The City of Marion, Iowa - Planning & Development

Central Corridor Strategic Plan - February 2006

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:01:26 -0400

In 2003 the City of Marion was awarded an EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant to conduct environmental investigations in the 7th Avenue / Highway 151 Corridor - otherwise known as the Central Corridor. Under the auspcies of this grant, the City budged funds to conduct a community outreach as a means of determining how these underdeveloped brownfield sites can become a community asset to the communiy rather than a visual and enviornmental liability.

The following report begins to synthesize these elements into a series of observations, conclusions and recommendations for future action. Moreover, recommendations regarding implementing or "next steps" offer insight on how the community can overcome many of the constraints caused by environmentally impaired properties.

Request for Qualifications - Central Corridor Master Plan

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:27:31 -0400

The City of Marion is requesting qualifications from a consultant team to create a Brownfield Redevelopment Plan for Marion's Central Corridor. Key components to the plan will include addressing circulation issues for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic in addition to establishing an overall design theme to create a unique sense of place in the community. Upon its completion, the redevelopment plan will be the foundation for future redevelopment and become the bases for future planningand land use decisions in the corridor.

Request for Qualifications (pdf)

Comprehensive Plan / Future Land Use Map Update

Thu, 22 May 2008 11:20:56 -0400

Sorry the deadline for "Request for Qualifications" has closed.

Thank-you to everyone that submitted proposals, the selection committee will begin review submittals over the course of the next several weeks.

The City of Marion, Iowa is soliciting services of a qualified consultant team with considerable experience in the areas of citizen involvement/participation, visioning, planning and sustainable community design to assist in the update of the 1998 City Comprehensive Plan and provide recommendations for integrating hte approved plan policies in the City Development Process.

Planning & Development Department - Monthly Report (January 2007)

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:25:35 -0500

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MONTHLY REPORT
January 2008

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

The Marion Planning and Zoning Commission did not meet in January.

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

There were no items to come before the Marion Zoning Board of Adjustment in January.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

The Marion Historic Preservation Commission discussed options regarding future funding for a National Register District Nomination for the downtown commercial district.

Central Corridor Brownfield Program

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:03:46 -0500

OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC INPUT ON FUTURE LAND USE PLANNING IN THE CENTRAL CORRIDOR

Survey Link: SORRY SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED, RESULTS WILL BE POSTED SOON.

The City of Marion’s Department of Planning and Development is seeking public input on future land use concepts that are being considered as part of the Central Corridor Brownfield Initiative. This community outreach effort coincides with funding provided through the U.S. EPA Brownfield program to identify and address adverse environmental impacts involving several properties within the target area.

7th Avenue East Corridor - Urban Revitalization Plan

Wed, 30 May 2007 10:21:41 -0400

The purpose of the formation of the 7th Avene East Corridor Revitalization Tax Exemption Area and Plan is to encourage reinvestment and redevelopment within the project area in an attractive manner consistent with the City of Marion's Comprehensive Plan. As allowed by the authority of said Chapter 404 of the Iowa Code, the incentive for economic development is provided by exempting a portion of all of property tax valuation added through qualified improvements for specified periods of time.

Please feel free to review the complete 7th Avenue East Corridor District Urban Revilatization Plan to see if your property and project qualify. If you have questions regarding the plan or your project please contact the Marion Planning and Development Department at 319-743-6320.

Central Business District - Urban Revitalization Plan

Wed, 30 May 2007 10:16:46 -0400

The purpose of the formation of the Central Business District Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption Area and Plan is to encourage reinvestment and redevelopment within the project area in an attractive manner consistent with the City of Marion's Comprehensive Plan. As allowed by the authority of said Chapter 404 of the Iowa Code, the incentive for economic development is provided by exempting a portion of all of property tax valuation added through qualified improvements for specified periods of time.

Please feel free to review the complete Central Business District Urban Revilatization Plan to see if your property and project qualify. If you have questions regarding the plan or your project please contact the Marion Planning and Development Department at 319-743-6320.

Marion Growth Data

Wed, 23 May 2007 10:32:07 -0400

The following information was compiled by the Marion Planning and Development Department, utilizing data provided by the Iowa Data Center. If you should have any questions please feel free to contact David Hockett, Assistant Planning and Development Director at 319-743-6320.

Marion Growth
July 1, 2005 - 30,233 (Source: Iowa Data Center)
April 1, 2000 - 26,400 (Source: 2000 US Census)

The City of Marion experienced a population gain of 3,833 from mid 2000 to mid 2005, which makes Marion's growth the State's 5th highest population gain by any city and the highest population gain of any community outsde of the Des Moines Metro Area. This is a gain of 14.5% which is the 52nd highest percentage gain of any Iowa Community. It is the 6th highest percentage gain of any Iowa community with a 2005 estimated population of over 10,000 people. In 2000 Marion was the 18th largest City in Iowa, per the 2005 estimate Marion is not the 15th largest Iowa community.

Employment Opportunities - Assistant Planner

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 10:37:44 -0400

Thank you for your interest in the City Planner Position with the City of Marion. The application deadline has passed and we are unable to accept additional applications.

The hiring committee will begin review applications over the next two weeks with interviews being set after. If you have questions please feel free to contact the Marion Planning and Development Department at 319-743-6320 or planning@cityofmarion.org

:: Job Description (pdf) ::

Planning & Development Department Links

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 16:27:35 -0500

The City of Marion is not responsible for the contet of linked third-party sites.

Instiute of Architects - Iowa Chapter
Improves the built environment through service to members, the profession and the public.

American Planning Association (APA)

American Planning Association - Iowa Chapter

Americans with Disabilities Act
Provides information to the public and to private entities on design standards to be or become ADA compliant.

Current News and Updates - Planning & Development Department

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 14:38:54 -0500

Below are some of the latest udates and news regarding the Planning and Development Department activities. If you should have any questions regarding any of activities please feel free to contact us at 319-743-6320.

June 30, 2008 (Monday)

Planning Staff with the assistance of Riley Simpson, Phlat Earth Planning Consultants continue to work on the Zoning Code Update, staff anticipates completing the document late summer or early fall with additional public information meetings prior to final presentation to the City Council. If you have any questions please contact David Hockett, Assistant Planning and Development Director.
Summer brings about summer projects, please contact the Marion Buidling Department to ensure that your project can be completed. Many projects require builidng permits and review by staff prior to construction.

June 23, 2008 (Monday)

Marion Zoning Code Update

Fri, 26 May 2006 12:01:14 -0400

YOUR OPINION MATTERS!!!

The City of Marion is still in the process of updateing the Marion Zonnig Ordinance and is soliciting public comments regarding the proposed changes and future amendments.

Changes to the Zoning Ordinance primarily deal with District Definitions and Intents, District Use Lists and Bulk regulations, i.e. side, rear and front yard setbacks, height restrictions, building densities, etc.

The City conducted an open house and presented draft changes. The draft ordinance and supportive tables are attached for review and comments.

Planning and Development Department - Online Forms

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 11:09:49 -0500

Planning & Development Department
On-line Forms / Applications

The Marion Planning & Development Department online forms / applications are available pdf format. The Planning Department requires pre-development meetings to occur prior to submittal of any application. If you have any questions regarding these applications or wish to set an appointment for a pre-development meeting please feel free to contact David Hockett, Assistant Planning and Development Director at 319-743-6320.

PLEASE NOTE: All forms have been updated for 2008 a completed current application is required for submittal, old applications will not be accepted.

Open House - Brownfield Funding Opportunities

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 12:56:24 -0500

Brownfield Open House - Funding Opportunities

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 12:40:32 -0500

The City is seeking public participation and support for both a Brownfield Cleanup Grant and Assessment Grant relating to Marion Central Corridor Brownfield Initiative. The City is hosting an open house at 6:30 (Assessment Grant) and 7:15 (cleanup Grant) on Tuesday, November 29th at the Heritage Center located at 590 10th Street. There will be a brief presentation on the goals of the corridor and then an explanation of the grant request and questions. The City is encouraging anyone interested in participating in preparation of these applications to attend.

The City Council established the Marion Central Corridor Brownfield Initiative in 2004 with a goal to address the environmental issues associated with the assessment and cleanup of brownfield properties within Marion’s Central Corridor, to reduce threats to human health, provide economic redevelopment opportunities, and encourage the creation of trails and related green spaces along this community gateway. The Marion Central Corridor is defined as the area between 12th street and 35th Street and 8th Avenue and 5th Avenue. Since the inception of the initiative the City has received $400,000 in Assessment Grants and $200,000 in Cleanup Grants from the EPA.