Council gives initial approval to update Marion Enterprise Center design guidelines; tiers simplified, materials list expanded

The Marion City Council on Dec. 5 gave initial approval to amend the Marion Enterprise Center (MEC) design guidelines in an ordinance session, moving the item to subsequent readings.

City planning staff described three principal changes: (1) reduce the MEC tier structure from three tiers to two, concentrating the highest-design standards on a single gateway lot; (2) tie the MEC’s use list to definitions in the city zoning code so permitted and conditional uses are clear; and (3) update permitted exterior materials and roofing options — including increasing permitted cement-board/painted horizontal lap siding from 30% to 50%, allowing EIFS (externally insulated finish systems) and certain stucco applications subject to maximum percentages, and adding additional roofing material options for flat and low-slope roofs. Staff also said an initial proposal to allow unlimited exposed fastener siding was removed per the Planning & Zoning recommendation.

Planning staff (referred to in the meeting as “Dave”) explained the rationale: the MEC was created to attract integrated office and industrial uses and market conditions have shifted since the original design guidelines. “If you recall, the original document... had 3 tiers... We’re coming in and proposing just to eliminate one of the tiers,” the staff member said during the presentation. The staff described Tier 1 as the gateway lot nearest the police station and the remainder as Tier 2, which would combine the uses formerly in tiers 2 and 3 while maintaining higher design standards than the original tier 3.

A representative of Medco, Brady Quinn, spoke in support. Quinn said the changes reflect current market demand and updated building materials, and that the proposed adjustments will improve marketability for unsold lots. “We’re excited to be able to... do a relaunch of the Marion Enterprise Center with our new design guidelines, the new lots, and... hopefully, getting some new commercial tax base out there,” Quinn said.

Council discussion noted the changes were intended to make remaining lots more marketable without sacrificing the entrance’s visual quality. Staff also noted a replat of the enterprise subdivision to adjust lot sizes will follow the design-guideline amendments; the replat was described as forthcoming in early January for further council consideration.

Action taken: The council approved initial consideration of Ordinance Number 20421 (an amendment to Ordinance 10205 concerning MEC design guidelines). The ordinance will return for additional readings; the replat and any related subdivision actions will be brought back separately.

Provenance: Presentation, public comment and the vote on initial consideration occurred on the Dec. 5 council meeting agenda; no written opposition was reported to staff prior to the hearing.