Council approves rezoning of Bluff Street lot for 20‑unit infill apartment building

The Dubuque City Council on July 21 approved rezoning of a 0.34‑acre city parcel on Bluff Street from R‑2 (two‑family residential) to OR (office‑residential) to allow a proposed 20‑unit, two‑story apartment building.

Applicants Micah Spivey and Fred Kemmiller presented the concept to planning staff and the Zoning Advisory Commission; staff said the proposed building would mirror an approved structure on the adjacent property and that the lot is served by existing utilities. City staff noted the lot is outside the Cathedral Historic District, though the applicants are proposing a design consistent with nearby historic architecture. The Zoning Advisory Commission recommended approval unanimously (4‑0).

Planning staff told the council the redesign supports the city's infill and affordability goals and that off‑street parking can be provided behind the building in locations not visible from the street; if additional parking were needed, on‑street parking is available. Staff said development review had reviewed traffic and off‑street parking and found no concerns given the scale of the project.

No public commenters spoke at the hearing. Council proceeded to suspend the three‑reading requirement and passed the ordinance on final consideration; the clerk recorded the vote as 7‑0.

The rezoning expands existing OR zoning and enables the applicants to complete site design and obtain necessary building permits. Staff characterized the site as walkable and noted proximity to jobs and the new medical college on Main Street.