HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-09-30 Info Packet of 9/26I
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 26, 1986
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Material in Information Packet
Memorandum from the Senior Planner regarding the upcoming Urban Fringe Com-
mittee Meeting. i.
Copy of a
orandum
the
nd t he Human Services
Coordinator regard ng the aJoint Human Services Funding rector aHearing Schedule, L-`
Notice regarding demonstration of a new lighting fixture for City Plaza. /5
Memorandum from the Director of Finance regarding Parking Demand - North
Side. I
Summaries of Wastewater Treatment Project Management Committee meetings of
September 3 and September 17, 1986. L
Copy of a letter to Mark Christopher, Power Pack Enterprises, regarding
door-to-door vending permit. L
Copy of a letter to the Energy Coordinator regarding publication of the
City's Energy Savings Payback Fund in The Guide.
L
Copies of two articles being forwarded to Council at the request of Council -
member Baker.
bj5/17
Memo from the City Manager re First Capitol Development Annual Report for
Fiscal 185-86 and CADSI report.
-1
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 23, 1986
To: William Ambrisco and John McDonald, Council Representatives to the
Urban Fringe Committee
From: Karin Franklin, Senior Planne
Re: Fringe Committee Meeting 11NNNNOO
A meeting of the Johnson County -Iowa City Fringe Committee has been called
for September 30, 1986, at 8:00 a.m. in the offices of the Board of Supervi-
sors. The topic of discussion will be an amendment to the development policy
for Area 4 (Rapid Creek Road).
Enclosed is a resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors on September 18
amending the Comprehensive Plan of the County to include a revised version of
Alternative IV of the Rapid Creek Area Study. It is the revised version that
the County will use as a basis with which to review zoning and subdivision
requests in Area 4. A memo from the County Planner, Jo Lilledahl, to the
Board highlighting features of the revised policy is also included.
It is my understanding that the County Zoning Ordinance will be amended to
include a reference in the RS (Residential Suburban - 1 DU/acre) zone to the
policy of the Comprehensive Plan as amended. A density of 1 DU/3 acres will
be applicable 'to those properties with direct frontage or access on Rapid
Creek Road.' According to the policy, housing may be developed in clusters,
potentially allowing different housing types than traditional detached sin-
gle-family development. At this time there are no standards or criteria for
review of these developments.
Questions which I feel should be raised at the meeting include:
1. What is the understanding of the County relative to development of those
portions of Area 4 which do' not have frontage or access to Rapid Creek
Road? Given the approved rezonings and subdivision in the area, is use
of this property to be limited to agricultural use as stated in the
policy?
2. What criteria should be used for review of cluster developments? Is the
intent to permit only single family developments or could a developer
construct a multi -family development, as under the City's OPDH
ordinance?,
cc: City Council
bj2/6
/58/
Resolution No.
WHEREAS, Chapter 358A of the Code of Iowa provides that county
i
zoning regulations shall be made in accordance with a comprehensive
i
plan; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors, by Resolution 1-3-79-Z3,
adopted a Development Policy for Rural Johnson County asoma general
guide to the orderly growth and development of the county; and
WHEREAS, on December 20, 1983, in implementing that Policy Johnson
County and the City of Iowa City adopted a Fringe Area Policy Agreement;
and
WHEREAS, persistent residential development pressure was experienced
in the area of Rapid Creek north of Iowa City to the extent that a
review of existing policy for that area was appropriate; and
WHEREAS, public hearing on a proposed fringe area policy for the
Rapid Creek area has been held by the Board of Supervisors on this 18th
day of 'September, 1986;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows:
1. That the Board does hereby adopt as part of its comprehensive
plan the Fringe Area Policy for the Rapid Creek Area (Fringe Area 4) as
prepared by the.Johnson County Council of Governments and as amended this
date by motion of the Board; and
2. That the Board requests the Johnson County -Iowa City Fringe
Committee recommend modification of the Fringe Area Policy Agreement in
accordance with the adopted Rapid Creek Fringe Area Policy; and
3. That the Board requests the County Zoning Commission to report
whenever necessary or appropriate concerning any need for updating or
revising the adopted Rapid Creek Fringe Area Policy.
-z -
On motion by
,seconded by
passed and approved this _ day of September, 1986.
j
Donnelly Langenberg Myers I
Y Ockenfels Sehr - 't
I
Attest:
Tom.Slockett
County Auditor
BY: Lisa, Barnes
Secretary
i
I
i I
Y`
F
i
k
i
ALTERNATIVE IV: LIMITED DEVELOPMENT - RAPID CREEK ROAD
This alternative proposes to direct a limited amount of residential develop-
ment to the
properties with direct frontage or access on Rapid Creek Road.
Other property within the study areayi
those with access out to Highway 1
and access to the gravel surface roads, will be
fl
under thelimited to agricultural use
provisions of the current policy. Residential
E
growth will be
guided by performance standards designed to:
i�
1. Keep County road maintenance costs and other services at an acceptable
level; and
1
t
2. Preserve the rural character of the area
3. Conserve prime agricultural land for farming use;
k4.
Minimize conflict between residential development and existing farm
uses;
S. Allow for the protection of environmentally sensitive areas,
such as
steep slopes, wetlands and forested areas.
h
Actual development of individual sites will be accomplished by
matching these standards to the
!'
R
specific land characteristics, including road access safety,
steep slopes, floodplains,
woodlands, existing agricultural uses and prime
farmland. County service level limitations,
1'.
primarily road service capacity,
lprovide an overall basis for setting the density standards
i;
area. in the
Large lots will not be required. Where the tracts of land being considered
for subdivision
are large enough, the performance standards could be facili-
tated through the clustering of
smaller building lots. Clustering is a de-
sign development technique that concentrates
P,
buildings in specific areas on
e site to allow the remaining land to be
used for recreation, common open
pace, conservation of prime ag land and preservation of environmentally
sensitive areas. The common open space created through the clustering process
could be secured through the
use of restrictive convenants obtained as a
part of a conditional zoning
process.
Implementation:
Implementation of this Policytof eaCty
Zoning icould lbe;accomplished
Ordinance.- This amendment by adding new
section on planned residential development, which incorporates the use
n
E
of
performance standards, site plan review and elements of conditional zoning
or 6V use cf
overlay Pro Vi Sion. '
i
I
Density limitations may be established by determining how many additional
houses could be built without causing traffic levels to exceed the maxi-
mum amount recommended for Rapid Creek Road. The following calculations
have been used for this case:
Existing traffic county - 320 ADT
Roadway.traffic capacity - 600 ADT
Remaining traffic capacity - 280 ADT
Average vehicle trips per dwelling - 5
Total additional dwellings permitted - 56
Total developable acres - 800
Development density - 14.3 acres/dwelling
Based on the limited carrying capacity of Rapid Creek Road, combined with
the desire to allow development in the area, the most appropriate density,
on lots having frontage on or access to Rapid Creek Road, is one (1)
dwelling unit per three (3) acres.
Advantages:
1. Through the use of performance standards, residential growth can be
managed in a way that is flexible and responsive to policy concerns,
such as preserving prime farmland and environmentally sensitive areas.
2. The site plan review can ensure that health and safety factors and
buffering needs will be taken into consideration.
3. The site plan review can ensure that subdivisions provide for appro-
priate access to and design -of future subdivisions should changes be
made to the policy which would allow additional growth in the area.
Disadvantages:
1. Even a limited amount of development will alter the nature of the area.
As the area becomes characterized as residential rather than rural, more
development pressure will occur.
2. A limited amount of development may accelerate breakup of the road
surface, therby necessitating unanticipated reconstruction and
maintenance.
STAFF REPORT
September 18, 1986
TO: Johnson County Board of Supervisors
FROM: Jo Lilledahl
RE: RAPID CREEK AREA STUDY
ALTERNATIVE IV
POINTS OF INTEREST:
1. Residential development will be allowed to occur only on those
properties with direct frontage or access to Rapid Creek Road.
Other property within the study area will continue to be limited
to agricultural use.
2. In approving site plans, consideration should be given to:
a. Road maintenance and other service costs.
b. Rural character of the area
c. Conservation of prime ag land for farming
d. Minimization of residential/farm conflict
e. Environmental protection of sensitive areas that might be
affected.
3. Clustering will be allowed. Accordingly, buildings may be con-
centrated in specific areas o£.the site, lea4ing.the:remiining land
to be used for common open space, recreation, agricultural use, etc.
4. The Johnson County Zoning Ordinance will require amendment.
S. This alternative acknowledges the limited carrying capacity of Rapid
Creek Road. It should be noted that full development along this road
will likely lead to increased maintenace or reconstruction costs.
6. In order to allow development to occur, a density ratio of three (3)
acres per one (1) dwelling unit has been established.
99Y
Johnson County Council of Governments
rr%410 E.VG-shryonSt. law City, bvw 52240
Date: September 22, 1986
To: Coralville City Council, Iowa City City Council, Iowa City Committee
on Community Needs, Johnson County Board of Supervisors, Johnson
County Board of Social Welfare, Johnson County Mental Health/Mental
Retardation Advisory Board, United Way Allocations Division, United
Way Planning Division
From: Mary Anne volm, United way Director
L�
Marge Penney, Human Services Coordinator
Re: Joint Human Services Funding Hearing Schedule
Because all our schedules are so full, we thought it best to share with you,
as early as possible, the proposed schedule for the United Way/Johnson
County/Iowa City/Coralville Joint Human Services Funding Hearings. You will
notice that a training session is available so that new panel members may
become familiar with the budget packet and continuing members may sharpen
their skills. We hope you will plan to attend. The Johnson County Depart-
ment of Human Services, 911 North Governor Street, will continue to be the
location of our meetings. You will receive further notice regarding this
schedule in mid-November.
This year's hearings are
ing fiscal
particularly important in light of new and continu-
constraints.
our continuing members and
We look forward to working with the experience of
the enthusiasm
of our new members.
PROPOSED HEARING SCHEDULE
Thursday, November 20
Training Session
Monday, November 24
Hearing I
Thursday, December 4
Hearing 2
Thursday, December 11
Hearing 3
Thursday, December 18
Hearing 4
Thursday, January 8
Hearing 5
Thursday, January 15
Hearing 6 Agencies funded only by United Way
Thursday, January 22
Hearing 7 Agencies funded only by United Way
All meetings are planned for 6:30 p.m.
/sp
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
CITY PLAZA LIGHTING DENONSTR
A demonstration of a new lighting fixture proposed for City Plaza will be
held on:
Nomday, SOAMIMber 29, 1966
8:00 PM
North End of City Plaza
(Adjacent to the Ninipark)
The Public Works Department is proposing to replace the existing, deterio-
rated fixtures with new fixtures which are more energy conservative and.
less susceptible to vandalism. The quality and intensity of light will be
displayed.
The public is welcome to attend. In case of rain, the demonstration will
be cancelled... AePvru7!
919A& iPAW.,
15-83
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
of
Date: September 24, 1986
To: City Manager and City Council
From: Rosemary Vitosh, Director of Finance QUxpj
Re: Parking Demand - North Side
Lthan ast spring it was noticed thgat Mercy Hospital's parking lot was fuller
that generalThis
areawwere experiencingat easame
decreasethat
u ag .parkingcontacted
Mercy Hospital at that time and was told that parking has increased in
their lot but that it was not a problem because they still had sufficient
parking available for the hospital's needs.
The hospital is now finding that their lot is full and that, at times,
there is not sufficient parking available for thegir visitors and volunteer
discussed various optionsewithJoe
himFforedealingkwigh theesituat;on. We arehave
aware that Mercy Hospital will be announcing, with the next few weeks,
changes which would make parking in the lot less attractive to the general
public and assure that there is adequate parking for those going to the
hospital. Such changes would most likely have a positive impact on moving
some of the parkers back to the City parking lots.
bdw3/1
SUMMARY
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECT -
STAFF PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
September 17, 1986
Staff Members Present: Boren, Brinton, Helling, Yitosh
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION:
i•
The Committee discussed the schedule of critical decisions which must be
f;
formulated in the near future. It was agreed that once the consultant pro-
vides a revised Project Master Schedule, the timetable for critical decisions
could be finalized.
There was general discussion of the site selection process including the
reaction of Committee members to the on-site tour of the two proposed sites.
#?
Members noted that site 1 was closer to the city limits and to developed
areas. Noting that Metcalf 8 Eddy had rated the sites numerically equal, it
was agreed that further discussion with representatives of Metcalf 8 Eddy
would be appropriate. They will be asked to address this issue further at
the next meeting.
!s
The issue of the overflow connection for the Rundell Street sanitary sewer
and the storm drainage system in that area was raised and it was agreed that
this matter would be discussed with the consultant at the next meeting.
There was a brief discussion regarding the public relations program. It was
that ideas had been listed included
noted several and in the summary of the
meeting of September 3, 1986. Additional ideas to be added to that list
ti
include scheduling of neighborhood meetings and providing maps to include
neighborhood segments of the planned construction. The public relations
r;
program will be the primary focus of the Committee throughout the winter
u
months with expectations that it will be in full implementation by spring.
Y
Committee members will discuss with the consultant its role in this program
i
r'
at the next meeting or at a meeting in the near future.
ti
It was agreed that subcommittees of one or two Staff Project Management
Committee members will be appointed to carry out specific segments of the
public relations program.
Meeting adjourned.
SUMMARY
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECT -
STAFF PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
September 3, 1986
Staff Members Present: Belling, Schmadeke, Vitosh,
O'Malley, Wordelman, Brinton
The Committee received a report on site selection for the
new treatment plant and agreed to visit the two selected
sites with Metcalf & Eddy on September 10, 1986.
The Committee reviewed and discussed the two scenarios
regarding information on the subcontractor packages which
were prepared by Metcalf & Eddy. The basic difference
between the two scenarios is the extent of involvement of
Metcalf & Eddy in the design of the plant and transportation
system. The project management contract states Metcalf &
Eddy shall design 60% of the project and 40% of the design
shall be done by the selection of local consultants.
Metcalf & Eddy would still have the management role and
review final designs. The Committee discussed the various
local firms who would be eligible to do the specific design
packages. The Committee selected scenario 01 contingent
upon the Committee's approval of the selected consultants
being qualified and competent to do the work.
The Committee discussed various public relations/information
ideas. The following suggestions were made:
t 1. Prepare a brochure of general information for
distribution. It would contain basic information regarding
the project, e.g., what the
project consists of, project
cost, growth capacity being provided and an explanation of
the five-year storm design. Positive statements should be
used in all public information efforts.
2. Offering to be available to talk to service groups
and clubs explaining the project.
3. Using cable t.v. to provide brief information on
the project at appropriate times.
,051S
/Sfs
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4. Providing information to citizens on what they can
or cannot do to alleviate sanitary sewer problems. This
information could possibly be put on the back of the water
bills. A packet of information could also be provided to
new customers.
5. Utilizing back of water bills for brief messages
pertaining to water and sewer and making information
available at the Civic Center and Library.
f
i
6. Start a publicity campaign encouraging people to
R remove roof drains, sump pumps, etc. from the sanitary sewer
system.
7. Make a video tape using visual aids for cable t.v.
and having copies of the tape available at the library for
individuals to check out. A presentation to the City
Council could be made at a formal Council meeting. These
meetings are video taped and this tape could possibly be
E used.
4
B. Notification of.neighborhoods prior to construction
occurring in their area.
rtEach Committee member was asked to prepare a list of
specific issues and concerns regarding the project. These
will be discussed at the meeting of September 17, 1986.
The next meeting scheduled for September 10 will consist of
'a tour of the two potential sites for the new treatment
plant.
Meeting adjourned.
S
F
-2-
/Sfs
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-I
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CHIC CENTER 410 E. WASHNGTON ST. IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 (319) 356-50OD
September 12, 1986
Mark Christopher
Power Pack Enterprises
3100 16th Avenue, S.W.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
Dear Mr. Christopher:
You have recently received, as well as a number of other individuals, a
peddler's license from the City of Iowa City City Clerk's office. This
license permits you to sell a product door to door throughout our commu-
nity. My office, as well as other City offices, has been advised by a
number of citizens that representatives of your company have been indicat-
ing in their door to door solicitation that the product has the endorse-
ment of the Mayor and/or City Clerk. Both the Mayor and City Clerk have
publicly stated that this is not the case and no representation of their
support for your product should be made.
This letter is being sent to all concerned and does not represent an
expression of dissatisfaction with your particular conduct; however, we
wish to advise you that the use of such endorsements are not only mislead-
ing but not founded in fact. We appreciate your cooperation.
Sincerely yours,
Stephen J A
City Man ger
/sp
cc: City Council
City Clerk
City Attorney
i
POWER PACK ENTERPRISES (cleaner)
Mark Christopher
301 Lamphere Drive
Blue Grass, IA 52726
Arthur P. Lee
P.O. Box 661
Jefferson City, TN 37760
Steve Petrunak
1534 N. Humbolt
Wisc. 52317
Robert M. Pavlinac
3308 Iowa Street
Lake Station, Indiana
Jerry W. Zimmerle
5826 Eaton's Creek Rd.
Nashville, TN 37080
Melissa U. James
4029 Winterpark Avenue
Columbia, South Carolina 29209
Susan Kane
4133 W80PL
Chicago, Illinois
Michael B. DeBats
4520 W. 107th Place
Crown Point, Ind. 46307
Randy Bickett
7220 W. 24th Avenue
Gary, Indiana 46406
Local Address:
study guides)
Srivastava
rthApts.
Suraq,. * 24060
Ajay Aggarw
7 Carriage oad
Char/ne
WV 25314
Locass:
2715Ave:
%Marlla
IowaIowa
Executive Motor Inn
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 3 1 0 O 1(.(2w- S W
Czota,L, C Z-(-�
50 3 rs
T
@11CMA�
M.Wup,tp OC 3M0!
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AECEIVED SEP 15 1986
(202)626.9600
September 9, 1986
Mr. James Schoenfelder / Y
Energy Coordinator %
City of Iowa City
410 B. Washington Street
Civic Center
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mr. Schoenfelder:
Enclosed you will find a copy of your program write-up, printed in the
most recent issue of The Guide to Management Improvement Protects in
Local Government.
Thank you for contributing to The Guide. Without your interest and
cooperation, this publication and the assistance it provides to over
1,400 readers could not be possible.
If you have any other projects which would be of interest to your
colleagues who read The Guide, please feel free to send us information
on them. I am enclosing an additional copy of our project information
form for your convenience and future reference.
Again, thank you for participating.
Beat regards,
Christine Kubo
Editor
Enclosures
/✓ 1 7
Public Works
PW -20
Energy conservation pays back. In order to
James Schoenfelder
finance energy conservation measures (ECMs) on
Energy Coordinator
a continuing basis, the city of Iowa City, Iowa
City of Iowa City
(50,000) set-up an energy savings payback fund.
410 E. Washington St.
The fund, established with the help of the Iowa
Civic Center
Energy Policy Council and the U.S. Department of
Iowa City, IA 52240
Energy, is a source of capital for the various
city departments to draw upon to implement ap-
proved energy conservation measures. A department
borrowing money from the fund must pay back to the
fund the original amount borrowed plus one year's
energy savings. In this way, the fund continues
to grow and finance additional ECMs. The ad-
vantage to the various departments is that by
borrowing from the fund, their actual budgets
decrease each year. For example, a particular
department borrows money from the fund, implements
an ECM and begins to save energy dollars. The
department is allowed to keep perhaps 32 percent
of the savings (reduced energy budget) and put 68
percent of the savings back into the fund. The
department continues this process until the
original amount plus one year's savings is paid
back after which the department benefits from the
entire 100 percent savings.
PW -21
Coca-Cola team up for clean-up. Neighborhood
Jane Quick
groups in Kansas City, Missouri (448,000) are
Public Information Office
getting some free clean-up help this summer in
City of Kansas City
conjunction with the fourth annual Clean Team
21st Floor, City Hall
program and the Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola has
Kansas City, MO 64106
donated 112,000 for the program this year, and
816/274-2601
Youngsters are paid $3.35 an hour for work com-
pleted during the four-week beautification
effort. Teams are made up of youngsters from a
home for abused or neglected teenagers, and the
teams are responsible for cleaning up several
neighborhoods. Twenty sites have been chosen for
clean-up, but the city is looking to add another
twenty. The Clean Team will spruce up parks,
roadways, alleys, and green spaces. In return,
participating neighborhoods can make arrangements
to maintain the area to prevent further deterior-
ation.
The Gulde, ICMA Vol. 10, No. 3,1986
/Sr
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 16, 1986
T0: City Council
FROM: City Clerk Marian K. Karr p�F
RE: Article from Nation's Business
Councilmember Baker has requested distribution of the
attached article from Nation's Business, a magazine published
by the United States Chamber of Commerce.
wi
On A New Road
By Roger Thompson
I you are about to go shopping for a
new home, consider this: Antiquated
building and zoning regulations
forced on builders by local govern-
ments probably add 10 to 25 percent to
the price of your dream house.
If you are in the business of building
or selling homes• consider this: You un-
doubtedly would have a broader market
if those regulations did not exist.
..The building industry, is the most
regulated industry in the world," says
David Jensen, a Denver land planner.
'•R'e think we've designed a system
that is protecting the consumer, but
we're dead wrong. City councils and
planning commissions haven't kept up
to date with changes in the industry."
Regulations frequently require build-
ers to turn out the architectural equiva-
lent of a 1960s eight -cylinder road hog,
when many buyers today want a high•
quality, low••maintenance compact,
Since building and zoning regulations
. are subject to local government control,
builders' complaints about costly regu•
lations are as varied as the communi•
ties where they do business. The most
burdensome often are the most anti.
quilted.
• large turnarounds at the ends of
cul-de-sacs are holdovers from the days
when fire trucks did not have a reverse
gear, a situation corrected decades ago.
Yet many codes have not changed to
allow for smaller T•tunmrounds that al•
low for more compact design and thus
cut costs.
• Early in this century the standard
for spacing sewer manholes was rough•
ly?W feet, the distance a lighted candle
could be seen to determine it blockage.
By the 1950.9, spacing increased to :100
feet, based on a worker's ability to
manually push cleaning rods through
the sewer line. Although mechanical
cleaning techniques now can reach 600
feet or more into it sewer line, most
codes stick to the antiquated require-
ments dating from the 1950s; or even
earlier. Home buyers absorb the extra
cost, about $2.09a manhole.
• Brigham Young seems to hove or-
dered that Suit Lake City's streets be
wide enough for his mule team to make
a l.' -turn. Similar excesses persist
throughout the country today. though
on a more modest scale Most communi•
ties still require unnecessarily wide. res -
Roger Glu nf. a Pi(Lcburgh-a ren
builder, hopeslarnl yorrr'u nrcnLs it -ill
adopt a near planrbinq rode that .sorts
hundreds of dollars oar rough -in
materials and labor ro.els. fie says the
snrings roald be passed along to nein
proem• bnyrre.
idential streets designed to meet the
needs of grid -like suburban street Pat,
terns of the 1950% Developers pass the
added cost slang to home buyers.
Local government officials, however,
d0 not accept file view that modern can-
struction techniques have oliminnted
the need for building regulations and
codes.
Those officials sav that many rules
are based on public safety and health
and cost considerations. Fire marshals
argue, for example, that allowing the
reduction some builders seek in residen-
tiol streets could restrict access to lire
trucks and other emergency vehicles.
public works directors say that refu5v-
collection trucks need streets of a cer.
tain width to operat • etliciently.
When a builder argues that requirinc
fewer manholes is among the Gn•tars
that could reduce the cost of houses.
/af
u
r
Home
Construction
On A New Road
By Roger Thompson
I you are about to go shopping for a
new home, consider this: Antiquated
building and zoning regulations
forced on builders by local govern-
ments probably add 10 to 25 percent to
the price of your dream house.
If you are in the business of building
or selling homes• consider this: You un-
doubtedly would have a broader market
if those regulations did not exist.
..The building industry, is the most
regulated industry in the world," says
David Jensen, a Denver land planner.
'•R'e think we've designed a system
that is protecting the consumer, but
we're dead wrong. City councils and
planning commissions haven't kept up
to date with changes in the industry."
Regulations frequently require build-
ers to turn out the architectural equiva-
lent of a 1960s eight -cylinder road hog,
when many buyers today want a high•
quality, low••maintenance compact,
Since building and zoning regulations
. are subject to local government control,
builders' complaints about costly regu•
lations are as varied as the communi•
ties where they do business. The most
burdensome often are the most anti.
quilted.
• large turnarounds at the ends of
cul-de-sacs are holdovers from the days
when fire trucks did not have a reverse
gear, a situation corrected decades ago.
Yet many codes have not changed to
allow for smaller T•tunmrounds that al•
low for more compact design and thus
cut costs.
• Early in this century the standard
for spacing sewer manholes was rough•
ly?W feet, the distance a lighted candle
could be seen to determine it blockage.
By the 1950.9, spacing increased to :100
feet, based on a worker's ability to
manually push cleaning rods through
the sewer line. Although mechanical
cleaning techniques now can reach 600
feet or more into it sewer line, most
codes stick to the antiquated require-
ments dating from the 1950s; or even
earlier. Home buyers absorb the extra
cost, about $2.09a manhole.
• Brigham Young seems to hove or-
dered that Suit Lake City's streets be
wide enough for his mule team to make
a l.' -turn. Similar excesses persist
throughout the country today. though
on a more modest scale Most communi•
ties still require unnecessarily wide. res -
Roger Glu nf. a Pi(Lcburgh-a ren
builder, hopeslarnl yorrr'u nrcnLs it -ill
adopt a near planrbinq rode that .sorts
hundreds of dollars oar rough -in
materials and labor ro.els. fie says the
snrings roald be passed along to nein
proem• bnyrre.
idential streets designed to meet the
needs of grid -like suburban street Pat,
terns of the 1950% Developers pass the
added cost slang to home buyers.
Local government officials, however,
d0 not accept file view that modern can-
struction techniques have oliminnted
the need for building regulations and
codes.
Those officials sav that many rules
are based on public safety and health
and cost considerations. Fire marshals
argue, for example, that allowing the
reduction some builders seek in residen-
tiol streets could restrict access to lire
trucks and other emergency vehicles.
public works directors say that refu5v-
collection trucks need streets of a cer.
tain width to operat • etliciently.
When a builder argues that requirinc
fewer manholes is among the Gn•tars
that could reduce the cost of houses.
/af
Sxmm , huanrc, tocwt Ia•n
i
Outdated local goreminent
regulations unneeessaizly drire up
the costs of'budding nue homes.
Innovative techniques can
change that
city officials sav theV must ask whether
the change would make it more costly
to clean clogged sewer lines, a cost that
homeowners might eventually hear as
higher taxes.
Michael Shibley, director of land use
and environmental affairs for the No-
tional :Association of Home Builders,
.says. however, that communities
should at least he receptive to the idea
that changes can be made: "Sly feeling
is, if you can demonstrate that a new .
technique works, then communities
ought to try it."
he builders' concern is based on
the continuing high cost of
houses despite sharp declines in
inflation and mortgage interest
rates. Between 1903 and 1934, the Joint
Center for Housing Studies, Cam.
bridge, Mass., points out, the price of
houses went up 40 percent faster than
the income of potential buyers of those
houses. The double-digit inflation of the
late 1970s and early 1930s drove up
costs of materials and labor, while sour.
ing interest rates were depressing
sales.
While the days of record inflation are
now gone, the average price of a new .
home reached $104700 last vent, up ap.
proximately &3.000 from the previous
year. In 1068, it was S20.000.
In 1963 home ownership costs totaled
roughly 10 percent of a typical buyer's
annual income. The figure today stands
at about 33 percent.
While housing sales have been going
well in the current period of sharply
reduced interest rates, many econo-
mists think those rates may have
reached their low point and will soon
begin rising again, making potential
buyers more cost-conscious.
Saes .John Phillips, a Lacey, Wash.,
builder: "it takes more than cheap in.
terest rates to make housing afford.
able." He is a leader in a nationwide
effort. the .Joint Venture for Afford.
able Housing, that has successfully
demonstrated cost-cutting approaches
to home construction. The Department
of Housing and Urban Development
launched the project in 1932 after a
presidential commission concluded that
high new home costs resulted in part
from "outdated and unnecessary build-
ing and land use regulations."
Michael Chapouut. a Santa Fe, .\' V.,
dereloper. says ninny tocol building
roles prrrertt builders from
in.stalliny rolled curbs on resicirnlial
streets. 1'ertical curbs etre nrore
expensive, addingbundreds ojdollars
to the priceoft nein home.
HUD and the National Association of
Home Builders Research Foundation
provide technical assistance to builders
and local governments that agree to
work together to modify building codes
and zoning regulations.
Results have Leen impressive. The
Joint Venture for Affordable Housing
has sponsored 39 demonstration subdi.
visions in :12 states. Cost savings range
from 2 percent of unit costs to 31 per.
cent, for an average saving of about
$7,000 per unit.
Higher densities saved the most mon.
ey. "Il seems there is a trend in which
more and more people don't want large
lots," sins NAHB President David
Smith, a builder in the Washington .sub.
urbs. "Fewer people are willing to
spend the weekend maintaining the
Yard."
Even so, builder Res Rogers had m
' stir
a;
Sauna': 11u.iaers .tucn,t L'r>ii
Home Conitruetlon On A Now Road
Rex Rogers, a Marion. Ark., builder,
says rna nq ueu• hunte buyers tread
sinalb lom•rttninlenance• yards
outside out modern kitchens and
other amenities inside.
obtain special permission from the Crit-
houses are. but how you make them
tendon County. Ark.. planning commis•
dense," he sats.
sion to cut minimum lot size from 7,.500
Other site development savings ve-
to 30)0 square feet in his 104 -unit sub.
sult from decreasing street rights•of•
division, a Joint Venture -sponsored pro-
way and pavement widths and from al.
ject. "The commission had never adjust•
lowing rolled rather than vertical curbs.
ed to changing lifestyles," says Rogers.
"Street design should be based on use, i
"Sixty percent of my buyers tell me the
not some arbitrary notion of what is
reason they bought is the smaller lot."
needed." says Michael Shibley, NAHB
Even if planning commissions ap-
director of land use and environmental
prove high density development, elect•
affairs. j
i)
ed officials can overrule them. In the
suburban Washington area. Smith sayscost
communities have two stan-
I
i
he runs into more interference fropt
dards for residential streets: a
!
'
homeowners than from planning staffs.:
M60•foot right-of-way with 36- i
Owners of traditional large -lo: t homes
foot -wide pavement or a 50 -
typically tight developers who propose
foot right-of-way with 26 -foot wide i
adjacent higher density development
pavement. "That's it; you can't do any. 1
because they fear a drop in their prop.
: thing else;' says Shibley. Both stan- I
erty values. Elected officials who arbi-
dards require more street width than
trace these disputes often side with the
needed, especially for homes clustered j
homeowners.
on cul -desacs, a design frequently used
But fear of declining land values is
to avoid the grid pattern of traditional
unfounded, says Jensen. He says well
suburban developments. Joint Venture
designed high-density housing appreci•
for Affordable Housing demonstration modate the low traffic volume on such
ates faster than homes in traditional
projects have shown that street widths
streets, says Shibley.
subdivisions. "It's not how dense the
' of 20 or 22 feet are adequate to accom-
Local governments frequently resist
rolled curbs, which require less labor to
..... .....
,...... .. .. _...
form and pour than vertical curbs. San.
'
to Fe, N.M., permitted builder Michael
What is a Be st Western?
Chapman to install rolled curbs in the
47 -unit first phase of his 1 -x3 -unit Joint
•
Venture demonstration subdivision.
'
The city required standard vertical
`*°'�'� •''
curbs for the remainder of the subdivi-
u •
sion, raising the price of a home 3100 to
M. says Chapman. Although each
-
house had a two -car garage and two
more spaces in the driveway, the city
argued "that rolled curbs would make
it more likely that people would park in
their front yards;' Chapman says.
When local officials permit higher
density, narrower streets, rolled curbs
and other innovations, savings quickly
add up. In the first phase of their dem•
castration subdivisions, Chapman
1 saved $3.345 per unit. Rogers saved
$4,,89, and Phillips—who built a 176 -
unit Joint Venture -backed subdivision
j in Lacey. Wash.—mixed $3,083.
t ;r'
Streamlined processing of building
plans also can trim costs. "Often, docu.
menus just sit on someone's desk and
don't move," says Roger Glunt, a Pitts.
The right place M the right price.
burgh area builder. When paper work
WIS does move, it may creep from desk to
desk, as one person signs otr at a time.
Make reservations at any Best Western,
: . . A speedier process requires simuluo-
see your travel agent, or call toll-free
neous review of a plan by everyone who
1-800-528-1234
mast approve .t.
-iedep Innovative building techniques idler
drgalsaa'nd
IMrndop rbauwrd
and apnalrl another avenue In cast reductions, but
tina'O'tn'aa'd^+a'� local governments' building codes
Circle No. a om Reade SeMco Cara. .. .. sometimes do not permit the innova-
JSP
Nation .4 Bu.vnces .tucuvt pl"a
tions. Rogers used the Optimum Value
Engineering system in his subdivision
and saved $1,112 on framing, sheath-
ing. plumbing, air conditioning and
drywall.
The NAHB Research Foundation de-
signed the OVE system in the 1970s to
cut costs while providing sound can.
struction. OVE, for example, permits
24 -inch instead of 16 -inch spacing in
wall, floor and roof framing, use of 2.
by 3 -inch instead of 2- by 4 -inch studs in i
interior partitions and installation of
I plastic water pipes rather than copper.
More innovations are on the way. A
plumbing system approved last Sep• j
tember by the Council of American
Building Officials can save about one i
third of rough -in plumbing costs. The
system, developed by the NAHB Re-
search Foundation, reduces the size of j
water pipes and gas vents without a j
noticeable difference in operations. I.
Builder Glunt installed the system in
a home near Pittsburgh. "The people
living in the house think it's better be- !
cause they see lower water bills," he
says. Glunt likes it because he saved
$565 in plumbing materials and labor on
the three-bedroom home.
As a result of cost cutting demon.
strated by the Joint Venture for
Affordable Housing, says Phil.
lips, Washington State govern•
ments have begun to make innovations
1 part of local building and zoning regu•
lations. "Many builders in our area and
I across the state have started innovative
projects, and the result has been that
new homes cost about $10,000 less on
average than when we began our inno•
i vations."
In Arkansas, Rogers' demonstration
project has been copied more than 30
times throughout the state.
Not every demonstration project has
been so successful. Chapman says San.
to Fe's city council has yet to accept a
single recommendation of a mayor's
task force on affordable housing. None•
theless, he does not put all the blame on
city officials. Builders who show little
interest in trying new approaches also
slow the process, he says.
Phillips agrees. Builders must learn
to try new techniques, he says, and
elected officials must learn that cost
cutting does not necessarily lead to a
shoddy development. Says Phillips:
"Change is a long-term commit.
ment." IB
To order reprints q' this article. see
page U.
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_1
AUGUST 19811
,ZOrV1NQiVffS ASSOCCATIION
The Clutter and Confusion
of Sign Control
Sign control is the most common and difficult problem that
local planning and zoning officials deal with. Many
communities simply have too many signs, others arc plagued
with excessive sign sizes, and still others are faced with
obnoxious, ugly sign designs. In many commercial areas, the
sheer number, size, and clustering of signs make it impossible
for people to absorb all the messages. Merchants are constantly
escalating the number and size of signs to compete with each
other for attention. The result too often is clutter and
confusion, competitive waste. and hazardous distractions for
motorists traveling city streets
In tum, many local sign ordinances have become as messy as
the signs they try to regulate A recent APA survey of 60 load
sign regulations turned up ordinances that contain definitions
and specific regulations for 30 to 40 different types of signs,
including standards for the size, placement, and aesthetics of
each. Most code regulations vary by zoning district; others
include standards specific to individual businesses such as
gasoline stations and automobile dealerships. In some cases, it is
evident that municipal lawyers or planning and legal
departments have written the ordinance without the involvement
• of code enforcement personnel and without consideration of all
those who need to interpret or use it.
49
Despite the pitfalls of sign control, the APA survey also found
that local officials are trying to clarify, simplify, and modernize
local codes. Many planners are working on improving two
troublesome areas—code enforcement and control of temporary
and portable signs. The survey also found a host of special sign
controls, new billboard controls, and techniques such m design
review, and targeted sign controls that protect scenic corridors,
historic areas, and even stadiums from too many signs.
Signs of Stumbling Blocks
Effective sign code enforcement and control of temporary and
portable signs are the two most common problems dealt with by
local planning officials. These problems are closely related because
temporary and portable signs are often put up without the
necessary permits. But each of these problems was described
separately by local planners responding to our survey.
Lack of Code Enforcement. A shortage of staff, the difficulty
of detecting illegal signs, and the problems of monitoring
temporary signs have made the enforcement of sign regulations
a major administrative headache In some cities, it is tough to
force code compliance because business owners arc allowed to
apply for sign permits "after the fact"—that is, after the sign has
been constructed. In other communities, local planners must
rely on enforcement letters and persuasion because court
proceedings are lengthy, cumbersome, and costly. Many violations
we ignored in the rase of temporary signs, particularly banncrs,
Sign quit The signs In the photo are a) too numerous; b) ugly; el a zoning official's nlghlmare; or d) all of the above.
/919
9
riods,
In
nen
IS the
ed
riod
rq
signs.
ed all
IS
TY
city's
he
the
on
t the
tign,
n
sorts
gm,
that
ugh
ice
I
i
if
Y,
Ile
i
r
e
t
regulations along with special time limits. The permits for
portable signs often expire after 30 to 60 days and may be
renewed a limited number of times per year.
The APA survey found, however, that few local governments
have had success with time limits on portable sign permits. It is
usually impossible to monitor all the permits and keep track of •
expiration data. To help ensure that temporary permits remain
temporary, Evanston, Illinois, requires a 550 bond that is
returned when the sign is removed; the bond is forfeited if the
sign is not removed before the permit's expiration date We
found that other cities have used the bond process with success.
In the District of Matsqui, British Columbia, and in Simi Valley,
California, zoning officials color code sign permits, which must
be prominently displayed so that code inspectors can
immediately distinguish between permanent and temporary signs
and more easily check on the validity of temporary permits.
New Wan Silo controls
Sign regulations, o much as any other pan of a zoning code,
reflect local preferences and development objectives. The Las
Vegas, Nevada, regulations are, therefore, distinct from those of
Beverly Hills, California. The following four trends, however,
give some indication of the new -wave approaches to local controls.
Unique Controls. Some new regulations don't fit into
categories or classifications. The San Diego and )Meson sign
Codes require that lighted signs be turned off after certain
times or after a store's closing in order to preserve the dark
skies necessary for local astronomical observations. Beverly
HillsHills, California, limits the number of colors used in each sign
' no more than three in addition to black and white The
Coral Gables, Florida, zoning code includes precise maximum
sign illumination levels ("pressed in footlamberts and
footcandles). The sign codes of Ithaca, Nev, York, and ibaon,
Arizona, allow for the designation and preservation of signs
with historical merit or significance,
Tougher Billboard Centrnft A significant number of cities •
billboards. Southorted that ampton, am New to Ya k Prohibit
eliminatedenumerous
billboards through the amortisation of nonconforming signs,
although some of this was accomplished only after expensive
legal battles. The sign code of Ano Arbor, Michigan, states
that "no billboard shall be erected at any time when there are
30 or more billboard faces in the city," This regulation has
literally frozen the number of billboards allowed to no more
than the existing number. The zoning department in Denver
recently purchased a digital measuring device that can be
attached to an inspector's car to determine It billboards meet
the city's spacing standards. The code requires that billboards
be spaced 300 to 500 feet from each other and 400 feet tram
any public
Review park,
historic
Big and small titles have design review
boards for sign control. Just lot month, Los Angeles
established a special sign review board to review applications
for any significant variance from the city's sign regulatlons.
Design review, boards and architectural commissions review
nearly all sign permit applications In Richmond and Beverly
HIVs, Califomia; Westport, Comenicut; Coral Gables,
Florida; and Wellesley, Mosachusetts. In Beverly Hills,' any
sign over 20 square feet in area is subject to design review by
the city's architectural commission; n Westport, design review,
is required for any sign am 50 square feet n area.
Special District Sign Control, The APA survey found that
virtually ever)' community has special district sign controls,
specially for historic areas, downtowns, and scenic or parkway
corridors. Some cities like Venioe, Florida, and Hilton Had,
South Carolina, reported that they adopted special sign
controls for the corridors of busy arterials and major •
horoughfares, where the number, size, and clustering of signs
caIt pose traffic and Aesthetic problems.
The APA survey indicates that, given the number of ways
'rat people can erect and use signs, it Is Inevitable that an
effective scheme of local regulation will be complicated. The
APA survey also shows, however, that some sign coda that
look good on paper often break down because of ineffective
code enforcement. Effective enforcement requires more than a
Wwell-written ordinance—adequate enforcement staff and the
political support for sign control are the muscle that will make
an ordinance work.
1986 Zoning
Ordinance Survey
By Leo Loreaare
The University of Wisconsin's Department of Engineering
Professional Development's Program in Planning and Zoning
recently released the results of their 1986 survey of zoning
ordinances. This national survey was conducted In order to
gather infomatlon on current trends in zoning and land use
Survey findings revealed many current concerns related to
ordinance development and enforcement. The findings also
offer a good means for comparison and evaluation of local
�. zoning and land -use activity. A synopsis of some of the
1; questions and answers follows:
Q. "Identify the last time your community updated its
8� zoning ordinance"
A. Of 135 surveys tallied, 35 communities had updated thew
zoning ordinances in 1986. The last significant year for
ordinance updating was 1981 with eight responses, after
which responses numbered between one and three
communities per year back to 1961.
Q. "Is your ordinance updated annually?"
A. Fifty communities answered yes, and 84 answered no.
Eleven communities responded that ordinance were
updated when the need arose
!' • Q. "Is your community presently developing zoning
ordinance to manage or control special problems?"
A. Ninety-eight communities answered yes, and 37 answered
nes If a community answered yes, they were asked to
identify what special ordinances were being developed.
Satellite dish orcilnansxs topped the Wt with 18 responses;
followed by signs (14 responses); parking (Il responses);
and group homes (sit respomes).
Q. "Which of the following special zoning ordinances has;
your community developed within the last five years?"
A. (Answers are followed by number of respondents.)
i Receational Vehicles in Residential Zona 29
Noise 20
Signs 60
i. Satellite Dishes 52
Adult Entertainment 28
Home Occupadons 47
Group Homo' 31
Q. "What specific zoning ordinance is the most difficult to
enforce In your community?"
A. Survey findings show that signs (40 responses); home
occupations (23 responses); mobile homes (10 response);
and junk vehicles (8 response) were the most frequent
source of enforcement problems.
Q. What type of support would be needed to help solve
difficult zoning related problems?
A. The top reponse svgs community support (20), followed
by additional staff (7); education of the public (6); and
enforcement and legal support (5 each).
�Than
e developers of the survey recommend that ordinances be
v'eluated and reviewed frequently In order to monitor changes
in planning and land use They also suggest that systematic
Leo ioremcn Is dltector of APA's PAS Inquiry Answer Service
evaluation is an excellent method of reducing enforcement
costs and improving the effectiveness of local land -use policies
and procedures.
For more information on the zoning ordinance survey, reader
may contact Philip Bennett or Steve Koran, Department of
Engineering Professional Development, The University of
Wisconsin. 432 N. fake Street, Madison, WI 53706,
New Land -Use Policies
Transform Bellevue
By I" Loraine
Over the put decade, Bellevue, Washington, once considered
another Seattle suburb, has; witnessed the transformation of its
image. Through innovative zoning policies, new land -use
techniques, and community support, the city is quickly losing
its "strip commercial" tag and becoming almost an entirely
new "urban entity."
Bellevue's new Downtown Land -Use Code provides much of
the impetus for this imnsfomation. New commercial and
office development has been directed to the CBD, where well-
designed high-rise dmiopmenu replace stretches of asphalt
parking lou. New zoning controls in the CBD permit
considerably greater densities than in outlying areas, and
strong, new, design review criteria emphasize pedestrian.
oriented uses and thoughtful building/sidewalk relationships.
The integrity and character of neighborhoods on the periphery
of the CBD have also been maintained by applying strict
design standards and height and bulk limitations. The intent is
to Preserve existing residential and neighborhood
remil/commucial uses on the perimeter of the CBD as; well as
the urban focus of the downtown. The major components of
the city's new land -use code directly influencing the redesigning
of the CBD am outlined below:
Incentive Zoning. Floor -area ratio (FAR) bonuses reward
developments that incorporate Pedestrian -oriented features
and encourage reduced auto traffic, Bonuses arc granted for
retail frontage, plazas, arcades, canopies, fountains,
sculptures, and underground parking. New additions to the
bonus menu encourage provision of day ease and other
human service facilities.
Pedestrian Emphasis. Zoning regulations strictly prohibit
single -use puking facilities; mandatory puking ratios (no
more than two and a half to three spaces per I,Ooo square
feet) for office developments are used to encourage mass
transit use and to discourage auto travel In the CBD.
Public Spew. Developers are required to provide several
types of public space, and each new development in the
downtown core must include a segment of the new
Pedestrian corridor. Zoning and design review mechanisms
for the corridor are directly shaping pedestrian amenitles in
the CBD, Including expanded sidewalk widths, open spaces,
retail uses, continuous weather protection, and lighting.
Developers receive FAR bonuses for constructing segments
of the pedestrian corridor, and the provision of these
ameaides is the only way for developer to exceed an FAR
of eight and a height Bsalt of 300 rect.
CBD Hoadng. The new downtown code also provida
Incentives for the concoction of downtown housing.
Residential uses an encouraged through height and bulk
limitations for office buildings. The end result should be a
mix of residential and commercial uses In the CBD.
Design Revlew. Rigorous dolga review Is required for any
downtown development before a building permit Is issued. The
design review process is administrative in naturc and involves
only the planning department staff. The detailed design
6WJ
i
review process involves control over items ranging from
building height to groundcover and paving styles and materials.
According to Mark Hinshaw, chief urban designer for the
city, new land -use policies and design review and control have
been major components of Bellevue's successful
transformation. For mole information about Bellevue's
downtown land -rise code, solders may contact Mark Hinshaw
at the City of Bellevue Planning Department, P. O. Box 90012,
Bellevue, WA 98009.
Linkage Fees for
Day Care
Many cities ase revising their zoning laws to permit day care
services in soldential, commercial, and industrial areas, but the
cities of Concord and San Francisco, California, ase doing
more by esactials fen from developers to support child tare
Both cities have determined that growth in their employment
ban has created an increased demand for child care services.
The fen will help to ensure the availability and affordability
of quality child case for the expanding work force.
The Concord ordinance adopted in July 1985 requires
developers of nonresidential projects valued at 510,000 or more
to pay a fee equal to one-half of one percent of the project's
development tests. The fee applies to F"". office, and
Industrial Projects citywide, The assessment of development
costs (concoction costs minus the cost of land) is made by
the city pluming department and is based on the building's
value as indicated on city -issued building Permits. The fm is
collected when a certificate of occupancy is issued.
The ordinance requires that all fees be placed In a special
account and used exclusively to fund child care services,
Including the city's nonprofit child care agency; private child
cue facilities; and construction of city -built and publicly
Operated child cue facilities. If developers themselves provide
or arrange for child case facilities and services, they may be
exempt from the fm requirements. Before a developer is
exempted, however, he or she must demonstrate that the child
rare facility and services provided in lieu of the fees will be
adequate to meet the needs of employees working in the
building. Such fae!Etles may be provided on site or in
convenient off-site locations.
San Frsndsco's fee requirements were adopted in October
1985 and apply to office buildings of 50,000 square feet or
more The ordinance requires office developers either to set
aside 3,000 square fust or one percent of the pmject's gross
squam fomage, whichever is greater, for an on -lite child care
anter to be operated by a nonprofit agancy; or to contribute one
dollar per square foot of office space to a dry -administered
fund. This contribution Is due when the colificate of
occupancy is issued
Owners of downtown office buildings ase required to provide
child care referral and placement services The services mot be
located within the building If the project is Iargu than 100,000
TaatNrn h paAod nA9A.7amwn P. Smhh. Fdimr, rlmNeeieov" tad
A&b anaNna, AtWan EQWL
COWSM 01986 by American PW Wel AumWim. tau C 6M Sr.. Chkapo, LL
60437. Th Ammne Muafog Auodm hu kidqummm omut n 1776
Manredwam An.. N.w.. W Winpm. 0C 20016.
An ryhu rnerrd. No per or ah pAkmoo my be npM m u10xd in mY
Iona or by my mm. dmrmk or meehenkw, Indo l N,aompyhF recc,4ml.m
by L" wramuuon no"F W mnvd ryaan. wnMm pemuuion M wndry from ole
A.
square feet and within a two -block radius of the project If the
project is at least 50,000 square feet.
foal planners in San Francisco and Concord report that,
although many child care facilities have been started in the last
few Years, the supply has not kept up with demand. Prospective
Child care providers have become discouraged by high capital
and insurance costs, complex state regulations, and marginal
Profits. The developer contributions required in these two cities
may help to relieve some of the cost problems.
Call for Information
The Planning Advisory Service receives upwards of 3,000 calls
per Year requesting current information in the field of
planning. Exampia of projects undertaken by various agencies
am always in high demand. In order to fill these requests, we
need to keep the PAS library up-to-date!
PAS would Bke to know about Your recent major planning
efforts. A list of your research and planning projects would be
very useful. Copia of publications or in-house memoranda
would be most welcome.
We would like to see materials that Your department has
produced within the last year. Please send your responses to:
Leo Lorenzen
Planning Advisory Servim
1313 E. Wits St.
Chicago, IL 60637
�o�►�NG eports
Growth Manyemeae
gfeeping on "as?
Wed by Douglas Porter, The Urban Land Institute. 1090
Vermont Ave, N,W, Warhington, DC 70005. 1986: 718 pp. 53a-
577 jot UL! members.
This collection of articles looks at growth limit mechanisms;
growth management as it Is tied to Infnstructme support; state
and regional management; and economic and equity issues. It
also provides cue studio of growth in Austin, Texas, and
Hilton Head, South Carolina. The book Is compiled from
papers presented at a 1985 ULI/Lincoln Institute of Land
Policy seminar and previously published articles.
J
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 23, 1986
TO: City Council
FROM: City ManagerC ,47 ('14C
RE: Miscellaneous lY`^^�Aj r"aa' kurr
U
I. First Capitol Development Annual Report for Fiscal '85-86.
Report attached
2..'CADSI. We have continued to routinely check with the management
of.CADSI about their requirement to complete paperwork for the
State del. The
velopment
had nnot Tsecured aosite for ving ntheirwnew building,
but were looking at options. Also CADSI indicated that the
fall construction plans have been set aside.
cc: Department Directors
Patt Cain
1
I
1,
First Capitol Development, Inc.
P.O. Box 2567
11 fQ Iowa City, Iowa 52244
(319) 354-3939
September 19, 1986
Steve Atkins
City Manager
City of Iowa City
Civic Center
Iowa City, Iowa 52244
Dear Steve:
The enclosed annual report was prepared to reflect progress of
First Capitol Development during fiscal 1985-86. We are
particularly aware that this successful year would not have been
possible without your fiscal support and commitment. Con-
sequently, we wanted you and all other charter supporters of the
five-year program to be among the first to share the report.
We have many plans for 1986-87 including the continued
implementation of marketing programs outlined in the original
strategic plan and new initiatives which have come up as we have
matured. We are confident that the original program is on
schedule.
According to our records, your pledge to the FCDI fund drive is
paid through December, 1986. If you have questions about the
report or your pledge status, please contact Ray or any member of
the board.
We appreciate your commitment and support.
a Sine relMy Vy,
Richard
hard M
V s
Chairman of the Board
First Capitol Development, Inc.
-I
T
FINST CRPITIL 8E1E1./1PMENT. INC.
INNRIL 1EP811T
MY Sig 1916
DICK618IND INN OBJECTIVES FBI 1985-86
Fiscal 1985-06 proved to be a uery challenging and eventful year
for First Capitol Deuelopment and the organizations and communities
which have been instrumental in the creation of the corporation.
Though First Capitol Deuelopment was officially chartered in May
1984, a president was not appointed until Rugust 1984. The general
strategic plan for first Capitol Deuelopment initiatives was
completed and approued in January 1985. Consequently, fiscal
1985-66 was the first full year of operation for First Capitol
Deuelopment.
Major objectives outlined for 1965-86 included the continued
Implementation of programs and strategies adopted in the original
strategic plan with particular attention to the following:
1. Continue deuelopment of cooperative relationships with
.gouernment and business leaders In the region to strengthen
Iowa City -Ceder Rapids corridor and regional deuelopment
initiatives
2. Completion of the initial fund driue for the Turn of the
Century Initiatiue in order to assure essential resource
support for proposed marketing programs and materials
3. Support resolution of local infrastructure improvements
essential for continued development including the Iowa City
waste water treatment facility, Scott Blud and Local Road
access from Iowa City to Interstate 80/West Branch, and
local tau abatement ordinances in participating communities
4. Support 'streamlining ' o/ local development
reuiew procedure including new zone classifications for
Integrated Of facilities and
preliminary planning assistance for Clear Creek
Office/Research Park concept
5. Support creation of a reuoluing loan fund to stimulate
financing of local development projects
/5tF9
Wi
Page 2
FCDI Annual Report
6. Complete marketing and promotion materials for the FCDI area
including ...
a) Statistical inserts for the Iowa City Quality of life brochure
b) R special '(Iyer' to be used for direct mail purposes
c) On area uideotepe presentation representatiue of the
communities in the FCD/ membership area
d) R buildings and sites folio for information and reference
e) Implementation of a public relations program to expand the
image of the area, and
f) Continued communications programs to keep local
community groups and organizations aware of FCOI goals
and programs.
7. Provide timely and accurate assistance to decision makers
exploring expansion or location possibilities in the communities
of the First Capitol area.
8CC8MPLISBMENTS 1985-86
POLICY RNDINFRRSTRUCTURE
Tax abatement ordinances have now been enacted in seven
Participating First Capitol Jurisdictions including:
Solon
Hills
Lone Tree
Coraluille
North liberty
Johnson County
Iowa City
February 20, 1986
November 11, 1985
august 9,1985
Rprtl 23, 1985
February 26, 1985
February 7, 1905
January 22, 1985
The tax abatement ordinance provides a graduated tax abatement
only to those industries which expand or relocate with a resulting
Increase in the local tax base. Elected officials in each of the
Jurisdictions removed a significant obstacle to local development bg
approving the abatement ordinances.
R special task force of the Greater Iowa City Oren Chamber of
Commerce worked with Iowa City planning staff to draft and propose
a new zoning classification and deuelopment procedure In Iowa City.
Results of this effort substantially improve our ability to prouide
timely responses to those industries seeking to expand.
/S77
Page 3
FCDI Annual Report
Iowa City planners were successful In winning a compelitlue
grant from the Match Foundation to support initial planning
discussions of city, uniuersity , and development consultants for
preliminary review of Clear Creek Office/Research Park alternatives in
Iowa City/Coraluille.
Planners representing Coraluille, North Liberty, Iowa City and
Johnson County prepared successful applications for state
funding of RISE program projects for Rockwell expansion. Projects for
Scott Blud, Local Road and 001 Industrial Park are currently under
review.
The City of Iowa City completed a plan for improving sewer and
water services in Iowa City. The new waste water treatment facility
will overcome serious limitations to eHponsion in Iowa City.
FRCIIITIES RND STNFFING
The Greater Iowa City Rree Chamber of Commerce continues to
be a major supportive agency to First Capitol Deuelopment in
Partnership with the university and local government agencies.
During much of 1985-86, Pat Grady, EHecutiue Uice President of the
Chomber,worked with the chamber facilities committee to design and
complete new office and meeting facilities to meet eHpanding needs
of the Chamber and associated organizations including First Capitol
Development. The prouision of office space , services and staff
support by the Chamber to First Capitol has been a major factor in
our continued joint development. Certainly, the new offices have
already proven to be an asset.
Concurrent with his appointment as EHecutiue Uice President of
the Greater Iowa City Rrea Chamber of Commerce, Pat Grady also
assumed responsibility as Ulce President of First Capitol Development.
His work with the Chamber Economic Development, Existing Industry,
and Governmental Relations committees has had a very direct effect
on essential area development programs. He has also contributed
directly to FC01 projects.
Rebekah Demaree joined FCDI as secretary and general assistant
In Rugust 1965. Demaree has already proven to be a uerg valuable
asset as she has assumed increasing responsibility for specific
projects and programs.
Rn honor MBR student from the Uniuersitg of Iowa worked as a
/ �/
'r
Page 4
FCDI Annual Report
summer intern to develop a preliminary tele-morketing proposal in
cooperation with Iowa Electric and the Cedar Rapids Committee of
100.
COOPERRTIUE RRERINITIRTIUES
The Cedar Rapids -Iowa City corridor or Iowa City -Cedar Rapids
connection continued to deuelop during 1985-86 as a consequence of
specific activities and programs. Seueral First Capitol area
representatiues served on the planning committee for the seuen-
county Regional Deuelopment Task Force . Ray Muston, President of
FCDI, serves as a member of the Board of the Regional Council.
In joint meetings, the Committee of 100 and First Capitol
Deuelopment boards have outlined several initiatiues for continued
deuelopment in 1906-87.
Rey Muston represented the Rrea 10 Private Industry Council at
meetings of the Industrial Deuelopment Research Council and the
Iowa High Technology Council at a High Technology Facilities
Conference during the year.
INTERNRTIONRL DEUELOPMENT
In cooperation with Iowa Electric, First Capitol was instrumental
in the development of contacts with Korean and Japanese industry
interested in expansion in the United States. First Capitol
participated in one of two trips to Korea and Japan in March 1906 to
make calls on corporate and gouernmeni officials. R follow-up
mission has been planned for September 1986 including elected
officials and business leaders from FCDI communities and Cedar
Rapids. The September mission will include reciprocal uisits to two
provinces In China interested in trade relationships with the Midwest.
University of Iowa initlatiues to focus an institutional priority to
Rsian studies and nations of the 'Pacific Rim' have received wide
recognition and support. The Stanley family gift to the uniuersity
supports that effort and is a cornerstone of the general International
deuslopmenl strategy of the region.
The University of Iowa -First Capitol Development commitment to
strengthening relationships with Rsian countries was reinforced in
results of a futures audit just completed for the City of Cedar Rapids.
Page 5
FCDI Annual Report
MRRKETIN6 AND PROMOTION MATERIALS
R number of projects and materials were completed during
1985-86 as originally proposed in the strategic plan and Turn of the
Century proposal. Among the many marketing and promotion products
competed were the following:
1. Four stand—by ads for placement in national media as needed
2. R special Research/Office/Industrial Park brochure for use
-at a national hi -technology conference and for direct mail
purposes
3. The First Capitol Area Uideo Tape produced by the Uniuersitg of
Iowa Uideo Center
4. Special Japanese and Korean brochures to introduce the Iowa
City -Cedar Rapids 'connection'
5. Aerial photos of all established industrial parks and each of the
participating towns in the FC01 area
6. A direct mail piece mailed to a list of hi -tech firms and
Rockwell uendors
7. Kirkwood Community College researched and assembled
presentation folios for Kalona, Lone Tree, Riuerside and
North Liberty and began work on a similar package for
Wellman. Materials were used to represent the communities to
an industrial prospect
A. Rd placements in 'Site Selection Handbook," U.S. Real Estate
Register,' and 'Business Facilities,' desk reference
publications targeted to corporate facilities planners and real
estate emecutiues
From the outset, First Capitol has targeted public relations as a
priority in area deuelopment efforts. R well-placed article and
thoughtful emposure can be far more valuable than an ad. This
concept, too, was reinforced in results of the Cedar Rapids Futures
Audit.
FCDI established a relationship with Anderson Communications in
/57?
Page 6
FCDI Annual Report
1985 to outline and implement a comprehensive communications
program with an emphasis on public relations. Two major articles
have been placed in national media 'Expansion Magazine'and 'Plants,
Sites tF Perks' magazines highlighting the First Capitol area as a
dynamic location with a shared commitment to support deuelopment.
The board of directors officially approved a recommendation of
p the agency to change the name of First Capitol to more accurately
reflect the area to external audiences. The approved name change,
'The Iowa City Brea Development Group, Inc (The ICBD Group)', is
intended to reflect the cooperative spirit of the area without
distractions often associated with First Capitol as a finance compony.
The proposed name change was carefully evaluated by
w representatives of all participating communities prior to reuiew by
the board.
During 1985-86, the president and staff of FCDI deltuered more
then 35 speeches and presentations to area service clubs, councils and
organizations.
EHPBNSIONS ONO LOCOTIONS
During 1985-86, a spec building was completed and leased in the
Business Development Industrial Park by o local corporate group. This
commitment was a demonstratiue example of the willingness of
private investors to participate in the general community
development program.
Rnnounced expansions in the FCDI area during 1985-86 totaled
more than 1000 Jobs and capital investment of more then $30 million.
These results ranked the FCDI area at the head of the state.
Expansions and locations included:
Blepe, Buchanan 0 Piper
Stauffer Seeds, Inc.
Notional Computer Systems
Economy Odvertising
Hawkeye Food Systems
Professional Turf Specialists
Tymnet
New life Fitness World
MHllncorporated
J.M. Swank
Hansen Lind Meyer
Southgate Development(Pepperwood)
Rockwell International
Purethene, Inc.
Human Biology Facility
Super 8 Motel
These announced expansions did not completely deter the effects of
layoffs or contractions In four local firms accounting for the loss of
/Sp'
p First Capitol Deuelopment officers and directors haue euercised
stewardship in the Inuestment of resources in accordance with the
k; Turn of the Century Initiative Fund Drive. Pledges paid in aduence
a have been placed In reserve. Major cost items have been deferred
until programs are clearig defined and resources identified. RII
financial records of FEDI have been audited by an independent auditor.
Because major promotion programs were just planned for
Implementation in spring 1986, expenses Incurred were expected to
Increase substantially in fiscal 86-07. Fiscal resources were reserued
accordingly.
/S89
Page 7
FCDI Annual Report
employment of 162 Jobs and the transition of many agricultural
workers off the term. In short, the area suffered
the loss of the
equivalent of a major industry during the year. The new expansions
were enough to more than
offset jobs lost and support a positive net
growth.
F
FINRNCIRL suMMRRY
h
The success of First Capitol Development as a new organization
would not have been
possible without the commitment of resources to
support the initial flue year program. During fiscal 1985-06, nine
local gouernmenls contributed
to the First Capitol Rree program and 119 pledges were received from area businesses and individuals. The
Tum of the Century Initiatiue
Fund Drive headed by General Chairman
John Balmer resulted in a commitment of $520,000 in
y;
private pledges
toward the $600,000 goal for the flue year program. R renewed
commitment of several
j;
pledges originally committed to one year,
would moue the total program to near completion. The communities
and leaders of the First
Capitol area truly demonstrated a
commitment to 'partnership' in economic deuelopment so often
articulated by others.
p First Capitol Deuelopment officers and directors haue euercised
stewardship in the Inuestment of resources in accordance with the
k; Turn of the Century Initiative Fund Drive. Pledges paid in aduence
a have been placed In reserve. Major cost items have been deferred
until programs are clearig defined and resources identified. RII
financial records of FEDI have been audited by an independent auditor.
Because major promotion programs were just planned for
Implementation in spring 1986, expenses Incurred were expected to
Increase substantially in fiscal 86-07. Fiscal resources were reserued
accordingly.
/S89
i.d
Page e
NECEIVED SEP
2 2 1986 FCDI Annual Report
R summary of financial statements for 1985-86 follows.
Beginning Balance:
$24,994 i
REUENUES: Local 6ouernment Investment
76,137
Private Pledges
110,618 I
Interest Income
_
6,511
6reeter Iowa Citg Chamber
Payment in Kind
32,152 I p
Research Foundation
Pagmerit in Kind
8,000 I
Miscellaneous Income
5,451
TOTBL INCOME:
5246,869
Expenses Personnel (includes contributed
j.
payment in kind of Chamber Staff)
95,091
Building
5,276
Office Expenses
17925
Auto and Trowel Expenses
12529
Dues,Subscriptions,Fees
1,358
9duertlsing
2,416
Research
1,763
Task Force Promotion
29,031
Reserve
222
Rduence Receivables
38,080
Annual Banquet
4,397
TOTRL ERPENSES
208,087
BRLRNCE FORWARD
$63,726
CONCLUSION
The First Capitol area enjoyed considerable economic progress in
1985-86 despite state and national trends. With continued
Participation and support, further progress in 1986-87 is anticipated.
,
CITY
OF IOWA CITY WAGES
FOR CALENDAR YEAR
1985
8 -AUG -86
k
LOCAL
NON LOCAL
TOTAL
EMPLOYEES
EMPLOYEES
PAYROLL
WAGES
FEDERAL WITHHOLDING
7,606,494.80
1,072,376.85
2,602,226.06
357,815.29
10,208,720.86
STATE WITHHOLDING
296,266.60
99,303.45
1,430,192.14
395,570.05
SOCIAL SECURITY
363,885.99
140,403.26
504,289.25
-------------
TOTAL PAYROLL
9,339,024.24
3,199,748.06
12,538,772.30
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