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Board approves conditional use for parking lot at 516 28th Street
Summary
The Des Moines Board of Adjustment approved a conditional use to convert a vacancy at 516 28th Street into a surface parking lot, contingent on demolition review, salvage plan, and conditions requiring public access during non-business hours for the business across the street.
The Des Moines Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to grant a conditional use on Oct. 23 allowing a standalone parking lot at 516 28th Street.
Bert Gross, planning staff for the City of Des Moines, told the board the request requires demolition of an existing apartment building and that the property is undergoing a separate demolition-review process. “The conditional use is only valid if the existing apartment building structure is approved for demolition in accordance with documentation and salvage plan to the satisfaction of the planning administrator,” Gross said, noting staff recommended seven conditions for approval.
Applicant representative Shane Divick said the owner has held neighborhood meetings and that the primary neighborhood feedback has been a need for more parking. Owner Randy Reichardt said the building is vacant and that the lot would help nearby restaurants and businesses that currently face parking shortages.
Two nearby property owners and the nonprofit The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand testified in support, saying the lot would relieve parking pressure and encourage further business investment. A single comment card in opposition and one letter of concern were noted by staff.
Board members questioned landscaping, fencing and the relationship to the city’s site-plan and stormwater standards. Gross said site-plan review would follow and would ensure compliance with stormwater, landscaping and other city standards. A condition requires the parking lot to be available for public parking during nonbusiness hours for the business at 515 28th Street.
A motion to approve the conditional use with staff conditions passed 6–0. Board members directed the applicant to continue work with staff on the required site plan.
The board’s approval applies only to the conditional use; the applicant must complete demolition review, salvage documentation and subsequent site-plan and building approvals before construction can begin.
