HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-04-2015 Planning and Zoning CommissionIowa City
Planning & Zoning Commission
Formal Meeting
c Thursday, June 4, 2015
7:00 PM
Emma Harvat Hall - City Hall
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Thursday, June 4 - 7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Emma Harvat Hall
Iowa City City Hall
410 E. Washington Street
AGENDA:
A. Call to Order
B. Roll Call
C. Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda
D. Comprehensive Plan Item
A public hearing on an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan: The 2015 South
District Plan. The plan may be viewed at: www.icgov.org/southic
E. Rezoning Items
1. Discussion of an application submitted by Saddlebrook Meadows Development for
a rezoning to amend the Planned Development Overlay (OPD) Plan for
Saddlebrook Meadows Part 1 to allow a reduction of the front yard setback from 20
feet to between 13.91 feet and 18.48 feet for properties located at 2629, 2637,
2645, 2553 and 2661 Blazing Star Drive. (REZ15-00011)
2. Discussion of an application submitted by the City of Iowa City for a rezoning of
12,000 square feet of property located 410 Iowa Avenue from Central Business
Service (CB-2) to Central Business Support (CB-5) zone. (REZ15-00010)
F. Code Amendment Item
Discussion of amendments to Title 14, Zoning to add a definition for 'rooftop service
areas" and establish standards for such uses. (This item to be defer to the June 18
meeting)
G. Consideration of Meeting Minutes: May 18 and May 21, 2015
H. Planning & Zoning Information
I. Adjournment
Upcoming Planning & Zoning Commission Meetings
Format: June 18 / July 2 / July 16
Informal: Scheduled as needed.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
FIOWAC EMORANDUM
CITY OF iOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
Date:
May 29, 2015
To:
Planning and Zoning Commission
From:
Sarah Walz, Associate Planner
Re:
South District Plan Discussion of May 21
At your May 21 meeting, you received some comment regarding the amount of multi -family
housing shown in the proposed land use map. We have also heard some concern from
developers and affordable housing advocates that additional multi -family housing should be
contemplated as part of the future land use map.
To help frame this continuing discussion, I thought it would be useful to explain the changes
proposed as part of the plan update under consideration.
Language in the existing South District Plan (adopted in 1997 and amended in 2002) limits
multi -family housing to lots of 12,000 to 16,000 square feet at locations at intersections of
collector and arterial streets; the resulting apartments are to be limited to not more than 24 units
at any one intersection.
The plan now under consideration has no limit on the lot size for multi -family uses and raises
the limit on the number of units: "multi -family development should result in no more than 24-36
units at any one corner." The plan indicates that multi -family uses may be considered at
intersections of collector and arterial streets and as part of the mixed use development shown at
the intersection of McCollister Boulevard and South Sycamore Street.
The New Plan also contains language indicating that there is potential for additional higher
density (i.e. townhomes or multi -family) development along South Gilbert Street based on plans
that offer some unique type of housing. One example offered in the plan is senior housing.
The sites shown for multi -family on the land use map in the proposed plan update are fairly
consistent with what was shown in the existing plan with a few exceptions:
A multi -family designation in the wooded area west of Pepperwood subdivision was left
off the map. The City has reviewed concepts for multi -family development in a portion of
this area (the properties abutting Gilbert Street) with a requirement that a road
connection be provided between Cherry Avenue and S. Gilbert Street. A road
connection will improve circulation for the adjacent single-family portion neighborhood.
Most likely a multi -family development would be achieved through an OPD plan —
clustering density to minimize disturbance to sensitive slopes and woodlands in that
area. The proximity of this property to employment areas, shopping, parks, bike trails,
and transit routes makes it an appropriate location for multi -family uses.
The existing South District Plan indicates multi -family on both the east and west sides of
the intersection of South Sycamore and McCollister. The proposed update shows multi-
family only on the west side of the intersection as part of a mixed -use development —this
is an area that may have a commercial component as well. The potential for commercial
uses —even at a limited scale —will be enhanced by an increase in density on
surrounding properties_
May 29, 2015
Page 2
• One area shown as potential multi -family development in the existing South District Plan
has since developed as single-family (the General Quarters Subdivision) —a choice
made by the developer.
There are no changes to the amount or location of multi -family in other areas of the South
District plan, including areas south of Lehman Road.
The proposed plan does not show as much potential for townhome development as the existing
plan does. It may be worthwhile to consider expanding opportunities for townhomes along major
corridors and in areas along permanent open space or parks, such as in the area right
immediately around the mixed use commercial area shown on the map. At the May 21 meeting
staff presented a concept for mixed density housing that has been adopted into the Southeast
District Plan (see below). We also showed slides of some areas in the community where this
concept is working —Old Towne Village and the neighborhood around St. Patrick's Church in
Northeast District, the Peninsula and surrounding neighborhoods in the North District, and the
neighborhood at Court and Taft Streets in the Southeast District.
Low/Medium Density Mixed Residential
Intended for medium to high density single-family residential development, including zero lot line
development, duplexes, townhouses, and narrow lot detached single family housing. Low
density multi -family residential may also be appropriate if buildings are designed in a manner
that is compatible in scale and design to the lower scale residential dwellings in the
neighborhood. Suitable for sites where a single -loaded street is desirable to provide visibility
and access to public open space, or where clustering is desirable.
In the area near the intersection of McCollister Blvd. and Sycamore Street, a town square -type
neighborhood design could develop with a mix of townhouses, duplexes and low density multi-
family buildings that are oriented toward a central town -square park. Care should be taken in
the design of these properties to ensure that residential entries are oriented toward the town
square park and toward adjacent streets with parking located behind buildings and screened
from public view to provide an attractive, pedestrian -oriented residential character to the
streetscape along the park and along neighborhood streets.
One significant challenge we face with the proposed South District Plan is how and where to
provide opportunities for increased density and opportunity for multi -family housing, while
achieving an economic balance called for in the various discussions and policies pursued by the
School District and the City. Multi -family designations should not be interpreted as "low-income"
housing. Allowing housing of varying densities throughout the district is, however, a way to
provide opportunity for a range of housing types and prices. This helps to achieve the sort of
diverse and inclusive neighborhoods envisioned in the Comprehensive Plan.
An improved economic balance is already emerging, and platted neighborhoods north of the
new school are developing with new single-family detached housing. However, South Iowa City
suffers from misperceptions related to the amount of low-income housing in the district. While
this part of our community is —and will likely remain —an affordable place to live, residents who
participated in the planning process placed a high priority on correcting false perceptions,
improving neighborhood cohesion, and balancing the economic diversity of the area. Any
increase in density needs to be thoughtfully planned and well -designed and constructed to
ensure that South Iowa City can overcome these misperceptions and so that all residents are
have safe and healthy housing options that encourage a sense of belonging and connection
with the larger community, no matter their income.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends deferral of the amendment to the South
District Plan in order to provide additional time for public input.
South District Future Land Use Scenario
Revised Aprel I64 2002
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DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY DWELOPMENT, CITY OF IOWA CITY
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STAFF REPORT
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
Item: EXC15-00011 Saddlebrook Meadows
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Applicant:
Contact Person:
Requested Action:
Purpose:
Location:
Existing Land Use and Zoning:
Surrounding Land Use and Zoning:
Comprehensive Plan:
File Date:
45-Day Limitation Period:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Prepared by: Katie Gandhi, Planning Intern
Date: June 4, 2015
Saddlebrook Meadows Development Inc.
2871 Heinz Road Suite B
Iowa City, IA 52240
Duane Musser— MMS Consultants
Rezoning to amend OPD plan for Saddle
Brook Meadows Part 1.
To amend the approved OPD-8, to reduce
the front yard setback.
Blazing Star Drive
Residential - OPD-8
North: Residential — IRS 12
East: Residential — OPD/RS12
South: Agricultural/undeveloped — RS8
West: Agricultural/undeveloped — RS8
South District Plan — duplex and single family
May 26, 2015
July 5t', 2015
In 2004, the Planned Development Overlay Plan (OPD-8) was approved for Saddlebrook
Meadows Development Part 1, located near Whispering Meadows Drive and Pinto Lane.
The approved single family lots are considerably smaller and narrower than what is allowed in the
underlying Medium Density Single Family (RS-8) zone. As a result, there is less usable yard
space than typically found in newer neighborhoods. To address this and to provide for usable
outdoor space, the proposed house models included full width front porches.
Due to a measuring error on a house that is already under construction, the applicant is seeking to
reduce the required front yard setbacks for 4 lots.
The applicant has elected not to use the Good Neighbor Policy.
ANALYSIS
The originally approved OPD plan for the Saddlebrook Meadows Development required a 20 foot
front setback for all lots on Blazing Star Drive. Lots 40-42 are not yet developed, but a house has
been partially constructed on Lot 43.
Due to a design error, the front porch on Lot 43 (2661 Blazing Star Drive) was constructed into the
front yard setback. The design error caused the front porch to extend 6.09 feet into the 20 foot
front yard setback.
In order to maintain a full -width front porch depth and the work already completed on the home,
the applicant is requesting an amendment to the previously approved OPD plan, to reduce the 20
foot front yard setback for Lot 43 to 13.91 feet. In addition, in order to maintain character and
uniformity of homes within the neighborhood, the proposed amendment will also permit the
developer to stair step the setbacks on the next three proposed lots west of Lot 43. As a result,
the front yard setback for Lots 42, 41, and 40 would be reduced to 15.44 feet, 16.96 feet, and
18.48 feet respectively. Lot 39 would maintain the original 20 foot setback.
Although this amendment will allow the houses to sit closer to the street, allowing this home to
maintain its front porch at the expense of a reduced setback is important to maximizing the
amount of usable outdoor space on the small lots.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that REZ15-00011, an amendment to the Planned Development Overlay
(ODP) Plan setback requirements for Saddlebrook Meadows Part I, be approved.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Location Map
2. Previously approved plan.
3. Building elevations.
Approved by:
John Yapp, Development Services Coordinator
Department of Neighborhood and Development Services
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Type II
CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
CITY OF IOWA CITY
I✓�EM0RAND UM
Date: May 29, 2015
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: John Yapp, Development Services Coordinator
Re: 410 Iowa Avenue Zoning Designation (REZ15-00010)
Introduction
The property at 410 Iowa Ave has been shown as CB-5 (Central Business Support Zone) since
2005, when all private properties in the 400 block of Iowa Ave were rezoned from CB-2 to CB-5.
The property owner and staff have relied on the CB-5 zoning of the property as reflected on the
zoning map since 2005. In conducting title research on the property due to a property
transaction, a local attorney recently discovered that the 2005 legal description rezoning the 400
block of Iowa Ave did not include the 410 Iowa Ave property.
History/Background
In reviewing the zoning history of the 410 Iowa Ave property, there appear to have been several
errors which led to the property not being explicitly included in the 2005 legal description.
• In 1987, the 410 Iowa Ave property was rezoned from P (Public) to CB-2 (Central
Business Service Zone) when the property was acquired from the State of Iowa by
United Action for Youth. At this time, the private properties on the north side of Iowa Ave
were zoned CB-2. This zoning change however was not reflected on the zoning map.
In 2005, as part of the City -initiated rezoning, the CB-2 properties on the north side of
Iowa Ave were rezoned from CB-2 to CB-5. The 410 Iowa Ave property was not
included in the legal description, likely due to it still shown as 'Public' on the zoning map.
In 2005, when the zoning map was updated to reflect CB-5 zoning on the north side of
the 400 block of Iowa Ave, the 410 Iowa Ave property was shown as CB-5. It is likely
that the staffer maintaining the zoning map was instructed to show all the private
properties on the north side of the 400 block of Iowa Ave as CB-5, per the 2005 rezoning
ordinance.
Discussion of Solutions
Staff, the property owner, and potential purchasers of the property have relied on the zoning
map, which identifies the 410 Iowa Ave property as CB-5. However, the 410 Iowa Ave property
was unintentionally excluded from the 2005 legal description (due to the errors noted above)
which rezoned the 400 block of Iowa Ave properties. The solution is to formally rezone the 410
Iowa Ave property, legally described as 'Lot 6, Block 45' of the City of Iowa City, to CB-5 as
intended in 2005. This action will clarify the official zoning of the property.
The larger issue is maintenance of the zoning map. In 1987, the zoning map was maintained by
hand by a cartographer. In the 1990's through 2014, the zoning map was maintained as an
Autocad map. Since 2014 through today, staff has been converting the zoning map to a
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) map through which staff can better match addresses
and legal descriptions to a base map. While the action of changing the map will still have to be
initiated 'by hand' in that a staff person will need to initiate a modification to the map upon
May 29, 2015
Page 2
passage of a rezoning ordinance, there is less room for error as the base map is better tied to
addresses. Converting the zoning map to a GIS-based map will also make it easier for the
public to view the map on a website, quickly find their property, and be able to click on it to see
what the zoning information is for the property.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that REZ15-00010, rezoning of 410 Iowa Ave, also known as Lot 6 of Block
45 of the City o a Cit , C 2 (Central Business Service Zone) to CB-5 (Central
Business Sup rt Zon a appr ve .
Approved b L-lin--.2
Dou of roy, illrec-1!57—
Departlenj of Neighborhood and evelopment Services
Attachments
1. Location map
2. 1987 Zoning Ordinance changing the zoning from P to CB-2
3. 2005 Zoning Ordinance changing the zoning of properties in the 400 block of Iowa Ave
(amongst other zoning changes) from CB-2 to CB-5
ORDINANCE NO. 87-3329 P PI)
�T AN OPDIrwa MEr0ING a ZONIIG OROIWVIfE BY
ING TIE USE RE(;UTI0NS OF CERTAIN PROPEM LOCATED
AT 410 IOWA AVER;E.
MMEAS, the property located at 410 Iowa Avow
is presently zoned P; and
W ETZ, the applicant is seeking to purchase the
property fran the State Historical Society of Iowa
to establish a private use requiring the property to
be rezoned; and
*EREAS, the Carprehensive Plan for the City of
Iowa City shows mixed lard uses in the area includ-
ing the site; and
WUEAS, properties abutting the property at 410
Iowa Avenue are zoned CB-2; and
KWAS, the existing developrent surrounding the
property at 410 Iowa Avow is for uses carpatible
with mixed cmme-cial and residential uses; and
WHEREAS, mixed lard uses are the most appropriate
use for this area for which the CB-2 zone is ccnsis-
tett.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY CDM-
CIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA:
SECTION I. ZONING PhENgW. That the property
desert aw is reclassified from its
present classification of Pto�:
Lot 6 in Block 45 in the City of Iowa City,
Johnson County, Ionia.
SECTION II. ZONING W. The Building Inspector
is hereby authorized directed to charge the
Zoning Map of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, to con-
form to this amendnertt upon the final passage,
approval and publication of this Ordinance as pro-
vided by law.
SECTION III. CERTIFICATION AND BECOMING. The
City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to
certify a copy of this ordinance which shall be
retarded at the Office of the County Recorder of
Johnson County, Iowa, upon final passage and publi-
cation as provides by law.
SECTION IV. REPEALER: All ordinances and parts
of ordinances in c iCt with the provision of this
ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION V. SEVERABILITY: If any section, provi-
sion or part of the Ordinance shall be adjudged to
be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication
shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a
whole or any section, provision or part thereof not
adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION VI. EFFECTIVE DATE: This Ordinance
shall be in effect a-ft—er-Tit-s-TiRal passage, approval
and publication as required by law.
198 andy raved this 28ty ofZJuIY,
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It was moved by McDonald and seconded by Strait ,
that the Ordinance as read e a op ed and upon roll ca ere were:
AYES: NAYS:
First consideration
Vote for passage:
ABSENT:
AMBRISCO
BAKER
COURTNEY
DICKSON
MCDONALD
STRAIT
X ZUBER
Second consideration 7/14/87
Vote for passage: Ayes: Dickson, McDonald, Strait, Zuber,
Ambrisco, Courtney. Nays: None. Absent: Baker.
Date published 8/5/87
Moved by McDonald, seconded by Strait, that the rule
requiring ordinances to be considered and voted on for
passage at two council meetings prior to the meeting
at which it is to be finally passed be suspended, the
first consideration be waived and the ordinance be given
second consideration at this time. Ayes: Courtney,
Dickson, McDonald, Strait, Zuber, Ambrisco. Nays: None.
Absent: Baker.
Prepared by: Karen Howard, Associate Planner, City of lava City, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5=; 319.356-5251
ORDINANCE NO. 05_4199
AN ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY FROM CENTRAL BUSINESS SERVICE (CB-2)
ZONE TO CENTRAL BUSINESS SUPPORT (CB-5) ZONE AND HIGH DENSITY MULTI-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RM-44) ZONE, FOR CERTAIN AREAS CURRENTLY ZONED CB-2
LOCATED SOUTH OF JEFFERSON STREET AND EAST OF GILBERT STREET.
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council has determined that the
Central Business Service (CB-2) Zone is inconsistent with the vision of the Comprehensive Plan for areas
adjacent to the Central Business District; and
WHEREAS, areas zoned CB-2 need to be rezoned to another appropriate zoning designation; and
WHEREAS, the current CB-2 properties that front on Iowa Avenue and along Van Buren Street north
of Washington Street and Isolated parcels surrounded by public uses west of Van Buren Street contain a
mix of larger -scale offices, retail uses, and Institutional uses that are consistent with the Intent of the CB-5
Zone to allow for the orderly expansion of the Central Business District and to enhance the pedestrian
orientation of the central area of the City,
WHEREAS, the current CB-2 properties located along the north side of Burlington Street are suitable
for CB-5 zoning due to the location along a major transportation corridor adjacent to downtown Iowa City;
WHEREAS, the current isolated CB-2 property located on the south side of Burlington Street is
surrounded by high density multi -family zoning;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA:
SECTION I. APPROVAL: The property described below is hereby reclassified from its present
classification of Central Business Service (CB-2) Zone to the zones indicated below:
Original town of Iowa City, the eastern 70 feet of lot 6 of Block 43; the north 110 feet of lot 4 of Block
44; lots 7.8 of Block 45; lots 5,8,7 of Block 39; lots 2,3,4,5, and the portions of lots 6.7 of Block 40 that lie
north of the southern boundary of the CRI&P Railroad right of way; lots 5,6, and a portion of lot 7
described as (beginning at the northwest comer of lot 7, thence south 150 feet, east 80 feet, north 120
feet, west 34.8 feet, north 30 feet, and west 45.2 feet to beginning )of Block 42 are reclassified to Central
Business Support (CB-5) Zone;
Original town of Iowa City, the eastern 106 feet of lots 7 and 6 of Lyman Cook's Subdivision of Outiot
25 are reclassified to High Density Multi -Family Residential (RM-44) Zone.
SECTION II, ZONING MAP: The City Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to change the
Zoning Map of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, to conform to this amendment upon final passage, approval and
publication of this ordinance as provided by law.
Ordinance No. 05-4192
Page 2
SECTION III. CERTIFICATION AND RECORDjNG: The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed
to certify a copy of this ordinance and record the same in the Office of the County Recorder, Johnson
County, Iowa, at the City's expense, upon the final passage, approval and publication of this ordinance, as
provided by law.
SECTION IV. REPEALER. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of
this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION V. SEVERABILITY. If any section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall be adjudged to
be Invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or
any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged Invalid or unconstitutlonaL
SECTION A. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be In effect after its final passage, approval
and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this 15th day of necpmbax . 2005.
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MAYOR
ATTEST: /, f
CITY CLERK
Approved by
City Attorneys Office
Ordinance No. 05-a192
Page 3
It was moved by Champion and seconded by O'Donnell that the Ordinance
as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
x _ Bailey
X Champion
_x Elliott
_g_ Lehman
Y_ O'Donnell
I Vanderhoef
_x Wilburn
First Consideration 11/1/05
Vote for passage: AYES;
Champion, Elliott,
NAYS: Bailey, Wilburn.
ABSENT: None.
Second Consideration 11/15/05
Voteforpassage: AYES:
Champion, Elliott,
Wilburn, Bailey. ABSENT:
None.
Date published 12/28/05
Lehman, O'Donnell, Vanderhoef.
Lehman, O'Donnell, Vanderhoef. NAYS: