Planning commission backs limited rezoning at 1233 10th Street after debate over parking and neighborhood character
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Summary
The Des Moines Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend a limited NX1 rezoning for 1233 10th Street that allows up to five dwelling units under conditions after hearing competing claims about parking, building condition and neighborhood fit.
The Des Moines Planning & Zoning Commission voted to forward a recommendation to City Council approving a limited NX1 rezoning for property in the vicinity of 1233 10th Street, with a cap of five dwelling units and conditions requiring compliance with site-plan and design rules.
Sriyoshi Chakraborty, a planning staff presenter, told commissioners the request originally sought to change zoning from N5 (neighborhood district) to NX1 (neighborhood mixed) to allow up to eight units but staff recommended a limited approval because the proposed unit count and layout could "have a detrimental impact on the existing neighborhood" and create excessive impervious surface. Chakraborty said the site measures about 0.264 acres and that staff intended to limit uses to those commonly permitted in the N5 district unless the conditions are met.
Applicant Casey Brown said she and her husband bought the century-old property this year and have spent roughly $100,000 so far on foundation and safety work. "We're invested," Brown said, arguing duplex conversions would make the renovation financially feasible and could provide affordable housing for students and smaller families near DMACC. She told the commission estimates to bring the three structures up to standard ranged "$100,000 to $150,000 for each one."
Neighbors who spoke at the public hearing raised parking, neighborhood character and property-management concerns. Joanne Muldoon of the King Irving neighborhood association said the block is dominantly single-family and warned that up to six or eight units would worsen parking problems and change the street's character. Mark Green, a neighbor, said the existing dwellings had been a nuisance and opposed adding more units.
A contractor who has worked on the project, Chris Hayes, said the owners have already made significant expenditures and that the site plan shows adequate off-street parking. Christopher Schubert, representing a title holder, said a contract buyer can have legal rights to request rezoning.
Commission discussion focused on whether this appeal constituted impermissible spot rezoning or an opportunity to legalize and improve existing nonconforming units. Commissioners asked staff to clarify that the property currently holds legal nonconforming rights for three units and noted the consent map indicated opposition at about 23.14 percent, which will trigger a supermajority vote requirement at City Council.
After debate and a friendly amendment narrowing the maximum units, the commission passed the amended motion to recommend limited NX1 rezoning with the conditions discussed. The commission’s vote was by voice; no roll-call tally was recorded in the hearing record. The matter will go to City Council, where a supermajority will be required to approve the rezoning because of the measured opposition share.
The commission closed the item without a final local-approval date; the ordinance would take effect only if City Council approves and any council-level conditions are met.
