Ames City Council | September 22, 2026

The Ames City Council meeting on September 22, 2026, included several procurement and development-related discussions. Key agenda items involved the rezoning and development plans for properties at Ontario Street and Shaw Road, where local developers proposed a mixed residential project including single-family homes and multi-unit townhomes. The council reviewed traffic studies, stormwater management plans, and zoning deviations requested by developers, with public input expressing concerns about traffic impact and neighborhood compatibility. The council approved the rezoning with conditions and requested further review of certain architectural standards. Additionally, the council discussed and approved an ordinance establishing a social district for alcohol consumption in downtown Ames, with modifications to district boundaries due to legal easement considerations. Another significant item was the approval of a project in the West University Pedestrian Enhancement Overlay District, involving site plan approval and zoning variances to support densification near campus. The council also considered amendments to the citywide urban revitalization area designation and a planned unit development overlay amendment for deck construction on townhomes. Motions were passed to approve these items, with some requiring further review or future council consideration. Overall, the meeting focused heavily on land use, zoning, development approvals, and related infrastructure and community impact assessments.