Where should condominiums be built in the City of Decorah? A petition calls for creating another option

Decorah attorney Karl Knudson says the City of Decorah's current zoning ordinance doesn't have the flexibility it needs when deciding where medium-density residential condominiums should be built.

Knudson has presented the city with a petition with over 100 signatures that calls for the city to consider adding an "R6" zoning classification that would allow for up to four family-condominiums to be built on the property.

In a letter to Decorah City Administrator Chad Bird, Knudson says, "There are areas which are appropriate for condominium development, but which are inappropriate for high-density residential development.  The proposed new district would therefore create an intermediate district, filling a gap in our zoning ordinance by enabling medium density condominium districts."

Right now the only property that can be used for condominium development in Decorah is property zoned for high-density residential development.  However, such zoning districts can also be used for high density developments.  Knudson's suggestion is to create a medium-density zoning district which would allow condo development while prohibiting high-density development.  

The proposed new district would give the city an extra option, says Knudson: "Many people would like to live in condominiums but would rather not be in a high-density district, and many medium density neighborhoods would object to high-density development next door.  A medium-density residential condominium development would be more likely to fit harmoniously next to existing residential neighborhoods.  If the city had a medium-density condominium option, I believe we would see an increase in much-desired condominium development."

The issue rose when Traditions Management proposed a high-density housing project for property in Riverwalk Subdivision.  Neighbors of the property hired Knudson to argue against the proposed development.

However, Knudson says his suggestion is separate from any decision about the fate of the Riverwalk property.  He says his proposed zoning ordinance change would only create a new zoning classification for residential property--any decision about which particular property ought to have which particular zoning classification would be made independently and at a later time.

Knudson's letter has been referred by the Decorah City Council to the city's Planning and Zoning Commission.