HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Packet 12.7.17MINUTES PRELIMINARY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 2, 2017 – 7:00 PM – FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Ann Freerks, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Max
Parsons, Mark Signs, Jodie Theobald
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Jann Ream
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends approval of an amendment to City Code
Sections 14-5B-8E Sign Standards in the Central Business zones, and the South Downtown,
University, Central Crossings, Park, South Gilbert and East Side Mixed Use subdistricts to allow
plastic trim cap letters for signs above the fifth story.
CALL TO ORDER:
Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
CODE AMENDMENT:
Discussion of amendment to City Code Sections 14-5B-8E Sign Standards in the Central
Business zones, and the South Downtown, University, Central Crossings, Park, South Gilbert
and East Side Mixed Use subdistricts to allow plastic trim cap letters for signs above the fifth
story and discussion of internal illumination on upper stories of high-rise buildings.
Ream noted that the Commission requested more information on illumination on the high-rise
building signs. So Ream prepared a map to show where the existing high-rise buildings are and
also where others are proposed or already built. The map shows how the high-rise buildings
are concentrated in the downtown and south downtown Riverfront Crossings area. Next Ream
spent time walking the areas and driving in her car to get an idea of the viewsheds for these
high-rise buildings from surrounding neighborhoods. She showed some Google images (not all
completely up-to-date) and pictures she took herself to give the Commission some idea of what
the viewsheds look like. Ream found that the buildings skyline are exclusively visual from the
arterial streets (Burlington, Gilbert, Dubuque, Clinton and Washington Streets). There is a small
area while on Riverside Drive where one can look across the river and see the buildings. Ream
also noted that due to the topography (and vegetation) of the area and the existing buildings in
the area the viewsheds of the high-rise buildings can change drastically (from completely
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 2, 2017 – Formal Meeting
Page 2 of 4
obscured to viewable in half a block). Ream added that when viewing the MidWestOne
Building, the sign on that building would not be allowed in the new zoning standards, it would be
at least one-third smaller.
Freerks asked about the 1.5 times the size of the side of the building standard for signs and is
that for each side or the building as a whole. Ream stated it is for each side, each sign wall is
treated separately.
Freeks stated her appreciation that Reams went out and walked and drove the area to be able
to show the Commission a real feel for how the area looks.
Ream stated as requested she looked at what other communities allow and one of the things
that surprised her was how many communities allowed roof signs, and illumination of roof signs.
She looked at four communities in Iowa, cities of a fairly similar size, plus she looked at both
Burlington Vermont and Boulder Colorado because they are both of similar size and university
towns with similar ped mall areas. Neither of those two communities allow high-rise buildings.
The tallest building in Boulder allowed is 55 feet (5 stories) and in Burlington it is 65 feet.
Hektoen added that the issue of illumination is not pending application so if there is a majority of
commissioners that wish to pursue this further it could be added to the worklist and proceed
from there.
Freerks opened the public discussion.
Seeing no one Freerks closed the public discussion.
Hensch moved to recommend approval of an amendment to City Code Sections 14-5B-8E
Sign Standards in the Central Business zones, and the South Downtown, University,
Central Crossings, Park, South Gilbert and East Side Mixed Use subdistricts to allow
plastic trim cap letters for signs above the fifth story.
Martin seconded the motion.
Freerks understands the amendment was to allow the plastic trim caps but wanted to use the
opportunity to learn more and open the conversation and to let City Council know that some of
the commissioners have concerns or thoughts of how it might affect things in the future.
Freerks would rather plan than react.
Theobald noted that she likes the community of Lacrosse Wisconsin and how they have created
their riverfront. However at this point Iowa City is already further down the road and these
conversations should have been at the beginning. In Lacrosse it appears there is a historic
overlay over the entire downtown and all the signs must be wood or metal and cannot be backlit
to be kept with the historic nature of the buildings.
Ream noted that Dubuque Iowa had the same requirements.
Signs stated he was intrigued by Ream’s comment that Boulder does not allow high-rises and
has building limits of 55 feet. His thought was that “ship has sailed” here in Iowa City, we have
driven the prices of land up so high that one cannot afford to not build up high. Signs feels the
City will see more and more high-rises because of that new reality. Ream added that Boulder
passed their height ordinance in 1971.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 2, 2017 – Formal Meeting
Page 3 of 4
Hektoen added that in the context of affordable housing Boulder has a pretty serious affordable
housing crisis.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: OCTOBER 19, 2017
Theobald moved to approve the meeting minutes of October 19, 2017.
Parsons seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION:
Freerks noted that in the Staff memo there were a number of places where it stated
“Commission Chair expressed” or “Commission Chair requested” and asked that in the future
that is not used so there doesn’t appear to be a bias or so that others will not be afraid to say
something or ask something in fear of being “called out” in a memo. She added this is a place
for information and that the Commission collectively works as a group. The meeting minutes
will indicated individual’s statements and opinions.
Signs noted he will be absent for the December 7 meeting.
Martin will be absent December 21 and January 4.
ADJOURNMENT:
Signs moved to adjourn.
Martin seconded.
A vote was taken and motion carried 7-0.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017
4/6
(W.S.)
4/20
WS
4/20
5/4
5/18
6/1
(W.S)
6/7
6/15
7/6
7/20
8/3
8/17
9/7
9/21
10/5
10/19
11/2
DYER, CAROLYN X X X X O/E X X X X X X X X X X X X
FREERKS, ANN O/E X X X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X X
HENSCH, MIKE X X X X X X O/E X X X X X X X X X X
MARTIN, PHOEBE X O/E O/E X X X X O/E X X X X X X X X X
PARSONS, MAX X X X X X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X
SIGNS, MARK X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
THEOBALD, JODIE X X X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a Member