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Home My WebLink About2026-02-23 D01 Work Session_Comprehensive Development Plan UpdateAGENDA ITEM: CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION MEETING DATE: February 23-2026 AGENDA ITEM:Comprehensive Development Plan update FORMAT:Work Session SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: HGKi representatives will present the updated plan. FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS: COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT: STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT: RECOMMENDATION: ATTACHMENTS: I. HGKi memo and plan PREPARED BY: City Clerk Becky Schuett REVIEWED BY: D1 800 Washington Avenue North, Suite 207 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Memorandum To: City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission From: Rita Trapp and Kendra Ellner, Consulting Planners Subject: Joint Meeting - Imagine Waukee 2040 Plan Update Date: February 23, 2026 Introduction HKGi continues to collaborate with staff to advance the Imagine Waukee 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. At the upcoming meeting, we will conﬁrm proposed updates made based on the September Joint Meeting and continue conversations on key topics to support development of the ﬁrst full draft of the updated plan. For reference, the September presentation is available here. Overview of Proposed Plan Updates Based on insights gathered thus far there is broad satisfaction with the current Imagine Waukee 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the community’s overall trajectory. As a result, updates are intended to be strategic, reﬂective of current conditions, and ﬂexible enough to address emerging needs. The current Comprehensive Plan is organized into nine sections, six of which cover the key topics that guide the community’s functions of land use, economic development, housing, transportation, community facilities, and parks. The plan update is designed to be broad enough to guide long-term vision in each of these areas, yet speciﬁc enough to catalyze action and provide clarity during times of change. During the September Joint Meeting there was discussion on the approach to the plan updates and emerging topics. This included reﬁnement of the vision and guiding principles, followed by review of each of the six core plan chapters where we discussed key accomplishments, community engagement takeaways, major changes identiﬁed, and updated goals. From this conversation there was helpful direction on proposed updates, including updates to goals and adding sustainability to each chapter. At this meeting, HKGi will share some of the proposed changes since the last meeting to conﬁrm they accurately reﬂect the discussion and to see if there’s any new information that should be included: » The original 2019 vision continues to resonate with the community and reﬂect its long-term aspirations. However, feedback on the vision and guiding principles indicated support for a few minor adjustments. Updates focus on improving clarity and cohesion, including consolidating the “technology and innovation” principle with “economic development.” There was also a request to expand the language within the natural resources principle to better capture the broader meaning of environmental stewardship in the context of Waukee. In addition to these reﬁnements, formatting updates were made so the section is visually distinct from the 2019 Plan (see attached draft Vision and Guiding Principles chapter). » The 2019 Plan used sidebars and callout boxes to provide additional context. This information is not necessarily tied to current City action but helpful for clarifying misunderstood topics and local relevance. During the previous joint meeting, we discussed opportunities to update these callout February 23, 2026 Joint Meeting - Imagine Waukee 2040 Plan Update Memorandum 2 boxes across the chapters by revamping, removing, or adding topics to reﬂect current dialogs. Attached are drafts of additional call out boxes that have been prepared. Discussion Topics The following summarizes the key discussion topics for the upcoming joint meeting. Future Land Use Future Land Use is a core element of the comprehensive plan. Given the community’s growth, the future land use plan is being signiﬁcantly updated to identify intended land use in areas that were previously shown as urban reserve. At the September meeting a series of land use concepts were shared for the different growth areas of the community. Based on the discussion, revisions have been made to those concepts, and a complete Future Land Use Map has been prepared and the plan’s framework diagram has been updated. To facilitate review of the Future Land Use map, the future land use typologies (categories) have also been attached. A review of the future land use categories, zoning districts, and recent developments ﬁnds that the current density ranges do not fully align with residential developments being approved today. The following table summarizes at a high level the future land use categories and corresponding zoning districts. Future Land Use Plan Zoning Category Density Estimated Lot Sizes (sf) to achieve density Typical Zoning Districts Applied Minimum lot size (use) Low density residential 2 to 4 units per acre 10,890 sf to 21,780 sf R-1 10,000 sf (single-family) R-2 8,000 sf (single-family); 10,000 sf (two) Medium density residential 4 to 12 units per acre 3,630 sf 10,890 sf R-4 3,500 sf (rowhouse / townhouse) High density residential 12+ units per acre 3,630 sf R-3 No minimum lot size. Allows rowhouse, townhouse, and apartments. Max density of 18 units per acre. In reviewing the comparison of future land use and zoning the following questions come to mind: 1) Should the low-density residential land use category be modiﬁed to reﬂect smaller lot sizes as the current density range generally limits lot sizes to no more than 10,000 square feet? Staff has indicated that the City has approved a number of developments with smaller lot sizes, February 23, 2026 Joint Meeting - Imagine Waukee 2040 Plan Update Memorandum 3 though every project has been approved through the planned unit development process (PUD). 2) Should the medium and high-density residential land use categories be modiﬁed to reﬂect appropriate densities for rowhouses/townhomes and apartments? As with smaller lot sizes, the City has been using the PUD process to allow developments with more density, particularly within Kettlestone. 3) Should the comprehensive plan set the framework for updates to the zoning code to facilitate housing development beyond traditional single-family? 4) The state limits the ability of the City to negotiate and secure certain development standards. What are the standards that the use of the PUD process has been helpful to achieve? Housing Discussion about approaches to addressing housing, particularly affordable housing, was tabled last September given anticipated regional conversations with Capital Crossroads. As housing is important to Waukee, attached is the comparison table from the last meeting as a reference for discussion. The table highlights how Waukee has been addressing affordable housing relative to other communities. Actions An important element of any comprehensive plan is the set of actions which address the “who, what, when, where, and how” of reaching the community’s goals. To ensure we incorporate council and commission member ideas, we have prepared a worksheet with the core chapter goals that were previously reviewed and example actions from each chapter. Physical copies will be available at the meeting so you can add notes or ideas directly. Attachments • Updated Vision and Guiding Principles • Call-out boxes for chapters • Land Use o Land Use Category Descriptions o Draft Future Land Use Map • Housing - Affordable Housing Comparison Table • Implementation Actions Worksheet VISIONStatement for Waukee Waukee is a high-quality, forward-looking community poised for continued and balanced growth in the 21st Century. It is a multi-generational community with a diverse range of people and a diverse range of employment, entrepreneurial, educational, shopping, housing, and recreational opportunities that are connected and accessible to all. Waukee actively preserves and enhances the natural features and environmental qualities that make it an attractive place to live, work, and play. Waukee will continue to grow in an economically, environmentally, and socially responsible manner and will leverage thoughtful design and innovation to create a variety of special, distinct places that make Waukee a destination in central Iowa. #Collaboration #EfficiencyTransparencyConsistency #CleanRenewableEfficientEnergy #OccupationalDiversity #Revitalization #HousingDiversity #CommunityCharacter #NaturalResourcesandAgProtection #SustainableDesign #TransportationDiversity 2 - 1 4 Wa u ke e C o m p re h e n s i ve P l a n U p d a te | 2 0 4 0 Guiding Principles: Coordinated and Efficient Growth Management Waukee will provide infrastructure and services for growth in an efficient manner that balances development with the conservation of the natural environment. A Focus on Quality Design and Distinct Places Waukee will promote a high standard of design for new development, renovations, and rehabilitations in order to provide attractive and enduring neighborhoods, public spaces, and commercial areas and to create unique destinations that will make Waukee a special and distinct place in central Iowa. A United and Accessible Community Waukee welcomes and is accessible to all people and all generations in its planning, management, and operations. Waukee pursues partnerships that advance the goals of the community, including partnerships with school districts, nearby communities, and the region at at large. V i s i o n & G u i d i n g P r i n c i p l e s 2 - 1 5 Trails, Parks, and Recreational Opportunities Waukee will provide a diverse range of recreational opportunities, including facilities and programming for all ages and varying interests. Trails, parks, open space, and recreational opportunities will be connected and integrated into neighborhoods and other areas of the community. Quality of Life in Neighborhoods and Gathering Places Waukee will encourage the creation of new and strengthening of existing neighborhoods, community destinations and gathering places (including Downtown, parks, and other civic spaces). It will provide for a diverse range of public art and cultural amenities around the community. It will promote and maintain the quality and character of established and new neighborhoods and ensure that residents have access to the full range of facilities and services that are needed for healthy, livable neighborhoods. A Comprehensive and Multi- Modal Transportation System Waukee will provide a safe and efficient transportation system that promotes a sense of community by connecting all areas of town, and accommodates various modes of travel, including walking, biking, and transit. The transportation system will efficiently connect Waukee to the rest of the metropolitan area and central Iowa. It also will provide for aesthetically appealing local streets and corridors and will promote the adaptability of corridors to changing transportation technologies and travel behaviors. 2 - 1 6 Wa u ke e C o m p re h e n s i ve P l a n U p d a te | 2 0 4 0 Environmental Health Waukee will conserve natural, scenic, and environmentally sensitive areas, including wildlife habitat and waterways, to protect the natural environment for future generations. The City will educate, support, and implement sustainable initiatives that reduce environmental impacts, model stewardship, and build community resilience. Economic and Fiscal Strength Waukee will continue to proactively build and diversify its tax base to ensure long term fiscal strength and support the high level of services and amenities desired by the community. The City will plan for growth and infrastructure management in a fiscally sustainable manner, balancing the needs of both new and established areas. Waukee will embrace technology and innovation to leverage public investment and position the community for a strong economic future. A Community of Diversity Waukee welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, provides a diverse range of opportunities for housing, employment, recreation, and daily activities, and has a diverse set of destinations that make Waukee a unique community in central Iowa. V i s i o n & G u i d i n g P r i n c i p l e s 2 - 1 7 Chapter Call Out Boxes The following are additional informational call-out boxes being proposed to be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. The topics and content are based on the discussions at the September Joint Meeting. Please let staﬀ and the consultant team know if edits are needed or if there are additional topics that would be helpful to include. Land Use Chapter 1. Orderly City Growth and Development The comprehensive plan, particularly the land use chapter, is intended to guide orderly growth and development across the city. Clear goals, policies, and actions enable the City to eﬃciently plan for public services, amenities, infrastructure, and facility maintenance and expansion, ensuring services reach both existing and future residents. Considering Waukee’s currently rapid growth rate and population projections it is essential to appropriately plan land in order to budget, accommodate, and construct the necessary public services and facilities. 2. Balancing Land Uses Balancing land uses is essential to creating a well-functioning community. The comprehensive plan promotes a mix of uses to ensure that development meets diverse needs, supports economic vitality, and enhances quality of life. Thoughtful land use planning can help preemptively prevent conﬂicts, enable eﬃcient infrastructure investment, and foster a cohesive urban environment. However, ultimately it is property owners and/or developers responding to the market that shape the physical environment and determine what will be built in a speciﬁc location. As a result, cities may experience duplicative or uneven distribution of uses, or even have some uses that are missing for a time. Cities may also experience more growth in one type of land use due to the physical characteristics of the land and availability of infrastructure. In some years this has occurred in Waukee as there were more opportunities for new development along major roadways where apartments were being built. 3. Property Acquisition When opportunities arise, it is important for the City to pursue strategic land acquisitions to enable implementation of long-term goals. Acquisitions may occur as part of development, such as a plat, or it may involve the purchasing of private property that is already developed. Examples of how Waukee has used strategic acquisitions includes the construction of a roundabout, creation of stormwater ponds, extension of trails, and the the development of the greenway system. Economic Development Chapter 1. Aﬀordable Space for Small Businesses Waukee encourages entrepreneurship but recognizes the challenges that come with a growing community. The City’s current phase of building new infrastructure and constructing new commercial spaces results in higher costs, making it diﬃcult for smaller businesses to secure aﬀordable space. This can result in fewer local, homegrown businesses and more regional or national chains. Over time as spaces constructed today age, costs will become more aﬀordable and there will be a natural increase in small businesses. However, tools and strategies that could be considered to support small businesses include creating intentionally designed spaces for start-ups, supporting mixed-use areas, identifying opportunities for adaptive reuse instead of new construction, connecting businesses with resources, and grants and loans. Parks, Trails, Recreation, and Open Space Chapter 1. When will the trail or sidewalk connect? Sidewalks and trails are generally constructed as part of a new development or road projects. This approach is more eﬃcient, and results in more trails or sidewalks than the City could build on its own. However, this approach can also result in sidewalks or trails that have gaps, such as when new development occurs on either side of an existing, developed property. It may also result in sidewalks or trails that just end in a new neighborhood until the next neighborhood or road is constructed. The City is continually monitoring trail and sidewalk connections as new development occurs. It also seeks opportunities to address gaps where possible. Community Facilities & Infrastructure 1. Stormwater Wins: Waukee is committed to enhancing stormwater management and has implemented strategies to improve watershed conditions, including: • The Waukee Public Library Stormwater Project collects 90% of stormwater runoﬀ from the library parking lot and surrounding streets. The stormwater management system ﬁlters out pollutants before slowly releasing the cleaner water downstream. The project serves as a model for future development in the City. • Triumph Park combines stormwater management with accessible recreation. The stormwater pond at the Park is stocked with ﬁsh and has an accessible ﬁshing pier, stacking functions and creating multipurpose infrastructure. • Waukee adopted use of the Iowa Stormwater Management Manual (ISWMM) for stormwater management design. • Community engagement showed support for the community stormwater pond on SE Tallgrass Lane. La n d U s e 3 - 2 9 Figure 3.3: 2040 Land Use Plan 3 - 2 2 Wa u ke e C o m p re h e n s i ve P l a n U p d a te | 2 0 4 0 Urban Reserve The Urban Reserve typology serves as a holding zone until such time as municipal utilities are available to facilitate an orderly urban development pattern. This category is applied to areas that are outside of the projected growth area but within the long-term planned areas and within areas envisioned to be annexed to the City of Waukee. Development in this category will be served with private utilities and individual well and septic, and regulated by County zoning. A density of no more than 1 unit per 40 acres is desired. It is recognized that some demand exists for greater density development prior to the availability of municipal sewer and water extension and prior to annexation. In these instances, careful planning and design should be done to cluster development in a way that envisions longer term urban development form/patterns with municipal infrastructure. LAND USE TYPOLOGY This section provides general descriptions of the land use categories (or typologies) contained within Waukee’s Future Land Use Map. While the planning for specific land uses and projects within these categories may differ over time, these descriptions provide the general guidelines for land use planning by category in Waukee through 2040. The land use categories provide guidance for the application of the City’s zoning ordinances, where specific districts will regulate land development and should closely align with these categories on the future land use map. Land Use Typology Descriptions La n d U s e 3 - 2 3 Medium Density Residential This typology captures a variety of attached side by side townhome and row home products, with densities ranging from 4 to 12 units per acre. Small lot detached housing products also fit within this category. High Density Residential This typology includes a variety of higher density residential development forms, including townhomes, row houses, patio homes, apartments, condominiums, and various forms of senior housing. The predominant form of housing is in a vertically stacked orientation (apartments/condos). Typical density in this category is greater than 12 units per acre with building heights in the 3 to 5 story range. Rural Residential The Rural Residential land use typology preserves established areas of very low density residential development on larger lots. Rural Residential land uses typically are served with individual septic systems, and in some cases, private water wells. These areas are not intended for service by municipal infrastructure except in the case of failure of private systems and potential health or environmental concerns. The Rural Residential pattern includes a maximum density of 1 unit per acre. As applied to the Waukee future land use plan, these areas are, and will remain, limited to areas where the pattern already exists and where it make sense to infill or continue the pattern at its periphery. Low Density Residential This land use typology captures the traditional forms of single family housing found in Waukee and most suburban communities over the last few decades. The typical lot size ranges from 8,000 square feet to 0.50 acres and the average density ranges from 2 to 4 units per acre. The Low Density Residential typology includes predominantly single family detached homes with limited clusters of attached housing types, such as duplexes or twinhomes. Residential The Residential typology defines subdivision and neighborhood development patterns by distinguishing units per acre, which helps establish varying residential scales and supports a range of housing types desired for different contexts. 3 - 2 4 Wa u ke e C o m p re h e n s i ve P l a n U p d a te | 2 0 4 0 Community Commercial These areas include commercial uses with a combined or total gross leasable area of 125,000 to 400,000 square feet that provide goods and services for a 3 to 6 mile trade area radius. Community Commercial centers often have two or more anchor tenants which could include a discount store or supermarket, and are developed on 10 to 40 acres of land. Community Commercial uses typically are located along minor or major arterials and would serve a large portion of the Waukee community. Regional Commercial Regional Commercial areas include large commercial uses with gross leasable areas in excess of 400,000 square feet that serve a larger regional market. Anchor tenants often include department stores, discount stores, or other mass merchandisers. Trade areas for Regional Commercial extend from 5 to 15 miles in radius and Regional Commercial typically encompasses more than 40 acres of land. Regional Commercial uses typically orient along major arterials as well as near freeways, in order to reach a broader regional market. Regional Commercial uses would draw from beyond Waukee, and would serve the overall western portion of the Des Moines metropolitan area, as well as rural communities beyond the Des Moines metro. Neighborhood Commercial These areas include commercial uses consisting of retail, office, or personal services with a gross leasable area ranging from 20,000 to 125,000 square feet. They are intended to serve surrounding neighborhoods in a trade area of up to 3 miles in radius. These centers may or may not have an anchor tenant, such as a grocery store or hardware store. Neighborhood Commercial centers usually consist of more than one tenant and encompass 3 to 5 acres of land. Neighborhood Commercial uses typically are located along collectors, or at the intersections of collectors and minor arterials. As the name indicates, Neighborhood Commercial would primarily serve surrounding neighborhoods and provide primarily day-to-day goods and services for residents. Neighborhood Commercial centers should be walkable from nearby residential neighborhoods. Commercial The Commercial typology primarily includes retail (goods and services) land uses, but also may include various forms of office land uses. This typology includes three different types of Commercial uses distinguished mostly by scale, orientation, and critical mass (total square footages). La n d U s e 3 - 2 5 Light Industrial The Light Industrial typology includes a variety of showroom, flex space, and manufacturing space of varying square footages. While Light Industrial uses may include some degree of office space, the primary focus of Light Industrial uses is on the assembly, storage, or distribution of goods or products. Buildings in the Light Industrial typlogy range from 1 to 3 stories in height with Floor Area Ratios generally ranging from 0.25 to 0.5. Proximity to regional road corridors is a critical factor in locating these areas. Technology Center This land use typology includes spaces designated for technology oriented uses such as a data center and related industries. Buildings range from 1 to 3 stories in height, while Floor Area Ratios are generally 0.1 to 0.5. These uses differ from Light Industrial uses in that they are typically not employment intensive uses and tend not to generate substantial amounts of car or truck traffic once established. Business Park The Business Park typology primarily includes office or related uses, either arranged in formal “Business Park” settings or developments, or in smaller concentrations located throughout Waukee. The typical project size in the Business Park typology ranges from 15,000 to over 100,000 square feet and buildings range between 1 to 6 stories in height. Generally, office buildings may have Floor Area Ratios (see Figure 3.2) of 0.25 to over 1.0. Proximity to major road corridors is an important locational factor. 3 - 2 6 Wa u ke e C o m p re h e n s i ve P l a n U p d a te | 2 0 4 0 Mixed Use Corridor Mixed Use Corridors may include a mixture of office, retail, or residential land uses in areas along key transportation corridors (arterials) or in locations between key “nodes” as illustrated in Figure 3.1. Typical building size in this category ranges from 20,000 to 100,000 square feet with buildings ranging from 1 to 3 stories in height. Residential components may range from 8 to 25 units per acre, while Floor Area Ratios generally range from 0.25 to 1.00. Typical projects may encompass 3 to 5 acres of land, and serve trade areas up to 3 miles in radius, including surrounding neighborhoods. An example of a mixed use corridor includes the Hickman Road Corridor described page 3-31. Mixed Use Village Mixed Use Village may include a mixture of office, retail, or residential land uses, situated at key nodes along key corridors in Waukee. Typical buildings or projects in this category may range from 100,000 to 500,000 square feet in size with buildings ranging from 1 to 4 stories in height. Residential components may range from 12 to 40 units per acre, with Floor Area Ratios generally ranging from 0.25 to 2.00. Mixed Use Villages typically encompass 10 to 20 acres of land, are located along minor or major arterials, and serve a 3 to 6 mile trade radius. A central point to this type of development is a central public space, green space, or plaza type gathering place. Examples of a mixed use village include Downtown Waukee and Kettlestone as described on pages 3-32 and 3-33. Mixed Use The Mixed Use typology includes a variety of different areas around Waukee. The intent of the Mixed Use category is to provide flexibility for property owners and developers to integrate more than one land use within a particular building or development project. Projects may integrate different land uses vertically (within the same building), or horizontally by connecting various land uses through the use of sidewalks, trails, streets, or other design strategies. The overall goal of Mixed Use development is to better tie together different land uses within a given project or within a neighborhood and avoid the strict separation of land uses common in traditional suburban development patterns. Through the entitlement process, greater emphasis is placed on the form and character of development in Mixed Use areas over the land use. For Imagine Waukee 2040, Mixed Use is also used as a way to respond in a more flexible manner to market demands, while retaining the ability to shape the form and character of future development. Floor-to-area ratios (FAR) are a measurement of how much square feet a building has in relation to the site it is located on. FAR is a measure of the intensity of development on a site. Figure 3.2: Floor-to-Area Ratio Illustrated La n d U s e 3 - 2 7 Park and Open Space The Park and Open Space category includes land owned by the City of Waukee. The Parks chapter discusses planning for parks and open space in the community in greater detail. Civic/Institutional This land use typology category includes a variety of properties around Waukee containing religious institutions and facilities, schools, libraries, government services, and spaces for infrastructure. Generally these uses include public gatherings or government services. Right of Way The right of way category includes areas of public lands within open spaces, streets, utility corridors, and related sidewalk or trail corridors and easements located throughout Waukee. Wetlands Wetland represent areas determined to be wetlands based on the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). The NWI is a publicly available resource that provides detailed information on the abundance, characteristics, and distribution of US wetlands. Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Town Center includes larger concentrations of various combinations of different land uses, with typical projects in excess of 250,000 square feet with buildings ranging from 1 to 6 stories in height. Rresidential components may range from 25 to 70 units per acre, while Floor Area Ratios are generally over 0.50 and potentially exceeding 2.0. Mixed Use Town Centers often include a civic anchor, as well as a variety of recreational, retail, service, housing, entertainment, and office components. These projects should incorporate more of an urban environment, with a variety of public spaces and pedestrian- friendly streets. Mixed Use Town Centers typically encompass more than 20 acres of land, are located along an arterial street, and draw from a trade area of 5 to 15 miles in radius, drawing from beyond Waukee and serving adjacent communities in the western suburbs as well. Full development of a Mixed Use Town Center will likely occur over an extended period of time. An example of a Mixed Use Town Center includes the civic campus described page 3-35. Housing Aﬀordability Housing aﬀordability remains a major concern across the country, including Waukee. HKGi has reviewed eﬀorts from surrounding communities and compared them to Waukee’s approach (see attached table below). As noted in the section summary above and in the table below, Waukee has made progress to supporting housing aﬀordability. However, there is still more that can be done to ensure housing remains aﬀordable for all. As part of this update, HKGi seeks further direction on what housing aﬀordability means to the City and how this topic should be addressed into the plan update, either diving in deeper on a speciﬁc strategy or more strongly emphasizing these elements in the Housing chapter. During the joint meeting we invite councilmember and commissioner input to help shape housing recommendations, goals, policies, and actions that are responsive to Waukee’s evolving needs. Topics Waukee Nearby Communities Ankeny Clive Johnston Urbandale AD U s Reference to the 2016 White House Housing Development Toolkit on allowing ADU. Action: As part of the housing summit, invite speakers on the topic. Suggested implementation on creating provisions for alternative housing forms. recommends ADU ordinance and setback amendments. currently allows for ADUs. Its comprehensive plan recommends amending zoning codes to make ADUs easier -- size, location, number, design, affordability. Topics Waukee Nearby Communities Ankeny Clive Johnston Urbandale Mi x e d - Hickman Road designated as mixed-use corridor. Policy: encourage developments to follow design guidelines for mixed-use nodes. Policy: promote creation of neighborhood commercial nodes tied to nearby walkable neighborhoods. Sidebar- walkable scale. recommendations include promoting rear garages/alleys on homes; allowing porches to be closer to the sidewalk; encouraging new housing in existing neighborhoods; and addressing sidewalk gaps. new housing in areas nearby to employment centers. comprehensive plan follows a "neighborhood nodes" approach, encouraging mixed housing stock near walkable nodes with everyday needs. Mi s s i n g M i d d l e H o u s i n g Action: As part of the housing summit invite speakers on the topic. lot sizes, allowing smaller starter homes on smaller lots. encourages family friendly Workforce Housing, such as units with 2-3 bedrooms. outlines zoning amendments including reducing minimum lot size, allowing for special approval of missing middle development in single-family neighborhoods, reducing setback requirements to encourage home improvements. Topics Waukee Nearby Communities Ankeny Clive Johnston Urbandale Action: Recruit and potentially partner with one or more developers on senior housing projects. encourages Universal Design principles in new developments. encourages making home modification more affordable, such as through grants for features including grab bars, flooring and trip hazards, and handrails. Pr e s e r v i n g C o m m u n i t y Ae s t h e t i c s a n d S a f e t y Weaved into each area of the comp plan. outlines options for preserving aesthetics with large apartments, including requiring parking in rear of building, a staggered façade, higher quality building finishes on the public face of the structure. recommends codifying exterior materials requirements with palette of materials and colors; encouraging local property owners and managers to enroll in Crime Free Multifamily Housing Program. owners and managers of multi-family and rental housing to be active participants in the Crime Free Multifamily Housing Program. property owners and managers of multi-family and rental housing to enroll in Crime Free Multifamily Housing Program. Topics Waukee Nearby Communities Ankeny Clive Johnston Urbandale Action: Review and update the zoning and subdivision ordinances to enable alternative housing patterns and remove barriers to affordable housing development. the Metro Home Improvement Program, provide financial assistance for housing repairs in low income homes. recommends reducing rear setbacks to allow for amenities, reduction in side setbacks to allow for garages, reducing minimum floor areas for townhome districts and planned unit development districts. Also recommends pursuing affordable housing units within larger development projects. encourages integrating affordable housing as part of development projects, not as the entire project. process of determining locations for affordable housing developments Topics Waukee Nearby Communities Ankeny Clive Johnston Urbandale Action: Facilitate an annual housing trade fair that brings home repair and remodel vendors, financiers, and assistance providers to showcase services. Action: Form a partnership with lending institutions to develop low interest or zero interest loan programs for housing rehab or re-modeling of older housing stock. inspections every 2 years as required by Property Maintenance and Housing Code; participates in the Metro Home Improvement Program to preserve affordable housing; provides financial assistance for housing repairs. recommends revising Property Maintenance Code to improve housing conditions. regular maintenance of existing and older housing stock, especially residentially used homes in commercial districts (think downtown); conducts regular rental unit inspections through Rental Housing Program. Re u s e Housing study recommends pursuing adaptive reuse projects of abandoned/unused buildings. Co m m u n i t y en g a g e m e n t / ed u c a t i o n Action: Prepare and public housing educational information in city newsletters and social median posts. materials to provide education on needs for low- income and affordable housing and the benefits of multi-family Implementation Actions Worksheet Instructions: Below are the current goals for each chapter and 1 to 2 examples of implementation actions. Blank spaces are provided for you to add your own ideas of potential implementation actions. Land Use Goals 1. Reestablish Downtown Waukee as a unique, historic, vibrant, and attractive local and regional destination. 2. Continue momentum of establishment of the Kettlestone district as a key employment center in the Des Moines metro area. 3. Maintain a healthy balance in land uses between residential, commercial, oﬃce/business park, industrial, and park/open space. 4. Future development and redevelopment in Waukee incorporate appropriate levels of density and creative site design to support increased housing options, the viability of neighborhood commercial, and overall long-term neighborhood sustainability. 5. The physical character and identity of Waukee is maintained through a high degree of aesthetics and quality development. Actions Examples of land use actions from the last Comprehensive Plan • Review and update the zoning code to ensure suﬃcient design standards, landscaping, buﬀers/screening, encourage development amenities such as stormwater features are addressed in all development projects, add ﬂexibility into code language. • Continue to monitor and report to the community on development activity, platting and lot inventories, building permit data (commercial square footage absorptions and housing units by type). Your land use ideas Economic Development Goals 1. Promote the eﬃcient retention and attraction of commercial and industrial areas in the City as high quality and attractive developments and land uses. 2. Promote Waukee as a great place for investment and employment. 3. Attract quality commercial and industrial developments, encouraging more diverse uses to reduce repetitive businesses. 4. Attract and develop a quality labor force that meets the needs of the existing labor market and anticipates trends in business and industry. 5. Support and strengthen an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Actions Examples of economic development actions from the last Comprehensive Plan • Educate local businesses and entrepreneurs regarding the various types of municipal, state, and federal economic development programs and incentives available. • Establish and reﬁne marketing campaigns and strategies to broaden the recognition of Waukee in the regional market, leveraging the recreational and cultural amenities oﬀered. Your economic development ideas Housing Goals 1. Maintain a balanced housing supply with housing available for people at all income levels and unit types that meet the varying life-cycle needs of Waukee residents. 2. Establish a housing pattern that respects the natural environment and connects people while striving to meet local housing needs and the community’s share of metropolitan area housing growth. 3. Establish a community of well-maintained housing and neighborhoods including ownership and rental housing. 4. Support high quality residential developments and more aﬀordable housing options, particularly for all life stages. Actions Example of the housing action from the last Comprehensive Plan • Update residential zoning code and review subdivision regulations to allow for the construction of a variety of housing types and price ranges. Your housing action ideas Transportation Goals 1. Work to integrate alternative transportation modes (transit, pedestrian, biking, others) into the existing and future transportation system. 2. Develop a transportation system that is safe, environmentally, and ﬁscally sustainable. 3. Reinforce more urban design elements and accessibility along transportation corridors that reﬂect the vision and enhance the marketability of the Waukee community. 4. Mitigate traﬃc congestion and improve traﬃc ﬂow and safety in all areas of the community. Actions Examples of transportation actions from the last Comprehensive Plan • Develop a phasing plan for improving road systems, plan for widening key roads (e.g., Douglas Parkway). • Adopt a complete streets policy for the City of Waukee to formalize the community’s intent to plan, design, and maintain streets and sidewalks that accommodate safe and eﬃcient use of streets by users of all ages and abilities. Your transportation ideas Community Facilities Goals 1. Preserve the functional integrity of key community facilities and services within the community while enabling the facility to operate and grow in a manner that best serves the needs of the Waukee community. 2. Develop and manage the water supply in a manner that minimizes detrimental impacts on natural resources, provides aﬀordable, safe, high-quality water for current and future generations, and safeguards against climatic changes and natural disasters. 3. Provide abundant, safe drinking water for current and future generations of residents. 4. Construct, operate and maintain the sanitary sewer system to be economically sustainable and to promote preservation and protection of water resources and eﬃcient energy use. 5. Ensure the sanitary sewer system supports existing and future development by maintaining adequate capacity, minimizing inﬂow and inﬁltration, and meeting all Federal, State, and WRA standards. 6. Develop a stormwater system that controls and mitigates eﬀects associated with altered hydrology such as ﬂooding and channel erosion. 7. Improve water quality and overall health of the Surface Waters, Shorelands and Natural Resources. 8. Have a consistent and clear system for regulation, enforcement, and funding for the stormwater system. 9. Utilities should be designed, located, and constructed to avoid signiﬁcant adverse environmental impacts and to protect valuable environmental features. 10. Use the City Sustainability Plan to continue to monitor city facility impacts and build oﬀ plan to add programming for public and community sustainability. 11. Create new and sustaining existing partnerships with local agencies, bordering communities, and multijurisdictional organizations to ensure alignment with future improvements. Actions Examples of community facilities actions from the last Comprehensive Plan • Develop stormwater management ordinances for new development and redevelopment. Standards should be to match pre-development (pasture landscape) and/or pre-settlement (tallgrass prairie) conditions to address impacts from development activity. • Require compliance of urban stormwater management policies, with particular attention paid to SWPPPs Your community facilities ideas Parks, Trails, Recreation & Open Space Note: Actions identiﬁed will be shared with the Conﬂuence. Goals 1. Ensure every member of the Waukee community has equitable, accessible and walkable access to a park. 2. Preserve and protect the environment to improve the local ecology and improve the community’s connections to nature. 3. Develop a park system that establishes Waukee as a regional destination for outdoor recreation. 4. Connect neighborhoods to local destinations and the regional trail network. 5. Support walking and bicycling for recreation and transportation by providing a trail and sidewalk system that is safe, convenient, and comprehensive. 6. Provide recreational programming that serves all segments of the Waukee community. Actions Examples of park, trails, recreation and open space actions from the last Comprehensive Plan • Explore ways to leverage the presence of the Raccoon River to create destinations for recreation that would bring more visitors to Waukee. • Create a city-wide wayﬁnding and signage plan for trails to bring people into Waukee and to help them navigate around the community. Your park, trails, recreation and open space ideas