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Commission approves special permit to convert duplex into fourplex at West Park Avenue
Summary
The commission approved a special permit for Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity to convert a duplex at 624–626 West Park Avenue into four market-rate two-bedroom units, subject to final site plans meeting city codes (including parking, an ADA stall, and required fire sprinklers).
The Planning, Programming, and Zoning Commission approved a special permit allowing Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity to convert a duplex at 624–626 West Park Avenue into a four-unit building.
Staff (Gailman) recommended approval, noting the conversion would add two dwelling units, require eight hard-surfaced parking spaces (two per unit), one ADA-compliant stall, stamped building plans, and fire sprinklers and alarms. The applicant’s representative, Ally Parrish, said the project uses multiple tax-credit sources, will create market-rate two-bedroom units and that renovations are designed to allow a future conversion back to fewer units if needed.
Commissioners asked about parking, floodplain status and whether the units would be subsidized. Parrish said the units will be market-rate and not income-restricted. The motion to approve included the standard condition that final site plans meet all applicable city codes and regulations.
Why it matters: the project adds housing supply in a historic neighborhood and will be subject to technical review (stormwater, parking surfacing, and fire requirements) before building permits are issued.
Next steps: applicant to provide stamped plans, a stormwater detention design, and address fire department requirements for sprinklers and alarms before permits are finalized.
