Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ordinance Changes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Branch council approves historic‑preservation code, ADU rules and moves meetings to 6 p.m.
Summary
On April 20 the West Branch City Council adopted ordinances creating a local Historic Preservation Commission and district, added zoning rules for accessory dwelling units consistent with state law (Senate File 592), and changed the council’s regular meeting time to 6:00 p.m.; votes were unanimous where recorded.
The West Branch City Council approved multiple ordinance changes at its April 20 meeting aimed at historic preservation, housing flexibility and council procedure.
Council adopted Ordinance 834 to revise Chapter 25 and define the West Branch Historic Preservation Commission’s purpose, membership, powers and duties, including the authority to study and recommend historic landmarks and districts to the City Council. Ordinance 835 was adopted to create Chapter 29, which defines the West Branch Historic Preservation District boundaries and establishes permit and review procedures for external alterations to properties within the district. The district ordinance sets an application and review process, assigns administrative review authority to the City Administrator and the Commission, provides appeal rights to the City Council, and establishes penalties for violations. The council voted to waive additional readings and adopt both ordinances by recorded unanimous votes.
The council also adopted Ordinance 839 adding Section 165.51 to Chapter 165 to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on single‑family lots in alignment with Senate File 592 (state law). The ordinance requires ADUs to comply with applicable building codes, sets a maximum size limit (1,000 square feet or 50% of the primary residence, whichever is larger), and prohibits local rules that are more restrictive than state law in several enumerated ways (including appearance, parking and owner‑occupancy requirements). The ordinance requires a ministerial approval process for ADU permits and mandates written reasons and remedies if a permit is denied.
Council also approved Ordinance 837 to change the regular council meeting time from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Chapter 17 amendment). All ordinance votes recorded were unanimous with no NAYS.
Council members did not record extended debate on the ordinances in the minutes; the text of the ordinances included procedural detail such as permit application content, a $10 permit fee for district permits (Chapter 29.06), and variance/appeal timelines. The ordinances take effect after passage, publication and other statutory steps required by law.
