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West Des Moines adopts first reading to align zoning with new state rules on second dwelling units
Summary
The council approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend Title 9 (Zoning) to allow second dwelling units on single-family lots in order to comply with a new state law; staff will evaluate impacts to parking, stormwater and public safety before further local steps.
The West Des Moines City Council voted 4-0 on June 16 to approve the first reading of an ordinance amending Title 9 (Zoning) to permit second dwelling units on lots currently zoned single-family, bringing the city into compliance with a state law passed earlier this year. Council discussion emphasized that the city "will comply with state law, period," and staff will conduct additional analysis of infrastructure impacts including parking, stormwater, police and fire services before any further local measures are proposed.
Councilman Chris McKinney said the development and planning subcommittee reviewed the change and recommended a cautious implementation path: the city will first adopt the state-required changes, then "tiptoe forward" pending evaluation of impacts to city services and infrastructure. Mayor Trimble and other councilmembers noted that the city expects to handle complaints that may arise once the rules are implemented, such as vehicles or RVs being parked in rear yards.
The ordinance amendment passed the planning and zoning commission unanimously and was approved unanimously by the development and planning subcommittee. The first reading carried on a recorded 4-0 vote; the transcript records staff comments that additional analysis will follow before further local refinements or enforcement policies are adopted.
