Applications

This webpage is not intended to cover every aspect of the applications, and should not be considered the final or definitive authority on any of the matters it addresses. It is only a general guide. Questions on specific projects should be addressed to the Planning Services Department via mail: 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001; phone: (563) 589-4210; fax: (563) 589-4221; or by e-mail.

Applications

Annexation

Application

An application initiating a request to annex land into the City of Dubuque. Only the City Council can approve an annexation. If the annexation territory is within two miles of another city in Iowa, the City Council must seek the State of Iowa’s City Development Board approval for the annexation.

Appeal

Application

An application enabling any aggrieved person to challenge an administrative determination made by any municipal officer, department, board or bureau affected by an order, requirement, decision or determination undertaken in the enforcement of the Unified Development Code. Only the Zoning Board of Adjustment has the authority to decide an appeal.

Conditional Use Permit

Application

An application requesting a conditional use permit for certain uses that may have an impact on neighboring properties (i.e. licensed child care facility, communication towers, bed & breakfast inn, etc). Only the Zoning Board of Adjustment has the authority to grant a conditional use permit.

Institutional District

Application

An application requesting to establish, expand or amend an institutional district. Institutional Districts function as substantially separate communities within the city. These districts typically include campuses for college and medical purposes. The Zoning Advisory Commission reviews the institutional district request and provides a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council has the authority to approve or deny an institutional district request.

Limited Setback Waiver

Application

An application requesting a waiver to reduce certain zoning setback requirements to enable a person to obtain a building permit for a home improvement project without having to go to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Major Subdivision Review

Application

An application requesting to subdivide any parcel within the City or within two miles of the City limits into three or more lots with public or private improvements (street, water and sewer). The Zoning Advisory Commission reviews the subdivision request and provides a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council then approves or denies a major subdivision request.

Minor Subdivision Review

Application

An application requesting to subdivide any parcel within the City or within two miles of the City limits into three or more lots, without public or private improvements (streets, water, sewers). The Zoning Advisory Commission reviews the subdivision request and provides a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council then approves or denies a minor subdivision request.

Major Site Plan Review

Application

An application required for review and approval of all new commercial, industrial and multi-family residential construction and building expansions. Applications and site plans are reviewed and approved by the City’s Development Review Team (Building, Engineering, Fire, Planning, & Water Departments).

Minor Site Plan Review

Application

An application for review of all new or expanded parking lots (greater than 50 spaces) and for building expansions that do not require new connections to City water or sewer mains or provisions of new storm water control facilities. Applications and site plans are reviewed and approved by the City’s Development Review Team (Building, Engineering, Fire, Planning, & Water Departments).

Simple Site Plan Review

Application

An application required for review of all new freestanding sign locations, new antenna installations and for expanded parking lots (less than 50 spaces). Applications and site plans are reviewed and approved by the Planning Services Department. Depending on the project, Planning Staff may involve other city departments in the review process. 

Planned District

Application

An application required to establish, expand or amend a planned district, or planned unit development (PUD). Planned Districts encourage flexible and innovative design in the development of appropriate sites as integrated project units. These districts typically include large residential, office, commercial or industrial developments. The Zoning Advisory Commission reviews the planned district request and provides a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council has the authority to approve or deny a planned district request.

Port of Dubuque Design Review

Application

An application for review and approval of new or expanded development, vessels and signage in the Port of Dubuque to ensure that new and existing facilities work together to create an attractive, high quality, pedestrian-oriented urban neighborhood for visitors, residents and workers.

Chaplain Schmitt Island Design Review

Application

An application for review and approval of new or expanded development, vessels and signage, etc. to be used by property managers, developers and the City of Dubuque to help establish a common theme or "place" at Chaplain Schmitt Island.    

Projecting Sign Permit

Application

An application requesting to install a sign that projects over public property or right-of-way. Public property includes public grounds, streets, sidewalks, alleys, bridges, steps, culverts, overpasses, underpasses, grade crossing separations and approaches, public ways, squares and commons.

Rezoning

Application

An application requesting to change the zoning classification of a property. Zoning regulates and restricts the height, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures; the percentage of lot that may be occupied; the size of yards, and open space. Zoning also regulates the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for industrial, residential, and commercial purposes. The Zoning Advisory Commission reviews the rezoning request and provides a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council has the authority to approve or deny a rezoning request.

Simple Lot Split - Lot Consolidation Plat

Application

An application necessary to review a plat for a simple division (lot split) and/or consolidation of lots. A plat is needed when land is consolidated or divided into two lots, but no new private or public streets or improvements (sewer/water mains) are proposed. The plat is reviewed by the City Planner and in some cases the Zoning Advisory Commission and City Council.

Special Exception

Application

An application requesting to waive the zoning bulk requirements (setbacks, height, lot coverage, etc.) established in the Unified Development Code for property used solely for residential purposes. Only the Zoning Board of Adjustment has the authority to grant a special exception request.

Sign Variance

Application

An application requesting to waive the sign requirements (number, height, size, etc.) established in the Unified Development Code for commercial, industrial or residential property. Only the Zoning Board of Adjustment has the authority to grant a variance request.

Temporary Use Permit

Application

An application requesting to allow temporary use of commercial or industrial property not to exceed a six months duration per calendar year. Temporary uses include tent sales in parking lots, seasonal garden centers, and event sales located off-premise (auto sales, equipment sales, etc). 

Text Plan Amendment

Application

An application requesting to amend the language of the Unified Development Code or the Comprehensive Plan. The Zoning Advisory Commission reviews the proposed text amendment and provides a recommendation to the City Council. The Long Range Planning Advisory Commission reviews the proposed comprehensive plan amendment and provides a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council has the authority to approve or deny a text/plan amendment request. 

Variance

Application

An application requesting to waive the zoning bulk requirements (setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking, etc.) established in the Unified Development Code for commercial or industrial property. In some cases, a variance is required for residential property. Only the Zoning Board of Adjustment has the authority to grant a variance request.