Minutes_Zoning Advisory Commission 5 1 19 Copyrighted
May 20, 2019
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 1.
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: Airport Commission of 4/22; City Council Proceedings of
5/6, 5/13; Civil Service Commission Minutes of
5/10; Community DevelopmentAdvisory Commission of
4/17; Human Rights Commission of 4/8, 4/25, 5/1; Transit
Advisory Board of 5/9; Zoning Advisory Commission
Minutes of 5/1/19; Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes of
5/2/19; Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings
of 4/15;
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Airport Commission Minutes of 4/3/19 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of 5/6/19 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of 5/13/19 Supporting Documentation
Civil Service Commission Minutes of 5/10/19 Supporting Documentation
Community De�lopmentAdvisory Commission Minutes Supporting Documentation
of 4/17/19
Human Rights Commissoin Minutes of 4/8/19 Supporting Documentation
Human Rights Commission Minutes of 4/25/19 Supporting Documentation
Human Rights Commission Minutes of 5/1/19 Supporting Documentation
TransitAdvisory Board Minutes of 5/9/19 Supporting Documentation
Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes of 4/17/19 Supporting Documentation
Zoning Board of Adjustrnent Minutes of 5/2/19 Supporting Documentation
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of Supporting Documentation
4/15/19
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MINUTES
CITY OF DUBUQUE ZONING ADVISORY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Tom Henschel; Commissioners Pat Norton,
Rich Russell, Laura Roussell, Steve Baumhover, Michael Belmont, and Martha Christ;
Staff Members Guy Hemenway, Kyle Kritr, Travis Schrobilgen and Wally Wernimont.
Commissioners Excused: None
Commissioners Unexcused: None.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Henschel at 6:00
p.m.
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying
the meeting was being held in compliance with the lowa Open Meetings Law.
MINUTES: Motion by Christ, seconded by Norton to approve the minutes of the April 3,
2019, Zoning Advisory Commission meeting as submitted. Motion carried by the
following vote: Aye — Norton, Russell, Roussell, Belmont, Baumhover, Christ and
Henschel; Nay — None.
PLAT OF SURVEY: Application of Mark Schlitrer to approve the Plat of Survey Lot 1 in
the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 9 T89N, R2E of 5�° P.M.,
Dubuque County, lowa.
Mark Schlitrer, 16765 Schlitrer Lane, said that he would like to split his property to
facilitate building a residence.
Staff Member Kyle Kritr detailed the staff report noting that the proposed lot split is to
facilitate the construction of a single-family home on a family farm. He explained the lot
is located in the county and within two miles of the City of Dubuque corporate limits. He
said that Lot 1 does not have frontage on a platted or private street. He noted the lot
would be accessed by an existing 33-foot wide access and utility easement.
There were no public comments.
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Page 2
April 3, 2019
Commissioners discussed the location of the proposed lot.
Motion by Baumhover, seconded by Christ, to approve the Plat of Survey of Lot 1 in the
Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 9 T89N, R2E of 5�h P.M.,
Dubuque County, lowa subject to waiving lot frontage requirement for Lot 1 . Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye — Norton, Russell, Roussell, Baumhover, Belmont,
Christ and Henschel; Nay — None.
PLAT OF SURVEY: Application of Ron McCarthy to approve the Plat of Survey of
Maple Leaf Addition No. 4.
Ron McCarthy, 207 Oak Forest Drive, Epworth, representing the sellers. described the
proposal noting the current configuration of the three lots makes them all unsellable.
He said they want to reduce the number of lots from three to two and remove any
building encroachments in order to make both lots sellable.
Staff Member Kyle Kritz detailed the staff report noting the location and that a
substandard Lot 2 would be created. He stated that even though Lot 2 will have less
frontage and lot area as required by the R-1 District, both lots would be sellable, and
since they were already developed, would not impact adjacent properties.
There were no public comments.
Commissioners discussed the request and felt it was appropriate.
Motion by Norton, seconded by Roussell, to approve the Plat of Survey of Maple Leaf
Addition No. 4 subject to waiving lot frontage and lot area for Lot 2. Motion carried by
the following vote: Aye — Norton, Russell, Roussell, Baumhover, Belmont, Christ and
Henschel; Nay — None.
PUBLIC HEARING/REZONING: Application of Ace Construction to rezone property at
2325 Garfield Avenue from C-2 Neighborhood Shopping Center zoning district to C-3
General Commercial zoning district.
Phil Jensen, attorney representing Ace Construction, discussed the proposal stating
that the applicant has removed brush, junk, and abandoned vehicles from the property.
He also noted that the applicant is requesting the rezoning from C-2 to C-3 enabling
him to build a contractor shop.
Mr. Jensen then discussed what he deemed as anomalies in the code. He noted that
grocery store, laundromat, schools and gas stations are allowed in C-2 but are more
intense than artist studios or contractor shops which are not allowed.
In conclusion, Mr. Jensen stated that the contractor shop would not create noise, light,
or other nuisance issues.
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Page 3
April 3, 2019
Amy Taylor, 2365 Garfield Ave., said that her property is located across the train tracks
from the subject property. She stated they had burned debris and noted concerns about
smoke, drainage and noise.
Mr. Jensen rebutted, stating that burning debris would not be a normal use at the
property and that it would be used primarily for outside storage and parking a vehicle
overnight.
Staff Member Guy Hemenway clarified Euclidean Zoning and addressed the anomalies
mentioned by Mr. Jensen. Mr. Hemenway noted that schools, gas stations, and corner
grocery stores are residential uses generally associated with neighborhoods. He
continued, stating that contractor shops do not generally operate in a similar fashion.
He discussed the lot location, nearby utilities, and access issues noting that the
property is restricted in size and has limited access.
Commissioner Norton noted the limited access and asked if it would be problematic.
Staff inember Hemenway replied that legal access is problematic and would be
addressed through the development review process with advice from the legal
department.
Commissioners discussed easements and access to the lot. The Commission
compared the uses permitted in the C-2 and C-3 zoning districts. The Commission
discussed screening requirements for contractor's shops and access for emergency
services (Police, Fire and Ambulance).
Motion by Russell, seconded by Belmont, to approve the rezoning from C-2
Neighborhood Shopping Center zoning district to C-3 General Commercial zoning
district. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Russell, Roussell, Baumhover, and
Belmont; Nay — Christ, Norton, and Henschel.
PUBLIC HEARING/REZONING: Application of SWAD LLC / Portzen to rezone from
C-3 General Commercial zoning district to PUD Planned Unit Development zoning
district.
Mike Portzen, 16748 Thunder Hills Drive, Peosta, explained the rezoning is to
accommodate an approximately 185,000 sf big box retailer. He explained that since
the building is over 60,000 sf, the Unified Development Code requires the property to
be located in a Planned Unit Development (PUD). He discussed the proposal noting
the location of a gas line, gas line easement, elevation, and screening. He explained
the limitations of what could be placed in the gas line easement.
Commissioners asked about storm water drainage from the site. Mike Portzen
responded noting that water runoff should be significantly reduced and that most would
go toward the west detention basin away from the neighboring residential properties.
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Page 4
April 3, 2019
Ben Wilson (6525 Kinsley Ct.), Ryan Brown (6500 Kinsley Ct.), Kevin and Joan Hedrick
(6505 Kinsley Ct.), Melissa Cook (6535 Kinsley Ct.), and Carol Prater (6615 Kinsley
Ln.), all expressed concerns with potential inadequate screening, storm water drainage,
light pollution and requested additional vegetative screening be made a requirement.
Mike Portzen rebutted noted that he has offers for a truck stop at this location and felt a
big box retailer would have less of an impact on the adjoining property. He said that
grading, lot lines, and gas line easement all limit the vegetative screening options.
Staff Member Wally Wernimont presented three letters of opposition noting that two of
the three were submitted by individuals present at the meeting. He presented the staff
report, noting the size, location, existing easements, gated emergency access lane,
storm water drainage of the proposed Planned Unit Development. He explained that
the proposed PUD is a portion of a larger commercial development. He referred to site
diagrams showing the proposed street configuration. He explained because the
building is larger than 60,000 sf, the Unified Development Code requires the property to
be rezoned to a PUD. He explained that the proposed streets in the development would
be private unless a connection is made to English Mill Road. He referred to vehicle
trips based on big box retailers and noted that the City of Dubuque Engineering
Department is requiring a traffic study to be conducted as part of the development. He
discussed the requirement for screening of the property from the adjoining properties
and the existing gas line easement. He noted the applicant is proposing to not have
intermediate landscaping islands in the parking lot.
Commissioners discussed screening, lighting, stormwater drainage and landscaping
islands as they pertain to the rezoning request. The Commission discussed the
potential to shift the building and parking lot to allow additional space for a vegetative
screen in addition to a solid fence. The Commission discussed placing additional
requirements on the type of a screening fence.
Motion by Christ, seconded by Baumhover, to approve the rezoning from C-3 General
Commercial zoning district to PUD Planned Unit Development zoning district with the
requirement of 100°k opaque screening. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -
Norton, Russell, Roussell, Baumhover, Christ and Henschel; Nay — Belmont.
PUBLIC HEARING/REZONING and ID AMENDMENT: Application of James Steiner,
University of Dubuque, to rezone the property at 1998 Grace Street from R-1 Single-
Family Residential zoning district to ID Institutional District and to amend the University
of Dubuque Institutional District to allow a Student Wellness Center.
James Steiner, Vice President of Finance and Auxiliary Services, University of
Dubuque, 2000 University Avenue, discussed the proposed project. He explained that
the Wellness Center will be for students only and that it is for initial consultation. He
discussed the need for a wellness center that can assist students both mentally and
physically.
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Page 5
April 3, 2019
Ashley and Adam Childers, 1988 Grace St., questioned the amount of traffic that would
be created and whether screening was necessary. Mr. Steiner noted that they would
follow the requirements in the Unified Development Code and that traffic would not
significantly increase and that parking is being added.
Staff Member Kyle Kritz noted that the University of Dubuque is asking to rezone a
property into and amend its Institutional District to accommodate the Wellness Center.
He explained the project location relative to existing campus buildings. He said that the
project would include the construction of an 11-stall parking lot with access on Grace
Street. He said there had been no input from those neighbors who received written
notification.
Commissioner Christ noted that the proposed parking lot was in a good location being
located away from the nearby residences and that the Wellness Center would be a
great addition to the University's campus.
Motion by Russell, seconded by Roussell, to rezone the property at 1998 Grace Street
from R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district to ID Institutional District and to
amend the University of Dubuque Institutional District to allow a Student Wellness
Center. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Norton, Russell, Belmont,
Roussell, Baumhover, Christ and Henschel; Nay — None.
PUBLIC HEARING/ID AMENDMENT: Application of James Steiner, University of
Dubuque, to amend the University of Dubuque Institutional District to allow the
construction of a Welcome Center.
James Steiner, Vice President of Finance and Auxiliary Services, University of
Dubuque, 2000 University Avenue, discussed the proposed project noting the Welcome
Center is internally located on campus and will be connected to the Myers Building.
There were no public comments.
Staff Member Wally Wernimont presented the staff report, noting the project location
relative to existing campus buildings and existing streets. He said that there are no
parking concerns and that development would need to go through the development
review process. He noted letters were submitted pointing to concerns about tax
revenue.
Commissioners discussed the proposal and felt it was appropriate.
Motion by Christ, seconded by Norton, to amend the University of Dubuque Institutional
District to allow the construction of a Welcome Center. Motion carried by the following
vote: Aye — Norton, Russell, Belmont, Roussell, Baumhover, Christ and Henschel; Nay
— None.
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Page 6
April 3, 2019
PUBLIC HEARING/REZONING: Application of Royal Oaks Development Corporation
to rezone from County R-2 to City R-2 Two-Family Residential in conjunction with
annexation.
Mike Weber, 26789 46�h Avenue, Bernard, representing Royal Oaks Development
Corporation, described the proposal, noting the rezoning and annexation process and
that public sewer and water were adjacent to the property.
Ted Huinker, 890 Main Street — Suite 200, spoke on behalf of the applicant. He
discussed a pre-annexation agreement from 2014. He also mentioned that they have
already reduced their request from fourplexes down to no more than two-unit town
homes.
Eric Lockhart, 7764 Silver Oaks Drive, Homeowner Association President, asked the
commission to deny the proposal to provide more time to work out their negotiations
with the applicant.
Jim Schrieber, 8198 Silver Oaks Drive, Homeowner Association Board Member,
expressed his opposition to the proposal due to safety concerns stemming from the hill
and winter maintenance.
Jolene Bodine, 8280 Talyn Ct, and Aaron Brant, 7924 Silver Oaks Drive, discussed
keeping Silver Oaks Subdivision a low-density residential area and echoed concerns
about the Silver Oaks Drive hill.
Jeffery Ketterer, 9879 Elle Ct., echoed the concerns about the hill and winter
maintenance.
Mike Weber presented his rebuttal to the neighbors' concerns. He noted that Silver
Oaks Drive would remain a private street under the control of the homeowners'
association until such a time as it is dedicated to the city. Additionally, he discussed
density and reducing the proposal from fourplexes down to two-family townhomes.
Ted Huinker also rebutted noting the rezoning is for the entire 108 acres, and not just
those parcels along Silver Oaks Drive. He also noted that those parcels in question
were under the Homeowners' Association's control and the covenants would need to be
changed before they could build townhomes.
Staff Member Wally Wernimont presented the staff report, noting the layout, size,
location, easement, and access of the proposed rezoning. He described the 12 lots
and Silver Oaks Drive. He discussed rezoning in conjunction with annexation. He also
noted the difference between County R-2 and City R-2 zoning districts. He also noted
covenants and Homeowner Associations are private contracts that have no bearing on
City rules and regulations. Additionally, he described the process for dedication of
private streets to the city. He noted that a pre-annexation agreement does exist. He
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Page 7
April 3, 2019
described the notification requirements and noted the changes to the roadway
regarding the SW Arterial interchange.
Commissioners asked for clarification from staff on covenants, notification, current
permitted development, and the private road dedication process. Staff clarified each.
Commissioners discussed the proposal.
Motion by Russell, seconded by Belmont, to rezone from County R-2 to City R-2 Two-
Family Residential in conjunction with annexation. Motion carried by the following vote:
Aye - Norton, Belmont, Russell, Roussell, Baumhover, Christ and Henschel; Nay —
None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF: None.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Russell, seconded by Christ, to adjourn the May 1 , 2019
Zoning Advisory Commission meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -
Norton, Russell, Belmont, Roussell, Baumhover, Christ and Henschel; Nay — None.
The meeting adjourned at 820 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kyle L. Kritz, Associate Planner Adopted