On the agenda: Iowa City Planning & Zoning Commission - Monthly Public Hearing - Sep 14, 2026 — Data Center (Oct 14)

AGENDA
PUBLIC MEETING OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 | 5:30 P.M.
BOARDROOM 301 | JOHNSON COUNTY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES BUILDING
855 S. DUBUQUE STREET, IOWA CITY, IA
Participation is also possible through an internet connection or telephonically using the website URL or the
phone number(s) and meeting identification code below. Please follow all telephonic prompts to join the
meeting. Using a computer will require you to have an operating computer microphone. County staff will be
available to test internet and phone meeting connections starting at 5:20 pm:
URL:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4243239669

Dial:

1 (301) 715-8592 or 1 (312) 626-6799

Meeting ID:

424 323 9669

If you have public comments or presentation materials related to any matter on the meeting agenda, please provide
them to the Planning, Development and Sustainability Department at [email protected] for
distribution to commission members at least 12 hours before the meeting. If you have materials to present, they will
be presented for you.

A. CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Introductions
B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
C. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES: August 10, 2026
D. ZONING APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEARING: Discussion/Possible Action
1. REZ26-000007 Luke Mayhew, requesting rezoning of 3.17 acres from A – Agricultural and R –
Residential to R3 – Residential.
E. SUBDIVISION APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEARING: Discussion/Possible Action
1. PZC-25-28747 Mark Slabaugh requesting preliminary & final plat approval of Frytown Trailers
Subdivision.
NOTE: the Zoom livestream will be closed when the Commission enters Closed Session. The Zoom livestream will not be
restarted when the commission comes out of closed session. The results of any action on agenda item “G. Other
Business” will be available on the Report of the Planning & Zoning Commission which will be part of the formal
meeting packet of the Board of Supervisors on their September 24 Formal Meeting.

F. CLOSED SESSION: Discussion Only
1. Closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(a), to review or discuss records which are
authorized by state law to be kept confidential (work product and/or Attorney-client privileged
communications)
G. OTHER BUSINESS: Discussion/Possible Action
1. Recommendation to Board of Supervisors regarding extension of the current temporary
moratorium on the approval of new Data Centers in unincorporated Johnson County.
H. ADJOURNMENT

NOTE: Commission agendas may be amended any time up to 24 hours before the meeting. Agenda items may be considered out of
order at the discretion of the Chair for each meeting. Meetings will not convene earlier than stated but may begin later.

PLANNING APPLICATION COVER SHEET
PROJECT TYPE: Rezoning
NO. REZ26-000007
APPLICATION DATE: 08/05/2026
PROPERTY OWNER: LUCAS M & MICHELLE E MAYHEW
APPLICANT: Luke Mayhew
WORK DESCRIPTION: Change zoning from Ag to Residential on entire property instead of
just around the house
SITE ADDRESS: 1275 Yellow Pine Ave NE
PROPERTY INFORMATION
Parcel ID
Acres in
(PPN)
Parcel
0112277001
2.85

Current zoning
classification
A - Agricultural

Proposed zoning district
classification
R2 - Residential

Planning, Development and Sustainability
913 S. Dubuque St. Iowa City, IA 52240
[email protected]. 319-356-6083
https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/pds

To Whom It May Concern:
We are submitting this application to request that our entire 2.85-acre property be rezoned
for residential use. Currently, the portion of the property surrounding our existing home is
zoned residential, while the remaining portion is zoned agricultural.
The purpose of this request is to allow us to construct a shouse with an attached motherin-law suite on the property. The proposed location for the new structure extends into the
portion of the property that is currently zoned agricultural, making the rezoning necessary
for us to proceed with our plans.
The intended use of the property will remain residential. The new structure will be used for
personal/family purposes, including additional living space for our family through the
mother-in-law suite. We are not requesting the zoning change for commercial or industrial
use.
We respectfully request approval to rezone the remaining agricultural portion so that the
entire 2.85-acre parcel is consistently zoned residential and the proposed structure can be
placed in the desired location.
Thank you for your time and consideration of our application.
Sincerely,
Lucas M. Mayhew & Michelle E. Mayhew

Lot 1 of Black Oak Grove

Staff Report by Jess Brooks (PDS Assistant Planner)

REZ26-7 of Luke Mayhew
September 14, 2026, Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission
The applicant is requesting to rezone 3.17 acres from A-Agricultural and R-Residential to R3Residential.
The property is located at 1275 Yellow Pine Ave NE, in the SE ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 12, Township
81 North, Range 5 West of the 5th P.M. in Cedar Township, Johnson County, Iowa.
Exhibit 1: Location Map

Property Context

Based on aerial photography, the property appears to have been timber and open space since the 1930s.
The property was platted in 1989 as Lot 1 of Black Oak Grove Subdivision. Per County records, the
existing dwelling was constructed in that same year. Lot 1 of Black Grove Subdivision has two zoning
packages, with a roughly 2-acre R-Residential zoning package situated near the center of the lot that was
approved in 1988, while the remaining acreage has persisted as A-Agricultural since zoning was adopted
Countywide in 1960.

Page 1

Surrounding
Property
Site
North
East
South
West

Existing Land Use

Zoning

Residential
Agricultural
Agricultural
Residential
Agricultural, Residential

A, R
A
A
A, R
A

Request

The applicant is requesting to rezone 3.17 acres from A-Agricultural and R-Residential to R3Residential. R3-Residential has a minimum lot area of 3 acres, and a maximum lot area of 4.99 acres.
This zoning district is retained for scenarios where it may be used to bring an existing property with split
zoning packages into conformance with the UDO (8:1.5.D), to result in a single zoning classification for
the parcel.
Rezoning to one zoning district will facilitate appropriate use of the property and allow the applicant to
site structures where they would otherwise be currently precluded (structures may not be built across
zoning package boundaries).
Exhibit 2: Existing Site Details

Page 2

Exhibit 3: Proposed Site Rezoning

Land Use Policies and Plans

According to the Johnson County 2018 Comprehensive Plan, the property is located in the AAgricultural Future Land Use Category, where rezoning to R3-Residential is potentially compatible
based upon the historic residential use of the property.
The following development elements are identified in the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. A thorough
examination of each element should be completed to appropriately analyze rezoning requests. Elements
identified as required must be met in order to be in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan.
Future Land Use Development Guidelines
1. Future Land Use Plan (required element)
Staff Analysis: Met.
The property in question is located in the A-Agricultural Future Land Use Category,
where rezoning to R3-Residential is potentially compatible. Past zoning practices have
resulted in two zoning packages on buildable Lot 1 of Black Grove Subdivision.
Rezoning to R3-Residential would result in a single zoning package for the property, thus
bringing the lot into conformance with 8:1.5.D of the UDO.
2. Development Regulations (required element)
Staff Analysis: Met.
This request would bring the property into conformance with the Johnson County Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO), resulting in a single zoning classification for the parcel
(8:1.5.D) and would facilitate appropriate use of the property. Staff see no impediments
to meeting the development regulations of the UDO.

Page 3

3. Road Standard (required element)
Staff Analysis: Met.
The site will use an existing access off of a gravel road (Yellow Pine Ave NE) with 80
average annual daily trips (IA DOT, 2022). Staff see no impediments to meeting the
Road Performance Standards of the Johnson County Unified Development Ordinance
(UDO). County Engineer had no objections.
4. Public Health Regulations (required element)
Staff Analysis: Met.
Staff see no impediments to meeting the requirements of Johnson County Public Health
(see Public Health Staff Report in Appendix A). **to be added in advance of the
meeting**
5. Emergency Services (recommended element)
Staff Analysis: Met.
The property is serviced by the Lisbon Fire Department, the Johnson County Sheriff, and
Johnson County Ambulance Service. Staff believe this property can be adequately
serviced by all three departments.
6. Environmental Impact (required element)
Staff Analysis: Met.
Future development, including subdivisions and certain Conditional Uses, would be
required to conform with UDO’s Environmental Standards (chapter 8:3 of the UDO).
Approval of this rezoning should have minimal environmental impacts. The site has been
platted and used for residential purposes since 1989.
7. Negative Impact (recommended element)
Staff Analysis: Met.
The site has been platted and has been used for residential purposes since 1989. The
property is surrounded by residential and agricultural uses. Future residential
development on this site should not, in staff opinion, create undue negative impacts to the
neighboring property.
8. Agricultural Impact (required element)
Staff Analysis: Met.
As the site has been used residentially since the 1980s, approval of the rezoning would
minimize high-quality land removed from production and should not create conflict with
nearby agricultural operations.

External Jurisdictions

This site is not within a Fringe Area.

Conclusion

The applicant is requesting to rezone 3.17 acres from A-Agricultural and R-Residential to R3Residential to bring the property into conformance with 8:1.5.D of the UDO and facilitate appropriate
use of the property. The request appears to comply with the goals and criteria of the Johnson County
2018 Comprehensive Plan.
Staff recommend approval of application REZ26-7.

Page 4

Appendix A: Public Health Department Staff Report
**to be added in advance of the meeting**

Page 5

STAFF REPORT
DATE:

September 14, 2026

TO:

Johnson County Planning & Zoning Commission

FROM:

Johnson County Planning, Development & Sustainability
Joseph Wilensky, AICP, CFM – Planner

RE:

Subdivision Application PZC-25-28747 of Mark Slabaugh

Purpose and Location of Request
The applicant is requesting preliminary and final plat approval of Frytown Trailers Subdivision. This is a one-lot
commercial subdivision.
The property is located at 2119 500th St SW, in the NW ¼ of the NE ¼ of Section 13, Township 78 North, Range
8 West of the 5th P.M. in Washington Township, Johnson County, Iowa.
Exhibit 1 – Location Map

1

Land Use Plan and Policies
According to the Johnson County 2018 Comprehensive Plan, the property is located in the Agricultural Future
Land Use Category where commercial subdivisions are allowed. The applicant also has a pending rezoning
application before the Planning & Zoning Commission.
As a commercial subdivision, a site plan approved by the Board of Supervisors would be required prior to the
issuance of future building permits.
No Fringe Area applies to this site.
GENERAL PROPERTY INFORMATION
SURROUNDING
PROPERTY
Site
North
East
South
West

EXISTING LAND USE

ZONING

Commercial
Residential, Ag
Commercial, Ag
Residential, Ag
Ag, Residential

A
A
CH, A
A
A

SPECIAL INFORMATION
JCPH requirement
School District
Fire District
Law Enforcement
Fringe Area

1-acre per septic
Mid-Prairie CSD
Kalona FD
J.C. Sheriff
N/A

Based on aerial photography, the property appears to have been farmland and open space since at least the 1930’s
with the appearance of trailers in the 2012 visuals. The property was zoned A-Agriculture as part of county wide
zoning in the 1960s and has not been previously platted.
The applicant is requesting a 7.6 acre, one-lot commercial subdivision.
Exhibit 2 – Site Details

2

Road Infrastructure
The site is located on 500th St SW, a paved road with 1,900 annual average daily trips (IA DOT 2022). Per the
UDO, subdivisions on a paved road are exempt from the County’s Road Performance Standards.
Environmental Regulations
A submitted sensitive areas report was approved by PDS staff and stormwater management will be required prior
to receiving approval of any future building permits on the property.
Health Department Report
To be added in advance of the meeting.
External Jurisdiction
No fringe areas apply to this site.
Conclusion
This request is to create a 7.6 acre, one-lot commercial subdivision.
The plat and legal documents are complete. The request complies with the Unified Development Ordinance. Staff
recommends approval of application PZC -25-28747.

3

Appendix A: Public Health Department Staff Report

To be added in advance of the meeting

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Agenda Item G- Other Business
Received Pubic Comments

Brittany Merritt
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

Annie Tucker
Monday, September 7, 2026 6:34 PM
PDS Planning Email Group
To the JoCo Board of Supervisors

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Johnson County! Do not click links, open attachments or
reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Hello Friends,
I read that you have the following on this week's agenda:
G. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO BOS REGARDING EXTENSION OF THE CURRENT
MORATORIUM ON APPROVAL OF NEW DATA CENTERS
I ask that you definitely extend the moratorium on approval of new data centers.
My concerns include water and electricity use and the long-term and broad impacts of that.
Many thanks.
Annie Tucker

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Brittany Merritt
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

Becky
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 7:37 PM
PDS Planning Email Group
DATA CENTER Moratorium

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Johnson County! Do not click links, open attachments or
reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Dear Board of Supervisors,
I would recommend continuing the moratorium on Data Centers until they get the bugs out of this
system. I've read that these Data Centers make lots of noise and light during the night, plus they use
lots of water for cooling. This seems like a lot to put on the residents of Johnson County.
Becky Ross of 100Grannies for a Livable Future

1

Brittany Merritt
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

MARY Kirkpatrick
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:37 AM
PDS Planning Email Group
Please extend the moratorium on AI data centers

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Johnson County! Do not click links, open attachments or
reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
To Planning, Development and Sustainability Department,
I want to add my voice asking you to extend the moratorium on new data centers. I do not want them in our
community!!
Mary Kirkpatrick

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Brittany Merritt
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

Pat Bowen
Thursday, September 10, 2026 1:27 PM
PDS Planning Email Group
Data Center Input

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Johnson County! Do not click links, open a achments or reply, unless
you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Dear Members of the Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission,
I am wri ng to you today to urge you to implement a permanent moratorium on the construc on and approval of new
data centers in Johnson County.
I have serious concerns about the long-term impact these facili es can have on our communi es and resources:
* Jobs: Are the jobs promised, permanent full me jobs or are the powers that be calcula ng temporary construc on
jobs? (Possibly from out of state businesses) The promise of thousands of new jobs can be misleading or even outright
wrong. Evaluate whether these projects are for las ng quality employment with benefits. I’d rather see construc on
jobs going to build housing for low income residents, community centers, etc.
* Electricity costs: As we all have been reading, data centers consume enormous amounts of energy and can place
addi onal pressure on the power grid, poten ally contribu ng to higher electricity costs for residents and other local
businesses. The people of Johnson County do not want this.
* Water use: Data centers can require enormous quan es of water for cooling, placing addi onal demands on
groundwater and aquifers. This should be of par cular concern in Iowa, where communi es are already dealing with
water-quality problems and drought condi ons.
* Light and noise pollu on: We’ve been told: around the clock opera ons. This could poten ally create significant and
con nuous noise, ligh ng, and other impacts for nearby residents. Would you want a data center in your neighborhood?
If no, then no one does.
* Privacy and surveillance: Yes we love our “data” but I think we are being overly impacted with new and more data that
is not warranted. The concentra on of data and compu ng infrastructure operated by large technology companies and
government-related en es also raises legi mate concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the confiden ality of
informa on. We may have already passed the point of no return on our privacy.
* Public revenues: Tax exemp ons and other incen ves provided to large data-center developments can reduce the
public revenue available for schools, infrastructure, public services, and other community needs. We should not sacrifice
essen al public resources in exchange for uncertain economic benefits.
Please stand up for the people of Johnson County and ban any new data centers. I am also deeply concerned about
promises made and not seen. Decisions like these affect the resources of the people of Johnson County forever,
resouces which should be fundamental to our communi es and should be managed for long-term public interest.
Once approval has been given to one data center, it opens the door. Once built, it will be difficult to undo.
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I therefore respec ully ask the Commission to take a very precau onary approach and support a permanent
moratorium on new data centers in Johnson County.
Thank you for your considera on and for your service to our community.
Respec ully,
Pat Bowen

2

Brittany Merritt
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

Sandra
Monday, September 7, 2026 2:26 PM
PDS Planning Email Group
Request for a Permanent Moratorium on New Data Centers

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Johnson County! Do not click links, open attachments or
reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!
Dear Members of the Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission,
I am writing to urge you to implement a permanent moratorium on the construction and approval of new
data centers in Johnson County.
There are serious concerns about the long- term impact these facilities can have on our communities and
resources:
- Jobs: The promise of thousands of new jobs can be misleading. Much of the employment associated
with data-center development consists of temporary construction work, while the technology sector
itself has experienced substantial layoffs. We should carefully evaluate whether these projects provide
the lasting, quality employment benefits being promised.
- Electricity costs: Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and can place additional
pressure on the power grid, potentially contributing to higher electricity costs for residents and other
local businesses.
- Water use: Data centers can require enormous quantities of water for cooling, placing additional
demands on groundwater and aquifers. This should be of particular concern in Iowa, where communities
are already dealing with water-quality problems and drought conditions.
- Light and noise pollution: These facilities operate around the clock, potentially creating significant and
continuous noise, lighting, and other impacts for nearby residents.
- Privacy and surveillance: The concentration of data and computing infrastructure operated by large
technology companies and government-related entities also raises legitimate concerns about privacy,
surveillance, and the confidentiality of information.
- Public revenues: Tax exemptions and other incentives provided to large data-center developments can
reduce the public revenue available for schools, infrastructure, public services, and other community
needs. We should not sacrifice essential public resources in exchange for uncertain economic benefits.
I urge each of you to stand strong in protecting Johnson County and ban any new data centers. Please
carefully scrutinize the promises made by large corporations seeking access to our electricity, water,
land, and other resources. These resources are fundamental to our communities and should be
managed in the long-term public interest.
Once these facilities are built, their impacts can be extremely difficult to reverse. I therefore respectfully
ask the Commission to take a precautionary approach and support a permanent moratorium on new
data centers in Johnson County.
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Thank you for your consideration and for your service to our community.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Alper
Iowa City, Iowa

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