9-3-26 Plan and Zoning Commission Meeting

The City of Des Moines Planning and Zoning Commission held a meeting on September 3, 2026, primarily to review and vote on site plans and design alternatives related to residential accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Key procurement-related discussions involved approving two requests from PIBL Properties for constructing two-story ADUs that exceed the height of existing principal dwellings, requiring type two design alternatives. Staff recommended approval for both projects, citing nominal height differences and alignment with city housing goals. The commission discussed design considerations such as roof pitch and neighborhood impact, with some suggestions to explore lower roof options to avoid variances. Public comments included concerns about alley maintenance and neighborhood fit, which the applicant addressed by noting planned city maintenance and parking challenges. Both motions to approve the staff recommendations passed unanimously. No contract awards, vendor selections, or budget allocations were discussed during this meeting.