Development News for Cedar Falls, Iowa

College Hill Zoning Text Amendments Undergo Revisions and Prepare for Public Hearing

The commission received an update on the College Hill Zoning Text Amendments, which is part of a multi-phase project to draft a new zoning code for the College Hill area. The project is currently in phase four, following initial review, stakeholder engagement, public review periods including open houses, and work sessions with the commission. The proposed zoning aims to implement the 2021 vision plan for College Hill, replacing existing base zoning districts and the College Hill overlay with new zoning districts. A key change is the move towards objective standards for administrative approval by staff, rather than requiring commission or council approval for most projects. Several revisions were presented, including map changes (zoning OS open space district for city-owned open space, rezoning church parcels to NX3, expanding NX3 zoning on the southern end, and adding text for through lots facing College Street), and text amendments to building types (rowhouse, yard house), stoop and porch standards, uses within GX3 and OS districts, and accessory structure setbacks. New sections on proportionate compliance and minor adjustments for College Hill districts were also introduced. The commission was asked to introduce the review draft and set a public hearing date.