[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6278388,"mediaKeyId","2641242-d131d29a8221f396224b93582cbc0da1","parentId",2641242,"title","Council moves to allow reduced side setbacks on preexisting narrow lots to promote infill housing","audioSeconds",1177,"startMs",2305000,"endMs",3482000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2641242-d131d29a8221f396224b93582cbc0da1&start=2305&end=3482","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2641242-d131d29a8221f396224b93582cbc0da1/thumbnail_2305000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6278388/Muscatine-City/Muscatine-County/Iowa/Council-moves-to-allow-reduced-side-setbacks-on-preexisting-narrow-lots-to-promote-infill-housing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278388-7aa58ae690f02cbaf8c853d6519f8924/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188872&Signature=SX~7~9qSkWBHCoq-VXFOb8uJORcnvatSYaLuyWefpGw0t23AL2KH3Eei7CJ2GcyEix7k31deCwStEOpfsETPqbhZVoOod5TsV5dFERHRYyoQn-eVSjJblpzd2jddmtp3LCxR1ZEZ6HWyJsXg6jkKv3fJVLGP6ahhA3OezF6QKRmm8zB4fsUTUZSvHY7wbNg6PImO0KrGxiS~YSv8vwBr8-Sx~aStm59ARlVytbN2lmSIGmJALYijvrE~ZWfiOeh-0QU0ii13IfRDpRDswRJphdWXQiIuzEWtFlHHag0vCuv-URK~29ft5AOSlhnPbH4XO7tnzVm4EQciQHLRWBslPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Muscatine City, Iowa","date","2025-03-15T00:36:58.3Z","article","The Muscatine City Council on March 13 agreed to advance a zoning amendment that would allow reduced side-yard setbacks on qualifying preexisting narrow residential parcels so property owners can maintain a minimum 20-foot buildable width, while prohibiting reductions below 5 feet.

Why it matters: Staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission said the change is intended to promote infill housing on older 30-foot-wide lots that were platted before zoning and today often cannot accommodate modern home designs under current setback rules. The council was told that 32% of residentially zoned parcels predate current minimum parcel sizes and that many older neighborhoods contain 30-foot lots that once had small houses but are now vacant.

Staff explained the measure would apply only to parcels created prior to Jan. 1 of this year (to prevent deliberate creation of new narrow lots) and would maintain a 5-foot minimum side yard because reducing setbacks below 5 feet can trigger one-hour fire-resistance wall requirements that materially increase cost and limit openings. The city is also producing a pattern-book of three ready-to-build plans, staff said, and one of the designs requires about 20 feet of buildable width.

Council members discussed neighborhood character, affordability and practical design. Council member Gingerich voiced concern that substituting multiple narrow infill homes could change the character of some blocks; staff and other council members responded that the proposed rule applies only to existing narrow lots and would not enable new lot splits without additional approvals. Council members said infill homes could provide lower-cost starter housing and reduce the city’s costs associated with vacant lots.

Outcome: The council indicated it will follow the Planning and Zoning Commission’s unanimous recommendation and asked staff to prepare draft ordinance language for formal consideration. Staff said the Zoning Board of Adjustment may still be used for individual variances where appropriate, and existing building‑code requirements (including one‑hour fire separations for setbacks under 5 feet) will continue to apply.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 13th, 2025 - Muscatine City Council In-Depth Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The council agreed to follow the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation to relax side-yard setbacks on preexisting narrow residential parcels so buildable width can reach 20 feet (but not below 5 feet), with the aim of encouraging infill housing on 30‑foot lots.","taxTitle","Muscatine City, Muscatine County, Iowa","taxId",55544,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6278393,"Council backs staff proposal to ease engineered-plan requirement for small post‑frame buildings",510,1782000,2292000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2641242-d131d29a8221f396224b93582cbc0da1&start=1782&end=2292","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2641242-d131d29a8221f396224b93582cbc0da1/thumbnail_1782000.jpg","/articles/6278393/Muscatine-City/Muscatine-County/Iowa/Council-backs-staff-proposal-to-ease-engineered-plan-requirement-for-small-postframe-buildings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278393-9997b6eba8813be1dc330c8b1e91426a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188872&Signature=HRTBg3FVYpY5XcLQ5X7scFrWgg37CgUvy-CJDgdI1qWwv6ReG7Pd3EZHsg~29ciG~Pj8~joVM8Md839ZhBIBGgJYxkT5oVz4WRNiboWezREUNYgg4FIqDFk-hXDptSiVnMwZ5kl5xtYGgMe7tThH1BGKdYcRtgcRg2XsHjYOUx0znJUQ2Y9-osDq6E64NuA2xJiQpFztgmA2P3ZRrtkVRoxwdFZa8h-5OmcxZEengBF3DNywMPJOxH9OIIl5IR-8xVMIgxmtXCJXGotvp4I8dSWtfB1vFUOAFlw3QCvSRwJZB8xb50WW0PWdixZhlQEe1E8lmnJbmwxNU0n0-rsW6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Muscatine City Council on March 13 that they will draft a building-code amendment to raise the size threshold that triggers a required engineer-signed design for post-frame buildings. The proposed change would raise the trigger from 1,000 square feet to 1,440 square feet while keeping existing limits on post spacing and sidewall height.

Why it matters: Post-frame buildings (often called “pole barns”) use vertical posts embedded in piers rather than continuous foundations. Staff said the International Code Council’s model codes set performance standards but lack prescriptive guidance for many post-frame methods, which typically forces an engineer to sign plans for larger buildings. Raising the threshold would reduce costs for residential accessory buildings such as detached garages while retaining permitting and code requirements.

City staff summarized the recommendation as coming from the Construction Appeal and Advisory Board. “One of the advantages and why you see more of these is they tend to be economical quicker and cheaper to put up,” the city presenter said, explaining why homeowners often choose post-frame construction. Staff noted permitting would still be required for accessory buildings over 200 square feet or any structure with utilities, and that other standards (for frost depth, footings and so on) would still apply.

Council discussion focused on clarifying impacts and public communication. Council member Osborne asked whether smaller detached garages commonly require foundations and the staff speaker confirmed frost‑depth footings are required on small sizes. Council member Gordon asked how many projects would be affected; staff estimated “between 10 and 20” post‑frame accessory buildings per year might fall between the old and new thresholds. Council member Gendrick emphasized that the permit requirement would remain; staff agreed.

Outcome: Council members indicated support for staff to bring forward the proposed code amendment for formal consideration. Staff said they would draft specific code language and include clarifying guidance so applicants and contractors are not confused about when the engineer‑signed plans remain required.","City staff presented a building-code change to raise the threshold requiring engineered plans for post-frame buildings from 1,000 to 1,440 square feet; the council agreed to have staff prepare the code amendment for formal consideration.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6278398,"Carver Pump seeks city backing for $10–11 million expansion, council raises no objection",1559,105000,1664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2641242-d131d29a8221f396224b93582cbc0da1&start=105&end=1664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2641242-d131d29a8221f396224b93582cbc0da1/thumbnail_105000.jpg","/articles/6278398/Muscatine-City/Muscatine-County/Iowa/Carver-Pump-seeks-city-backing-for-1011-million-expansion-council-raises-no-objection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6278398-02b7d3f041b7ecd649329f719d6f54e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188872&Signature=lNcPbv5fHSgslAJQYbsB85dmgFagPUQvhGyH0FGJn4ymThyHfw6j3m3RfUBm0lSJt3uQ~AunlyDRCs17gQAEomZn8enRerjYfHb6mSOrP0~HuTsx1UjpVghRa-VfNoS7~G8fLF3~3acj-LYtiOLnXHpaaZiVjYf5OS5BzmWPBB93U3knU3MFwAdEdIG4ADgr9a58IQZIC26aZDSCEbYF9nyjcw3zSGvSHwlQchDJsAbjK2FJLJlHDK7UnvDb8EBv7JD-9tzOr~tuuVM7VmWh-owKW1lgHQYb6Sr4IzcLxtXzdvfoFQpC6jkXTI8Da4GHO7BOtjv9BurUhJVZXB3ITw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carver Pump executives asked the Muscatine City Council on March 13 to back a proposed $10–11 million expansion and associated Tax Increment Financing support to add about 21,000 square feet to its Park Avenue facility.

The company said the addition would create a new test lab, expand final processes for assembly, testing and painting, and make room for machining and other manufacturing work. “I'm Andy Carver. I'm the president and CEO of Carver Pump,” Andy Carver told the council, and he described the company’s history and its contracts with the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command and the Coast Guard.

Why it matters: Carver Pump manufactures engineered-to-order pumps for critical applications, including naval vessels and power plants, and officials said demand and backlog have grown. The expansion proponents told council members it could enable the company to meet larger Navy contracts and increase production capacity and jobs.

Company leaders described the workforce and technical needs. “We do everything from start to finish that's involved in making a pump,” Mike Moyer, engineering manager, said. Megan Randall, the company’s human resources manager, described training and recruitment: machinists complete an 18-month Eastern Iowa Community College program plus additional on-the-job training, and the company has run a “grow our own” program to replace retiring skilled workers. Kevin Custis, manufacturing engineering manager, said state-of-the-art machining and testing are required to meet tight tolerances.

Carver said the expansion could add roughly 15 employees over five years under a baseline plan and possibly more depending on demand. Andy Carver said the company has sought Navy supplier development funding and is assembling a coalition of support. He described an “original proposed starting date” that has already passed and said the company is “ready to rock as soon as we can get some of the funding.”

Council response and next steps: After the presentation, the mayor asked whether there was any objection to continuing consideration of the TIF request; no council member objected. The council did not record a formal roll-call vote during the meeting; staff and Carver Pump representatives said they would follow up on funding conversations with the Navy and other partners.

The presentation concluded with council gratitude for Carver Pump’s local workforce and pilot training programs and with the company’s assurance it will continue outreach as funding details develop.","Carver Pump presented plans for a roughly $10–11 million, 21,000-square-foot expansion and asked the Muscatine City Council for support on Tax Increment Financing (TIF); council members expressed support and raised no formal objection.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council moves to allow reduced side setbacks on preexisting narrow lots to promote infill housing

Council backs staff proposal to ease engineered-plan requirement for small post‑frame buildings

Carver Pump seeks city backing for $10–11 million expansion, council raises no objection