Board approves parking-configuration variance for Indianola Community School District Phase 2

The board approved a variance allowing the Indianola Community School District to construct parking rows in Phase 2 of its expansion that exceed the zoning code's 15-contiguous-space limit without inserting required landscape islands.

City staff (Speaker 5) presented the application and said "This is a request from the Indianola Community School District. They're represented by Larson Engineering, and engaged here." Staff explained that a zoning code amendment enacted on 05/05/2025 established the landscape-island requirement and that the school district's earlier Phase 1 approvals predate that change. Staff said Phase 2 includes an eastern parking lot, reconstruction of a southern lot, a competition gymnasium facility and replacement of tennis courts. After questions about stormwater detention, heat-island mitigation and snow removal, staff said the site will include an upsized detention basin and that the district would have approximately 746 parking spaces on-site if fully built out.

Board members discussed practical impacts including event-driven parking demand and snow removal logistics before Speaker 1 moved to approve the variance and the board recorded affirmative votes. Staff said landscaping and detention plans were submitted as part of the overall design and that the special-use permit granted in 2024 for earlier phases will continue to run with the land.

The approval allows the district to proceed with the submitted Phase 2 configuration subject to the conditions discussed at the meeting.