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Ames ZBA Suggests City Council Review 900-Square-Foot Accessory-Structure Cap
Summary
After denying a variance for a large detached garage, members of the Ames Zoning Board of Adjustment discussed recommending that City Council review the 900-square-foot cap for accessory structures, particularly on large lots, and staff said a text amendment would follow the council process.
Following the denial of a variance for a proposed 1,600-square-foot detached garage, several members of the Ames Zoning Board of Adjustment discussed whether the city’s 900-square-foot accessory-structure cap remains appropriate for large lots.
One board member said the neighborhood’s character — with large lots and several large garages — may warrant a different standard and suggested the board or a citizen present a text-amendment proposal to City Council for consideration. "If existing structures exist and we can therefore conclude that this is not out of character, then maybe the zoning code should reflect that," the member said.
Staff explained the process: the board can ask the chair to bring a proposed text amendment to City Council, or a citizen can present the amendment; City Council would ultimately decide whether to change the code. Parker Walsh, city planner, noted the director had informally considered a 20% discretionary increase (1,080 square feet) as one possible approach but that no formal change was before the board that night.
The board did not vote on any amendment; members emphasized it would be appropriate to first complete the variance decision and, if desired, then prepare a specific proposal for council consideration.
Next steps discussed included staff or the chair preparing background materials if the board chooses to pursue a referral to City Council or a citizen-led petition to initiate a text amendment.
