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JUNE 2005
PLANNING DISTRICT 2                                        Click here Planning District 2 Map

This district is located in the north, central portion of North Liberty. The northern boundary stops along the Iowa River corridor. The district contains a healthy mix of current and proposed land uses, including portions of the Town Center area, as well as substantial commercial and industrial uses. In addition, the northern extra-territorial jurisdiction area contains a primary future residential growth corridor for the City.

North Liberty's current two-mile jurisdiction area boundary can be seen on the map. The planning district’s boundary, as shown, does not extend beyond the Iowa River and into the northern portion of the two-mile area. While this land is within a two-mile radius of the City, the river serves as a barrier that provides a logical division for review authority. Urban development should not occur outside of the planning district boundary.

As in Planning District 1, the river corridor contains a number of natural features that may limit development, including steep slopes, and existing vegetation. Future development within this river corridor must occur in a manner that preserves these valuable resources and allows the natural features to be maintained as attractive amenities. Therefore, the City, in conjunction with Johnson County, must review development proposals within the two-mile jurisdiction area to ensure these issues are being adequately addressed in accordance with the strategies outlined in the Plan.

This district serves as a primary residential growth area for the City. The growth will likely occur on either side of Highway 965 as shown on the map. The Plan recommends low-density residential throughout the northern undeveloped portion of the future growth area. Medium-density residential use is proposed for the remainder of the District, except for the proposed residential growth area south of Penn Street, which should be higher density to promote infill development within and near existing subdivisions.

It is essential that the City study all development requests in this area to ensure they represent a logical staging of residential growth, in order to efficiently provide services and to ensure a preservation of prime farmlands and sensitive lands within the district. In addition, all development requests should be incorporated into the City via annexation. The most prevalent land use type recommended is single-family residential.

The extension of Jones Boulevard, as well as an additional collector roadway to the east, is included in the Master Transportation Plan. The Transportation Plan also identified Jones Boulevard as a minor arterial within the district. Access onto these roads should be discouraged.

The extension of Jones Boulevard should enhance the commercial and industrial development potential in this district. The potential exists for compatibility problems within the district where industrial and commercial development directly abuts residential areas. In response to this concern, the City must utilize its buffer yard Ordinance that requires adequate landscape screening between incompatible uses.

Portions of the Town Center area are located in the southern section of the district. This commercial area benefits from access to Penn Street and Highway 965. As discussed within the land use section of this Plan, infill development should focus on government facilities, professional, and specialty services which do not benefit significantly from highway exposure. The development of this Central Commercial Area will provide a focal point for the community and aid in preserving "small city" character. The Land Use Plan establishes guidelines for building and design in the Town Center Area that should be followed.

Redevelopment efforts should be aimed at providing compatible uses surrounding the Town Center Area that preserve the existing residential character and yet create a link between the commercial uses.

Additional proposed commercial development within the district includes highway commercial uses along Highway 965. Any proposed use should benefit from highway exposure and not compete with the Town Center commercial uses. It is essential that the City study all development requests in this area to ensure they represent a logical staging of commercial growth and should be incorporated into the City, in order to efficiently provide services and to ensure a preservation of prime farmlands in this district.

Within District 2, consideration should be given to providing a number of pedestrian/ bicycle trails along major traffic carriers. As shown on the Master Trail Systems Plan, on-street trail locations have been placed in a manner that allows neighborhoods a direct and logical route to activity generators, specifically neighborhood parks and the Town Center area. These trails should be incorporated into future development proposals as necessary.

Planning District 2 Recommendations

1. Urban development should not occur outside of the planning district boundary.

2. Development requests in environmentally sensitive areas within the district should be carefully reviewed by the City to ensure protective measures are being taken consistent with strategies outlined in the Plan.

3. Low-density residential is recommended in the northern undeveloped portion of the future growth area. Residential growth near the river corridor should be low-density and carefully planned to ensure the preservation of sensitive lands within the district. Medium-density residential use is proposed for the remainder of the District, except for the proposed residential growth area south of Penn Street, which should be higher density to promote infill development within and near existing subdivisions. The most prevalent land use type recommended is single-family residential.

4. Future urban development should be staged and annexed into the City in order to allow efficient extension of urban services, and preservation of contiguous farming activities.

5. Ensure the retention of natural features and significant topography during the development process.

6. Direct lot access along Jones Boulevard should be discouraged in the future.

7. New development within the Town Center commercial area that meets the standards established in this Plan should be encouraged where appropriate. Specific proposals and plans should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for appropriateness, compatibility, and compliance with City/area standards. Improvements should include walking, lighting, landscaping improvements that also help to tie together the residential neighborhoods that abut the commercial area.

8. Any urban development should be annexed into North Liberty prior to approval to allow for the proper extension of utilities.

9. Trails should be provided within the district to provide necessary pedestrian/bicycle connections to other areas of the City.

10. Incorporate planned arterial and collector streets as well as planned trails into future development proposals as necessary.

Click here Planning District 2 Map

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