Council approves voluntary annexation and comp-plan amendment for Schaeffer parcels
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Summary
Urbandale approved a voluntary annexation and a concurrent comprehensive-plan amendment for two parcels owned by the Schaeffer family, with staff noting a narrow 50-foot strip exclusion to preserve a connection to Grimes under an existing annexation moratorium agreement.
The council approved a resolution accepting a voluntary annexation petition from Schaeffer family property owners and separately approved an amendment to the city's comprehensive plan for the same parcels.
Community Development Director Steve Franklin explained the two parcels are in Polk County and lie north of Meredith Drive; they are within the area covered by a 2021 annexation moratorium agreement with the City of Grimes. He said Grimes passed a resolution on June 24 severing the Schaeffer property so the parcels may be annexed to Urbandale. Staff noted a 50-foot strip was excluded from the annexation so Urbandale and Grimes would maintain required connections under the moratorium agreement.
Franklin and staff said the planning-and-zoning commission recommended approval of the comprehensive-plan amendment. The change recognizes that adjacent transactions — notably the large Des Moines Christian purchase south of Meredith — alter expected land-use transitions and that the area likely will develop as mixed uses over time with some commercial frontage on Douglas Avenue to support future traffic and services.
There were no public comments at the hearing. Council opened and closed the public hearings and then approved the annexation resolution (listed as Resolution 242-2025 in the agenda) and voted to amend the comp plan; both motions passed by voice vote.
Franklin said any rezoning or more granular development plans would return to the council after applicants submit formal rezoning and plat materials for review.