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RESIDENTIAL ISSUES

Multiple Family Unit Development

The 1992 Comprehensive Plan identified multiple family housing as a need in North Liberty. The multiple family housing that has been constructed since that time has had mixed results. The tactics interviews and community survey have shown that the typical twelve-unit structure that has become popular with builders in the area is not popular with many of the North Liberty citizens. The community survey identified the size, style, and location of these units as being factors which are often considered incompatible with existing neighborhoods. While demand is high for these types of housing within the community, representatives expressed a desire to pre-determine locations of multiple family housing and to redefine proportions and standards for such housing.


Housing Diversity and Quality

A general opinion of community representatives and survey respondents is that the City's residential base has appropriate levels of low income/moderate income housing diversity. The land use inventory revealed a prevalence of single family starter-type housing within the community. The affordable housing offered in North Liberty was also identified by many in the community survey as the reason that people chose to live in the City. A majority of the survey respondents also felt that the development of affordable, single family housing units should be a high priority of the City. Although this housing is in great demand, a need has also been expressed to provide larger, high valued homes. These alternative housing levels would balance the housing stock, and provide the City with the upgrading of development they desire and slow the rate of growth. In addition, a balance of housing types would result in a diversity of homeowners varying in household size, type and financial means.

Environmental Condition

Within the City's residential neighborhoods, exterior storage of trailers, boats, etc. presents uncontrolled clutter that detracts from the aesthetic experience of an established neighborhood. This problem is prevalent due to small lot sizes along with smaller homes and garages that do not afford the residents sufficient storage capacity. In addition, there was a significant negative response of survey respondents in regards to the manufactured home developments that are located along Highway 965. This area was not noted as being in poor condition, but rather as an undesirable image statement of the City. The lack of sufficient storage capacity and garages in these developments promote uncontrolled storage clutter. Performance and subdivision standards and regulations must be reviewed and updated to deal with these issues.


Housing Condition

Census information indicates that over 70 percent of the City's housing stock has been built within the last 25 years. Consequently, very few instances of housing deteriorating have been identified. As such, the greatest concern with regard to the condition of the City's residential areas relates to general maintenance and environmental upkeep.

 

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