Minutes_Zoning Advisory Commission 09.06.23 Copyrighted
September 18, 2023
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 01.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of 8/18/23, 8/21/23, 8/22/23, 8/24/23, 9/5/23,
9/11/23, 9/12/23; Cable Television Commission of 12/8/21, 8/29/23;
Community Development Advisory Commission of 9/6/23; Historic
Preservation Commission Minutes of 8/17/23; Zoning Advisory
Commission Minutes of 8/24/23; Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes of
9/6/23.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
08 18 23 City Council Minutes Supporting Documentation
08 21 23 City Council Minutes Supporting Documentation
08 22 22 Goal Setting Minutes Supporting Documentation
08 23 22 Goal Setting Minutes Supporting Documentation
08 24 23 Goal Setting Minuyes Supporting Documentation
9 5 23 City Council Minutes Supporting Documentation
9 11 23 City Council Minutes Supporting Documentation
9 12 23 City Council Minutes Supporting Documentation
Cable TV Commission Supporting Documentation
Cable TV Commission Staff Memo
Community Development Advisory Commission Minutes Supporting Documentation
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes 8-17-23 Supporting Documentation
Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes 9-6-23 Supporting Documentation
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes 8-24-23 Supporting Documentation
Dubuque
THE CITY OF D m�
IIhA�erfoC� i i J
DUB E '�I�^�I' LJ
zoo��zo i22oi3
Masterpiece on the Mississippi zoi�+zoi9
MINUTES
ZONING ADVISORY COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
City Council Chambers, Historic Federal Building
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Matt Mulligan; Commission Members Rich
Russell, Carrie Lohrmann, Pat Norton, and Teri Zuccaro
Commissioners Excused: Martha Christ
Commissioners Unexcused: None.
Staff Members Present: Wally Wernimont, Shena Moon, Travis Schrobilgen, and
Jason Duba
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mulligan at 6:00
p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Zuccaro, seconded by Lohrmann, to approve the minutes of the
August 2, 2023 meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Lohrmann, Russell,
Zuccaro, and Mulligan; Nay — none; Abstain — Norton.
ACTION ITEM/PLAT OF SURVEY: Application of City of Dubuque Engineering
Department to approve the Plat of Survey of Lot 1 and Lot 2 of Bahl Middle Road Place.
Staff Member Shena Moon spoke on behalf of the applicant, noting the proposal is a
simple subdivision of property located off Pennsylvania Avenue. She stated the
subdivision is purposed in order for the City to acquire property for the future of Middle
Road. She discussed the area of each of the proposed lots, displaying a map of the
proposed subdivision. She stated that Lot 2 does not have street frontage, so it requires
a waiver of this requirement from the Zoning Advisory Commission.
Chairperson Mulligan asked about the timing of the roadway widening, and Staff Member
Moon stated that has not been determined by the Engineering Department.
Motion by Norton, seconded by Zuccaro, to approve the Plat of Survey of Lot 1 and Lot 2
of Bahl Middle Road Place as submitted subject to waiving of the street frontage
requirement for Lot 2. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Lohrmann, Norton,
Russell, Zuccaro, and Mulligan; Nay— none.
Commissioner Norton recused himself for the next two items.
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
September 6, 2023 Page 2
ACTION ITEM/PLAT OF SURVEY: Application of Terry Koelker, Buesing &Associates,
Inc. to approve the Plat of Survey of Buelow Place.
Terry Koelker, Buesing &Associates, 1212 Locust Street, spoke on behalf of the property
owners, stating the owners have cottages on the rear of the property that are leased out,
and they are planning to sell the property to one of the lessors. He stated that Lot 2 does
not have street frontage and requires a waiver.
Staff Member Duba detailed the staff report, noting the submitted Plat of Survey of Buelow
Place subdivides an approximately 21-acre parcel into two parcels of approximately 12
and 8.7 acres. As Lot 2 does not have street frontage, it requires a waiver. He also stated
that this property is in a conservation easement that restricts activity and development of
the property.
Commissioners had no questions or concerns about the simple subdivision.
Motion by Lohrmann, seconded by Russell, to approve the Plat of Survey of Buelow Place
as submitted subject to waiving of the street frontage requirement for Lot 2. Motion carried
by the following vote: Aye — Lohrmann, Russell, Zuccaro, and Mulligan; Nay — none.
ACTION ITEMS/WAIVER: Application of Adam Kafer, SIMS Properties, LLC to waive
specific requirements of Chapter 13 for property located at 190 N Crescent Ridge.
Pat Norton, Buesing & Associates, 1212 Locust Street, spoke on behalf of the property
owners. He stated they are requesting a variety of different waivers from the design
standards. He described the property outlining that it was quarried by the previous owner,
which leveled the lot and also left it on a rock shelf. He stated the waiver requests are
because of the geology, which would require them to make mounds or dig pits to have
soil for installing landscaping. He noted the building sits about 30' below the property lines
along the north and street and the building is screened by the hillside almost until getting
past the building.
Chairperson Mulligan recalled that this property was recently rezoned to allow for new
uses. Norton stated that four uses are planned: a CrossFit gym, auto detailing, and two
lawn care businesses.
Commissioner Lohrmann asked if they were going to meet any of the landscaping
requirements and Staff Member Duba responded that they meet the tree requirement with
the existing trees on the south end of the property but are seeking waivers for all other
landscape requirements.
Commissioner Lohrmann asked why the applicant requested waiving the bike parking
requirement, and Mr. Norton responded that it the site is a difficult place to bike to as
bikers would have to cross Highway 20.
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
September 6, 2023 Page 3
Commissioner Lohrmann asked why the applicant couldn't put in the 10' buffer along the
road and whether they could plant bushes in pots. Mr. Norton stated the buffer is in a
rocky area, and the property owners are considering expanding to the east and don't want
to have to move landscaping.
Staff Member Duba detailed the staff report. He noted that the project site recently was
recently rezoned to C-3 General Commercial to allow for the gym use. He outlined the
Unified Development Code design standards that the applicant is requesting to waive
including Parking Lot Layout, Site Landscaping, Parking Lot Landscaping, Exterior
Storage in Nonresidential Districts, and Bicycle Parking Required. He noted the
geological challenges of this site which is a former quarry and pointed out some ways to
incorporate landscaping, such as with berms. He noted that the Commissioners may
waive none, some, or all of the standards.
Commissioner Lohrmann stated these requests make sense given the site but expressed
that she would like to see the 10' buffer on the parking lot, and that it's hard to see a
development go in with no landscaping. Chairperson Mulligan agreed stating that
everything to east
Motion by Russell, seconded by Mulligan, to approve waiving specific requirements of
Chapter 13 of the UDC as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye —
Lohrmann, Russell, Zuccaro, and Mulligan; Nay — none.
Commissioner Norton returned to the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING/REZONING: Application of William R. Biver, Mary's Inn Maternity
Home, to rezone property located at 1749 Churchill Drive (PIN 1022379005 and
1022379004) from R-1 Single-Family Residential to R-3c Moderate Density Multi-Family
Residential with conditions.
John Freund, Freund Law Firm, P.C., 1005 Main Street, spoke on behalf of Mary's Inn.
He noted the organization is a non-profit maternity home formed in 2014. He introduced
the Chair of the Board of Directors for Mary's Inn, Bill Biver, and the Executive Director,
Colleen Pasnik, both who were present.
Mr. Freund described the process that Mary's Inn went through eight years ago to rezone
a property on Balboa Drive for use as their maternity home. He stated there have been
no complaints from neighbors about that property. Mary's Inn is now looking for a larger
house for their organization to move to. He said they have a limit of four women and their
babies at the house. He described the way the maternity home operates and that they
have an onsite staff member. He expressed that it should have little impact on the
neighborhood and add little traffic, as most of the women don't have cars. He stated there
are specific rules for living at the house. He described how this location is a good fit for
their goal to be in a residential neighborhood. They also like the carriage house on the
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
September 6, 2023 Page 4
property, where the day time staff could have their space and the director could have her
office. Proximity to a bus line is a feature they are looking for.
Mr. Freund spoke to some of the concerns that neighbors have expressed and referred
to the letter Mary's Inn sent to neighbors in an effort to address their concerns. He spoke
specifically about the maternity home would not affect the property values and stated that
the home on Balboa has increased in property value and does not appear to have harmed
property values in the area. He stated they are willing to only rezone the lot the house is
on and leave the north lot as R-1. They are also willing to rezone the house property back
to R-1 if they move in the future, and they do not want to sell it to a developer. He stated
they are willing to accept conditions and want to be good neighbors.
Commissioner Lohrmann asked if they considered other properties. Freund stated they
did, and this property was preferred in part because it has the carriage house where the
director can have her office onsite.
Chairperson Mulligan asked how long women typically stay at the house. Colleen Pasnik,
Director of Mary's Inn, 1535 Alta Vista, stated that the time is specific to the needs of the
mother and the average stay is three to four months.
Julie Fuller, 1780 Eden Lane, described her family's tenure in the neighborhood and
reasons they like it so much including that it's a mix of all ages and families. She stated
she supports the mission of the maternity home but has concerns about this
neighborhood becoming R-3 zoning. She expressed concerns about lots considering the
various permitted and conditional uses allowed in R-3 districts, the vacant lot being
developed for multi-family housing, the difference between a group home and maternity
home, and the previous rejection of a Conditional Use Permit for an accessory dwelling
unit in 2010. She referenced a letter submitted by Steve Juergens and quoted the letter
regarding the issuance of Conditional Use Permits. She concluded by stating she is
opposed to the rezoning.
Marlene Habel, 1285 Cortez Drive, stated that she lives close to Mary's Inn on Balboa
Drive, and she feels they run the home extremely well, and she has observed no problems
with it. Commissioner Lohrmann asked about the location of the Balboa house and
Chairperson Mulligan suggested we ask staff to address that question after the public
hearing.
Brian Kane, Kane Norby & Reddick P.C., 2100 Asbury, representing John and Ann Riley,
1733 Eden Lane, expressed that the mission of Mary's Inn is not what's being debated,
but it's about what the zoning code says. He expressed that a maternity home is not a
group home and that there is no definition of a maternity home in the unified development
code, so it should not be permitted or a conditional permitted use in this case. Mr. Kane
stated that rezoning the property could be spot zoning since it has been R-1 for over 60
years and has not changed. He discussed the three-pronged test established by the
Supreme Court which includes (1)whether the new zoning is germane to an object within
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
September 6, 2023 Page 5
the police power; (2)whether there is a reasonable basis for making a distinction between
the spot zoned land and the surrounding property; and (3) whether the rezoning is
consistent with the comprehensive plan. He noted the future land use map shows these
parcels as residential and park. Mr. Kane also discussed the possibility of increased traffic
to the property both vehicular and pedestrian and asked that the rezoning be considered
as not a conditional permitted use, or that it is spot zoning, or that it is inconsistent with
the Comprehensive Plan.
Lance Andre, 1735 Eden Lane, described what he liked about his single-family
neighborhood including the low volume of traffic along Eden Lane and that many kids
play in the area, and expressed that this would be a change. He stated that he's
concerned about what happens to the historic home and green space.
Dr. Melissa Claussen, 2979 Pennsylvania Avenue, representing her parents, stated that
the concern is not Mary's Inn, it's that they might leave, and the property would become
multi-tenant. She stated that the bus stop at this location is across Pennsylvania Avenue
and may be a safety concern. She shared an aerial view of the neighborhood for reference
and discussed a previous request to rezone the subject property. She expressed
concerns about the stress to rezone the neighborhood to R-3. She expressed concern
about utilizing the carriage house as an office/business. She expressed concern about
lead poisoning and other aspects of the home in question and worried that non-profits
don't have oversight.
Sharon Young, 1745 Eden Lane, stated that she's in favor of Mary's Inn but not at the
expense of changing their neighborhood. She noted that she signed a petition of
opposition and provided that to staff.
Matt Selby, 1851 Eden Lane, stated that he and his family support Mary's Inn, along with
their neighbors John & Sadie Robins, 1741 Eden Lane. He noted that they toured the
Balboa house and found it to appear normal and be well-maintained, similar to a single-
family home. He stated that they support the rezoning and feel it will enhance the
neighborhood. He noted that he had the same concerns as others, but he's not worried
about this situation as it will have limited vehicles, there are good people involved, and
he doesn't believe it would change the neighborhood.
Jenifer Luchene, 1736 Churchill Drive, expressed concern that Mary's Inn might build an
addition to the house to expand their capacity beyond four women.
William R. Biver, 1320 Oeth Court, stated that he is the original applicant. He noted that
some of the general statements made by neighbors were addressed in the letter he
submitted. He expressed that this request is not about transient women but is specifically
about pregnant women and babies who deserve to be in a family neighborhood. He stated
that they are willing to let go of rezoning the vacant lot and willing to rezone the south
property back to R-1 if they move. He noted this is not the same as the accessory dwelling
unit application and they have no intention of renting out any space on the property. He
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
September 6, 2023 Page 6
pointed out that maternity home falls under group home according to the previous
commission who approved the rezoning on Balboa. Mr. Biver stated they are working to
address all building code requirements with the city's housing department and are
working through all local, state, and federal requirements for the maternity home.
John Freund concluded by reiterating Biver's statements. He expressed concern that this
maternity home needs a place to go, and they feel they can fit the character of this
neighborhood. He expressed that this rezoning request is very similar to the one that was
approved in 2015. He noted that he had five teenagers at one time, and they generated
more traffic than Mary's Inn will. He expressed that Mary's Inn is a sanctuary and will have
the feel of a single-family residence.
Commissioner Norton asked how the zoning could revert to R-1 on sale. Mr. Freund
expressed a willingness to do this. Staff Member Moon indicated this would be better
handled through a private agreement, as the City does not tie zoning to property sales.
Planning Services Director Wernimont noted the previous request for the Balboa property
was a conditional rezoning that limited the uses to single-family residences. He also
discussed a clause in the Memorandum of Agreement that would accompany the
rezoning ordinance which would allow the city to rezone the property back to R-1 should
the property owner be in violation of the conditions of the rezoning. MR. Freund stated
they are willing to agree to those conditions.
Staff Member Moon detailed the staff report. She displayed two charts, the first showing
that the principal permitted uses would remain the same as R-1, so no multi-family uses
would be allowed with the conditional rezoning, and the second showing that the only
added conditional use would be for group home. She explained that a maternity home is
categorized as a group home, not a boarding or rooming house. She noted that the
Conditional Use Permit request would be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Adjustment,
and they can place conditions such as the number of occupants. She expressed that a
memorandum of agreement would be required as part of the approval and outlined a
clause in the memorandum of agreement that would allow the city to rezone the property
back to R-1 should the applicant not be in compliance with the conditions of the rezoning.
She noted the 2010 review was for an accessory dwelling unit, which have a very specific
set of requirements, and that the request was not approved by the Zoning Board of
Adjustment. She noted that the comprehensive plan encourages mixed development and
separation of incompatible uses. The future land use map shows the developed lot as
residential and vacant lot as park and open space, which was historically a standard
designation for an undeveloped lot, which would not prohibit that lot from being developed
as a single-family residence. She expressed that the property use would be limited to a
single-family residence and the conditionally permitted uses, and consequently it is not
anticipated to increase traffic in the neighborhood beyond a single-family use. She noted
the proposed conditions would not allow conversion to multi-family apartments. She noted
the Housing Department would work with the applicant on issues such as lead paint and
egress. She noted the use of the carriage house as an office would be allowed as a no-
impact home-based business.
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
September 6, 2023 Page 7
Commissioner Lohrmann asked about the location of Mary's Inn on Balboa, and Staff
Member Moon stated it is in a single-family neighborhood at mid-block.
Chairperson Mulligan sought clarification regarding the request and Staff Member Moon
explained that the request would allow a group home as a conditional permitted use and
that the principal permitted uses would be the same as allowed in the current R-1 district.
Commissioner Norton asked about how to rezone just the south lot with the house, and
Staff Member Moon stated they could single that property out in their vote.
Commissioners Lohrmann and Zuccaro indicated they would vote against the request as
they felt it would interFere with the integrity of the neighborhood and the neighbor's desires
to maintain it.
Chairperson Mulligan expressed support of the request as it is in line with the
comprehensive plan's objective of mixed uses, that the proposed rezoning would allow
for single-family and not multi-family, that the project is a group home, and that the
condition of the home would be addressed by building code.
Motion by Russell, seconded by Norton, to approve the rezoning of the south lot, 1749
Churchill Drive (PIN 1022379005), and with the submitted conditions. Motion carried by
the following vote: Aye — Norton, Russell, and Mulligan; Nay — Lohrmann and Zuccaro.
PUBLIC HEARING/REZONING: Application of Cory Ranson to rezone property located
at 25 Bissell Lane (PIN 1025402007 and 1025402008) from OR Office Residential to C-
3 General Commercial.
Cory Ranson, 8190 Southern Hills Circle, spoke on behalf of the application. He stated
they hope to build a two or three stall shop to house his plumbing business and he hopes
to rent part of the building for storage.
Ray Herzog, 2717 Tiffany Court, stated that he owns neighboring property and wanted to
see what the plan was for what was being developed or he could make an informed
stance on the proposal. He noted that it's a small property with houses on three sides and
little room for parking.
Mr. Ranson replied that there's C-3 properties adjacent to the subject property and he's
thinking about a 30' x 55' shop but would need to work on the layout of the lot. He stated
he'd does not anticipate much traffic to and from the site.
Staff Member Duba detailed the staff report. He noted that a letter of opposition was
submitted into the record for the Commissions consideration. Mr. Duba described the
characteristics of the property and the surrounding area, noting that this neighborhood
has changed significantly with the construction of highways and demolition of homes. He
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
September 6, 2023 Page 8
noted that the parcels are relatively small and that any proposed construction would have
to meet site development standards.
Commissioner Lohrmann asked why a conditional rezoning was not proposed here, and
Duba replied that the general policy is not to modify zoning districts unless necessary or
specifically requested by an applicant. Staff Member Moon noted that the Commission
could move the item forward as with conditions as well.
Commissioner Norton stated that the site plan review process will enforce the standards
of the Unified Development Code and he noted that C-3 properties are adjacent, so this
rezoning is legitimate in his opinion.
Motion by Norton, seconded by Zuccaro, to approve rezoning 25 Bissell Lane (PIN
1025402007 and 1025402008) as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye —
Lohrmann, Norton, Russell, Zuccaro, and Mulligan; Nay — none.
PUBLIC HEARING/REZONING: Application of Richard Sova, Landover Corporation, to
rezone property located on Radford Road, PIN 1020406088 from Planned Unit
Development with PC - Planned Commercial designation to OC Office Commercial.
Richard Sova, Landover Corporation, spoke on behalf of the application, stating that they
request to rezone to OC in order to construct a 48-unit apartment building for which
they've received funding from the lowa Finance Authority. He stated this is like their
previous project just up the road, Gardens of Dubuque.
There was no public input.
Staff Member Moon detailed the staff report. She noted they are proposing to rezone part
of the parcel and leave the other with the existing PC district. She described the land uses
in the area. She noted that development would include 48-units and approximately 100
parking space and the development would be subject to the city's site plan review
process. She explained that Radford Road is designed to accommodate a large volume
of traffic, so this development shouldn't negatively impact traffic in the area. She noted
the comprehensive plan promotes a mix of uses.
Commissioner Lohrmann asked to clarify the area to be rezoned, and Staff Member Moon
displayed a map showing how the parcel is anticipated to be divided.
Commissioners Lohrmann and Russell noted the close proximity to schools here as a
benefit of this location.
Commissioner Norton expressed that this development would serve as a buffer and
transition between the commercial areas along Radford Road and the lower-density
residential areas to the east.
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
September 6, 2023 Page 9
Motion by Russell, seconded by Zuccaro, to approve rezoning a portion of Radford Road,
PIN 1020406088 as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Lohrmann,
Norton, Russell, Zuccaro, and Mulligan; Nay — none.
Commissioner Norton recused himself for the following item.
PUBLIC HEARING/REZONING: Application of Kim Adams, DuTrac Community Credit
Union, to rezone property located at 3465 Asbury Rd from Planned Unit Development
with PC - Planned Commercial designation to C-3 General Commercial.
Kim Adams, DuTrac, 3465 Asbury Road, spoke on behalf of the application, noting the
PC district was created 35 years ago when the area was just residential, but it has
changed with a commercial corridor now, of which they are the largest property. She
expressed that most of their competitors are in C-3 districts. She noted they are
completing a $2.3 million renovation. She expressed that DuTrac is a strong financial
organization, and this location is their headquarters.
There was no public input.
Staff Member Schrobilgen detailed the staff report, noting that there are residences on
three sides of the property and that it is along a commercial corridor. He noted the number
of uses that are allowed in the existing PUD and in C-3 districts. He described the
screening that was required under the PUD, which is not part of the C-3 regulations. He
noted the signage allowance would increase from the current OS allowance.
Commissioner Russell asked about the signage allowance of the PUD which uses OS,
compared to C-3, and Staff Member Schrobilgen described that generally C-3 allows
more and larger signs. He also discussed a previous approval for a sign variance that
allowed them larger signs than is permitted in the PUD and that if the rezoning is
approved, the rezoning variance would no longer be applicable or needed.
Commissioner Lohrmann asked about potential concerns of increased uses in the C-3
and the proximity to the residential, and staff confirmed additional uses are permitted in
the proposed district.
Commissioner Russell expressed that it was likely zoned PC because of neighbor
concerns. Commissioner Lohrmann asked why properties are typically zoned PC, and
Staff Member Moon described that it's usually to allow a custom development for a
property. Staff Member Schrobilgen confirmed what Commissioner Russell had stated
and said that the property was vacant in 1985, surrounded by residential properties and
that the PC regulations addressed neighbor opposition at that time. He reiterated that no
opposition was received with the current request.
Chairperson Mulligan noted that several other recent cases on Asbury Road had attracted
neighbor opposition, so the lack of comment for this request is telling.
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
September 6, 2023 Page 10
Commissioner Lohrman expressed an interest in protecting the neighbors' views, so she
proposed the condition of maintaining the existing screening requirements. Ms. Adams
expressed that DuTrac would be amenable to that condition.
Motion by Lohrmann, seconded by Russell, to approve rezoning 3465 Asbury Road with
the condition of maintaining the screening requirements within the existing PC district.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Lohrmann, Russell, Zuccaro, and Mulligan;
Nay — none.
Commissioner Norton returned to the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING/PUD AMENDMENT: Application of Katie Merkes, 7495 Chavenelle
Road, to amend Zone C of the Dubuque Industrial Center West Planned Unit
Development to allow animal hospital or clinic, kennel, and pet daycare or grooming as
permitted uses.
Dr. Katie Merkes, 13167 Somerset Hills Drive, spoke in favor of the request, noting that
she is a holistic veterinarian hoping to provide expanded services to help meet the
growing demand for pet care in the community and would like to do so at the subject
property.
There was no public input.
Staff Member Schrobilgen detailed the staff report. He noted that this property is in Zone
C of the Dubuque Industrial Center West PUD, and the additional uses would only apply
that area of the PUD. He expressed that this use in not anticipated to increase traffic more
than the current uses allowed in zone.
Commissioner Norton expressed that this is a great addition to the industrial district, that
noise is often the biggest factor and it's a perfect location next to industrial properties.
Commissioner Lohrmann noted that the Humane Society is nearby.
Motion by Norton, seconded by Lohrmann, to approve amending Zone C of the Dubuque
Industrial Center West Planned Unit Development as submitted. Motion carried by the
following vote: Aye — Lohrmann, Norton, Russell, Zuccaro, and Mulligan; Nay — none.
PUBLIC HEARING/TEXT AMENDMENT: Application of Capra Bank to amend the
Unified Development Code to allow Drive-Up Automatic Bank Teller as a Permitted Use
in the C-3 General Commercial zoning district, as a Conditional Use in the C-4 Downtown
Commercial zoning district, and to establish signage regulations for a Drive-Up Automatic
Bank Teller use.
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
September 6, 2023 Page 11
Nancy Kann, 900 Jackson Street, represented the applicant, noting the changing
technology available for ATMs today and the changing way in which people use banks,
namely that visits to physical banks are declining. She stated that her client is hoping to
serve the market by addressing those changes and offering standalone ATMs to benefit
their customers. She also noted this use can take advantage of parking lots that may be
underutilized.
There was no public input.
Staff Member Schrobilgen discussed the application. He noted that the City of Dubuque
currently permits this type of use as a permitted use in the industrial districts, and this text
amendment would expand that to C-3 districts. He also said that the use is also already
listed as a conditional use in the CR district and the request would expand that to the C-
4 district as well. He noted that Conditional Use Permits have conditions placed on them
and that the current condition states that the Zoning Board of Adjustment can place any
reasonable condition that would mitigate impacts on the neighbors. He said this
amendment would add a default condition that screening from view of adjacent residential
uses would be required in addition to any the ZBA deems appropriate. He also described
the proposed signage limitation of 75 square feet and 20' in height is needed to avoid
these becoming small billboards. He noted that placement of any such facilities would be
subject to site plan review.
Commissioner Lohrmann asked if this would include new style ATMs with video screens,
and Schrobilgen confirmed that they would be included. Lohrmann expressed the need
to respond to new technology and that a text amendment is the way to do that.
Motion by Zuccaro, seconded by Norton, to approve the text amendment as submitted.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Lohrmann, Norton, Russell, Zuccaro, and
Mulligan; Nay— none.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF: None.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Russell, seconded by Zuccaro to adjourn the September 6,
2023 Zoning Advisory Commission meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye —
Lohrmann, Norton, Russell, Zuccaro, and Mulligan; Nay — none.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Minutes — Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
September 6, 2023 Page 12
Shena Moon, Associate Planner Adopted