Sidewalk Ordinance Hearing Vote Sidelined
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The discussion about sidewalks and the future discussion on how the city will handle the subject will take place at the next meeting.
A resolution to set the public hearing to amend Title 17, Chapter 17.08 of the Oskaloosa Municipal Code that pertains to sidewalk requirements met a 3-3 vote on Tuesday night, which means that the vote to hold the hearing will be moved at least two more weeks into the future.
The amendment to the code would be as follows:
17.08.120 – Required Public Sidewalk
Public sidewalk shall be required for the following:
All new developments in all zoning districts. New developments include, but are not limited to, projects requiring a site plan review, changes in property use type, and all new residential structures.
All redevelopments, enlargements, or extensions of more than twenty-five percent (25%) of either the total property area or gross building area in all zoning districts, except for single-family, two-family, and duplex use types.
All redevelopments, enlargements, or extensions of more than fifty percent (50%) of either the total property area or gross building area for single-family, two-family, and duplex use types in all zoning districts.
These requirements may be waived by the City Council based on a recommendation after the Planning and Zoning Commission review in GI (General Industrial) and LI (Limited Industrial) zoning districts.
All new or existing sidewalks required by this section must be constructed, or reconstructed, in concrete and in compliance with current ADA accessibility and city specification standards.
Two property owners were given leniency during the assessment for cutting and removal of weeds, which is assessed by the city when lawns become overgrown. Both property owners had purchased the property after the assessment had been made. The assessment wasn’t yet listed on the title transfer because of the time it takes for those assessments to appear on documentation.
Also approved was the second reading for a parking restriction along the North 7th Street S-curve between J Avenue East and F Avenue East.
The first reading of an ordinance that would amend code sections 5.04.360 and 5.04.370 to allow for an open container in the 250 feet of the alley that runs between Smokey Row and Bridal Dreams. This would be similar to rules in place for Edmundson Park.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for September 19th at 6 pm inside the Council Chambers at City Hall.
