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Zoning board approves ICON Water Trails signs in floodplain and clears consent item; neighborhood member asks for more notice
Summary
The Des Moines Zoning Board of Adjustment approved two Type‑2 sign exceptions for the ICON Water Trails project (1515 Harriet Street and 1313 SE First Street) despite requests from a neighborhood association member to postpone for additional outreach; a consent conditional use at 606 Walnut was also approved.
The Des Moines Zoning Board of Adjustment approved two Type‑2 sign exceptions for the ICON Water Trails project and granted a consent item covering a conditional use at 606 Walnut Street.
Planner Catherine Drahas told the board the two signs under review are kiosks/information hubs tied to the ICON Water Trails project and that one panel in each location would sit in mapped floodway areas where signage is typically prohibited to avoid obstructions during flood events. Staff supported both Type‑2 exceptions with standard conditions: installation consistent with submitted elevations and compliance with the city’s sign‑permit process.
Henry West Meyer, a civil engineer with Snyder & Associates representing ICON Water Trails, said the kiosks would show Iowa water‑trail system maps and safety guidance at ingress points and asked the board to decide so artwork and fabrication could proceed.
A representative of the McKinley/Columbus Neighborhood Association (Sally Davis) asked the board to postpone both sign items so association members could see the materials at their next meeting and to restore neighborhood trust by allowing more time for outreach. Staff and the chair responded that notice was sent to designated neighborhood association contacts using the city’s Type‑2 notification process (adjoining/adjacent properties and neighborhood designated contacts); staff said they had not received comment cards but that outreach had been made to the designated contacts.
Board members debated notice adequacy and community input but ultimately voted to approve the Type‑2 exceptions for both 1515 Harriet and 1313 SE First (each carried 6‑0). The chair reminded applicants that a written decision will be issued in about a week and that applicants must apply for the appropriate sign permits before construction.
Votes at a glance: consent item 606 Walnut (conditional use) approved 6‑0; ICON sign exception at ~1515 Harriet approved 6‑0; ICON sign exception at ~1313 SE First approved 6‑0.
