Council adopts 35‑foot height cap, vegetation buffer for new community‑facility zoning after debate

The Muscatine City Council on Feb. 20 approved a revised second reading of a zoning ordinance creating a new community‑facility (CF) district, adding a 35‑foot maximum building height and a required vegetative buffer where CF uses would abut residential property.

The measure, originally presented as a second reading to create a CF district under Title 10 of the Muscatine City Code, was amended on the council floor to add a 35‑foot cap on building height; to set minimum yard depth rules to match school yard depths for certain uses; to require a 50‑foot minimum side and rear setback where the community facility directly adjoins residences; and to require a “solid vegetative barrier” that will mature to about 35 feet within the required setback, with new trees planted at a minimum 3‑inch caliper or 8 feet tall at planting.

Council member (unnamed), who proposed the amendment, said the limits were meant to protect neighborhood character where CF buildings could otherwise be built near small single‑family lots: "I think we should consider and adopt an amendment ... maximum building height of 35 feet," the council member said…