Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commercial Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves rezoning at 3220 Wylie Blvd for equipment dealer; conditional use will be reviewed by Board of Adjustment
Summary
The Cedar Rapids Planning Commission approved rezoning of a former auto lot at 3220 Wylie Boulevard SW to the Traditional Industrial Mixed Use district to allow an equipment sales and service business to locate there, subject to a future conditional use permit for heavy equipment display and service.
The planning commission recommended approval of a rezoning request for 3220 Wylie Boulevard SW to permit an equipment sales and service business, Central Iowa Farm Store, to occupy a former car lot.
Staff (Seth Gunnerson) said the parcel is roughly 3.7 acres and the proposed use includes sales and service for utility tractors, commercial mowers and similar implements. Gunnerson said the requested Traditional Industrial Mixed Use (TIM) zoning offers flexibility for the mix of industrial and commercial uses the applicant plans, while enabling code requirements for screening and outdoor storage. He told commissioners the retail/service use envisioned requires a conditional use permit where “heavy equipment” is involved; that conditional use will be reviewed by the Board of Adjustment and the Board’s decision will be timed to inform council consideration of the rezoning.
Applicant Tyler Cassidy of Central Iowa Farm Store said the Marshalltown business will operate as a Kubota dealer focused on residential and acreage customers in Cedar Rapids rather than large agricultural farm machinery. Cassidy said display units would be modest in size and that the firm understands screening requirements for outdoor display and storage.
Commissioners discussed screening and the conditional use process. Gunnerson said the applicant will be required to screen outdoor display and storage along residential and public edges, either with plantings that achieve 6 feet of height or with a solid fence. Commissioners added the rezoning recommendation would be linked in the staff packet to the Board of Adjustment review of the conditional use; commissioners approved the rezoning and noted the Board of Adjustment will consider operating conditions and screening. The action will go to City Council for public hearing on April 22 and, if the Board of Adjustment grants the conditional use, council could consider ordinance adoption in May.
