HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-08-16 Bd Comm. Minutes%Q\
611 NI ITHS
COINII'RIMENS I VE PLAN CUt RDI NAI' I NG COPNI I'I HT
.II111Y -'h, 1977 -- 7:30 P.M.
CI'T'Y MANAGEIt'.S CONFMO N:li ROOM
MEMIUMS PRESENT: Cain, Jakobsen, Nouhauser, Ogesen, ferret, Vetter
MEMBERS ABSENT: Blum, deProsse
STAPH PRESENT: Berlin, Ceshwiler, Kraft, Simpkins
GUESTS 11RHSENT: Nmi I Brandt
Chairman Ogesen called the meeting to order. Minutes for the July 14 meeting
were distributed.
The motion from the June. 23 meeting to raise the proposed multifamily parking
requirements in the draft zoning ordinance by .5 each was withdrawn. The
committee approved the staff's recommendation to raise those requirements by
.2S space each.
ISSUES AND ALTERNATIVES
Committee members asked what role the Planning and Zoning Commission would have
in the issue:: and alternatives process. Kraft stated that although Pf,Z would
receive copies of all materials given to CI'CC, that commission would not
have to second or endorse everything ;it thi!; stage in development of the Compre-
hensive flan. It was the consensus of the committee that all materials should
ha sent to 14;Z, and if I'l;Z docs; not respond prior to its next meeting, CPCC
will assume they approve of the.• material.
The Issues and Alternatives For Nowntown, Growth Monagcment and Administration,
Community Pacilitios and Services, Land Use, (lousing, Iinergy, Industrial Nevelop-
ment, and Neighborhood Conservation and Protection were approved with the following
changes:
Downtown
Issue: What should he the eventual traffic circulation pattern in the down-
town area?
Changes: The fourth alternative was deleted.
Issue: How should parking he paid for in the downtown area?
Changes: The first alternative was changed to read, "The park and shop concept
should bo encouraged in Iowa City."
An alternative was lidded: "The ride and shop concept should he
encouraged in Iowa City."
Issue: what should the city do in regard to urban design?
Changes: The word "strict." was deleted in alternative three.
Alternative four was deleted.
Growth Management and Administration
Issue: which development pattern would most effectively provide n quality
environment for Iowa City's residents?
0 •
Changes: Alternative one was deleted.
Issue: What rate of growth is desired for Iowa City?
Changes: The staff was asked to clarify alternative four.
Issue: Should additional notice to affected citizens he roquired in
rezoning decisions?
Changes: An alternative was added: "Nolice of proposed ,.oning changes should
he mailed to the owners of included and immediately adjacent
properties and costs borne by the city."
Issue: What should the city's policy be regarding development activities
occurring outside the city limits but within the two-mile extra-
s territorial control area of Iowa City?
Changes: The possibility of permitting large lot subdivisions in rural areas
was added as an alternative. In a subdivision with lots over one
acre in size, the developer would not have to conform to urban
subdivision requirements.
Community Facilities and Services
Issue
Changes:
Isruo:
Changes:
Issue:
Changes:
What park and recreation areas should the city provide and maintain
for present and future population?
An alternative was added: "Require dedications from private developers
(baser] on area or number of units)."
flow should library facilities be improved:'
The possibility of expanded hours was added to alternative three.
flow much recreation equipment nrxl facilities should the city provide?
An alternative was added: "Expand recreation facilities at. a site
other than the recreation center."
Committee members requested that an issue concerning joint -use of city facilities
including schools, parks, and the library he added.
I'? Land Use
Issue: What policy should the city adopt towards annexation?
Changes: Alternative one was changed to read, "Annex by watershed."
Add an alternative: Should the city annex before or after an area
is developed?
Issue: flow can densities of residential areas he increased without
adversely affecting existing residents?
Changes: An alternative was added: "Scatter higher densities throughout the
city."
Issue: flow should the city use topography, soils, distance from core areas,
utilities, trafficways and vegetation as locational criteria in
planning and zoning?
Changes: The word "water" was added to the issue, and to the second alternative.
An alternative to research other uses of steep slopes was added after
alternative one and the remaining alternatives renumbered.
Issue: What policy should the city adopt towards the existence of land uses
with obsolcro locations?
Changes: The word "provide" was changed to "require" in alternative three.
An alternative was added: "Choose the most appropriate alternative
(above) for the individual case."
(lousing
Issue: flow should the majority of new multifamily housing he provided?
Changes: The words "the majority of" were deleted from the issue.
The word "equal" was deleted from the sixth alternative.
Issue: What should the city do to encourage provision of lowor-cost housing?
Ch:mgos: Alternative one was deleted.
Ali alternative to look al alternate housing for low and moderate
income people was added.
Issuc: what should the city do to inipruvv the quality of housing?
Changes: Alternative two was changed to read, "Enact additional construction
and site requiroments for moo tifamily housing to encourage additional
amenities (e.g., outdoor recreation areas, balconies, and porches)."
Iincr-
Issue: What activities should the city pursue to assure energy and resource
conservation?
Changes: Alternatives five and six were deleted.
Issua: [low active a role should the city take in resource recovery and
recycling?
Changes: Alternative one was amended to read, "The city should financially
support recycling of waste materials."
An alternative was addad to r"gnire mandatory deposits on all beverage
containers.
Industrial Ih_vclopmont
Approved without change.
Neighborhood Conservation and Protection
Issue: Should a policy be adopted which encourages neighborhood preservation
by protecting existing resources and eliminating blighting conditions?
Changes: It was the consensus of the committee that alternatives one and two
should he rewritten to he more specific.
An alternative was added: "See alternatives two and three of the
fourth issue in the 'Transportation section."
A meeting to complete discussion of the Issues and Alternatives was scheduled
for 7:00 A.M. on Saturday, .July 30, 1977.
The meeting was adjourned.
s:
i
Prepared hy: A�
Debbe Simpkins, DCD
Approved by: 11741-
�lL_
Patt Cain
Secretary, CPC(:
I
M l MITES
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COORDINATING CIIMMITTIili
.IIII.Y .ill, 1977 -- 7:00 A.M.
CITY MANAGER'S CONITRI NCE RIIDM
MENIB RS PRESENT: Cain, Jakobsen, Nouhuuser, Dgesen, ferret, Vetter
MINBERS ABSENT: filum, deProsse
S'T'AFF PRESENT: Kraft, Simpkins
GUESTS PRESENT: Jim Narveson
Chairman (Igesen called the meeting to order. Discussion of rhe Issues and Alternatives
From the July 28 mooting cont inuod.
It was the consensus of the committee that when the revised Issues and Alternatives
are typed, the sources should be omitted except for neighborhood meetings and/or
survey percentages.
1
The Issues and Alternatives For the Neighborhood Conservation and Protection revision,
Commercial Devclopment, 'transportation, and Environment were approved with the follow-
ing changes:
Neighborhood F,onsorvation and I'rotoction (revision)
Issue: Should a policy be adopted which encourages neighborhood preservation by
protection existing resources and eliminating blighting conditions while
allowing change to occur?
Changes: Ali alternative to amend the zoning ordinance to reduce the intensity of
development was added.
Commercial Development
Issue: What policy should be adopted rog:n•difig Iho development of additional
outlying shopping centers?
ng" was changed to "rezoning" in alternative two.
I:h:egos: Tho word "down-u:ri
Is6uo: Should the development of small convenience commercial centers be permitted
in residential neighborhoods'.'
Changes: The following three al ternatives were added:
1. Identify areas where small convenience centers would he appropriate and
reserve land For this purpose.
2. Allow for neighborhood review of proposed convenience center Facilities.
3. Adopt performance standards which will regulate the location, design
and size of neighborhood convenience centers.
Transportation
Issue.: What balance of modes of transportation should Iowa City encourage through
budgeting and [:Ind use planning?
Changes: Alternative two was amended to rend, "Tho city should explore incentives to
discourage use of automobiles."
'Tho word "highway" was changed to "street improvements" in alternative
three .
9lne words "highway projects" were replaced by "transportation corridors"
in alternative four. 3
11ST
I'.•.nr; Ilnw •;hnuld Ihl•_rlle prat rrl r,••.I JruI I:II arra•. Ihml lu:lppnlllrial�• Irvl•I•:
of Ihruugh tr:l ll 1,
f(,;,I l:l"•: All :it lPrllfll iVI' In I•.\t11111'I• 1111' IIII•.'.I III I II it nl '•, 1'r,•III II); 111' II❑f tvi'lll );
I'r•:idencr•: ,I'rulu :n Ieria1 •.t rrr I : W;I addrJ.
Issue: In what neutnor should If)(- city :Itlralpt Io iuercaso inlrrsecIiOil safety and
erficiency?
Changes: The words "turning I:nx•s" were suhstitutcd for "I eft turn lanes" in
alternative two.
` Alternative four was deleted.
Issue: what should the city policy be in regard to pedestrian traffic?
Changes: Alternative four was deleted.
1
Issue: what should be the city policy regarding hikeways?
Changes: The following alternative was added: ('Bikeways should he separate from
wa 1 kways .11
Ali issue was added concerning; ways to deal with traffic problems other than by con-
sll'uction. Staggorcd enlpluyment hours, c;lrpouls, and rouunurer parking lots were suggested.
talc i rulunenl.
I I issue:
1
1
changes
Issue:
Changes:
Issue:
Charogcs:
Issue:
j Chang;r.s:
Changes:
what measure!; can the city follow to protect residents and their property
from flood waters along; Italston Creek?
Alternative one was dulotcd.
Alternative three was amended to rc-ad "Pt rc'hase and remove structures in
the floodway."
An alternative was added to acquire land along the creek for a linear park.
(low can the city encourage tree plantings"?
'rhe word "minor" was deleted in alternative one.
An alternative was added -- Explore incentives to encourage tree plantings.
Where should the new sewage treatment facility he lecated?
The entire issue was deleted.
Iluw can the city
prescrvo prism agr'iculNN' 1 brad?
Alturnntivu one
was rh:lnl;ed to read,
"'Lone I:md will]
high crop suitability
(e.g., rating of
Iglu or more avemige
production over
the I;Ist five years)
as agricultural
is long ;is alternate
devolopnlcnt sites avoilahle.
Ilow can the city
provide and protect:
trees and other
vegetation for the
communiry?
'rhe entire issue
was deleted.
Cotrmtitteo members requested that the issue of how the city can provide for the pre
-
servation of open areas he added with niternntives including acquire land, land trust.,
casements, tax advantages (incentives), and transfer of development rights.
The meeting was adjourned.
Prepared by!
_U.GD��W
hchhe Simpkins, f)f)
Approved by: J2E�:'• a— i✓._—
Patl Chit1
Secretary, CI'CC
WNUPES
Iowa City Hosing Conanission
July 14, 1977
FNGINFERING CONFERENCE ROOM
M9,113FRS PRESWr: Ilibbs, Lombardi, Kamath, Owens, Smithy, Pollock
MEMBERS ABSWr: None
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Burke, Seydel
SUh44ARY OF DISCUSSION AND ACTION TAKEN
Hibbs asked for opening statements from members. Lombardi said that
inspections should continue to include SFD and duplex rentals and that
these should be licensed.
Code draft was reviewed and the Conanission brought up the following
points:
Chapter 7
B. hho is responsible to supply kitchen equipment?
E. Lavatory should be nearby but not required in same room.
J.l.a. Secondary egress requirement questioned by some members, and
supported by others. No vote was taken on this item.
2.b. Handrail on left side of stairway considered overly specific
and unnecessarily restrictive.
2.f. Questioned whether a self closer is necessary.
Chapter 8
A -D Members do not want this included in Housing Code and would not
approve items known to be in conflict with Zoning Code and UBC.
They cannot reconcile conflicting standards and do not feel these
items relate directly to health and safety.
Members suggest we disregard these and let State charge us with
non -enforcement.
E. Members object that this is not consistent with energy conservation,
or current new construction practices. Also seems to conflict
internally with2.a. of same Chapter.
Kamath calls attention to Standard Iowa Exemption Law in bankruptcy
cases when court rules that a horse mentioned in State Code may now
be construed as an auto.
3'138
F.2 Needs definition "emergency circuit".
c. Bathroom windoiv 4 sq. ft. unrealistic by current conditions.
2.a Does this really apply to all habitable rooms instead of supplying
a window? Can artificial light and ventilation be substituted
anywhere? Members request legal opinion.
MINUTES
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
JULY 25, 1977 7:30 P.M.
CITY MANAf,FR'S CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Woodard, Braverman, McComas, Madison, Costantino.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Matsumoto, Scott, Gilroy (excused).
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Ryan, Zukrowski.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL
None.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO TIIE STAFF AND CITY MANAGER
None.
PENDING ITEMS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL
Filling of the Commissioner vacancy. Zukrowski reported
that the City Clerk received one formal application. For
those individuals who are on file as expressing interest
in serving on the Human Rights Commission, the City Clerk
needs to send a letter requesting that the individual
confirm their interest. The Chair indicated the Commis-
sioners contact those individuals who may be interested in
serving on the Commission.
SUMMARY OF RELEVANT DISCUSSION
The meeting was called to order at 7:55 P.M. Braverman
moved, Madison seconded to accept the minutes, as revised
from the June 25, 1977 meeting. The motion passed. Visitors
were Ann Hawkins (KXIC) and Clemens Erdahl who addressed
the Commission. There was no public discussion.
A. Chairperson Correspondence:
The Chair noted and circulated the letter of response from
Ms. Bataille, State Civil Rights Commission, apologizing
for the cancellation of the conciliation workshop.
B. Chairperson's Recommendation:
No written Committee reports were submitted. The
Commissioners discussed who is responsible for recording
the minutes of each Committee's meeting in response to
Zukrowski 's inquiry. Costantino noted that the Civil
Rights Specialist was responsible for attending meetings
and writing the minutes while other Commissioners
thought the Chair of the Committee was responsible for
the minutes. Zukrowski was to contact Scott for
clarification.
r
3y39 I
0 -2- 0
L. There were no comment, regarding revisions for the
comp leI.ion of Commission objectives. The Chair noted
further consideration be taken at the August Commission
meeting.
C. Conon itLee Report.,:
AI Firma l.ivv Ac 1. inn - no report.
2. Comp IainL Processing - Cos Lantino reported the Committee
met to revise the bylaws. Zukrowski noted that Gilroy
was preparing a draft of the revised bylaws. Costantino
thought the bylaws would be sent to the Commissioners
prior to the August meeting.
3. Ordinance Implementation/Education - no report.
4. Outreach/Advocacy -
a. Newsletter - Madison reported that several ideas
for a newsletter were discussed. The newsletter
is to include highlights from the Commission's
monthly meeting.
b. Brochure - 'fhe CummiLtee also generated ideas for
a brochure. It, was expected that Rudorfer would
present a sample brochure to the Commission.
Madison noted she was unable to contact Rudorfer
before the Commission meeting. No presentation
was made.
D. Urban Potential Workshop
Zukrowski reported scheduling and preparing for the
Workshop without Committee participation because of the
limited time involved. Approximately 70 invitations were
mailed to individuals representing a cross section of
the community and who were suggested by Scott and Costantino
The Commissioners noted that Colleen Jones, Philip Jones,
Mary Jo Small, and Minnette Doderer should be invited.
Zukrowski reported that there will be a follow-up to the
initial mailing.
Zukrowski inquired whether the Commission would underwrite
some participant's registration fee if needed and noted
that some costs had already been incurred for room rental.
Commissioners discussed whether the budget permits such
financial support and the amount which could be offered.
The budget, which does not differentiate between the Human
Relations Department and the Human Rights Commission, reflects
$120 for meals and $1,250 for training. Costantino suggested
concelling the aworkship if less than 20 individuals were
participating to avoid subsidizing the $2,500 required to
cover C.T. Vivian's expenses. It was noted that the commit-
tment prevented another organization from sponsoring the
workshop.
O
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McComas moved, Braverman seconded that Zukrowski would
have the discretion to use up to $500 to underwrite
registration fees. Braverman moved and McComas seconded to
amend "up to $500" to "up to $250". The amendment passed
with Braverman, McComas, and Madison voting "Aye", Costantino
opposed. The original motion to underwrite registration
fees also passed with Braverman, CcComas and Madison voting
"Aye", Costantino opposed.
Costantino opposed use of Commission funds for non -Commission
part ir.ipants st:atinq that. limited funds should be spent
for Commissioners' awn training.
E. Civil [tights Specialist's Staff Report -
1. There were no questions regarding the written report.
2. Zukrowski noted receiving an inquiry from the State Urban
Potential coordinator about position openings in Iowa
City for a minority lawyer. Commissioners disagreed
whether it is appropriate for the Commission to receive
and refer individual employment inquiries. Braverman
rioted that the Commission's functions do not include
employment referrals while Costantino commented that the
Human Rights Commission is a service agency and such
announcements can be made at Commission meetings.
F. Administrative Rules for New Ordinance
A copy of the definition of probable cause, as revised
was provided for easy future reference.
G. (lousing Discrimination
Clemens Erdahl from the Citizen's Housing Center, 354-4498,
addressed the Commission. Relevant materials provided to
the Commission focusing on housing discrimination included:
Guide to Practice Open Ilnu::inry Law, and xeroxed articles
about redlining from thefl-es Moines Register and Iowa
Lyslander.
Erdahl stressed the existence of a housino crisis in Iowa
City which critically affects low income persons, those
traditionally discriminated against, and foreign scholars
who are unfamiliar with renting practices. Erdahl noted
less than a 1% vacancy rate in Iowa City which is below
the 5% vacancy rate federal guidelines use to define a
housing crisis.
f.rdahI noted an increase in the number of housing dis-
crimination complaints received by the student university
organizations. The speaker felt that referrals to the
City's Human flights Commission may be limited because
of the more recent active involvement by the Tenant
Union and tire Student Protective Association in addition
to the Commission's emphasis on conciliation.
Erdahl explained the fol Iowino practices: redlining,
testing, auditing, and steering.
Redlining
This practice by lenders of restricting investments in
certain communities may oxist in Iowa City but the racial
overtones cited in the newspaper articles are limited.
Limited investments in older neighborhoods primarily
affect single women and the elderly.
Testing
Testing is a method of (lathering evidence to document
discriminatory housing or renting practices.
Audit
In a large, complicated situation, it is necessary to
conduct several tests over time or an audit.
Steering.
Steering is the practice of consciously directing minority
group members to certain housing unites while making other
units available only to majority group members.
Mr. Erdahl presented two suggestions to the Commission for
dealing with discriminatory housing practices. First,
Erdahl suggested an outreach program to contact student
minority groups and tenants' organizations to facilitate
cooperation and interaction. One problem cited by Erdahl
is that individuals may not realize they are being dis-
criminated against.
Secondly, Erdahl suggested the Commission make known
to landlords and realtors their liability to suit and
discrimination charges. Erdahl feels many landlors,
realtors and their representatives are unaware of the
possible repercussions of discriminating. Erdahl stated
that using an injunction in housing discrimination cases
is an important and effective tool in order to provide
relief to the aggrieved party.
Other remarks made during the presentation were:
1. The Human Rights Commission has a duty to educate
the public and publicize the law. The Commission should
not worry about possible political repercussions.
2. The emphasis of State and local nondiscrimination
ordinances is on conciliation.
i
5 0
The State ordinance does not provide for punitive
damages.
3. Be ca use of the 1.ight housing market, it is difficult
to understand or establish a pattern of discrimination.
And, discrimination may be seasonal and based on economic
considerations.
4. Replacement costs and refurbishing a residence may
be more expensive than new construction. Furthermore,
new construction maybe depressed because of restrictive
city ordinances.
II. Complaints
1. Cases in litigation - Yellow Cab, Westinghouse.
No movement
2. Dispositions
a. E-7515 : Ryan reported that key witnesses would
be available for public hearing and felt this was a
strong case for public hearing.
Costantino wanted to defer action until she could
consult the other member of the conciliation team and
confer with Morgan about the public hearing process.
b. H-7603, H-7604 : It was questioned whether this
case is appropriate for public hearing. However,
public hearing would focus attention on the problem
and repercussions of a discriminatory housing practice.
Costantino wanted to defer action until she could
consult with Morgan about the public hearing process.
c. E-7605 : Zukrowski reported that Scott requested
some changes in the conciliation agreement.
d. H/D, 6-10-7701 : Case closed. Costantino requested
a copy of the conciliation agreement.
e. E/R, 4-6-7705 : Zukrowski provided additional
relevant case decisions, A meeting with the con-
ciliation team, Ryan and Zukrowski is to be held.
f. E-7701 : Zukrowski is reviewing the case and
pursuing additional information.
-6-
3. Pending cases
a. PA -7604 : Zukrowski is to send a letter to the
State requesting an update on the status.
4. Cases to be monitored Currently, there are none
in the monitoring stage.
5. Cases closed
a. E-7610 No appeal by complainant
I. Other
1. 8. Ettleson is conducting a workshop on how to lead
meetings. Zukrowski asked that those interested
notify her so Zukrowski can reserve a space. Costantino
indicated that she would like to attend.
2. August meeting set for August 29, 1977 at 7:30 P.M..
The agenda setting is August 19, 1977 at 3:00 P.M..
J. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M..
Jul
NI l NUTHS
IOWA CITY MANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
AUGUST 4 , 1977 -- 7:30 1'.1,1.
CIVIC CIATHR COUNCIL CIIAMIN:RS
1,11iM1WIN 11111iS1iNT: C;]in, Vol ter, .hikahsrn, ilgr•;cu, Kannncrmcyur.
NIIiMBERS ABSENT: BIIIIII, l.chrnan
STAFF PRESENT: Schmciscr, Boothroy, Child
ItECME,11M)ATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL:
I. To approve A-7701, application submitted by 8arkur and Barker Development
Company to annex n 2.7 -acro Iraet. of land local cd west of Ilighway 1 and
Dane,S Dairy and contiguous to Lhe south City lhill ts. Approval was recommended
as a means of assuring more orderly growth in the area.
2. That the arca described in 'Z-7704 fa 2•7 -acre Ir•act of land located west of
Ilighway I and Ilanc's Dalry and contiguous to the south City Iimits) he zoned
Cl 1.
'I'a approve 5-7733, application submitted by Business Development, Inc. a
preliminary plat of a 112.5 -acre tract of land located north of Ifcinz (toad
and west of Scott Boulevard, with the following waivers :jilt] contingencies:
( I ) that requirements for sidewalks be waived;
(2) that an agrecrnunt. be submitted indicating that no development of Lot 5
,hall he permitted until Such time as cithcr a resubdivision or an I.SNRD
plan has been submitted for Lot 5; and
(:5) that a waiver he Itrail ted in the installation of the public. improvements
for Lot 5 at this time.
4. To approve 5-7738, the final plat of Vnlluy View Of' It! ver 110ights, Second
Addition, subject to compli:mcc of the following deficiencies :Ind discrepancies:
(I) the legal description of the subdivision should he referenced to
a Section cornet•;
(2) signatures of the registered land surveyor all(] of the utility companies
should he provided; and
(3) correction of a discrepancy with the legal description in the distance
of the north lot I i no of ],at I I.
REQUESTS '1'O THE CITY MANAGER FOR INFORMATION Olt STAIT ASSISTANCE:
None
LIST OF MATITRS PENDING COMMISSIONICOUNCII, DISPOSITION:
I. 11-7317. Creation of a University Zone (U),
2. 11-7410. Creation of a Mobile Iforne Residential Zone (ItMll).
3. 11-7403. Revision of MI and M2 Zones.
SIIMMARY OF DISCII.SSION AND FORMAL M.I'lONS TAKEN:
Chairperson Cain culled the meeting to order and asked if anyone wished to discuss
items not includod on the agenda. No one responded.
0 0
Commissioners uneuliamrusly approvvd Iht• ulinnlos of Ihr meet ing held ou .July !I, 1977,
Willi the following cnl•rorlione: (11 the word•. ":old coalingencics" Should be added
to 1 he I'i I I It i l em on page our :uul t by I %1 11 pa ragr:iph on pair o l n road: wit h
Iho rolluwing waivrl alld rnnl iagrnriI...... I.'I Ihr Ia';1 •;I•nlvurr of IIu• fil't11
palral;raJill on pagv four should Dr rhnll;rd to read: "In Ibc pa -.l, Ibc I'lj% I:UIIIIIII:.'.1UII
has disrue;scd the acquieitioil of Ihr !nbjccl prnprrly :r; park J:Ind."
Barker and Barker Develohmerlt_CumpmU h>_s sulrnlitt(_d applications 1'01, annexation,
rezoning from County CII to City (:II, andl preliminary and final plat approval of a
2.7 -acre tract of land located west of Highway I and Mane's Dairy and contiguous
to the south City limits; 45 -day limitation period: 8/20/77; GO -day limitation
Ile rjoil : 9/4/77. (ai A-7701. Public discussion. (b) 2-7704. ]'uhllc discuss I
(ct SS -7730. Public (Iiecussiart. -------
Dong Buothroy, Assistant Planner, stated t.hal the Staff reconuaended ;approval of
III(! annexation.
The Commission unanimously recoamlended to the City Council approval of A-7701,
application submitted by Barker and Banker Development Company to annexa 2.7 -acre
tract of land located west of highway I and Dane's Dairy and contiguous to the
south City limits. Approval of the annexation was recommended as a means of
assuring more orderly growth in the arca.
Boothroy stated that the Staff recommeade(I (:I zoning instead of (:II zoning which
was requested by the applicant.
(:[luck Mullen, attorney representing the applicant, expressed a desire to amend their
original application to request C2 zoning instead of' (:II zoning. C2 zoning would
he more in character with development that has already occurred to the area, Mullen
suid. If the area were to be zoned CI now, he said, the character of uses which
would he imposed would be sopnewhat inconsistent with already existing development.
Ilan Schmeisur, Senior Planner, stated that. Ile would be very nwch opposed to a C2
zoning classification for the subject property and pointed out that a C2 zone
allows general business uses. Ogesen questioned the status of' the amendments to
the ordinance regarding parking requirements. Schnleiscr responded that consideration
would he given to the ordinance at the next City Council meeting, August 9, 1977.
Mullen stated that if the City should in the future rezopxpthe subject area by an
involuntary annexation procedure to a CI zoning classification, non -conforming
uses would be created. This would be out of character with the existing rulings
of the Supreme Court, he said.
Ogesen stated that if commercial uses arc to he located next to residential uses,
it would seem "wi.se planning" to impose the most restrictive commercial zoning
theordinance allows. The more restrictive zone would act as a transition zone, he
said, and he favored Cl zoning.
Because of eventual street patterns in the subject arcia, Kammermcyer said he would
Ile willing to favorably consider the CII zoning. Ile said he would he opposed to
C2 zoning. Vetter and Cain also indicated a preference for CII zoning. .lakobson
0 0
3 -
thought a Cl zone would be a proper step down rrom residential zoning.
A motion was made by Ogesen, secoodal by .lakubsen, to recommend to the City Council
that the area described in A-7701 (:i 2.7 -acro tract of land located west of'llighway
I and Dane's Dairy and contiguous to the south laity knits) be annexed to the
City and zoned CI.
Schmciscr pointed out that it Cl zoning were desired, it would be proper to deny
the applicant's request and to r•ecommcnd Cl zoning in lieu thereof. The motion
was withdrawn.
The Commission approved by a 3-2 vote a motion to recommend to the City Council
that the arca described in A-7701 (a 2.7 -acre tract of land located west of Highway
I and bane's hairy and contiguous to the south City limits) he zoned Of. Ogesen
and Jakobsen dissented.
Duult Iloothroy noted that n memorandum hnd been rcccived rrom liugcnc Metz, City
lingincer, regarding requirement: that should be met prior to approval of the
preliminary plat. Boothroy started that additional Staff' time was needed to
provide a more thorough review of the application.
The Commission unanimously defcrred consideration or S-77.30, application submitted by
Danker and Barker Development Company, until Lite next regularly scheduled P$Z
meeting, August 18, 1977, to allow the Start' additional time for review of the
application.
Cain suggested that the highway Commission should be contacted and written comments
obtained regarding construction of the street.
S-7733. Public discussion of an application submitted by Business Development,
1Iv _M)royal of a preliminary plat of a 112.5 -acre tract or land located north o
Iloinz Road and west or Scott Boulevard; 45 -day limitation: Aut3ust 29. 1977.
(Iain rioted that it letter had been received from Keith Kafer, lixecutive Secretary
or Business Development, Inc. requesting that the requirement of sidewalks he
war i ved.
Schmei.ser stated that all deficiencies and discrepancies had been corrected and
the Staff recommmulcd approval of the plat.
The Commission unanimously recommended approval of S-7733, application submitted by
Business Development, Inc., a preliminary plat of n 112.5 -acre tract of land
located north of Heinz (toad and west of Scott Boulevard, with the following waivers
and contingencies:
(1) that requirements for sidewalks be waived;
(2) that an agreement he submitted indicating that no development or Lot 5 shall
be permitted until such time as either a resubdivision or an ISNIID plan has
been submitted for Lot 5; and
(3) that a waiver be granted in the installation of the public improvements for
Lot 5 at this time.
Ogcscn noted that the agreement should besubmitted before City Council consideration.
■
0 10
5-7738. Review of the final plat of Vallr' View of ItiIle" lIt! ights, Second Addition.
5chau•isur explained (11.11 although the subject addilioa is located within the
annexation arca of Iowa City ;1s established ill an al;rceuwnt with the City OF
Coralville, the City of Coralville has cxtratcrritor•ial jurisdiction over this
suhdivision located in Johnson County. 'Therefore, the City of Coralville has
submitted the subdivision to the City ol• Iowa City for review and comment.
Schmeiser noted that the take will he constructed within the suhdivision which
is permissihle according to the Sturm Rater Management Ordinance. Commissioners
questioned whether Lot A would be of an adequate size to hold enough water for a
100 -year flood. Kammormeyer• stated that it would seem extremely difficult to make
the necessary calculations to make such a determination. Commissioners encouraged
the developer to construct the take as largo as possible.
Chinn Shoemaker, Council member of the laity of Coralville, stated that the County
had approved the, subdivision contingent upon approval by Coralville and Iowa City.
A prohlcm with street width was one of the reasons why Coralville's staff recommended
denial of the application, Shoemaker said. Schmeiser noted that the City Council
would consider the application at the meeting held on August 9th..
The Commission unanimously recommended approval of 5-7738, the final plat of Valley
View of River Heights, Second Addition, subject to compliance of the following
deficiencies and discrepancies:
(II the legal description of the subdivison should he referenced to a section
corner;
(2( signatures of the rogistered land surveyor and of the utility companies
should be provided; and
(3) correction of a discrepancy with the legal description in the distance of
the north lot line of Lot If.
of an application in the Coon" to rezone a tract of land located east of
Commissioners discussed n letter to he sent: to the .Johnson County Zoning Commission
concerning rezoning and expansion of Sunrise Village Motif to Home Park. Attached
to these minutes is a copy of that letter.
Commissioners discussed the possihility of a joint meeting with the •lohnson County
Zoning Commission in Septumher.
Chairperson Cain gave a brief report on the August 2nd City Council meeting.
Commissioners Cain and Jakobscn agreed to attend a meeting on August 15th regarding
the location of the proposed Iowa City sewage treatment plant.
The meeting adjourned.
Prepared hy:
Sherry Chi �}',/�ix;i) "scretary
/
Approved hy: � ItiW v �LLCiI
.I IFita Vetter, Pf,Z Secretary
• •
�/I• O//�/(O�W///y� �f�/' ////�//]! _
CIVIC C,Nna. IIB WA9
WI ST.
10NA CITY. IOWA i240U-k;
August 5, 1977
.Johnson County Zoning Commission
c/o Zoning Department
P.O. Box 126
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re: Application for rezoning
Dear Commissioners:
The Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed an application
to rezone a tract of land on the east side of Scott Boulevard immediately
north of the Sunrise Village Mobile Home Park to a CH Zone. Commissioners
expressed several concerns and wished to convey these concerns to you in
your review of the application. Basically, these concerns arc enumerated
as follows:
1. The primary concern is the establishment of commercial zoning along
Scott Boulevard, a future major arterial street. There have been
repetitive attempts by developers to zone land along Scott Boulevard
within the City for commercial development who have consistently been
discouraged from applying for rezoning. There is an existing
undeveloped tract within three quarters of a mile of the subject
property for commercial use. It is anticipated that the tract will
develop as a neighborhood shopping center to serve the needs of the
residents within this area.
It is our understanding that, like the City's Zoning Ordinance, the
County's Ordinance only permits mobile home parks within a commercial
zone and it is also our understanding that the County proposes to
establish a Mobile Home Residence Zone to correct some of the
difficulties with the present Ordinance.
i
0
Johnson County Zoning Commission
August 3, 1977
Page 2
0
2. The City has received a number of complaints, as we know the County
has, concerning the conditions of the existing Sunrise Village
Mobile Home Park. It is fearful that the new mobile home park
might be developed in such a manner that potential problems might
later occur.
3. According to our soil survey, a copy of which is attached for your
information, this tract is prime agricultural land. The City is
considering making an attempt to preserve those areas of the City
not yet committed for development that are prime agricultural areas.
We would request that you give some consideration to this concern.
These concerns are expressed.to assist you in formulating a recommendation
concerning this application. If you would prefer, a Commission member
could attend your meeting to express these sentiments.
Sincerely, ,
i
Patricia Cain
Chairperson
Planning and Zoning Commission
/sc
w
• STAFF REPORT 0
To: Planning and Zoning Commission Prepared by: Doug Boothroy
Item: A-7701, Z-7704, S-7730. Barker's hate: August. 4, 1977
First Addition
GENERAL INFORMATION
Applicant:
Requested action:
Purpose:
Location:
Size:
-.Existing land use and zoning:
Surrounding land use and zoning:
Applicable regulations:
45 -day limitation period:
60 -day limitation period:
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Public utilities:
Public services:
Transportation:
Barker and Darker Development Co.
c/o Robert Barker
2002 Dunlap Court
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Annexation, rezoning from County CH
to City CII, and preliminary and final
plat approval.
the development of four commercial
lots
West of Highway 1 and Dane's Dairy
and contiguous to the south City
limits.
2.70 acres
Undeveloped and County CH
North - undeveloped and R3
West - undeveloped and CII
South - office and commercial and CH
Bast - Dane's Dairy and C11
Annexation procedures of Chapter 368.7,
State Code of Iowa and requirements of
the Subdivision Code and Storm Water
Management Ordinance.
8/20/77
9/4/77
Adequate sewage service is available.
City water does not presently serve
the site but should be extended as
soon as is possible.
Sanitation service is available as
well as police and fire protection.
Vehicular access is proposed from
Highway 1 via Willow Crock Drive.
Physical characteristics: Topography is gentle with a slope
less than five percent.
ANALYSIS
The applicant is petitioning the City for annexation of a 2.7 -acre tract which
is located contiguous to the City and zoned by the county for highway commercial
uses (CH). It is the intention of the applicant to subdivide his property into
four lots for uses as permitted within the City's C11 Zone. According to Chapter
409 of the Iowa Code, the City can enforce its subdivision requirements with
the plating of land within two miles of its corporate limits but as to what
use the land is developed, the county has control where it has adopted zoning
regulations. A key purpose of annexation is to promote orderly urban growth.
Therefore, annexation of the property in question would provide the City with
greater control of land development, particularly regarding its use, i.e.,
zoning regulations. It is the Staff's opinion that further unregulated or
uncoordinated development of this area (e.g., as occurred previously along
Highway 1) will have a continuing deleterious effect.
A City also should annex land when it is able to do so financially. Sewer
service has already been extended into this part of the City and is available
to the proposed annexation area. Water service is not presently accessible but
will be with the extension of a 12 -inch main as the land to the north develops
and Sunset Street is extended to Highway 1. Both of these facilities have
sufficient capacity and will easily accommodate the annexation area. In addition
to availability of sewer and the future extension of water services, other
important public facilities are available, e.g., fire and police. Therefore,
the public outlay for provision of services to the request area should be minimal.
If the subject area had been located in Iowa City prior to the commercial develop-
ment along Highway 1, it's doubtful whether the City would favorably consider a
request to zone this property to a commercial classification. This is assumed
for two reasons: (1) it is more desirable to concentrate commercial uses in
areasestablished in close association with other types of commercial uses.
Commercial uses in Iowa City are too dispersed and the lack of a policy (i.e.,
comprehensive plan) in part accounts for this development pattern, and (2) the
scatteration of urban type development into areas that are presently agricultural
is undesirable because it is not known what effect such uses might have on the
use of the surrounding property.
The applicant is requesting that upon annexation of his property, it be zoned to
CH; a use for which the county has zoned his property. An initial step was taker
toward the formulation of a set of policies to guide land development in this
area in 1969 with the preparation of the Southwest Area Study. The report
indicated that land between the present corporate limits and the proposed align-
ment of 518 would be a prime development area in the future and recommended it
be annexed to control further urban expansion. Also, it recommended that within
this territory no additional commercial zoning he approved. Obviously, the
analysis and recommendations presented in 1969 have not been closely followed by
the City. Commercial development has occurred along Highway 1 and in a strip
pattern. Granting of the applicant's request would reinforce the existing
development pattern. However, a denial of the subject request would not prohibit
commercial use because the land is presently zoned for this type of development
by the county. The only control the City can exercise over the development
would be through involuntary annexation and zoning. Until this is accomplished,
0
-3-
it is the Staff's opinion that any future commercial development permitted around
Highway 1 should be of a type most appropriate for neighborhood convenience. It
is the Staff's recommendation that upon annexation of the subject area, it be zoned
Cl Commercial. Although those uses as permitted with the Cl Zone cannot all be
considered as neighborhood, it is the most restrictive commercial zoning within
the City. If the existing zoning regulations did, in fact, contain provisions
for a neighborhood commercial zone, it would be the Staff's recommendation for
the area in question.
An important consideration with the proposed subdivision is access to Highway 1.
Discussions with the State Highway Division's engineer, Maury Burr, and review
of their planned improvements for Highway 1, indicates this highway to be a future
limited access road. With regard to this development, direct access to Highway
1 would be severed with the improvements and access provided by the state via a
frontage road to Sunset Street extended. The Staff wishes to avoid a recurrence
of a Keokuk -Hollywood Boulevard type of intersection and its related problems in
locating this frontage road. Therefore, the Staff recommends that Willow Creek
Drive turn and run along the easterly property line of Lot 4 to an intersection
with Sunset Street located well back from the Sunset-Ilighway 1 intersection.
It is the recommendation of the Staff that the Planning and Zoning Commission
approve the annexation and zone the subject area to Cl Commercial. Further, the
Staff recommends that consideration of the preliminary and final plat be deferred,
but that upon revision of the plat incorporating the deficiencies and discrepancies
noted below, the plat be approved.
DEFICIENCIES AND DISCREPANCIES
1. The location of the City limits should be shown on the plat.
2. The installation of 8 -inch water mains should be required. The water main
location and size, hydrants and necessary easements should be shown.
3. The location of all utilities and their easements should be shown.
4. The plan does not comply with the Storm Water Management Ordinance.
S. The construction plans for all public improvements need to be provided.
6. Signatures of the utility companies and of the registered land surveyor
should be provided.
7. The location, type, material, and size of markers should be shown.
8. Grades of proposed Willow Creek Drive should be shown.
9. Thickness of paving and sidewalks should be shown.
10. The existing street should be constructed to City specifications before
acceptance by the City. The street has four -inch mountable curbs on the
north side and no curbs on most of the south side -- curbs are required by
the Municipal Code to be constructed six inches high and non -mountable. As
presently constructed, the adjacent property would have continuous parking
access rather than systematically spaced approaches leading to designated
parking areas.
• -4-
9
II. An appropriate turn -around should he provided at the end of Willow Crock
Drive; permanent if the street is to be terminated :it its present location
and temporary if it is to be extended.
12. Complete curve notes nood to be provided For the intersection of Willow
Crock Drive with Highway I.
13. A temporary asphalt apron should be provided between the Willow Creek Drive
and Highway 1.
14. The Commission should waive the requirement that the streets intersect at
angles between 80 and 100 degrees since it is a temporary access.
15. Necessary casements should be provided to allow Willow Creek Drive to turn
northerly along the eastern boundary of Lot 4.
r;
i
Approved by: {tGlij
&,�
Dennis R. Kraft, it ctor
Dept. of Community Development
Ciry
\ \ Limirs
\� LOCA.T/ON_ MAP
A- 7701
Z - 770q
S-7730
STAFF IMPORT
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
item: S-7733. RDI, Second Addition
GENERAL INFORbIA'1'ION
Applicant:
Requested action:
Purpose:
Location:
Size:
Existing land use and zoning:
Surrounding land use and zoning
Applicable regulations
45 -day limitation:
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Public utilities:
Public services:
Transportation:
Physical characteristics:
I
Prepared by: Don Schmoiser
(late: August 4, 1977
Rosiness Development, Inc.
129 F. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Approval of a preliminary plat,
To establish five lots for industrial
development
North of Heinz Road and west of Scott
Boulevard
112.5 acres
Undeveloped and zoned Nil
South - undeveloped and warehousing
in an Nil Zone;
Bast (across Scott Boulevard) -
undeveloped (.Johnson County);
North (across railroad) - undeveloped
and zoned IIIA and RIB;
West - industry, warehousing, and
undeveloped; zoned M1.
Provisions of the Subdivision Ordinance
August 29, 1977
Adequate water service and sanitary
sewer service via a lift station are
available.
Police and fire protection are
available. Public sanitation service
would not he provided.
Vehicular access would be provided
from Heinz Road.
The topography is gentle with slopes
of less than five percent.
3,q-';7/ I
• 2 0
ANALYSIS
The subject plat is a subdivision of Lot 6 of Auditor's I'lat, No. 32. pour 3 -acre
lots and one 100 -acre lot are being established. The only concerns the Staff had
relating to the subject subdivision include:
1. installation of the improvements required by the Subdivision Ordinance for
Lot 5, and
2. the length of Heinz Road.
As it presumably is impossible to foretell what improvements will be needed for Lot
5,. the Staff would suggest that the applicant enter into an agreement with the City
waiving the requirements for the installation of the public improvements until such
future time as Lot 5 may be developed as was done with Sturgis Corner Addition (see
attached agreement). The obvious related concern is the length of Heinz Road which
now exceeds the maximum length permitted for a cul-de-sac. Provision, therefore,
should be made for extension of Heinz (toad to Scott Boulevard with the development
of Lot S.
RECOMENDAT'IONS
It is the Staff's recommendation that consideration of the subject plat be deferred
pending resolution of the deficiencies and discrepancies noted below. Upon revision
of the plat and submittal of an agreement deferring installation of public improve-
ments for Lot 5, it is the Staff's recommendation that the plat be approved.
Df:PICII:NCfRS AND DISCREPANCII:S
1. Storm water calculations should be submitted and storm water detention areas
illustrated on the plat. Alternative storm water storage requirements could
be satisfied upon the development of each lot in the subdivision when Large
Scale Non -Residential Development plans are submitted.
2. Engineering specifications on the size of a proposed box culvert and storm sewer
intakes should be excluded from the preliminary plat.
3. Existing and proposed water mains should be 12" in diameter.
4. Across -section of the entire right-of-way width of Heinz Road should be
illustrated and within said cross-section, sidewalks should he shown and a
2 percent parabolic crown on the street surface indicated.
5. Scott Boulevard should be indicated on the plat and the present width noted.
6. A note should be included on.the plat to the effect that extra width right-of-way
will be dedicated to the City along Scott Boulevard for street purposes.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Location map
2. Agreement for Sturgis Corner Addition
ACCOMPANIMENT
Preliminary plat.
Approved by:
Dennis Kraft, rfii. Community Dov.
C
&• �3
BEDE F1
DDIT 4-N
ry
LOCATION
IOWA . CITY, IOWA
f•10 Sr -P -LF- 5-7733
II
II
IIII
II
II
I LL
C
&• �3
BEDE F1
DDIT 4-N
ry
LOCATION
IOWA . CITY, IOWA
f•10 Sr -P -LF- 5-7733
AGln:> 4T
111115 AGR1-.E M?NP m1de by and between Gouthgote r,vrlopmrnt Conj-hiny, the
owners and developers, hereinafter called the Dirty of the first part, and the
City of Iowa City, Iowa, a municipal corporation, hereinafter called the party of
the second part,
WPTNESSETH:
In consideration of the party of the second part approving the preliminary
plat of the Sturgis Corner Addition of the following described property as set
forth in Exhibit A and by this reference made a part of this Agreement. The
party of the first part agrees that prior to the issuance of any building
permit for any construction or develolirent and prior to any installation of utili-
ties or other inprovenents upon Lot 2 of said preliminary plat the party of the first
part shall cause Lot 2 of Sturgis Corner Addition to he platted in conformance
with the provisions and requirements of Chapter 9.50 and other applicable ordinances
and provisions of the Municipal Code of the City of Iowa City, camonly known as
the subdivision code.
Further, it is intended and agreed that this agreermnt shall be binding, to
.the fullest extent permitted by law and equity, for the benefit and in favor of,
and enforceable by the party of the second part, its successors and assigns,
against the party of the first part, its successors and assigns and every successor
in interest to the above described property, or any part thereof or any interest
therein, and any party in possession or occupancy of the property of any part thereof.
It is further agreed between the parties that the sidewalks indicated on the
above preliminary plat for Lot 1 of said subdivision shall not be installed until
and unless the party of the second part deems it necessary upon review of Use
aforenentiomd plat of Lot 2 of Sturgis Corner Addition to install said side-
walks.
CITY OF IDWA CITY, IOWA
By: By�� �'C---
Mayor V j �[ Press t
By: By:
City Clerk cre
n DAVIDLGEASWND
�� 1
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CIVIC CENTER 410 E. WASHINGTON ST IOWA CITY IOWA 52240 (319) 354.18GD
NOTICE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF IOWA CITY IS CONSIDERING
APPOINTMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE:
COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS
Three vacancies - Two-year terms
October 1, 1977 - October 1, 1979
One vacancy - Unexpired term
September 20, 1977 - March 1, 1979
One vacancy - Unexpired term
September 20, 1977 - March 1, 1978
One vacancy - Unexpired term
September 20, 1977 - July 1, 1978
It is the duty of members of the Committee on Community Needs to coordinate
communication channels between groups and citizens of Iowa City and the
City Council and staff and then to responsibly respond to program proposals
as solutions designed to meet the community's needs.
Iowa City appointed members of boards and commissions must be qualified voters
of the City of Iowa City.
These appointments will be made at the September 20, 1977, meeting of the City
Council at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Persons interested in being
considered for these positions should contact the City Clerk, Civic Center,
410 East Washington. Application forms are available from the Clerk's office
upon request.
3ys3
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CIVIC CENTER 410 E. WASHINGTON ST IOWA CITY IOWA 52240 (319) 35A.180D
NOTICE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF IOWA CITY IS CON-
SIDEP,ING AN APPOINTMENT TO THE FOLLOWING
BOARD:
BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS AND APPEALS
- One vacancy - Four-year term
October 26, 1977 - October 26, 1981
This vacancy must be filled with a person who is a licensed (active)
electrical contractor. Iowa City appointed members of boards and
commissions must be qualified voters of the City of Iowa City.
It is the duty of the Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals to
periodically review the Electrical Code and make recommendations thereto
to the City Council, to prepare and conduct written examinations, to
suspend or revoke any of the licenses or certificates for due cause,
to act as board to appeals to hear grievances arising from a decision
of the chief electrical inspector and to provide for reasonable inter-
pretations consistent with the provisions of the Electrical Code.
The selection and appointment to this Board will be made at the
September 20, 1977, meeting of the City Council at 7:30 P.M. in the
Council Chambers. The actual vacancy will not occur until October 26,
1977:This will allow the appointee to attend meetings of the Board of
Electrical Examiners and Appeals in order to become familiar with the
duties of the Board before assuming full responsibility. Persons interested
in being considered for this position should contact the City Clerk, Civic
Center, 410 East Washington. Application forms are available from the
Clerk's office upon request.
3yS3
NOTICE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF IOWA CITY IS CONSIDERING AN
APPOINTMENT TO THE FOLLOWING COMMISSION:
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
One vacancy - Unexpired Term
August 16, 1977 - January 1, 1980
The duties of the members of the Human Rights Commission are to provide for
the general welfare of the citizens of Iowa City by studying the relation-
ships of people of various races, colors, creeds, religions, nationalities,
sexes and ancestries living within the community. To provide procedures
for. the, operation of said Commission to eliminate prejudice, intolerance,
bigotry and discrimination in the City of Iowa City. To provide for the
general welfare of the citizens of Iowa City, Iowa, by declaring discrimina-
tory practices in the areas of public accommodations, employment and the
leasing, sale, financing or showing of real property to be against public
- policy and to provide procedures for the investigation of complaints and
conciliation and to provide for enforcement.
.Iowa City appointed members of boards and commissions must be qualified
voters of the City of Iowa City.
This appointment will be made at the August 16, 1977, meeting of the City
Council at 7:30 P.M., in the Council Chambers. Persons interested in being
considered for this position should contact the City Clerk, Civic Center,
410 East Washington. Application forms are available from the Clerk's office
upon request.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CIVIC CENTER, 410 E. WASHINGTON ST.
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
319-354-1800
G\ P,
0 9
CERTIFICATE OF SUFFICIENCY
State of Iowa
City of Iowa City, Johnson County
I, Abbie Stolfus
City Clerk, do hereby certify that
I have examined the petition submitted by Harry Baum Clemens Erdahl, Valerie
Wilk, Sarah Wenke, Christa Brusen, Yvonne Palmer and Ira Bolnick
on the 9th day of Nay , 19 77 , which requires
2500 signatures of qualified (registered to vote in Iowa City) voters.
and I find that it meets the requirements of Article VII, Home Rule Charter of
the City of Iowa City.
Witness my hand this 10th day of August , 19 77
(Signature)
J
Subscribed in my presence and sworn to before me by
this / I t;r day of -&�y , 1997
Notary Public in and for Johnson County,
Iowa.
3
0 0
CHAPTER 9.31
••• • Y • I• 9' 17 1 ••. • I 11 t I • L t •' dr •
1 I' •.• 1 • • I• • V � 1 • • •,• • I• DY •1 7� 19 II
"• Y]M Y IY ••• 9 Y' r • • '.• 7 9 • • 19•w '•. • Y' 11
• 1 .• LI r
SECTIONS:
9.31.1
9.31.2
9.31.3
9.31.4
9.31.5
9.31.6
9.31.7
9.31.8
9.31.9
9.31.10
9.31.11
9.31.12
9.31.13
9.31.14
9.31.15
Short Title, Purposes and Construction, Application, and Definitions
Teras and Conditions of Rental Agreements
Rental Deposits
Obligations of Operator
Obligations of Tenant
Panedies of Tenant
Duties of the Housing Inspector -Procedure
Application of Specific Repealer
Rent Withholding
Receivership
Appeals
Remedies of the Operator
Remedies of Operator and Tenant for Abuse
Retaliatory Conduct Prohibited
Effective Date, Repealer, Savings Clause,
of Access
Severability
9.31.1 Short Title, purposes and Construction Application, and Definitions
A. Short Title.. This ordinance sha11 be )mown and nay be cited as the "Residential
�en�—Tenant Ordinance'.'
B. Purposes, Rules of Construction:
1. This ordinance shall— be Eerally construed and applied to prarote its un-
derlying purposes and policies.
2. Underlying purposes and policies of this ordinance are
a. to inPlement the purposes of the Minima Housing Standards, Chapter 9.3C
of the Mmicipal code,
b, to 'clarify the rights and obligations of the operators and the tenants
of rental residential housing,
c. to encourage operators and tenants to nuintain and improve the quality
Of housing,
d. to protect tenants from retaliation and to provide them with sufficient
security of tenure to enable them to enforce their rights under any ap-
plicable statute, ordinance, or rule of law, and
e. to protect persons from discrimination in housing transactions.
C. Unconscionability.
1. If the court, as a matter of law, finals
a.'a rental agreement or any provision thereof was unconscionable when
made, the court may refuge to enforce the agreement, enforce the remain-
der of the agreement without the unconscionable provision, or limit the
application of any unconscionable provision to avoid an unconscionable
result; or
b. a settlement in which a party waives or agrees to forego a claim or
right under this ordinance or under a rental agreement was unoonscion-
able when made, the court may refuse to enforce the settlement, enforce
the remainder of the settlement without the unconscionable provision,
or limit the application of any unconscionable provision to avoid an un-
ccnscionable result.
2. If unconscionability is put into issue by a party or by the court upon its
1 3
0 •
9.31.1
parties shall be afforded a reasonable Opportunity to Present emen
a,�n motion the Part se, and effect of the
rental agreeMent or, settlement
Bence as to the setts.ng,
purpose, tion. act which
to aid the °° in making the d utyder t� s ordinance and every
t which
D. pili tion of Good Faith.eryrt to the exercise of a or or en -
must be performed as a �rdition precedent
of good faith in its Per
der this ordinance ircposes an obligation
forcement. _ applies to and regulates the occupation
E. Territorial rca
ental prThiswithin this City- lira -
res lication of ordinance. Unless creaked to avoid the app
E4 -.
by flus ordi-
F. Exclusions frau the follvaing arrangements are not governed
tion of this ordinance. if incidental to detention
ice' at an institution, public or private, religious, or sim-
1. residence geriatric, educational, counseling,
or the provision of medical, 9
ilar service, � r a contract of sale of a dwelling unit or the property Of
2' o y de the occupant is the purchaser or a person who succeeds
which it is a part, zation in the portion
his/her interest,VancbOrgani
3. occly a member of a fraternal or l
of a structure operated for the benefit of the organization, a hotel, or moan
of less than one month sane right to occupancy is condi-
4. transient by aneemp1 employee of an. operator who
5. upooccn
enplopancy me an n a oy remises,.
1 tin and about the p t or a holder of a proprietary
tional upon e� °Y�an owner of a condominium Ui17.
6. occupancy by t
lease in a cooperative, t covering Poses used by the occupant
7. mac, under a rental agreenpn
primarily for agriculturalPurposes-nit in a single family aener occupied dwelling in
8. occupancy tide nes-
e rooming units are let to 3 or fewer P`rSOnss' is the usual and bona
y occupancy of a single family dwell -n4 is of less °re year'
idence of the owner by a tenant for a,t���Y Per 3n subsequent
G. feral Definitions. Subject to additional definitions contained ons thereof,
s ordinance which apply to specific Sections or subsections
ns o s ordinance' ro-
and unless the context otherwise requires, in thi and any other p
1. 'action' includes recouprent, set-off, suit in equi for possession.
seeding in which rights are determined, including an act -ion
governmental
2. 'building and housing codes' include any aw, ordinance, or
oanstruction, maintenance'
Op
regulation concerning fitness for habitance°of any Premises or dwelling unit.
safety, or appe used or intended
enation, Occupancy, use, {r,�;ng which is wholly or partly
means any
to be used for living or sleeping by human occupants, located within a dwelling
4. 'dwelling unit' means any �m or group Of ie rooms
,,&dc used or intended to
and forming a single habitableunit ng facilities
which are Chapter 9.30
be used for living, sleeping, for purposes of this ordinance
5. 'family nodi, k»useho fact in the conduct of the transaction oon-
of the Municipal code, honesty .
6, good faith'meansa n or per whether legally related or not, who
corned. ,household Weans Dorso sone,
occupy and use in common a single dwelling or dwelling unit far residential purpos-
es. 8. ,fiord, means operator. , �, or control of a building
me
9. 'operator' ans any Perms who has charge let.
or part thereof, in which dwelling units or rooming units are
2
J
11
9.31.1
10. 'owner' means any person who, alone or jointly or severally with others:
a. whall have legal title to any dwelling unit, with or without accompany-
ing actual possession thereof, or
b. shall have charge, care, or control of any dwelling or dwelling unit as
owner or agent of the owner, or as executor, administrator, trustee, or
guardian of the estate of the awner. Any such person thus representing
the actual owner shall be bound to cxnply with the provisions of this
ordinance to the same extent as if s/he were the owner.
11. 'person' means and includes any individual, firm, corporation, association,
or partnership.
12. 'premises' means a dwelling unit and the dwelling or structure of which it
is a part and facilities and appurtenances therein and grounds, areas, and facili-
ties held out for the use of tenants generally or whose use is promised to the ten-
ant.
13. 'rent' means all payments to be made to the operator under the rental agree-
ment, excluding any payment which is exclusively a rental deposit.
14. 'rental agreement' means all agreersuts, and all valid rules and regula-
tions adopted under Section 9.31.5.B, embodying the terms and conditions concern-
ing the use and occupancy of a dwelling unit and premises.
15. 'rental deposit' means any deposit of money to secure the performance of a
residential rental agreement, other than a deposit which is exclusively in advance
payment of rent.
16. 'roarer' means a person occupying a roaming unit.
17. 'roaming house' neans any dwelling, or that part of any dwelling contain-
ing one or more roaming units, in which space is let by the Owner or operator to
more than three persons except those whose relationship to the owner or operator
by blood, mazziage, or legal adoption was the basis for occupancy.
18. 'rooming unit' means any group of roans forming a single habitable unit
used or intended to be used for living and sleeping but not for cooking and eating
purposes.
19. 's/he' means she or he.
20. 'single family residence' mans a separate structure maintained and used
by a single household as a dwelling unit. Notwithstanding that a dwelling unit
shares one or more walls with another dwelling unit, it is a single family resi-
dence if it has direct access to a street or thoroughfare and shares neither heat-
ing facilities, hot water equiprent, nor any other essential facility or service
with any other dwelling unit.
21. 'tenant' means a person or persons entitled under a rental agreement to oc-
cupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of other persons who are not members of the
same household.
9.31.2. Terms and conditions of Rental Agreements.
A. An operator and a tenant may include in a rental agreement terms and conditions
not prohibited by this ordinance or by any other ordinance, statute, or rule of
law.
B. Separation of Rents and Obligations to Maintain Promrtv Pbrbidden.
A rental agreement, assignment, conveyance, trust deed, or securrty trent may
not permit the receipt of rent free of the obligation to conply with Section 9.31.
c. Prohibited Provisions in Rental Agreements.
A rental agreement may not provide that the tenant:
1. agrees to waive or forego rights or remedies under this ordinance or under
any other applicable statute, ordinance or rule of law;
2. authorizes any person to confess judgement on a claim arising out of the ren-
tal agreement;
3
0 0
9.31.2
3, agrees to pay the operator's attorney's fees;
4. agrees to the e=ulpation or limitation of any liability of the operator a-
rising under law or to indemnify the operator for that liability or the costs con-
nected therewith;
5. agrees to a collateral agreement or provision incorporated in the rental ag-
MeDrent by reference unless a copy thereof is affixed to all copies of the rental
agreement;
6. agrees to a lien on behalf of the operator of the tenant's chattels, except
by formal legal process as provided by statute.
D. ]baui_red provisions in Rental Agreements. A written rental agrearent evidencing
the understanding of the parties shall be executed by both the operator and the
tenant and shall be subject to the following conditions:
1. the rental agreement shall be executed by all parties to the rental agree-
ment in duplicate, one copy of which shall be provided by the operator to the ten-
ant at the tine of execution;
2. the rental agreement shall specify any restrictions as regards the use by
the tenant of the leased premises and further specify any attendant rights to the
use of the leased premises;
The rental agreement shall also contain:
3. a provision specifying the amount of rent, rental deposit, and any other
fees to be charged to the tenant;
4, a covenant of habitability as provided in Section 9.31.4A;
5, a provision acknowledging and specifying the operator's and the tenant's
collateral responsibilities for naintai.nence of the premises;
6, a:prvvision acknowledging the operator's responsibility to provide writ-
ten receipts for all cash meanies received from the tenant;
7. an itemization of all services to be provided by the operator to the ten-
ant of whatsoever kind, provided that the operator shall have the right to alter,
modify, substitute or change such services so long as the new service is substan-
tially similar or equal to the original service itemized in the rental agreement;
8: an itemization of all equipment provided by the operator to the tenant pro-
vided that the operator shall have the right to alter, modify, substitute or change
such equipment so long as the new equipment is substantially similar or equal to
the original equipment itemized in the rental agreement;
9. a provision enumerating the number of persons authorized to occupy said pre-
mises not to include occasional guests;
10. a provision acknowledging the operator's duty to furnish the tenant with a
checklist of damages and defects as provided by Section 9.31.3B and with an itemi-
zation of any damages repaired by the operator and charged to the tenant.
E. Disclosure.
1. An,operator or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on his/
her behalf shall disclose to the tenant in the rental agreement the name and address
of
a. the person authorized to manage the premises; and
b. an owner of the premises or a person authorized to act for and on behalf
of the owner for the purpose of service of process and receiving and receipt -
ting for notices and demands.
2. The information required to be furnished by this subsection shall be kept
current. This subsection extends to and is enforceable against any successor oper-
ator, owner, or manager.
3. A person who fails to comply with paragragh 1. of this subsection becames
an agent of each person who is an operator for:
a. service of process and receiving and receipting for notices and demands; and
b. performing the obligations of the operator under this ordinance and under
• 0
9.31.2 .
the rental agreement and expending or making available for the purpose all rent
collected from the premises.
F. Sublease and Assiggurent. Every rental agreement shall contain a provision allow-
ing the tenant to assign or sub -lease. The right to assign or sub -lease shall be
subject to the following conditions:
1. Unless otherwise agreed in the rental agreement, the tenant may sub -lease
his/her premises or assign the rental agreement to another upon 30 days notice to
the operator.
2. The rental agreement may condition the tenant's right to assign the rental
agreerent or sub -lease the premises on obtaining the operator's approval of the
prospective assignee or sub -tenant, which approval shall not be withheld without
just cause upon reasonable grounds relating to the ability of the prospective as-
signee or sub -lessee to fulfill the provisions of the rental agreement. Reasonable
grounds for rejecting a proposed sub -lessee or assignee shall be limited to:
a. insufficient financial responsibility;
b. unwillingness of the prospective assignee or sub -lessee to assume the
same terms as are included in the existing rental agreement;
c. an affadavit signed by a previous operator, setting forth material abuses
of other premises occupied by the prospective sub -lessee or assignee or mater-
ial breach by the prospective sub -lessee or assignee of the rental agreement
with the previous operator.
3. In any proceeding in which the reasonableness of the operator's rejection
shall be in issue, the burden of showing reasonableness shall be on the operator.
G. Renewal of the Rental Agreement. Every rental agreement shall contain a provi-
Sion allowing the tenant to renew the rental agreement except upon the existence
of just cause for not renewing the rental agreement. Just cause shall be limited
to one or more of the following:
1. the tenant has failed to pay rent which is due and owing, except as provi-
ded in this ordinance or under any other applicable statute or rule of law;
2. the tenant is, during the rental period before the expiration of the rental
agreement, in substantial violation of the rental agreement or of Section 9.31.5;
3, the operator proposes, at the expiration of the rental agreement, reasonable
changes of substance in the terms and conditions of the rental agreement, including
specifically any increase in rent, provided that such changes and the increase in
rant are fairly applied to all tenants arca are not retaliatory against any tenant
or group of tenants;
4. the operator seeks permanently to board up or demolish the premises because
s/he has been cited by the dousing Inspector for substantial violations of Chapter
9.30 of the hfimicipal Code and it is economically unfeasible for the operator to
correct the violations, provided that the operator co mences this action before
the dwelling is certified for rent withholding under Section 9.31.9;
5. the operator seeks at any time to retire the dwelling permanently from ren-
tal residential use, provided that this paragraph shall not apply to circunstanoes
covered under paragraph 4. of this subsection.
6. the operator seeks to do substantial repairs or remxlling which cannot be
dome without vacating the dwelling unit. The operator shall offer, to any tenant
required to vacate a dwelling unit under operation of this paragraph, a new lease
on the dwelling unit when the dwelling unit is again ready for occupancy, unless
the tenant waives this right in writing;
7. the owner of a duelling of four or fewer dwelling units seeks to personally
occupy a unit, or has contracted to sell the dwelling to a buyer who wishes to per-
sonally occupy the dwelling unit and the contract of sale requires that the dwell-
ing unit be vacant at the time of closing;
8. the operator conditioned the tenancy upon and in consideration for the ten-
ant's employment by the operator in or about the promises and the employment is
• 1 0 9.31.3
being ten dnated.
H. Remedy for unlawful provisions in Rental Agreamnts.
A provision prohibited by this Section included in a rental agreement is unenforce-
able. A rental agreement which does not include a provision required by this Sec-
tion shall be construed as if it did include the required provision. If an opera-
tor uses a rental agreement containing prohibited provisions or which does not oon-
tain required provisions the tenant shall be entitled to damages.
9.31.3. _Rental Deposits.
A. An operator may not demand or receive a rental deposit, however denominated, in
an amamt or value in excess of one month's periodic rent nor any advance payment
If rent except the rent for one period which is due at the beginning of that peri-
od.
E. Checklist of Damages and Defects.
1. The operatorshall, within 5 days of the initial date of occupancy or upon
delivery of possession and before receiving the rental deposit from the tenant,
provide the tenant with a checklist of damages and defects.
2- The operator and tenant shall jointly examine the dwelling unit and shall
record on the checklist all observable damages or defects and the condition of all
equipment and furnishings supplied by the operator.
3. If the operator and the tenant fail to agree on any item each shall record
his/her dissent in a space provided on the checklist for that purpose or in a sepa-
rate writing attatched to the checklist.,
4- The checklist shall be filled out in duplicate, the operator arra the tenant
shall sign and date both copies, the dissenting party shall sign and date any state-
ment of dissent, and each party shall retain one copy.
5. If latent defects become manifest or if defects are repaired during the ten-
ancy the checklist shall be revised and all revisions shall be initialed and dated
by both operator and tenant.
6: At the termination of the tenancy the operator shall examine the dwelling
unit in the presence of the tenant and shall imnediately record, initial, and date
on both oopies of the checklist any damages observerd, apart from ordinary wear and
tear, which are not recorded on the current checklist. If the tenant disagrees,
with the operator on any item, s/he shall record his/her dissent on both copies of
the checklist and shall date'and sign the statement of dissent.
9.31.4. Obligations of the Cperator.
A,erator to Maintain Premises. An operator shall
1. oa[ply with there emants of all applicable building and housing codes,
and,
2- make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises
in a fit and habitable condition throughout the term of any rental agreement.
B- The operator and the tenant of any dwelling unit may agree that the tenant is
to perform specified repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations, or remodling only if
L the agreement of the parties is entered into in good faith arra not for the
purpose of evading the obligations of the operator and is set forth in a separate
writing signed by the parties and supported by adequate consideration, and
2. the agreement does not diminish or affect the obligations of the operator
to the tenants in other dwelling units in the premises.
C. The operator may not treat performance of the separate agreement described in
subsection B as a Condition to any obligation or performance of any rental agree-
ment, unless the tenancy was conditioned upon and in consideration for the tenant's
enFl0Yc10nt in or about the premises.
D. Operator not to Discriminate.
Chapter 10.2, of the Municipal Code, entitled the Human Rights Commission, is hereby
r I
C,
9.31.4
amended by striking Section 10.2.5 and i..serWig in lieu thereof the following:
10.2.5 Discriminatory Practice--H_u!3�12
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to refuse to engage in a housing transaction
with any other person because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age,
sex, lawful occupation, affectional preference, marital status, disability, the.
fact that these are children in the parson's household or the number of such chil-
dren (except in oompliamce with any applicable law concerning minimum space re-
quirements in residential rental dwellings), or the fact that the parson receives
public financial assistance of any kind.
B. It shall be unlawful for any person to discriminate against any other rRxson be-
cause of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, a,e, sex, lawful occupation
affectional preference, marital status, disability, the fact that there are chil-
dren in the person's household or the number of such children, or the fact that
the person receives public financial assistance of any kind in the terms, ccndi-
tions or privileges of any real estate transaction.
C. It shall be unlawful for any person to directly or indirectly advertise, or in
any other rranner indicate or publicize in any real estate transaction that any per-
son because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, lawful oc-
cupation, affectional preference, marital status, disability, the fact that there
are children in the person's household, or the fact that the person receives pub-
lio-assistanoe of any kind is unwelcome, ,+ojectionable, or ;iot solicited.
D. Exceptions:
1. Any bona fide religious institution with respect to any qualification it
may rose based on religion when such qualifications are related to a bona fide
religious purpose..
2., The rental or leasing of four (4) or fever rooms within an owner -occupied
rooming house in which renters pass through the owner's living area.
3. Restrictions based on sex in the .rental or leasing of housing acocnmodations
by nonprofit corporations.
4. Restrictions based on sex in the ru_ital or leasing of housing accara;ndations
within which residents of both sexes would share a crmron bathroom facility on the
same floor of the building.
5. -This ordinance does not create an affirmative duty to remove barriers for
the handicapped, in excess of the requirements of Chapter 104A, Iota Code.
6. Housing acconndations may be designated specifically for the disabled, how-
ever, housing accomudations may not be restricted among the disabled on the basis
of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, affectional
preference, the fact that there are children in the person's household, or the
fact that the person reoeives public financial assistance of any kind, or lawful
occupation.
7. Housing accommodations may be designated specifically for the elderly, how. -
ever, housing accommodations may not be restricted among the elderly on the basis
of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ser., lawful occupation, marital
status, affectional preference, or the fact that the person receives public finan-
cial assistance of any kind.
S. Any owner occupied rooming house and any owner occupied dwelling in which
there are 4 or fewer rental units may be restricted as to families with children,
or as to affectional preference or marital status.
9.31.5. Tenant Obligations.
A. 7bnant to MintaE Dwelling Unit.
A tenant shall
1. comply with all obligations primarily imposed upon tenants by applicable
provisions of building and housing codas,
2. not deliberately or negligently cause substantial damage to or remove any
0 • 9.31.5
part of the premises or knowingly permit any person on the premises with his/her
permission and under his/her control to do so, and
3, conduct himself/herself and require other persons on the premises with his/
her consent and under his/her control to conduct themselves in a manner that will
not substantially disturb his/her neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of the premises.
B. Rules and Regulations. An operator, from time to time, may adopt a rule or regu-
lation, however described, concerning the tenant's use and occupancy of the premi-
ses. It is enforceable against the tenant only if
1. its purpose is to pronmte the convenience, safety, or welfare of the ten-
ants in the premises, preserve the operator's property from abusive use, or make
a fair distribution of services and facilities held out for tenants generally,
2. it is reasonably related to the purpose for which it is adopted,
3. it applies to all tenants in the premises in a fair manner,
4. it is sufficiently explicit in its prohibition, direction, or limitation of
the'tenant's conduct to fairly inform hinVher of what s/he must or must not do to
comply,
5. it is not for the purpose and does not have the result of evading obliga-
tions of the operator, and
6. the tenant has notice of it at the tine s/he enters into the rental agree-
ment or, if it is adopted after s/he enters into the rental agreement, notice rea-
sonably in advance of its effective date.
If a rule or regulation is adopted after the tenant enters into the rental ag-
reement that works a substantial modification of the rental agreement it is not
valid unless the tenant consents to it in writing.
C. Access.
1. A tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the operator to enter
into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed
repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed ser-
vices, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees,
tenants, workers, or contractors.
2. An operator may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in
case of emergency.
3. An operator shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the ten-
ant. Except in case of emergency or unless it is impracticable to do so, the oper-
ator shall give the tenant at least 24 hours' notice of his/her intent to enter and
nay enter only at reasonable times.
4. An operator has no other right of access except
a. pursuant to court: order, or
b. unless the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.
9.31.6. Tenant Remedies.
A. Termination. If there is a material noncompliance by the operator with the rent-
aa�greenent or a nonmxmplianoe with Section 9.31.4A materially affecting health
and safety, the tenant my deliver a written notice to the operator specifying the
acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement will ter-
minate upon a date not less than 30 days after receipt of the notice if the breach
is not remedied in 14 days after receipt of the notice and the rental agreemant
shall terminate as provided in the notice subject to the following:
If the breach is remediable by repairs, the payment of damages or otherwise
and the operator adequately remedies the breach,or makes an agreement with the ten-
ant -to remedy the condition, before the date specified in the notice the rental ag-
reement shall not terminate by reason of the breach.
• • 9.31.6
B. Repair and Deduct.
1. If the operator fails to repair any defects or damages in the premises which
s/he is obligated to repair or fails to provide or replace any equipment or services
for which s/he is obligated and the reasonable cost of such repair, provision or
replacement is less than $150 the tenant may notify the operator of his/her inten-
tion to correct the condition at the operator's expense. If the operator fails to
comply, or to make an agreement with the tenant to correct the oondition,,within 14
days or as promptly as conditions require in case of emergency after being noti-
fied by the tenant in writing, the tenant may cause the work to be done by a per-
son who makes such Cork his/her regular occupation and, after submitting to the op-
erator an itemized statement and copies of receipts for the actual amount expended,
deduct from his/her rent the actual cost of the work, not exceeding the amount
specified in this paragraph.
2. The tenant may not make use of this remedy more than 4 times in any 12
month period.
C. Rent Abatement. If contrary to the rental agreement or Section 9.31.4A the op-
erator fails to supply heat, running water, hot water, electric, or gas or fails
to maintain electrical, plumbing, or structural facilities in the dwelling, or
fails to supply or maintain any other services, equipment, or facilities which are
essential to the health, safety, or welfare of the tenant, or if the dwelling unit
or premises are damaged or destroyed by Mire or casualty to the extent that enjoy-
ment of the dwelling unit is substantially impaired, the tenant may, upon giving
notice to the operator of the action to be taken and the arounds for such action
1. continue occupancy, if lawful, and abate rent, as of the date of the breach,
in proportion to the diminution in the fair rental value of the dwelling unit, or
2. abate the full amount of the rent as of the date of the breach, and
a..tengorarily procure reasonable substitute housing during the period of the
nonomrpliance and recover the difference between the actual and reasonable cost
or. fair and reasonable value of the substitute housing and the periodic rent,
b. and unless the operator remedies the breach, or makes an agreement with the
tenant to remedy the breach, within 14 days, the tenant may vacate the premises
and terminate the rental aareement as of the date of vacatinq arra recover the
difference between the actual and reasonable cost of the new housing and the
D. Reperiodic
dips NotnExclusive
1. The tenant may not make use of more than one of the remedies provided in
paragraphs A, B, or C of this Section for any one breach.
2. However, in addition to the remedies provided in paragraphs A,B, or C of
this Section the tenant shall be entitled to all other remedies arising under sta-
tute, ordinance, or rule of law and shall be entitled to appropriate damages, spec-
ific performance, or injunctive relief for any substantial noncompliance by the op-
erator with the rental agreement or Section 9.31.4A.
E.
.rr an operator muawtu.L.Ly removes or excludes the tenant from the premises or
willfully diminishes services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the inter-
ruption,of heat, running water, electric, gas, or other essential service, the ten-
ant may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case
shall be entitled to damages, and appropriate injunctive relief.
F. Rental Deposit and Prepaid Rent. If the rental agreement is terminated the oper-
ator return or as much of the rental deposit as the tenant is lawfully
entitled to and all prepaid rent. Accounting for rent in the event of termination
shall be made as of the date of termination. In case of termination or abatement
rent shall be apportionable from day to day.
G. Rights of the tenant under this Section do not arise until notice has been given
to the operator by the tenant or if the cordition was substantially caused by the
9.31.7
deliberate or negligent act of the tenant, a member of his/her household or a per-
son on the premises with the tenant's consent and under the tenant's control.
9.31.7 Duties of the Housing Inspector—Procedure.
Chapter 9.30.9D of the Dlonicipal Code is hereby amended by striking Paragraph
9.30.9D and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
D. Whenever, upon inspection of any rental dwelling, the Housing Inspector finds
that conditions or practices exist which are in violation of any provisions of
this Chapter the Housing Inspector shall revoke the permit of the dwelling, if the
dwelling has a permit. The Housing Inspector shall also take the following actions:
1. If the dwelling meets the criteria for condemnation in Section 9.30.10 of
this Chapter and is, in the judgement of the Housing Inspector, an immediate danger
to the health or safety of the occupants, and no immediate corrective action can be
taken which will be sufficient to safeguard the health and safety of the occupants,
the Housing Inspector shall imaediately begin the procedures provided for in Sec-
tion 9.30.10 and shall order the dwelling to be vacated.
2. If the dwelling does not meet the criteria for condemnation and placarding
the Housing Inspector shall issue a temporary permit for the dwelling. The Housing
Inspector shall give notice in writing to the operator that the permit has been re-
voked and that a temporary permit has been issued. The notice shall be in the form
Provided in 9.30.3A of this Chapter and shall be an order to correct the conditions
and practices which are in violation of this Chapter within a reasonable period,
to be determined by the Housing Inspector. The order shrill specify a date by which
each correction is to be completed. 'the corrections shall be scheduled to be com-
pleted as promptly as conditions require in case of emergency and as soon as prac-
ticable for other corrections, but in no case more than two months, .except for cor-
rections that cannot be completed due to weather or other factors beyond the oper-
ator's control.
3. The Housing Inspector shall provide a copy of the notice to every affected
tenant in the dwelling. For this purpose in the case of multiple dwellings or room-
ing houses it shall be sufficient for the Housing Inspector to post the notice in
a conspicuous place in a part of the dwelling ca= to all tenants. Ido person
shall deface or remove such notice from any dwelling until all corrections ordered
in the notice have been crnpleted.
4. The Housing Inspector shall reinspect the dwelling at the end of the period
specified in the notice for the completion of all corrections except that s/he
shall reinspect before the end of the period
a. as the Housing Inspector considers necessary in the case of emergency
conditions,
b. upon information from the operator that all corrections ordered in the
notice have been completed, or
C. upon information from an affected tenant that the operator is not sub-
stantially complying with the schedule provided in the notice.
5. Upon reinspection the Housing Inspector shall take one of the following ac-
tions:
a. If the Housing Inspector finds that the conditions and practices speci-
fied in the notice have been corrected s/he shall, upon application and
Payment of fee by the operator, issue a permit for the dwelling.
b. If any condition or practice has not been corrected by the date speci-
fied'in the notice the Housing Inspector shall certify the dwelling for
rent withholding and shall so notify the operator and the tenants in the
dwelling.
6. In instances where violations of this chapter are confined to one of sever-
al dwelling units or rooming units within a dwelling and, in the judgement of the
Housing Inspector, do not constitute a hazard to health or safety elsewhere, the
10
9.31.8/9.31.;
Housing Inspector may limit the application of the notice and order to the dwellh.
unit in which the violations exist.
9.31.8. Application of Specific Repeal._r.
If Chapter 9.30 of the Municipal code shall have been amended at any time be-
tween the initial filing.of this ordinance with the City Clerk and its final pas-
sage the repealer and amendnent in Section 9.31.7 shall apply to the corresrcJ1f
Section of Chapter 9.30 as anended. Specifically, if the City 0ouncil shall pass
the xoposed Housing Maintainance and Occupancy code, Section 9.3:.7 shall apply t
Section 9.30.5) of Chapter 9.30 and all other references in this ordinance to C1 -
ter 9.30 shall be altered correspondingly.
9.31.9. Rent Withholding.
A. N9renever a dwelling is certified by the housing Inspector for rent withholdinei
the duty of the tenants in the dwelling to pay and the right of the operator to
collect rent shall be suspended without affecting any other teens or conditions c'-
the
'the rental agreement, except as specified in this Section, until such time as tl%.
dwelling is again certified as fit for hunan habitation or until the rental agree-
ment is terminated. The operator from vidian rent is being withheld pursuant to this
Section shall not be entitled to maintain an action against any tenant of said
dwelling for rent or for possession of said dwelling, except as provided in subset:-
tion B of this Section. The operator of said chvellirg shall not:
1. raise the rent during any period when the tenants are withholding rent pur-
suant to this Section,
2. relet any dwelling unit which is or shall becam vacant unless s/he disclo-
ses the name of the new tenant to the City, which shall notify the new tenant of
his/her duty to withhold the rent,
•, :3. unlawfully remove or exclude any tenant fLYm the premises or willfully dir„i-
nish services to the tenant by interiuLting or causing the interruption of heat,
running water, hot water, electric, gas, or other essential service which the oper-
ator is obligated to provide, or
4. procede against any tenant for any violation of the rental agreorent or Sec.
tion 9.31.5 unless such proceeding is in good faith aril not for the purpose of re-
taliating against the tenant.
B. The tenants in the dwelling certified for rent withholding shall deposit the
periodic rent as it become due into an interest bearing escrow account in the n;:
of the City, or in the name of an authority established by the City for this pur-
pose in accordance with procedures required by any applicable statute, in a ban,.
or trust conpany designated by the City. The escrow account for the tenets of any
one dwelling shall be a joint account but a separate accounting shall be kept of
the deposits of each tenant. If the t.ernmt is delinquent in rent the City shall r.,
tify the operator and the operator may proceed against the tenant for the rent or
for possession. The operator shall not be entitled to proceed against the tenant
for rent or for possession if the tenant shall have obtained a court order to abat
all or part of the rent and the tenant is not delinquent in paying into the escrav
account that part of the rent due puss",nt to the court order. The City shall con-
trol all dish rsenents of rent from the escrow account.
C. ;ftnever a dwelling is certified for rent withholding the Housing Inspector
shall give notice in writing as provided in Sections 9.31.7D2 and 9.31.7D3.
D. The City shall release finds to the operator within the period specified by the
Housing Inspector in Section 9. 31.9 C only upon application of the operator and
upon presentation of
1. an itemized statement and receipts for the actual amount expended in purchr
sing materials and performing repairs or in making periaUc payments to contractor
or workers who are making repairs ordered by the Housing Inspector after inspectic
12
0 0
9.31.9/9.31.].0/9.31.11
and approval of all such repairs by the Inspector, or
2. utilib.1 bills for which the opi ntor is obligated and a showing, upon suf-
ficient evidence, that the operator is una:,le to pay the bills.
E. At the end of the period specified in the notice given in Section 9.31.9C the
Housing Inspector shall reinspect the dwelling and if s/he finds that the condi-
tions and practices sl-+.ecified in Uwe notice have been corrected s/he shall, upon
application and paytmnt of fee by the operator, issue a permit for the dwelling.
[alien the dwelling has been certifiedas fit for human habitation all rent remain-
ing in the escrow account shall be paid to the operator, except that the City
shall apply any interest from the escrv.., account to defray the actual cost of ad-
ministering the rent withholding program.
F. No action taken by the City under this Section shall in any way limit any other
remedies available to the tenant under this ordinance or under any other ordinance,
statute, or rule of law.
9.31.10. Receivership-.
1. If the Housing Inspector finds upon re -inspection, as provided in Section
9.31.9.E that the eanditions and practices specified in the notice have not been
corrected or if theLe is sufficient evid:nce at any time that the operator is un-
willing or unable to make the corrections, the Housing Inspector or any officer
designated by the City for this purpose shall apply to the district court for an
order authorizing hin✓her to execute and carry out the pr.:.;visions of said notice
and to correct all violations specified in said notice.
B. Upon obtaining an order fr-m the court the responsible officer shall give
notice to the operator of the intention to make such repairs or tru take other car-
rective action.
C. Every operator of a dwelling unit who has received notice of the intention
of the City to make repairs or to take other corrective action shall give entry
and free access to the agent of the City for the purpose of making such repairs.
Any operator who refuses, inpedes, interferes with, hinders, or obstructs entry by
such agent pursuant to a court order and a notice of intention to make repairs or
take other corrective action shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than
25 nor ncre than 100 dollars for each such failure to comply with this paragraph.
Each day on which access is denied shall constitute a separate violation of this
provision.
D. For the purposes of this Section the officer shall use all rents in the es-
crow account for the dwelling and may use any City funds and funds from State or
Federal grants where the rehabilitation of rental housing is specified as a permit-
ted or required use.
E. The operator of the dwelling and the Ovelli.ng and premises shall be liable
for all costs, expenses, and disbursements paid or incurred by the City and the re-
sponsible officer in any action pursuant to this Section. For the recovery of such
costs, expenses, or disbursements the City may bring an action in any court of can-
petent civil jurisdiction.
F. No action taken by the City seder this Section shall in any way limit any
other remedies available to the tenant under this ordinance or under any other ordi-
nanoe, statute, or rule of law.
9.31.11. A2peals. Chapter 9.30 of the bhuricipal Code is hereby a aided Ly striking
ssec ons 9.30.3B and 9.30.3C and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
9.30.3B. As of the effective date of Chapter 9.31, the Residential landlord and Ten-
ant ordinance, the terms of all nnnbers of the Hoasing Appeals Board stall expire and
the City Council shall make new appointnerts subject to tk✓u following provisions:
1. The Board shall be composed of seven rrenters. Three menbers shall be tenants
and no more than three members shall :lave any direct or indirect financial interest
in residential rental bouusing.
12
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9.31.11/9.31.12/9.31.13/9.31.14
2. The first four members appointed shall serve for two years and the other
three niers for one year.
3. Vacancies occurring during a tern shall be filled for the remainder of that
term.
4. At the expiration of any term a new appointment shall be made for a term of
two years.
5. The Board shall hear appeals in connection with any notice issued pursuant
to subsections 9.30.3C, 9.30.3D, 9.30.3E, 9.30.9B, 9.30.9E, and 9.30.10E of this
Chapter and Sections 9.31.7, 9.31.9, and 9.31.10 of the Residential Landlord and
Tenant Ordinance.
6. The Board shall periodically review, assess, and make reoonmendations to
the Council concerning policies, procedures, and regulations necessary to the ad-
ministration and enforcement of this Chapter and Chapter 9.31.
9.30.3C. Any person affected by any notice which has been issued in connection with
the enforcement of any provision specified in subsection 9.30.3B may request, and
shall be granted,.a hearing on the matter before the Housing Appeals Board provided
that such person shall file in the office of the Housing Inspector a written peti-
tion requesting such hearing and setting forth a brief statement of the grounds
therefor within ten days after the date the notice was send. Upon receipt of
such petition, the Housing Inspector shall set a time and place for such hearing,
shall give the petitioner and other affected parties written notice thereof, and
shall, except in case of emergency as provided in 9.30.3F, take no further enforce-
ment action pending the outcome of the hearing. At such hearing, the petitioner
shall be given an opportunity to be heard and to show why such notice should be
modified or withdrawn and any other affe-Mtad party shall be given an opportunity
to be heard and to show why such notice should be sustained, modified, or with-
drawn. The hearing shall be eomenced not later than twenty days after the date
on which the petition was filed provided that upon application of the petitioner
the Housing Appeals Board may postpone the date of the hearing for a reasonable
time, not to exceed thirty days, if in the Board's judgement the petitioner has
suba itted a good and sufficient reason for such postponement.
9.31.12. Remedies of the Operator. If there is a substantial noncompliance by the
tenant with the rental agreement or with Section 9.31.5 or with any other ordinance
or statute the operator has the remedies provided by the applicable ordinance, sta-
tute, or rule of law.
9.31.13. Remedies of the Operator and the Tenant for Abuse of Access.
A. If the tenant refuses to allow lawful access, the operator shall be entitled
to injunctive relief to compel access or may terminate the rental agreement. In ei-
ther case the operator shall be entitled to damages.
B. If the operator nukes an unlawful entry or a .lawful entry in an unreasonable
manner or makes repeated demands for entry otherwise lawful but which have the ef-
fect of unreasonably harrassing the tenant, the tenant shall be entitled to injunc-
tive relief to prevent the recurrence of the conduct or to terminate the rental ag-
rearent. In either case the tenant shall be entitled to damages.
9.31.14. Retaliatory Conduct Prohibited.
A. An operator ray not retaliate by increasing rent or decreasing services or
by bringing or threatening to bring an action for possession or by refusal to renew
a rental agreement or by abuse of access or by any other retaliatory conduct after.
1, the tenant has complained in good faith to a govenmiental agency charged
with responsibility for enforcement of a building or horsing code of a defect which
is, in his/her best judgement, a violation applicable to the premises, or
2. the tenant has omplained to the operator of a breach of the .rental agree-
ment or of any violation of this ordinance, or
3. the tenant has organized or became a member of a tenants' union or. similar
13
0 •
9.31.19/9.31.15
organization, or
4. the tenant has tried in any lawful runner, alone or in concert with others,
to enforce any rights provided under the rental agreement, this ordinance, or any
other applicable statute, ordinance, or rule of law.
B. If the operator acts in violation of subsection A., the tenant is entitled
to appropriate darages and injunctive relief and has a defense in any action
against him/her for possession. In an action by or against the tenant, the occur -
awe of any action protected by this Section within one year before the alleged
act of retaliation creates a rebuttable presumption that the operator's conduct
was in retaliation. "Prwmption" means that the trier of fact oust find the exis-
tence of the fact presumed unless and until evidence is introduced which would sup-
port a finding of its nonexistence.
C. In an action by or against the tenant where the operator's action for poses-
sion or refusal to renew the rental agreement or other alleged retaliatory conduct
is in issue, the operator mmy overcome the presu ption in subsection B. only upon a
showing that his/her conduct was for just cause and that his/her conduct would have
been the same even in the absence of the tenant's protected activity.
9.31.15. Effective Date, Repealer, Savings Clause, Severability.
A. This ordinance shall becam effective after its final passage, approval,
and publication as required by law. It applies to rental agreements entered into
or extended or reneged on and after that date.
B. The following ordinances and parts of ordinances are hereby amended: chap-
ter 9.30 and Chapter 10.2 of the Municipal Code, as specified in this ordinance.
C. Transactions entered into before the effective date of this ordinance and
not extended'or renewed on and after that date, and the rights, duties, and inter-
ests flowing fran them remain valid and may be terminated, completed, consumated,
or enforced as required or permitted by any ordinance amended or repealed by this
ordinance as though the, repeal or amendment had not occurred.
D. If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person
or circ=tanoe is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions
or application of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid pro-
vision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are sever-
able
14
STA=. -:_7N -T 3Y CL'idnNS ERDAHL OF TEPIANTS UNITED FOR ACTION
FOR I;i_;:.DIATE RELEASE. August 16, 1977
'.,,Ie are very proud at this moment to have been part
of this successful campaign to place an ordinance before
the Council by use of the Initiative process under the
home rule charter. Tonight I would like to thank the City
Council for providing this mechanism and to applaud the
City Staff for its excellent work in verifying the
signatures.
As a result of our experience we have a few positive
suggestions which we hope will make things easier for the
staff and for petitioners who use this democratic mechanism.
Finally, we want to stress the importance of careful
consideration of this ordinance by the council. Your
consideration is important to ensure that the initiative
process fulfills its purpose as a mechanism for citizen
participation.
The City Clerk and her staff have have worked very
hard to verify the signatures. One problem is that they
had a very short time in which to verify them. 'We would
recommend a longer period of time for certification, For
instance, at least 33 signatures of people with common names
migh-� have been verifiable if there had been more time
to check them. 3Ve suggest tht during the period the City
Clerk is verifying signatures that the petitioners be
allowed to correct certain kinds of curable mistakes.
For example, 2 petitioners who had over 100 signatures
were not counted because they had failed to register at
their present Iowa City addresses, Another problem was
that a —eat many signatures were difficult to decipher.
The City Clerk did a fine job of verifying these but it
was difficult work and we feel there are some valid
signatures which could not be verified because they were
illegi'lle. This problem could be eliminated by requiring
signers to print their name and, at their option, their
voter identification number.
Ue also feel the minimum number of 2500 registered
voters is too high. Many of the people who signed our
ordinance will be registered to vote in the fall but
their signatures were invalidated. The fact that we had
to gather 3500 signatures in order to get 2500 shows how
large the task is. I assure you we made every effort to
make each signature a valid one. Je gathered valid
signatures representing over30I of the voter turno:kt in
the last election. Of course because of redrafting we only
gathered signatures for 2 months and 2 weeks, instead of
the possible 6 months, We feel that had students been in
to,:m and had we worked at canvassing throughout -the city
for an additional 3 months, we could have gathered -the
signatures of over 5V of -tile registered voters. Never-
theless, for 2 months we aorkod very hard. Over 1.00
people rror'sed -to get the renuired number of signatures and
our cause was a popular one. (e feel that a smaller group
of citizens with a very dusti'iable ordinance might be
unable to get 2500 valid si-natures even. though -their
ordinance would be passed by the Council or in a general
3
election. Wherefore, wle propose that along with changing
orocedures for identification and lengthening the ueriod
Lor certification, the Council should lowrer the number of
cignatur=_s to 10i which is the number of signatures
presen 1y reauired to place a referendum on the ballot.
During the process of redrafting we sought and
accepted opinions of a diverse group of citizens. l'Ie met
Nit the Apartment Owners Association. ;,Is handed out
copies to lawyers and laws professors. We met with the
Housing Commission. We held public meetings attended by
homeowners, landlords and tenants. As a result of these
meetins we modified the odinance several wayst
1) No longer require 4 Tenants on the Board of Appeals.
2) The tenant cannot choose the length of the lease.
3) '*Is changed the repair and deduct section so that
one cannot make one's own. repairs.;
4) 7Ie created more exceptions to the discrimination
section so that itwron't affect the smaller and
owner -occupied rental property.
5) *W redrafted the rent withholding and
receivership sections to conform to the language
in the Iowa %p; kXode.
It was difficult to redraft and start over, but we did
in order to get moa citizen participation which has resulted
in a better ordinance.
We feel that if the Council fails to pass the ordinance
it wrill wiz-, overwhelmingly in the fall. Tenants represent
a major:-- of potential voters in Iowa City. In addition,
dormitor;;` =_s1QenS generally favor -this ordinance and
they nuzber some 05000 not counting married student
housing, fraternities, and sororities. A massive
campai- to register tenants and students who previously
felt their vote didn't count has begun. However, this
ordinance was not wiitten for tenants and students but for
the entire community. It will benefit homeowners by
helping to preserve neighborhoods and stabilize the tax
base. Therefore, through an educational ---not a propoganda
or public relations ---but an educational campaign vie hope
that a majority of homeoners will vote for this odinance.
However, we hope this ordinance will not reach the
ballot. We expect that the City Council will not ignore
this demonstration of public sentiment before them. Over
the past 4 years there has been a great deal of discussion
about citizen participation. 'i have been involved in
attempts to increase citizen participation in -the solution
of the :alston Creek Flooding Problem, Urban Renewal, the
allocation of HCDA funds, and in the Neighborhood Rehab
program. One of the great di_'ficulties is that after
working hard to influence the decision-making process,
citizenc often feel -their sur-.-ostlons, oignatures, and
votes have been ignored becauc• they do nut rcceive
adequate explanations for decisions th_'Itare made.
':!e hooe that each Council idember ,will explain fully his
or her decision about this important initiative legislation.
To simply say it is unconstitutional or doesn't meet the
home rule provisions is silly. The parts of -the ordinance
are severaole and some of it is very similar to existing
City Ordinance. The technicalities of home rule are for
the courts to decide, but one cannot analyze an ordinance
with respect to home rule without understanding how it
seeks to accomplish its intent which in th¢s case is the
same basic intent as the existing Housing Code. Nor does
smmply saying one is in favor of discrimination explain
one's housing policy. The 3500 people who signed this
ordinance deserve your respect. We hope you will read
the ordinance and explain why you favor it or why and in
what respect you are against it.
Again we wish to thank the City Staff and the Council
for their support of this type of process. We feel that
a great victory for participatory democracy has been won.
We nope you will continue this democratic endeavor by
informing yourself and your constituents.
LE
AUG 161977 D
Ji31E STOLFUS
CITY CLERK
STATEMENT OF DONN STANLEY AND MARK DEATHERAGE OF TENANTS UNITED
POR ACTION FOR TMMEDIATE RELEASE. August 16, 1977
We're very pleased to see the great amount of grass-roots
support that has been demonstrated for the Tenant/Landlord
Ordinance so far in our effort to make it part of the Iowa
City Code. We hope that the City Council recognizes that this
support shows that the citizens of this town are very concerned
about the housing conditions that exist here, and that they
feel that the proposed Ordinance is an important step in the
solution to our housing problems.
One of our major concerns is the way that the opponents
of this Ordinance misconstrue the purposes, mechanisms and
potential effects of its implementation. It's unfortunate that
when trying to find problems with the Ordinance, they pick at
minor sub -parts of it rather than looking at the Ordinance in
it's entirity. Obviously not everyone will be completely
satisfied with every single provision of this lengthy piece
of legislation. However, that should not be necessary to
justify passing this Ordinance. We are confident that anyone
who reads the Tenant/Landlord Ordincance in full will be
convinced that it is a worthwhile and necessary improvement
in this city's housing policy.
We are also confident that the City Staff, in making it's
report to the City Council on the Ordinance, will do a complete,
thorough job, reporting objectively on the overall impact of the
entire Ordinance.
AUG 1 61971
DD
ABB E Sc E RK
I
'
STATEMENT BY IRA BOLNICK AUGUST 16, 1977
FOR DMEDIATE RELEASE
The sponsors of the proposed Tenant Landlord Ordinance
will be canvassing in homeowner neighborhoods throughout
the City from now until the election, November 8.
We want to explain how the proposed ordinance will
benefit homeowners as well as tenants and get homeowner
support for the ordinance and for other progressive
measures to improve the quality of housing and help
preserve neighborhoods,
The City is presently trying to enforce the housing
code more vigorously. This as a federal requirement for
urban renewal and community development money the City
received. The City's enforcement program is ineffective
against the speculating landlord because (1) delays are
routinely granted ---compliance can take a year or longer,
and (2) the only strong remedy the City has, vacating the
building, hurts tenants as much as landlords and has
been used only twice in the last year and a half.
The Landlord/Tenant Ordinance will make code enforce-
ment more effective because it provides (1) tenant
initiated remedies which do not depend on City action at
all, (2) the City is given intermediate remedies (rent -
withholding, receivership) short of condemnation, and
(3) these remedies are severe enough to induce landlords
to do routine maintenance so as to prevent code violations.
The Landlord/Tenant Ordinance is essential to an
effective code enforcement program.
Vigorous code enforcement and an adequately funded
housing rehabilitation program are essential to preserving
older neighborhoods. Neither program can effectively
improve housing conditions without the other.
The proposed ordinance will lbelp prevent older housing
from being torn down, which will benefit homeowners in
several ways:
1. Rehabilitating houses will help protect the values
of all homes in the neighborhood.
2. In neighborhoods where houses are allowed to
deteriorate a landlord can buy a house with the intention
of allowing it to continue to deteriorate until he is
ready to tear the house down and replace it with higher
density apartments. This kind of speculation increases
the assessed value and property taxes on each home in
the neighborhood while making it less attractive as a
single-family residence to potential buyers. Saving
older houses will discourage speculation and slow down
the yearly rate of increase in property taxes.
AUG 16 1977
AQU►F STOLFUs
CITY CLERK
3 Y.
3. When a new apartment building goes up the population
density of the neighborhood increases. Increased population
means greater demand for parking spaces and a greater
burden on all City services --streets, sewere, flood
control, garbage collection, snow removal --in neighborhoods
where some of these services are already overburdened.
4. The replacement of houses by smaller apartments
reduces the number of dwellings suitable for one of the
groups hardest hit by Iowa City's housing shortage ---
families with school children. The steady decline of the
school-age population in the older part of the City will
sooner or later result in the closing of Sabin, Central
and Horace Mann schools.
Meanwhile, there is a growing demand for new
schools in the suburbs. Ernest Horn is already over-
crowded and an addition will be started this year.
School taxes, the largest single tax bill item, will go
up to pay for this costly new construction. To some
extent this is the unavoidable result of population
growth and new residential development. The process can,
however, be slowed down by a vigorous program of neigh-
borhood preservation and code enforcement.
5. The final benefit for all Iowa City residents will
be the preservation of the more aesthetic architecture
and the small town atmosphere of the older neighborhoods---
the original City of Iowa City,
i