Robins Zoning Board approves variance to allow taller Gopuram at Eastern Hindu Temple over neighbor objections

The Robins Zoning Board of Adjustment on May 20 approved a variance permitting the Eastern Hindu Temple and Cultural Center to construct a Gopuram that exceeds the 35-foot height limit for properties in the R-1 single-family district. The vote was 3–2 after a public hearing that drew supporters and opponents from nearby neighborhoods.

The decision came after applicant representatives, neighborhood residents and city staff addressed questions about design, timing and local zoning. Paddy Puthige, speaking for the temple, said the proposed Gopuram "represents peace, spirituality, and positivity" and described the tower as integral to the building’s religious function; he told the Board final consecration ceremonies were postponed pending completion of the project and action on the variance. Architect Paul Montag said the final Gopuram height was not known during earlier design stages and described the structure as ornamental, unoccupied and built with a steel frame and fiberglass exterior.

Neighbors who supported the temple cited religious freedom and community benefits. Connie Westphal, who lives adjacent to the site, said she viewed the temple’s operations as comparable to other religious institutions. Satya Vaddadi, a supporter, explained that traditional temple design and religious guidelines dictated the dimensions of the Gopuram.

Opponents raised concerns about neighborhood character and the timing of the application. Bob Huffman, a former Planning & Zoning Commission member, said the building as constructed differed from earlier renderings and questioned whether the Gopuram was necessary for the temple’s function. Other neighbors said the tower should have been included in original plans and warned that approval could set a precedent for future variances for other religious structures.

City staff and board members discussed whether design changes could bring the structure under the 35-foot limit. Planning & Zoning Administrator Vance McKinnon told the Board that the City had approved plans that did not include the Gopuram and that staff first learned of the tower when materials were delivered to the site. Mr. McKinnon said reducing the structure’s height by roughly 12 feet, 10 inches would have made it compliant with the R-1 limit; board member Dustin Arnold observed a roughly 10-foot reduction also would have avoided the need for a variance.

City Attorney Doug Herman advised the Board about the legal standard for variances under Iowa law, noting the State’s move toward a "practical difficulties" test and referencing Iowa Code Section 414.12. Mr. Herman also recommended the Board take a final action at the meeting to preserve appeal rights and noted the City Council could consider future ordinance amendments.

After deliberation, Board member Dawn Svenson-Holland moved to deny the variance; that motion failed on a 2–3 roll call. Member Dustin Arnold then moved to approve the variance; the Board approved the motion with Brian Cohen, Mark Wood and Dustin Arnold voting in favor and Molly Iversen and Dawn Svenson-Holland opposed. Resolution No. 2026-1 approving the variance was adopted.

Temple representatives said no loudspeakers or lighting are planned for the Gopuram itself and that only standard parking-lot lighting would be installed. Architect Paul Montag and temple representatives said redesigning the Gopuram to meet the height limit would require returning to earlier planning stages because the tower’s proportions are dictated by religious architectural practices.

The Board closed the public hearing at 8:21 p.m. and adjourned at 8:41 p.m. The resolution and findings from the Board establish the official record for appeal rights; any appeal or ordinance change would follow the standard City procedures.