comfort level bike lanes can provide, they encourage those who might want to
ride occasionally to places like the library or the Farmer's Market, but might otherwise be too intimidated
by traffic to do so.
Additionally, Ackerson said, the bike routes will appear on JCCOG's region -wide trails map, expanding it
to something more than just trails. Ackerson said the efforts are an attempt to draw out those who might
like to ride more often but do not because they either do not feel comfortable or do not know the best
routes to get from one place to another.
Eastham asked if there were specific measures that should be considered to provide bicycle safety to
younger children. Ackerson said this would be part of the educational efforts that are recommended, and
that outreach to elementary schools is very important. Ackerson said that JCCOG has helped to
coordinate bike rodeos at different schools throughout the area to help make children more aware of
bicycle traffic rules and to better understand the operation of their bicycles. Ackerson said this will be an
ongoing effort.
Plahutnik asked if elementary schools had been linked to the safe routes proposed in the plan. Ackerson
said given the number of schools scattered throughout the area it was difficult to focus on schools; he
said there was also interest in linking routes to other destinations such as parks and libraries. Ultimately,
Ackerson said, they felt there had to be a balance between providing accommodations on every street
and trying to identify the highest priority streets to focus limited resources on. Ackerson noted that the
on -street facilities would require yearly maintenance and the cost of that had to be considered.
There were no further questions from the Commission, and Koppes thanked Ackerson for his
presentation.
Koppes asked Miklo if this was a matter for public comment or a vote, and he explained that it was not.
He said this had simply been a presentation, and that the public would have the opportunity to comment
on the matter when it was on the City Council agenda sometime this summer.
DEVELOPMENT ITEMS:
SUB09-00001: Discussion of an application from A. F. Streb for a preliminary and final plat of
Scott Six Industrial Park, 2"d Addition, a 2-lot, 3.06 acre industrial subdivision located at 2802
Independence Road. (45-day limitation period: June 1, 2009)
Ongie noted that the subdivision is east of Independence Road and north of 120th Street. The subdivision
is the second addition of a subdivision. The first Scott -Six Industrial Park addition was a 42-lot
subdivision that was divided in 1997. In 2001, one of the lots was split into two separate lots, creating
auditor's parcel 2001/068. The applicant is requesting to split the other lot into two separate lots, creating
Lot 1, which is approximately two acres and has an existing warehouse on it, and Lot 2, which is
approximately one acre and is undeveloped.
Ongie said that the Comprehensive Plan identifies properties along Independence Road as appropriate
for industrial use. Although the subdivision will not affect the zoning of the property, dividing it up will
allow for small-scale industrial uses such as the warehouse structures which exist on Lot 1. Ongie noted
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 7, 2009 - Formal
Page 5
that only Lot 1 would have direct access to Independence Road, resulting in the need for a 55 foot access
easement along the southern portions of Lots 1 and 2. Ongie said that an address sign would be
required to be adjacent to the right of way on Lot 1 which identifies Lot 2 to emergency vehicles.
There are currently three storm water management facilities on Lot 1, one easement on the northern part
of the property and two facilities just south of the existing warehouse. Ongie noted that the City Engineer
has determined that no new detention facilities are necessary for Lot 2. Ongie also noted that the Water
Department and the City Engineer are still working with the applicant to determine how Lot 2 will be
connected to the water main. Staff suggests a fifteen foot water main easement across Lot 2 to the east
side of the property.
Upon resolution of the water main issue, Staff is recommending approval of this application.
Miklo pointed out that in cases where something is not resolved, Staff usually recommends deferral.
However, as the items in question are fairly minor, Staff recommends approval subject to Public Works
signing off on the final plat before it goes to City Council. Miklo said the Commission also has the option
to defer the matter, but that Staff does not believe it is necessary.
Koppes invited questions from the Commission for Staff. There were none.
Koppes opened the public hearing and invited the applicant to speak.
Ron Amelon of MMS Consultants appeared on behalf of the applicant and said that while he did not have
anything to add to Staff's comments he would be happy to answer any questions.
Payne asked how many feet it was from the bottom edge of the pavement to the southern property line.
Amelon said that it was approximately 18 feet. Payne said that from the plat it does not look as though
there are any utilities in that grass strip presently; Amelon said that was correct.
Libris Fidelis, Capitol House Apartments, South Dubuque Street, identified himself as an uninterested
person and just a citizen who lives downtown. He said that he believes this is a good idea for Iowa City,
and that he would like to see some commercial development that provides new jobs. He said that even if
this results in only one or two new jobs it will help out and will be a benefit to Iowa City.
There were no further comments and the public hearing was closed.
Eastham motioned for approval of SUB09-00001, an application from A.F. Streb for a preliminary
and final plat of Scott -Six Industrial Park, 2"d Addition, a 2-lot, 3.06 acre industrial subdivision
located at 2802 Independence Road subject to approval of the preliminary and final plats,
construction drawings and legal papers by the Public Works Department and City Attorney prior
to consideration by the City Council.
Payne seconded the motion.
There was no discussion of the matter by the Commission.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0 (Freerks absent).
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: April 16, 2009:
Payne motioned to approve the minutes.
Payne seconded.
The minutes were approved on a vote of 6-0 (Freerks absent).
Planning and Zoning Commission
May 7, 2009 - Formal
Page 6
OTHER:
Miklo noted that the City Council had had three fairly contentious items related to the Commission on their
last agenda. Miklo said that the historic district for the Northside was approved by Council 6-1; the
separation requirement for bars and liquor stores was approved 5-2; the final reading of the rezoning and
preliminary plat for Country Club Estates was approved 5-2.
Payne noted a comment made by someone at the meeting which stated that the Country Club Estates
plat violated at least two zoning codes and asked if Miklo knew to what the speaker was referring. Miklo
said that he believed it was a neighbor who had made the statement and that he believed it was in
reference to the wetland buffer and the protest petition. Miklo said that when Outlot D was taken out of
the equation, the petitioners no longer had the 20% of neighbors required to validate a protest petition;
their numbers were reduced to 17%. Miklo said that the neighbors argued that the process had to be
begun again entirely, whereas historically if a rezoning is changed so that it is made smaller that has not
been the case.
Eastham noted that there are now a number of acres for the project where the zoning had been approved
by the Commission at RS-5, but whose zoning was left unchanged by the City Council. Eastham said the
primary concern of the Council in leaving it unchanged was that they wished to see higher density in that
area, not lower. He said that he hoped in 10 years or so when the matter comes back up that the desire
for higher density in that area is kept in mind. Miklo said that the record is clear on the a part of the City
Council as to their desire to see more clustered attached housing in the area, something that is also
supported by the Comprehensive Plan. He said that Staff always looks at previous staff reports in
reviewing applications, and that the procedures in place will likely be carried on long after present Staff
and Commissioners have ceased to serve in their current capacities. Weitzel said that technically
speaking there were no stipulations attached to the un-rezoned property. Miklo said that he believed the
message was clear that one of the reasons that parcel was not rezoned was a desire on the part of a
majority of Council members to see a different type of housing for that area.
Koppes asked if anyone had attended the Planning and Zoning Conference this year. Miklo said that all
City travel had been halted for the current fiscal year. Busard had attended on behalf of Johnson
County's planning department.
ADJOURNMENT:
Payne motioned to adjourn.
Busard seconded.
The meeting was adjourned on a 6-0 vote at 8:15 p.m.
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