|
|
Planning Department
Click on the area that you would like to jump to:
Annexation
Approval is required to voluntarily annex property to the City
| Special Note: |
Any owner of land which adjoins the City may apply in writing to the City Council and request annexation. Applications must contain a legal description and a map showing the property location in realtions to the City (Sec 368.7, Code of Iowa) |
| Timing: |
Varies |
| Fee: |
None |
return to top
Fences and Hedges
No building permit is required.
| Special Note: |
Although no permit is required for installation, the height and location of fences are regulated by the Zoning Ordinance. Generally, hedges and fences are limited to four feet in height in required front yards and six feet in height in all other yards. In addition, fences in required front yards are to be open type fencing. The verify fencing and hedging requirements, contact the Building and Zoning Department. |
return to top
Home Occupations
Home Occupations are regulated by the City Zoning Ordinance and require approval of the Building and Zoning Official.
return to top
Parking Lot Improvements
Approval is required to construct a new parking lot, pave an existing dirt or graveled parking lot or to add on to any existing parking lot
| Special Note: |
Guidelines for the preparation of site plans for parking lot improvements are available from the Building and Zoning Department |
| Timing: |
Varies |
| Fee: |
See fee schedule |
return to top
Rezoning Procedure
Approval is required to change the zoning of property from one classification to another.
| Special Note: |
After review at a Planning and Zoning Commission public meeting, the recommendation is transmitted to the City Council for the first of three public hearings. All property owners within 200 feet of the property requested to be rezoned are notified for the Commission and Council public hearings |
| Timing: |
Allow approximately 60 to 90 days. |
| Fee: |
$50.00 |
return to top
Sign Permit
A Sign Permit is required for the erection of permanent signs and temporary signs, except those located completely within a building
| Special Note: |
Size, number and location of signs is determined by the Zoning Ordinance |
return to top
Site Plan Review
Site Plan approval is required whenever a person, firm, corporation or other group wishes to develop any tract or parcel of land within all zoning districts, except for:
- any detached single-family residence and two-family residences, including any accessory structure thereto;
- agricultural buildings
- principal and accessory buildings with less than 150 square feet of total floor space, and
- additions to existing one-story buildings when the addition is 50 percent or less of its existing floor area and/or total floor area less than 1000 square feet, whichever is less
Site plan review requirements available from Building and Zoning
| Special Note: |
Site plans must be submitted in detail for processing through appropriate City departments. Site plans are to indicate and include:
- a legal description of the parcel and common address;
- zoning district and dimension of parcel;
- location of all existing and proposed buildings and construction type;
- proposed off-street parking;
- location of existing and proposed entrances, exits and curb cuts;
- right-of-way width for streets abutting site;
- location of existing and proposed utilities, signs, lights, fences, sidewalks, wooden areas, natural drainage ways and other natural features;
- proposed and existing landscaping, and
- other features which may have impact on the site (ie., flood plain, erosion control measures, berms, sink holes, storm sewer detention facilities, ponds).
|
| Fee: |
This is included within the building permit fee. |
return to top
Street Addresses
Street addresses for new and existing lots are provided through the Building and Zoning Department
return to top
Street/Alley Vacation
Street/alley vacation approval is required to vacate public streets and/or alleys.
| Apply to: |
Administrative Assistant, City Hall |
| Special Note: |
All abutters to the street or alley to be vacated must agree to the proposed vacation. Notification to remaining property owners within the block is required. |
| Timing: |
Permission granted in about 60 to 90 days. |
return to top
Subdivision Procedure
Subdivision approval is required to subdivide any parcel into two or more lots within the City and within two miles of the city limits.
| Special Note: |
City subdivision regulations provide for two distinct approval/review procedures for the subdivision of land. They are parcel, preliminary and final plats. |
| Timing: |
Allow 30-60 days per plat, depending on the size of the project and the quality of the submission. |
| Fee: |
$75.00 plus $5.00 per lot for more than 10 lots |
return to top
Variance Procedure
Variance approval is required to obtain a deviation from the strict application of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance
| Special Note: |
The developer or property owner must submit an application, along with a site plan, which is transmitted to the Board of Adjustments for a review at a public hearing. Variances are granted only when unique conditions of a property, not created by the owner, will cause undue hardship if the Zoning Ordinance is strictly enforced. |
| Timing: |
Allow four to six weeks, depending on submittal time. |
| Fee: |
$30.00 |
return to top
Zoning Appeals Procedure
Appeals may be made by any person aggrieved by a decision, requirement, determination or interpretation of an administrative official in the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance.
A notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days immediately following the date of the administrative action which is the subject of the appeal. The Board of Adjustment reviews all appeals and may reverse, affirm or modify the order, requirement, decision or determination.
| Timing: |
Allow a minimum 30 days following filing of appeal |
| Fee: |
$30.00 |
return to top
Zoning Special Uses and Exceptions
Exceptions in structure use may be granted by the Adjustment Board.
return to top
Zoning Text Amendments
Amendments which change the text of the Zoning Ordinance must be approved by the City Council.
| Special Note: |
The proposal will be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission at a public meeting. The Commission will transmit its recommendation to City Council for the first of three readings. |
| Timing: |
Varies |
| Fee: |
No Charge. |
|
return to top
|
|
