HomeMy WebLinkAboutA003 - Council Action Form dated August 8, 2006 ITEM # 33
DATE 08/08/06
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REZONING OF PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED NORTH AND SOUTH
OF MORTENSEN ROAD BETWEEN SOUTH DAKOTA AVENUE AND
DICKINSON AVENUE TO ADD THE SOUTHWEST GATEWAY OVERLAY
DISTRICT DESIGNATION
BACKGROUND:
This proposed rezoning will establish a southwest Ames gateway overlay zoning district in the
area of the South Dakota and U.S. Highway 30 interchange (See Attachment A). Design
standards, under a separate Commission Action Form and ordinance, would apply to ensure
that future development is consistent with the City's Land Use Policy Plan and Section
29.1104, "O-G" (Gateway Overlay) of the City's Zoning Ordinance, both of which provide for
enhancing the entries to Ames.
Area to be Rezoned. Attachment A shows the proposed new overlay zoning district to the
northwest of the South Dakota/U.S. Highway 30 interchange. In March 2005, the City Council
approved rezoning that established commercial uses in this area and commercial uses with
residential uses above the first floor in the properties to the west. At that time, the Council
directed staff to prepare design standards and a gateway overlay zoning district for this
Community Commercial Node.
Existing and Proposed Zoning. The current zoning of the subject property is Community
Commercial Node (CCN). This would remain as the base zone, whose standards will still
apply to the subject property. The proposed overlay zoning is Southwest Gateway Overlay
(O-GSW), which will modify the permitted uses and add to the development standards for the
area. Some of the current permitted uses will no longer be allowed to promote the appearance
of an entryway and help create an attractive visual environment and a welcoming first
impression. Landscaping standards promote significant landscaped areas using native plant
materials integrated with storm water features. Architectural appearance standards provide for
quality materials, emphasize attractive building fronts and other views, while allowing flexibility
in individual building design. All of these requirements are consistent with the City's policies
for its entryways. Similarities exist between these standards and the standards for other Ames
entryways.
Recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission. With a vote of 6-0, the Planning
and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed rezoning at its meeting of
July 19, 2006.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve the rezoning of property generally located north and south
of Mortensen Road between South Dakota Avenue and Dickinson Avenue to add the
Southwest Gateway Overlay District (O-GSW) designation.
2. The City Council can deny the rezoning of property generally located north and south of
Mortensen Road between South Dakota Avenue and Dickinson Avenue to add the
Southwest Gateway Overlay District (O-GSW) designation.
3. The City Council can approve the rezoning of property generally located north and south
of Mortensen Road between South Dakota Avenue and Dickinson Avenue to add the
Southwest Gateway Overlay District (O-GSW) designation, with modifications to the
area.
4. Action on this request can be postponed and referred back to City staff for additional
information.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Although since 1997 it has been the policy of the City to enhance this southwest entryway into
Ames, the majority of the land in the area has been developed since then with no special
design standards. The City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, City staff and
interested community members have been working on land use and design standards since
fall 2004. A separate, parallel action of the City Council is addressing those standards.
Therefore, the City Manager recommends that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1,
thereby recommending approval of rezoning of property generally located north and south of
Mortensen Road between South Dakota Avenue and Dickinson Avenue to add the Southwest
Gateway Overlay District (O-GSW) designation.