HomeMy WebLinkAboutBy-LawsPrepared by: Susan Dulek, First Ass't City Attorney, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319)356-5030
Resolution No. 24-254
Resolution adopting the procedural rules of the Board of Adjustment
and rescinding Resolution No. 24-38.
Whereas, the Board of Adjustment approved amending its procedural rules (i.e., bylaws) to set
forth the nomination and election process of a member who is not present at the meeting; and
Whereas, the procedural rules provide that they are not effective until approved by the City
Council; and
Whereas, the Council Rules Committee has reviewed the proposed amendment to the procedural
rules and has recommended adoption; and
Whereas, the current procedural rules were approved in Resolution No. 24-38.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa that:
1. The attached Procedural Rules of the Board of Adjustment are approved and adopted by
the City Council.
2. Resolution No. 24-38 is rescinded.
Passed and approved this 15th
day of October, 2024. �^
1 �--
J or
Attest: i [�
City Clerk
Approved By:
City Attorneyi� ice
(Sue Dulek - 10/08/2024)
It was moved by Dunn and seconded by
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
Ayes:
Nays: Absent:
x
Alter
_ x
Bergus
x
Dunn
x
Harmsen
x
_ Moe
x
Salih
x
Teague
Moe the Resolution be
PROCEDURAL RULES
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
ARTICLE I. AUTHORITY:
The Iowa City Board of Adjustment shall have that authority which is conferred by
Chapter 414 of the Code of Iowa; City Code Title 14, Chapter 7, entitled
"Administration," Article A, entitled "Board of Adjustment," and through the adoption of
these procedural rules stated herein.
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP:
Section 1: Qualifications. The Board of Adjustment shall consist of five (5) members
appointed by the City Council. All members of the Board shall be residents of Iowa City,
Iowa. A majority of the members of the Board shall be persons representing the public at
large and shall not be involved in the business of purchasing or selling real estate.
Section 2: Compensation. Members shall serve without compensation but may be
reimbursed for expenses incurred for travel outside the city on designated Board
business. Such expenses must be submitted to the City Manager.
Section 3: Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following
their appointment, each new member shall be given an orientation briefing by City staff
and be provided with the Board's procedural rules and other information that may be
useful to Board members in carrying out their duties. The City Zoning Code and the
Comprehensive Plan are available online.
Section 4: Absences. Three (3) consecutive unexplained absences of a Board member
from regular Board meetings may result in a recommendation to the City Council from
the Board to discharge said member and appoint a new Board member. Members shall
be removable for cause by the City Council upon written charges after a public hearing.
Section 5: Vacancies. Any vacancy on the Board because of death, resignation, long-
term illness, disqualification, or removal shall be filled for the unexpired term by the City
Council after at least thirty (30) calendar days of public notice of the vacancy.
Section 6: Terms. Members shall be appointed for terms of five (5) years. No members
shall be appointed to succeed themselves. However, a member appointed to fill an
unexpired term with one (1) year or less remaining may also be appointed concurrently
for one full five (5) year term.
Section 7: Resignations. Resignation should be submitted in writing to the Board
Secretary, who will transmit the resignation to the City Council with copies to the City
Manager, the Director of Neighborhood and Development Services, and the Board
Chairperson, preferably at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of intended departure.
Section 8: Temporary Alternate. An alternate member, if available, shall be appointed
as provided herein, to replace a member who is unable to participate in an appeal of an
administrative decision due to a conflict of interest. Any person who has served as a
member of the Board within the five (5) years preceding the filing of the appeal, and who
represents the public at large and is not involved in the business of purchasing or selling
real estate, shall be qualified to serve as an alternate. When a member has recused
himself/herself due to a conflict and the date of hearing before the Board has been set,
the Secretary of the Board shall notify all such persons and the first to agree to serve as
the alternate is hereby appointed to do so.
ARTICLE III. OFFICERS:
Section 1: Number. The officers of the Board shall be a Chairperson and a Vice -
Chairperson, each of whom shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the
Board. The Board Secretary shall be a staff person, who is appointed by the Director of
Neighborhood and Development Services.
Section 2: Nomination, Election and Term of Office. The Chairperson and Vice -
Chairperson shall be elected annually at the first regular meeting of the Board each year,
except as provided herein. The Secretary must promptly notify a member elected to an
office if the member was not present at the meeting. The member must notify the
Secretary whether the nomination is accepted or declined, and if declined, election for
that office will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
Section 3: Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson
because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or other cause shall be filled by
election from the members of the Board for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4: Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings,
call special meetings, and in general perform all duties incident to the office of a
Chairperson, and such other duties as may be prescribed by the members from time to
time. Such Chairperson may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses.
Section 5: Vice -Chairperson. When the Chairperson is absent, abstaining, or recusing,
the Vice- Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and shall have all the
powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 6: Acting Chairperson. In the absence and/or due to the abstention or recusal
of both the Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson, the remaining three (3) Board members
may elect a member to serve as Acting Chairperson. The Acting Chairperson shall
perform the duties of the Chairperson and when so acting shall have all the powers of
and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 7: Secretary. The appointed staff person, who serves as the Board's Secretary,
shall be responsible for maintaining the office of the Board, receiving and filing Board
decisions and orders, posting and publishing notices as required by law, and for
maintaining minutes and other records of the Board's proceedings.
ARTICLE IV. APPLICATIONS:
Section 1: Application Forms. Any application for a request or appeal to the Board of
Adjustment shall be filed with the City Clerk on forms provided by the Secretary of the
Board. The Secretary's office is located in the Department of Neighborhood and
Development Services. Forms are available in the Office of the City Clerk and on the
City's website. In the appropriate cases, the Building Official shall transmit to the
Secretary all documents constituting a record, upon which the Board shall act.
Section 2: Application Submittal. Appeals to the Board shall be filed with the City
Clerk within a reasonable time period, not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days after the
action appealed from, and shall specify the grounds for such appeal. An appeal from a
decision by the Building Official to issue a building permit shall not be deemed to have
been filed within a reasonable time if such appeal is filed more than fifteen (15) calendar
days after construction work pursuant to such permit is observable from adjacent
properties or the public right-of-way or fifteen (15) calendar days after an alleged
violation of the zoning code is similarly observable. Applicants may appeal an approval
or a denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation
Commission within a conservation district by filing a letter with the City Clerk within
fifteen (15) calendar days after a Resolution of Denial is filed by the Commission.
Section 3: Application Filing Fee. The applicant shall complete the required forms,
provide all information requested on the form, and provide any additional information as
requested by the Secretary of the Board. A filing fee shall be paid upon presentation of
the application. Application fees are established by resolution of the City Council.
Section 4: Party of Interest. Requests for a variance or special exception must be filed
on behalf of the real party in interest, such as the owner or contract purchaser.
Section 5: Case Number. An application filed according to the above procedure shall
be given a case number within seven (7) calendar days of the filing date. Case numbers
will be assigned according to the order in which applications are received.
ARTICLE V. NOTICE:
Section 1: Notice Letters. No less than ten (10) calendar days prior to the public
hearing, the Secretary of the Board shall send notice by mail to all property owners of
record and to all non -duplicative individual occupants (when available on the City
Assessor's website), within 500 feet of the subject property. Such notice shall include a
description of the action requested along with the time and location of the meeting. The
applicant shall be formally notified of the time and place of the hearing, in writing, by the
Secretary of the Board.
Section 2: Newspaper Notice. Notice of the time and place of public hearings shall be
published in a newspaper of general circulation not more than twenty (20) calendar day
nor less than ten (10) calendar days prior to the hearing. It shall contain the street
address or location of the property and a brief description of the nature of the application
or appeal.
Section 3: Notice Sign. No less than ten (10) calendar days prior to the public hearing,
the Applicant shall post a sign on or near the property upon which the application is
being made and shall remove the sign immediately following the public hearing on the
application. The sign will be provided to the applicant(s) by the Board Secretary.
ARTICLE VI. HEARING:
Section 1: Regular Hearings. Hearings will be held as needed at a regular time and
place to be set by the members of the Board.
Section 2: Special Hearings. Special hearings or meetings of the Board may be called
by the Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson at the
request of three (3) or more members of the Board.
Section 3: Place of Hearings. All hearings and meetings of the Board shall be open to
the public and shall be in a place accessible to people with disabilities.
Section 4: Quorum. Three (3) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5: Applicant Representation. The applicant may, at the time of the public
hearing, appear on their own behalf and be represented by agent and/or counsel. The
applicant or their representative may present oral argument and testimony; witnesses,
including experts; and may submit written evidence and exhibits in the form of
statements, photos, charts, or other relevant evidence. In the absence of the applicant or
their representative(s), the Board may proceed to act on the matter based on the
information provided.
Section 6: Briefs. The Board may request written briefs for legal argument. Applicants
may submit written briefs if they so choose.
Section 7: Conduct of Hearing. Order and decorum shall be maintained at the hearing
by the Chairperson of the Board of Adjustment, so as to allow an orderly presentation of
evidence wherever possible. The Chair may swear witnesses and direct order of
testimony. The Chair shall avoid testimony that is overly redundant. The Chair may
provide for recesses during the deliberation, as appropriate.
Any Board member who has a legal conflict of interest shall recuse him/ herself from the
decision -making process. A member who has a legal conflict of interest or otherwise
elects to recuse him/herself due to a perceived conflict of interest shall state the reason
for recusal prior to discussion of the matter under consideration and may choose to
leave the meeting room for the duration of the proceedings for that application.
Section 8: Hearing Order for Special Exceptions and Variances. The order of
hearing for special exception or variance requests shall be as follows:
1. Staff presentation of the facts of the case and recommendation to the board.
2. Statement by proponents of the application.
3. Statement by opponents of the application.
4. Rebuttal by proponents and then by opponents.
5. General discussion by the Board. The Board may request additional
comments from the participants.
4
Section 9: Hearing Order for Appeals. The order of hearing for appeals of an
administrative decision shall be as follows:
1. Brief introduction by the Secretary of the Board setting forth the
administrative decision on appeal and appellant's grounds for the appeal.
2. Appellant presentation on the rationale for the appeal.
3. Staff presentation on the rationale for the administrative decision being
appealed.
4. Statement by proponents of the appeal.
5. Statement by opponents of the appeal.
6. Rebuttal by proponents and then by opponents.
7. General discussion by the Board. The Board may request additional
comments from the participants.
Section 10: Board Deliberation. After all parties have been heard, the public hearing
will be declared closed so that the Board may deliberate the case. The Board must state
findings of fact and conclusions of law. These facts and legal conclusions must be set
forth in writing as required by Iowa law. An application may be deferred or withdrawn at
the request of the applicant at any time before a decision is made by the Board.
Section 11: Board Motions. Motions may be made and seconded by any member of
the Board. Motions are always made in the affirmative, approving the requested action.
Section 12: Board Voting. After a motion and discussion, the Board shall be polled for
votes. A board member may abstain from voting, which is a non -vote. The concurring
vote of three (3) members of the Board shall be required to uphold an appeal, to decide
in favor of a special exception, or to grant a variance.
Voting on Board decisions will be by roll call and will be recorded by yeas and nays.
Proxy votes are not allowed.
Section 13: Legal Advisor. The City Attorney or a designated representative shall act
as legal counsel to the Board.
Section 14: Conduct of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided herein, Robert's
Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be used to conduct Board hearings and meetings.
ARTICLE VII. RECORDS:
Section 1: Record of Hearings. Audio recordings shall be made for all hearings and
such recordings shall be kept for a period of no less than six (6) weeks. Minutes shall be
produced from such recordings and forwarded to the City Council after approval by the
Board or the Secretary of the Board. All minutes shall be maintained by the Secretary of
the Board and shall also be on file at the City Clerk's Office. The applicant may request a
court reporter at the applicant's own expense.
Section 2: Case Files. The Secretary of the Board shall keep a file of all cases,
including forms and additional information. Said file shall be a public record and
available for public inspection during business hours. Copies may be made available
upon request, at cost.
5
Section 3: Transcript. Upon request, a transcript or the audio recording of the Board's
deliberation will be made, at cost to the requester. In the case of an appeal to district
court there is no charge for the transcript.
ARTICLE Vill. DECISIONS:
Section 1: Timing. Whenever possible, decisions by the Board shall be made at the
same hearing wherein the testimony and presentation of evidence are considered.
Section 2: Format. Formal decisions shall be made in writing, setting forth findings of
fact and conclusions of law as required by Iowa law.
Section 3: Filing. Each decision shall be filed with the City Clerk within a reasonable
time after the Board hearing, and shall be stamped by the Clerk to indicate the date and
time of filing. The Clerk will forward the decision to the Johnson County Recorder's
Office for recording at the City's expense.
Section 4: Contact. A copy of said decision shall. be forwarded by the Secretary of the
Board to the applicant, the Building Official, the City Attorney's Office, and any Attorney
of Record within a reasonable time after filing with the City Clerk.
Section 5: Reconsideration. Upon written request, the Board may reconsider a
decision on a special exception or variance application. A request for reconsideration
must be made within fifteen (15) calendar days of the meeting at which a vote on the
application was originally taken and shall articulate and be based on evidence that was
not presented or was unavailable at the time of the original hearing. A motion to
reconsider must be made at the subsequent meeting by a member of the Board who
voted on the prevailing side. If a motion to reconsider is approved, the application will be
placed on the agenda of the next meeting in order to satisfy the requirement for public
notice and hearing. No decision may be reconsidered more than once. Appeals to the
Board may not be reconsidered.
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO THE PROCECURAL RULES.
Section 1: Amendment. A concurring vote of three (3) of the members of the Board
shall be necessary to amend these procedural rules. Such proposed amendments shall
be presented in writing at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that
purpose. Amendments shall go into effect upon approval by the City Council.
(Adopted Reso. No. 24- 254 )
Prepared by: Susan Dulek, First Ass't City Attorney, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319)356-5030
Resolution No. 24-38
Resolution adopting the procedural rules of the Board of Adjustment
and rescinding Resolution No. 21-275.
Whereas, the Board of Adjustment approved amending its procedural rules (i.e., bylaws) to
base notice requirements on the number of calendar days rather than business days and to
modify the order of proceedings in appeals; and
Whereas, the procedural rules provide that they are not effective until approved by the City
Council; and
Whereas, the Council Rules Committee has reviewed the proposed amendment to the procedural
rules and has recommended adoption; and
Whereas, the current procedural rules were approved in Resolution No. 21-275.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa that:
1. The attached Procedural Rules of the Board of Adjustment are approved and adopted by
the City Council.
2. Resolution No. 21-275 is rescinded.
Passed and approved this 20th day of February, 2024.
.ems..
Ma o
Attest: C�
City Clerk Approved By: `
City Attorne s Office - 02/15/2024
It was moved by and seconded by the Resolution be
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
Ayes: Nays: Absent:
X _ _ Alter
x— Bergus
x Dunn
Harmsen
_x Moe
x 5alih
x Teague
PROCEDURAL RULES
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
ARTICLE I. AUTHORITY:
The Iowa City Board of Adjustment shall have that authority which is conferred by
Chapter 414 of the Code of Iowa; City Code Title 14, Chapter 7, entitled
"Administration," Article A, entitled "Board of Adjustment," and through the adoption of
these procedural rules stated herein.
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP:
Section 1: Qualifications. The Board of Adjustment shall consist of five (5) members
appointed by the City Council. All members of the Board shall be residents of Iowa City,
Iowa. A majority of the members of the Board shall be persons representing the public at
large and shall not be involved in the business of purchasing or selling real estate.
Section 2: Compensation. Members shall serve without compensation but may be
reimbursed for expenses incurred for travel outside the city on designated Board
business. Such expenses must be submitted to the City Manager.
Section 3: Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following
their appointment, each new member shall be given an orientation briefing by City staff
and be provided with the Board's procedural rules and other information that may be
useful to Board members in carrying out their duties. The City Zoning Code and the
Comprehensive Plan are available online.
Section 4: Absences. Three (3) consecutive unexplained absences of a Board member
from regular Board meetings may result in a recommendation to the City Council from
the Board to discharge said member and appoint a new Board member. Members shall
be removable for cause by the City Council upon written charges after a public hearing.
Section 5: Vacancies. Any vacancy on the Board because of death, resignation, long-
term illness, disqualification, or removal shall be filled for the unexpired term by the City
Council after at least thirty (30) calendar days of public notice of the vacancy.
Section 6: Terms. Members shall be appointed for terms of five (5) years. No members
shall be appointed to succeed themselves. However, a member appointed to fill an
unexpired term with one (1) year or less remaining may also be appointed concurrently
for one full five (5) year term.
Section 7: Resignations. Resignation should be submitted in writing to the Board
Secretary, who will transmit the resignation to the City Council with copies to the City
Manager, the Director of Neighborhood and Development Services, and the Board
Chairperson, preferably at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of intended departure.
1
Section 8: Temporary Alternate. An alternate member, if available, shall be appointed
as provided herein, to replace a member who is unable to participate in an appeal of an
administrative decision due to a conflict of interest. Any person who has served as a
member of the Board within the five (5) years preceding the filing of the appeal, and who
represents the public at large and is not involved in the business of purchasing or selling
real estate, shall be qualified to serve as an alternate. When a member has recused
himself/herself due to a conflict and the date of hearing before the Board has been set,
the Secretary of the Board shall notify all such persons and the first to agree to serve as
the alternate is hereby appointed to do so.
ARTICLE Ill. OFFICERS:
Section 1: Number. The officers of the Board shall be a Chairperson and a Vice -
Chairperson, each of whom shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the
Board. The Board Secretary shall be a staff person, who is appointed by the Director of
Neighborhood and Development Services.
Section 2: Election and Term of Office. The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson shall
be elected annually at the first regular meeting of the Board each year.
Section 3: Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson
because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or other cause shall be filled by
election from the members of the Board for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4: Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings,
call special meetings, and in general perform all duties incident to the office of a
Chairperson, and such other duties as may be prescribed by the members from time to
time. Such Chairperson may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses.
Section 5: Vice -Chairperson. When the Chairperson is absent, abstaining, or recusing,
the Vice- Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and shall have all the
powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 6: Acting Chairperson. In the absence and/or due to the abstention or recusal
of both the Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson, the remaining three (3) Board members
may elect a member to serve as Acting Chairperson. The Acting Chairperson shall
perform the duties of the Chairperson and when so acting shall have all the powers of
and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 7: Secretary. The appointed staff person, who serves as the Board's Secretary,
shall be responsible for maintaining the office of the Board, receiving and filing Board
decisions and orders, posting and publishing notices as required by law, and for
maintaining minutes and other records of the Board's proceedings.
ARTICLE IV. APPLICATIONS:
Section 1: Application Forms. Any application for a request or appeal to the Board of
Adjustment shall be filed with the City Clerk on forms provided by the Secretary of the
Board. The Secretary's office is located in the Department of Neighborhood and
Development Services. Forms are available in the Office of the City Clerk and on the
City's website. In the appropriate cases, the Building Official shall transmit to the
Secretary all documents constituting a record, upon which the Board shall act.
Section 2: Application Submittal. Appeals to the Board shall be filed with the City
Clerk within a reasonable time period, not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days after the
action appealed from, and shall specify the grounds for such appeal. An appeal from a
decision by the Building Official to issue a building permit shall not be deemed to have
been filed within a reasonable time if such appeal is filed more than fifteen (15) calendar
days after construction work pursuant to such permit is observable from adjacent
properties or the public right-of-way or fifteen (15) calendar days after an alleged
violation of the zoning code is similarly observable. Applicants may appeal an approval
or a denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation
Commission within a conservation district by filing a letter with the City Clerk within
fifteen (15) calendar days after a Resolution of Denial is filed by the Commission.
Section 3: Application Filing Fee. The applicant shall complete the required forms,
provide all information requested on the form, and provide any additional information as
requested by the Secretary of the Board. A filing fee shall be paid upon presentation of
the application. Application fees are established by resolution of the City Council.
Section 4: Party of Interest. Requests for a variance or special exception must be filed
on behalf of the real party in interest, such as the owner or contract purchaser.
Section 5: Case Number. An application filed according to the above procedure shall
be given a case number within seven (7) calendar days of the filing date. Case numbers
will be assigned according to the order in which applications are received.
ARTICLE V. NOTICE:
Section 1: Notice Letters. No less than ten (10) calendar days prior to the public
hearing, the Secretary of the Board shall send notice by mail to all property owners of
record and to all non -duplicative individual occupants (when available on the City
Assessor's website), within 500 feet of the subject property. Such notice shall include a
description of the action requested along with the time and location of the meeting. The
applicant shall be formally notified of the time and place of the hearing, in writing, by the
Secretary of the Board.
Section 2: Newspaper Notice. Notice of the time and place of public hearings shall be
published in a newspaper of general circulation not more than twenty (20) calendar day
nor less than ten (10) calendar days prior to the hearing. It shall contain the street
address or location of the property and a brief description of the nature of the application
or appeal.
Section 3: Notice Sign. No less than ten (10) calendar days prior to the public hearing,
the Applicant shall post a sign on or near the property upon which the application is
being made and shall remove the sign immediately following the public hearing on the
application. The sign will be provided to the applicant(s) by the Board Secretary.
3
ARTICLE VI. HEARING:
Section 1: Regular Hearings. Hearings will be held as needed at a regular time and
place to be set by the members of the Board.
Section 2: Special Hearings. Special hearings or meetings of the Board may be called
by the Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson at the
request of three (3) or more members of the Board.
Section 3: Place of Hearings. All hearings and meetings of the Board shall be open to
the public and shall be in a place accessible to people with disabilities.
Section 4: Quorum. Three (3) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5: Applicant Representation. The applicant may, at the time of the public
hearing, appear on their own behalf and be represented by agent and/or counsel. The
applicant or their representative may present oral argument and testimony; witnesses,
including experts; and may submit written evidence and exhibits in the form of
statements, photos, charts, or other relevant evidence. In the absence of the applicant or
their representative(s), the Board may proceed to act on the matter based on the
information provided.
Section 6: Briefs. The Board may request written briefs for legal argument. Applicants
may submit written briefs if they so choose.
Section 7: Conduct of Hearing. Order and decorum shall be maintained at the hearing
by the Chairperson of the Board of Adjustment, so as to allow an orderly presentation of
evidence wherever possible. The Chair may swear witnesses and direct order of
testimony. The Chair shall avoid testimony that is overly redundant. The Chair may
provide for recesses during the deliberation, as appropriate.
Any Board member who has a legal conflict of interest shall recuse him/ herself from the
decision -making process. A member who has a legal conflict of interest or otherwise
elects to recuse him/herself due to a perceived conflict of interest shall state the reason
for recusal prior to discussion of the matter under consideration and may choose to
leave the meeting room for the duration of the proceedings for that application.
Section 8: Hearing Order for Special Exceptions and Variances. The order of
hearing for special exception or variance requests shall be as follows:
1. Staff presentation of the facts of the case and recommendation to the board_
2. Statement by proponents of the application.
3. Statement by opponents of the application.
4. Rebuttal by proponents and then by opponents.
5. General discussion by the Board. The Board may request additional
comments from the participants.
Section 9: Hearing Order for Appeals. The order of hearing for appeals of an
administrative decision shall be as follows:
1. Brief introduction by the Secretary of the Board setting forth the
administrative decision on appeal and appellant's grounds for the appeal.
2. Appellant presentation on the rationale for the appeal.
4
3. Staff presentation on the rationale for the administrative decision being
appealed.
4. Statement by proponents of the appeal.
5. Statement by opponents of the appeal.
6. Rebuttal by proponents and then by opponents.
7. General discussion by the Board. The Board may request additional
comments from the participants.
Section 10: Board Deliberation. After all parties have been heard, the public hearing
will be declared closed so that the Board may deliberate the case. The Board must state
findings of fact and conclusions of law. These facts and legal conclusions must be set
forth in writing as required by Iowa law. An application may be deferred or withdrawn at
the request of the applicant at any time before a decision is made by the Board.
Section 11: Board Motions. Motions may be made and seconded by any member of
the Board. Motions are always made in the affirmative, approving the requested action.
Section 12: Board Voting. After a motion and discussion, the Board shall be polled for
votes. A board member may abstain from voting, which is a non -vote. The concurring
vote of three (3) members of the Board shall be required to uphold an appeal, to decide
in favor of a special exception, or to grant a variance.
Voting on Board decisions will be by roll call and will be recorded by yeas and nays.
Proxy votes are not allowed.
Section 13: Legal Advisor. The City Attorney or a designated representative shall act
as legal counsel to the Board.
Section 14: Conduct of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided herein, Robert's
Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be used to conduct Board hearings and meetings.
ARTICLE VII. RECORDS:
Section 1: Record of Hearings. Audio recordings shall be made for all hearings and
such recordings shall be kept for a period of no less than six (6) weeks. Minutes shall be
produced from such recordings and forwarded to the City Council after approval by the
Board or the Secretary of the Board. All minutes shall be maintained by the Secretary of
the Board and shall also be on file at the City Clerk's Office. The applicant may request a
court reporter at the applicant's own expense.
Section 2: Case Files. The Secretary of the Board shall keep a file of all cases,
including forms and additional information. Said file shall be a public record and
available for public inspection during business hours. Copies may be made available
upon request, at cost.
Section 3: Transcript. Upon request, a transcript or the audio recording of the Board's
deliberation will be made, at cost to the requester. In the case of an appeal to district
court there is no charge for the transcript.
ARTICLE VIII. DECISIONS:
Section 1: Timing. Whenever possible, decisions by the Board shall be made at the
same hearing wherein the testimony and presentation of evidence are considered.
Section 2: Format. Formal decisions shall be made in writing, setting forth findings of
fact and conclusions of law as required by Iowa law.
Section 3: Filing. Each decision shall be filed with the City Clerk within a reasonable
time after the Board hearing, and shall be stamped by the Clerk to indicate the date and
time of filing. The Clerk will forward the decision to the Johnson County Recorder's
Office for recording at the City's expense.
Section 4: Contact. A copy of said decision shall. be forwarded by the Secretary of the
Board to the applicant, the Building Official, the City Attorney's Office, and any Attorney
of Record within a reasonable time after filing with the City Clerk.
Section 5: Reconsideration. Upon written request, the Board may reconsider a
decision on a special exception or variance application. A request for reconsideration
must be made within fifteen (15) calendar days of the meeting at which a vote on the
application was originally taken and shall articulate and be based on evidence that was
not presented or was unavailable at the time of the original hearing. A motion to
reconsider must be made at the subsequent meeting by a member of the Board who
voted on the prevailing side. If a motion to reconsider is approved, the application will be
placed on the agenda of the next meeting in order to satisfy the requirement for public
notice and hearing. No decision may be reconsidered more than once. Appeals to the
Board may not be reconsidered.
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO THE PROCECURAL RULES.
Section 1: Amendment. A concurring vote of three (3) of the members of the Board
shall be necessary to amend these procedural rules. Such proposed amendments shall
be presented in writing at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that
purpose. Amendments shall go into effect upon approval by the City Council.
(Adopted Reso. No. 24-3g )
Prepared by: Susan Dulek, Ass't City Attorney, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319)356-5030
RESOLUTION NO, 21-275
Resolution adopting the procedural rules of the Board of Adjustment
and rescinding Resolution No. 18-195.
Whereas, the Board of Adjustment approved amending its procedural rules (i.e., bylaws) to
expand the public notification requirements and to allow the chair to move or second a motion;
and
Whereas, the procedural rules provide that they are not effective until approved by the City
Council; and
Whereas, the Council Rules Committee has reviewed the proposed amendment to the procedural
rules and has recommended adoption; and
Whereas, the current procedural rules were approved in Resolution No. 18-195.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa that:
1. The attached Procedural Rules of the Board of Adjustment are approved and adopted by
the City Council.
2. Resolution No. 18-195 is rescinded.
Passed and approved this 16th _ day of
Attest:8L
City Cle k
November , 2021.
Mayor Pr�Tem
Approved By:
City Attorne s ice
(Sue Dulek — 11/05/21)
Resolution No.
Page 9
21-275
It was moved by Weiner and seconded by Taylor the
Resolution be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
Bergus
x Mims
x Salih
x Taylor
x Teague
x Thomas
_ x Weiner
PROCEDURAL RULES
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
November 2021
ARTICLE I. AUTHORITY:
The Iowa City Board of Adjustment shall have that authority which is conferred by
Chapter 414 of the Code of Iowa; City Code Title 14, Chapter 7, entitled "Administration,"
Article A, entitled "Board of Adjustment," and through the adoption of these procedural
rules stated herein.
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP:
Section 1. Qualifications. The Board of Adjustment shall consist of five (5) members
appointed by the City Council. All members of the Board shall be residents of Iowa City,
Iowa. A majority of the members of the Board shall be persons representing the public at
large and shall not be involved in the business of purchasing or selling real estate.
Section 2. Compensation. Members shall serve without compensation, but may be
reimbursed for expenses incurred for travel outside the city on designated Board
business. Such expenses must be submitted to the City Manager.
Section 3. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following
their appointment, each new member shall be shall be given an orientation briefing by
City staff and be provided with the Board's procedural rules and other information that
may be useful to Board members in carrying out their duties. The City Zoning Chapter
and the Comprehensive Plan are available on line.
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Board member
from regular Board meetings may result in a recommendation to the City Council from
the Board to discharge said member and appoint a new Board member. Members shall
be removable for cause by the City Council upon written charges after a public hearing.
Section 5. Vacancies. Any vacancy on the Board because of death, resignation, long-
term illness, disqualification, or removal shall be filled for the unexpired term by the City
Council after at least thirty (30) calendar days of public notice of the vacancy as required
by law.
Section 6. Terms. Members shall be appointed for terms of five years. No members
shall be appointed to succeed themselves. However, a member appointed to fill an
unexpired term with one year or less remaining may also be appointed concurrently for
one full five (5) year term.
Section 7. Resignations. Resignation should be submitted in writing to the Board
Secretary, who will transmit the resignation to the City Council with copies to the City
Manager, the Director of Neighborhood and Development Services, and the Board
Chairperson, preferably at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of intended departure.
Section 8. Temporary Alternate. An alternate member, if available, shall be appointed as
provided herein, to replace a member who is unable to participate in an appeal of an
administrative decision due to a conflict of interest. Any person who has served as a
member of the Board within the 5 years preceding the filing of the appeal, and who
represents the public at large and is not involved in the business of purchasing or selling
real estate, shall be qualified to serve as an alternate. When the member has recused
himself/herself due to a conflict and the date of hearing before the Board has been set, the
Secretary of the Board shall notify all such persons and the first to agree to serve as the
alternate is hereby appointed to do so.
ARTICLE III. OFFICERS:
Section 1. Number. The officers of the Board shall be a Chairperson and a Vice -
Chairperson, each of whom shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the
Board. The Board Secretary shall be a staff person, who is appointed by the Director of
Planning and Community Development.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson shall
be elected annually at the first regular meeting of the Board each year.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson
because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or other cause shall be filled by
election from the members of the Board for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings,
call special meetings, and in general perform all duties incident to the office of a
Chairperson, and such other duties as may be prescribed by the members from time to
time. Such Chairperson may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. When the Chairperson is absent or abstaining, the Vice -
Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and shall have all the powers of
and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 6. Acting Chairperson. In the absence and/or due to the abstention of both the
Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson, the remaining three -member Board may elect a
member to serve as Acting Chairperson. The Acting Chairperson shall perform the
duties of the Chairperson and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject
to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 7. Secretary. The appointed staff person, who serves as the Board's Secretary,
shall be responsible for maintaining the office of the Board, receiving and filing Board
decisions and orders, posting and publishing notices as required by law, and for
maintaining minutes and other records of the Board's proceedings.
ARTICLE IV. APPLICATIONS:
Section 1. Application Forms. Any application for a request or appeal to the Board of
Adjustment shall be filed with the City Clerk on forms provided by the Secretary of the
Board. The Secretary's office is located in the Department of Neighborhood and
Development Services. Forms are available in the office of the City Clerk and on the
City's website. In the appropriate cases, the Building Inspector shall transmit to the
Secretary all documents constituting a record, upon which the Board shall act.
Section 2. Application Submittal. Appeals to the Board shall be filed with the City Clerk
within a reasonable time period, not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days after the action
appealed from, and shall specify the grounds for such appeal. An appeal from a decision
by the Building Inspector to issue a building permit shall not be deemed to have been
filed within a reasonable time if such appeal is filed more than ten (10) business days
after construction work pursuant to such permit is observable from adjacent properties of
the public right-of-way or ten (10) business days after an alleged violation of the zoning
code is similarly observable. Applicants may appeal an approval or a denial of a
Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission within a
conservation district by filing a letter with the City Clerk within ten (10) business days
after a Resolution of Denial is filed by the Commission.
Section 3. Application Filing Fee. The applicant shall complete the required forms,
providing all information requested on the form, and any additional information as
requested by the Secretary of the Board. A filing fee shall be paid upon presentation of
the application. Application fees are established by resolution of the City Council.
Section 4. Party of Interest. Requests for a variance or special exception must be filed
on behalf of the real party in interest, such as the owner or contract purchaser.
Section 5. Case Number. An application filed according to the above procedure shall be
given a case number within five (5) business days of the filing date. Case numbers will
be assigned according to the order in which applications are received.
ARTICLE V. NOTICE:
Section 1. Notice Letters. No less than seven (7) business days prior to the public
hearing, the Secretary of the Board shall send notice by mail to all property owners of
record and to all non -duplicative individual occupants (when available on the City
Assessor's website), within 500 feet of the subject property. Such notice shall include a
description of the action requested along with the time and location of the meeting. The
applicant shall be formally notified of the time and place of the hearing, in writing, by the
Secretary of the Board.
Section 2. Newspaper Notice. Notice of the time and place of public hearings shall be
published in a newspaper of general circulation not more than twenty (20) calendar day
nor less than seven (7) business days prior to the hearing. It shall contain the street
address or location of the property and a brief description of the nature of the application
or appeal.
Section 3. Notice Sign. No less than seven (7) business days prior to the public hearing,
the Applicant shall post a sign on or near the property upon which the application is
being made, and shall remove the sign immediately following the public hearing on the
application. The sign will be provided to the applicant(s) by the Board Secretary.
ARTICLE VI. HEARING:
Section 1. Regular Hearings. Hearings will be held as needed at a regular time and
place to be set by the members of the Board.
Section 2. Special Hearings. Special hearings or meetings of the Board may be called
by the Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson at the
request of three (3) or more members of the Board.
Section 3. Place of Hearings. All hearings and meetings of the Board shall be open to
the public and shall be in a place accessible to people with disabilities.
Section 4. Quorum. Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5. Applicant Representation. The applicant may, at the time of the public
hearing, appear on their own behalf and be represented by agent and/or counsel. The
applicant or their representative may present oral argument and testimony; witnesses,
including experts; and may submit written evidence and exhibits in the form of
statements, photos, charts, or other relevant evidence. In the absence of the applicant or
their representative(s), the Board may proceed to act on the matter based on the
information provided.
Section 6. Briefs. The Board may request written briefs for legal argument. Applicants
may submit written briefs if they so choose.
Section 7. Conduct of Hearing. Order and decorum shall be maintained at the hearing
by the Chairperson of the Board of Adjustment, so as to allow an orderly presentation of
evidence wherever possible. The Chair may swear witnesses and direct order of
testimony. The Chair shall avoid testimony that is overly redundant. The Chair may
provide for recesses during the deliberation, as appropriate.
Any Board member who has a legal conflict of interest shall recuse him/ herself from the
decision -making process. A member who has a legal conflict of interest or otherwise
elects to recuse him/herself due to a perceived conflict of interest shall state the reason
for recusal prior to discussion of the matter under consideration and may choose to
leave the meeting room for the duration of the proceedings for that application.
Section 8. Hearing Order. The order of hearing shall be as follows:
1. Staff presentation of the facts of the case and recommendation to the board.
2. Statement by proponents of the application.
3. Statement by opponents of the application.
4. Rebuttal by proponents and then by opponents.
5. General discussion by the Board.
Section 9. Board Deliberation. After all parties have been heard, the public hearing will
be declared closed so that the Board may deliberate the case. The Board must state
findings of fact and conclusions of law. These facts and legal conclusions must be set
forth in writing as required by Iowa Law. The Board may request additional comments
from the participants. An application may be deferred or withdrawn at the request of the
applicant at any time before a decision is made by the Board.
Section 10. Board Motions. Motions may be made and seconded by any member of the
Board. Motions are always made in the affirmative, approving the requested action.
Section 11. Board Voting. After a motion and discussion, the Board shall be polled for
votes. A board member may abstain from voting, which is a non -vote. The concurring
vote of three (3) members of the Board shall be required to uphold an appeal, to decide
in favor of a special exception, or to grant a variance.
Voting on Board decisions will be by roll call and will be recorded by yeas and nays.
Proxy votes are not allowed.
Section 12. Legal Advisor. The City Attorney or a designated representative shall act as
legal counsel to the Board.
Section 13. Conduct of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided herein, Roberts Rules
of Order Newly Revised shall be used to conduct Board hearings and meetings.
ARTICLE VII. RECORDS:
Section 1. Record of Hearings. Audio recordings shall be made for all hearings and
such recordings shall be kept for a period of no less than six (6) weeks. Minutes shall be
produced from such recordings, and forwarded to the City Council after approval by the
Board or the Secretary of the Board. All minutes shall be maintained by the Secretary of
the Board, and shall also be on file at the City Clerk's office. The applicant may request
a court reporter at the applicant's own expense.
Section 2. Case Files. The Secretary of the Board shall keep a file of all cases, including
forms and additional information. Said file shall be a public record and available for
public inspection during business hours. Copies may be made available upon request, at
cost.
Section 3. Transcript. Upon request, a transcript or the audio recording of the Board's
deliberation will be made, at cost to the requestor. In the case of an appeal to district
court there is no charge for the transcript.
ARTICLE Vill. DECISIONS:
Section 1. Whenever possible, decisions by the Board shall be made at the same
hearing wherein the testimony and presentation of evidence are considered.
Section 2. Formal decisions shall be made in writing, setting forth findings of fact and
conclusions of law as required by Iowa law.
Section 3. Each decision shall be filed with the City Clerk within a reasonable time after
the Board hearing, and shall be stamped by the Clerk to indicate the date and time of
filing. The Clerk will forward the decision to the Johnson County Recorder's Office, for
recording at the city's expense.
Section 4.
A copy of said decision shall be forwarded by the Secretary of the Board to the
applicant, the Building Inspector, the City Attorney's Office, and any Attorney of Record
within a reasonable time after filing with the City Clerk.
Section 5.
Reconsideration: Upon written request, the Board may reconsider a decision on a
special exception or variance application. A request for reconsideration must be made
within ten (10) business days of the meeting at which a vote on the application was
originally taken and shall articulate and be based on evidence that was not presented or
was unavailable at the time of the original hearing. A motion to reconsider must be made
at the subsequent meeting by a member of the Board who voted on the prevailing side.
If a motion to reconsider is approved, the application will be placed on the agenda of the
next meeting in order to satisfy the requirement for public notice and hearing. No
decision may be reconsidered more than once. Appeals to the Board may not be
reconsidered.
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO THE PROCECURAL RULES.
Section 1. A concurring vote of three (3) of the members of the Board shall be necessary
to amend these procedural rules. Such proposed amendments shall be presented in
writing at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
Amendments shall go into effect upon approval by the City Council.
(Adopted Reso. No. 21-275)
Prepared by: Susan Dulek, Ass't City Attorney, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319)356-5030
RESOLUTION NO. 18-195
Resolution adopting the procedural rules of the Board of Adjustment
and rescinding Resolution No. 17-95.
Whereas, in Ordinance No. 18-4749 (codified at Section 14-7A-2E), City Council
amended the Board of Adjustment code provision to provide for an alternate member
should a member recuse him/herself for a conflict of interest in an appeal from an
administrative decision;
Whereas, the procedural rules (aka, the by-laws) of the Board of Adjustment need to be
changed to reflect Ordinance No. 18-4749; and
Whereas, the current procedural rules were approved in Resolution No. 17-95.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa that:
1. The attached Procedural Rules of the Board of Adjustment are approved and
adopted by the City Council.
2. Resolution No. 17-95 is rescinded.
Passed and approved this
3rd
day of Jul
Mifyor
Attest: 114,11-1-e
City Clerk
Approved By:
2018.
City Attorney's Office
Resolution No. 18-195
Page 2
It was moved by Mims and seconded by Thomas the
Resolution be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
x Botchway
x Cole
x Mims
x Salih
x Taylor
x Thomas
x Throgmorton
PROCEDURAL RULES
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
Af4�01-7 July 2018
ARTICLE I. AUTHORITY:
The Iowa City Board of Adjustment shall have that authority which is conferred by
Chapter 414 of the Code of Iowa;. City Code Title 14, Chapter 7, entitled "Administration,"
Article A, entitled "Board of Adjustment," and through the adoption of these procedural
rules stated herein.
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP:
Section 1. Qualifications. The Board of Adjustment shall consist of five (5) members
appointed by the City Council. All members of the Board shall be residents of Iowa City,
Iowa. A majority of the members of the Board shall be persons representing the public at
large and shall not be involved in the business of purchasing or selling real estate.
Section 2. Compensation. Members shall serve without compensation, but may be
reimbursed for expenses incurred for travel outside the city on designated Board
business. Such expenses must be submitted to the City Manager.
Section 3. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following
their appointment, each new member shall be shall be given an orientation briefing by
City staff and be provided with the Board's procedural rules and other information that
may be useful to Board members in carrying out their duties. The City Zoning Chapter
and the Comprehensive Plan are available on line.
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Board member
from regular Board meetings may result in a recommendation to the City Council from
the Board to discharge said member and appoint a new Board member. Members shall
be removable for cause by the City Council upon written charges after a public hearing.
Section 5. Vacancies. Any vacancy on the Board because of death, resignation, long-
term illness, disqualification, or removal shall be filled for the unexpired term by the City
Council after at least thirty (30) calendar days of public notice of the vacancy as required
by law.
Section 6. Terms. Members shall be appointed for terms of five years. No members
shall be appointed to succeed themselves. However, a member appointed to fill an
unexpired term with one year or less remaining may also be appointed concurrently for
one full five (5) year term.
Section 7. Resignations. Resignation should be submitted in writing to the Board
Secretary, who will transmit the resignation to the City Council with copies to the City
Manager, the Director of Neighborhood and Development Services, and the Board
Chairperson, preferably at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of intended departure.
Section S. Temporary Alternate. An alternate member if available. shall be appointed as
Provided herein to replace a member who is unable to particiPate in an appeal of an
administrative decision due to a conflict of interest Anv person who has served as a
member of the Board within the 5 years. preceding the filing of the appeal, and who
represents the public at large and is not involved in the business of purchasing or selling
real estate shall be quaffied to serve as an alternate. When the member has recused
himself/herself due to a conflict and the date of hearing before the Board has been set. the
Secretary of the Board shall notify all such persons and the first to agree to serve as the
alternate is hereby appointed to do so.
ARTICLE III.OFFICERS:
Section 1. Number. The officers of the Board shall be a Chairperson and a Vice -
Chairperson, each of whom shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the
Board. The Board Secretary shall be a staff person, who is appointed by the Director of
Planning and Community Development.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson shall
be elected annually at the first regular meeting of the Board each year.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson
because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or other cause shall be filled by
election from the members of the Board for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings,
call special meetings, and in general perform all duties incident to the office of a
Chairperson, and such other duties as may be prescribed by the members from time to
time. Such Chairperson may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. When the Chairperson is absent or abstaining, the Vice -
Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and shall have all the powers of
and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 6. Acting Chairperson. In the absence and/or due to the abstention of both the
Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson, the remaining three -member Board may elect a
member to serve as Acting Chairperson. The Acting Chairperson shall perform the
duties of the Chairperson and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject
to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 7. Secretary. The appointed staff person, who serves as the Board's Secretary,
shall be responsible for maintaining the office of the Board, receiving and filing Board
decisions and orders, posting and publishing notices as required by law, and for
maintaining minutes and other records of the Board's proceedings.
ARTICLE IV. APPLICATIONS:
Section 1. Application Forms. Any application for a request or appeal to the Board of
Adjustment shall be filed with the City Clerk on forms provided by the Secretary of the
Board. The Secretary's office is located in the Department of Neighborhood and
Development Services. Forms are available in the office of the City Clerk and on the
City's website. In the appropriate cases, the Building Inspector shall transmit to the
Secretary all documents constituting a record, upon which the Board shall act.
Section 2. Application Submittal. Appeals to the Board shall be filed with the City Clerk
within a reasonable time period, not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days after the action
appealed from, and shall specify the grounds for such appeal. An appeal from a decision
by the Building Inspector to issue a building permit shall not be deemed to have been
filed within a reasonable time if such appeal is filed more than ten (10) business days
after construction work pursuant to such permit is observable from adjacent properties of
the public right-of-way or ten (10) business days after an alleged violation of the zoning
code is similarly observable. Applicants may appeal an approval or a denial of a
Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission within a
conservation district by filing a letter with the City Clerk within ten (10) business days
after a Resolution of Denial is filed by the Commission.
Section 3. Application Filing Fee. The applicant shall complete the required forms,
providing all information requested on the form, and any additional information as
requested by the Secretary of the Board. A filing fee shall be paid upon presentation of
the application. Application fees are established by resolution of the City Council.
Section 4. Party of Interest. Requests for a variance or special exception must be filed
on behalf of the real party in interest, such as the owner or contract purchaser.
Section 5. Case Number. An application filed according to the above procedure shall be
given a case number within five (5) business days of the filing date. Case numbers will
be assigned according to the order in which applications are received.
ARTICLE V. NOTICE:
Section 1. Notice Letters. No less than seven (7) business days prior to the public
hearing, the Secretary of the Board shall send notice by mail to all property owners of
record within 300 feet of the subject property. Such notice shall include a description of
the action requested along with the time and location of the meeting. The applicant shall
be formally notified of the time and place of the hearing, in writing, by the Secretary of
the Board.
Section 2. Newspaper Notice. Notice of the time and place of public hearings shall be
published in a newspaper of general circulation not more than twenty (20) calendar day
nor less than seven (7) business days prior to the hearing. It shall contain the street
address or location of the property and a brief description of the nature of the application
or appeal.
Section 3. Notice Sign. No less than seven (7) business days prior to the public hearing,
the Applicant shall post a sign on or near the property upon which the application is
being made, and shall remove the sign immediately following the public hearing on the
application. The sign will be provided to the applicant(s) by the Board Secretary.
ARTICLE VI. HEARING:
Section 1. Regular Hearings. Hearings will ibe held as needed at a regular time and
place to be set by the members of the Board.
Section 2. Special Hearings. Special hearings or meetings of the Board may be called
by the Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson at the
request of three (3) or more members of the Board.
Section 3. Place of Hearings. All hearings and meetings of the Board shall be open to
the public and shall be in a place accessible to people with disabilities:
Section 4. Quorum. Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5. Applicant Representation. The applicant may, at the time of the public
hearing, appear on their own behalf and be represented by agent and/or counsel. The
applicant or their representative may present oral argument and testimony; witnesses,
including experts; and may submit written evidence and exhibits in the form of
statements, photos, charts, or other relevant evidence. In the absence of the applicant or
their representative(s), the Board may proceed to act on the matter based on the
information provided.
Section 6. Briefs. The Board may request written briefs for legal argument. Applicants
may submit written briefs if they so choose.
Section 7. Conduct of Hearing. Order and decorum shall be maintained at the hearing
by the Chairperson of the Board of Adjustment, so as to allow an orderly presentation of
evidence wherever possible. The Chair may swear witnesses and direct order of
testimony. The Chair shall avoid testimony that is overly redundant. The Chair may
provide for recesses during the deliberation, as appropriate.
Any Board member who has a legal conflict of interest shall recuse him/ herself from the
decision -making process. A member who has a legal conflict of interest or otherwise
elects to recuse him/herself due to a perceived conflict of interest shall state the reason
for recusal prior to discussion of the matter under consideration and may choose to
leave the meeting room for the duration of the proceedings for that application.
Section 8. Hearing Order. The order of hearing shall be as follows:
1. Staff presentation of the facts of the case and recommendation to the board.
2. Statement by proponents of the application.
3. Statement by opponents of the application.
4. Rebuttal by proponents and then by opponents.
5. General discussion by the Board.
Section 9. Board Deliberation. After all parties have been heard, the public hearing will
be declared closed so that the Board may deliberate the case. The Board must state
findings of fact and conclusions of law. These facts and legal conclusions must be set
forth in writing as required by Iowa Law. The Board may request additional comments
from the participants. An application may be deferred or withdrawn at the request of the
applicant at any time before a decision is made by the Board.
Section 10. Board Motions. Motions may be made and seconded by any member of the
Board other than the Chair. Motions are always made in the affirmative, approving the
requested action.
Section 11. Board Voting. After a motion and discussion, the Board shall be polled for
votes. A board member may abstain from voting, which is a non -vote. The concurring
vote of three (3) members of the Board shall be required to uphold an appeal, to decide
in favor of a special exception, or to grant a variance.
Voting on Board decisions will be by roll call and will be recorded by yeas and nays.
Proxy votes are not allowed.
Section 12. Legal Advisor. The City Attorney or a designated representative shall act as
legal counsel to the Board.
Section 13. Conduct of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided herein, Roberts Rules
of Order Newly Revised shall be used to conduct Board hearings and meetings.
ARTICLE VII. RECORDS:
Section 1. Record of Hearings. Audio recordings shall be made for all hearings and
such recordings shall be kept for a period of no less than six (6) weeks. Minutes shall be
produced from such recordings, and forwarded to the City Council after approval by the
Board or the Secretary of the Board. All minutes shall be maintained by the Secretary of
the Board, and shall also be on file at the City Clerk's office. The applicant may request
a court reporter at the applicant's own expense.
Section 2. Case Files. The Secretary of the Board shall keep a file of all cases, including
forms and additional information. Said file shall be a public record and available for
public inspection during business hours. Copies may be made available upon request, at
cost.
Section 3. Transcript. Upon request, a transcript or the audio recording of the Board's
deliberation will be made, at cost to the requestor. In the case of an appeal to district
court there is no charge for the transcript.
ARTICLE Vill. DECISIONS:
Section 1. Whenever possible, decisions by the Board shall be made at the same
hearing wherein the testimony and presentation of evidence are considered.
Section 2. Formal decisions shall be made in writing, setting forth findings of fact and
conclusions of law as required by Iowa law.
Section 3. Each decision shall be filed with the City Clerk within a reasonable time after
the Board hearing, and shall be stamped by the Clerk to indicate the date and time of
filing. The Clerk will forward the decision to the Johnson County Recorder's Office, for
recording at the city's expense.
Section 4.
A copy of said decision shall be forwarded by the Secretary of the Board to the
applicant, the Building Inspector, the City Attorney's Office, and any Attorney of Record
within a reasonable time after filing with the City Clerk.
Section 5.
Reconsideration: Upon written request, the Board may reconsider a decision on a
special exception or variance application. A request for reconsideration must be made
within ten (10) business days of the meeting at which a vote on the application was
originally taken and shall articulate and be based on evidence that was not presented or
was unavailable at the time of the original hearing. A motion to reconsider must be made
at the subsequent meeting by a member of the Board who voted on the prevailing side.
If a motion to reconsider is approved, the application will be placed on the agenda of the
next meeting in order to satisfy the requirement for public notice and hearing. No
decision may be reconsidered more than once. Appeals to the Board may not be
reconsidered.
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO THE PROCECURAL RULES.
Section 1. A concurring vote of three (3) of the members of the Board shall be necessary
to amend these procedural rules. Such proposed amendments shall be presented in
writing at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
Amendments shall go into effect upon approval by the City Council.
Chris Olney
From:
Kellie Fruehling
Sent:
Thursday, April 05, 2018 1:43 PM
To:
Sarah Walz; Michael Tharp; Tracy Hightshoe; Stefanie Bowers; Juli Seydell Johnson; Ty
Coleman
Cc:
Chris Olney
Subject:
Brd/Comm terms
Just an FYI of some cleaning up we're doing on the Board/Commission terms. Several of the commissions
have a start and end date that are the same, after talking to Eleanor we got the go ahead to adjust the ending
dates by one day.
So if your commission terms end January 1, they will be changed to December 31:
Board of Adjustment
Human Rights
And July 1, will be changed to June 30:
Airport Commission
HCDC
P&R
Telecommunications
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you
Kellie Fruehling
City Clerk
City of Iowa City
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 356-5041
Prepared by: Sarah Walz, Development Services, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5230
RESOLUTION NO. 17-95
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE PROCEDURAL RULES OF BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENT AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 13-43.
WHEREAS, the City of Iowa City has re -organized its building and planning divisions under a
new name —Neighborhood and Development Services; and
WHEREAS, to conserve paper the Department of Neighborhood and Development Services no
longer provides board members with paper copies of the Comprehensive Plan or the Zoning
Code, but refers them to the on-line versions of these documents; and
WHEREAS, in reviewing its procedural rules (aka, by-laws) adopted in Resolution No. 13-32,
the Board or Adjustment (BOA) deemed it appropriate to clarify the guidelines for when a board
member should or may abstain or recuse him/herself from voting on an application; and
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2015, the BOA discussed these and other minor changes to the
procedural rules and voted unanimously in favor of amending said rules on December 16, 2015;
and
WHEREAS, the Rules Committee approved of the attached amended Procedural Rules;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, THAT:
1. The attached Board of Adjustment Procedural Rules are approved.
2. Resolution No. 1-43 is rescinded.
Passed and approved this 41h day of April, 2017.
MAYO
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
City Attorney's Office
Resolution No.
Page 2
17-95
It was moved by Botchway and seconded by Dickens the
Resolution be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN:
x Botchway
x Cole
ON
Dickens
x Mims
x Taylor
x
Thomas
x Throgmorton
Approved 4/4/17, Res 17-95
PROCEDURAL RULES
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
April 2017
ARTICLE I. AUTHORITY:
The Iowa City Board of Adjustment shall have that authority which is conferred by
Chapter 414 of the Code of Iowa; City Code Title 14, Chapter 7, entitled "Administration,
Article A, entitled "Board of Adjustment," and through the adoption of these procedural
rules stated herein.
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP:
Section 1. Qualifications. The Board of Adjustment shall consist of five (5) members
appointed by the City Council. All members of the Board shall be residents of Iowa City,
Iowa. A majority of the members of the Board shall be persons representing the public at
large and shall not be involved in the business of purchasing or selling real estate.
Section 2. Compensation. Members shall serve without compensation, but may be
reimbursed for expenses incurred for travel outside the city on designated Board
business. Such expenses must be submitted to the City Manager.
Section 3. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following
their appointment, each new member shall be shall be given an orientation briefing by
City staff and be provided with the Board's procedural rules and other information that
may be useful to Board members in carrying out their duties. The City Zoning Chapter
and the Comprehensive Plan are available on line.
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Board member
from regular Board meetings may result in a recommendation to the City Council from
the Board to discharge said member and appoint a new Board member. Members shall
be removable for cause by the City Council upon written charges after a public hearing.
Section 5. Vacancies. Any vacancy on the Board because of death, resignation, long-
term illness, disqualification, or removal shall be filled for the unexpired term by the City
Council after at least thirty (30) calendar days of public notice of the vacancy as required
by law.
Section 6. Terms. Members shall be appointed for terms of five years. No members
shall be appointed to succeed themselves. However, a member appointed to fill an
unexpired term with one year or less remaining may also be appointed concurrently for
one full five (5) year term.
Section 7. Resignations. Resignation should be submitted in writing to the Board
Secretary, who will transmit the resignation to the City Council with copies to the City
Manager, the Director of Neighborhood and Development Services, and the Board
Chairperson, preferably at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of intended departure.
ARTICLE III. OFFICERS:
Section 1. Number. The officers of the Board shall be a Chairperson and a Vice -
Chairperson, each of whom shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the
Board. The Board Secretary shall be a staff person, who is appointed by the Director of
Planning and Community Development.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson shall
be elected annually at the first regular meeting of the Board each year.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson
because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or other cause shall be filled by
election from the members of the Board for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings,
call special meetings, and in general perform all duties incident to the office of a
Chairperson, and such other duties as may be prescribed by the members from time to
time. Such Chairperson may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. When the Chairperson is absent or abstaining, the Vice -
Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and shall have all the powers of
and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 6. Acting Chairperson. In the absence and/or due to the abstention of both the
Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson, the remaining three -member Board may elect a
member to serve as Acting Chairperson. The Acting Chairperson shall perform the
duties of the Chairperson and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject
to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 7. Secretary. The appointed staff person, who serves as the Board's Secretary,
shall be responsible for maintaining the office of the Board, receiving and filing Board
decisions and orders, posting and publishing notices as required by law, and for
maintaining minutes and other records of the Board's proceedings.
ARTICLE IV. APPLICATIONS:
Section 1. Application Forms. Any application for a request or appeal to the Board of
Adjustment shall be filed with the City Clerk on forms provided by the Secretary of the
Board. The Secretary's office is located in the Department of Neighborhood and
Development Services. Forms are available in the office of the City Clerk and on the
City's website. In the appropriate cases, the Building Inspector shall transmit to the
Secretary all documents constituting a record, upon which the Board shall act.
Section 2. Application Submittal. Appeals to the Board shall be filed with the City Clerk
within a reasonable time period, not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days after the action
appealed from, and shall specify the grounds for such appeal. An appeal from a decision
by the Building Inspector to issue a building permit shall not be deemed to have been
filed within a reasonable time if such appeal is filed more than ten (10) business days
after construction work pursuant to such permit is observable from adjacent properties of
the public right-of-way or ten (10) business days after an alleged violation of the zoning
code is similarly observable. Applicants may appeal an approval or a denial of a
Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission within a
conservation district by filing a letter with the City Clerk within ten (10) business days
after a Resolution of Denial is filed by the Commission.
Section 3. Application Filing Fee. The applicant shall complete the required forms,
providing all information requested on the form, and any additional information as
requested by the Secretary of the Board. A filing fee shall be paid upon presentation of
the application. Application fees are established by resolution of the City Council.
Section 4. Party of Interest. Requests for a variance or special exception must be filed
on behalf of the real party in interest, such as the owner or contract purchaser.
Section 5. Case Number. An application filed according to the above procedure shall be
given a case number within five (5) business days of the filing date. Case numbers will
be assigned according to the order in which applications are received.
ARTICLE V. NOTICE:
Section 1. Notice Letters. No less than seven (7) business days prior to the public
hearing, the Secretary of the Board shall send notice by mail to all property owners of
record within 300 feet of the subject property. Such notice shall include a description of
the action requested along with the time and location of the meeting. The applicant shall
be formally notified of the time and place of the hearing, in writing, by the Secretary of
the Board.
Section 2. Newspaper Notice. Notice of the time and place of public hearings shall be
published in a newspaper of general circulation not more than twenty (20) calendar day
nor less than seven (7) business days prior to the hearing. It shall contain the street
address or location of the property and a brief description of the nature of the application
or appeal.
Section 3. Notice Sign. No less than seven (7) business days prior to the public hearing,
the Applicant shall post a sign on or near the property upon which the application is
being made, and shall remove the sign immediately following the public hearing on the
application. The sign will be provided to the applicant(s) by the Board Secretary.
ARTICLE VI. HEARING:
Section 1. Regular Hearings. Hearings will be held as needed at a regular time and
place to be set by the members of the Board.
Section 2. Special Hearings. Special hearings or meetings of the Board may be called
by the Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson at the
request of three (3) or more members of the Board.
Section 3. Place of Hearings. All hearings and meetings of the Board shall be open to
the public and shall be in a place accessible to people with disabilities.
Section 4. Quorum. Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5. Applicant Representation. The applicant may, at the time of the public
hearing, appear on their own behalf and be represented by agent and/or counsel. The
applicant or their representative may present oral argument and testimony; witnesses,
including experts; and may submit written evidence and exhibits in the form of
statements, photos, charts, or other relevant evidence. In the absence of the applicant or
their representative(s), the Board may proceed to act on the matter based on the
information provided.
Section 6. Briefs. The Board may request written briefs for legal argument. Applicants
may submit written briefs if they so choose.
Section 7. Conduct of Hearing. Order and decorum shall be maintained at the hearing
by the Chairperson of the Board of Adjustment, so as to allow an orderly presentation of
evidence wherever possible. The Chair may swear witnesses and direct order of
testimony. The Chair shall avoid testimony that is overly redundant. The Chair may
provide for recesses during the deliberation, as appropriate.
Any Board member who has a legal conflict of interest shall recuse him/ herself from the
decision -making process. A member who has a legal conflict of interest or otherwise
elects to recuse him/herself due to a perceived conflict of interest shall state the reason
for recusal prior to discussion of the matter under consideration and may choose to
leave the meeting room for the duration of the proceedings for that application.
Section 8. Hearing Order. The order of hearing shall be as follows:
1. Staff presentation of the facts of the case and recommendation to the board.
2. Statement by proponents of the application.
3. Statement by opponents of the application.
4. Rebuttal by proponents and then by opponents.
5. General discussion by the Board.
Section 9. Board Deliberation. After all parties have been heard, the public hearing will
be declared closed so that the Board may deliberate the case. The Board must state
findings of fact and conclusions of law. These facts and legal conclusions must be set
forth in writing as required by Iowa Law. The Board may request additional comments
from the participants. An application may be deferred or withdrawn at the request of the
applicant at any time before a decision is made by the Board.
Section 10. Board Motions. Motions may be made and seconded by any member of the
Board other than the Chair. Motions are always made in the affirmative, approving the
requested action.
Section 11. Board Voting. After a motion and discussion, the Board shall be polled for
votes. A board member may abstain from voting, which is a non -vote. The concurring
vote of three (3) members of the Board shall be required to uphold an appeal, to decide
in favor of a special exception, or to grant a variance.
Voting on Board decisions will be by roll call and will be recorded by yeas and nays.
Proxy votes are not allowed.
Section 12. Legal Advisor. The City Attorney or a designated representative shall act as
legal counsel to the Board.
Section 13. Conduct of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided herein, Roberts Rules
of Order Newly Revised shall be used to conduct Board hearings and meetings.
ARTICLE VII. RECORDS:
Section 1. Record of Hearings. Audio recordings shall be made for all hearings and
such recordings shall be kept for a period of no less than six (6) weeks. Minutes shall be
produced from such recordings, and forwarded to the City Council after approval by the
Board or the Secretary of the Board. All minutes shall be maintained by the Secretary of
the Board, and shall also be on file at the City Clerk's office. The applicant may request
a court reporter at the applicant's own expense.
Section 2. Case Files. The Secretary of the Board shall keep a file of all cases, including
forms and additional information. Said file shall be a public record and available for
public inspection during business hours. Copies may be made available upon request, at
cost.
Section 3. Transcript. Upon request, a transcript or the audio recording of the Board's
deliberation will be made, at cost to the requestor. In the case of an appeal to district
court there is no charge for the transcript.
ARTICLE Vill. DECISIONS:
Section 1. Whenever possible, decisions by the Board shall be made at the same
hearing wherein the testimony and presentation of evidence are considered.
Section 2. Formal decisions shall be made in writing, setting forth findings of fact and
conclusions of law as required by Iowa law.
Section 3. Each decision shall be filed with the City Clerk within a reasonable time after
the Board hearing, and shall be stamped by the Clerk to indicate the date and time of
filing. The Clerk will forward the decision to the Johnson County Recorder's Office, for
recording at the city's expense.
Section 4.
A copy of said decision shall be forwarded by the Secretary of the Board to the
applicant, the Building Inspector, the City Attorney's Office, and any Attorney of Record
within a reasonable time after filing with the City Clerk.
Section 5.
Reconsideration: Upon written request, the Board may reconsider a decision on a
special exception or variance application. A request for reconsideration must be made
within ten (10) business days of the meeting at which a vote on the application was
originally taken and shall articulate and be based on evidence that was not presented or
was unavailable at the time of the original hearing. A motion to reconsider must be made
at the subsequent meeting by a member of the Board who voted on the prevailing side.
If a motion to reconsider is approved, the application will be placed on the agenda of the
next meeting in order to satisfy the requirement for public notice and hearing. No
decision may be reconsidered more than once. Appeals to the Board may not be
reconsidered.
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO THE PROCECURAL RULES.
Section 1. A concurring vote of three (3) of the members of the Board shall be necessary
to amend these procedural rules. Such proposed amendments shall be presented in
writing at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
Amendments shall go into effect upon approval by the City Council.
—�
11
- -1
Prepared by: Marian Karr, City Clerk, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5041 5d(4)
RESOLUTION NO. 13-43
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PROCEDURAL RULES OF THE IOWA CITY BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENT
WHEREAS, the Procedural Rules of the Iowa City Board of Adjustment have been reviewed by the
Board; and
WHEREAS, at their December 12, 2012 meeting, the Iowa City Board of Adjustment has revised and
unanimously approved new language that;
1. Sets filing periods for various appeals consistent with the zoning code; and
2. Establishes procedures for reconsideration of applications.
and;
WHEREAS, the City Council Rules Committee met on February 8, 2013 and reviewed the Rules and
recommended approval of the revisions; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to adopt Procedural Rules which guide the procedures and actions
of the Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, that:
The Procedural Rules as recommended by the Iowa City Board of Adjustment, attached hereto and
incorporated by reference herein, are approved and adopted by the City Council.
Passed and approved this 19th day of February 2013.
ATTEST: /Y�i2 ?e 9 fii%
CITrCLERK
It was moved by Payne
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES:
X
x
X
X
s/resolutiontoamend.doc
ILYA 61
�Apprrt�av�ey.
Ci orney's. ffi e
_ and seconded by Dickens the Resolution be
NAYS: ABSENT:
Champion
Dickens
Dobyns
Hayek
Mims
Payne
Throgmorton
PROCEDURAL RULES
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
December 12, 2012
ARTICLE I. AUTHORITY:
The Iowa City Board of Adjustment shall have that authority which is conferred by
Chapter 414 of the Code of Iowa; City Code Title 14, Chapter 7, entitled "Administration,"
Article A, entitled "Board of Adjustment," and through the adoption of these procedural
rules stated herein.
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP:
Section 1. Qualifications. The Board of Adjustment shall consist of five (5) members
appointed by the City Council. All members of the Board shall be qualified electors of the
city of Iowa City, Iowa. A majority of the members of the Board shall be persons
representing the public at large and shall not be involved in the business of purchasing
or selling real estate.
Section 2. Compensation. Members shall serve without compensation, but may be
reimbursed for expenses incurred for travel outside the city on designated Board
business. Such expenses must be submitted to the City Manager.
Section 3. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following
their appointment, a new member shall be provided with a copy of the City Zoning
Chapter, the Comprehensive Plan, the Board's procedural rules, and other information
that would be useful to Board members in carrying out their duties. Each new member
shall be given an orientation briefing by City staff.
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Board member
from regular Board meetings may result in a recommendation to the City Council from
the Board to discharge said member and appoint a new Board member. Members shall
be removable for cause by the City Council upon written charges after a public hearing.
Section 5. Vacancies. Any vacancy on the Board because of death, resignation, long-
term illness, disqualification, or removal shall be filled for the unexpired term by the City
Council after at least thirty (30) calendar days of public notice of the vacancy.
Section 6. Terms. Members shall be appointed for terms of five years. No members
shall be appointed to succeed themselves. However, a member appointed to fill an
unexpired term with one year or less remaining may also be appointed concurrently for
one full five (5) year term.
Section 7. Resignations. Resignation should be submitted in writing to the Board
Secretary, who will transmit the resignation to the Mayor with copies to the City
Manager, the Director of Planning and Community Development, and the Board
Chairperson, preferably at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of intended departure.
ARTICLE III.OFFICERS:
Section 1. Number. The officers of the Board shall be a Chairperson and a Vice -
Chairperson, each of whom shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the
Board. The Board Secretary shall be a staff person, who. is appointed by the Director of
Planning and Community Development.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson shall
be elected annually at the first regular meeting of the Board each year.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson
because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or other cause shall be filled by
election from the members of the Board for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings,
call special meetings, and in general perform all duties incident to the office of a
Chairperson, and such other duties as may be prescribed by the members from time to
time. Such Chairperson may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. When the Chairperson is absent or abstaining, the Vice -
Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and shall have all the powers of
and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 6. Acting Chairperson. In the absence and/or due to the abstention of both the
Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson, the remaining three -member Board may elect a
member to serve as Acting Chairperson. The Acting Chairperson shall perform the
duties of the Chairperson and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject
to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 7. Secretary. The appointed staff person, who serves as the Board's Secretary,
shall be responsible for maintaining the office of the Board, receiving and filing Board
decisions and orders, posting and publishing notices as required by law, and for
maintaining minutes and other records of the Board's proceedings.
ARTICLE IV. APPLICATIONS:
Section 1. Application Forms. Any application for a request or appeal to the Board of
Adjustment shall be filed with the City Clerk on forms provided by the Secretary of the
Board. The Secretary's office is located in the Department of Planning and Community
Development. Forms are also available in the office of the City Clerk. In the appropriate
cases, the Building Inspector shall transmit to the Secretary all documents constituting a
record, upon which the Board shall act.
Section 2. Application Submittal. Applications or appeals to the Board shall be filed
with the City Clerk within a reasonable time period, not to exceed 30 calendar days after
the action appealed from, and shall specify the grounds for such appeal. An appeal from
a decision by the Building Inspector to issue a building permit shall not be deemed to
have been filed within a reasonable time if such appeal is filed more than ten (10)
business days after construction work pursuant to such permit is observable from
adjacent properties of the public right-of-way or ten (10) business days after an alleged
violation of the zoning code is similarly observable. Applicants may appeal an approval
or a denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation
Commission within a conservation district by filing a letter with the City Clerk within ten
(10) business days after a Resolution of Denial is filed by the Commission.
Section 3. Application Filing Fee. The applicant shall complete the required forms,
providing all information requested on the form, and any additional information as
requested by the Secretary of the Board. A filing fee shall be paid upon presentation of
the application. Application fees are established by resolution of the City Council.
Section 4. Party of Interest. Requests for a variance or special exception must be filed
on behalf of the real party in interest, such as the owner or contract purchaser.
Section 5. Case Number. An application filed according to the above procedure shall be
given a case number within five (5) business days of the filing date. Case numbers will
be assigned according to the order in which applications are received.
ARTICLE V. NOTICE:
Section 1. Notice Letters. No less than seven (7) business days prior to the public
hearing, the Secretary of the Board shall send notice by mail to all property owners of
record within 300 feet of the subject property. Such notice shall include a description of
the action requested along with the time and location of the meeting. The applicant shall
be formally notified of the time and place of the hearing, in writing, by the Secretary of
the Board.
Section 2. Newspaper Notice. Notice of the time and place of public hearings shall be
published in a newspaper of general circulation not more than twenty (20) calendar day
nor less than seven (7) business days prior to the hearing. It shall contain the street
address or location of the property and a brief description of the nature of the application
or appeal.
Section 3. Notice Sign. No less than seven (7) business days prior to the public hearing,
the Applicant shall post a sign on or near the property upon which the application is
being made, and shall remove the sign immediately following the public hearing on the
application. The sign will be provided to the applicant(s) by the Board Secretary.
ARTICLE VI. HEARING:
Section 1. Regular Hearings. Hearings will be held as needed at a regular time and
place to be set by the members of the Board.
Section 2. Special Hearings. Special hearings or meetings of the Board may be called
by the Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson at the
request of three (3) or more members of the Board.
Section 3. Place of Hearings. All hearings and meetings of the Board shall be open to
the public and shall be in a place accessible to people with disabilities.
Section 4. Quorum. Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5. Applicant Representation. The applicant may, at the time of the public
hearing, appear on their own behalf and be represented by agent and/or counsel. The
applicant or their representative may present oral argument and testimony; witnesses,
including experts; and may submit written evidence and exhibits in the form of
statements, photos, charts, or other relevant evidence. In the absence of the applicant or
their representative(s), the Board may proceed to act on the matter based on the
information provided.
Section 6. Briefs. The Board may request written briefs for legal argument. Applicants
may submit written briefs if they so choose.
Section 7. Conduct of Hearing. Order and decorum shall be maintained at the hearing
by the Chairperson of the Board of Adjustment, so as to allow an orderly presentation of
evidence wherever possible. The Chair may swear witnesses and direct order of
testimony. The Chair shall avoid testimony that is overly redundant. The Chair may
provide for recesses during the deliberation, as appropriate.
Section 8. Hearing Order. The order of hearing shall be as follows:
1. Staff presentation of the facts of the case and recommendation to the board.
2. Statement by proponents of the application.
3. Statement by opponents of the application.
4. Rebuttal by proponents and then by opponents.
5. General discussion by the Board.
Section 9. Board Deliberation. After all parties have been heard, the public hearing will
be declared closed so that the Board may deliberate the case. The Board must state
findings of fact and conclusions of law. These facts and legal conclusions must be set
forth in writing as required by Iowa Law. The Board may request additional comments
from the participants. An application may be deferred or withdrawn at the request of the
applicant at any time before a decision is made by the Board.
Section 10. Board Motions. Motions may be made and seconded by any member of the
Board other than the Chair. Motions are always made in the affirmative, approving the
requested action.
Section 11. Board Voting. After a motion and discussion, the Board shall be polled for
votes. The concurring vote of three (3) members of the Board shall be required to uphold
an appeal, to decide in favor of a special exception, or to grant a variance.
Voting on Board decisions will be by roll call and will be recorded by yeas and nays.
Every member of the Board, including the Chairperson, shall cast a vote on each motion.
Proxy votes are not allowed. A Board member may abstain if he or she believes there is
a conflict of interest. Any member that elects to abstain from voting shall state the
reason for the abstention at the time of voting. Prior to the discussion of the matter under
consideration, a member who plans to abstain from voting should inform the Board, and
refrain from discussion and deliberation on a case where a conflict of interest exists for
that Board member. An abstaining Board member may choose to leave the meeting
room for the duration of the proceedings for that application.
Section 12. Legal Advisor. The City Attorney or a designated representative shall act as
legal counsel to the Board.
Section 13. Conduct of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided herein, Roberts Rules
of Order Newly Revised shall be used to conduct Board hearings and meetings.
ARTICLE VII. RECORDS:
Section 1. Record of Hearings. Audio recordings shall be made for all hearings and
such recordings shall be kept for a period of no less than six (6) weeks. Minutes shall be
produced from such recordings, and forwarded to the City Council after approval by the
Board or the Secretary of the Board. All minutes shall be maintained by the Secretary of
the Board, and shall also be on file at the City Clerk's office. The applicant may request
a court reporter at the applicant's own expense.
Section 2. Case Files. The Secretary of the Board shall keep a file of all cases, including
forms and additional information. Said file shall be a public record and available for
public inspection during business hours. Copies may be made available upon request, at
cost.
Section 3. Transcript. Upon request, a transcript of the audio recording of the Board's
deliberation will be made, at cost.
ARTICLE Vill. DECISIONS:
Section 1. Whenever possible, decisions by the Board shall be made at the same
hearing wherein the testimony and presentation of evidence are considered.
Section 2. Formal decisions shall be made in writing, setting forth findings of fact and
conclusions of law as required by Iowa law.
Section 3. Each decision shall be filed with the City Clerk within a reasonable time after
the Board hearing, and shall be stamped by the Clerk to indicate the date and time of
filing. The Clerk will forward the decision to the Johnson County Recorder's Office, for
recording at the city's expense.
Section 4.
A copy of said decision shall be forwarded by the Secretary of the Board to the
applicant, the Building Inspector, the City Attorney's Office, and any Attorney of Record
within a reasonable time after filing with the City Clerk.
Section 5.
Reconsideration: Upon written request, the Board may reconsider a decision on a
special exception or variance application. A request for reconsideration must be made
within ten (10) business days of the meeting at which a vote on the application was
originally taken and shall articulate and be based on evidence that was not presented or
was unavailable at the time of the original hearing. A motion to reconsider must be made
at the subsequent meeting by a member of the Board who voted on the prevailing side.
If a motion to reconsider is approved, the application will be placed on the agenda of the
next meeting in order to satisfy the requirement for public notice and hearing. No
decision may be reconsidered more than once. Appeals to the Board may not be
reconsidered.
ARTICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO THE PROCECURAL RULES.
Section 1. A concurring vote of three (3) of the members of the Board shall be necessary
to amend these procedural rules. Such proposed amendments shall be presented in
writing at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
Amendments shall go into effect upon approval by the City Council.
r � A
CITY OF IOWA CITY
, T MEMORA'NDLIM
Date: September 23, 2005
To: City Council
From: Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney �Pw
Re: State Requirements for City Boards and Commissions
In her memo of July 22, 2005, a copy of which is attached, Planning Director Karin Franklin set
forth the State Code requirements for city boards and commissions staffed by the Planning
Department. The following are state requirements for boards staffed by other city departments:
1) Library Board. Pursuant to Section 392.5 of the Iowa Code, any proposal to alter the
composition, manner of selection, or charge of a library board is subject to voter
approval. Pursuant to Title 11 of the City Code, the Library Board of Trustees consists of
nine members appointed by the Mayor with approval of the City Council, and a county
representative. All members of the board must be residents of the city, except for the
non-resident member, and all must be over the age of 18 years.
2) Airport Commission. Pursuant to Section 330.20 of the Iowa Code, the Airport
Commission may consist of three or five resident voters. The terms of office can be
established by city ordinance but shall be no more than six and no less than three years.
3) Airport Zoning Commission. Pursuant to Section 329.9 of the Iowa Code, the
Commission consists of two members from the City, two from the County and a Chair
selected by majority vote of the other members. The terms must be six years.
4) Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment. Pursuant to Section 329.12, the Board of
Adjustment consists of two members appointed by the City Council, two appointed by
the Board of Supervisors and one additional member as chair, selected by a majority
vote of the other members. The terms must be five years.
Cc: City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Clerk
eleanor/mem/brd-comm-regs. doc
- -o
.;lll- A CITY aF IOWA CITY 1P4
MEMORANDUM
Date: July 22, 2005
To: Steve Atkins, City Manager -
From: Karin Franklin, Director, PCD „ &
Re: State requirements for Boards and Commissions
As requested, we have reviewed State law relative to the various appointed boards and
commissions staffed by the Planning Department. Those include Housing and Community
Development Commission (HCDC), Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z), Board of Adjustment
(BOA), Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), and Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC).
Only P&Z, BOA and HPC are addressed in the Code of Iowa,
303.34 A city must provide by ordinance for an historic preservation commission when an
ordinance is enacted designating an historic district. There must be at least three
members; otherwise the terms and numbers of members of the commission are left to
local discretion. Guidance is given as to the expertise of members and that not more
than one-third of the commission can also be zoning commissioners. A representative
from each designated historic district is required.
414.6 Requirements for a zoning commission are more vague. A commission is required if a
city wants to have zoning. There are no stipulations for number, terms or qualifications.
Reference is made to a city plan commission being able to act as the zoning
commission, but there is no other reference in the Code to a plan commission.
414.7 By Code, the board of adjustment shall consist of 5 or 7 members who will serve for 5
years. A majority of the members must be persons representing the public at large and
cannot be involved in the buying or selling of real estate.
ZONING 3 36-91
and recommendation to the council. If the commission recom-
mends against the lower classification, it shall not become effec-
tive except by a favorable vote of three -fourths (%) of the mem-
bers of the council.
DIVISION 6. APPEALS
Sec. 36-91. Board of adjustment.
(a) Establishment The board of adjustment heretofore estab-
lished shall continue. The board shall consist of five (5) members
each to be appointed by the mayor with the consent of the city
council for a term of five (5) years. Members shall be residents of
Iowa City and shall serve without compensation. Members shall
be removable for cause by the city council upon written charges
and after public hearing. Vacancies shall be filled for the unex-
pired term of any member whose position becomes vacant. No
member shall be appointed to succeed himself/herself-, provided,
however, that a member originally appointed to fill an unexpired
term with one year or less remaining may be reappointed for one
full five-year term.
(b) Organization. Meetings of the board shall be held at least
once a month when applications are pending before the board.
The board shall adopt rules to establish the time and place of
meetings, the procedure for the selection of a chairperson and
vice -chairperson, who shall act as chairperson when the chair-
person is absent or abstaining, and such other procedural rules
as are necessary to implement the provisions hereof_ Copies of all
rules shall be kept on file in the office of the board's secretary
and in the office of the city clerk. The chairperson, or in his/her
absence, the acting chairperson, may administer oaths or compel
the attendance of witnesses.
(c) Secretary. The director of the city's department of planning
and program development shall designate one member of his/her
staff to serve as secretary of the board. The secretary, who shall
not be a member of the board, shall be responsible for maintain-
ing the office of the board, receiving and filing board decisions
and orders, posting and publishing notices as required by law,
9upp. No.19
2681
1 36.91 IOWA CITY CODE
and for maintaining minutes and other records of the board's
proceedings.
(d) Vote required A majority of the board shall constitute a
quorum. The concurring vote of three (3) members of the board
shall be necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision, or
determination of the city manager or his/her designee or to de-
cide in favor of the applicant on any matter upon which it is
required to pass or to effect any variation.
(e) Procedure. The board shall conduct hearings and make de-
cisions in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) Public meetings. All meetings shall be open to the public.
(2) Public notice. The notice of the time and place of hearings
shall be published in a paper of general circulation not
more than thirty (30) nor less than fifteen (15) days prior to
the hearing. It shall contain the street address or location
of the property and a brief description of the nature of the
appeal.
(3) Record of proceedings. The board shall keep minutes of its
proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon each
question, or if absent' or failing to vote, indicating such
fact, and shall keep records of its examinations and other
official actions, all of which shall be immediately filed in
the office of the secretary of the board.
(4) Written decisions. The board shall render written decisions
which shall be filed with the city clerk.
(5) Orders. Unless otherwise determined by the board, all or-
ders of the board shall expire six (6) month:4 from the date
the written decision is filed with the city clerk, unless the
applicant shall have taken action within the six-month
period to establish the use or construct the building per-
mitted under the terms of the board's decision, such as by
obtaining a building permit and proceeding to completion
in accordance with the terms of the permit. Upon written
request, and for good cause shown, the board may extend
the expiration date of any order without further public
hearing on the merits of the original appeal or application.
Supp. No.19 2682
ZONING § 36-91
(f) Commencement of proceedings.
(1) Appeals.
a. By whom. Appeals to the board may be taken by any
person aggrieved, or by any officer, department, or
board of the city, affected by any decision of the city
manager or his/her designee, or by a decision of the
zoning code interpretation panel or of the city man-
ager when the panel cannot reach a decision. Such
appeal shall be taken within a reasonable time as
provided by the rules of the board by filing with the
city clerk a notice of appeal specifying the grounds
therefor. A duplicate copy of such notice shall be filed
with the board secretary. The city manager or his/her
designee shall forthwith transmit to the board all the
papers constituting the record upon which the action
appealed from was taken.
b. Effect of appeal. An appeal stays all proceedings in
furtherance of the action appealed from, including,
without limitation of the foregoing, a permittee's right
to proceed with development or other activities au-
thorized under a building permit, the issuance of which
is a subject of the appeal, unless the city manager or
his/her designee certifies to the board after the notice
of appeal shall have been filed with him/her that by
reason of facts stated in the certificate, a stay would in
his/her opinion, cause imminent peril to life or proper-
ty. In such case, proceedings or development shall not
be stayed otherwise than by a restraining order, which
may be granted by the board or by a court of record on
application, on notice to the city manager or his/her
designee for due cause shown.
(2) Special exceptions and variances. Applications for special
exceptions and variances shall be filed with the city clerk.
At a minimum, the application shall include the following:
a. The name and address of each applicant;
b. The names and addresses of the owner of the property
in question and of the architect, professional engineer,
and contractor, if any;
Supp. Na 19 2683
1 36.91 IOWA CITY CODE
c. The names and addresses of the record owners of all
property located within two hundred (200) feet of the
property in question;
d. A map or plat showing the location and record owner
of each property opposite or abutting the property in
question;
e. A narrative statement of the grounds offered as sup-
port for the special exception or variance;
f. A map or plot plan, drawn to scale, of the property in
question.
(3) Fees. A filing fee shall be paid at the time any appeal or
application is filed. Filing fees shall be as established from
time to time by resolution of the city council. No fee shall
be charged for an appeal or application filed by any officer,
department, or board of the city.
(g) Powers. The board shall have the following powers:
(1) Appeals. To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged
there is error in any order, requirement, decision, —Dr de-
termination made by the city manager or his/her designee
in the enforcement of this chapter or of any ordinance
adopted pursuant thereto.
(2) Special exceptions. To hear and decide applications for spe-
cial exceptions to the terms of this chapter, and enlarge-
ments thereof, in accordance with the general regulations
of the zone in which the property is located and specific
standards contained herein.
a. Review. The board shall review all applicable evidence
regarding the site, existing and proposed structures,
neighboring uses, parking areas, driveway locations,
highway access, traffic generation and circulation, drain-
age, sewerage and water systems, the proposed opera-
tion, and such other evidence as deemed appropriate.
b. Standards. In order to permit a special exception, the
board must find that the standards set forth in this
chapter with respect to the specific proposed exception
shall be met, and that the general standards detailed
herein shall be met or are not applicable:
Supp. No.19
2684
ZONING 1 36-91
1. That the specific proposed exception will not be
detrimental to or endanger the public health, safe-
ty, morals, comfort, or general welfare.
2. That the specific proposed exception will not be
igjurious to the use and enjoyment of other prop-
erty in the immediate vicinity for the purposes
already permitted, and will not "substantially di-
minish and impair property values within the
neighborhood.
3. That establishment of the specific proposed excep-
tion will not impede the normal and orderly de-
velopment and improvement of the surrounding
property for uses permitted in the zone in which
such property is located.
4. That adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and/or
necessary facilities have been or are being provided.
5. That adequate measures have been or will be taken
to provide ingress or egress so designed as to min-
imize traffic congestion in the public streets.
6. That, except for the specific regulations and stand-
ards applicable to the exception being considered,
the specific proposed exception shall in all other
respects conform to the applicable regulations or
standards of the zone in which it is to be located.
7. That the proposed use shall be consistent with the
short-range comprehensive plan of the city.
c. Conditions. In permitting a special exception, the board
may impose appropriate conditions and safeguards in-
cluding but not limited to planting screens, fencing,
construction commencement and completion dates, light-
ing, operational controls, improved traffic circulation,
highway access restrictions, yards, parking require-
ments, the duration of a use or ownership, or any
other requirement which the board deems appropriate
under the circumstances upon a finding that they are
necessary to fulfill the purpose and intent of this chapter.
(3) Variances. To authorize upon appeal in specific cases such
variances from the terms of this chapter as will not be
Supp. No.19 2685
1 36.91 IOWA CITY CODE
contrary to the public interest, where owing to special
conditions there are practical difficulties or particular hard-
ships in the way of achieving strict compliance with the
provisions of this chapter. No variance to the strict appli-
cation of any provision of this chapter shall be granted by
the board unless the applicant demonstrates that all of the
following elements are present:
a. Not contrary to the public interests.
1. The proposed variance will not threaten neigh-
borhood integrity, nor have a substantially adverse
affect on the use or value of other properties in
the area adjacent to the property included in the
variance.
2. The proposed variance will be in harmony with
the general purpose and intent of this chapter and
will not contravene the objectives of the compre-
hensive plan.
b. Unnecessary hardship.
1. The property in question cannot yield a reason-
able return if used only for a purpose allowed in
such zone; and
2. The owner's situation is unique or peculiar to the
property in question; it is not shared with other
landowners in the area nor due to general condi-
tions in the neighborhood; and
3. The hardship is not of the landowner's own mak-
ing or of a predecessor in title.
c. Conditions. In permitting a variance, the board may
impose appropriate conditions and safeguards includ-
ing but not limited to planting screens, fencing, con-
struction commencement and completion dates, light-
ing, operational controls, improved traffic circulation,
highway access restrictions, yards, parking require-
ments, the duration of a use or ownership, or any
other requirement which the board deems appropriate
under the circumstances, upon a finding that they are
necessary to fiilfill the purpose and intent of this chapter.
8upp. No.19
2686
ZONING 1 36-91
(4) Interpretation. To interpret this chapter in any case where
it is alleged there is an error in any decision, determina-
tion, or interpretation made by the zoning code interpreta-
tion panel or by the city manager in cases where the panel
was unable to reach a decision regarding the meaning of
the provisions of this chapter. Interpretations rendered by
the board hereunder shall be binding upon the city man-
ager or his/her designee in the enforcement of this chapter.
Gross reference —Variance in floodplains, § 36-37.
(h) Petition of certiorari. Any person or persons jointly or sev-
erally aggrieved by any decision of the board under the provi-
sions of this chapter, or any taxpayer, or any officer, department
or board of the city may present to a court of record a petition
duly verified setting forth that such decision is illegal in whole or
in part, and specifying the grounds of the illegality. Such petition
shall be presented to the court within thirty (30) days after the
filing of the decision in the office of the city clerk.
8upp. No.19 [The next page is 27871
2687
Prepared by: Karen Howard, Associate Planner, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356-5251
RESOLUTION NO. 02-200
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROCEDURAL
RULES OF THE IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
WHEREAS, the Procedural Rules of the Iowa City Board of Adjustment were adopted by
Resolution No. 96-102 on April 23, 1996; and
WHEREAS, section 14-6W-4A of the Iowa City Zoning Ordinance states that the Board
will accept appeals "within a reasonable time as provided by the rules of the Board"; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Adjustment heretofore has not established a specific
reasonable time period for appeals in their procedural rules, other than for appeals from
a decision of the Building Inspector to issue a building permit; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Adjustment recommends that their rules be amended to more
clearly define a "reasonable time period" for appeals to guide the Board in future
determinations regarding timeliness of appeals; and
WHEREAS, the City Council Rules Committee has recommended approval of said
amendment establishing a reasonable time period for appeals.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
IOWA CITY, IOWA, THAT:
The Procedural Rules of the Iowa City Board of Adjustment are hereby amended as
follows:
Under Article IV, Section 2. Application Submittal, add the following underlined text:
"Applications or appeals to the Board shall be filed with the City Clerk within a
reasonable time period, not to exceed 90 calendar days after the action appealed
from, and shall specify the grounds for such appeal. An appeal from a decision of
the Building Inspector to issue a building permit shall not be deemed to have
been filed within a reasonable time if such appeal is filed more than ten (10)
business days after construction work pursuant to such permit is observable from
adjacent properties or the public right-of-way or ten (10) business days after an
alleged violation of the zoning code is similarly observable."
With this amendment, the Procedural Rules of the Iowa City Board of Adjustment dated
April 9, 2002 attached hereto are adopted.
Resolution No. 02-200
Page 2
Passed and approved this 11th day of June , 2002.
4agyy or
ATTEST: )
City Clerk
Apt` gy
Clty Att ney' Ce _
Resolution No. 02-200
Page 3
It was moved by Cha=i on and seconded by
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES:
NAYS:
Vanderhoef the Resolution be
ABSENT:
Champion
Kanner
Lehman
O'Donnell
Pfab
Vanderhoef
Wilburn
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
March 13, 2002
To: Board of Adjustment
From: Karen Howard, Associate Plann 41
Re: Time period for appeals to the Board
At your February meeting, the Board discussed amending the Board's procedural rules to set a
more specific time limitation on matters appealed to the Board. A copy of your procedural rules
is attached for your review. After consulting with the City Attorney's Office, Housing and
Inspection Services, and the Department of Planning and Community Development, staff
recommends that the Board amend their rules to set a ninety day time period for appeals. A
ninety day limitation will allow the appealing party enough time to become aware of a potential
problem and make a case for an appeal and yet not such an extensive amount of time that a
decent record of the facts is lost.
Staff also recommends a change to the ten-day time limit that applies when an appeal is made
regarding the issuance of a building permit. In a recent Iowa Court of Appeals case regarding
timeliness of appeals to the Board of Adjustment based on the issuance of a building permit, the
court stated that the time period begins to run from the date that a potential violation of the
zoning code is observable --in this case, it ran from the date that the neighbor noticed that the
placement of the foundation may violate the zoning code, rather than 10 days from the
commencement of construction. Given this ruling, you may wish to modify the Board's rules to
include language that takes this type of situation into account.
Following are staffs recommended changes to the Board's procedural rules.
Under Article IV, Section 2. Application _Submittal, add the following underlined text:
"Applications or appeals to the Board shall be filed with the City Clerk within a
reasonable time period, not to exceed 90 calendar days after the action appealed from,
and shall specify the grounds for such appeal. An appeal from a decision of the Building
Inspector to issue a building permit shall not be deemed to have been filed within a
reasonable time if such appeal is filed more than ten (10) business days after
construction work pursuant to such permit is observable from adjacent properties or the
public right-of-way or ten (10) business days after an alleged violation of the zoning code
is similarly observable."
Approved by:
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Department of Planning and Community Development
PROCEDURAL RULES
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
April 9, 2002
ARTICLE I. AUTHORITY:
The Iowa City Board of Adjustment shall have that authority which is conferred by Chapter 414 of the
Code of Iowa, City Code Title 14, Chapter 4, entitled "Land Control and Development," Article B, entitled
"Board of Adjustment," and through the adoption of these procedural rules stated herein.
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP:
Section 1. Qualifications. The Board of Adjustment shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the
City Council. All members of the Board shall be qualified electors of the City of Iowa City, Iowa. A
majority of the members of the Board shall be persons representing the public at large; a majority of the
Board shall not be involved in the business of purchasing or selling real estate.
Section 2. Compensation. Members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for
expenses incurred for travel outside the city on designated Board business. Such expenses must be
submitted to the City Manager.
Section 3. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following their appointment, a
new member shall be provided with a copy of the City Zoning Chapter, the Comprehensive Plan, the
Board's procedural rules and other information that would be useful to Board members in carrying out
their duties. Each new member shall be given an orientation briefing by City staff.
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Board member from regular Board
meetings may result in a recommendation to the City Council from the Board to discharge said member
and appoint a new Board member. Members shall be removable for cause by the City Council upon
written charges and after public hearing.
Section 5. Vacancies. Any vacancy on the Board because of death, resignation, long-term illness,
disqualification or removal shall be filled for the unexpired term by the City Council after at least thirty (30)
calendar days public notice of the vacancy.
Section 6. Terms. Members shall be appointed for terms of five years. No members shall be appointed
to succeed themselves. However, a member appointed to fill an unexpired term with one year or less
remaining may also be appointed concurrently for one full five (5) year term.
Section 7. Resignations. Resignations should be submitted in writing to the Board Secretary, who will
transmit the resignation to the Mayor with copies to the City Manager, the Director of Planning and
Community Development, and the Board Chairperson, preferably at least sixty (60) calendar days prior to
the date of intended departure.
Procedural Rules
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
Page 2
ARTICLE III. OFFICERS:
Section 1. Number. The officers of the Board shall be a Chairperson and a Vice -Chairperson, each of
whom shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the Board. The Board Secretary shall be a
staff person, who is appointed by the Director of Planning and Community Development.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson shall be elected annually
at the first regular meeting of the Board each year.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson because of death,
resignation, removal, disqualification or other cause shall be filled by election from the members of the
Board for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings, call special
meetings and in general perform all duties incident to the office of a Chairperson, and such other duties
as may be prescribed by the members from time to time. Such Chairperson may administer oaths and
compel the attendance of witnesses.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. The Vice -Chairperson, who shall act as Chairperson when the Chairperson
is absent or abstaining, shall perform the duties of the Chairperson when so acting, and shall have all the
powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 6. Actin_g Chairperson. In the absence and/or due to the abstention of both the Chairperson and
Vice -Chairperson, the remaining three -member Board may elect a member to serve as Acting
Chairperson. The Acting Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and when so acting
shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 7. Secretary. The appointed staff person, who serves as the Board's Secretary, shall be
responsible for maintaining the office of the Board, receiving and filing Board decisions and orders,
posting and publishing notices as required by law and for maintaining minutes and other records of the
Board's proceedings.
ARTICLE IV. APPLICATIONS:
Section 1. Application Forms. Any application for a request or appeal to the Board of Adjustment shall
be filed with the City Clerk on forms provided by the Secretary of the Board. The Secretary's office is
located in the Department of Planning and Community Development. Forms are also available in the
office of the City Clerk. In the appropriate cases, the Building Inspector shall transmit all documents
constituting a record, upon which the Board shall act, to the Secretary of the Board.
Section 2. Application Submittal. Applications or appeals to the Board shall be filed with the City Clerk
within a reasonable time period, not to exceed 90 calendar days after the action appealed from, and shall
specify the grounds for such appeal. An appeal from a decision of the Building Inspector to issue a
building permit shall not be deemed to have been filed within a reasonable time if such appeal is filed
more than ten (10) business days after construction work pursuant to such permit is observable from
adjacent properties or the public right-of-way or ten (10) business days after an alleged violation of the
zoning code is similarly observable.
Procedural Rules
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
Page 3
Section 3. Application Filing Fee. The applicant shall complete the required forms, providing all
information requested on the form, and any additional information as requested by the Secretary of the
Board. A filing fee shall be paid upon presentation of the application. The fee shall be established by
resolution by the City Council.
Section 4. Party of Interest. Requests for a variance or special exception must be filed on behalf of the
real party in interest, such as the owner or contract purchaser.
Section 5. Case Number. An application filed according to the above procedure shall be given a case
number in the order in which it is received, within five (5) business days of the date filed.
ARTICLE V. NOTICE:
Section 1. Notice Letters. No less than seven (7) business days prior to the public hearing, the Secretary
of the Board shall notify by mail of the time, place, and purpose of the public hearing all property owners
of record within 200 feet of the affected property, as provided by the applicant. The applicant shall be
formally notified of the time and place of the hearing, in writing, by the Secretary of the Board.
Section 2. Newspaper Notice. The Secretary of the Board shall give no less than seven (7) business
days public notice in a newspaper of general circulation as required by law.
Section 3. Notice Sign. No less than seven (7) business days prior to the public hearing, the Applicant
shall post a sign on or near the property upon which the application is being made, and shall remove the
sign immediately following the public hearing on the application. The sign will be provided to the
applicant(s) by the Board Secretary.
ARTICLE VI. HEARING:
Section 1. Regular Hearings. Hearings will be held as needed at a regular time and place to be set by
the members of the Board.
Section 2. Special Hearings. Special hearings or meetings of the Board may be called by the
Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson at the request of three (3) or
more members of the Board.
Section 3. Place of Hearings. All hearings and meetings of the Board shall be open to the public and
shall be in a place accessible to persons with disabilities.
Section 4. Quorum. Three members of the Board constitute a quorum.
Section 5. Applicant Representation. The applicant may, at the time of the public hearing, appear on
their own behalf and may be represented by agent and/or counsel. The applicant or their representative
may present oral argument and testimony, witnesses including experts, and may submit written evidence
and exhibits in the form of statements, photos, charts or other relevant evidence. In the absence of the
applicant or their representative(s), the Board may proceed to act on the matter based on the information
provided.
Procedural Rules
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
Page 4
Section 6. Briefs. The Board may request written briefs for legal argument. Applicants may submit
written briefs if they so choose.
Section 7. Conduct of Hearinca. Order and decorum shall be maintained at the hearing by the
Chairperson of the Board of Adjustment, so as to allow an orderly presentation of evidence wherever
possible. The Chair may swear witnesses and direct order of testimony. The Chair shall avoid testimony
which is overly redundant. The Chair may provide for recesses during the deliberations, as appropriate.
Section 8. Hearing Order. The order of the hearing shall be as follows:
1. Staff presentation of the facts of the case and recommendation to the Board.
2. Statement by proponents of the application.
3. Statement by opponents of the application.
4. Rebuttal by proponents and then by opponents.
5. General discussion.
Section 9. Board Deliberation. After all parties have been heard, the public hearing will be declared
closed, so that the Board may deliberate the case. The Board must state findings of fact and conclusions
of law, which facts and legal conclusions must be set forth in writing as required by Iowa law. The Board
may request additional comments from the participants. An application may be deferred or withdrawn at
the request of the applicant any time before a decision of the Board is made.
Section 10. board Motions. Motions may be made or seconded by any member of the Commission
except the Chairperson.
Section 11. Board Voting. After a motion and discussion, the Board shall be polled for votes. The
concurring vote of three (3) members of the Board shall be necessary to uphold an appeal of a Zoning
Chapter interpretation, to decide in favor of the applicant to grant a special exception as provided for
under the Zoning Chapter, or to grant a variance to the Zoning Chapter.
Voting on Board decisions will be by roll call and will be recorded by yeas and nays. Every member of the
Board, including the Chairperson, shall cast a vote upon each motion. There shall be no vote by proxy;
however, a member may abstain if the member believes there is a conflict of interest. A member who
elects to abstain from voting shall state the reason for the abstention at the time of voting. Prior to the
discussion of the matter under consideration, a member who plans to abstain from voting should so
inform the Board, and refrain from discussion and deliberation on a case where a conflict of interest exists
for that member.
Section 12. Legal Advisor. The City Attorney or a designated representative shall act as legal counsel to
the Board.
Section 13. Except as otherwise provided herein, Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be used to
Procedural Rules
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
Page 5
conduct Board hearings and meetings.
ARTICLE VII. RECORDS:
Section 1. Record of Hearings. Hearings shall be taped and such tapes shall be kept for a period no less
than six (6) weeks. Minutes shall be kept by a minute -taker, and forwarded to the City Council after
approval by the Board or the Secretary of the Board. All minutes shall be maintained by the Secretary of
the Board, and shall also be on file at the City Clerk's office. The applicant may request a court reporter
at the applicant's own expense.
Section 2. Case Files. The Secretary of the Board shall keep a file of all cases including forms and
additional information. Said file shall be a public record and available for public inspection during
business hours. Copies may be made available upon request, at cost.
Section 3. Transcript. Upon request, a transcript of the tape of the Board's deliberations is available, at
cost.
ARTICLE Vill. DECISIONS:
Section 1. Whenever possible, decisions by the Board shall be made at the same hearing wherein the
testimony and presentation of evidence are concluded.
Section 2. Formal decisions shall be made in writing, setting forth findings of fact and conclusions of law,
as required by Iowa law.
Section 3. Each decision shall be filed with the City Clerk within a reasonable time after the Board
hearing, and shall be stamped by the Clerk to indicate the date and time of filing. The Clerk will forward
the decision to the Johnson County Recorder's office, for recording at City expense.
Section 4. A copy of said decision shall be forwarded by the Secretary of the Board to the applicant, the
Building Inspector, the City Attorney's Office, and the Attorney of Record within a reasonable time after
filing with the City Clerk.
CLE Ix. AMENDMENTS TO PROCEDURAL RULES.
Section 1. A concurring vote of three (3) of the members of the Board shall be necessary to amend these
procedural rules. Such proposed amendments shall be presented in writing at any regular meeting or at
any special meeting called for that purpose. Amendments shall go into effect upon approval by the City
Council.
ppdadmin\boarulesfin.doc
Revised 5-02
Prepared by: Melody Rockwell, Associate Planner, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319)356-5251
RESOLUTION NO. 96-102
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PROCEDURAL RULES OF THE IOWA CITY, IOWA,
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
WHEREAS, the Board of Adjustment has recommended approval of procedural rules to guide the
Board in the conduct of its duties; and
WHEREAS, the City Council Rules Committee has recommended approval of said procedural rules.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, that:
1. The Iowa City Board of Adjustment procedural rules are hereby adopted as follows:
PROCEDURAL RULES
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
ARTICLE I. AUTHORITY:
The Iowa City Board of Adjustment shall have that authority which is conferred by Chapter 414 of the
Code of Iowa, City Code Title 14, Chapter 4, entitled "Land Control and Development," Article B,
entitled "Board of Adjustment," and through the adoption of these procedural rules stated herein.
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP:
Section 1. Qualifications. The Board of Adjustment shall consist of five (5) members appointed by
the City Council. All members of the Board shall be qualified electors of the City of Iowa City, Iowa.
A majority of the members of the Board shall be persons representing the public at large; a majority
of the Board shall not be involved in the business of purchasing or selling real estate.
Section 2. Compensation. Members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for
expenses incurred for travel outside the city on designated Board business. Such expenses must be
submitted to the City Manager.
Section 3. Orientation for New Members. Prior to the first regular meeting following their appointment,
a new member shall be provided with a copy of the City Zoning Chapter, the Comprehensive Plan, the
Board's procedural rules and other information that would be useful to Board members in carrying out
their duties. Each new member shall be given an orientation briefing by City staff.
Section 4. Absences. Three consecutive unexplained absences of a Board member from regular
Board meetings may result in a recommendation to the City Council from the Board to discharge said
member and appoint a new Board member. Members shall be removable for cause by the City
Council upon written charges and after public hearing.
Procedural Rules
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
Page 2
Section 5. Vacancies. Any vacancy on the Board because of death, resignation, long-term illness,
disqualification or removal shall be filled for the unexpired term by the City Council after at least thirty
(30) calendar days public notice of the vacancy.
Section 6. Terms. Members shall be appointed for terms of five years. No members shall be
appointed to succeed themselves. However, a member appointed to fill an unexpired term with one
year or less remaining may also be appointed concurrently for one full five (5) year term.
Section 7. Resignations. Resignations should be submitted in writing to the Board Secretary, who will
transmit the resignation to the Mayor with copies to the City Manager, the Director of Planning and
Community Development, and the Board Chairperson, preferably at least sixty (60) calendar days prior
to the date of intended departure.
ARTICLE III. OFFICERS:
Section 1. Number. The officers of the Board shall be a Chairperson and a Vice -Chairperson, each
of whom shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the Board. The Board Secretary shall
be a staff person, who is appointed by the Director of Planning and Community Development.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson shall be elected
annually at the first regular meeting of the Board each year.
Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in the office of Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson because of death,
resignation, removal, disqualification or other cause shall be filled by election from the members of the
Board for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings, call special
meetings and in general perform all duties incident to the office of a Chairperson, and such other
duties as may be prescribed by the members from time to time. Such Chairperson may administer
oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses.
Section 5. Vice -Chairperson. The Vice -Chairperson, who shall act as Chairperson when the
Chairperson is absent or abstaining, shall perform the duties of the Chairperson when so acting, and
shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 6. Acting Chairperson. In the absence and/or due to the abstention of both the Chairperson
and Vice -Chairperson, the remaining three -member Board may elect a member to serve as Acting
Chairperson. The Acting Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and when so acting
shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section 7. Secretary. The appointed staff person, who serves as the Board's Secretary, shall be
responsible for maintaining the office of the Board, receiving and filing Board decisions and orders,
posting and publishing notices as required by law and for maintaining minutes and other records of
the Board's proceedings.
ARTICLE IV. APPLICATIONS:
Section 1. Application Forms. Any application for a request or appeal to the Board of Adjustment shall
be filed with the City Clerk on forms provided by the Secretary of the Board. The Secretary's office
is located in the Department of Planning and Community Development. Forms are also available in
the office of the City Clerk. In the appropriate cases, the Building Inspector shall transmit all
documents constituting a record, upon which the Board shall act, to the Secretary of the Board.
Procedural Rules
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
Page 3
Section 2. Application Submittal. Applications or appeals to the Board shall be filed with the City Clerk
within a reasonable time after the action appealed from, and shall specify the grounds for such appeal.
An appeal from a decision of the Building Inspector to issue a building permit shall not be deemed to
have been filed within a reasonable time if such appeal is filed more than ten (10) business days after
construction work pursuant to such permit is observable from adjacent properties or the public right-of-
way.
Section 3. Application Filing Fee. The applicant shall complete the required forms, providing all
information requested on the form, and any additional information as requested by the Secretary of
the Board. A filing fee shall be paid upon presentation of the application. The fee shall be established
by resolution by the City Council.
Section 4. Party of Interest. Requests for a variance or special exception must be filed on behalf of
the real party in interest, such as the owner or contract purchaser.
Section 5. Case Number. An application filed according to the above procedure shall be given a case
number in the order in which it is received, within five (5) business days of the date filed.
ARTICLE V. NOTICE:
Section 1. Notice Letters. No less than seven (7) business days prior to the public hearing, the
Secretary of the Board shall notify by mail of the time, place, and purpose of the public hearing all
property owners of record within 200 feet of the affected property, as provided by the applicant. The
applicant shall be formally notified of the time and place of the hearing, in writing, by the Secretary of
the Board.
Section 2. Newspaper Notice. The Secretary of the Board shall give no less than seven (7) business
days public notice in a newspaper of general circulation as required by law.
Section 3. Notice Sign. No less than seven (7) business days prior to the public hearing, the
Applicant shall post a sign on or near the property upon which the application is being made, and shall
remove the sign immediately following the public hearing on the application. The sign will be provided
to the applicant(s) by the Board Secretary.
ARTICLE VI. HEARING:
Section 1. Regular Hearings. Hearings will be held as needed at a regular time and place to be set
by the members of the Board.
Section 2. Special Hearings. Special hearings or meetings of the Board may be called by the
Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson at the request of three (3) or
more members of the Board.
Section 3. Place of Hearings. All hearings and meetings of the Board shall be open to the public and
shall be in a place accessible to persons with disabilities.
Section 4. Quorum. Three members of the Board constitute a quorum.
Section 5. Applicant Representation. The applicant may, at the time of the public hearing, appear on
their own behalf and may be represented by agent and/or counsel. The applicant or their
representative may present oral argument and testimony, witnesses including experts, and may submit
written evidence and exhibits in the form of statements, photos, charts or other relevant evidence. In
Procedural Rules
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
Page 4
the absence of the applicant or their representative(s), the Board may proceed to act on the matter
based on the information provided.
Section 6. Briefs. The Board may request written briefs for legal argument. Applicants may submit
written briefs if they so choose.
Section 7. Conduct of Hearing. Order and decorum shall be maintained at the hearing by the
Chairperson of the Board of Adjustment, so as to allow an orderly presentation of evidence wherever
possible. The Chair may swear witnesses and direct order of testimony. The Chair shall avoid
testimony which is overly redundant. The Chair may provide for recesses during the deliberations, as
appropriate.
Section 8. Hearing Order. The order of the hearing shall be as follows:
Staff presentation of the facts of the case and recommendation to the Board.
2. Statement by proponents of the application.
3. Statement by opponents of the application.
4. Rebuttal by proponents and then by opponents.
5. General discussion.
Section 9. Board Deliberation. After all parties have been heard, the public hearing will be declared
closed, so that the Board may deliberate the case. The Board must state findings of fact and
conclusions of law, which facts and legal conclusions must be set forth in writing as required by Iowa
law. The Board may request additional comments from the participants. An application may be
deferred or withdrawn at the request of the applicant any time before a decision of the Board is made.
Section 10. Board Motions. Motions may be made or seconded by any member of the Commission
except the Chairperson.
Section 11. Board Voting. After a motion and discussion, the Board shall be polled for votes. The
concurring vote of three (3) members of the Board shall be necessary to uphold an appeal of a Zoning
Chapter interpretation, to decide in favor of the applicant to grant a special exception as provided for
under the Zoning Chapter, or to grant a variance to the Zoning Chapter.
Voting on Board decisions will be by roll call and will be recorded by yeas and nays. Every member
of the Board, including the Chairperson, shall cast a vote upon each motion. There shall be no vote
by proxy; however, a member may abstain if the member believes there is a conflict of interest. A
member who elects to abstain from voting shall state the reason for the abstention at the time of
voting. Prior to the discussion of the matter under consideration, a member who plans to abstain from
voting should so inform the Board, and refrain from discussion and deliberation on a case where a
conflict of interest exists for that member.
Section 12. Legal Advisor. The City Attorney or a designated representative shall act as legal counsel
to the Board.
Section 13. Except as otherwise provided herein, Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be
used to conduct Board hearings and meetings.
,t ,.
Procedural Rules
Iowa City Board of Adjustment
Page 5
ARTICLE VII. RECORDS:
Section 1. Record of Hearings_. Hearings shall be taped and such tapes shall be kept for a period no
less than six (6) weeks. Minutes shall be kept by a minute -taker, and forwarded to the City Council
after approval by the Board or the Secretary of the Board. All minutes shall be maintained by the
Secretary of the Board, and shall also be on file at the City Clerk's office. The applicant may request
a court reporter at the applicant's own expense.
Section 2. Case Files. The Secretary of the Board shall keep a file of all cases including forms and
additional information. Said file shall be a public record and available for public inspection during
business hours. Copies may be made available upon request, at cost.
Section 3. Transcri t Upon request, a transcript of the tape of the Board's deliberations is available,
at cost.
ARTICLE VIII. DECISIONS:
Section 1. Whenever possible, decisions by the Board shall be made at the same hearing wherein
the testimony and presentation of evidence are concluded.
Section 2. Formal decisions shall be made in writing, setting forth findings of fact and conclusions of
law, as required by Iowa law.
Section 3. Each decision shall be filed with the City Clerk within a reasonable time after the Board
hearing, and shall be stamped by the Clerk to indicate the date and time of filing. The Clerk will
forward the decision to the Johnson County Recorder's office, for recording at City expense.
Section 4. A copy of said decision shall be forwarded by the Secretary of the Board to the applicant,
the Building Inspector, the City Attorney's Office, and the Attorney of Record within a reasonable time
after filing with the City Clerk.
TICLE IX. AMENDMENTS TO PROCEDURAL RU
Section 1. A concurring vote of three (3) of the members of the Board shall be necessary to amend
these procedural rules. Such proposed amendments shall be presented in writing at any regular
meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose. Amendments shall go into effect upon
approval by the City Council.
Passed and approved this 23rd day of Apri 1 , 1996.
ATTEST:
CIT LERK
ppdadmin\boaruIes. res
liB3, � t
MAYOR
Approved b
C ty Attorney's Office
'1f-a.�-y�
Resolution No. g6_1n?
Page 6
It was moved by Thornberry and seconded by
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES:
x
x
x
X
X
NAYS:
Vanderhoef the Resolution be
ABSENT:
Baker
Kubby
Lehman
Norton
Novick
Thornberry
Vanderhoef
14-4B-1
14-413-3
CHAPTER 4
LAND CONTROL AND DEVELOPMENT
ARTICLE B. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
SECTION:
14-413-1:
Board Established; Appointment;
Qualifications; Compensation
14-413-2:
Removals from Office;
Vacancies
14-46-3:
Organization
14-413-4:
Powers
14-413-5:
Procedures Generally
14-46-6:
Appeals
14-413-7:
Special Exceptions and
Variances
14-413-8:
Fees
14-413-9:
Petition for Writ of Certiorari
14-4B-1: BOARD ESTABLISHED; AP-
POINTMENT; QUALIFICA-
TIONS; COMPENSATION: The Board of
Adjustment previously established shall
continue. The Board shall consist of five (5)
members appointed by the Mayor with the
consent of the City Council for a term of
five (5) years. Members shall be residents
of Iowa City and shall serve without com-
pensation. (1978 Code §36-91)
14-4B-2: REMOVALS FROM OFFICE;
VACANCIES: Members shall be
removable for cause by the City Council
upon written charges and after public hear-
ing. Vacancies shall be filled for the unex-
pired term of any member whose position
becomes vacant. No members shall be ap-
pointed to succeed themselves. However, a
member originally appointed to fill an unex-
pired term with one year or less remaining
may be reappointed for one full five (5) year
term. (1978 Code §36-91)
14-413-3: ORGANIZATION:
A. Meetings; Rules of Procedure: Meet-
ings of the Board shall be held at least
once a month when applications are
pending before the Board. The Board
shall adopt rules to establish the time
and place of meetings, the procedure
for selecting a chairperson and vice
chairperson, who shall act as chair-
person when the chairperson is ab-
sent or abstaining, and such other
procedural rules as are necessary to
implement the provisions of this Arti-
cle. Copies of all rules shall be kept
on file in the office of the Board's
secretary and in the office of the City
Clerk. The chairperson or, in the
chairperson's absence, the acting
chairperson may administer oaths or
compel the attendance of witnesses.
B. Secretary: The Director of Planning
and Community Development shall
designate one staff member to serve
as the Board's secretary. The secre-
tary, who shall not be a member of the
Board, shall be responsible for main-
taining the office of the Board, receiv-
ing and filing Board decisions and
orders, posting and publishing notices
as required by law and for maintaining
Iowa City
14-413-4 14-413-4
proposed exception, in all other re-
a. The proposed variance will not
spects, conforms to the applicable
threaten neighborhood integrity, nor
regulations or standards of the zone in
have a substantially adverse effect on
which it is to be located.
the use or value of other properties in
the area adjacent to the property in-
g. The proposed use will be consis-
cluded in the variance; and
tent with the Comprehensive Plan of
the City.
b. The proposed variance will be in
harmony with the general purpose and
3. Conditions: In permitting a special
intent of the Zoning Chapter and will
exception, the Board may impose
not contravene the objectives of the
appropriate conditions and safe-
Comprehensive Plan.
guards, including but not limited to
planting screens, fencing, construction
2. Unnecessary hardship.
commencement and completion dead-
lines, lighting, operational controls,
a. The property in question cannot
improved traffic circulation require-
yield a reasonable return if used only
ments, highway access restrictions,
for a purpose allowed in the zone
increased minimum yard require-
where the property is located; and
ments, parking requirements, limita-
tions on the duration of a use or own-
b. The owner's situation is unique
ership or any other requirement which
or peculiar to the property in question,
the Board deems appropriate under
and the situation is not shared with
the circumstances upon a finding that
other landowners in the area nor due
the conditions are necessary to fulfill
to general conditions in the neighbor -
the purpose and intent of the Zoning
hood; and
Chapter.
c. The hardship is not of the
C. Variances: To authorize upon appeal
landowner's or applicant's own making
in specific cases such variances from
or that of a predecessor in title.
the terms of the Zoning Chapter as
will not be contrary to the public inter-
3. Conditions: In permitting a vari-
est, where owing to special conditions
ance, the Board may impose appropri-
a literal enforcement of the provisions
ate conditions and safeguards, includ-
of the Zoning Chapter will result in
ing but not limited to planting screens,
unnecessary hardship and so the
fencing, construction commencement
spirit of the ordinance shall be ob-
and completion deadlines, lighting,
served and substantial justice done.
operational controls, improved traffic
No variance to the strict application of
circulation requirements, highway
any provision of the Zoning Chapter
access restrictions, increased mini -
shall be granted by the Board unless
mum yard requirements, parking re -
the applicant demonstrates that all of
quirements, limitations on the duration
the following elements are present:
of a use or ownership or any other
requirement which the Board deems
1. Not contrary to the public interests.
appropriate under the circumstances,
upon a finding that the conditions are
Iowa City
14-4B-6
14-4B-9
grounds of the appeal. A duplicate
copy of such notice shall be filed with
the Board secretary. The City Manag-
er or designee shall forthwith transmit
to the Board all the papers constitut-
ing the record upon which the action
appealed from was taken.
B. Stay of Proceedings: An appeal stays
all proceedings in furtherance of the
action appealed from, including with-
out limitation a permittee's right to
proceed with development or other
activities authorized under a building
permit, the issuance of which is a
subject of the appeal, unless the City
Manager or designee certifies to the
Board after the notice of appeal has
been filed that, by reason of facts
stated in the certificate, a stay would,
in the City Manager's or designee's
opinion, cause imminent peril to life or
property. In such case, proceedings or
development shall not be stayed oth-
erwise than by a restraining order,
which may be granted by the Board or
by a court of record and on notice to
the City Manager or designee for due
cause shown. (1978 Code §36-91;
1994 Code)
14-46-7: SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS AND
VARIANCES: Applications for
special exceptions and variances shall be
filed with the City Clerk. At a minimum, the
application shall include the following:
A. The name and address of each appli-
cant.
B. The names and addresses of the
owner of the property in question and
of the architect, professional engineer
and contractor, if any.
C. The names and addresses of the
record owners of all property located
within two hundred feet (200') of the
property in question.
D. A map or plat showing the location
and record owner of each property
opposite or abutting the property in
question.
E. A narrative statement of the grounds
offered as support for the special
exception or variance.
F. A map or plot plan, drawn to scale, of
the property in question. (1978 Code
§36-91)
14-46-8: FEES: A filing fee shall be paid
at the time any appeal or appli-
cation is filed. Filing fees shall be as estab-
lished by resolution of the City Council. No
fee shall be charged for an appeal or appli-
cation filed by any officer, department or
board of the City. (1978 Code §36-91)
14-4B-9: PETITION FOR WRIT OF CER-
TIORARI: Any person or per-
sons, jointly or severally, aggrieved by any
decision of the Board under the provisions
of the Zoning Chapter or any taxpayer or
any officer, department or board of the City
may present to a court of record a petition
for writ of certiorari, duly verified, setting
forth that such Board decision is illegal, in
whole or in part, and specifying the grounds
of the illegality. (1978 Code §36-91; 1994
Code)
Iowa City
cis
O Q
M
c7
JIFE�^
Mom' V
IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
PROCEDURAL RULES
Adopted: March 11, 1982
Amended: August 4, 1983
October 10, 1990
January 8, 1992
Adopted: 03/11/82
Amended: 08/04/83
10/10/90
01/08/92
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT - PROCEDURAL RULES
L APPLICATIONS
A. Any application for a request or appeal to the Board of Adjustment shall
be filed with the City Clerk on forms provided by the Secretary of the
Board. The Secretary's office is located in the Department of Planning
and Program Development. Forms are also available in the office of the
City Clerk. In the appropriate cases, the Building Inspector shall
transmit all documents constituting a record, upon which the Board
shall act, to the Secretary of the Board.
B. Applications or appeals to the Board shall be filed with the City Clerk
within a reasonable time after the action appealed from, and shall
specify the grounds for such appeal. An appeal from a decision of the
Building Inspector to issue a building permit shall not be deemed to
have been filed within a reasonable time if such appeal is filed more
than ten (10) days after construction work pursuant to such permit is
observable from adjacent properties or the public right-of-way. (8/4/83)
C. The applicant shall complete the required forms, providing all
information requested on the form, and any additional information as
requested by the Secretary of the Board. A filing fee shall be paid upon
presentation of the application. The fee shall be established by
resolution by the City Council.
D. Requests for a variance or special exception must be filed on behalf of
the real party in interest, such as the owner or contract purchaser.
E. An application filed according to the above procedure shall be given a
case number in the order in which it is received, within five working
days of the date filed.
H. NOTICE
A. No less than seven days prior to the public hearing, the Secretary of the
Board shall notify by mail of the time, place, and purpose of the public
hearing all property owners of record within 200 feet of the affected
property, as provided by the applicant. The applicant shall be formally
notified of the time and place of the hearing, in writing, by the Secretary
of the Board. (01/08/92)
B. The Secretary of the Board shall give no less than 7 days public notice
in a newspaper of general circulation as required by law. (10/10/90)
C. No less than seven days prior to the public hearing, the Applicant shall
post a sign on or near the property upon which the application is being
made, and shall remove the sign immediately following the public
hearing on the application. (10/10/90, 01/08/92)
W
III. IIEARING
A. Hearings are generally held by the Board of Adjustment at the Civic
Center Council Chambers and shall be open to the public.
B. The applicant may, at the time of the public hearing, appear in his/her
own behalf and may be represented by agent and/or counsel. The
applicant or his/her representative may present oral argument and
testimony, witnesses including experts, and may submit written
evidence and exhibits in the form of statements, photos, charts or other
relevant evidence. In the absence of the applicant or his/her
representative(s), the Board may proceed to act on the matter based on
the information provided.
C. The Board may request written briefs for legal argument. Applicants
may submit written briefs if they so choose.
D. Order and decorum shall be maintained at the hearing by the
Chairperson of the Board of Adjustment, so as to allow an orderly
presentation of evidence wherever possible. The Chair may swear
witnesses and direct order of testimony. The Chair shall avoid
testimony which is overly redundant. The Chair may provide for
recesses during the deliberations, as appropriate.
E. The order of the hearing shall be as follows:
1. Staff presentation of the facts of the case and recommendation to
the Board.
2. Statement by proponents of the application.
3. Statement by opponents of the application.
4. Rebuttal by proponents and then by opponents.
5. General discussion.
F. After all parties have been heard, the public hearing will be declared
closed, so that the Board may deliberate the case. The Board may
request additional comments from the participants-
G. The City Attorney or his/her representative shall act as legal counsel to
the Board. After a motion and discussion, the Board shall be polled for
votes.
H. An application may be withdrawn any time before a decision of the
Board is made.
IV. RECORDS
A. Hearings shall be taped and such tapes shall be kept for a period no
longer than six weeks. Minutes shall be kept by a minute -taker, and
forwarded to the City Council after approval by the Board, or the
Secretary of the Board. All minutes shall be maintained by the
K,
V.
VI.
Secretary of the Board and shall also be on file at the City Clerk's office.
The applicant may request a court report at his/her own expense.
B. The Secretary of the Board shall keep a file of all cases including forms
and additional information. Said file shall be a public record and
available for public inspection during business hours. Copies may be
made available upon request at cost.
C. Upon request, a transcript of the tape of the Board's deliberations is
available at cost.
DECISIONS
A. Whenever possible, decisions by the Board shall be made at the same
hearing wherein the testimony and presentation of evidence are
concluded.
B. Formal Decisions shall be made in writing, setting forth findings of fact
and conclusions of law.
C. Decisions shall be filed with the City Clerk within a reasonable time
after the Board hearing, and shall be stamped by the Clerk to indicate
dates and time of filing.
D. A copy of said Decision shall be forwarded by the Secretary of the Board
to the applicant, the Building Inspector, the Legal Department, and the
Attorney of Record within a reasonable time after filing with the City
Clerk.
AMENDMENTS TO PROCEDURAL RULES
A. A vote of three of the members of the Board shall be necessary to amend
these procedural rules. Such proposed amendments shall be presented
in writing at any regular meeting of the Board of Adjustment.
ppdadmin\boaprc.r1
RESOLUTION NO. 90-151
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR BOARD_OF ADJUSTMENT
APPLICATIONS.
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted an operating budget by Resolution 90-33 on March 9, 1990;
and
WHEREAS, that budget contains a projection of revenues to be generated by fees for
applications to the Board of Adjustment; and
WHEREAS, a specific schedule of fees must be adopted to institute collection of new fees
beginning August 15, 1990.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA:
That the fees for Board of Adjustment applications noted on the attached schedule,
Exhibit A, are hereby adopted and shall be in effect August 15, 1990.
It was moved by Novick and seconded by
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
Ambrisco the Resolution be
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
x Ambrisco
x Courtney
x Horowitz
x Kubby
x Larson
x McDonald
x Novick
Passed and approved this 7th day of August , 1990.
YOR
ATTEST:
CI CLERK
, '(9, " ��7 - e
Approved by
City Attorney's Office 7 3j a)
EXHIBIT A:
FEES FOR REVIEW OF BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS
Variance
Special Exception
Other Actions
Revised 1990
$275
$275
$275
Combination - Variance/Special Exceptions $325
Minutes
Iowa City City Council
August 7, 1990
Page 3
Moved by Courtney, seconded by Ambrisco, that the rule requiring ordinances to be
considered and voted on for final passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which
it is to be finally passed be suspended, the second consideration and vote be waived and that
ORD. 90-3469, Bk. 32, p. 24, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE NOTICE
REQUIREMENTS FOR BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT HEARINGS, be voted on for final passage at
this time. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all Councilmembers present. The Mayor
declared the motion carried. Moved by Courtney, seconded by Ambrisco, that the ordinance be
finally adopted at this time. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all Councilmembers present.
The Mayor declared the ordinance adopted.
Moved by Courtney, seconded by Ambrisco, that the rule requiring ordinances to be
considered and voted on for final passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which
it is to be finally passed be suspended, the second consideration and vote be waived and that
ORD. 90-3470, Bk. 32, p. 25, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW THE BOARD
OF ADJUSTMENT TO PERMIT ALL REQUIRED OFF-STREET PARKING FOR PRIVATE USES IN
A MUNICIPAL FACILITY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, be voted on for final passage at
this time. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all Councilmembers present. The Mayor
declared the motion carried. Moved by Courtney, seconded by Ambrisco, that the ordinance be
finally adopted at this time. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all Councilmembers present.
The Mayor declared the ordinance adopted.
The Mayor announced that the next item on the agenda was consideration of the final plat
for Ruppert Subdivision, stating that Council had agreed to defer this matter at their informal
session the previous evening but additional information has become available. The City Attorney
reported that a fax had been received from the FAA approving the Westport Plaza easement
agreement with the Airport Commission, and recommended approval of the subdivision subject
to the change in Chapter 33 as duly noted in the resolution. Moved by Ambrisco, seconded by
Courtney, to adopt RES. 90-150, Bk. 104, p. 150, APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF RUPPERT
SUBDIVISION, PART TWO, INCLUDING A RESUBDIVISION OF LOT 1, RUPPERT SUBDIVISION,
PART ONE, IOWA CITY, IOWA (Westport Plaza). Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all
Councilmembers present. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted. Moved by Larson,
seconded by Novick, to accept the FAA correspondence. The Mayor declared the motion carried
unanimously, 7/0, all Councilmembers present.
Moved by Novick, seconded by Ambrisco, to adopt RES. 90-151, Bk. 104, p. 151,
ADOPTING A SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS. Affirmative
roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all Councilmembers present. The Mayor declared the resolution
adopted.
Mark Brown, 600 North Linn Street, appeared requesting Council consideration of
elimination of odd -even calendar parking in the neighborhood around the University campus.
The Mayor said that Council had directed staff to look at alternatives to the parking situation in
that neighborhood, discussed it at the informal session the previous evening and discovered
there was no perfect solution to the problems and directed staff to shelve the matter for a time.
Larson noted that a neighborhood coordinator had been hired by the City and one area she
Minutes
Iowa City City Council
August 7, 1990
Page 4
would be looking into is the question of parking around the campus and hoped meetings would
be held with the neighbors to explore alternatives. Charlie Ruppert, 1460 N. Dubuque Rd.,
appeared regarding posting of "deer crossing" signs in the area. Kevin Boffeli, 419 S. Governor,
appeared requesting Council blacktop the alley on S. Governor Street, and presented a petition
from 21 property owners in the area. Moved by Courtney, seconded by Kubby, to accept the
petition. The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 7/0, all Councilmembers present.
The Mayor slated the matter will be referred to the Public Works Department.
A public hearing was held on an ordinance to amend Chapter 33, Utilities, to provide for
private sewer line access to the municipal system for non-residential uses. No one appeared.
(8:16 p.m.)
Moved by Novick, seconded by Courtney, that the ordinance to amend Chapter 33,
Utilities, to provide for private sewer line access to the municipal system for non-residential uses,
be given first vote for passage. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all Councilmembers
present. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
A public hearing was held on an ordinance adopting Appendix Chapter 70 (Excavation
and Grading) of the 1988 Uniform Building Code, as amended. No one appeared. Moved by
Kubby, seconded by Horowitz, to continue the public hearing to 8/21 /90. The Mayor declared
the motion carried unanimously, 7/0, all Councilmembers present.
A public hearing was held on a resolution of intent to ratify the sale of vacated alley
located in Block 26, East Iowa City, to William and Patricia Lee. No one appeared.
Moved by Horowitz, seconded by Ambrisco, to adapt RES. 90-152, Bk. 104, p. 152,
RATIFYING THE CONVEYANCE OF A PORTION OF VACATED ALLEY IN BLOCK 26, EAST IOWA
CITY, TO WILLIAM AND PATRICIA LEE. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all
Councilmembers present. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
The Mayor noted the vacancies on the Housing Commission unexpired terms would be
readvertised. Moved by Ambrisco, seconded by Courtney, to appoint Thomas Werderitsch, 3
Evergreen, to the Bd. of Appeals for an unexpired term ending 12/31/91. The Mayor declared
the motion carried unanimously, 7/0, all Councilmembers present.
Moved by Novick, seconded by Ambrisco, to approve the recommendation of the Bd. of
Adjustment to appoint Catherine Johnson to the Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment for a term
ending 2/26/94. The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 7/0, all Councilmembers
present. (8:20 p.m.)
Minutes
Council Activities
July 31, 1990
Page 3
A public hearing was held on an ordinance conditionally changing the use regulations of
an approximate .41 acres of land located east of Gilbert Court approximately 200 feet north of
Kirkwood Avenue from RS-8 to CI-1 (Berryhill Addition). No one appeared.
A public hearing was held on an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance by changing
the use regulations of approximately 3.6 acres located east of Keokuk Street south of the K-Mart
shopping center from RM-12 to CO-1 (Braverman Center, Block 1). No one appeared.
Moved by Larson, seconded by Courtney, that the ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance by changing the use regulations of approximately 3.6 acres located east of Keokuk
Street south of the K-Mart shopping center from RM-12 to CO-1 (Braverman Center, Block 1), be
given first vote for passage. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 6/0, Ambrisco absent. The
Mayor declared the motion carried.
A public hearing was held on an ordinance to amend Chapter 32, Subdivision
Regulations, to require a grading permit for subdivisions in environmentally sensitive areas.
Robert Wachal, Chairperson of the Riverfront Commission, and -Douglas Jones, member of the
Commission, appeared in support of the ordinance. The Mayor stated that Council discussed
the ordinance briefly during informal session but staff requested the public hearing be continued
to allow further discussion at the informal on 8/6. Moved by Novick, seconded by Horowitz, to
continue the public hearing to 8/7/90. The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 6/0,
Ambrisco absent.
A public hearing was held on an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance, Section 36-
91(e)(2), to require that public notice of the time and place of Board of Adjustment public
hearings be published not more than 20 nor less than 7 days prior to the public hearing. No one
appeared.
Moved by Courtney, seconded by Larson, that the ordinance to amend the Zoning
Ordinance, Section 36-91(e)(2), to require that public notice of the time and place of Board of
Adjustment public hearings be published not more than 20 nor less than 7 days prior to the
public hearing, be given first vote for passage. Horowitz questioned why the notification was not
30 days. The City Attorney and staffmember Franklin explained that this language was consistent
with state code. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 6/0, Ambrisco absent. The Mayor declared
the motion carried.
A public hearing was held on an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow the
Board of Adjustment to permit all required off-street parking for private uses in a municipal facility
under certain circumstances. Jay Stein, representing Riverside Community Theater, appeared
in support of the ordinance and pointing out the immediate need for passage for his group.
Larson noted his concern that the ordinance permitted the decision to be made by the Board of
Adjustment and not the City Council, stating he felt parking was a City Council issue.
Minutes
Council Activities
July 31, 1990
Page 4
Moved by Larson, seconded by Kubby, that an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance
to allow the Board of Adjustment to permit all required off-street parking for private uses in a
municipal facility under certain circumstances, be given first vote for passage. Moved by Larson,
seconded by Kubby, to amend the ordinance to have the decision -making power be with the City
Council rather than with the Board of Adjustment. McDonald stated he felt the question would
be addressed infrequently and that a City Board was already in place to handle the matter.
Courtney noted that there are other parking decisions already being addressed by the Board.
Kubby noted that the difference is that the Board currently does not deal with questions relating
to municipal lots. Larson stated that the matter has come up once and that it will probably come
up again and would like the Council to address the questions rather than the Board of
Adjustment. Staffmember Franklin noted that the public hearing had been closed and to amend
the ordinance would require resetting of a public hearing and timing is critical to Riverside
Theatre. After discussion Larson and Kubby withdrew their motion to amend but requested the
matter be scheduled for further discussion shortly. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 6/0,
Ambrisco absent. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Moved by Courtney, seconded by Horowitz, that ORD. 90-3465, Bk. 32, p. 20, AMENDING
THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE USE REGULATIONS ON CERTAIN PROPERTY
LOCATED SOUTH OF COURT STREET EXTENDED, EAST OF SCOTT BOULEVARD AND NORTH
OF SCOTT PARK FROM RS (COUNTY) TO RS-5 (Scott Boulevard East, Part 1), be passed and
adopted. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 6/0, Ambrisco absent. The Mayor declared the
ordinance adopted.
Moved by Kubby, seconded by Larson, to adopt RES. 90-138, Bk. 104, p. 138,
APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF SCOTT BOULEVARD EAST, PART ONE, A
SUBDIVISION OF IOWA CITY, JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA. Moved by Kubby, seconded by
Larson, to amend the resolution to include language that approval is subject to a covenant being
placed on Lots 27, 28, 29 and 30 to provide for preservation of 14 trees and there be no
subdivision of Lot 30. Larson noted the cooperation of developer Bruce Glasgow in this matter.
The Mayor declared the motion to amend carried unanimously, 6/0, Ambrisco absent. Affirmative
roll call vote on the resolution as amended carried unanimously, 6/0, Ambrisco absent. The
Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
The Mayor noted that the next item on the agenda was the approval of the final plat for
Westport Plaza and stated it was his understanding that the legal papers were now in order but
the construction papers were not approved. City Attorney Gentry stated that was correct. The
Mayor said no final FAA approval had been received, asked the item be deferred pending final
approval by the FAA. The City Attorney noted a fax had been received from the applicant
waiving the 60 day requirement. Moved by Kubby, seconded by Novick, to defer the resolution
approving the final plat of Ruppert Subdivision, Part Two, including a resubdivision of Lot 1,
Ruppert Subdivision, Part One, Iowa City, Iowa (Westport Plaza). The Mayor declared the motion
carried unanimously, 6/0, Ambrisco absent.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 31, 1990
To: Planning & Zoning Commission
From: Melody Rockwell, Associate Planner
Re: Board of Adjustment Request to Shorten Public Notice Period
Section 36-91(e)(2) of the Zoning Ordinance requires that the notice of the time and place of
hearings shall be published in a paper of general circulation not more than 30 nor less than 15
days prior to the hearing. The Iowa Code does not cite a specific public notice period for
Board of Adjustment meetings. However, Section 21.4 of the Iowa Code specifies that
reasonable notice of official meetings open to the public shall be given at least,24 hours prior
to the commencement of the meeting.
Frequently staff experiences difficulty in meeting the 15 day publication deadline, because the
time between when the applications are due and when the public notice must be submitted to
the Press -Citizen is often less than 24 hours. The time constraint becomes particularly severe
during holidays.
The Board of Adjustment _unanimously recommended at its January 10, 1990, meeting, that
Zoning Ordinance Section 36-91(e)(2) be amended as follows:
Public notice. The notice of the time and place of hearing shall be in a paper of
general circulation not more than 39 20 nor less than 4-5 7 days prior to the
hearing.
The Board concurred that an Ordinance amendment to stipulate seven days as the number of
days that the public notice must be published prior to a Board meeting would provide sufficient,
timely notice to the public, be consistent with the public notice period of other City Boards and
Commissions, and make it possible for staff to process applications and submit public notices
in time to meet Code -required deadlines. An excerpt of the January 10, 1990, Board minutes
regarding this matter is attached for your information. The Board requests favorable disposition
of this recommendation by the Planning & Zoning Commission. i
Approved by4na
t
Schmeiser, Director
Department of Planning &
Program Development
bdw2-2
Board of Adjustment
January 10, 1990
Page 4
CONSIDERATION OF STAFF REQUEST TO SHORTEN PUBLIC NOTICE PERIOD:
Rockwell referred to a memorandum dated. January 10, 1990. She indicated that Karin
Franklin, Senior Planner, had suggested a reduction of the public notice period for the
Board of Adjustment meetings to seven days to be consistent with other City Boards
and Commissions.
Messier cited previous occasions when special meetings have been required because
of the 15-day notice period required by local ordinance, and indicated he agreed with
staff's recommendation. Pelton stated that all of the Boards should operate under
consistent notice periods. He noted that letters of notification are mailed to neighboring
landowners, and in his view, this was the more critical notification. In response to a
question from Johnson, Rockwell said the letters are mailed at least one week in
advance of the meeting. Galer asked if the notice period was part of the City Code.
Rockwell responded that the requirement is part of the Zoning Ordinance and can be
amended by a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission to the City
Council.
MOTION: Messier moved to recommend to the Planning and Zoning Commission
that Section 36-91(e) (2) of the Zoning Ordinance be amended to require that the
notice of the time and place of public hearings of the Board of Adjustment shall
be published not more than twenty nor less than seven days prior to the hearing.
Galer seconded. The motion carried by a 5-0 vote.
Winegarden announced the next Iowa City Board of Adjustment meeting would be held
on February 14, 1990.
ADJOURNMENT:
Pelton moved and Winegarden seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:09 p.m. The
motion carried by acclamation.
Minutes submitted by Mary Jo Neff.
David Winegarden, Chairperion
Meio oc"I, Secretary
AIRPORT COMMISSIONf
AIRPORT ZONING COMMISSION
IfAo
AIRPORT ZONING BD. OF ADJUSTMENT
ASSESSOR'S EXAMINING BD.
BD. OF ADJUSTMENT
'76.or 4v
�
BD. OF APPEALS
)a
BD. OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS AND APPEALS
PklO�
BD. OF EXAMINERS OF PLUMBERS
lr�i)r 4
�G U
BD. OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
BD. OF REVIEW
BD. OF TRUSTEES FOR POLICE RETIREMENT
BD. OF TRUSTEES FOR FIRE RETIREMENT
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATION COMM.
CITY CONFERENCE BD.
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS
DESIGN REVIEW
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMM.
HOUSING COMMISSION
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT BD.
/%CQ SSH
PARKS AND REC. COMMISSION
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
PROJECT GREEN
/i g
RESOURCES CONSERVATION COMMISSION
9 7
RIVERFRONT COMMISSION
��73
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
Council Activities
July 16; 1985
Page 3
A public hearing was held on an amendment to the Sign Regulations of the
Zoning Ordinance regarding development signs. Staffinember Karin Franklin
present for discussion. Moved by Strait, seconded by Ambrisco, to continue
the public hearing to 7/30/85 at the request of the owner/developer. The
Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 7/0, all Councilmembers
present.
Moved by Strait, seconded by Erdahl, to refer the ordinance approving
the preliminary plat/Planned Development Housing Plan for Vista Park Village,
as now drafted back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for possible
changes. The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 7/0, all Council -
members present. Erdahl noted the formal request from the developer for such
action.
Moved by Strait, seconded by Erdahl, that the Ordinance to amend the
flood hazard overlay zone to adopt revised maps and a flood insurance study,
be given first vote for passage. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0,
all Councilmembers present. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Moved by Ambrisco, seconded by Dickson, that the ordinance to amend the
Zoning Ordinance to revise the notice requirements for the Board of Adjust-
ment _actions, be given second vote for passage. The Mayor declared -the
Nfiotlon carried, 6/1, Erdahl voting "no". Staffinember Franklin present for
discussion. Council requested that the ordinance not be placed on the agenda
for final consideration until after the administrative procedure maintaining
the 15-day notice in practice is developed and reviewed by the Board of
Adjustment and the Council.
Moved by Ambrisco, seconded by Dickson, to adopt RES. 85-221, Bk. 87, pp.
592-593, APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF KENNEDY'S WATERFRONT ADDITION, PART 2.
Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all Councilmembers present. The
Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
A public hearing was held on plans, specifications, form of contract and
cost estimate for the FY86 Asphalt Resurfacing Project. No one appeared.
Moved by Zuber, seconded by Ambrisco, to adopt RES. 85-222, Bk. 87, p.
594, APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT AND COST ESTIMATE FOR
THE FY86 ASPHALT RESURFACING PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING BIDS TO BE RECEIVED
8/6/85. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all Councilmembers
present. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
A public hearing was held on proposed Resolution of Necessity for the
FY86 Alley Paving Assessment Project. The following people appeared: Charles
Skaugstad, representing The Mansion; Robert Singerman, 1176 Hotz; Jesse
Singerman, 1176 Hotz; Harley Rogers, 1150 Hotz, rep. John Oakes and reading a
letter from Dr. Tom & Kathryn Lehmann; David Dudley, 1172 Hotz; Marshall
Hunter, 704 Ronalds; Terry Vargason, 1112 Hotz; Kris Dudley, 1172 Hotz;
Jerald Vickel; and Rita Turner-Sheerin, 1307 Rochester. City Engr. Frank
Farmer present for discussion. Moved by Erdahl, seconded by Strait to accept
the following correspondence and make it part of the public hearing: Marilyn
Zurmuehlen, Gaylord Graham, David Dudley, Omer & Betty Letts, Dorothy
Council Activities
July 16, 1985
Page 4
Donhoue, Marshall Hunter, Dr. Tom & Kathryn Lehmann, and a number of peti-
tions. The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 7/0, all Council -
members present.
Individual Councilmembers discussed their views on the three alleys
included in the project. Moved by Erdahl, seconded by Strait, to delete the
alley from Clapp to Parsons from the project. The Mayor declared the motion
carried unanimously, 710, all Councilmembers present. Moved by Erdahl,
seconded by Dickson, to adopt RES. 85-223, Bk. 87, pp. 595-599, RESOLUTION
WITH RESPECT TO THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY PROPOSED FOR THE
FY86 ALLEY PAVING ASSESSMENT PROJECT, as amended. Affirmative roll call vote
unanimous, 710, all Councilmembers present. The Mayor declared the amended
resolution adopted.
Moved by Strait, seconded by Ambrisco, to adopt RES. 85-224, Bk. 87, p.
600, DIRECTING PREPARATION OF DETAILED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF
CONTRACT AND NOTICE TO BIDDERS ON THE FY86 ALLEY PAVING ASSESSMENT PROJECT.
Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 710, all Councilmembers present. The
Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
Moved by Strait, seconded by Ambrisco, to adopt RES. 85-225, Bk. 87, pp.
601-602, SETTING PUBLIC HEARING FOR 7/30185, ON PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM
OF CONTRACT AND ESTIMATE OF COST FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FY86 ALLEY
PAVING ASSESSMENT PROJECT. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all
Councilmembers present. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
A public hearing was held to consider amending Chapter 24, Article VI
(Nuisances) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Iowa City by adding
Standards and Procedures for the abatement of inoperable/obsolete vehicles.
No one appeared.
Moved by Erdahl, seconded by Strait, that the rule requiring ordinances
to be considered and voted on for passage at two Couticil rueeLinys prior to
the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended, the first and
second consideration and vote be waived and that ORD. 85-3245, Bk. 26, pp.
315-321, AMENDING CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE VI (NUISANCES) OF THE CODE OF ORDI-
NANCES OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY BY ADDING STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE
ABATEMENT OF INOPERABLE/OBSOLETE VEHICLES, be voted on for final passage at
this time. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all Councilmembers
present. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Moved by Erdahl, seconded
by Strait, that the ordinance be finally adopted at this time. Affirmative
roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all Councilmembers present. The Mayor
declared the ordinance adopted.
A public hearing was held on intention to issue Industrial Development
Revenue Bonds (Economy Advertising Company Project). Atty. Robert Downer,
representing Economy Advertising appeared. Ray Bywater, Chair of the Board
and Bill Bywater, President, reviewed sketches of the proposed facility.
uouncii Hctivities
June 18, 1985
Page 3
Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 5/0, Dickson and Zuber absent. The
Mayor repeated the public hearings as set.
Ploved by Ambrisco, seconded by Erdahl, to set a public hearing for
7/16/85 on a resolution to dispose of an alley in Block 1 Manville Heights
Addition, to John B. Harper. The Mayor stated staff would review the matter
and suggest a new purchase price at the public hearing. The Mayor declared
the motion carried, 5/0, Dickson and tuber absent.
Moved by Strait, seconded by Ambrisco, to set a public hearing for
7/16/85 on an amendment to the sign regulations to permit facia signs to
cover up to 15% of a building wall-, Mayor declared the motion carried, 5/0,
Dickson and Zuber absent.
Moved by Ambrisco, seconded by Strait, to set a public hearing for
7/16/85 on an amendment to the sign regulations of the Zoning Ordinance
regarding development signs. The Mayor declared the motion carried unani-
mously, 5/0, Dickson and Zuber absent.
A public hearing was held on an ordinance to amend the flood hazard
overlay zone to adopt revised maps and flood insurance study. No one
appeared.
A public hearing was held on a resolution approving the preliminary
plat/planned development housing plan for Vista Park Village. The following
people appeared: Randall Hill, 3424 Arbor Drive; Alice Werch, 2 Arbor
Circle; Beth Hill, 3424 Arbor Drive; Jerry Atkins, 3417 Shamrock; Ted Werch,
2 Arbor Circle; Larry Schnittjer, MMS Consultants; Bruce Glasgow, 834 N.
Johnson; Bruce Randall, 3328 Shamrock Drive; Rodney Schultz, 6 Arbor Circle;
Loran Hershberger, 2620 Bluffwood Circle; Pam Zehr, 4 Arbor Circle; Vickie
Jackson, 3406 Arbor Drive; Jack Fiorito, 3323 Shamrock Drive; Bill Phipps,
3430 Arbor Drive. Staffinembers Beagle and Franklin present for discussion.
Darrell Courtney, Planning and Zoning Commission member, stated the vote of
the Commission was not 7-0 as the agenda indicated but rather 5-0-2. Council
requested plans be presented to them prior to their vote ❑n the matter. The
City Attorney will prepare a legal ❑pinion re possible extraordinary vote
required by Council. The City Manager will notify neighbors when the matter
is scheduled for consideration. Moved by Erdahl, seconded by Strait, to
accept correspondence received as part of the public hearing and to note a
number of the audience represented the neighborhood. The Mayor declared the
motion carried unanimously, 5/0, Dickson and Zuber absent.
Moved by Erdahl, seconded by Strait, to adopt RES. 85-184, Bk. 86, p.
553, EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT AD HOC COMMITTEE THROUGH
JULY 1, 1986. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 5/0, Dickson and Zuber
absent. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
Moved by Erdahl, seconded by Ambrisco, to adopt RES. 85-185, Bk. 86, pp.
554-555, REQUESTING THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO PETITION FOR
VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY WHICH IS PART OF THE IOWA PRIMARY
HIGHWAY NO. 1 RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED NORTHEAST OF MORMON TREK BLVD. Affirma-
tive roll call vote unanimous, 5/0, Dickson and Zuber absent. The Mayor
declared the resolution adopted.
Council Activities
June 18, 1985
Page 4
Moved by Ambrisco, seconded by Baker, that the Ord. to amend the zoning
ordinance to revise the notice requirements for Board of Adjustment Actions,
be given first vote for passage. The Mayor declared the motion carried, 4/1,
with the following division of roll call vote: Ayes: McDonald, Strait,
Ambrisco, Baker. Nays: Erdahl. Absent: Dickson, Zuber.
A public hearing was held on plans, specifications, form of contract and
estimate of cost for the construction of the Burlington Street Bridge
Reconstruction Project. The City Manager stated actual construction will not
begin until September after completion of work on the Iowa Avenue bridge. No
one appeared.
Moved by Erdahl, seconded by Strait, to adopt RES. 85-186, Bk. 86, p.
556, APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT AND ESTIMATE OF COST
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BURLINGTON STREET BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT.
Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 5/0, Dickson and Zuber absent. The
Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
A public hearing was held on plans, specifications, form of contract, and
estimate of cost for the construction of the Sidewalk Assessment Pro-
ject-FY86. Rita Frantz, 1320 Rochester Avenue, appeared and requested
Council realign the proposed sidewalk to maintain her existing fence and
retaining wall. After discussion Council decided to proceed with the
sidewalk as outlined in the original plans.
Moved by Erdahl, seconded by Ambrisco, to adopt RES. 85-187, Bk. 86, pp.
557-561, APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT AND COST ESTIMATE
FOR THE SIDEWALK ASSESSMENT PROJECT - FY86 AND AUTHORIZING BIDS TO BE
RECEIVED 7/9/85. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 5/0, Dickson and
Zuber absent. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
A public hearing was held on the proposed fare increase for Iowa City
Transit. The following people appeared: Jeff Cox, 112 S. Dodge; Max Yocum;
Phil Nychay; Karen Kubby, 914 S. Dubuque. Staffinember Jeff Davidson appeared
for discussion. Individual Councilmembers expressed their views.
Moved by Ambrisco, seconded by Zuber, to adopt RES. 85-188, Bk. 86, p.
562, AUTHORIZING A FARE INCREASE FOR IOWA CITY TRANSIT. The City Manager
will meet with staff to discuss the process and time frames for a complete
study of the transit system. Council requested monthly ridership figures
compared to prior year figures. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted,
4/1, with the following division of roll call vote: Ayes: Erdahl, McDonald,
Ambrisco, Baker. Nays: Strait. Absent: Dickson and Zuber.
Moved by Ambrisco, seconded by Strait, to adopt RES. 85-189, Bk. 86, pp.
563-567, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE
ECONOMY ADVERTISING COMPANY, for issuance of not to exceed $1,800,000
Industrial Revenue Bonds. Bill Bywater, President of Economy Advertising,
appeared. Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 5/0, Dickson and Zuber
absent. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted.
Council Activities
June 4, 1985
Page 2
85-156, pp. 402-405, AUTHORIZING CONTRACT FOR PROJECT HEAD START WITH THE
HAWKEYE AREA COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, INC., FY86 funding $2,277; RES.
85-1579 pp. 406-409, AUTHORIZING CONTRACT FOR YOUTH SERVICES WITH THE
MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM, FY86 funding $29,000; RES. 85-158, pp.
410-412, AUTHORIZING CONTRACT WITH THE RAPE VICTIM ADVOCACY PROGRAM, FY86
funding $9,765; RES. 85-159, pp. 413-417, AUTHORIZING CONTRACT FOR YOUTH
SERVICES WITH UNITED ACTION FOR YOUTH , FY86 funding $38,592; RES.
85-1609 pp. 418-421, AUTHORIZING CONTRACT FOR NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES WITH
WILLOW CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER, FY86 funding $9,400; RES. 85-161, p.
422, ACCEPTING THE WORK FOR PAVING AND STORM SEWER FOR HUNTER'S RUN
SUBDIVISION, PARTS 2 & 3, Phase 1.
Correspondence: Chairperson of the Riverfront Comm. re Mayor's
proclamation of Iowa River Month; Eve Casserly and Bridget Baschnagel re
the proposed sidewalk for 7th Avenue Court, referred to PPD for reply.
Memos from the Civil Service Comm. submitting certified list of appli-
cants for the following positions: Maintenance Worker II -Pollution
Control; Clerk/Typist - Police Front Desk; Body Repair Mechanic -Equip-
ment; Meter Reader - Water; Maintenance Worker III - Parking;
Clerk/Typist - Police Records; Maintenance Worker I - Recreation; Housing
Inspector - Housing & Inspection Services. Memos from the Traffic Engr.
re: Stop sign at West Side Dr./Mormon Trek Boulevard; Stop sign at Duck
Creek Dr./Rohret Road; Stop sign at Deerfield Dr./Rohret Road.
Applications for Use of City Plaza: University of Iowa Ftd. to have
remote broadcast for Children's Miracle Network Telethon from City Plaza
on 6/2, approved.
Applications for Use of Streets and Public Grounds: Sherry King for
a Father's Day Run on 6/16, approved. Thomas Moor for use of Blackhawk
Minipark to distribute information on 5/24 & 6/7, approved.
Affirmative roll call vote unanimous, 7/0, all Councilmembers present. Strait
questioned if the remaining side of the Burlington Street bridge would be
two-way traffic during reconstruction. Asst. City Engr. Gannon replied it
would be and noted construction would begin in mid -September and not August
as indicated on the agenda. The Mayor repeated the public hearings as set.
Moved by Ambrisco, seconded by Dickson, to set a public hearing for 6/18
on an ordinance to amend the flood hazard overlay zone to adopt revised maps
and flood insurance study. The Mayor declared the motion carried unani-
mously, 7/0, all Councilmembers present.
Moved by Dickson, seconded by Ambrisco, to set a public hearing for 6/18
on an amendment to the Sign Regulations of the Zoning Ordinance re develop-
ment signs. The Mayor declared the motion carried unanimously, 7/0, all
Councilmembers present.
A public hearing was held on an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to
revise the notice requirements for Board _of Adjustment actions. Merle
Trummel, 314 West Benton, appeared opposing the change to not less than 7
days and suggested 10 days. Staffinember Franklin present for discussion.
Printers fee Ste[
CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION
STATE OF IOWA, Johnson County,ss:
THE IOWA CITY PRESS -CITIZEN
Bronwyn S. Van Fossen, being duly
sworn, say that I am the cashier of the
IOWA CITY PRESS -CITIZEN. a news-
paper published in said county. and that
a notice, a printed copy of which is
hereto attac ed, was published in said
paper timetsl. on the fol-
lowing datetsi:
Cashier
Subscribed and sworn to before me
thi's t4 day of. , A.D.
Notary Public
No.�is_L� O
• a��lcrat Puae_rcnrraN .
NOOTICE OF PUBLIC NEARING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER pN
NANCElSTO CHANGE THE IOWA CITY ZONING QRDI-
MENCE TO THETHE PL+B,LIC NOTICE RE
MIENTS FOR THE RD OF ADJUST IS her y
hearing will held veo that a public
Of Iowa City. Iowa, Y the City Council
ath at 7.30 p.on, on the ~r
Chambers pn June, 1985, in the Council
Iowa which. ivic Center, Iowa *City
at wAich•hearing the COunciT wil{-
cansider In ordinance to amens the Toning
Ordinance to change the public notice
reQuirents for the Board o; Adjustaent.
COPies of the PrOPOW ordinance are on
fire for public examination at the office
of the City Clerk, Cfvic City, Tow, Per;ons +�ishi Center, Iowa
views know or to suggest hangesafart�fzr
Council eOnsideratian before the Ordinance
is adopted MARIAM K. wear at the hearing,
GOW KARR, CITY CLERK
May 25, 1*
I_