Sarah Tritle

The board discussed several variance requests and property issues. In the February session, the board deliberated on a setback appeal at 108 Main Street, ultimately deciding to deny the variance with the understanding that the land would be purchased by the resident to achieve compliance. In the May session, the board reviewed and approved a variance for a fence height at 618 Main Street and a variance for a double lot setback at 201 Water Street to allow for a carport addition, with specific requirements regarding concrete surfaces.

The Board of Adjustments held public hearings regarding variance requests. The Board denied a request for a variance on double frontage lot setbacks in the Westview Addition and subsequently moved to send a relevant ordinance to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review. Additionally, the Board approved a variance request for the replacement of a garage at 821 Franklin Street, recognizing the existing structure as a hardship.

The commission reviewed and approved Plat of Survey #2786 and held discussions regarding the Zoning Code. Additionally, the commission appointed a new Chair and Vice Chair, approved a resolution for the right of way vacate and sale at 108 Main Street, and reviewed and approved resolutions for the final plats of Kress First Addition and Mackey First Addition.

The Commission held multiple meetings throughout the year covering various planning and zoning business. Key actions included the appointment of officers, the review and approval of multiple plats of survey and final plats for additions such as RNJ Enterprises, Ray Landing, Toomsen, Interstate Grain, Durow First, and Kress Second. The Commission also engaged in discussions regarding zoning code changes, the Fringe Area Plan with Linn County, the vacation of an alleyway, and a potential residential development project near Anchor Bible Church involving questions about sewage treatment, annexation, and development design.

The commission approved the final plat for Rock First Addition to Linn County. Discussions were held on updates to the 2014 Zoning Code chapter 165 regarding fencing, including allowed materials, location of property pins, and requirements for corner lots and opaque fences. The commission also discussed swimming pool fencing requirements and floodplain fencing, recommending changes to align with Linn County regulations. The Denison Bottoms Second Addition plat was tabled due to unclear purpose, improper labeling, and undocumented access.