Minutes_Zoning Board of Adjustment 03.28.24Copyrighted
May 6, 2024
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 01.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission of February 27, 2024; City Council
Proceedings of April 8, 9, 15, and 22, 2024; Amended City Council
Proceedings of April 4 and 15, 2024; Civil Service Commission of April
10, 2024; Community Development Advisory Commission of March 20,
2024; Five Flags Civic Center Advisory Commission of December 5,
2023; Historic Preservation Commission of March 21, 2024; Housing
Appeals and Mediation Board of September 19, 2023; Library Board of
Trustees of December 21, 2023; Library Board of Trustees Update of
March 28 and April 25, 2024; Parks and Recreation Commission of
March 12, 2024; Transit Advisory Board of September 14, 2023; Zoning
Advisory Commission of April 3, 2024; Zoning Board of Adjustment of
March 28 and April 25, 2024; Proof of Publication for City Council
Proceedings of March 18, 25, 26, 27, and 28, and April 1, 2, 4, 8, and 9,
2024.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
City Council Proceedings of April 8, 2024 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of April 9, 2024
Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of April 15, 2024
Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of April 22, 2024
Supporting Documentation
Amended City Council Proceedings of April 4, 2024
Supporting Documentation
Amended City Council Proceedings of April 15, 2024
Supporting Documentation
Proof of Publication March 18, 2024
Proof of Publication -March 25, 2024 Meeting 1
Proof of Publication -March 25, 2024 Meeting 2
Proof of Publication March 26, 2024
Proof of Publication March 27, 2024
Proof of Publication March 28, 2024
Proof of Publication_ April 1, 2024
Proof of Publication_ April 2, 2024
Proof of Publication_ April 4, 2024
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
Supporting Documentation
Housing Appeals and Mediation Board Minutes
Supporting Documentation
Arts and Cultural Affairs Minutes
Supporting Documentation
Civil Service Commission Minutes
Supporting Documentation
Transit Advisory Board Minutes
Supporting Documentation
Community Development Advisory Commission Minutes Supporting Documentation
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
Supporting Documentation
Five Flags Civic Center Advisory Commission Minutes
Supporting Documentation
Library Board of Trustees Minutes
Supporting Documentation
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes —March 2024
Supporting Documentation
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes —April 2024
Supporting Documentation
Library Board of Trustees Update —March 28, 2024
Supporting Documentation
Library Board of Trustees Update —April 25, 2024
Supporting Documentation
Proof of Publication —April 8, 2024
Supporting Documentation
Proof of Publication —April 9, 2024
Supporting Documentation
Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
Supporting Documentation
Dubuque
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MINUTES
CITY OF DUBUQUE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Jule Operations & Training Center
East View Conference Room 1, 949 Kerper Blvd
Dubuque, Iowa
Board Members Present: Board Members Keith Ahlvin, Rena Stierman, and Matt
Mauss.
Board Members Excused: Chairperson Jonathan McCoy, Board Member Gwen Kosel
Board Members Unexcused: None.
Staff Members Present: Shena Moon, Travis Schrobilgen, and Jason Duba
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson Ahlvin at 5:36
p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Mauss, seconded by Stierman, to approve the minutes of the
February 22, 2024, Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting as submitted. Motion carried by
the following vote: Aye — Mauss, Stierman, and Ahlvin; Nay — None.
DOCKET 39-23: Application of John Pechous, 414 Raymond Place, to replat a lot leaving
a deficit of one off-street parking space.
John Pechous, 414 Raymond Place, spoke in favor of the request. He noted that the
property is two doors up from the Fourth Street Elevator. He explained that there is one
parking space between 414 Raymond and 410 Raymond and that 410 has historically
used the parking stall. He said they found out that it belongs to 414 Raymond property
currently, but he needs to be joined to 410 Raymond in order to sell that house.
There was no public input.
Staff Member Moon detailed the staff report noting that this property is going through a
two-step process. She explained that the properties were historically under common
ownership, but the parking space has been associated with 410 Raymond, including an
archway that is part of the fence of 410 Raymond. The properties have undergone a
simple subdivision, which was approved contingent upon the 414 Raymond Place
obtaining a parking variance. Moon explained that this action is not anticipated to alter
the status quo of parking in the area, just reallocate the stall to the property that has
historically used it.
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
March 28, 2024 Page 2
The Board discussed the request finding it appropriate and had no questions or concerns.
Motion by Stierman, seconded by Mauss, to approve the request as submitted. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye — Mauss, Stierman, and Ahlvin; Nay — None.
DOCKET 48-23: Application of Greg Prehm, 25 Bissel Lane, to construct a building 14'
from the rear and front property lines where 20' is required for each in a C-3 General
Commercial zoning district.
Greg Prehm, 8505 Southern Hills Court, spoke in favor of the request. He explained that
his request in December was for 10' setbacks from the rear and north side in order to get
enough area to build a shop for renting units, like on Cedar Cross Road. He expressed
that after receiving opposition, he tried to respond to the concerns and proposed a smaller
shop and this his current proposal is for either a 14' setback from the front or a 14' setback
from the rear. He noted that the zoning allows the use he's proposing, and he can build
a shop that would meet setbacks, but he would prefer to get a 6' setback reduction from
the front. He expressed that there should be few traffic concerns there.
There was no public input from the audience, but Board Member Ahlvin referred to the
opposition letter from Stephen Barry and the Board reviewed the letter.
Staff Member Duba detailed the staff report noting that the applicant has reduced the
setback request since the initial submittal to respond to the neighbor's concerns. He
explained that the property was rezoned, so the use as a contractor shop is allowed, and
the applicant could build a shop here to meet the setbacks without a variance. He noted
that the applicant has expressed an openness to work with the Board and receive
conditions related to the appearance of the structure in order to obtain a variance.
The Board discussed the request noting that a number of conditions would be necessary
for them to approve the request. They noted that the roof peak running north to south
would lower the visual height of the building for the neighbors to the east and west and
that they desired the project to have residential finishes. They discussed how steel roofs
are now more commonplace in residential construction but that the corrugated siding is
not residential in nature. They noted that, if properly screened, the siding material and
scale of the building would be less impactful to the neighbors. The Board discussed the
desire for a vegetative screening along the north and west sides of the property.
Board Member Ahlvin specifically expressed a preference for siding of a residential style
rather than corrugated steel. Mr. Prehm expressed openness to vinyl or other materials.
The Board sought to clarify the screening requirements and staff confirmed that 6' high
screening along residential and office residential districts to the north and west would be
required. Staff clarified that the screening could be either fencing or vegetation. They also
noted that at a minimum, 6 shrubs and a tree would be required on the property. Mr.
Prehm stated that he was open to screening of any type.
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
March 28, 2024 Page 3
Board Member Stierman asked whether a 14' setback in the front would be enough for
vehicles to pull in and remain out of the right-of-way. Mr. Prehm expressed that there
would be enough room for trucks. The Board expressed that they were amenable to a 14'
front setback and leaving the rear at 20'.
Motion by Ahlvin, seconded by Mauss, to approve the request with the following
conditions:
1. The building is approved to be constructed with a 14' front yard setback and must
be compliant with all other setbacks.
2. The building roof peak shall be constructed with a north -south orientation.
3. The building shall be finished with a residential -style siding. Corrugated steel siding
shall not be permitted. The siding material shall be reviewed and approved by the
City Planner prior to installation to ensure it is residential in nature.
4. The property owner shall install and shall maintain screening which shall consist
of evergreen trees that grow to a minimum of eight feet (8') in height along the
north and west property lines.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Mauss, Stierman, and Ahlvin; Nay — None.
Docket 02-24 and 03-24 were heard concurrently but voted on through separate motions.
DOCKET 02-24: Application of Nicole Hall, 115 Freemont Avenue, to allow an accessory
dwelling unit in a R-1 Single -Family Residential zoning district.
Nicole and Nathan Hall, 115 Fremont Avenue, spoke in favor of the request. They
explained that they had a new design for the garage that puts the entrance and garage
doors facing the rear of the property rather than the front. It also reduced the footprint to
900 square feet rather than 1,200, and reduced the height of the addition. They noted
that they hope to use it as a residence for a family member in the future and that they
hope to rent it out in the meantime to help defray some of the cost of construction. They
noted that they are already landlords and understand the need for more housing units in
Dubuque. They noted one neighbor's concern who worried that they could sell the
property and it could become multiple rental units.
Rich Hoffman, 1896 St. Joseph Street, expressed that he originally had concerns about
off-street parking, but the plan seemed to address parking. He then questioned whether
the whole property could be turned into two rentals in the future.
Nathan Hall expressed agreement with Mr. Hoffman and stated that he wants the
neighbors to be happy.
Board Member Ahlvin asked staff if the case can move forward, given that it's an altered
design presented. Staff Member Schrobilgen replied yes, the request is similar in nature
and less intense of a request than was noted in the public notices. He said the request is
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
March 28, 2024 Page 4
reduced to 900 sq. ft. as opposed to the 1,200 sq. ft. originally requested.
Staff Member Schrobilgen detailed the staff report noting the eight conditions (A-H)
required by the UDC in order to have an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). He outlined the
requirements noted how the applicant meets each of them, except for E, as the gross
area of the unit exceeds 600 sq. ft. He identified that the Special Exception was being
requested concurrently. He noted that the accessory dwelling unit would be located above
the garage and the increase from 600 to 900 sq. ft. would be minimally visible to the
general public in this location. He also clarified that any legal dwelling could be rented
out in its entirety or by room either as a long-term or short-term rental. He said the review
is not over how the space is occupied, but whether a fully separate dwelling unit, which
is accessory to the existing residence, could be added to the property. He noted that two
inquiries were made, but the callers expressed neither support nor opposition.
Board Member Ahlvin asked if the conditions for an ADU remain in perpetuity, and Staff
Member Schrobilgen confirmed that yes, all eight conditions would stay with the property
and would need to be met in order to occupy the space as an ADU.
The applicant Nicole Hall asked staff to clarify whether the garage/addition could be
constructed in a way that would not require approval as an ADU and that it could still be
rented. Staff Member Schrobilgen explained that any legal dwelling unit, or part thereof,
could be rented as a long-term rental or short-term rental. He noted that long term rentals
need to comply with Housing Department requirements and rental licensing but stated
that the State code preempts the City from regulating short term rentals. He reviewed the
definition of a dwelling unit and how that pertains to this request.
Board Members discussed the requested finding it appropriate.
Motion by Ahlvin, seconded by Mauss, to approve the request as submitted. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye — Mauss, Stierman, and Ahlvin; Nay — None.
DOCKET 03-24: Application of Nicole Hall, 115 Freemont Avenue, to allow a 1,200 square
foot accessory dwelling unit where 600 square feet maximum is permitted in a R-1 Single -
Family Residential zoning district.
Motion by Ahlvin, seconded by Mauss, to approve the request with the following
condition:
1. The accessory dwelling unit shall be limited to 900 square feet in area.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Mauss, Stierman, and Ahlvin; Nay — None.
DOCKET 04-24: Application of Chick-fil-A, 3500 Dodge Street, to allow a 16' front yard
setback where 20' is required in the PC Planned Commercial zoning district.
Gabriela Mosquera, 220 E. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL, spoke in favor of the
request. She explained that this request is for the existing Chick-fil-A at the corner of
Dodge and Wacker. She explained that they are seeking to modify the drive-thru to add
Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
March 28, 2024 Page 5
canopies to shield employees from the elements. She noted that the extended canopy
would encroach 3.5' into the required front setback along Wacker Drive. She explained
how the drive-thru currently operates and how it would operate following these changes.
She displayed pictures of similar structures at other Chick-fil-A restaurants, discussed the
setback requirements in the Warren Plaza PUD ordinance, and noted that the wider
canopy will not impede vehicular visibility along Wacker Drive.
Justin Barnes, owner -operator of Chick-fil-A at 3500 Dodge Street, stated that they have
been working on this new layout for a while, and that they're trying to care for the team of
employees.
Staff Member Moon detailed the staff report noting that the drive-thru canopy is proposed
to encroach 3.5'-4' into the 20' front setback, leaving a 16' setback along Wacker Drive.
She stated that this is not anticipated to impede vehicular or pedestrian visibility.
Board Member Mauss asked if the variance is only required along Wacker, and Staff
Member Moon stated yes, and that the Engineering department is working with the
applicant to review the drive-thru layout for the other portions of the project.
Motion by Stierman, seconded by Mauss, to approve the request as submitted. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye — Mauss, Stierman, and Ahlvin; Nay — None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM BOARD: None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
• Staff response to Board inquiry related to parking at 469 Emmett Street.
The Board requested the parking discussion be brought back to a future ZBA meeting
when all Board Members are present.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Ahlvin, seconded by Stierman, to adjourn the March 28,
2024 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye —
Mauss, Stierman, and Ahlvin; Nay — None
The meeting adjourned at 6.43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
3�� A,- April 252024
Shena Moon, Associate Planner Adopted