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Clinton City Council adopts ordinance changing Liberty Square overlay design rules
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance amending city code section 159.027(b)(3)(a)(1) for design features in the Liberty Square overlay zone; council waived two prior readings under Iowa Code section 380.3 and voted unanimously. Councilmembers said nearby property and business owners are supportive and that the city will study the wider corridor later.
The Clinton City Council adopted an ordinance amending city code section 159.027(b)(3)(a)(1), changing design-feature rules in the Liberty Square overlay zone, and waived the two prior-reading requirement of Iowa Code section 380.3 during the council meeting.
Council members said the change grew out of recent inquiries from property owners and businesses along the corridor. The presiding official told the council, “I've actually talked to 3 people, 1 that owns property, 2 business owners along there that are extremely happy that we're looking to make this change, and they're excited.” One property owner told the council they still want a drive-through; council members said they will consider broader changes to the overlay later.
At the public hearing the clerk reported no in-person or online commenters on the ordinance. Planning staff member Dan Fox described how removing the overlay provision would return the area to standard zoning rules unless the council adopts alternative regulations: “Basically, first phase is if you were to remove it completely and everything just falls back into normal zoning.”
Council member Seeley moved to consider the ordinance; the council then voted to waive the two prior readings required under Iowa Code section 380.3 and placed the measure on final passage. A final roll call on the ordinance recorded unanimous support from the members present.
The council and staff said they intend to study the broader Liberty corridor in spring and consider whether to modify or retain other overlay provisions, including standards tied to drive-through uses.
Audience comments at other points in the meeting included general support for the review. The ordinance will take effect according to the city's ordinance-adoption rules.
