Okoboji council adopts rezoning to let Pearson Lakes Art Center build 'treehouse' classroom

The Okoboji City Council on July 14 adopted Ordinance No. 286, rezoning 2201 Highway 71 N entirely to C-1 (General Commercial) to allow the Pearson Lakes Art Center to expand its campus with a new indoor/outdoor classroom described by the applicant as a "treehouse." Mayor Mary VanderWoude opened the public hearing and reported there were no public comments.

City Administrator Michael Meyers told the council the request was submitted by the Pearson Lakes Art Center and noted the property is currently split-zoned R-1 and C-1 as a result of historical zoning practices. Meyers said the center wants to build the classroom on the west side of the property among existing trees and that, because that area is zoned R-1, the project would not be allowed without rezoning. He also said the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning request.

Councilmember Delperdang moved and Councilmember Hentges seconded approval of the ordinance's first reading; the motion carried 5-0. Councilmember Hentges then moved and Councilmember Sanders seconded waiving the second and third readings. Councilmember Andres voiced concern about moving quickly and whether approval could create precedent, noting the council evaluates rezoning requests on a case-by-case basis and referencing a prior rezoning for the Okoboji Summer Theatre. The council voted 5-0 to waive additional readings and subsequently voted 5-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 286.

With adoption complete, the Pearson Lakes Art Center may proceed with plans that require the parcel to be zoned C-1. The council did not specify additional conditions in the minutes; next steps beyond adoption were not detailed in the record.