The Ames Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to continue two variance hearings to the board’s next available meeting on Sept. 10 after a board member recused himself and applicants requested additional members be present.

Board members said the continuances were needed to ensure a fuller panel hears each matter. Planning staff recommended continuing the hearings to Sept. 10 so applicants could have the benefit of more board members.

During the public-hearing item for 216 North Hazel, Board member Kale said, “because of my personal relationship with the applicant, I'd like to recuse myself from voting on that matter.” The presiding officer then said that, with only three members present and two eligible to vote, the board would need to continue the hearing. Planning staff said the next available meeting was Sept. 10 and recommended that date.

The board moved to continue the public hearing for 216 North Hazel to Sept. 10; the motion passed on voice vote. The agenda entry for 216 North Hazel described a request for a variance to reduce side-yard setbacks for a two-story home from 8 feet to 6 feet along the south property line and 4 feet along the north property line, but the hearing will be rescheduled rather than decided tonight.

At the subsequent agenda item, the applicants for variances at 1420 and 1422 Coolidge Drive similarly requested a continuance after learning only three board members would be present. The applicant cited the board’s code allowance to request continuance under those circumstances; planning staff recommended continuing that hearing to Sept. 10 as well. The board approved the continuance on a voice vote.

The board and staff noted the Sept. 10 meeting already had multiple pending items and encouraged member attendance, including virtual participation, to ensure a quorum. A staff member said there were at least four items on the Sept. 10 agenda and they would contact members to confirm availability.

The board also approved the July 23 meeting minutes earlier in the session by motion and voice vote.