Des Moines zoning board approves two consent items, defers one case and continues another

The Des Moines Zoning Board of Adjustment on a unanimous vote approved two consent items, agreed to defer Item 3 to the June 24 meeting at staff's request, and granted a continuance for Item 4 to the next regularly scheduled hearing.

Board Chair Mel Pins opened the meeting by describing the board’s quasi‑judicial role under Iowa law and the city zoning ordinance and explaining the hearing process, including a four‑vote threshold to grant variances. "The board will immediately deliberate the request. We'll make a decision here today on your appeal," Pins told attendees.

The board took several ministerial actions early in the meeting. Staff asked that Item 3 be continued because "some legal issues are being worked out," senior city planner Frank Dun Young said; Julian Neely moved to defer the item to June 24 and Marus Jones seconded. The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote of the six members present.

On the consent agenda, the board approved two staff‑recommended items without discussion. Item 1 is a conditional use at 4931 Douglas to convert an existing retail building to an assembly place of worship; Item 2 is a zoning exception to allow an illuminated sign mounted near the top of a façade wall at 95 East Fifth Street. Marus Jones moved approval, Tom Deio seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Later, staff reported an applicant phoned to request a continuance for Item 4 to the next meeting (April 22). The board granted the continuance on a motion by Rhonda Sado, seconded by Julian Neely, again by unanimous vote.

The board also approved last month’s minutes (motion by Marus Jones; second by Rhonda Sado). Before adjourning, staff said the board will elect officers in April and plans an annual training session, likely in May. With no further business, Chair Pins adjourned the hearing.

Votes at a glance:
- Defer Item 3 to June 24 — Motion: defer to June meeting; Mover: Julian Neely; Second: Marus Jones; Vote: 6 yes, 0 no; Outcome: continued/postponed.
- Approve Item 1 (conditional use — 4931 Douglas) and Item 2 (zoning exception — 95 East Fifth Street) — Motion: approve consent items; Mover: Marus Jones; Second: Tom Deio; Vote: 6 yes, 0 no; Outcome: approved.
- Continue Item 4 to next meeting (April 22) — Motion: continue Item 4; Mover: Rhonda Sado; Second: Julian Neely; Vote: 6 yes, 0 no; Outcome: continued/postponed.
- Approve minutes from previous month — Motion: approve minutes; Mover: Marus Jones; Second: Rhonda Sado; Vote: 6 yes, 0 no; Outcome: approved.

What happens next: Item 3 will return to the Zoning Board of Adjustment on June 24 if the legal issues are resolved; applicants whose appeals were approved may request permits about one week after receiving the board’s written decision and order. The board’s decisions can be appealed to Iowa District Court within 30 days of filing.