HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated April 10, 2018 ITEM # 38
DATE: 04-10-18
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT RELATED TO BUILDING HEIGHT AND
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR ACCESSORY
STRUCTURES IN THE (RI) RESEARCH PARK INNOVATION DISTRICT
BACKGROUND:
The City Council referred a request for a zoning text amendment to the Department of
Planning and Housing to allow an indoor tennis facility, constructed as an inflatable
sports dome (bubble). The applicant, Ames Tennis Friends LLC represented by Chuck
Winkleblack, has followed up the City Council referral with an application for a text
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. The text amendment would allow the proposed
tennis facility in a structure, constructed as a sports dome (bubble) in the RI (Research
Park Innovation District) at the Iowa State University Research Park, Phase III, on
property located at 3600 University Boulevard. The proposed text amendment exempts
the proposed accessory structure from certain building standards and guidelines.
The RI district "Development Standards" in Table 29.903(3) requires a minimum height
of two stories in the Hub Activity Area, which includes the property at 3600 University
Boulevard. "Architectural Design Guidelines" in Section 29.903(5)(d) have been adopted
to promote a high level of architectural and site design features that signify the
commitment to innovation and investment with visual interest and unique identity, site
design incorporating stewardship of natural resources, district layout and development
supporting the pedestrian environment, and green building techniques demonstrating
the commitment to sustainability. The development standards and design guidelines
apply to all principal and accessory buildings within the RI zoning district. Notably, there
is a 2=story minimum height requirement in the Hub Commercial Area, which includes
3600 University Boulevard, and building design requirements for window glazing and
fagade materials.
Amendments to the RI zone development standards and architectural design guidelines
are necessary to allow the construction of the indoor tennis sports dome as an
accessory structure that does not meet-the minimum height standard of two stories, and
does not meet the architectural design guidelines for buildings in the RI zone. It is
important to note these exemptions would only apply to accessory structures. A
principal building would need to exist on a site prior to establishing an accessory
structure. In this case the existing Ames Fitness building would be the principal
structure.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation:
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the requested amendment at its March
7, 2018 meeting. The Commission reviewed the need for the changes and consistency
with the design requirements of the zoning district. The Commission then voted 6-0 to
recommend approval of the text amendments for all accessory structures in the RI
zoning district as proposed by staff.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve the proposed ordinance related to text amendments
for all accessory structures in the RI (Research Innovation District) exempting
accessory structures from a two-story height requirement and architectural design
guidelines.
2. The City Council can propose alternative language for the proposed ordinance.
3. The City Council can deny the request for text amendments in the RI ,(Research
Innovation District).
4. The City Council can request additional information and defer making a decision on
the proposed ordinance.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This amendment, although proposed in response to one particular property interest,
would apply to other properties within the RI district. The change in a two-story height
requirement is necessary for the tennis structure to be built and the exemption from the
architectural design requirements is necessary for approval of the sports dome bubble
design. Staff drafted the amendment to apply to all types of accessory structures, not
just recreational use related structures.
The proposed text amendments do not undermine the intended character of the area
and will accommodate the interests of the applicant.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council act
in accordance with Alternative #1 to approve the zoning text amendment.
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