Norwalk council approves multiple ordinance readings and zoning changes in brief special meeting

The Norwalk City Council cleared several ordinances and map changes at its March 27 special meeting, approving first and subsequent readings needed to advance rezones, amendments to planned unit developments and changes to water meter and irrigation rates.

Key actions included first reading approval to rezone 818 and a Half North Avenue from C‑4 Founders to RF Founders; first reading to amend hydrant (temporary) meter deposit language so deposits equal the meter cost; second reading and approval of the 1421 Sunset Drive infill PUD with C‑2 uses; second reading approval to rezone 7680 County Line Road from AR (Agricultural Reserve) to RE‑1 (single‑family residential); final readings adopting changes to the Maple Heights PUD and the Orchard Hills PUD (the latter includes a developer‑proposed 62+ residency restriction recorded to run with the land); and final reading approval of amended secondary/irrigation water rates.

The council conducted roll calls on each item; in all recorded votes during the meeting the motion carried. Examples: the first reading for 818 and a Half North Avenue was moved by Council Member Cool and seconded by Council Member Livingston and recorded as carried (Brown — yes; Cool — yes; Livingston — yes; Baker — yes). The first reading to amend hydrant meter deposit policy was moved by Livingston and seconded by Cool and approved on roll call. The council held public hearings and received no written or oral comments on several rezones before advancing the items.

Most of the items were described by staff as corrective or technical in nature: the hydrant meter change updates the deposit so the city recovers meter replacement cost rather than relying on a fixed deposit amount; the 7680 County Line Road rezone aligns a property with neighboring lots to permit owner improvements; and the Maple Heights amendment adds flexibility for diversified housing in that PUD. The Orchard Hills amendment was amended in previous meetings to include an age‑restricted (62+) clause for a specified parcel; staff said the developer requested and consented to the restriction, and the council placed the restriction to run with the land, referencing Iowa Code chapter 614.24 during the discussion.

Motions were typically handled as follows: individual council members moved and seconded readings and final adoptions, roll calls were administered by city clerk Lindsay, and motions carried without recorded opposition. The council also approved the consent agenda and adjourned after about 19 minutes.

Votes at a glance (selected items from the March 27 meeting): - First reading: Rezoning 818 and a Half North Avenue (C‑4 to RF Founders). Motion: Council Member Cool; Second: Council Member Livingston. Recorded votes: Brown, Cool, Livingston, Baker — yes. Outcome: first reading approved. - First reading: Ordinance amending Chapter 91 (water meters) and Chapter 177 (rates and fees) to set hydrant/temporary meter deposits equal to meter cost. Motion: Council Member Livingston; Second: Council Member Cool. Recorded votes: unanimous. Outcome: first reading approved. - Second reading: Ordinance rezoning 1421 Sunset Drive to an infill planned unit development with C‑2 uses. Motion: Council Member Cool; Second: Council Member Livingston. Recorded votes: unanimous. Outcome: second reading approved. - Second reading: Rezoning 7680 County Line Road from AR to RE‑1 (single‑family). Motion: Livingston; Second: Brown. Recorded votes: unanimous. Outcome: second reading approved. - Final reading: Maple Heights PUD amendment (residential use adjustments). Motion: Cool; Second: Livingston. Recorded votes: unanimous. Outcome: ordinance adopted. - Final reading: Orchard Hills PUD amendment (Parcel 1B with 62+ residency restriction recorded to run with the land). Motion: Livingston; Second: Cool. Recorded votes: unanimous. Outcome: ordinance adopted. - Final reading: Chapter 92 (water rates) and Chapter 177 (rates and fees) — amended secondary/irrigation water rates and an inclining block schedule applied year‑round. Motion: Livingston; Second: Cool. Recorded votes: unanimous. Outcome: ordinance adopted.

Council members and staff said the measures address technical zoning record issues, clarify fee structures, and aim to reduce peak water demand via irrigation rate changes. All items passed by roll call votes during the meeting.