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Planning commission approves homeowner rezoning at 4027 Southwest 56th with easement and flexible driveway condition
Summary
The Des Moines Planning and Zoning Commission voted to rezone 4027 Southwest 56th from EX/mixed use to a neighborhood residential district to allow reconstruction of a single-family home, subject to a 33-foot no-build easement to preserve future Watrous Avenue right-of-way and a requirement that driveway access be located as approved by the city engineer.
The Des Moines Planning and Zoning Commission on July 16 approved a rezoning request for 4027 Southwest 56th Street that will allow the property owners to demolish an existing house and build a new single-family dwelling.
Staff planner Sriyoshi Chakraborty told commissioners the property is a preexisting residential use in an area otherwise planned for business park and light industrial uses, and recommended approval with conditions to preserve a future Watrous Avenue right-of-way. Staff asked for a 33-foot no-build easement along the north edge of the lot and that driveway access be located south of that easement to avoid future relocation expenses for the city.
Applicant Adrian Strain, who identified himself as an engineer and the property owner, asked the commission for flexibility on driveway materials and placement. He said a gravel driveway in the proposed easement area would let his family keep the mature trees and character of their entrance while allowing the city to secure the right-of-way for future needs. "We see several benefits from this approach," Strain said, noting safety and lower impervious surface if the driveway connects to Watrous Avenue in the future.
Commissioners asked whether the no-build easement would bar utilities or fencing and heard that precise rights will depend on easement language and negotiation with city engineering. City staff suggested generalizing the zoning condition to require that driveway access be in a location approved by the city engineer, leaving specifics about materials and relocation cost allocation to later engineering and legal review.
After discussion, the commission voted to approve staff's recommendation with the requested amendment to condition language. The motion passed by voice/hand vote.
The approval is advisory to city council, which will make the final decision on the zoning map and land-use amendment for the property. The commission noted that any future extension of Watrous Avenue would be addressed at the time development occurs and that utility allowances in the no-build easement would depend on the final easement drafting.
Next steps: The rezoning and plan amendment will move to the City Council for a final decision; if approved, the owners and city engineering will complete easement language and technical details during permit and site-plan review.
