Clive council gives first reading to ordinance aligning zoning variances with House File 652

The Clive City Council on Aug. 14 closed a public hearing and voted 5-0 on the first reading of Ordinance No. 1165, which updates the city's zoning code to comply with House File 652.

Amanda, speaking for city planning staff, told the council that House File 652 "created a new section that . . . relates just to what's called dimensional or area variances" and replaces the previous "undue hardship" standard with a lower "practical difficulties" test for variance requests affecting numeric standards such as setbacks, parking and minimum floor area. Staff said the change primarily replaces the standard in existing provisions rather than rewriting those provisions.

Planning staff said the change is not expected to be a major shift in most cases but will require additional training for the board of adjustment. Amanda said planning and zoning recommended approval after consulting with the board of adjustment.

After a brief question-and-answer period, council members closed the public hearing and moved the ordinance forward to first reading. The clerk recorded a vote of five to zero in favor of the first reading. The ordinance will return for final adoption at a future meeting; staff and the council indicated no urgent cases were pending that require immediate action.

Why it matters: The change lowers the legal threshold for some dimensional variances, which could make it easier for property owners and developers to receive relief from numeric code requirements. Staff emphasized that the amendment distinguishes dimensional/area variances from use-related variances and that local practice and case handling will be adjusted through training and updated procedures.

Next steps: The ordinance will come back to council for final adoption on a later agenda; staff said they will coordinate training for the board of adjustment and monitor any pending applications that may be affected by the new standard.