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 expressed support. “Business is challenging, and over the 25 years that Tanya and I have owned the business, there's been many challenges,” Nicholson said, arguing that outdoor display of towable boom lifts, mini skids and small trailers is common in nearby commercial lots and that enforcement guidance had been inconsistent.

During a lengthy Q&A, commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on how “large equipment” is defined and on alternatives to a full I‑1 designation. Staff said the zoning enforcement division had determined the items on site meet the code threshold for industrial storage and pointed to city code sections describing uses that require an I‑1 designation, including rental or storage of construction and agricultural equipment.

The commission debated procedural options for contesting an administrative enforcement determination; Chakraborty noted that an appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment is the correct route to challenge that administrative finding. Commissioners also discussed traffic and safety conditions at East 27th Street and University Avenue and whether screening and setbacks could allow the business to operate without broadly expanding industrial zoning along the corridor.

A commissioner moved to approve the rezoning together with staff's proposed alternative recommendations. Two friendly amendments were adopted before the vote: reduce the proposed 30‑foot front setback to 10 feet, and clarify that outdoor storage "shall be screened from residential uses with building, fencing and/or landscaping to the satisfaction of the planning and urban design administrator." The commission then voted to approve the rezoning with those conditions; the motion passed on a voice/hand vote.

The approved conditions require, among other items proposed by staff, that any outdoor storage area be screened from adjacent residential properties, that development meet site‑plan review requirements, and that certain design and operational constraints be satisfied at the site plan stage. The applicant stated that if the property is developed under an I‑1 designation the existing house on one parcel would likely be removed; commissioners noted that conversion of the house to an on‑site office could be possible if it met building code.

Because the Planning and Zoning Commission is advisory, the rezoning recommendation now goes to the City Council, which will hold a public hearing and make the final decision. If the council denies rezoning, the applicant retains the administrative option to seek a use variance before the Zoning Board of Adjustment, which requires demonstrating hardship under state law.

No additional public speakers addressed the item at the Nov. 6 hearing. The commission completed the remainder of its agenda and noted adopted 2026 meeting dates and a likely future meeting location change to 1200 Locust Street.