Commission asks City Council for clarification after ZBA rules zoning-use changes need not go before Historic Preservation Commission

The Ames Historic Preservation Commission voted to request a written response from City Council and city staff about whether the Commission should review zoning text amendments that affect the Old Town Historic District, after the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) last week declined to require Historic Preservation Commission review.

The dispute began when a zoning text amendment (ZTA) linked to the Romero House’s planned use prompted neighborhood concern that changes in allowable uses could affect the district. At a Jan. 8 ZBA hearing, the ZBA denied the Old Town Association’s request that zoning amendments affecting the district be routed to the Historic Preservation Commission; the ZBA’s decision was described in the meeting as unanimous. City staff and the city attorney have advised that proposed changes in use do not trigger HPC review, the Commission was told.

Several members of the public addressed the Commission. David Carter of 709 Douglas urged the Commission to assert a role in zoning…