Dubuque commission backs rezoning to allow proposed detox facility at 2167 Jackson St.

Michelle Michalakis asked the Zoning Advisory Commission on July 2, 2025, to rezone 2167 Jackson Street from R2A (residential) to C4 (downtown commercial) so Liberty Recovery or a similar operator could establish a detoxification facility in the neighborhood.

"It is my desire to rezone 2167 Jackson that's presently residential," Michalakis said, adding that Dubuque lacks a local detoxification facility and that nearby retail businesses sell products she described as contributing to neighborhood substance use. She said she held a neighborhood meeting that had no attendees.

Assistant planner Travis Schrobelgen told the commission the request is being treated as a change from residential to commercial to facilitate a medical clinic use; he said the site is in a mixed-use area with existing C4 zoning to the west and north, and that redevelopment would require site development review and compliance with applicable standards. Schrobelgen also said staff had not received public input for or against the application.

Commissioners asked for one clarification about off‑street parking rules under C4 zoning; staff confirmed that C4 has no off‑street parking requirements for the uses discussed. A motion to recommend approval to the City Council was made, seconded, and approved by roll call vote (all members present voting aye). The commission noted the item will be considered by the City Council at its July 21 meeting.

The commission’s action is a recommendation to the City Council; no site plan approvals or permits were granted at the meeting. Any redevelopment would be required to complete site development review and meet the Unified Development Code standards before building permits could be issued.