Iowa City commission approves rezoning of 7.2 acres east of Camp Cardinal to Mixed Use

The Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 19 recommended approval of REZ240016, a request to rezone approximately 7.2 acres north of Melrose Avenue and east of Camp Cardinal Boulevard from interim development single-family residential (IDRS) to Mixed Use (MU). The motion passed 6-0 with Commissioner Miller recused.

Staff said the site borders Camp Cardinal Boulevard and Melrose Avenue, abuts St. Andrew Presbyterian Church to the north and multi‑family housing to the northwest, and contains woodlands, wetlands and regulated slopes along its northern boundary. Madison Conley, Associate Planner, told the commission the parcel is the last undeveloped area east of Highway 218 and that a comprehensive‑plan amendment in 2016 had already recommended a commercial/office land‑use pattern for the site.

Conley said the IDRS zone limits uses to a small set of rural and low‑intensity activities and requires a 5‑acre minimum for detached single‑family homes; the MU zone would allow a broader mix of residential and smaller‑scale commercial uses, but not drinking establishments, quick vehicle service or drive‑throughs. She said the property contains a 30‑foot pipeline easement along its eastern border that prohibits development within the easement and helps create a natural buffer to adjacent single‑family lots.

Staff recommended approval subject to conditions, including that before a building permit is issued the owner reconstruct the median on Camp Cardinal Boulevard to allow access and construct a dedicated left‑turn lane into the site, subject to review by the city engineer. Conley said staff received no written public correspondence and that a Good Neighbor meeting was held in January; staff received the meeting summary after the packet was published. Commissioners discussed lighting concerns raised at the Good Neighbor meeting and Conley noted site‑development standards in the MU zone regulate illumination and light trespass.

Mike Welch, representing the property owner, confirmed the eastern pipeline easement and estimated the closest house to the easement sits more than 300 feet from the pipeline. During the public hearing no members of the public asked to speak.

Commissioner Townsend made the motion to recommend approval; Commissioner Elliot seconded. Commissioners asked about likely commercial tenants and general compatibility; Commissioner Peggy (last name in transcript: Craig/Elliot—identified in voting) said she favored the infill and diversity of housing types the MU zone permits. The motion carried 6-0 with Commissioner Miller recused.

The commission's recommendation will go to city council, which will set a public hearing and make the final decision.