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Grimes council approves UnityPoint Clinic expansion and glazing waiver to protect patient privacy
Summary
The council approved a 3,300 sq ft addition and a waiver to raise clear glass above eye level at UnityPoint Clinic (101 Southeast Destination Drive), citing HIPAA and patient-safety reasons; staff recommended approval and the vote was unanimous.
The Grimes City Council approved a site-plan amendment and a waiver request for UnityPoint Clinic at 101 Southeast Destination Drive on May 26, clearing a 3,300-square-foot addition, changes to drives, 17 new parking stalls and a redesigned detention basin.
Planner Evan described the project and the waiver request: the transportation corridor overlay normally requires eye-level clear glass to support a pedestrian character, but the applicant sought to move the clear portion of glazing above eye level to protect patient privacy and safety for exam rooms that face East 1st Street. Evan noted the applicant’s labelling of the request as a safety/HIPAA issue and staff recommended approval.
Council members discussed precedent and noted a 2019 ordinance that narrowed acceptable reasons for glazing waivers to safety, topographic conditions or engineering necessity. A council member asked whether a similar waiver had been granted in the past; staff said waivers had become rarer since the 2019 change.
After discussion a council member moved approval and another seconded; the council approved the site plan amendment and the waiver by unanimous roll call.
Staff said the new glazing treatment will preserve the corridor’s visual requirements while protecting patient privacy; staff will finalize site details during permitting.
