HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-2008 Council Economic Development CommitteeAGENDA
City of Iowa City
City Council Economic Development Committee
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
8:30 a.m.
Lobby Conference Room
Iowa City City Hall
1. Call to Order
2. Consider approval of the minutes of the January 15, 2008 Economic
Development Committee Meeting
3. 2007 Annual Economic Development Report
4. Staff time
a. Downtown study follow-up meetings, schedule
b. Business Friendly Cities article in Chamber newsletter (copy enclosed)
5. Committee time
6. Adjournment
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
JANUARY 15, 2008
CITY HALL, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, 8:30 A.M.
Members Present: Regenia Bailey, Connie Champion, Matt Hayek
Staff Present: Wendy Ford, Tracy Hightshoe, Jeff Davidson
Others Present: Mark Nolte, Craig Gustaveson, Miles Schultz
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Champion moved to recommend that the Memorandum of Understanding with Iowa City Area
Development Group (ICAD) be approved by the City Manager's office, seconded by Bailey.
Carried 3-0.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
Chairperson Regenia Bailey called the meeting to order at 8:30 A.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 18, 2007:
Bailey noted a correction to the name "Gig" — it should be "Gigi." Champion moved to accept the
minutes of the December 18, 2007 meeting as corrected, seconded by Hayek.
Motion carried 3-0.
DISCUSSION OF CDBG ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDS APPLICATIONS - GUIDO'S:
Hightshoe stated that this application is for Guido's Deli, located at 227 E. 1st Street. The
request is for funds for working capital and to replace outdated equipment. Hightshoe noted that
Guido's opened in October, 2005 as an Italian deli. In December, they opened a second location
on the Kirkwood campus in Iowa City. It was noted that the applicant did provide a fair amount of
funds to start up the business initially and to fund the expansion at Kirkwood. Hightshoe noted
that one of the concerns is that the business has operated at a loss for the past two years, and,
she noted that with CDBG funds you have to create new positions, and she questions if they can
do this, working at a loss already. There is also no collateral. She further noted that due to these
concerns, staff is not recommending this application. Bailey asked Laurie Magaraci of Guido's
Deli if she would care to comment. Magaraci stated that since the time that she applied for these
funds, she has opened her second location — the one at Kirkwood College. She stated that rent
is not due until April 1, and that Kirkwood is only requiring 5% of her gross the first year, and then
it goes up to 10% for the next five years. She also stated that she will have very low costs at this
location, and has currently been open for about three weeks. Magaraci expects a much higher
profit at this location. Bailey asked if anyone had questions for Magaraci on this request.
Champion stated that the business losses are a concern for her as well. Magaraci further
explained her operations at Kirkwood, and said that they are also cutting some of their evening
hours at the Gilbert St. location, but they are adding breakfast hours. Also, with these funds she
would like to be able to hire an assistant to help with her expansion and future plans. Bailey
noted that she would not be comfortable granting these funds, especially due to the loss factor.
Hayek asked if there is a policy on the level of collateral needed to fund projects. Hightshoe
noted the committee has been flexible on this, and that some lenders will also be flexible on this
issue. Hayek noted that this particular application is only about 20% secured. Bailey stated that
she would like to have this business come back at the end of the semester and report how things
are going before they approve the application. Champion agreed, reiterating her concerns about
the business losses. Magaraci stated that she is working with her accountant on these matters.
Bailey again suggested that they revisit this application in May or June. Hayek stated that he
would entertain a smaller amount, but that he questions the full $50,000 at this time.
Economic Development Committee Meeting
January 15, 2008
Page 2
DOWNTOWN STUDY. NEXT STEPS:
Ford referred the committee to her January 3 memo regarding the downtown market niche study
with the status of activity and recommended next steps. There is a general consensus that they
need to talk to members of the business community to get their opinions on how to enhance the
downtown. Ford stated that she spoke recently with Craig Gustaveson of the Downtown
Association and Nancy Quellhorst of the Chamber, and in talking with them, it was proposed that
they also reach outside of the downtown community and get opinions from business leaders who
are outside of the downtown area. Ford noted that Quellhorst was planning to speak with some
business leaders last week, but that due to schedules, they have not yet been able to discuss her
findings. Ford suggested that they divide the list of business leaders and have several staff meet
with them to get their opinions on the study, to educate them about the findings of the study, and
the benefits are of putting a business development person to work downtown. Davidson stated
that he believes they have a fairly good handle on what needs to be done at this point. Davidson
stated that the big issue is "how" to go about promoting the idea to business leaders and
developers.
Gustaveson then added that he often hears conflicting sentiments, including, "I don't want the
City dictating to us what we're doing with our downtown," and yet other people complain, "Why
isn't the City doing more," such as when Old Capitol was empty. He stated that there needs to be
a good balance with City's involvement, at least perception -wise to the downtown merchants.
Adding to the urgency of getting this off the ground, he said he learned recently a visiting team to
the U of I, which has always stayed at the Sheraton, is now going out to the Marriott in Coralville.
It's important because it's a team full of people who aren't going to be spending those dollars
downtown now. This is why we need to compete for business downtown.
Bailey stated that in talking with others, she has found that the concept of a "downtown manager"
is not strongly embraced. She asked Gustaveson for some clarification on this issue, and he
stated that he believes there is a lot of misinformation about just what the position entails. He
believes they need to convey to people that the person is not going to dictate how they run their
business, how many hours they must be open, etc., but that this is work focused on bringing new
business and enhancing the mix of business in the downtown market. Bailey noted that this was
a concern during the SSMID campaign a few years ago, as well. Gustaveson added that having
a job description up front could help to further educate the community on having a business
development manager in the downtown area. There was concurrence that calling it a business
development manager would be more descriptive of the work.
The discussion continued, with Gustaveson stating that he believes businesses don't necessarily
understand that a more vibrant downtown is possible, especially by adding some major retail
businesses and enhancing the mix of businesses. Davidson stated that education would be
helpful in this, and that they need to convey that they are not trying to create a "mall" downtown.
Champion stated that she believes that a lot of businesses downtown, which are already
successful, don't want to change anything. Hayek noted that he has heard people say they don't
want to fund another $100,000 a year position. This led to a discussion about the concept of a
manager and what the position will bring to the downtown community. Davidson then added that
he believes a big factor in this issue is that in many towns, all of the extra features —such as
festivals, skating rinks, etc. — are funded by the private sector. People forget that in Iowa City,
they are funded by the public sector — the City. He believes people are used to the City paying
for amenities like these.
Gustaveson suggested they find some communities similar to Iowa City, and find out how they
handle these issues with their downtowns. He noted that with their limited budget, the Downtown
Association could only do so much. The discussion continued, with Bailey stating they should
look at the timeline Ford laid out in her memo. Ford stated they need help presenting this
concept to the business leaders. Davidson asked Gustaveson if he could suggest some
Economic Development Committee Meeting
January 15, 2008
Page 3
volunteers through the DTA and the Chamber who could help with this project. Davidson said
that he and Ford would work on setting up some one-on-one meetings, and begin to move
forward.
The discussion turned to issues of snow removal and panhandling downtown. Gustaveson noted
that the DTA and several business owners would be at the Council meeting that night to present
a letter regarding snow removal. He further stated that many businesses are fed up with the
panhandling issue, and that customers tend to avoid stores where these people hang out.
Bailey reiterated the plan — to begin some one-on-one meetings, to compile a list of
responsibilities — and noted that she believes it's quite an aggressive timeline. Davidson and
Ford noted that they understand this and have discussed this further, deciding to move the
timeline out a few weeks.
2007 ANNUAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT:
Ford noted that committee members have an annual report in their packets. Davidson noted that
this is a 2007-2008 report, showing what has been accomplished and what is planned for the
coming year, and he asked if the Committee had any direction for them. Ford stated that they
would be putting together strategies for 2009-2010 in the fall. Champion asked if they could
review this at the next meeting, as she has not had time to review it. It was decided to table this
item to the February 19, 2008 meeting.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH IOWA CITY AREA DEVELOPMENT GROUP:.
Joe Raso, ICAD Group president gave an overview of the agreement which outlines the services
the City may expect from ICAD Group for fiscal year 2008. A brief discussion ensued, with
committee members stating their approval of the Memorandum of Understanding as presented.
Champion moved to recommend that the Memorandum of Understanding with Iowa City Area
Development Group (ICAD) be approved by the City Manager's office, seconded by Bailey.
Carried 3-0.
STAFF TIME:
None.
COMMITTEE TIME:
It was decided that Economic Development Committee meetings would be held the third Tuesday
of each month at 8:00 A.M. at City Hall. Next meeting is scheduled for: February 19, 2008 at
8:00 A.M.
ADJOURNMENT:
Hayek moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 A.M
rn
c
a)
a)
a�
E
E
O
U
c
a)
E
n.
O
N
N
0
U
E
O
c
U
w
co
0
0
N
LO
T
aD
c
m O0
�o
=o
m N
.O
c
Q
x
x
x
n:
wo
W
H
T
N
O
T
o
0
T
N
O
.=
0
0
T
N
O
0
w
Z
COCU
cn
a)
w
c
O
.Q
t
U
•�
U
N
_
a)
rn
U
W
c
N N
�.04
a Q n
w
Y x 0 0
r
-=V , CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 13, 2008
To: Economic Development Committee
From: Wendy Ford -
Re: Downtown Market Niche Analysis Study — post -study status report
Since the January 15 Economic Development Committee meeting, Ford and Mayor Bailey have
made several one-on-one visits with downtown business owners and have several scheduled
for the coming weeks. Nancy Quellhorst, Iowa City Area Chamber President and Craig
Gustaveson, Downtown Association President and other members of the Economic
Development Committee are also meeting individually with business owners to determine
interest in an enthusiasm for a downtown business development manager, funding sources for
the activities, and the optimal way to implement the activities.
Also at the January 15 meeting, the committee desired information on other communities with
downtown business development activities. The following memo and information was compiled
by Miles Shultz, Economic Development Division intern and provides an overview of a handful
of communities similar to Iowa City and their downtown development organizations.
The time table below was revised after the January 15 Economic Development Committee
meeting to add four weeks to the schedule. To date, we are on schedule.
By this date
Accomplish these activities
January 31, 2008
1.
Committee members meet one-on-one with opinion leaders
from outside downtown area to get "pulse" and discover
potential investors in partnership.
2.
Committee members convene to
a. refine talking points, if needed
b. assign and split list of opinion leaders from within
downtown area to talk to.
February 29, 2008
1.
Committee members convene to share insight gained
2.
Committee members meet one-on-one with opinion leaders
from within the downtown area to get "pulse" and discover
potential investors in partnership.
March 30, 2008
1.
Set public meeting and invite those who have expressed
interest in either guiding activities to enhance downtown or who
have indicated they would be interested in funding
2.
Set up account through Johnson County Foundation.
Downtown business partnership organized.
April 30, 2008
1.
Operating guideline developed.
2.
Strategic priorities identified.
3.
Secure financial investments.
4.
Elect leadership.
5.
Secure rent-free office space.
6.
Advertise for downtown manager position
May 30, 2008
1.
Staff hired.
2.
Work plan developed.
3.
Committees formed.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
TO: WENDY FORD, and
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
FROM: MILES SHULTZ, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION INTERN
DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 2008
RE: BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS IN COMPARABLE CITIES
The following are comparable cities to Iowa City that have established Business
Improvement Districts, "BID," or something similar. The one similarity is that the
impetus for their formation came mainly from the private sector. While East Lansing
provides city staff, the other cities have essentially private BID organizations, with
independent budgets and staff.
Nationwide there are over 1,200 BIDS located in every state.
Boulder, CO:
• Established in 1984, consists of a partnership between the city and Downtown
Boulder Incorporated.
• BID's maintenance services include: trash removal, graffiti removal, event
production, and general downtown security. The Downtown Boulder Street Team
also performs a daily walk through of the BID, "addressing all issues and taking
note of possible improvements."
• BID's economic development services include: marketing, information and
research, event production, and various initiatives to promote a vibrant mix of
tenants.
• DBI membership is voluntary and open to any interested persons and
organizations. Membership costs $75 for an individual and $125 for a business.
• Staff of 8.
Lincoln, NE:
• Established in 1978, and then two more BIDS formed in 1989.
• The Downtown Lincoln Association is an umbrella organization that manages all
three BIDS.
• DLA's services include: daily trash removal, weekly sidewalk cleaning, landscape
maintenance, tree and shrub replacement, handicap ramp snow removal, holiday
decorating, and miscellaneous trouble -shooting, as well as a plethora of
managerial and promotional activities.
Madison, WI:
• BID formed by a nonprofit, Downtown Madison, Inc., and BID staff are DMI
employees.
• Started in 2000 with a budget of $242,000, but this has increased to around
$350,000, although from their website it seems that the city has a lot of control
over the BID's Board and budget.
-1-
• Top Priorities: business retention, expansion and recruitment; and marketing the
district to consumers
• 224 properties with 335 businesses (1/3 Retail, 1/3 Food Service, 1/3 Service
Orientated).
• 17 board members and 2 staff.
Austin, TX:
• Formed in 1989 with both city staff and the downtown commission, but then
private sector took the lead.
• In 1993, the budget was $424,000, and this year it is $2.2 million.
Stillwater, OK:
Established 8/2007 at the behest of downtown property owners.
The City is currently employing BID staff but is looking for a BID coordinator
funded by the both the city and downtown businesses.
General duties for the BID coordinator will include: serve as a liaison between the
city, BID Board, property owners and Oklahoma State University; find merchants
for vacancies; marketing strategy for the downtown.
East Lansing, MI:
• Established in 1997 (actually is a "Principal Shopping District") by both the
private and public sector.
• Only has a $50,000 budget, and staff is provided by the city.
• They also have a TIF district established in 1989 with an operating budget of $1
million.
Columbia, MO:
• Established in the late 1960's at the request of the private sector
"We have a staff of 4—a director, assistant director and two part
time maintenance people. I would never recommend establishing a district
without staff or without a steady and predictable revenue stream."
encl/ Downtown Boulder Incorporated Brochure, and Downtown Lincoln Association
Brochure
-2-
Benefits of Membership
Parking Validation Program Assistance
Advertising and Promotional Opportunities
Educational Workshops and Mailings
Free Yearly Downtown Mailing Labels
Current Information on
Downtown Events and Issues
Participation in Downtown Boulder
Gift Card Program
Assistance and Consulting from Experienced
Downtown Businesses
Networking and Social Events
Downtown Directory and Decal
Forum for a Unified "Voice" in
Downtown Boulder
11 io 11
DO"TO"
Boulder
Downtown Boulder, Incorporated
is a non-profit organintson dedicated to the promotion and
preservation of downtown as the heart of the community.
We work to maintain downtown as the center of
commerce, government, culture, and leisure.
Our over Soo DBI members support the overall vitality of
downtown through public advocacy, political involvement,
and community events that enhance the Boulder
experience for residents and visitors.
Our downtown is historic, inviting, eclectic, and vibrant. We
strive to build upon these unique qualities that make this
area such an important factor in Boulder's quality of life.
Downtown Boulder, Inc.
1942 Broadway Suite Sot Boulder, CO 8o3o2
303.4493774
Downtown Boulder, Incorporated
With the most successful pedestrian mall in the country,
historic Downtown Boulder is a statewide treasure. Like all
treasures, however, Downtown Boulder requires constant
care and protection. Members of Downtown Boulder,
Incorporated (DBI) are dedicated to the continued preser-
vation and enhancement of Downtown Boulder as the heart
of the greater Boulder community. We urge you to join us.
Membership
Membership in Downtown Boulder, Incorporated is
voluntary and open to any interested person or organization.
Our current membership ofover Soo reflects a wide variety
of property owners, business professionals, retailers, and
restaurateurs.
DBI is guided by our dedicated Board of
Directors, who represent
the following
local businesses:
Art Source International
Liquor Mart
Belvedere Belgium
PEH Architects
Chocolates
Pedestrian Shops
Boulder County Farmers
Market
P.N. Eklund Interests, Inc.
Colorado Daily
Richard Pendleton &
Associates
Communication Arts
Rock Bottom Breweries
Creative Growth Seminars
RRC Associates
Deneuve Construction
Vectra Bank
g Days a Week
Waters Read
First National Bank of
Colorado
Wells Fargo Bank
James Travel Points
IVA Incorporated
Nature Conservancy
Law Office of M ary Nagle
Street
DOWNTOWN
Boulder
DBI Membership
registration form I: 7.7u
Business Name _—
Contact Name
Phone _
Fax_
Email .
Website
Please write or attach a 4o word description of your business
for the membership directory and Downtown Boulder Website.
Include my business in the gift card program.
Type of Membership (please check one):
❑ Business Member: $tay
❑ Individual Member: S75
(Name only, no business name or description)
❑ 501(03 Member: Complimentary
Please fill out form, tear off and send with payment to:
Downtown Boulder, Inc.
1942 Broadway, Suite Sot
Boulder, CO 80302
303,449-3774 w'w'w.boulderdownt.wn.com
DBI Has the Facts
Take advantage of numerous reports, surveys, event demographics,
and sales tax figures, all available through DBI.
DBI Successes
DBI facilitated the approval w create r3oo new public parking
spaces in building the 1Sth & Pearl and St. Julien parking structures.
DBI spearheaded the Downtown Boulder Parking Initiative,
salting in the replacement of parking meters with visitor friendly
Parking Pay Stations.
DBI initiated the Downtown Bus Pass, which grew into the
ECO.Pass program and current RTD shuttles in Boulder.
DBI worked exhaustively to pass the Downtown Boulder Business
Improvement District wh kh launched marketing campaigns to
promote shopping, dining and leasing, as well as funds for security,
maintenance, improvements, and economic development.
DBI continues to partner with the City of Boulder Downtown
Management Commission and Downtown Boulder Business Improve.
ment District to provide input and support for physical improvements
to the Pearl Street Mall and surrounding businessndghborhoods.
DBI coordinated the development of wireless internet connections
for the Pearl Street Mall.
DBI advocated for Downtown issues such as the aggressive
panhandling ordinance, for retaining Downtown neighborhood
schools. Downtown convention center, and support of pro -lb smn
candidates in city government
DBI lobbied aggressively to build a new Downtown hotel, which
exulted In the approval and consauctbn of th<st. Julien Hofel at
qth and Canyon.
DBI closely monitored construction during the renovation of
Broadway and encouraged the City of Boulder to offer incentives to
the contractor so that the work was finished on a timely basis.
DBI worked very closely with the developers and owners of agth
Street to ensure the two shopping districts would complement each
other's offerings and experiences.
DBI strongly encouraged the opening of, yea round Downtown
V isitor Information Center which served over Count, customers in the
first 3 months of full time operation.
DBI Special Events
Bands on the Bricks: The region most popular summer
concert series happens Wednesday nights in lone, July and August,
with the are,*, honest bands performing in front ofthe Boulder
County Courthouse
ArtFair: Downtown's oW,,t,nd most prestigious event draws
15o,oco people the third weekend in July. This event attracts over i5o
talented artists from Boulder and around the country.
Boulder Fall Festival: Boulder', Oktaberkst katures Festival
food, top area inkrobrews, great local bands, an art fair, and
children's carnival rides. This is one of goulder's most popular events.
Lights of December Parade: The Lights of December Parade
is a hometown community celebration complete with "lighted Boats,"
marching bards, hone drawn carriages, nrokn, children dressed
as reindeer, and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Other Activities: DBI sponsors: a golftoumament to benefit
the Kid Links program at Boulder Community Hospital; Munchkin
Masquerade; Switch on the Holidays lighung ceremony; President's
Day Sale; Noon Tunes; August Sidewalk Sale; Annual Downtown
Awards Luncheon; and Monthly Downtown Community Exchanges.
Downtown Boulder gift cards are accepted at over i5o downtown
businesses. The cards make wonderful gifts and employee
incentives, and are a great way to bring more customers to your
establishment. Over Stoo,000 in Downtown Gift Cards are sold
annually.
MAKE SURE YOUR BUSINESS IS NOT LEFT OUT.
"DBI gift cards stand for `Driving Business In.' They
bring in incremental revenue at zero cost and
virtually no effort on our part. This is a great way to
introduce new customers to your business,"
—Jack Stoakes, General Manager, Liquor Mart
I
4
s 3 E
Rg 8 4
3it
1 W
�yy gg
-i.s li5i .03
n IL
5 9 B g 8
w
!�
ss
`�
3
N
s
N
a a
• � m � � � � -0 p^ � l S � � -0cC obi ` 4gg y ` � � � � � 8
Y
I� H e " 3 5 g '� �
3t A' .$ 3 a
6
yc � mg,o so�ti5 a r� nrS��O ��'m
fill
�3
A
Jill
®&
E
No
W'r�d W �M ' s�ppppsuy�y vqM W suv,11M �
aid
N � 4
2 gLSn S a5 gs.m c8^'
a° Y
0 � $mmm$48��a�S.g��i3;5e9
❑ E � E S° 5 `c m 5 0' � � b � c ~ � A � A 3 w w� �m w � s M $ 6 $ `o � g
IOWA
0000
AREi
00OF
ENv1 S I N
FEBRUARY 2008 www.lowacityarea.com
MUDDY CREEK?
k
e
7
On this late January day, Muddy Creek in Coral looks more like icy creek with a thick layer of ice
and a blanket of snow. Spring is only six weeks away!
I„
BUSINESS -FRIENDLY CITIES
What's the use?
BY WENDY FORD, ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
IW wendy-ford@iowa-city.org
Turns out this might be the best question you
can ask yourself ifyou are in business.Though
it might sound tongue in cheek, if you own or
lease land or if you want to own or lease land
for your business, your next question should
be, "What uses are permitted on the land?"
1 You'll find the answer in the zoning code.
Zoning codes are laws that exist for the greater
good of the community. The laws protect
'rye citizens and property values, and provide for
the orderly arrangement and growth of the
community. Some might argue they infringe
on personal freedoms, but among other things,
these laws prohibit hog lots in your neighbor's
back yard; they limit the lumens that parking
lot lights can beam in your bedroom window
and they ensure that the bakery on the comer
won't become a gas station.
If you want to open or move a business, it
is best to first determine where your business
may locate before purchasing or leasing
property. If you want to sell or lease your
5property, you need to know what uses are
f permitted on the lot to expedite the process.
To do that, you can either talk to the friendly
ii staff at City Hall or you can look it up in the
Zoning Code yourself at City Hall, the Iowa
City Public Library or online atwwwicgov.org/
housing/zoning/.
To determine the land uses allowed on
your property you must first locate your
property on the City's most current zoning
map. The zoning map shows the base zone
that applies to your property. Then, look in
the Zoning Code for the corresponding
regulations for that base zone. In each base
zone chapter of the code there is a handy
table listing permitted land use categories,
uses permitted with provisions or allowed
only if a special exception is granted by the
Board of Adjustment.
To allow for orderly growth, to bridge
old laws with updated ones and to simplify
regulations, the zoning code classifies land
uses into broad categories. For example, in
the table of uses allowed in the Community
Commercial (CC-2) Zone, you will find the
category "Retail Uses" under which "Sales -
Oriented Retail Uses," "Repair Oriented,"
and "Outdoor Storage and Display" and
others are also subgroups. You can then
determine to which subgroup your business
belongs. Since all similar uses are subject to
the same zoning standards (parking, lighting,
landscaping, etc.), it is relatively easy for one
retail business to convert to another retail
business over time. We encourage you to
talk with City staff or check the use
classification chapter of the zoning code if
you have any question about which broa
category your business falls under.
What's the use? continued on page vii
CORRIDOR LOBBYING
Members key
to legislative
success
BY REBECCA NEADES, VICE
PRESIDENT &DIRECTOR, PUBLIC
POLICY
rneades@iowacityarea.com
Legislatively, February is a busy month with
several opportunities for members to support
the Iowa City Area
Chamber of Commerce
mission: activelyfostera
better business
environment."
On February 11 the
Area Chamber will
host the federal lobby-
ing trip to Washington,
D•C•, nction Rebecca Neades
with th ident, Director of
Area C
resent
MAKE A DII
organ What's the use? continued from page 1
mem
and The base zone chapters of the code also
key contain dimensional standards, such as
minimum lot size, building setback
rec requirements and height limitations. If your
Co property has unique characteristics making it
In difficult to comply with zoning rules, the Board
th of Adjustment has the power to adjust some
C of the rules by granting a special exception.
Check with City staffifyour property presents
a particular challenge to see if a special
exception might be a possibility.
Our advice is to learn the uses allowed on
your property and learn how changes of use
will affect conformance on your lot. When you
know this about the lot you own or lease, or
about the lot you would like to own or lease,
you'll be ahead of the game. For Iowa City
zoning code questions, talk to Jann Ream, code
enforcement officer at (319) 356-5120. For
other business questions, call Wendy Ford,
economic development coordinator at
(319) 356-5248
C
Ior
SE
Net
alvill
e Bui
4:00
over Wa
& Confer
.1owacity
1 as it be(
Corrldor tobbying con 637 to regis