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Dubuque council approves rezoning at 2167 Jackson St. for small detox clinic
Summary
The City Council unanimously rezoned a Jackson Street property to allow a planned eight‑bed, ambulatory detox facility; applicant and staff said the site will not expand and that 24/7 operation is permitted under downtown commercial zoning.
The Dubuque City Council on July 21 unanimously approved rezoning 2167 Jackson Street from R‑2A (alternate two‑family residential) to C‑4 (downtown commercial) to allow operation of a detoxification facility.
The rezoning was requested by Michelle Michalakis, who told the council she plans an eight‑bed, outpatient detox center. Michalakis said the service would be a “3.5 ASAM, which is ambulatory, which means that we won't be doing IVs,” and that most patients who need detox fall into that category. She said the facility would be rehabbing the existing house rather than expanding the building.
City planning staff told the council the property is a 5,322‑square‑foot corner lot in a mixed‑use area and that the proposed use is classified in the code as a medical office/clinic, a permitted use in the C‑4 district. Staff noted the Zoning Advisory Commission recommended approval 5‑0. Wally, city planning staff, told the council the small lot size “limits a high impact development” and that the city does not regulate hours of operation for this use: “the current zoning C‑4 downtown commercial and a 24 hour facility is permitted. We do not regulate hours of operation.”
Council members who spoke offered support. Councilmember Sprank said he had “no concerns” and praised Michalakis’s stewardship of nearby properties. Other members noted a neighborhood meeting was offered with no residents attending, and that the site is adjacent to existing commercial uses.
The formal series of actions began with a motion to receive and file communications and suspend the three‑reading rule for the ordinance; the council then voted to pass the ordinance on final passage. Adrienne Breitfelder, city clerk, recorded the final vote as 7‑0 in favor.
The rezoning allows the applicant to proceed to required site work and a full site‑plan review by the Development Review Team before occupancy and operation; Michalakis said she expects to add accessible parking and perform interior and exterior rehabilitation.
Council members emphasized the proposal would provide a local detox option, removing the need for some residents to travel out of town for care. The ordinance passed with no recorded dissent.
