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Board opens, passes first consideration to rezone 91 acres at 1017 Leneca Lane for campground use
Summary
After a public hearing, the Linn County Board of Supervisors gave first consideration to rezoning about 91 acres at 1017 Leneca Lane from seasonal cabin/recreation overlay to agricultural zoning so a conditional-use campground can operate; the change follows a 2008 flood and a unanimous recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The Linn County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing March 3 and gave first consideration to rezoning roughly 91 acres at 1017 Leneca Lane in Cedar Rapids from seasonal cabin and recreation overlay zoning to agricultural zoning.
Brad Weiland, of Plan Development, told the board the site is northwest of the Highway 30/151 interchange and along the Cedar River and that the property was largely wiped out in the 2008 flood, leaving one remaining cabin. “This rezoning request would basically remove that cabin overlay district as the entire area is in the floodway, which essentially won't allow any new cabins to come in,” Weiland said. He also said the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has for years asked the county to move forward and that the campground is formally allowed only in the agricultural district.
The rezoning is step one of a process to formalize a conditional-use permit for a campground that the Board of Adjustment approved Feb. 26. Stephanie Lentz, Planning and Development, explained the recreation overlay “doesn't allow another use other than cabins. So that's the reason why it has to come out.” The Planning and Zoning Commission gave a unanimous recommendation of approval on Feb. 17, Weiland said.
Sam, identified as the campground manager and applicant, told the board the campground has operated in the area since before the 2008 flood and that the rezoning would remove the need to request a temporary use every year: “We just had to come back every year and ask for permission to keep camping every year … I believe we don't have to come back every year. Is that correct?” the applicant asked. Weiland confirmed the conditional use would allow seasonal operation without the annual renewals and noted conditions in the conditional-use permit — including removal of some small sheds — will remain in force.
Board members asked about ownership and local support. Weiland said Larry and Marilyn Hess (through a trust) own the parcel and have been involved in meetings; neighbors and the Hess family are “on board,” one board member observed. Weiland also said the campground would be limited by ordinance to operate from April 1 to Oct. 31.
After the public hearing was closed, the board moved and seconded first consideration of the rezoning ordinance. The board voted to approve first consideration; the motion carried unanimously. The proposal will return for a second consideration on Wednesday, March 5, and again on Wednesday, March 12, according to the applicant and staff.
The change does not authorize rebuilding cabins in the floodway; county staff and the applicant said state floodway rules and DNR guidance prohibit placing inhabitable structures back in the designated floodway.
Votes and formal ordinance adoption will follow the required second consideration and any additional notices or conditions set by county ordinance.
