Old Main Urban Revitilization Area Plan AmendmentMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Amendment to Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan
DATE: November 14, 2011
Dubuque
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M- AmericaCity
1 11 '
2007
Housing and Community Development Department Director David Harris recommends
City Council approval of an ordinance amending the Old Main Urban Revitalization
Plan.
The current Urban Revitalization Plan requires that 100% of a building's total square
footage must be used for residential since an urban renewal plan also exists for the
same area. Property owners in the area that create or improve residential units are
unable to utilize the tax exemption since most properties contain commercial uses on
the first floor. This amendment will provide that in order to be eligible for the tax
exemption, the property and buildings must be assessed as residential, or assessed as
commercial with three or more separate living quarters and at least 75% of the space
used for residential purposes. This amendment will encourage more property owners to
provide residential units in the Old Main Street area.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
brilvt4 k;s1gli
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
David Harris, Housing and Community Development Department Director
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
hell
All-America City
1
2007
MEMORANDUM
TO: Micha I C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: David arris, Housing and Community Development Department
SUBJECT: Amendment to Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan
DATE: November 16, 2011
Introduction
This memorandum recommends that the City Council adopt the attached ordinances to amend
the Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan.
Background
The current UR Plan requires that one hundred percent of a building's total square footage must
be used for residential since an urban renewal plan also exists for the same area. Property
owners in the area that create or improve residential units are unable to utilize the tax
exemption since most properties contain commercial uses on the first floor. The proposed
amendment will provide that in order to be eligible for the tax exemption, the property and
buildings must be assessed as residential, or assessed as commercial with three or more
separate living quarters and at least seventy -five percent of the space used for residential
purposes. Following discussions with staff and review of the current urban renewal regulations,
it has been determined that the proposed amendment is appropriate and will encourage more
property owners to provide residential units in the Old Main Street area.
Discussion
Chapter 404 requires that a public hearing be held prior to amending the existing urban
revitalization plan. At the public hearing, the Council will be able to adopt the plan amendment.
Additionally, the City's Code of Ordinances requires comment by the Long Range Planning
Commission on any urban revitalization plan amendment. They reviewed the Old Main UR Plan
amendment at their November 16th meeting.
Recommendation
I recommend that the City Council approve the attached ordinance amending the Old Main
Urban Revitalization Plan
Action Requested
The Action Step is for the City Council to adopt the attached ordinance.
Prepared by: Aggie Tauke, Community Development Specialist
F: \USERS\ATAUKE \Urban Revite \Old Main UR \Old Main UR Amend Adopt. Council memo.doc
ORDINANCE NO. 50 -11
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE EXISTING OLD MAIN URBAN
REVITALIZATION AREA PLAN PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 404 OF THE
CODE OF IOWA.
Whereas, the City Council of the City of Dubuque has previously established the
Old Main Urban Revitalization Area by Ordinance 87 -2002, and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the Old Main Urban Revitalization Area
should be revised to encourage residential uses; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That Ordinance 87 -2002 establishing the OId Main Urban
Revitalization Area Plan is hereby amended.
Section 2. That the OId Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan November 2011
Amendment amending Section 5.2 as hereto attached is hereby adopted and approved
and the properties within said described area shall be subject to the provisions of said
Plan.
Section 3. That said Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan November 2011
Amendment shall hereafter be on file in the City Clerk's Office, City Hall, Dubuque,
Iowa.
Section 4. That the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish this
Ordinance; and
Passed, approved and adopted this 21st day of Novem j r 2 ;11
Attese/
K= in Firnstahl, City Clerk
F: \USERS■TAUKE \Urban Revite \Old Main UR \Old Main UR Amd Ord.doc
y D Buol, Mayor
OFFICIAL
PUBLICATION
ORDINANCE
NO. 50 -11
AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE
EXISTING OLD MAIN
URBAN REVITALIZA-
TION AREA PLAN
PURSUANT TO
CHAPTER 404 OF THE
CODE OF IOWA.,
Whereas, the City
Council of the City of
Dubuque has
previously established
the Old Main Urban
Revitalization Area by
Ordinance 87 -2002, and
Whereas, the City
Council- finds that the
Old Main Urban
Revitalization Area
should be revised to
encourage residential
uses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE
IT ORDAINED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE,
IOWA: •
Section 1. That
Ordinance 87 -2002
establishing the Old
Main Urban Revitaliza-
tion Area Plan is
hereby amended.
Section 2. That the
Old Main Urban
Revitalization Area
Plan November 2011
Amendment amending
Section 5.2 as hereto
attached is hereby
adopted and approved
and the properties
within said described
area shall be subject to
the provisions of said
Plan.
Section 3. That said
Old Main Urban
Revitalization Area
Plan November 2011
Amendment shall
hereafter be on file in
the City Clerk's Office,
City Hall, Dubuque,
Iowa.
Section 4. That the
City Clerk is hereby
authorized and direct-
ed to publish this
Ordinance.
Passed, approved and
adopted this 21st day -
of November 2011.
/s/Roy D Buol, Mayor
Attest /s/Kevin
Firnstahl, City Clerk
Published officially in
the Telegraph Herald
Newspaper the 25th
day of.November, 2011.
/s /Kevin S. Firnstahl,
City Clerk
It 11/25
STATE OF IOWA {SS:
DUBUQUE COUNTY
CERTIFICATION OF PUBLICATION
I, Suzanne Pike, 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: November 25, 2011, and for which the charge is $15.94.
Subscribed to before me, a Notary Public in and for Dubuque County, Iowa,
this la day o___Q74` , 20 j .
Notary Public in and for
ubuque County, Iowa.
MAY K. WESTERMEY
Commission Nurnh r 154,-,
Old Main Urban Revitalization Plan
November 2011 Amendment
1.0 Introduction
This amendment to the Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan amends Section
5.2 to redefine the percentage of improvements eligible for the program. All other
Sections of the Old Main Urban Revitalization Plan March 2002 remain in effect.
The State of Iowa, under Iowa Code Chapter 404, allows cities to designate
areas as urban revitalization districts. Under this Act, improvements to qualified
areas may receive a total or partial exemption from property taxes for a specified
number of years. The exemptions are intended to stimulate private investment
by the reduction of tax increases related to property improvements.
5.0 Revitalization Program
5.2 Eligibility
For qualified improvements to be eligible for tax exemption, a building permit and
or Historic Preservation Commission approval must be obtained in accordance
with the City of Dubuque's Code of Ordinances. All qualified real estate
assessed as residential property or assessed as commercial property, if the
commercial property consists of three or more separate living quarters with at
least seventy -five percent of the space used for residential purposes, is eligible to
receive a one hundred percent exemption from taxation on the actual value
added by the improvements. The exemption is for a period of ten years.
F: \USERS\ATAUKE \Urban Revite \Old Main UR \Old Main UR Plan Amendment Nov 2011 doc
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
City of Dubuque
50 W.13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
RE: Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan Amendment
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
Dubuque
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11111'
2007
November 17, 2011
Introduction
On November 17, 2011, the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission reviewed the
proposed Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan Amendment. The proposal, staff reports,
and related materials are enclosed.
Discussion
At the Commission meeting, Aggie Tauke, Community Development Specialist, reviewed
the plan amendment and explained that it will provide reduce the required eligible
percentage of residential area in a property from 100% to 75% percent in order to qualify for
a tax exemption. She noted the proposed amendment will encourage more residential units
in the Old Main area, helping to meet a need for downtown housing.
The Commission reviewed the use of the urban revitalization and urban renewal programs,
and the direct and indirect benefits they provide to the community.
Recommendation
By a vote of 7 to 0, the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission recommends approval
of the proposed Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan Amendment, and finds it is
consistent with the 2008 Dubuque Comprehensive Plan.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Prochaska, Chairperson
Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
Enclosures
cc: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
David Harris, Housing & Community Development Director
Service People
Integrity
Responsibility
Innovation
Teamwork
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
SUBJECT: Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan Amendment
DATE: November 8, 2011
Dubuque
AB•Anwdca city
1
2007
Introduction
This memorandum transmits the enclosed Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan
Amendment for review and comment by the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission. The
amendment will reduce the required eligible percentage of residential area in a property from
100% to 75% percent in order to qualify for a tax exemption.
Discussion
Currently, the Old Main Urban Revitalization Plan requires that 100% of the total square
footage be used for residential use to receive a 10 -year property tax exemption for eligible
improvements. The Old Main Area's historic storefront buildings generally have first floor
commercial uses, with upper stories of office and residential uses, however, making them
ineligible for the tax abatement.
The proposed amendment will expand eligibility for tax abatement to property assessed as
commercial with three or more separate living quarters and at least 75% of the space used for
residential purposes. City staff believes the proposed amendment is will encourage more
residential units in the Old Main area, helping to meet a need for downtown housing.
One of the Commission's roles is to review urban revitalization plan amendments for
consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Planning Services Staff finds the proposed
amendment is consistent with the 2008 Comprehensive Plan, with greatest relevance to the
Land Use and Urban Design, Economic Development, and Housing Elements.
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission recommend City Council
approval of the Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan Amendment, as it is consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan.
Enclosures
cc: David Harris, Housing and Community Development Director
Aggie Tauke, Community Development Specialist
F: \USERS \Djohnson \LRPAC \Urban Revitalization Districts \Old Main Urban Revitilization Area Amendment Memo.doc
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
hitid
Aft Amedcacily
1111!
2007
TO: Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
FROM: David Harris, Housing and Community Development Department
SUBJECT: Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan Amendment- Review and Comment
DATE: November 7, 2011
Introduction
The Long Range Planning Advisory Commission is requested to review the attached Old
Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan Amendment and to comment on its conformance with
the general plan for the community. The amendment will reduce the required eligible
percentage of residential area in the building from one hundred percent to seventy five
percent in order to qualify for a tax exemption.
Background
Section 15 -2 -3 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Dubuque requires review of
amendments urban revitalization plan as to its consistency with the comprehensive plan for
the City. The ordinance assigns this duty to the Long Range Planning Commission.
The Commission does not approve or deny the urban revitalization plan but reviews the
plan and submits written recommendations with respect to its conformance with the
general plan. The City Council received the Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan
Amendment at its November 7th meeting and set a public hearing for November 21.
Discussion
Urban Revitalization Chapter 404 of the Iowa Code (Urban Revitalization Act) authorizes
cities to designate areas as urban revitalization areas. Improvements to qualified real
estate within these designated areas may receive a total or partial exemption from property
taxes for a specified number of years. The exemptions are intended to stimulate private
investment by reducing tax increases that usually accompany property improvements.
This additional private investment provides a long -term increase or stabilization in the
area's tax base, enhances the viability of revitalization areas and /or supports important city
objectives such as historic preservation, economic development and affordable housing
development.
The City's Urban Revitalization Program offers a ten year property tax exemption for
eligible improvements to residential properties in designated revitalization districts. On
December 6, 2002 the Council approved an Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan that
is generally located along Main Street from First to Fourth Streets and encompassing the
Five Flags Civic Center, the same area as the OId Main Historic Preservation District. The
current UR Plan requires that one hundred percent of the total square footage must be
used for residential since an urban renewal plan also exists for the same area. Property
owners in the area that create or improve residential units are unable to utilize the tax
exemption since most properties contain commercial uses on the first floor. The proposed
amendment will provide that in order to be eligible for the tax exemption, the property and
buildings must be assessed as residential, or assessed as commercial with three or more
separate living quarters and at least seventy -five percent of the space used for residential
purposes. Following discussions with staff and review of the current urban renewal
regulations, it has been determined that the proposed amendment is appropriate and will
encourage more property owners to provide residential units in the OId Main Street area.
Chapter 404 requires that a public hearing be held prior to amending the existing urban
revitalization Plan. At the public hearing, the Council will be able to adopt the Plan
amendment.
The Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan supports several goals of the Comprehensive
Plan:
Housing
• Consider expanding the City's use of housing preservation programs whenever
appropriate and possible
• Encourage a range of affordable, accessible, and decent rental housing options
throughout the community.
Economic Development
• Encourage property improvements and revitalization throughout the city.
• Promote the Residential Living element of the Downtown Master Plan.
Land Use and Urban Design
• Promote inclusive and economically integrated neighborhoods that allow a diverse
mix of residents and housing types.
• Promote providing a range of housing options throughout the community.
• Support opportunities for downtown apartments and warehouse lofts.
• Encourage mixed use development in the downtown area.
• Promote protection and preservation of the city's historic buildings, urban pattern,
and natural environment.
• Encourage redevelopment or adaptive reuse of vacant or underutilized buildings and
sites.
• Promote incentives to bring mixed -use to the downtown and warehouse districts.
Recommendation
Staff encourages the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission to support the efforts
to revitalize and preserve historic buildings in the downtown area. The Old Main Urban
Revitalization Area Amendment will encourage property owners to provide residential
units in existing historic structures. The amendment will support the efforts to
encourage mixed use development downtown.
Action Step
The action step for the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission is to transmit its
recommendations as to the conformity of the proposed Old Main Urban Revitalization Area
Plan Amendment to the City Council prior to the November 21, 2011 public hearing.
Prepared by Aggie Tauke, Community Development Specialist
Attachments
Cc: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
Laura Carstens, City Planner
F: \USERS\ATAUKE \Urban Revite \Old Main UR \Old Main UR Amd LRPC mem.2011.doc
Old Main Urban Revitalization Plan
November 2011 Amendment
1.0 Introduction
This amendment to the Old Main Urban Revitalization Area Plan amends Section
5.2 to redefine the percentage of improvements eligible for the program. All other
Sections of the Old Main Urban Revitalization Plan March 2002 remain in effect.
The State of Iowa, under Iowa Code Chapter 404, allows cities to designate
areas as urban revitalization districts. Under this Act, improvements to qualified
areas may receive a total or partial exemption from property taxes for a specified
number of years. The exemptions are intended to stimulate private investment
by the reduction of tax increases related to property improvements.
5.0 Revitalization Program
5.2 Eligibility
For qualified improvements to be eligible for tax exemption, a building permit and
or Historic Preservation Commission approval must be obtained in accordance
with the City of Dubuque's Code of Ordinances. All qualified real estate
assessed as residential property or assessed as commercial property, if the
commercial property consists of three or more separate living quarters with at
least seventy -five percent of the space used for residential purposes, is eligible to
receive a one hundred percent exemption from taxation on the actual value
added by the improvements. The exemption is for a period of ten years.
F: \USERS\ATAUKE \Urban Revite \Old Main UR \Old Main UR Plan Amendment.Nov 2011.doc
CITY OF DUBOQUE,
IOVYAt i /
NOTICE OFAPUBLIC
HEARING `"
PUBLIC NOTICE is
hereby given that the
City Council of the City
of Dubuque, Iowa, will
hold a public hearing
on the 21st day of
November, '2011, at
6:30 p.m. in the Historic
Federal Building, 350
West Sixth Street,
Dubuque, Iowa, at
which meeting the City
Council will consider a
proposed amendment
to the Old Main Urban
Revitalization Area
Plan.
At the meeting, the
City Council will
receive oral and
written objections from
any resident or
property owner of said
City to the above
action. After all
objections have been
received and con-
sidered, the City
Council may at this
meeting or at any
adjournment thereof,
take additional action
on a proposed
amendment to the Old
Main Urban Revital-
ization Area Plan.
Any visual or hearing -
impaired persons need -
orgpersons with spec al
accessibility needs
• should contact the City
Clerk's office at (563)
589 -4120 or TDD at -
(563) 590 -6678 at least
48 hours prior to the
meeting.
Dated this 11th day of
October, 2011.
Kevin S. Firnstahl
City Clerk
It 11 /11
STATE OF IOWA {SS:
DUBUQUE COUNTY
CERTIFICATION OF PUBLICATION
I, Suzanne Pike, 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: November 11, 2011, and for which the charge is $15.46.
FJ-,
Subscribed to before me Notary Public i and for Dubuque County, Iowa,
f
this gm of `/ , 20 7�
otary Public in and for Dubuque County, Iowa.
MANY K, WES1 ,RMEYER
Commission Number 154se5