Council denies rezoning request at 1900 Arlington after neighbors object to added rental units

The Des Moines City Council voted unanimously to deny a request to amend the comprehensive plan and rezone property at 1900 Arlington Avenue to allow up to four dwelling units. The request would have changed the property's future land-use designation from low- to high-density residential and rezoned it from N5 Neighborhood District to N5-4 Neighborhood District to permit the reuse of the existing structure for up to four dwelling units.

Neighbors told the council the surrounding block already has many rental units and urged preservation of single-family character. Diana Rizak, who lives across the street, presented a hand-colored map and itemized nearby multiunit properties, saying the area is "saturated by rental" and estimating more than 200 rental units within sightlines of her home.

The property owner, Angela Brown, told the council she and her husband intend to occupy one unit and rent the remainder. Brown said she purchased the property understanding the rental certificate on the building was expired and that she and her husband reduced an earlier proposal from seven units to four after meeting with planning staff. Brown said she would continue living at the property during renovations even if rezoning failed.

Why it matters: Neighbors and council members framed the vote as part of a broader neighborhood-revitalization effort. Council members said past votes and zoning decisions in the area favored single-family preservation and that the neighborhood had invested time and money to reclaim housing stock.

Council action: After public comment and council discussion, council members moved to deny the rezoning request; the motion carried by recorded vote, 7-0. Council members advised the owner that she could pursue relief at the Zoning Board of Adjustment and directed staff to share information about financing and programs available to support renovation and owner-occupied conversions.

Details and context: Speakers noted the property previously lost grandfathered status, and council members referenced an earlier vote and a zoning-board decision less than two years earlier. Several council members suggested programs such as Neighborhood Finance Corporation (NFC) resources and urged the owner to consider options for owner-occupied conversion with public financing or board-of-adjustment review.

Next steps: The denial preserves the property's current zoning. Council members recommended the owner work with planning staff and neighborhood groups to explore alternatives, financing and possible appeals to the zoning board of adjustment.