Request for Text Amendment_Definition of TownhouseTO: Zoning Advisory Commission
FROM: Kyle L. Kritz, Associate Planner 7.
SUBJECT: Proposed Amendment to Article 2, Definitions, Unified Development Code,
Modifying Definition of Townhouse
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
Al4m rlcacity
2007
July 20, 2010
INTRODUCTION
Planning staff is proposing to amend Article 2, Definitions, of the Unified Development
Code (UDC), to amend the definition of townhouse to allow townhouses to have a
common wall at the rear of the building as well as the side of the building.
DISCUSSION
This issue came up as part of a proposed subdivision on the north side of Dubuque,
which proposed to have two -unit townhomes with the common wall being the rear wall.
Planning staff had incorporated the ability to have the common wall being either the side
or rear wall as part of the setback matrices of the Unified Development Code. However,
the definition of a townhouse still reads as having a common wall being on the side
only. The attached ordinance shows deleted language crossed out and new language
in bold type.
RECOMMENDATION
Planning staff recommends that the Zoning Advisory Commission review the enclosed
information and recommend approval to modify the UDC definition of townhouse to
allow the common wall to be at the rear of the structure as well as the side.
KLK/mkr
Attachments
cc: Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
Prepared by: Laura Carstens, City Planner Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13th St Telephone: 589 -4210
Return to: Jeanne Schneider, City Clerk Address: City Hall- 50 W. l3t" St Telephone: 589 -4121
ORDINANCE NO.
48 - 10
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 16 OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF
ORDINANCES, UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 2
DEFINITIONS BY MODIFYING THE DEFINITION OF TOWNHOUSE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That Title 16 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances, Unified
Development Code, is hereby amended by amending Article 2 Definitions by modifying
the definition of townhouse as follows:
Townhouse: a one family dwelling unit, with a private entrance in a group of three
or more units, which part of a structure whose dwelling units are attached
horizontally in a linear arrangement and having a total exposed front and at least
one other building wall exposed to allow for access, light and ventilation.
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.
Attest:
Passed, approved and adopted this 16th day of August 2010.
T( J,
eanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
Roy D. B/ I, Mayor:
Planning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001 -4864
(563) 589 -4210 phone
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690 -6678 TDD
planning@cityofdubuque.org
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall — 50 W. 13 Street
Dubuque IA 52001
Applicant: City of Dubuque
Description: Amend Article 2 Unified Development Code to modify Definition of
Townhouse.
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
Planning Staff Member Kritz reviewed the request to amend the Unified Development
Code by modifying the definition of townhouse. Staff noted the bulk standards had
been modified in the Code to allow townhouses to have a rear common wall, but not the
definition.
There were no public comments.
The Zoning Advisory Commission discussed the request, noting that the amendment is
appropriate.
Recommendation
By a vote of 5 to 0, 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,
A
1
Jeff Stiles, Chairperson
Zoning Advisory Commission
Attachments
THE CITY OF
Dui
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
cc: David Harris, Housing & Community Development Director
Dubuque
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2007
August 6, 2010
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
DVariance
Conditional Use Permit
['Appeal
❑Special Exception
❑Limited Setback Waiver
['Rezoning
Dubuque
Itittod
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2007
Please type or print legibly in ink
Property owner(s): N/A
Address:
❑Planned District
['Preliminary Plat
DMinor Final Plat
$Text Amendment
❑Simple Site Plan
DMinor Site Plan
Phone:
City: State: Zip:
Fax Number: Cellular Number: E -mail Address:
Applicant /Agent: City of Dubuque Planning Services Department Phone: 563.589.4210
Address: 50 W. 13 Street City: Dubuaue State: IA Zip: 52001
Fax: 563.589.4221 Cell: E -mail: planning @cityofdubuque.org
Site location /address: N/A
Existing zoning: N/A Proposed zoning: N/A District: N/A Landmark: N/A
Legal Description (Sidwell parcel ID# or lot number /block number /subdivision): N/A
Total property (lot) area (square feet or acres): N/A
Describe proposal and reason necessary (attach a letter of explanation, if needed):Amend Article 2, Definitions, of the Unified
Development Code to modify definition of "townhouse."
CERTIFICATION: I /we, the undersigned, do hereby certify /acknowledge that:
1. It is the property owner's responsibility to locate property lines and to review the abstract for easements and restrictive
covenants.
2. The information submitted herein is true and correct to the best of my /our knowledge and upon submittal becomes public
record;
3. Fees are not refundable and payment does not guarantee approval; and
4. All additional required written and graphic materials are attached.
Property Owner(s):
Applicant/Agent:
PLANNING APPLICATION FORM
❑ Major Site Plan
❑ Major Final Plat
❑Simple Subdivision
['Annexation '
DTemporary Use Permit
DCertificate of Economic Non - Viability
['Certificate of Appropriateness
['Historic Designation
❑Neighborhood Assoc
DAdvisory Design Review
❑Other:
Date:
Date: ' 7/c) MO
City of Dubuque
Planning Services Department
Dubuque, IA 52001 -4864
Phone: 563-589-4210
Fax: 563 - 589 -4221
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY — APPLICATION SUBMI AL CHECKLIST
Fee: — Received by: S 2
❑ Site /sketch plan ❑ Conceptual Dev opment Plan ❑Photo ❑ Plat
❑ Improvement plans ❑ Design review project description ❑ Floor plan ❑ Other:
Date: 9•ZO •/ODocket: