Planning and Zoning Commission Work Session

Cedar Falls Planning and Zoning Commission Work Session February 11, 2026 Cedar Falls, Iowa MINUTES The Cedar Falls Planning and Zoning Commission met for a Work Session to review a draft of the College Hill zoning update on February 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The following Commission members were present: Alberhasky, Grybovych, Hartley, Henderson, Johnson, Moser, Stalnaker and Watkins. Karen Howard, Planning and Community Services Manager, Stephanie Houk Sheetz, Director of Community Development, Jaydevsinh Atodaria, Planner II, and Leslie Oberholtzer of Codametrics were also present. 1.) Ms. Howard explained that this is to be a casual conversation and opportunity for the Commission to ask questions and discuss the proposed draft. Leslie Oberholtzer of Codametrics walked through each section of the proposed Code update and explained their purpose and intent, noting that the goal is to make the zoning requirements more objective and consistent with the adopted College Hill Vision Plan. The Commission informally discussed each section and asked questions. It was asked if the code is consistent with what exists there today. Ms. Oberholtzer stated that it is consistent with the adopted College Hill Vision Plan. For the areas near the University campus and the business district, the goal of the plan is to establish new standards that encourage new development, while in the lower-scale residential neighborhoods, the goal is to establish standards that stabilize and maintain the existing residential character of the area. She explained the new zoning districts, the various building types allowed, the uses allowed, architectural and landscape standards, and parking standards. Howard clarified that the zoning rules apply only when someone wants to make a change to their property. Adopting new zoning does not require any property owner to make a change to what is existing today. There were various questions from commission members regarding the details in the code, including garage and parking location, building setbacks, types of buildings and where they are allowed on the proposed zoning map, building material standards, open space requirements, parking requirements and alternatives to providing all the parking on the development site through a “fee in lieu” option. The Commission asked if there had been concerns expressed by the residents in the neighborhoods about spillover parking from the commercial area. Ms. Oberholtzer said that in her conversations that they were generally not concerned with spillover parking and instead emphasized the importance of improving conditions on “the Hill” and encouraging new development that would support businesses. Ms. Oberholtzer and Ms. Howard responded to all questions and provided explanations regarding how the standards are based on the vision plan, which reflects all the input received from the residents, business owners, and developers. Several Commissioners provided input on some minor changes and corrections to the code. Ms. Oberholtzer and staff will review and make changes to the draft accordingly. Ms. Henderson left the meeting about 7:30 PM. 2.) As there were no further comments, there was a motion and second to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved unanimously with 7 ayes (Alberhasky, Grybovych, Hartley, Johnson, Moser, Stalnaker and Watkins), and 0 nays. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. 1 Respectfully submitted, Karen Howard Joanne Goodrich Community Services Manager Administrative Assistant 2