City of Fort Dodge, Iowa

Downtown Zoning Regulations

In 2010 Fort Dodge adopted new zoning regulations for Downtown Fort Dodge.  This followed a recommendation from the 2008 Downtown Plan.  It also followed development of the 2009 Downtown Design Guidelines, which included an extensive review of what creates the sense of character downtown.

The zoning changes seek to promote the downtown's character and economic viability.  Key aspects that are now addressed include:

·         Specifying permitted uses - Broad categories are no longer used.  A specific list of uses that are permitted and those allowed by special exception is provided.  If a use is not listed, then it is not allowed in the downtown.

·         Outdoor mercantile (retail) and restaurant seating - more information soon to come

·         Building materials - The core downtown identifies encouraged and prohibited materials for a building façade (exterior wall on a street).  The encouraged materials include:

o   Brick with a traditional proportion

o   Natural stone masonry unit

o   Decorative wood, not to comprise more than 10%

o   Non-reflective glass

o   Decorative metals (storefront mullions, decorative columns, parapet caps, etc.)

o   Poured concrete (knee walls, window sills and hoods, etc.)

o   Stucco, as a trim material, not to comprise more than 20%

·         Building access - Direct access from the public sidewalk is required, to promote the pedestrian nature of the downtown.

·         Front yard setback - Buildings in the D-1 district may not be set back.  The D-2 district is 10 feet, with some exceptions.

·         Parking - D-1 district does not require parking.  Public parking lots are provided throughout the downtown.  The D-2 district has some parking requirement.  Shared parking is encouraged to meet the requirements.

·         Parking lot location - In the downtown, parking areas are secondary to the building.  Therefore, parking is not permitted in front of a building.  It must be behind or on the side.  To promote and protect the pedestrian nature of the core downtown (D-1 area), curb cuts for parking private lots must meet several criteria before they are permitted.

·         Mechanical systems - While these are necessary, they must be placed sensitively.  The ordinance prohibits placing them along a street.  They may be placed in the alley or on the roof.  Screening may be required depending on the proposed location.

Click here to see the D-1 and D-2 Districts in the Zoning Ordinance for the full regulations.  Click here for a map of the downtown zoning districts.