Planning commission recommends expansion of King Automotive salvage yard with conditions

The Waterloo Planning & Zoning Commission on Jan. 14 recommended approval of a special permit allowing King Automotive to expand an existing salvage yard at 275 Rampart Lane, subject to conditions imposed by staff.

Planning staff member Tamala said the property lies in an M-1 Light Industrial district and that the proposed expansion would be adjacent to an existing salvage yard in an industrial area. Tamala said the site lies within a FEMA Zone AE 100-year floodplain and that the applicant had already installed a stream crossing over Blowers Creek; engineering raised concerns about the unauthorized crossing and the crossing will require Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approval and a local floodplain development permit before construction proceeds.

Tamala said the proposed expansion would create an additional fenced area of approximately 124,361 square feet, and noted the zoning ordinance requires an 8-foot uniform fence along salvage yard street frontages. Tamala said the applicant—s site plan showed 6-foot solid fencing in places and that the city would require the fencing be brought into compliance.

Owner Jerry King told the commission he has applied to the DNR for required permits and said the crossing is needed to provide multiple access routes for fire protection. Commissioner Ewing moved to recommend approval with staff conditions; Commissioner Schaeffer seconded and the commission voted to recommend approval by voice vote. Tamala noted that final approval will be decided by the Board of Adjustment at a later meeting and that the city would require any DNR or floodplain permits before construction in the floodway.

Staff—s recommendation included conditions that the fence meet the 8-foot height requirement, the stream crossing receive DNR approval and a local floodplain development permit, and that a final site plan meet applicable codes for parking, landscaping and drainage.