Des Moines commission approves rezoning for equipment rental lot on E. 27th Court with conditions

The Des Moines Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 6 approved a rezoning request affecting multiple parcels near 917 E. 27th Court that will allow a large-equipment rental business to display and store machinery outdoors, subject to conditions including a 10‑foot front setback and screening of outdoor storage from adjacent residential uses.

Sriyoshi Chakraborty, planning staff, told the commission that the site consists of five parcels along the East University corridor and abuts single‑family homes to the south. “Staff thinks that this proposed rezoning request is not appropriate for this location, and staff is recommending denial of the request,” Chakraborty said, citing the corridor's commercial character and potential impacts on nearby residences.

Jeff Nicholson, the applicant and co‑owner of PMP Small Engines, said his business has operated in the corridor for decades and that neighbors and the Fairgrounds Neighborhood Association had…