Des Moines planners approve rezoning to allow carport repairs, add 2½‑story height limit

The Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission voted Nov. 21 to approve a rezoning request that will let the owner of several century‑old fourplexes rebuild a failing carport and retaining wall, while adding conditions intended to preserve neighborhood scale.

Bert Dross, planning staff for the City of Des Moines, told commissioners the owner seeks to rezone the property from N5‑4 to NX2 and amend the Plan DSM so the existing carport can be reconstructed. "Our staff recommendation is for approval," Dross said, and staff proposed one zoning condition capping the site at a maximum of 21 dwelling units, which matches the property’s current unit count.

Michael Kronberg, the applicant who identified himself as with Michael Renovations, said he bought the buildings in 2000 and that the work is limited to replacing a failing carport and repairing a retaining wall. "I didn't ask for anybody to come down there. But I appreciate the neighbors," Kronberg said, adding he would not oppose a reasonable height restriction and that he prefers open carports to enclosed garages to preserve the buildings’ appearance and on‑site parking.

Several nearby residents said they support prompt repairs but urged conditions to guard against future large redevelopment. "The only reason we're here is we wanted to protect the future of the neighborhood and the scale," said Rod Kruse, who gave his address as 4910 Kensington Boulevard. Other neighbors echoed concerns that rezoning to NX2 could, in theory, allow much taller building types; speakers pointed to the possibility of 5½‑story development under some design alternatives and asked commissioners to limit height and unit concentration.

Commissioners discussed alternatives including granting a use variance (staff said a variance was unlikely) or rezoning with conditions to preserve the existing multi‑building, low‑scale character. Staff noted the NX2 district requires certain building types and that any increase above a 3½‑story flat building type would require a public hearing. Dross also told the public the City Council hearing had been set for Dec. 9 at the applicant’s request for expedited review.

Commissioner (speaker 13) moved to amend the staff recommendation by adding a maximum height of 2½ stories (using staff’s averaging language); the amendment passed by voice vote. The commission then approved the rezoning with the 2½‑story height restriction and the staff‑recommended unit cap. The applicant will need to return with site‑plan review for the carport; if the owner chooses an enclosed garage design it may qualify for administrative review, otherwise the carport/site plan will come back to the commission.

The commission closed its public hearing on the item and concluded the night’s business. The rezoning will now move to the City Council for a Dec. 9 hearing.