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Council asks staff to prepare zoning and design options for former Washington Irving school site
Summary
City staff reported no deed or flood restrictions preventing development of the Washington Irving site, and the council directed staff to return with multiple zoning and design options (R‑2 status, potential R‑3/R‑4 zoning) and developer-ready guidance that preserves neighborhood sensitivities.
WAVERLY, Iowa — After a lengthy council discussion at its April 27 study session, the City of Waverly asked staff to prepare two-to-three concrete options for redevelopment of the Washington Irving site and provide guidance on zoning, possible lot layouts and owner-occupancy restrictions.
City staff reported they had reviewed records, deed restrictions and infrastructure capacity and found no legal impediment to redevelopment. “We have spent a great amount of time going through more old records than I ever wanted to ... but we have found that I think we are clear to go forward,” a staff member said. Zoning staff confirmed the parcel is currently zoned R‑2.
Council members and staff framed the options around three basic zoning paths described by zoning staff: R‑2 (current) allows single-family detached, attached single-family and two-family units with a 35‑foot/2‑story height limit; R‑3 would permit 2–4 attached units (cluster or townhouse-style) and raises front/back setback requirements; R‑4 allows three stories (up to 45 feet) and would enable garage-under or three‑story townhome forms.
Council members voiced competing priorities: some residents near the site favor green space and single-family character, while others urged efficient use of a city-owned parcel to add modest, affordably priced owner-occupied housing. Several councilmembers asked staff to avoid repeating a previous proposal that residents described as a long, uniform row of townhouses; they said covenants or sale restrictions could restrict future development types (for example, to require owner-occupied units rather than rentals).
Staff said the site likely will accommodate a small development — roughly six to eight units in most compact scenarios — and that more intensive options would require R‑3 or R‑4 zoning. Council members asked staff to return with designs that balance neighborhood character (size, spacing, garage design) and affordability goals; staff will also assess infrastructure capacity, estimated development costs and potential city incentives for first-time buyers.
The council concluded by returning the matter to staff with guidance rather than approving zoning changes at this session. Staff said they will compile possible zoning/design options, cost estimates and recommended restrictions for council consideration.
