HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-08-11 CorrespondenceI- i
September 8, 1981
Mrs. Bernadine Knight, Chairperson
Iowa City Riverfront Commission
425 Lee Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mrs. Knight:
Recently the Riverfront Commission expressed concern to the City
Council about the City's maintenance yard and salt pile. The City
has in recent years made efforts together with Project GREEN to
increase the landscaping adjacent to the maintenance yard. However,
the condition of the soil prevents the growth of adequate screening.
While the City did consider the construction of a salt dome in the
Capital Improvement Program, it is clear that because of financial
considerations, the City probably will not be able to finance that
project in the next several years. Less expensive alternatives must
be considered.
The Public Works Department will investigate the construction of an
earthen berm between the maintenance yard and the highway to shelter
that area from view and also provide an area for the placement of
plantings. In addition, the Public Works Department will
investigate the construction of a more moderate cost salt shed which
would be constructed in a more desirable location.
Because of financial considerations and the time necessary to
construct an.earthen berm, these remedies may not be implemented at
an early date. Your staff will coordinate with the Public Works
Department to insure that you are informed as plans proceed. Thank
you for your interest in this matter.
Sincerely yours,
r
Neal G. Berlin �
City Manager
cc: City Council
Don Schmeiser p
bdw/sp CLeeQo. 6
MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICRO_ LAB
CEDAR RAP10S•DES MOINES
CITY OF
CIVIC CENTER 410 E. WASHINGTON ST
July 30, 1981
RECEIVED,-�G 41981
IOWA CITY
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 (319) 356-5000
Mayor John Balmer and Members of the City Council
Civic Center
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mayor Balmer and Members of the Council:
One of the concerns of the Riverfront Commission is the condition of the
riverbanks. The appearance of banks as well as the impact riverfront activities
have on the quality of the Iowa River water are important aspects of this concern.
In the past, the Commission has brought to the attention of the Council the issue
of screening the City's maintenance yard and containing the salt pile there. Some
effort has been made by the City to enclose the salt pile and move it back from the
river, and plantings have been placed between the yard and Route 6. However, the
Commission feels that more work is required in the area to prevent the erosion of
the salt pile into the river and to screen the yard from the river and from the
view of motorists crossing the bridge on Highway 6.
With placement of the culvert between Route 218 and the river along the northern
boundary of the yard, considerable excavation has taken place which will require
replacement landscaping. This circumstance coupled with the approach of capital
improvements programming time creates a situation in which it would be
particularly efficient for the City to address the concerns of the Commission.
The Commission requests that upon completion of the bank work and roadside work in
the immediate area
-that the City provide screenings between the river and the yard;
-that the containment and shelter of the salt pile continue to be included in
the CIP and be slated for FY83; and
-that a buffer be provided between the screenings and the salt pile so as to
avoid any destruction of the screenings should further erosion of the salt
pile take place.
The Commission appreciates your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Bernadine Knight, Chair
Iowa City Riverfront Commission
bj4/4
/176
j MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
r�
'v•
ic
n
0
Iowa City • Iowa
Y"rY�1
RECEIVED RL 2 4 1981
July 23, 1981
T0: City Manager - City Council
The Greater Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce and the City
Relations Committee of the Chamber takes this opportunity
to commend the City for an outstanding job in maintaining
the appearance of the downtown area. It is particularly
pleasing that the follow through has been the result of an
interest in keeping the area attractive to many visitors to
our City.
Keep up the good work.
Cordially,
7
Tom Hooge erf, resident
Greater Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
TH/sa
Greater Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 2356 Iowa City, Iowa 52244 (319) 337-9637
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
1177
U
0
Iowa City • Iowa
_ 0
CEIVED J!'1.2 q 1981
July 23, 1981
T0: City Manager - City Council
The Greater Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce recommends to
our City Council that a study be undertaken to determine the
feasibility of instituting Sunday bus service on a limited
basis to take care of the needs of the elderly, the shopper,
and those people needing this type of service to attend the
church of their choice. As a suggestion, consideration might
be given to cutting back on night service, particularly on
Saturday night.
In another area related to the downtown, it has been brought
to our attention of the need for additional police patrol in
the evening. We suggest your taking a look to determine if
there is a problem.
Your consideration of these matters will be greatly appreciated.
Cordially,
Tom Hoogerwerf, rresident
Greater Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
TH/sa
Greater Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 2358 Iowa City, Iowa 52244 (319) 337-9637
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
// %4r
it
j/; a, r�.RECEIVED JUL 2 % 1981
a 17a
t �y i9�i
MICROFILMED BY
iJORM MICROLAB
' CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES .
V :_
L.
YX
MEARDON, SUEPPEL, DOWNER & HAYES
WILLIAM L.MEARDON
LAWYERS
WILLIAM F. SUEPPEL
ROBERT N. DOWNER
122 SOUTH LINN STREET
JAMES P. HAVES
JAMES D.C
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
J.
THOMAS J. I LEKHER GILEIt
MARK
D.HO
THOMAS O. H06A RT
THOMAS
July 27, 1981
MARGARET T. LAINSON
ANGELA M. RYAN
Honorable Mayor and City Council
Civic Center
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re: Billing Procedures for Water
Dear Mayor and Council Members:
TELEPHONE
336.9222
AREA CODE 319
Since many of our landlord clients have experienced continuing diffi-
culties with the collection procedures of the City for water and sewer
service, we are asking for your assistance. Although water service may
be directly provided to a tenant, the landlord is assessed the cost of
water service and related fees under several circumstances. Generally,
this occurs because of the City's posture that the property owner or
landlord is ultimately responsible for any fee or charge which it fails
to collect from the tenant.
There are two primary areas of difficulty: first, if an inquiry is made
regarding the status of an account, the City staff will only check the
receivable file which does not indicate whether a final bill has been
computed. Therefore, when a landlord calls the City and asks for the
amount due on a particular account, he or she will frequently be given a
figure which is not the final amount. The landlord's difficulties are
further compounded by Section 562A.1(3) of the Code of Iowa which provides
that a landlord shall return a rental deposit with n the (30) days
from the date of the termination of the tenancy. Section 562A.12(4)
provides that a landlord who fails to provide a written statement of
amounts withheld from the rental deposit within thirty (30) days forfeits
all rights to withhold any portion of the deposit. Frequently, the
landlord relies upon the final billing of the City and returns the
balance of the security deposit. Subsequently, he receives the final
bill or the City determines that the amount is incorrect and the landlord
must pay the balance. Incorrect figures appear to result both from poor
communication and clerical errors. On occasion, bills have been sent to
the wrong address.
Secondly, if an account is taken out of the tenant's name for any reason,
including the tenant's request, the account is automatically placed in
the name of the property owner or landlord without notification. As a
result, a tenant may place the account in the name of the landlord for a
j MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
Honorable Mayor and City Council
July 27, 1981
Page 2
month before he/she moves and the landlord will not discover this until
it is too late. Furthermore, this automatic transfer may generate a
minimum billing in the name of the landlord. Although an apartment may
be vacant only one day and no water service is used, the landlord must
pay this minimum fee.
While a landlord is reluctant to bring each $4.68 minimum charge and
$10.00 water bill which he/she considers unjustified to your attention,
the cumulative effect of these problems may result in a loss of $300 to
$500 per year for a large complex. Administrative solutions which would
substantially reduce the error rate would not only improve the City's
relationship with the public and lessen conflicts between landlords and
tenants, but decrease staff time in handling customer complaints. Each
error generates phone calls and visits from both the landlord and the
tenant who seek to correct the error.
In addition to these administrative problems, it is our position that
the City has exceeded its authority in assessing the landlord for water
service for fees where the service is for the benefit of the tenant. In
a December 20, 1976 Opinion, the Attorney General set forth in detail
the legal arguments against liens for water bills. While Section 384.84(1)
of the Iowa Code provides statutory authority for liens for sewer service
and solid waste disposal, and Section 364.12 provides for liens for snow
removal and weed cutting, Iowa law does not authorize liens for water
service. The Opinion quotes 64 Am.Jur. 2d Public Utilities Section 60
as follows:
"In the absence of statute there is no unconditional personal
liability imposed upon owners of real estate for water rents
or water rates while the property is in the possession of
their tenants...."
Section 364.3(4) states that a city may not levy a tax unless explicitly
authorized by state law.
I
Therefore, we are asking the following relief from the City Council:
i
1. That Section 33-167(c) be amended to eliminate a lien on real
property for water service fees and charges which were incurred by a
tenant.
MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICRO_ LAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
'L.
V -
L"
Honorable Mayor and City Council
July 27, 1981
Page 3
2. That Section 33-167(d) be amended to provide that a property
owner or subsequent tenant shall not be required to pay the delinquent
fees and charges of a prior tenant in order to resume water service to a
particular property.
3. That water service responsibility for a unit may be transferred
to the account of a party (landlord or tenant) only with the written
consent of such party.
4. That the City institute a form certifying a final reading and
billing which will be completed within 20 days of the date that a final
reading is requested. The landlord could then require the tenant to
present a paid receipt with a final billing prior to the return of the
security deposit or could rely upon the certificate in making deductions
from a security deposit within the 30 days required by state law.
5. That the City institute a policy whereby it will accept
responsibility for its clerical errors in billing and recognize this
amount as an administrative cost.
Since the highest number of final readings for water service probably
occur during the month of August, we respectfully ask that you give this
matter your immediate attention.
MTH:cg
j MICROFILMED BY
`.JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
//y0
CITY CSF IOWA CITY
CIVIC CENTER 410 E. WASHINGTON ST. IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 (319) 356-5030
August 5, 1981
Mr. Mark T. Hamer
Meardon, Sueppel, Downer & Hayes
122 S. Linn Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mr. Hamer:
It has been several months since you first brought the concerns of
your landlord clients to my attention. The Finance Department staff
and I met with you and Angela Ryan at that time and it was my
understanding that you considered the major problem to be a lack of
communication and/or a misunderstanding of City water/sewer billing
procedures. As a result, the Finance staff prepared a "How To Guide"
which could be distributed to both landlords and tenants to explain
1) how to set up new accounts, 2) how to make changes in accounts, 3)
how to request final readings and final bill information, 4) the
City's billing and collection procedures, and 5) a listing and
explanation of the various service charges.
In February 1981, as you requested, a draft of that guide was sent to
your office for review. To date your comments have not been
received. However, the City continues to be willing to work with you
on these concerns.
As we discussed before, our procedures have been designed to
eliminate most of the problems which you present in your letter.
Timely final bill notification can be provided to the landlord if a
request is made with a sufficient lead time. When a tenant moves,
the account is placed in the property owner's name, if it is not
placed immediately in a new tenant's name. This is done instead of
removing the meter which is much more costly than a minimum bill.
This has been the City's policy on rental properties for several
years.
Also until I receive specifics on actual situations where problems
have arisen, so that we can investigate and locate the exact cause of
the problem, I am unable to determine if the problem is
communication, procedures or a combination.
Our legal staff is currently investigating the legality of using
liens for unpaid water bills and I will send the report to you as
soon as it is available.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
L.,.
x/000
..7
Mr. Mark T. Hamer
August 5, 1981
Page 2
Once again, the City staff continues to be more than willing to work
with you on finding solutions to your clients' concerns but we must
have specifics from you on the individual problems. In addition, I
would appreciate receiving your comments on the "How To Guide" so
that it can be finalized.
Sinc ours,
eal G. Berlin
City Manager
bj/sp
cc: City Council
Robert Jansen
Rosemary Vitosh
j MICROFILMED BY
';JO RM MICROLAB
',CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
CITY OF
CITY
CIVIC CENTER 410 E. WASHINGTON ST.
IOWA CITY IOWA IOWA 52240 (319) 354.180
August 4, 1981
Mr. Mickey Matyko
Ms. Julie Spencer
Route 4
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mr. Motyko and Ms. Spencer:
Your application for the use of public grounds on which to place your
vending business has been reviewed by the staff, and for the following
I reasons your request must be denied.
The
mentoonithecPlazaeofiamotorizedvehicle thesize ofabus.
the use
f City the place-
You had asked about parking the bus on parcel 82-1b (next to Bushnell's
Turtle). One of the requirements of the ordinance governing the use of
the City Plaza is to ensure that there is harmony among the uses and the
buildings. The bus does not appear to be compatible with the decor and
atmosphere of the Plaza and would not complement the College Block
(Bushnell's) which, as you know, is a restored Victorian style building.
This application will be placed on the agenda for the August 11 meeting
of the City Council. If you wish to appeal this decision, you may do
so at this meeting.
Sincerely yours,
Neal G. Berlin
City Manager
Is
cc: City Council
MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
I
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES 1401NES
//,W
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RARIDS•DES H INES
�%( City of Iowa Cr"r
f - MEMORANDUM
Date: August 6, 1981
To: City Council
From: Rosemary Vitosh, Director of Finance R
Re: Water Rate Increases
The effective date for the water rate increase was planned for July 1,
1981, or the beginning of FY82, when it was decided in FY81 to have a water
rate study done. The July 1 date was also discussed during the FY82
budget discussion.
The study was completed in time but the decision to have the Management
Advisory Panel review the study's recommendation delayed the final
recommendation made to Council. In addition, the omission of a public
hearing has further delayed Council approval.
The public hearing is now scheduled for August 25 with the first reading
of the ordinance scheduled for that same meeting. In addition, Council
will be asked to give the final two readings pending a favorable public
hearing. It is feasible to move the effective date of the water increase
to September 1 and avoid approving a rate increase retroactive to July 1
for water already used. The July 1 date is not a hard and fast date and
such a change will cause no problems financially for the water system.
I would appreciate your comments on this change in effective date.
bj/sp
i MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
L- ,.
//o w
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CIVIC CENTER 410 E. WASHINGTON ST. IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 (319) 356 5000
August 24, 1981
Attorney Richard T. Sargeant
Eastman, Stichter, Smith & Bergman
700 United Savings Building
Toledo, Ohio 43604
Re: Iowa City NOV/NOC
Your File No: 2012/02941
Dear Mr. Sargeant:
Pursuant to 62-184(b) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Iowa
City, Iowa, and in response to Sheller Globe Corporation's request
for a hearing, you are hereby notified that a public hearing on the
matter of the Notice of Violation, Notice of Claim, and Order of
Compliance issued by the City of Iowa City to Sheller Globe
Corporation on July 1, 1981, relating to prohibited discharges into
the City's sewer system, will be held before the City Council on the
10th day of November, 1981, at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers,
Civic Center, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa.
Very truly yours,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
By+Daid
2 .
E. rownant City Attorney
cc: Robert W. Jansen
bj1/4
{ MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
t
{
i
i
1
i
r-
�kw
STAFF REPORT
To: Planning & Zoning Commission Prepared by: Douglas Boothroy
i
Item: S-8109. Court Hill -Scott Blvd. Date: July 23, 1981
Part VIII
GENERAL INFORMATION
I
j Applicant: Bruce R. Glasgow
Requested action:
Purpose:
Location:
Size:
Comprehensive Plan:
Existing land use and zoning:
Surrounding land use and zoning:
Applicable regulations:
45 -day limitation period:
60 -day limitation period:
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Public utilities:
j MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
9 CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1401NES
834 N. Johnson
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Approval of a final plat,
PAD and LSRD plan.
To develop single-family and
attached single-family
residential units.
South of Lower West Branch
Road.
Approximately 5.35 acres.
Area is shown for a density
of two to eight dwelling
units per acre.
Undeveloped and R18
East - single-family and RIA
South - attached single-
family
and PAD/R1B
West - single-family and R1B
North - undeveloped and RIA
Requirements of the Subdivi-
sion Code and the Stormwater
Management, PAD and LSRD
ordinances.
8/27/81
9/11/81
Adequate sewer and water
service are available.
OF
L."
Public services:
Transportation:
Topography:
ANALYSIS
Sanitary service is available
as well as police and fire
protection.
Vehicular access is proposed
from Oberlin Street.
Topography is gently to
steeply sloping (two to 16
percent).
The subject application is for a final plat, PAD, and LSRD plan approval. In
addition, a final landscaping plan has been submitted in compliance with the
tree regulations and pursuant to concerns raised during the review of the
preliminary plans (i.e., buffering between existing development and Scott
Boulevard).
The preliminary plat and plans were approved approximately one year ago. Due to
the amount of time which has lapsed between the preliminary plat and plan
approval and the subject request, staff has attached the staff report of the
initial application which provides the necessary background information for the
Commission in their consideration of this application.
The final development plan deviates from the approved preliminary plan in the
following respects: three single-family lots are proposed along Oberlin Street
in lieu of two and the four attached dwelling units proposed along Lower West
Branch road are now shown as two duplex units each on its own lot. Staff finds
that these changes improve the design of the development and do not constitute a
significant change from the approved preliminary plans.
The staff recommends that the final plat, PAD and LSRD plan of Court Hill -Scott
Boulevard, Part VIII, be approved subject to the review of the legal papers and
provision of the signatures of the utility companies and the registered land
surveyor. Staff also recommends approval of the landscaping plan.
DEFICIENCIES AND DISCREPANCIES
1. The signatures of the utility companies and the registered land surveyor
should be provided.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Location map.
_ti
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
ir8 0
0
3
! 2. Staff Report S-8012.
ACCOMPANIMENTS'
i
1. Final plat, PAD and LSRD plan of Court Hill -Scott Boulevard, Part VIII.
2. Landscaping plan.
Approved by:
Don SChmels r, Director
Department of Planning & Progran
Development
j MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
LOCATION MAP
' S•SId4
j MICROFILMED BY
`JORM MICRO_ LAB
1t CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
Va —
City of Iowa Ci}` -f
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 5, 1981
To: City Council
From: Bruce A. Knight, Planne
Re: Proposed Mobile Home -esidential Zone (RMH) and Revisions to
Chapter 22 Concerning Mobile Home Park Standards
Attached please find a copy of the proposed ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance to provide a residential zone for mobile homes, and the proposed
revisions to Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances. Please note that any
revisions made since you last received a copy of this material have been
underlined. In addition, the first two pages of the document you last
received (which made up the Zoning Ordinance revisions) have been
transcribed into ordinance format along with all other amendments to the
Zoning Ordinance necessary to implement the proposed zone.
bdw3/6
Enclosures
MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 14OINES
L _ .J ALI '-.
DRAFT 07/24A 1 M
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
ARTICLE I. GENERAL
Sec. 22-1. Purpose.
The purpose of this ordinance is to provide minimum standards for the
design, development, and improvement of all new or improved mobile home
parks established with the intent of providing semi-permanent single-
family residences, in order that existing land uses will be protected,
adequate provisions will be made for public facilities and services,
development will occur consistent with the comprehensive plan, and to
promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of
the City of Iowa City.
Sec. 22-2. Applicability.
This ordinance shall provide minimum standards for the design,
development, and improvement of all new or existing mobile home parks.
Those existing mobile home parks not meeting the requirements set down
herein shall be required to conform upon any substantial and material
improvement or development. "Substantial and material improvement or
development" shall be construed to mean the alteration of any existing
park layout from what is shown on the approved plan in an amount that,
collectively over time, affects more than 10 percent of the parks'
existinj area; or if the gross park area is increased by more than 10
percent collectively over time, all provisions of this ordinance shall
apply to that altered or additional area of the park.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES I401NES
1190
..1
L.,.
... .._. _ .. . 1
" /fir
DRAFT 07/24/8 2
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
All existing parks shall be required to submit a plan establishing the
existing level of development, and providing the information required in
Sec. 22-16(b) Application, numbers six (6), seven (7) and 10; and Sec. 22-
18 Final Plan, numbers one (1) through five (5), and seven (7) through 18,
as described herein. Review of said plan shall be in accordance with
procedures for final plan approval.
Sec. 22-3. Definitions.
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning
indicated. Definitions of the Zoning Chapter (Appendix A of the Iowa City
Code of Ordinances) shall apply to other terms used herein.
Annex - Shall mean a structure which is attached and appurtenant to a
mobile or modular home, other than a patio, deck, or entryway, and which
exceeds four (4) feet by six (6) feet in size.
i
i
i
Deck - An open platform area without walls or a roof projecting from the
side of a mobile or modular home and accessible from at or above grade.
Mobile Home - A dwelling unit, built on a chassis, suitable for year-round
occupancy and containing water supply, waste disposal, heating and
electrical conveniences.
Mobile Home Park - A tract of land which has been planned and improved for
the placement of mobile or modular homes on leased spaces.
MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES -MOINES
1/90
DRAFT 07/24/£ 3 ^'
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
Mobile Home Space - A plot of ground within a mobile home park designed
for the accommodation of one mobile or modular home, and which is leased
by the mobile or modular home owner.
Modular Home - Any dwelling unit which is manufactured in whole or in
components at a place other than at the location where it is to be placed;
which is assembled in whole or in components at the location where it is
to be permanently located; which rests on a permanent foundation or slab;
which does not have wheels or axles affixed as a part of its normal
construction; and which does not require a license by any agency as a
motor vehicle, special equipment, trailer, motor home or mobile.home.
Park - Sha11 mean a mobile home park.
Parking Area - Four (4) or more parking spaces and an aisle(s).
Patio - A surfaced outdoor living space, at grade and directly adjacent
and accessible from a mobile or modular home.
Recreation Space/Open Space - That portion of the park that is not covered
by drives, parking spaces or isles, intended to provide for recreation
buildings and other recreational facilities such as swimming pools,
tennis courts, playgrounds, and playing fields.
I
/l90
I MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
DRAFT 07/24/E 4
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
ARTICLE II. PARK LICENSING PROCEDURE
Sec. 22-16. Applications.
Any person who wishes to develop or improve a mobile home park shall
submit to the City Clerk an application for approval of such park. Such
application shall be accompanied by seven (7) copies of each of the
following:
(a) A location map which shall contain:
(1) Mobile home park name.
(2) Outline of the tract upon which the park is to be located.
(3) Existing streets and city utilities on adjoining property.
(b) A preliminary site plan of the mobile home park drawn to the scale of
one (1) inch to 100 feet, such plan to contain:
(1) Legal description, acreage and the name of the mobile home park.
(2) Name and address of the owner.
(3) Names of the•persons that prepared the plan, the applicant's
attorney, representative or agent, if any, and date of the
preparation of the site plan.
j MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
'CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
11149
1. M
DRAFT 07/24/i 5 ^,
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
(4) North point and graphic scale.
(5) Contours at five (5) foot intervals, or less.
(6) Layout of existing and/or proposed street systems, lot lines,
sidewalks, mobile home spaces, parking areas, water mains,
sewers, drain pipes, culverts, water courses, storm water
detention structures, and fire hydrants.
(7) Grades of existing and proposed streets and alleys.
(8) Location of areas proposed to be dedicated or reserved for
parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, other recreational areas,
schools, and open space.
(9) Land within the tract not to be developed at the time of initial
approval of the park and estimated time of development and uses
thereof.
(10) Distances between the mobile home park boundaries and buildings
and structures on lands located adjacent to the tract.
(11) A signature block for endorsement by the City Clerk certifying
the Council's approval of the plan.
j MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICRO_ LAB
-CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
//90
B
DRAFT 07/24/.` 6
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
Sec. 22-17. Preliminary Approval.
Procedures for preliminary approval of any mobile home park shall be
in accordance with the procedures for preliminary approval of
subdivisions and large scale residential developments. Such approval
shall be done by resolution and shall be binding with regard to
development of the final plan.
Sec. 22-18. Final Plan.
Seven copies of the final plan of the proposed mobile home park shall
be submitted to the City Clerk and shall meet the following
specifications.
(a) It may include all or part of the preliminary site plan.
(b) The scale shall be drawn at one (1) inch to 100 feet.
(c) A transparent, reproducable copy and seven (7) prints of the final
site plan shall be submitted showing the following basic information:
(1) Accurate boundary lines, with dimensions and angles, which
provide a survey of the tract, closing with an error of not more
than one (1) foot in 3.,000 feet.
MICROFILMED BY
!JORM MICRO_ LAB
CEDAR RAPIDS- DES MOINES
//90
...7
DRAFT 07/24/8. 7
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
(2) Accurate references to known or permanent monuments giving the
bearing and distance from some corner of a lot or block in the
City to some corner of the congressional division of the city or
the part thereto.
(3) Accurate locations of all existing and recorded streets inter-
secting the boundaries of the tract.
(4) Accurate legal description of the boundary.
_ (5) Names of streets and private drives within the park.
(6) Complete curve notes for all curves included in the plan.
i
(7) Street lines
private drive lines and mobile home space lines
with accurate dimensions, angles to streets and alleys, and
i
dimensions and locations of walks and parking areas.
j
(8) Block numbers, if used, and mobile home space numbers. (Numbers
will be assigned by the Engineering Division of the City.)
(9) Accurate dimensions, location and uses existing and proposed of
buildings and structures on such tract, and elevations of
proposed buildings on such tract.
(10) Accurate location of areas proposed to be dedicated or reserved
for parks, recreation areas, swimming pools, schools, and open
spaces.
1190
MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
!{ CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
1... r
I
DRAFT 07/24/8. 8
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
(11) Land not to be developed at the time of initial approval of the
park, and estimated time of development.
(12) Name of the mobile home park.
(13) North point, scale and date.
i
(14) Name and address of owner.
i
(15) The applicant's attorney, representative, or agent, if any.
(16) Certification by a.registered land surveyor of the state.
(17) Certification by the local public utility companies that the
location of utility easements are properly placed for
installation of utilities.
(18) A signature block for endorsement by the clerk certifying
approval of the plan by the City Manager or his/her designee.
(d) The final plans shall also be accompanied by the following
instruments:
(1) Dedication of streets, sewers, and water lines and easements
where required.
j MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES -MOINES
t
n
■
0
DRAFT 07/24/8_ 9
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
(2) Resolution for approval of such dedications by the Council in
form approved by the City Attorney.
Sec. 22-19. Final Plan Approval.
Final plan approval is an administrative action. No public notice or
hearing is required in connection with approval proceedings on final plans
or minor changes from approved preliminary plans. Approval of final plans
and reports for all new mobile home parks shall be based on substantial
compliance with the preliminary mobile home park plan with any
modifications required by the Commission or Council at the time of
preliminary approval completed. Upon approval of the final plan by the
i
City Manager or his/her designee, and certification of compliance with the
plan by the Building Official, and/or any other necessary departments, the
City Clerk shall issue the annual license.
Sec. 22-20. Changes in Approved Final Plans.
Changes in approved final mobile home park plans including minor
changes in building or mobile space arrangements may be approved by the
City Manager or his/her designee only upon findings that such changes are
conceptually consistent with those required for approval of the
preliminary plan and shall be explicitly set Jorth in writing. Other
changes shall be approved subject to amending said final plan.
1190
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
■
E
DRAFT 07/24/£ 10
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
Sec. 22-21. Building Permits.
All building construction permits and license renewals shall be
issued on the basis of conformance with the final plan or minor amendments
as provided in Section 22-21.
Sec. 22-22. License.
i
(a) Required. It shall be unlawful for any person to maintain or operate
a mobile home park within the limits of the City, unless such person shall
first obtain a license therefore, and comply with the requirements herein
set forth.
f(b) Renewal. Upon application, in writing, by a licensee for annual
I renewal of a license, the mobile home park shall be inspected by the
Building Official for compliance with the approved plan. After passing
i
said inspection, and upon payment of the annual license fee, the City
Clerk shall issue a certificate renewing such license for another year.
i
(c) Transfers. Upon application in writing for transfer of a license,
and payment of the transfer fee, the City Clerk shall issue a transfer.
i
(d) Posting required. The license certificate issued pursuant to this
article shall be conspicuously posted in the office of or on the premises
of the mobile home park at all times.
i MICROFILMED BY
!
L".
l
n
DRAFT 07/24/17' 11 11
(Proposed rev ,ions to Chapter 22)
(e) Suspension or revocation. Upon the recommendation of the Building
Official, the City Clerk may, in writing, suspend or revoke any licnese
issued under the provisions of this code whenever the permit is issued in
error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation
of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this article.
Appeals of said suspension or revocation of the license shall be before
the Board of Adjustment, according to procedures set forth in the Iowa
City Administrative Code.
Sec. 22-23. Violations.
7
A person who shall violate a provision of this Chapter or fail to
comply therewith or with any of the requirements thereof or who shall
f.
erect, construct, alter, or repair or have erected, constructed, altered
I
or repaired a building or other portion of the park in violation of the
approved plan, as cited by the Building Official, shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment not
exceeding 30 days. The owner of any mobile home park where anything in
violation of this Chapter shall be placed or shall exist, and an
architect, builder, contractor, agent, person or corporation employed in
connection therewith, and anyone who may have assisted in the omission of
such violation shall be guilty of a separate offense. Each day that a
violation is permitted to exist after proper notice shall constitute a
separate offense.
MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
//go
DRAFT 07/24/ 12
(Proposed rev,sions to Chapter 22)
Sec. 22-24. Fees.
All fees for mobile home parks shall be established by resolution of
the City Council, such fees to include: license application, annual
license and license transfer.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
A 'lid
IF,
1
V-1
DRAFT 07/24/8 13 r
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
ARTICLE III. PARK STANDARDS.
Sec. 22-33. Location Restricted.
A mobile home park shall be located in an RMH zone as provided by the
Zoning Chapter.
Sec. 22-34. Park Requirements.
A mobile home park shall conform to the following requirements:
(a) Area. The total area within the park shall not be less than two (2)
acres.
(b) Drainage. The park shall be located on a well -drained site, properly
graded to insure adequate drainage, and be free from stagnant pools of
water.
(c) Space requirements. Each park shall provide mobile home spaces, and
each shall be clearly defined or delineated. Each individual space shall
meet the following requirements:
(1) Minimum mobile home space: 3,500 square feet.
(. MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES -MOINES
DRAFT 07/24/8. 14
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
(2) Minimum mobile home space width: 35 feet.
(3) Minimum mobile home space frontage: 20 feet.
(4) Maximum building bulk:
Height - 25 feet
Building coverage - 40%
(5) Minimum yards:
Front - 15 feet (measured from the mobile home unit to
the abutting park street.)
Side - 5 feet
Rear - 5 feet
(6) At least a 20 foot clearance between mobile or modular homes
shall be provided; except with respect to mobile or modular
homes parked end-to-end, the end-to-end clearance shall not be
less than 15 feet. A 30 foot clearance shall be provided
between any mobile or modular home and the edges of the RMH
zone, except where abutting an arterial street, in which case a
40 foot clearance shall be required. Where public streets are
platted within a mobile home park, a 20 foot clearance shall be
required from the street right-of-way line.
j MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
C EOAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
/I 9d
D
DRAFT 07/24/1' 15
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
(7) Whenever a park borders land in an RIA or RIB zone or in any
commercial or industrial zone which contains existing
development, screening shall be provided as described below
prior to occupation of the park. If adjacent land in the above-
named zones is neither platted nor developed, the required
screening need not be provided until within six (6) months after
the approval of a subdivision or the issuance of a building
permit for development on a separate tract.
a. Permanent type evergreen plantings of a variety hardy to
i
Iowa climate shall be installed at a minimum ratio of one
tree for every four (4) feet along the edge of the zone and
i
have a permanent height of at least six (6) feet within
five (5) years after installation.
b. Large and medium size trees shall be planted at a minimum
i
ratio of one tree for every 40 feet of park boundary; or
small size trees shall be planted at a minimum ratio of one
tree for every 30 feet. Such trees shall be installed
adjacent to the evergreen plantings. Large and medium
size trees shall be placed approximately 16 feet from the
evergreen screen, and small trees approximately eight (8)
feet.
C. In addition, all provisions of Section 8.10.40 of the
Zoning Chapter are applicable; provided that subsections
(a) and (b) herein shall be controlling.
100
MICROFILMED BY
' JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
D
ro
DRAFT 07/24/8: 16
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
(d) Recreation space/open space. Mobile home parks shall take into
consideration the need to provide open space for recreational purposes and
to enhance the general character of the area. Recreation space shall be
provided as follows:
(1) For mobile home parks with an average mobile home space size of
3,500 square feet, recreation space shall be provided at a rate
of not less than nine (9) percent of the total park area. As
the average mobile home space size increases from 3,500 square
feet, recreation space may decrease at a rate of one-half (0.5)
percent per each 100 square foot decrease in the average mobile
home space size.
(2) Recreation space shall be located near the center of a mobile
home park, and within 800 feet of each mobile home space.
Rrecreation space may be split into two or more areas, provided
that at no time shall any area of recreation space be less than
10,000 square feet. In addition, such recreation space shall
have a minimum dimension of 50 feet and an average dimension of
100 feet.
(e) Streets. Mobile home parks should provide safe and convenient
vehicular access from a collector or arterial public street, adjoining the
park, to each mobile home space, service building, or other common
facility, in a manner more particularly described in Section 22-35.
//goo
MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1401NES
0
DRAFT 07/24/8: 17
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
(f) Driveways. Hard surfaced driveways shall be provided for each mobile
home space, service building, delivery and collection point, and
elsewhere as needed. The driveways shall be a minimum of 10 feet in
width.
(g) Parking. Nine (9) foot by 20 foot hard surfaced off-street parking
shall be provided at the rate of two (2) parking spaces per unit. At least
one (1) off-street parking space shall be located on each mobile home
space. The other Required parking spaces may be located in common parking
i
areas within convenient access to the mobile or modular home units.
Parking spaces may be provided in the front yard area, however, they shall
not be allowed in the required side yard. Separate parking areas shall
meet the screening requirements of Sec. 8.10.25 of the Zoning Chapter.
(h) Sidewalks. Individual sidewalks shall be provided to each mobile or
modular home entrance from the street or from a driveway or parking space
connected to the street. Also, common walks shall be provided in
locations where pedestrian traffic is concentrated. Sidewalk widths
shall be at least two and one-half (2.5) feet for sidewalks on individual
spaces and at least four (4) feet for sidewalks in common areas or along
public streets. Gradients for all sidewalks shall be not greater than
twelve (12) percent and cross -slopes shall be between one (1) and two (2)
percent.
(i) Patios/decks: Each mobile home space shall be provided with a paved
patio of at least 100 square feet, and with a least dimension of 10 feet,
or a deck of similar dimension.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
'CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
Y
DRAFT 07/24/6 ^ 18
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
(j) Public lighting. Adequate lighting shall be provided for all
streets, walkways, buildings, and other facilities subject to night time
use.
(k) Electrical outlets. An electrical outlet supplying at least 220
volts shall be provided for each mobile home space with a minimum of 100
ampere individual service.
(1) Permanent structures and facilities. Each park shall, when
providing permanent structures and facilities as described in Sec. 22-38,
meet the minimum requirements set down therein.
N
Sec. 22-35. Streets.
All collector and minor streets within the park shall meet the
following standards:
(a) Continuation and extension. Mobile home parks shall make provisions
for the continuation and extension of public streets, which shall be
platted in accordance with the current subdivision regulations, and
constructed in accordance with current City standards.
(b) Street width. All private street widths shall be measured back-to-
back of curb. Minimum street pavement widths shall be provided as
follows:
i MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
-CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
//90
DRAFT 07/24/8: 19
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
(1) 24 feet without parking, and so posted;
(2) 28 feet with parking on one side, and so posted; or
(3) 36 feet with parking on both sides.
(d) Pavement. All private streets shall be constructed with either non-
reinforced Portland cement concrete with a seven (7) inch pavement
thickness, or full depth asphaltic concrete with a pavement thickness of
eight and one-half (8.5) inches. An approved curb shall be provided.
(e) Grades. No street grade shall be less than one-half (h) of one (1)
percent and shall not exceed 12 percent.
Sec. 22-36. Utilities.
Mobile home parks shall provide sanitary sewers, storm drainage,
water and gas and electric service as hereinafter set forth.
7
(a) Private utilities. Private utilities shall be designed and
constructed as hereinafter set forth.
(1) Sanitary sewers. The sewerage system shall be designed,
constructed and maintained in accordance with applicable city
codes or specifications approved by the City. Each mobile home
space shall be provided with at least a four (4) inch diameter
MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
DRAFT 07/24/f ^` PO
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
sewer riser pipe terminating at least four (4) inches above the
ground surface and located such that the sewer connection to the
mobile home drain outlet will approximate a vertical position.
Provision shall be made for plugging the drain when a mobile
home does not occupy the space.
(2) Storm drainage. The mobile home park shall be provided with
drains, ditches, culverts, bridges, storm sewers, intakes
and/or manholes adequate to provide for the collection and
removal of all surface waters. Such drainage shall be provided
i
in accordance with applicable city codes or specifications
approved by the city.
(3) Water supply. An adequate supply of potable water for drinking
and domestic purposes shall be supplied by pipes to all
buildings and mobile home spaces within the park. All water
piping, fixtures, and other equipment shall be constructed and
maintained in accordance with applicable city codes or
specifications approved by the city. Individual water riser
pipes shall be located at a point where the water connection to
the mobile or modular home will approximate a vertical
position. Water riser pipes shall terminate at least four (4)
inches above the ground surface, with at least a three-quarter
(3/4) inch valve outlet. In addition, a curb stop shall be
installed for each mobile home space between the main and said
riser pipe.
9e)
j MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
I
DRAFT 07/24/8 21
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
Sec. 22-37. Refuse and Garbage Handling.
The storage, collection and disposal of refuse in the mobile home
park shall be so conducted as to create no health hazards, rodent
harborage, insect breeding areas, accident or fire hazards or air
pollution.
(a) Collection stations. Unless individual garbage and trash collection
is provided, "dumpsters" or refuse collection stands consisting of a
holder or rack on an impervious slab shall be provided within 300 feet
j
from any mobile home space they serve. Container stands shall be so
designed as to prevent containers from being tipped to minimize spillage
and container deterioration and to facilitate cleaning around them.
(b) Collection receptacles. Collection receptacles shall be provided in
quantities adequate to permit disposal of all garbage and rubbish.
(c) Collection. Garbage and rubbish shall be collected and disposed of
as frequently as may be necessary to insure that the garbage cans shall
not overflow, or not less than once a week.
Sec. 22-38. Permanent Structures and Facilities.
(a) Buildings and facilities. The requirements of this section shall
apply to service buildings, recreation buildings and the other park
service facilities which follow, as provided by Sec. 8.10.26 of the Zoning
Chapter, Permitted Accessory Uses:
// 9d
i MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
Y
. Ic-
DRAFT 07/24/E 22
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
(1) Mobile home sales. Mobile home sales shall be allowed as an
accessory use in conjunction with the management office,
provided that the number of mobile or modular homes displayed at
any one time does not exceed 25 percent of the mobile home
spaces.
(2) Equipment and materials storage. Maintenance materials and
equipment shall be stored either in a permanent structure, or in
yards fenced in with a six (6) foot high fence of solid
construction.
j,
(3) Tenant storage. Storage facilities for park tenants may be
provided on the space, or in compounds located within a
1
reasonable distance, generally not more than 300 feet from each
mobile home space.
i
(4) Recreation facilities. Includes facilities such as community
buildings, swimming pools, tennis courts and playgrounds. Such
facilities shall be provided pursuant to Section 22-34(d) of
this Article.
(5) Location. The structure or structures containing the mobile
home park services and facilities shall be conveniently located
for the uses intended. In the case of the display of model
mobile or modular homes for sales purposes, impact on living
environment shall be taken into consideration.
1190
i MICROFILMED DY
'JORM MICRO_ LAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
i
7
V-
I
DRAFT 07/24/C_.'j P3
(Proposed revisions to Chapter 22)
Sec. 22-34. Fire Safety Standards.
(a) Water supply facilities_ Standard city hydrants shall be located
within 300 feet of all mobile home spaces, measured along the driveways or
streets. The water supply system shall meet the minimum standards for
firefighting purposes as required or recommended by the Fire Chief.
(b) Storage and handling of fuel. In parks where liquified petroleum
gases, gasoline, fuel oil, flammable liquids are stored and/or
dispensed, their handling and storage shall comply with applicable city
codes.
RM WI V $ Approved
Wy Tim 14e9il Depamneoi
// 90
I
j MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR
RAPIDS -DES MOINES
A._
_1
WILLIAM L.MEARDON
WILLIAM F. SUEPPEL
ROBERT N. DOWNER
JAMES P. HAYES
JAMES D. MCCARRAGHER
THOMAS J. CILEK
MARK T. HAMER
THOMAS D. HOBART
MARGARET T. LAINSON
ANGELA M. RYAN
MEARDON, SUEPPEL, DOWNER & HAYES
LAWYERS
122 SOUTH LINN STREET
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
TELEPHONE
3318.8222
AREA CODE 318
August 11, 1981 RECEIVED AUG 11 1981
City Council
City ofoIowa City
Iowa City, IA 52240
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Yesterday I received a copy of the proposed mobile hone zoning ordinance.
I have reviewed this ordinance and request that you defer action on this
matter until an opinion has been specifically presented to enable the owners
effected by the ordinance to present their views. I am sure you contemplate
setting a public hearing for this purpose.
In general my clients object to the ordinance because:
1. It discriminates against persons residing within mobile here courts.
2. It imposes unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious rules and regula—
tions upon mobile home park owners.
3. Within a very limited period of tine every mobile hoe park within
Iowa City will beanie a nonconforming use. It is our contention that the
ordinance as drawn is a "taking" for which compensation must be paid.
It is not the intent of my clients to prevent the enactment of any mobile home
ordinance but rather to have one enacted which is reasonable in scope, legally
supportable, and would not result in a claim for damages. 4b this end we
solicit your support.
WIM:jb
Y
{ MICROFILMED BY
'JORM MICROLAB
'"CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
11 90CL.