HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - Council Action Form dated August 9, 2005 ITEM#: C;21 I
DATE: 08/09/05
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: POSTING OF NOTICE SIGNS IN ADVANCE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR
VARIANCES
BACKGROUND:
In an effort to better inform residents of changes that may affect them, the Zoning
Ordinance requires the posting of notice signs on property when all cases requiring
Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council action, and Special Use Permits that
are heard before the Zoning Board of Adjustment. This requirement does not currently
apply to Variances. Variances have the potential to permanently change the physical
characteristics of a property, much like other land use cases.
The requirement to post signs on property where land use change is proposed is to provide
notice to those individuals who do not receive written notice.
ANALYSIS:
In staff's evaluation of the existing requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, the lack of the
posted notice requirement seems inconsistent with the rest of the Zoning Ordinance.
Further, it seems inconsistent with the City of Ames' values, which supports an open and
inclusive community and encourages listening to our customers.
If approved, this text amendment will require the purchase of additional notice signs and
additional staff time to place and move them in advance of hearings.
ALTERNATIVES:
1 . The City Council can approve the proposed Zoning Ordinance text amendment that
requires posting notice on properties where variances have been requested.
2. The City Council can deny the Zoning Ordinance text amendment.
3. The City Council can approve the Zoning Ordinance text amendment with
modifications.
4. Action on this request can be postponed and referred back to City staff for additional
information.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
With a vote of 4-0, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the
Zoning Ordinance text amendment that requires posting notice on properties where
variances are pending at its meeting of July 6, 2005.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is recommended that Alternative #1 be adopted, that the City Council approve the
proposed Zoning Ordinance text amendment that requires posting of notice signs on
properties where variances are pending.
COUNCIL ACTION:
2