On the agenda: Marshalltown Board of Adjustment Meeting — data center (Oct 20)

CITY OF MARSHALLTOWN
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
10 WEST STATE STREET
OCTOBER 20, 2026, 5:00 PM
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Mark Eaton, Tammie Engel, Heidi Hogan, David Schulze, Kelli Thurston
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
1.

Approval of Meeting Minutes From August 18, 2026

BUSINESS
2.

Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider Approval of a Special Use Permit
for 3202 S 6th Street

ADJOURNMENT

MISSION STATEMENT
The City of Marshalltown collaborates to provide a welcoming, safe, vibrant, and growing community.
Page 1 of 13

HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Mike Ladehoff, Mayor
Carol Webb, City Administrator
Deb Millizer, Director
Clayton Ender, Assistant Director
24 North Center Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158-4911
Tel - (641) 754-5756
Fax - (641) 754-5717

Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
City Hall, City Council Chambers
10 West State Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158
Call to Order and Roll Call

Chair Kelli Thurston called the meeting of the City of Marshalltown Board of Adjustment
to order at 5:00 p.m.
Members present: Thurston, Schultz, Hogan, Eaton.
Members absent: Engle.
Staff present: Clayton Ender and Deb Millizer

1. Approval of Minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes from the July 21, 2026 meeting.
No corrections were noted.
Motion by Schultz, second by Thurston, to approve the July 21, 2026 meeting
minutes.
Roll call vote:
Eaton, yes
Hogan, yes
Schultz, yes
Thurston, yes
Motion carried.

2. Public Hearing and Consideration of Approval for a Special Use Permit
Application for a Ground Mounted Solar Array at 1776 Governor Road
Chair Thurston opened the public hearing and introduced the item.
Clayton Ender presented the staff report. He stated the application requested approval
for a 200 kilowatt ground mounted solar array at 1776 Governor Road. The property,
formerly used as an Emerson data center, had recently been sold to Mechdyne for its
business operations.
Staff stated the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the application and
recommended approval. Notice was mailed to property owners within 250 feet, plus the

CITY COUNCIL
Sue Cahill, Melisa Fonseca, Mark Mitchell, Greg Nichols,
Jeff Schneider, Gary Thompson, Marco A. Yepez-Gomez

Page 2 of 13

width of the road. No public comments had been received by phone, in writing, or at the
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
Applicant Comment
Derek, representing Mechdyne, participated by phone. In response to a question from
the Board, he stated Mechdyne has no plans to use the property as a data center. He
stated the former data center equipment and infrastructure had been removed and the
building would be used for traditional company operations, including research and
development and offices.
The applicant discussed the proposed landscaping and screening. He stated the
landscaping contractor had identified several shrub options that would meet City
requirements, including Aronia, and estimated up to 25 shrubs. Existing mature trees
would remain.
Board Questions and Discussion
The Board discussed screening from Governor Road, preservation of existing trees, the
proposed chain link fence, visibility of the array, alternative solar configurations, and the
reason a special use permit was required.
Staff stated a detailed buffer planting plan would be required before issuance of a
permit and that the applicant appeared to have adequate space to meet the buffering
requirements. Staff stated the existing chain link fence provides security but is not
intended to serve as the required screening.
The Board asked whether an elevated solar array over the parking lot or a roof mounted
system had been considered. The applicant stated elevated systems require
substantially more structural steel and are more difficult to maintain. He stated
Mechdyne directed the project team to evaluate a ground mounted system. The building
also has planned rooftop equipment and other roof work.
Staff explained that roof mounted solar systems are allowed by right in all zoning
districts, while ground mounted solar arrays require special use permit review in the
applicable zoning districts. Mark Eaton noted the proposed array is located behind the
building and would have limited visibility from surrounding areas.
Public Comment
No public comments were offered.
Motion by Eaton, second by Thurston, to approve the special use permit
application for the ground mounted solar array at 1776 Governor Road.
Roll call vote:
Eaton, yes
Thurston, yes
Schultz, yes
Hogan, yes
Motion carried.

CITY COUNCIL
Sue Cahill, Melisa Fonseca, Mark Mitchell, Greg Nichols,
Jeff Schneider, Gary Thompson, Marco A. Yepez-Gomez

Page 3 of 13

OTHER BUSINESS

Clayton Ender stated there were no additional agenda items and no items were
currently pending for the September Board of Adjustment meeting.
Staff reminded the Board of the community roundtable regarding data centers
scheduled for August 27, 2026, at the Coliseum. The Board asked whether the
roundtable would be broadcast. Staff stated a live broadcast was not currently planned
but he would review available options.
Staff stated no additional work sessions were planned before the August 27 roundtable.
He anticipated preparing an initial draft of proposed data center regulations for the
September 17 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. He emphasized the
September draft would serve as a starting point for review and revision.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Thurston adjourned the meeting at approximately 5:17 p.m.

CITY COUNCIL
Sue Cahill, Melisa Fonseca, Mark Mitchell, Greg Nichols,
Jeff Schneider, Gary Thompson, Marco A. Yepez-Gomez

Page 4 of 13

HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:

Mike Ladehoff, Mayor
Carol Webb, City Administrator
Deb Millizer, Director
Clayton Ender, Assistant Director
24 North Center Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158-4911
Tel - (641) 754-5756
Fax - (641) 754-5717

Board of Adjustment
Clayton Ender, Assistant Housing & Community Development Director
October 20, 2026
Consider Approval of a Special Use Permit Application for 3202 S 6th St

City Staff Contact:

Clayton Ender, AICP
Assistant Director of Housing and Community Development
Phone: 641-754-5756
Email: [email protected]

Applicant:

Centurytel Fiber Company II LLC
ATTN: Property Tax (IA)
931 14th St
Denver CO 80202

Property Owner:

Centurytel Fiber Company II LLC
ATTN: Property Tax (IA)
931 14th St
Denver CO 80202

Recommendation: The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the special
use permit application for 3202 S 6th St subject to the applicant supplying
additional information pertaining to existing and proposed electrical
generators used on-site.
Synopsis:

The applicant seeks a special use permit to expand the existing
telecommunications facility at 3202 S. 6th Street with an unmanned, 23-foot4-inch by 36-foot fiber-optic shelter and two 300-kilowatt generators on a
concrete pad within the existing gravel compound. The applicant states that
the facility requires no water or sewer service, generates minimal traffic, and
would use the generators only for testing or utility outages.
The site is zoned General Commercial, where a major utility requires specialuse approval. Staff finds the expansion consistent with the commercial landuse designation and compatible with surrounding commercial uses. Staff
CITY COUNCIL
Sue Cahill, Melisa Fonseca, Marco A. Yepez-Gomez, Mark Mitchell,
Greg Nichols, Jeff Schneider, Gary Thompson

Page 5 of 13

recommends approval, subject to the Planning and Zoning Commission’s
review of the applicable criteria and the Board of Adjustment’s final decision.
Current Zoning
District & Current
Usage:

Current Zoning: GC, General Commercial Zoning District

Proposed Zoning
District &
Proposed Usage:

Zoning: GC, General Commercial Zoning District

Review Criteria:

In determining whether to approve, approve with conditions, or deny a special
use permit, the review bodies shall consider the following review criteria:

Current Usage: Major Utility, Telecommunications Facility

Proposed Usage: Major Utility, Telecommunications Facility

1. The request complies with the applicable standards of this Zoning
Ordinance, the City Code of Ordinances, and any applicable county,
state, or federal requirements.
The proposed expansion consists of an unmanned telecommunications
shelter and two generators within the existing gravel compound. The
site is zoned GC, General Commercial, where a Major Utility requires
special-use approval. Based on the submitted site plan and application,
the proposal appears consistent with the applicable zoning
requirements, subject to review of the site plan and compliance with
all applicable City, county, state, and federal requirements.
2. The request substantially conforms to any associated prior approval
for the development, including, but not limited to, a special use
permit, Master Development Plan, or Site Plan.
The proposed development does not conflict with any prior approvals.
3. The administrative body has considered the recommendation of staff.
Staff recommends approval of the special use permit application.
4. The request is consistent with applicable policies of the
Comprehensive Plan and applicable utility plans and capital
improvements plans; or, if it addresses a topic that is not contained
or not fully developed in the Comprehensive Plan, the request does
not impair the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan designates the site for Commercial MixedUse. The proposed expansion of the existing telecommunications
CITY COUNCIL
Sue Cahill, Melisa Fonseca, Marco A. Yepez-Gomez, Mark Mitchell,
Greg Nichols, Jeff Schneider, Gary Thompson

Page 6 of 13

facility is consistent with this designation and would not impair
implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.
5. The request promotes the purposes of this Zoning Ordinance as
established in § 156.A.002, Purposes, and in other applicable purpose
statements in this chapter.
The proposed expansion makes efficient use of an existing
telecommunications facility and its gravel compound. Because the
unmanned shelter and generators would be located within the existing
facility, the expansion is an appropriate and compatible use of the site
and supports the Zoning Ordinance purpose of encouraging the most
appropriate, efficient, and compatible use of land and structures
throughout the City.
6. Adequate facilities, including public or private utilities, solid waste
service, roads, drainage, and other improvements are present or are
planned to be provided.
The proposed expansion will use the existing access from S. 6th Street
and existing utility infrastructure serving the telecommunications
facility. The applicant states that the unmanned facility does not
require water or sanitary sewer service. The submitted materials do not
identify a need for additional public facilities or site improvements.
7. The request demonstrates compatibility with surrounding conforming
and permitted land uses and structures and with the general
character of the area.
The properties surrounding the site are generally zoned and used for
commercial purposes. The proposed unmanned shelter and generators
would be located within the existing telecommunications facility and
gravel compound. Given the existing utility use and the proposal’s
limited site expansion, staff finds the project compatible with the
surrounding uses and general character of the area.
8. The special use does not create an unwanted concentration of similar
special uses that is likely to discourage permitted uses by making the
vicinity less desirable for them.
The proposed expansion is part of an existing telecommunications
facility. Staff is not aware of other similar special uses in the immediate
vicinity that, together with this proposal, would create an unwanted
concentration or make the area less desirable for permitted uses.
CITY COUNCIL
Sue Cahill, Melisa Fonseca, Marco A. Yepez-Gomez, Mark Mitchell,
Greg Nichols, Jeff Schneider, Gary Thompson

Page 7 of 13

9. There is no practicable alternative location where the use is permitted
by right within the general vicinity of the parcel proposed for
development, or, if such a location exists, the proposed location is
comparable or more favorable in terms of:
o Providing a needed community service;
o Providing a critical mass of related and mutually supportive
land uses that promote quality economic development and
opportunity;
o Providing a balance of land uses, ensuring that appropriate
supporting activities, such as employment, housing, leisuretime, and retail centers are in close proximity to one another;
and
o Making more efficient use of public infrastructure.
The proposal would expand an existing telecommunications facility
at its current location. The applicant identifies the facility as
providing fiber-optic telecommunications service, a needed
community service. The submitted materials do not identify
alternative locations or establish whether any site in the general
vicinity would permit the use by right. Staff therefore finds that the
existing-site expansion makes use of established infrastructure, but
the alternative-location criterion should be evaluated based on any
additional information provided by the applicant or at the public
hearing.
Attachments:

Findings of Fact Report
Aerial Vicinity Map
Site Plan

CITY COUNCIL
Sue Cahill, Melisa Fonseca, Marco A. Yepez-Gomez, Mark Mitchell,
Greg Nichols, Jeff Schneider, Gary Thompson

Page 8 of 13

Board of Adjustment Finding of Fact Report
Meeting Date:
Application Type:
10/20/2026
MAJOR UTILITY & SECURITY FENCING WITH BARB WIRE
Zoning District:
Comp. plan designation:
GC, GENERAL COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
Property Address:
3202 S 6TH STREET
Property Owner:
CENTURYTEL FIBER COMPANY II LLC
ATTN: PROPERTY TAX (IA)
931 14TH ST
DENVER CO 80202
Applicant (if different than owner):
N/A
Request Description
Centurytel Fiber Company II LLC has submitted a special use permit application for major utility
expansion at 3202 S 6th Street, Marshalltown, IA, 50158. Expansion of a major utility use requires
a special use permit.
Plan Zoning Commission Recommendation
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the special use permit
application for 3202 S 6th St subject to the applicant supplying additional information
pertaining to existing and proposed electrical generators used on-site.
New Information introduced for consideration

Page 9 of 13

Findings of Fact (Answer yes or no to each item and provide reasoning if necessary)
YES
NO
Finding Description
Does the Home Occupation Special Use requested comply with the listed
criteria?
Reasoning:
Vote result if applicable: _____ Yes _____ No
 Will there be exterior display (except allowable sign)?
Vote result if applicable: _____ Yes _____ No
 Will the building maintain residential design features?
Vote result if applicable: _____ Yes _____ No
 Will the residential character of the neighborhood be maintained?
Vote result if applicable: _____ Yes _____ No
 Is the proposed signage limited to one building mounted sign (1 s.f.
max)?
Vote result if applicable: _____ Yes _____ No
 Will all equipment/merchandise be stored inside:
Vote result if applicable: _____ Yes _____ No
 Will there be employees? If yes are they residents of the home or is
the Board granting approval?
Vote result if applicable: _____ Yes _____ No
 Is the traffic and parking need addressed so to not objectionable to
neighbors? Is there adequate parking available on site?
Vote result if applicable: _____ Yes _____ No
 Structural modification or additions to the residence for expansion of
the home occupation are prohibited, are there planned changes?
Vote result if applicable: _____ Yes _____ No

Page 10 of 13

Based on the Findings of Fact the following action occurred:

Motion by _______________ and Second by________________ to APPROVE the request
as submitted.
Vote results:
Name:
EATON
ENGLE
HOGAN
SCHULZE
THURSTON

YES

NO

Abstain

Comment

Page 11 of 13

AERIAL VICINITY MAP

Page 12 of 13

Page 13 of 13