Ames Zoning Board affirms planning director, denies appeals over historic-preservation review

The Ames Zoning Board of Adjustment voted on Jan. 8 to affirm the planning director's interpretation that a proposed zoning text amendment affecting the single-family conservation overlay district would not "affect" historic resources and therefore did not require review by the Ames Historic Preservation Commission.

Planning and housing staff presented the appeal, explaining the decision turned on the word "effect," which staff said means a change to historic resources or development standards. "I did not find that it would affect an historic resource or designated landmark," the planning staff explained during the hearing, saying the proposed amendment would allow an additional general use but would not change development standards or directly alter structures.

The decision drew extensive public comment. David Carter, the appellant, argued the overlay's notice and purpose language requires HPC notification for zoning…