Pleasant Hill City Zoning Code

The Conservation Design Regulations require the use of techniques by which natural landforms determine the design and character of new development.  These regulations are designed to protect the environment and natural resources and preserve and enhance the unique character of the City while allowing the development of creative and unique living and working environments.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Applicability of the provisions of this chapter is as follows:

1. All subdivisions shall have the option to be developed according to Conservation Design Regulations, as set forth in this chapter.
2. All other development shall have the option of development under the provisions of this chapter.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Natural Features Assessment.  The natural features assessment should be completed prior to any conceptual design work and shall include at a minimum a contour map of the parcel to be developed with the following features identified:
   1. Water bodies, waterways, and wetlands.  The delineation of these features shall include a 30-foot buffer.
   2. Floodplains.
   3. Tree canopy, individual specimen trees, or small stands of significant trees.
   4. Historic, archaeological or cultural features listed (or eligible to be listed) on the National Register of Historic Places, or on inventories developed by the Iowa State Historical Society.
   5. Slopes in excess of 9 percent.
   6. Ridgelines, view corridors, and watershed divides.
   7. Land with soils that do not support residential development.
2. Conceptual Plan.
   1. A conceptual plan for all proposed conservation developments shall first be submitted to the Planning Director before submission of a formal preliminary plat or site plan application.  A conceptual plan presents a conceptual layout for greenway and open lands, house/building sites, and street/drive alignments.  Each conceptual plan shall follow a four-step design process, as described below:
      1. Step One:  Designating the Open Space.  During the first step, all potential open space areas are identified, using the natural features assessment (see subsection 1 of this section).
      2. Step Two:  Location of House/Building Sites.  During the second step, potential house/building sites are located.  Applicants shall identify tentative house/building sites on the conceptual plan.  House/building sites should generally be located not closer than 50 feet from open space areas to enjoy views of the open space without negatively affecting the open space.
      3. Step Three:  Street/Drive and Lot Layout.  The third step consists of aligning proposed streets or drives to provide vehicular access to each house/building in the most reasonable and economical way.  When lots and access streets/drives are laid out, they shall be located in a way that avoids or at least minimizes adverse impacts on the open space areas.  To the greatest extent practicable, wetland crossings and streets traversing existing slopes over 15 percent shall be strongly discouraged.  Street connections shall generally be encouraged to minimize the number of new cul-de-sacs and to facilitate easy access to and from homes in different parts of the property (and on adjoining parcels).  Where cul-de-sacs are necessary, those serving six or fewer homes may be designed with "hammerheads" facilitating three-point turns.
      4. Step Four:  Lot Lines.  The fourth step is simply to draw in the lot lines (where applicable).  These are generally drawn midway between house or building locations.
   2. Review and Comments.  The Planning Director shall return written comments on the conceptual plan to the applicant within 30 days of submittal.  These comments should recommend changes to be made prior to submittal of a preliminary plat or site plan application.
   3. Application Checklist.  An application checklist provided by Pleasant Hill provides the applicant with the relevant items to be included in the Natural Features Assessment, other features to be identified, and other items necessary for preliminary plat or site plan application submittal.
3. Preliminary Plat or Site Plan Application.
   1. For subdivisions, a preliminary plat application will be required and must follow the Pleasant Hill Subdivision Regulations.
   2. For a development that is not a subdivision, a site plan application is generally required and the procedure in CHAPTER 171 of these Zoning Regulations must be followed.
4. Subdivision or Development Agreement.  Such agreement shall be required to be approved by the City Council prior to the commencement of development.  Agreement can be waived by the Planning Director if, in the judgment of the Planning Director, a site plan review or building permit review provides adequate information and documentation as to the installation of required infrastructure and other items relevant to the development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Development applications should follow the intent as identified in the following statements.  The Planning Director, Planning Commission, and City Council will utilize these intent statements as criteria for evaluating design appropriate to the site’s natural, historic and cultural features, and meeting the purposes of these regulations.

1. Conservation development should cluster houses and other structures in order to provide the maximum amount of open space that is used to help protect the natural features included in that designated open space.
2. All development developed under the provisions of this CHAPTER 174 (See Section 174.02, Applicability) shall designate a minimum of 30 percent of the total parcel area, or in the case of a development with multiple parcels, a minimum of 30 percent of the total area to be developed, as common open space that will be protected from disturbance and future development.  This designated open space shall include the features identified in Section 174.05 of this chapter.  Should the total area of the features in 174.05 not meet the minimum 30 percent requirement, then additional open space shall be designated in order to meet the 30 percent minimum requirement.  This designated open space will also provide areas for the development of additional storm water best management practices and/or the reestablishment of natural features.  In general, development should designate open space that is reasonably contiguous and avoid fragmented open spaces.
3. Developments shall minimize disturbance to natural features that are outside of the designated open space.  Landscaping of common areas outside the designated open space shall be consistent with the purpose and ongoing maintenance of these common areas.
4. Developments shall demonstrate maximum possible use of applicable BMPs including but not limited to those identified in the Pleasant Hill Comprehensive Plan.  Projects shall incorporate low impact development (LID) techniques and other storm water best management practices (BMPs) to ensure no net increase in storm water runoff, based on pre-development baseline conditions.
5. All proposed development activities shall minimize erosion on the site, siltation of water bodies, waterways and wetlands, loss of soils, and deterioration or damage to storm water BMP structures, and native, sustainable vegetation that protects soils.  The applicant shall prepare and submit an erosion control plan in accordance with the provisions of this section and any other applicable regulations.  A 30-foot buffer shall be maintained adjacent to any native growth prairie, wetland, or waterway on the site or immediately adjacent to the site.  The intent of the buffer is to minimize/mitigate any impacts of the developed areas and these environmentally sensitive features, whether these features be within the designated open space or not.  The buffer is intended to be vegetated and without manmade structures, with the exception of recreational trails or storm water BMPs that do not compromise the intent of the buffer or conflict with other regulations.
6. Proposed development shall minimize cut and fill necessary to support the land use.
7. Proposed development activities shall preserve as much vegetation and tree canopy as possible.  The intent is that vegetation and tree canopy should not be disturbed within the undeveloped open space areas.  Further, development applications are encouraged to submit plans to address erosion and sediment control issues within these undeveloped areas (in addition to erosion/sediment control and grading plans for the areas to be developed).  Within the areas proposed for development a maximum of 25 percent of the tree canopy can be removed and shall require mitigation at a 1:2 ratio (1 acre of canopy removed requires 2 acres to be replanted) or restoration of native prairie shall take place where appropriate.  One over story tree corresponds to 500 square feet of area.  Plans shall include submission of a tree mitigation plan.
8. Proposed commercial development shall include a pedestrian circulation system providing access between properties and throughout the development.  Circulation system must provide for future access/connections to adjacent development such that connectivity between and among developments is provided.  Roadside sidewalks/trails should connect with off-road trails, including those that are within the designated open space.
9. Provision of active or passive recreational areas in suitable locations that offer convenient access by residents and adequate screening from nearby house lots.  Existing park/recreation development plans, including but not limited to the Pleasant Hill Comprehensive Plan, Highway 163 Corridor Plan and other applicable planning documents, should be considered when evaluating proposed development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Designated open space must include the following:

1. Water bodies, waterways, and wetlands.  In all cases a 30-foot buffer shall also be included in the delineation of these features.
2. Floodplains may be developed consistent with storm water management policies and applicable regulations.  It is preferred, however, that no development takes place within the designated floodplain, based on full build-out conditions.
3. Tree canopy, individual specimen trees, or small stands of significant trees.
4. Native prairies and prairies that have been reestablished.  In all cases a 50-foot buffer shall also be included in the delineation of these features.
5. Historic, archaeological or cultural features, including but not limited to stone walls, earthworks, and burial grounds listed (or eligible to be listed) on the National Register of Historic Places, or on inventories developed by the Iowa State Historical Society.
6. Steep slopes in excess of 15 percent; land with soils that do not support residential development.

Land within the proposed development that falls within one or more of the aforementioned categories must be included in the open space designation.  The intent is to protect these natural, environmental, historical, and/or cultural features while allowing site-appropriate development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. The open space areas shall generally be designated as undivided open space, to facilitate easement monitoring and enforcement, and to promote appropriate management by a single entity according to approved land management standards.
2. These open space areas shall be restricted from further subdivision through one of several alternative mechanisms identified in Section 174.07, in a form acceptable to the City and duly recorded in the Polk County Register of Deeds Office.
3. The required open space may be used, without restriction, for individual or community septic systems, if such systems are allowed in the base zone district and do not negatively impact the features within the open space that are being protected.
4. Storm water best management practices (BMPs) may be included as part of the minimum required open space, if the BMPs are part of the development’s overall storm water management plan and the BMPs are consistent with the provisions of this chapter.
5. Land within the rights-of-way for underground pipelines, high tension power lines, telecommunication towers, and other utilities may also be included as part of the minimum required open space.
6. The location of open space shall be consistent with the policies contained in Pleasant Hill’s Comprehensive Plan and the recommendations contained in this chapter.
7. Access to Residential Lots.  Undivided open space shall be directly accessible to the largest practicable number of lots within a conservation subdivision.  To achieve this, the majority of house lots should abut undivided open space in order to provide direct views and access.  Safe and convenient pedestrian access to the open space from all lots not adjoining the open space shall be provided (except in the case of farmland or other resource areas vulnerable to trampling damage or human disturbance).  The intent is to have open space that allows connectivity throughout a subdivision and connectivity to other open space in other subdivisions where applicable and practical.  If the open space is designated as separate, noncontiguous parcels, an effort should be made to provide direct views and access to the maximum number of house lots.
8. Interconnection of Open Spaces.  Protected open spaces in each new subdivision are encouraged to adjoin each other, ultimately forming an interconnected network across the City.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Conservation developments shall provide for ownership and maintenance of common open space.

1. Maintenance - Financial Responsibility.  The owner of the open space (for example, a homeowners’ association) shall be responsible for raising all monies required for operations, maintenance, or physical improvements to the open space through annual dues, special assessments, or other methods.
2. Maintenance Enforcement.
   1. In the event that the association or any successor organization shall, at any time after establishment of a development containing undivided open space, fail to maintain the undivided open space in reasonable order and condition in accordance with the development plan, the City may serve written notice upon the owner of record, setting forth the manner in which the owner of record has failed to maintain the undivided open space in reasonable condition.
   2. Failure to adequately maintain the undivided open space in reasonable order and condition constitutes a violation of these regulations.
   3. Should any bill or bills for maintenance of undivided open space be unpaid, the City may file a special assessment, including an administrative charge.  Such special assessment shall be made equally against all properties in the development.
3. Ownership.  Common open space within a development shall be owned, administered, and maintained by any of the following methods, either individually or in combination, and subject to approval by the City.  All such common open space shall be restricted from further subdivision through one of these methods, in a form acceptable to the City and duly recorded in the Polk County Register of Deeds Office.
   1. Offer of Dedication.  Pleasant Hill, Polk County Conservation District, or other appropriate public entity shall have the first and last offer of dedication of undivided open space in the event said land is to be conveyed.  Dedication shall take the form of a fee simple ownership.  The City or other public entity may, but shall not be required to, accept undivided open space provided:  (i) such land is accessible to the residents of the City; (ii) there is no cost of acquisition other than any costs incidental to the transfer of ownership such as title insurance; and (iii) the City or other public entity agrees to and has access to maintain such lands.  Alternatively, a public entity may accept an easement, subject to the above conditions.
   2. Homeowners Association.  The undivided open space and associated facilities may be held in common ownership by a homeowners’ association.  The association shall be formed and operated under the following provisions: 
      1. The developer shall provide a description of the association, including its bylaws and methods for maintaining the open space.
      2. The association shall be organized by the developer and shall be operated with financial assistance from the developer, before the sale of any lots within the development.
      3. Membership in the association is mandatory for all purchasers of homes therein and their successors, and the conditions and timing of transferring control of the association from developer to homeowners shall be identified.
      4. The association shall be responsible for maintenance of insurance and taxes on undivided open space enforceable by liens placed by the City on the association.
      5. In the event of a proposed transfer of ownership, within the methods here permitted, of undivided open space land by the homeowners’ association, or of the proposed assumption of maintenance of undivided open space land by a public agency, notice of such proposed action shall be given to all property owners within the development and to the Planning Director.
      6. The homeowners’ association may lease open space lands to any other qualified person, or corporation, for operation and maintenance of open space lands.
   3. Condominiums.  The undivided open space and associated facilities may be controlled through the use of condominium agreements.  Such agreements shall be in conformance with the State statute.  All undivided open space land shall be held as a "common element."
   4. Transfer of Conservation Easements to a Private Conservation Organization.  An owner may transfer conservation easements to a private, nonprofit organization, among whose purposes it is to conserve open space and/or natural resources, provided that:
      1. The organization is acceptable to the City, and is a bona fide conservation organization with perpetual existence;
      2. The conveyance contains appropriate provisions for proper reverter or retransfer in the event that the organization becomes unwilling or unable to continue carrying out its functions; and
      3. A maintenance agreement acceptable to the commission is entered into by the developer and the organization.
   5. Private Ownership.  Open land may be maintained in private ownership, subject to agreements or easements acceptable to Pleasant Hill that maintain land within open space areas in an open, undisturbed state.  Such agreements shall provide a mechanism for the management of these permanent open spaces.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

For any development (residential or otherwise) that is required to follow the provisions of this Chapter (See 174.02, Applicability) there will be a minimum of 30 percent of the total parcel area (or 30 percent of the total area of all of the parcels included in the proposed development) that must be designated as open space.

1. Residential Development.  For residential development the underlying zoning district(s) define a minimum site area (SA) and a gross density.  Permitted yield (gross density) is calculated by the formula:

Where:

Y =   Permitted yield.

SA =   Minimum site area per unit required by the zoning district (noted in the respective zone district tables).

[Note:  Using this calculation will increase the potential density and allow most efficient use of services.  Underlying district bulk regulations may be waived.]

2. Nonresidential Development.  Nonresidential development is not constrained by a density regulator but the required site development regulators are still defined for each zoning district.

Effective on: 12/31/2019