Iowa City Board of Adjustment approves 50% parking reduction for Bike Library at 1222 Gilbert Court

Iowa CityBoard of Adjustment members voted to approve a special exception on Sept. 10 to reduce the required on-site parking at 1222 Gilbert Court from five spaces to two, allowing the Iowa City Bike Library to reconfigure the front of the site for bicycle amenities and green space while bringing the remaining parking into current design standards. The approval was by roll call; the board recorded the finding that the bike libraryuse has "unique characteristics" that justify a reduction under the zoning code.

The reduction matters because it enables the property owner to remove deteriorated pavement, add green space and covered bicycle parking, and reconfigure the two on-site vehicle stalls so cars will not be required to back onto Gilbert Court. Planning staff recommended approval, citing the property