Zoning Hwy 20 Dodge CorridorPlanning Services Department
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
Phone (319) 589-4210
Fax (319) 589-4221
February 13, 2001
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall - 50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque JA 52001
RE: Rezoning
Applicant:
Location
Description:
City of Dubuque (tabled from the December 6, 2000 meeting)
Highway 20 Corridor between Bluff Street and Cherokee Drive/Collins
Street
To rezone property from R-1 Single-Family Residential District, R-2 Two-
Family Residential, C-1 Neighborhood Commercial, OR Office Residential,
OS Office Service and C-3 General Commercial Districts to OS Office
Service and POS Public Open Space Districts.
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The City of Dubuque Zoning Advisory CommissiOn has reviewed the above-cited
request. The application, staff report and related materials are attached for your
review.
Discussion
At the Commission's December 6, 2000 meeting, Staff Member Kritz reviewed the
Highway 20 Land Use Plan, and the rezoning request to implement this plan. He noted
that much of the highway corridor was proposed for rezoning to POS. He said the
property to be rezoned being owned by the Iowa Department of Transportation (1DOT),
Commissioners requested more information on the property at the northwest corner of
Bluff Street and Highway 20. They tabled the rezoning to allow staff time to gather the
information.
At the Commission's February 7, 2001 meeting, Staff Member Kritz outlined the
rezoning request and the history of the property within the Dodge Street Corridor. He
discussed the agreement between the Iowa Department of Transportation and the City
of Dubuque regarding the property at the northwest corner of Dodge Street and Bluff
Street.
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Page 2
The Zoning Advisory Commission discussed the request, noting that traffic can be a
problem at this location. The Commission discussed the proposed OS zoning for this
property. Commissioner Schlitz stated that he feels the POS District should be
extended to include the entire Highway 20 CorrkJor from Devon Drive east.
Commissioner Hardie stated that there is plenty of POS area currently. Commissioner
Stiles questioned traffic from the proposed OS property to Bluff Street and Highway 20.
Commissioner Schlitz indicated he wants the City to retain POS zoning for the gateway
into the City and for future highway expansion.
There were no public comments.
Recommendation
By a vote of 4 to 3, the Zoning Advisory Commission recommends that the City Council
approve the request.
A simple majority vote is needed for the City Council to approve the request,
Respectfully submitted
Eugene Bird, 3r., Chairperson
Zoning Advisory Commission
Attachments
Prepared by: Lama Car~Lens. C',Lv Planner Address: .~3th St Telephone: 589-42:1.0
ORDINANCE NO. 12-01
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPENDIX A (THE ZONING ORDINANCE) OF THE
CITY OF DUBU(~UE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY RECLASSIFYING HEREINAFTER
DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG HIGHWAY 20 FROM BLUFF STREET
WEST TO CHEROKEE DRIVE FROM R-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, R-2 TWO-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, C-! NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL, OR OFFICE
RESIDENTIAL, OS OFFICE SERVICE AND C-3 GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS,
TO OS OFFICE SERVICE AND POS PUBLIC OPEN SPACE DISTRICT.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE 1T ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNC[L OF THE ClTY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That Appendix A (the Zoning Ordinance) of the City of Dubuque Code
of Ordinances is hereby amended by reclassifying the hereinafter described property
from R-1 Single-Family Residential, R-2 Two-Family Residential, C-1 Neighborhood
Commercial, OR Office Residential, OS Office Service and C-3 General Commerdal
Districts, to OS Office Service and POS Public Open Space Districts, as shown in Exhibit
A, and to the center line of the adjoining public right-of-way, all in the City of Dubuque,
Iowa.
Section 2. The foregoing amendment has heretofore been reviewed by the
Zoning Advisory Commission of the City of Dubuque, Iowa.
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon publication, as
provided by law.
Passed, approved and adopted this 19th day of February , 2001.
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
OFFICIAL NOTICE
NOTICE Is hereby given that
the Dubuque O ty Oobneil, wil[
¢onduc~ a public hearing et a
meeting to comme~ce st 6:30
p,m, onthe 9~h day of Feb;
rba~ 2001, n ~he P~blic Li-
bra~ Auditorium to consider/
~endlng Appendix A (the~
Zonlng:Ord~anc~)~f t~ Ci~y~
of Dubuqu~ ~de, 0 Qrd~-~
ter described prepe~y i~ the
Highway 20 Cerria0r :betWeen
Drive/Collins Street from R-1
Single-Family Residential
District, R-2 Two-Family
Res dentla Dst ct
N~i~hbbth~0d Co~erc
District; OS Office So.ice
DIstrt~[ and C-3 Genera~
Comme~lal DiStrict to OS
Office So.ice District and
POS Public Open Space
Di~ricb (Copy of supp0~ing
documents are on file in the
C y C erk's ~e and may
Writte~ comments regarding
above reclassification may be
submitted t0 the Ci~
office on or before said ~tlme
of pub ~ hearifig,
At said time and pla~ of
publ c hearing all interested
g yen an op~0~ni~ t0
heard for o~ against sad,
Any ~isUa or~ hearing
paired persons needing spe-
With spe~l adoes~lbillty
needs should cd,tact the Ci~
Clerk's O~ce' at
4120 of TDD 319-58g~4193 in
I the Human Rights Depa~men~
at east 48 hours prior t0 th~
i m~etlng;
/s/Jeanne F, Schneider
City Clerk
STATE OF IOWA
DUBUQUE COUNTY
{ SS:
CERTIFICATION OF PUBLICATION
I,, TAMMY M. FELOMANPt a Billing Clerk for Woodward
Communications, Inc., an Iowa corporation, publisher of the Telegraph Herald, a
newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Dubuque, County of
Dubuque and State of Iowa; hereby certify that the attached notice was published
in said newspaper on the following dates
, 20 (fi , and for which the charge is $
Subscribe~l to before me, a Notary Public in and for Dubuque County, Iowa,
this /~ day of'~_~,~_~_ ~' ~r/- 20~9/ ·
Notary Pul~/iu'and f~r D;I;uque County~owa
$iF~f~ING HERE~
day Of
Attest:
/s/Jeanne F. schneider,
STATE OF IOWA
DUBUQUE COUNTY
{ SS:
CERTIFICATION OF PUBLICATION
I, TAMMY M, FELDMANN a Billing Clerk for Woodwm
Communications, Inc., an Iowa corporation, publisher of the Telegraph Herald
newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Dubuque, County
Dubuque and State of Iowa; hereby certify that the attached notice was publishei
in said newspaper on the follovang' dates ~/prtd~rc/ ~.9~
, 20 O/ , and for which the charge is/$ /~'7g
Subscribed to before me~ a Notary Public in and for Dubuque County, Iowa,
day of~ 20~/ ·
Notary Pu~rc in an~Jr D~bt~q~'Co~ty~ Iov
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES
City of Dubuque
Planning Services Department
Dubuque IA 52001-4864
Phone: 319-589-4210
Fax:. 319-589-4221
~3 Variance
r~ Conditional Use Permit
[] Appeal
[3 Special Exception
[~ Limited Setback Waiver
PLANNING APPLICATION FORM
a Re~oning
[] Planned District
[] Preliminary Plat
[3 Minor Final Plat
[] Text Amendment
[] Simple Site Plan
[] Minor Site Plan
[] Major Site Plan
[] Major Final Plat
[] Simple Subdivision
[] Annexation
[] Temporary Use Permit
[] Certificate of Appropriateness
[] Certificate of Economic Hardship
[] Other:
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT LEGIBLy IN INK
Property Owner(s): Iowa Department of Transportation, et al Phone:
Address: City:. State: Zip:
Fax Number: Mobile/Cellular Number:
Applicant/Agent: CitvofDubuoue Phone: (319)589-4221
Address: 50 W. 13th St. : City:. Dubuque State: IA Zip: 52001
Fax Number:. (319)589-4221 Mobile/Cellular Number:
Si~ location/address: U.S, Hi~hwav 20/Dodqe Street Corridor
Exis~g zoning: See map Proposed zoning: See map Historic district: N/A Landmark:
Legal description (Sidwell Parcel ID number or lot number/block number/subdivision): See Exh~it
N/A
Total prepedy (lot) area (square feet or acres): N/A
Number of lots:
Describe proposal and reason necessary (attach a letter of explanation, if needed): Imolement U.S. Hiqhway 20
Land Use Plan from Bluff Street to Cherokee Drive/Coitins Street as edgpted on November 2, 1998.
CERTIFICATION: I/we, the undersigned, do hereby cen~ that:
1. The information submitted herein is true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and upon submittal
becomes public record;
2. Fees are not refundable and payment does not guarantee appro~ral; and
3. All additional required written andgrephic materials are attached.
Property Owner(s): ~ I i~ ~l~] Date:
FOR O~F;C-E USE O .NJ.Y~AP_P. ILIJCATION SUBMI! ~AL CHECKMST '
by: -' ~ "',~'~, ~ Date:~ Docket:.
Fee:
Received
~ Property ownership list ~ Site/sketch plan c~loor plan [] Plat ~ C'--'~nceptual development plan
~ Improvement plans r~ Design review project description [] Photo r~ Other:
0
REZONING STAFF REPORT
Property Address:
Property Owner:
Applicant:
Zoning Agenda: December 6, 2000
U.S. Highway 20
Iowa Department of Transportation
City of Dubuque
Proposed Land Use: Open Space/Office
Proposed Zoning: POS/OS
Existing Land Use:
Vacant / U.S. Highway 20
Existing Zoning: R-1/R-2/C-1/OPJ
OS/C-3
Adjacent Land Use:
North - Residential/Commercial
East - Commercial
South - Residential/Commercial
West - Commercial
Adjacent Zoning: North - R-l/
OPJC-3/ID
East - C-3
South -R-1/R-2/R-3
West- C-3
Property History: The corridor has been used for a variety of uses over the years,
including residential, commercial and office. With the reconstruction of U.S. Highway
20 from Bluff Street to Devon Drive, many of the commemial and residential uses that
were close to the highway have been removed.
Physical Characteristics: The corridor starts at the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and
Bluff Street and heads west to a point near the intersection of Cherokee Drive and U.S.
Highway 20.
Concurrence with Comprehensive Plan: The 1995 Comprehensive Plan did not
include this area as it was already developed. However, in November, 1998, the City
Council approved the U.S. Highway 20 Land Use Plan that was developed by the Long
Range Planning Advisory Commission with input from the public and the Iowa
Department of Transportation. The requested rezoning is in compliance with that U.S.
Highway 20 Land Use Plan.
Impact of Request on:
Utilities: Existing utilities are adequate to serve the site.
Traffic Patterns/Counts: U.S. Highway 20 is designated as a principal arterial and
carries over 27,000 vehicle trips per day.
Public Services: Existing public services are adequate to serve the area.
Environment: Staff does not anticipate any adverse impact to the environment.
REZONING STAFF REPORT
Page 2
Adjacent Properties: The request the rezoning is to reflect the current and
potential develop along this corridor, and staff does not anticipate that it will
adversely impact adjacent properties.
CIP Investments: None proposed.
Statf Analysis: The City of Dubuque is requesting rezoning of U.S. Highway 20
corddor from Bluff Street westward to the intersection of Cherokee Drive. The majority
of the area is being requested for rezoning to public open space with a small portion
along the north side of U.S, Highway 20 west of Bluff Street to be rezoned to Office
Service District.
The property included in this rezoning is all owned by the Iowa Department of
Transportation. The property was acquired as part of the reconstruction of U.S.
Highway 20. The only portion anticipated to be sold back to private individuals is the
property located west of Bluff Street that is proposed for rezoning to OS Office Service.
Attached to this staff report is information sent to the City Council regarding the U.S.
Highway 20 Land Use Plan. The plan was developed by the Long Range Planning
Advisory Commission and included a public hearing and input from the Iowa
Department of Transportation. The U.S. Highway 20 Land Use Plan was approved
November 2, 1998. The proposed rezoning is in compliance with the adopted U.S.
Highway 20 Land Use Plan.
Staff recommends that ihe Zoning Advisory Commission review the attached
information and make a recommendation to the City Council.
Prepared by: ~~j
Reviewed: ,~.~./.~_
Date:~
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
3anuary 30, 2001
TO:
FlU)H:
SUB3ECT:
Zoning Advisory Commission
Kyle L. Kill:z, Assodate Planner ~./. ,~'.
Dodge Street Corridor Rezoning Request
INTRODUCTION
The Zoning Advisory Commission initially reviewed this,rezoning request by the City of
Dubuque at the December 6, 2000 meeting. The commission tabled this item to allow
staff to research the proposed rezoning of the property west of Bluff Street on the
north side of U.S. Highway 20 to OS ~ Service District. Specif~.ally, the
Commission felt that the POS Public Open Space would be more appropriate in this
area.
Attach to this memorandum is a memorandum to the Long Range Plan Advisory
Commission from Laura Carstens Planning Service Manager dated September 11, 1998.
That memo outlines the discussion the City of Dubuque has had with the 1DOT
concerning in part the area proposed for rezoning OS Office Service. The memo
indicates that the City and the State cooperated in the cost of acquiring and deadng
the property at the northwest comer of Dodge Street and Bluff Street. A part of this
agreement is that when the property is sold, either all or in part, that the net proceeds
will be shared with the City on a 50% bases. The IDOT position is that the subject
property, except for the additional acceleration lane from Bluff Street, is virtually the
same in terms of developable area as existed prior to the demolition of Hardee's and
the Dodge House Motel.
The Long Range Plan Advisory Commission initially had proposed rezoning to a Public
Open Space designation for the subject parcel. However, after discussing the issue
with 1DOT representatives and reviewing the information regarding the acquisition of
the subject properties the Long Range Plan Advisory Commission believed that the OS
~ Service District was the appropriate zoning classif~,.ation for this properly.
.lanuary 30, 200!
Page 2
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the Zoning Advisory Commission review the attached informat'~n
induding the letter dated September 11, 1998 that outlines the reasons behind the
proposed rezoning of the parcel at the northwest corner of Bluff Street and Dodge
Street to OS Office Sewice District.
KLK/mkr
Attachments
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
IqEIqORANDUlq
September 11, 1998
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
Laura Carstens,'Planning Services Manager~
Reconsideration of Highway 20 Land Use Plan
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memo is to provide the Commission with input I have received
from staff of the lowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) regarding the Highway
20 land use plan. Additional information will be provided by IDOT staff at the
September 16 meeting.
BACKGROUND
At the July 29 meeting, the Commission recommended most of IDOT's properties
within the Highway 20 study corridor be used as open space and rezoned to POS
Public Open Space. The Commission's recommendations are shown on the
attached maps.
In response to publid input received at the July 29 public hearing, the Commission
recommended that a! triangular parcel south of Highway 20 along St. Joseph Drive
be added to the study ama with land use and zoning to be based on whether the lot
was buildable or not; The lot is included in the Highway 20 landscape plan.
Planning Services staff have determined that the parcel is buildable, so the
recommended land u!se and zoning is R-1 Single-Family Residential. A map of this~
parcel is attached.
At the August 19 meeting, I asked the Commission to reconsider the Highway 20
land use plan due to input received from the City's legal staff. The portion of the
study corridor in question is the recently-cleared land at the northwest corner of
Dodge Street and Bluff Street. This site is zoned C-3 General Commercial, and may
have significant value. If rezoned to POS, there would no longer be any
Reconsideration of Highway 20 Land Use Plan
Page 2
economically viable use for this site. Such an action would be tantamount to a
taking of the property without just compensation. If the City had to buy this site, it
would be at considerable expense, and would delay or cancel other City projects.
At the August 19 meeting, the Commission voted to reconsider the Highway 20
land use plan. The Commission tabled the plan to the September 16 meeting, to
receive input from IDOT. The Commission asked to review with IDOT staff the
purchase price and resale value set by the IDOT for the property at the northwest
corner of Dodge Street and Bluff Street. The Commission asked to discuss what
IDOT's position would be if the property was rezoned to POS. The Commission
also asked to discuss what IDOT's position would be if just the portion that abuts
Highway 20 (not Bluff Street) was rezoned to POS, since this property is a
significant gateway to the community.
DISCUSSION
On September 10, I met with Doug Bates and Sue Albright from the IDOT's Office
of Right-of-Way to discuss the Commission's questions and the Highway 20 land
use plan.
Mr. Bates said the IDOT is still in district court regarding the purchase price for the
property at the northwest corner of Dodge Street and Bluff Street. Consequently,
he did not have a purchase cost or resale value for the site at this time.
Mr. Bates reviewed with me the attached minutes from the October 3, 1996
meeting of the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) Policy
Committee, and the resultant agreement between the City and IDOT (excerpts
attached).
The DMATS Policy Committee agreed to reserve 81.75 million for use as the City's
contribution to the cost of acquiring and clearing the properties at the northwest
corner of Dodge Street and Bluff Street. The City's share of the cost is on a 50/50
basis up to 81.75 million, for the estimated 83.5 million total cost. If the IDOT
sells all or part of the properties, the n~t proceeds will be shared with the City on a
50% basis.
Mr. Bates and Ms. Albright also reviewed Section 306.23 Notice-preference of
sale, of the Iowa Code (attached). They explained that IDOT cannot sell the
properties to the City for a park or any other use up front. The IDOT must follow
the Section 306.23 process. IDOT first must offer the original property owner the
opportunity to buy the land back. The value is based on a survey and an appraisal
of the property. If the former owner declines, then IDOT can offer the property to
the City for a public use stated in writing. If the City is not interested, then IDOT
Reconsideration of Highway 20 Land Use Plan
Page 3
can sell the land through public bidding.
I reviewed with IDOT staff the Commission's reasons for recommending POS
zoning and open space land use for the northwest corner of Dodge Street and Bluff
Street. Mr. Bates indicated that the buildable area will be virtually the same as
before the buildings were removed, because the IDOT is not using any additional
land for highway right-of-way except for the acceleration lane. He felt that the site
may be of value because it has highway frontage. He used as an example the site
of the Casey's General Store headquarters in Ankeny off Highway 30. This site is
half a mile from the highway.access, but has a high market value due to its
exposure to high traffic volumes on Highway 30. He felt that there may be
businesses interested in the visibility of the site in Dubuque, who do not need direct
highway access.
In addition to the Bluff Street site, Mr. Bates and Ms. Albright discussed a parcel at
the northwest corner of Lombard Street and Highway 20 near the Fremont Bridge.
This lot will have access to Lombard Street and is a buildable lot. This lot is
included in the Highway 20 landscape plan.
RECOMMENDATION
The IDOT staff supported the Commission's recommended land uses and rezonings
for the Highway 20 corridor, with the exception of their properties at the northwest
corner of Dodge Street and Bluff Street and the northwest corner of Lombard
Street and Highway 20. The IDOT staff asked that the Commission re-examine
their open space and POS recommendations for these two buildable sites. They
asked the Commission to consider using the same parameters for these two sites
as they did for other buildable sites in the study corridor.
I recommend that the Commission discuss if other land uses and zoning
designations for these properties are more appropriate than POS and public open
space, based on input from the City's legal staff and IDOT staff.
The site on Lombard Street is zoned R'-I Single-Family Residential; this zoning -
seems appropriate at this location. The site at Dodge and Bluff Streets is zoned
C-3 General Commercial District. With the reduced access to this gateway site,
and its proximity to residential and office zones, C-3 zoning is not likely to be
feasible for most C-3 uses at this location. One possible zoning district that may be
appropriate for this site is the OS Office Service District. The OS Disl~ict is
intended for developable or redevelopable sites like this one. The OS zone allows a
variety of office and health-care related uses. Its minimal setbacks would allow for
more flexible development on the site. The regulations for the C-3 and OS Districts
are attached for your consideration.
Reconsideration of Highway 20 Land Use Plan
Page 4
ACTION STEP
The requested action step is for the Commission to consider the input from the
City's Legal staff and IDOT staff regarding the Highway 20 land use plan, and then
to recommend land uses and zoning designations to the City Council for the study
corridor.
Attachments
LC/dd
HIGHWAY 20 LAND USE PLAN
"' ' ' 'se-and-Rezo~ning-G
~ LaflU U uide for Public and
Private Property along the Highway 20 Corridor
Dodge Street from Bluff Street to Cherokee Drive/Collins Street
City of Dubuque, Iowa
The preparation of this Plan was authorized by the City Council, and has been
carried out through the direction and efforts of the Long Range Planning Advisory
Commission from May through September, 1998.
HIGHWAY 20 LAND USE PLAN
Table of Contents
Introduction
Existin Conditions
Findinq~
Future Land Use
Conclusion
Maps
Highway 20/Dodge Street Corridor
Existing Land Use
Existing Zoning
Future Land Use
Proposed Zoning
Page 3
Page 4
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 7
Highway 20 Land Use Plan
Page 3
INTRODUCTION
In May, 1998, the City Council directed the Long Range Planning Advisory
Commission to conduct a land use planning process for the Highway 20 corridor
(Dodge Street) between Bluff Street and Cherokee Drive/Collins Street. The study
corridor shown on the attached map encompasses the highway right-of-way owned
by the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT), as well as remnant parcels owned
by the IDOT and private parties. Attachments include additional information and
larger-scale maps regarding the existing zoning and land uses as well as the
recommended land uses and rezonings for the Highway 20 study.
BACKGROUND
Highway 20 is a major interstate arterial and the section through Dubuque -- Dodge
Street -- is the major east-west route from the Mississippi River to the top of the bluffs
past Grandview Avenue. Highway 20 is used for trips between the Mississippi River
crossings, the central business district, and the industrial-railroad area along the river
to major residential and commercial areas west of the bluffs. There are few east-west
routes that cross the bluffs, so Dodge Street is one of the more important and heavily
traveled routes in Dubuque.
With construction of the Dodge Street improvements, many homes and businesses
were removed. Land use within the corridor has changed. Zoning district boundaries,
however, follow the old rights-of-way and development patterns. Remnant parcels
remain as a result Of the roadway improvements.
A land use plan for the Highway 20 corridor would address Comprehensive Plan goals
related to enhancement of community gateways, development of aesthetically
appealing highways, and protection of scenic areas and bluffs. Similar to the planning
done for Freeway 61/151, a land use planning process for the Highway 20 corridor
can be used as a basis to recommend possible rezonings to districts that are more
compatible with the current roadway configuration.
The City Council also has approved a landscape plan for Highway 20 to improve the
appearance of the corridor. A bike/hike path along Dodge Street (Highway 20) from
Locust Street to Devon Drive is shown on the Comprehensive Plan systems map. The
Highway 20 landscape plan could accommodate the widening of the existing four-foot
sidewalk to create a ten-foot bike/hike trail.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
The Highway 20 (DOdge Street) study corridor is lined with tree-covered bluffs. Limited
commercial development remains after the construction of the highway improvements.
Surrounding land uses include residential neighborhoods, open space (wooded bluffs,
golf courses), institutional facilities (hospitals, schools, YMCA/YWCA, church), and
commercial uses (motel, offices).
Highway 20 Land Use Plan
Page 4
Current zoning in the Highway 20 study corridor includes R-1 Single-Family
Residential, R-2 Two-Family Residential, OR Office Residential, OS Office/Service, C-1
Neighborhood Commercial, C-3 General Commercial and ID Institutional. Adjacent
zoning in the environs of the study corridor consists of R-1 Single-Family Residential,
R-2 Two-Family Residential, R-3 Moderate Density Multi-Family Residential, PR Planned
Residential, OR Office Residential, C-3 General Commercial, PC Planned Commercial,
tD Institutional and POS Public Open Space.
Property owners in the study corridor and the current zoning of their properties are as
follows: ' -
Iowa Department of Transportation
City of Dubuque
YMCA/YWCA
Mercy Health Center
Charlene Burns, 48-Bums
R-l, R-2, OR, OS, C-1, C-3
R-2
OR
ID
R-2
FINDINGS
The Highway 20 Land Use Plan considers the physical constraints and opportunities,
development history, property ownership, current land use and current zoning in the
Highway 20 studylcorridor. The Plan also considers input from the general public and
the IDOT, and capital improvement plans of the City of Dubuque. An analysis of the
Highway 20 study corridor suggests the following general findings:
Highway 20study corridor. Unless identified otherwise, the Highway 20 study
corridor should remain as open space, and should be zoned accordingly.
· Sma//remnant parcels along Highway 20. If the lot is buildable and accessible
to a public street other than Highway 20, then the parcel should be used for
development and zoned appropriately. If the lot is not buildable or accessible,
then the parcel should be used for public open space, zoned accordingly and
included in the Highway 20 landscape plan.
Area north of YM/YW Drive. Although this area has a potential for Iow density
residential, multi-family residential or neighborhood commercial land use due to
access to local streets and visibility from Highway 20, this area generally should
be used for Iow density residential development due to the proximity of the
established One- and two-family residential neighborhood to the north. "
Vacant commercial s,'te at the northwest corner of Bluff Street and Highway 20.
The site, comprised of multiple parcels, is a significant gateway to the
community. The City, IDOT and the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation
Study (DMATS} Policy Committee partnered in the acquisition and clearance of
this site, where a motel, restaurants, gas station and other businesses once
Highway 20 Land Use Plan
Page 5
operated. These uses were removed along with their access to Highway 20.
Redevelopment of this large site is limited by the area's proximity to Central
Alternative High School, possible environmental problems, right-in/right-out only
access limited to Bluff Street, lengthening of the acceleration lane, and narrow
lots given the btuff and a possible aocesslfrontage road. Although zoned for
commercial development, this area is not likely to be feasible for most highway-
oriented commercial uses. The site may be valuable to uses that desire a high
exposure to traffic for visibility, but do not need direct access. If redevelopment
potential is ~severely limited, the site may be most appropriate as a park.
Disposal of remnant parcels by IDOT. The IDOT no longer can sell remnant
parcels to the City for a park, a parking lot or any other use. The IDOT first
must offer the original property owner the opportunity to buy the land back. If
the former owner declines, then the IDOT can offer the property to the City for
a public use stated in writing. If the City is not interested, then the IDOT can
sell the ~and through public bidding.
FUTURE LAND USE
Based on an analysis of existing cor~ditions, redevelopment potential, Comprehensive
Plan goals, and input received, the recommended future land use for the Highway 20
study corridor is as follows:
Highway 20 study corridor. Unless identified otherwise, the Highway 20 study
corridor should remain as open space.
Sma//remnant parcels along Highway 20. The triangular remnant parcel south
of Highway 20 on St. Joseph Drive and the triangular remnant parcel north of
Highway 20 on Lombard Street now included in the Highway 20 landscape plan
should be used for single-family residential development because they both are
buildable lots.
Area north of YM/YWDrive. The remnant parcels on the north side of YM/YW
Drive generally should be Iow density residential development.
Vacant commercial site at the northwest corner of Bluff Street and Highway 20.
The vacant commercial area at the northwest corner of Highway 20 and Bluff_
Street should be redeveloped with offices or as a park. The remnant parcels at
this site are zoned for commercial development. With reduced access to this
gateway site, and its proximity to residential and office zones, most commercial
uses are not likely to be feasible at this location. Two future land use
alternatives are proposed for this site:
Highway 20 Land Use Plan
Page 6
Office -T e Uses. The site may be desirable to office-type uses
that want traffic visibility, but do not need direct access.
~ If redevelopment potential is severely limited,
the site may be most appropriate as a park.
PROPOSED ZONING
Based on the recommended future land use, the ~ for the Highway 20
study corridor' is as follows:
Highway 20 study corridor. Unless identified otherwise, the Highway 20 study
corridor should be rezoned to POS Public Open Space~ The intent and purpose
of the POS district is to provide open space for passive recreation, to protect
and conserve natural, historic or cultural resources, to provide habitat for
wildlife, to prevent development in environmentally sensitive locations (such as
bluffs), to serve as a buffer between differing land uses or to provide natural
beauty in an urban environment. Where appropriate, the POS zoning should
extend beyond the boundary of the Highway 20 study corridor to avoid spot
zones.
Small remnant parcels along Highway 20. The triangular remnant parcel south
of Highway ~0 on St. Joseph Drive and the triangular remnant parcel north of
Highway 20 on Lombard Street should remain zoned R-1 Single-Family
Residential.
,4rea north of YM/YW Drive. The remnant parcels north of YM/YW Drive
between Hill Street and Booth Street should be rezoned as an extension of the
R-2 Two-Family Residential and R-1 Single-Family Residential zones to the
north, with the exception of the area presently zoned OR Office Residential on
the northeast corner of Booth Street and YM/YW Drive. Presently, the remnant
parcels north of YM/YYV Drive are zoned C-1 Neighborhood Commercial, OR
Office Residential and C-3 General Commercial. Both the C-1 and OR zones are
designed for built environments, and do not function well for redevelopment of
vacant lots. C~3 is not appropriate on a local street adjacent to an established
residential area.
Vacant commercial site at the northwest comer of Bluff Street and Highway 2~.-
The remnant parcels at the northwest corner of Bluff Street and Highway 20 are
zoned C~3 General Commemial. With limitations on access and redevelopment
potential, and proximity to residential and office zones, C-3 zoning is not likely
to be feasible for most C-3 uses at this location. The site may be valuable to
office-type uses that desire a high exposure to traffic for visibility, but do not
need direct access. If redevelopment potential is severely limited, the site may
Highway 20 Land Use Plan
Page 7
be most appropriate as a park. Two rezoning alternatives are proposed for this
site, based on the two recommended land uses:
OS Office/Service District. The OS District is intended to
encourage and permit professional office uses on a redevelopment
site which warrants reinvestment, renewal and reuse due to an
area's changing character, use or distressed condition. This zone
may be used as a transition between commercial areas along major
streets, or between commercial uses and residential areas abutting
arterial or collector streets, which are suitable for office
development due to location and trends. The OS District is
intended for developable or redevelopable sites like this one. The
OS zone allows a variety of office and health-related uses. Its
setbacks would allow for more flexible development on the site.
POS Public Open Space District. The POS Public Open Space
District is intended to provide open space for passive recreation,
!to protect and conserve natural, historic or cultural resources, to
provide habitat for wildlife, to prevent development in
environmentally sensitive locations (such as bluffs), to serve as a
buffer between differing land uses or to provide natural beauty in
an urban environment. Parks and natural areas are permitted uses.
CONCLUSION
The Highway 20 L~nd Use Plan is intended to address goals in the Comprehensive Plan
related to enhancement of community gateways, development of aesthetically
appealing highways, and protection of scenic areas and bluffs. The land use planning
process for the Highway 20 corridor has been used as a basis to propose rezonings
that are more compatible with the current roadway configuration. With construction
of the Dodge Street improvements, land use within the corridor has changed. Zoning
district boundaries, however, follow the old rights-of-way and development patterns.
The recommendations presented in the Highway 20 Land Use Plan are intended to be
a land use and rez~ning guide for public and private property along the Highway 20
corridor from Bluff !Street to Cherokee Drive/Collins Street. Implementation of these
recommendations would require maintaining the existing zoning on some parcels in the
study corridor, and rezoning the remainder of the corridor. The recommendations ar~
intended to ensureithat future land use is compatible with surrounding residential
neighborhoods, open space, institutional facilities, and commercial uses.
MAPS
The appended maps include the Highway 20/Dodge Street corridor, existing land use,
existing zoning, future land use and proposed zoning.
Ill