HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes 10/08/2025MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
AMES ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
AMES, IOWA OCTOBER 8, 2025
The Ames Zoning Board of Adjustment met, pursuant to law, in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on
October 8, 2025, in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The following members were present:
Matthew Koehler, Marshall McDaniel, Caleb Whitehouse; Absent Julie Kruse, Leah Patton.
Also, present were Assistant City Attorney Vikki Feilmeyer, City Planner Benjamin Campbell.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
Moved by McDaniel second by Koehler to approve the minutes of September 10, 2025,
Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting.
Vote on Motion: (3-0). Motion declared passed.
CASE NO. 25-12
Public Hearing on a request for a Special Use Permit to allow modifications to an existing
wireless communications facility (cell tower) at 1801 Ridgewood Ave (Ames High) (Parcel
Number 05-34-300-010).
Planner Benjamin Campbell stated the applicant is requesting to make changes to the cell tower
located on the high school property just west of the school. This cell tower was originally
approved in 2005 through a Special Use Permit. Any profile changes must come back to the
Board through a Special Use Permit process. The applicant is proposing to make changes to the
top of the tower. It is 110 feet tall and there are four canisters, each 10 feet tall, that conceal the
equipment. The proposal is to increase the diameter of the top canister from 34 inches to 42
inches. There were six pine trees required to the east of the enclosure with the first approval. The
original trees were removed and were recently replanted. One of these replacements, however,
has died and will need to be replaced. The fence also needs to be brought into good repair. The
newer equipment does require bigger canisters. Staff recommend approval, with the conditions
of the canister being painted to match the rest of the tower, the pine tree being replaced, the fence
being brought into good repair, and the plans being updated with the engineer stamps. Mr.
Campbell said no written communication was received regarding this from the 400-foot mailing
that went out. There was one phone call.
Public Forum: None
Questions for Staff:
Matt Koehler asked if the fence was in bad repair. Mr. Campbell said it is on the cusp of being in
bad repair. It is weathered, some of it has been replaced after a similar request two years ago.
Staff want to make sure that the site is secure. The parts of the fence that are not in good repair
need to be fixed. Marshall McDaniel asked about the phone call. Mr. Campbell said the caller
lived to the north and was questioning what was happening. Caller didn’t have any opposition to
the proposal.
Discussion by the Board: None
Koehler moved to approve Alternative 1; McDaniel second.
Alternative 1: The Zoning Board of Adjustment may approve the Amended Special Use
Permit for a Cell Tower with Antennas to allow for replacement by 10 feet of an existing 34-
inch stealth canister with a new 42-inch stealth canister and the addition of new interior
mounted antennas and associated equipment, located at 1801 Ridgewood Avenue based on
the findings of fact and conclusions stated herein, as detailed on the submitted Site Plan and
Elevations and the stipulations below:
a.) The final color of the pole and cannisters shall match. This may require repainting the
pole to match the cannisters. The fittings and straps of the cannisters shall also be aligned
and secured to ensure a consistent aesthetic and appearance. The pole and cannisters shall
be maintained in an ongoing manner with a consistent color and fit.
b.) Any of the six, 6-foot-tall pine trees that have died shall be replanted along the east side
of the enclosure.
c.) The fence shall be brought into good repair as need be. The fence should be 8 feet tall, per
the original approval.
d.) The plans shall be updated with a current engineer stamp of approval
Roll call: Koehler, aye; McDaniel aye, Whitehouse, aye;
Vote on Motion: (3-0)
Whitehouse stated that this decision can be appealed through the District Court within 30
days after the filing of the Decision and Order.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Koehler second by Whitehouse to adjourn the meeting at
6:09 PM.
Vote on Motion: (3-0). Motion passed.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Natalie Rekemeyer, Recording Secretary Caleb Whitehouse, Vice Chair