Board adopts ordinance rezoning former dog‑boarding site in rural Black Hawk County

The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors on June 10 adopted an ordinance that rezones 0.26 acres at 438 South Elkmont from Commercial/Manufacturing to agricultural zoning, reversing a commercial designation tied to a dog‑boarding business.

County staff explained the property had been rezoned in 2019 to allow the dog‑boarding operation. The owners, Robert and Margaret Mills, asked the board to return the parcel to agricultural zoning to obtain a lower utility rate and so the property’s zoning would match surrounding parcels. Margaret Mills said the business closed earlier this year and that the family prefers to revert the zoning rather than operate under the commercial classification.

The board voted to suspend reading requirements and moved the ordinance to final adoption. A roll call recorded unanimous approval; the ordinance was adopted and will be codified as ordinance number 77‑296 as described in the published materials. The county noted that anyone who wished to restart a commercial kennel at that address would need to apply for rezoning again and comply with applicable permitting and contractor requirements for building work.

The ordinance amends the Black Hawk County agricultural preservation zoning ordinance by adding subsection 297 to section 6(b), as shown in the meeting materials. The record notes the publication of notice on May 31 in accordance with Iowa Code requirements and that oral and written comments were received and placed on file.

The board’s action completes the rezone request submitted by Robert and Margaret Mills; no additional conditions were attached at adoption. The county clerk will publish the enacted ordinance and incorporate it into the county zoning map.