HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes 6-14-2017MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
AMES, IOWA JUNE 14, 2017
The Ames Zoning Board of Adjustment met, pursuant to law, in regular session at 6:01 p.m. on
June 14, 2017, in the Council Chambers of City Hall with the following members present:
Amelia Schoeneman, Kyle Perkins, Shelby Ebel, and Matthew Koehler. Board Member Susan
Bradbury was absent. Assistant City Attorney Victoria Feilmeyer and Director of Planning and
Housing Kelly Diekmann were also present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Moved by Perkins, seconded by Koehler, to approve the minutes
of the meeting of May 10, 2017.
Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CASE NO. 17-03
SPECIAL USE PERMIT – United Pentecostal Church of Ames, Public Hearing on
application for a Special Use Permit to allow a building addition and additional parking
spaces on the property located at 3505 S. Duff Avenue
Moved by Schoeneman, seconded by Koehler, to postpone ORDER NO. 17-03 to the regularly
scheduled meeting to be held on June 28, 2017.
Vote: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CASE NO. 17-06
VARIANCE – Iowa Farmhouse Association, Inc., Continuance of Public Hearing on
application for Variance to allow 1” landscape rock in the East University Impacted
Overlay (O-UIE) zone on the property located at 311 Ash Avenue
Director of Planning and Housing Kelly Diekmann stated that the Variance was originally heard
at the April 12, 2017 Zoning Board meeting. He mentioned that the Zoning Board asked to
continue the hearing and requested additional information.
Mr. Diekmann stated the concerns involved the size of rock and the use of rock instead of mulch
in certain areas of the property. He clarified a question the Board had regarding the rationale of
mulch versus rock by stating that mulch is a healthier material to ensure plant vitality. He also
stated that the City’s standard is to use either living ground cover or mulch as a substitute.
Mr. Diekmann said there will be a new landscape ordinance by July 1, 2017, which will permit
rock along the foundations of buildings. He said since this change will be relevant to the
applicant, they can resubmit a revised landscape plan after July 1, and have the front foundation
plantings approved through the new landscape standards. Although rock will be permitted, the
applicant will still have to meet the required ¾” rock size.
It was stated that there were originally some discrepancies in what staff was interpreting on the
landscape plan; however, staff did not have the authority to change the code requirement if the
plan was read in error.
Duane Wolf, 3205 Aspen Circle, Ames, Iowa, was still under oath from the April 12, 2017
meeting. Mr. Wolf stated that he met with Mr. Diekmann on location to review the site. Since
their discussion, he believes their issues can be resolved with the upcoming ordinance. Mr. Wolf
stated that Iowa Farmhouse Association, Inc. has withdrawn their variance request, and will
continue to work with the Planning Department to resolve the concerns.
Ms. Feilmeyer stated that the Board did not need to take any action since the applicant has
withdrawn their request.
COMMENTS: There were no comments by the Board.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Koehler, seconded by Perkins, to adjourn the meeting at 6:12
p.m.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Heidi Petersen, Recording Secretary Shelby Ebel, Chair