During a recent government meeting, the Norwalk City Council addressed two significant agenda items, focusing on amendments to local ordinances and zoning regulations.

The council unanimously approved an ordinance amending Chapter 58, which pertains to vicious animals, and Chapter 177, which outlines rates and fees in the Norwalk municipal code. Chief of Police confirmed there were no additional updates or changes to the ordinance before the motion was made and passed without further discussion.

In a subsequent item, the council initiated a resolution to amend the Norwalk zoning ordinance to better accommodate technology and data uses. City officials highlighted the importance of adapting zoning regulations to support the growth of the commercial and industrial sectors, particularly in light of the increasing number of data centers and high-tech facilities emerging in the Des Moines metro area over the past decade.

City staff noted that the current zoning code lacks specific provisions for these types of developments, which could hinder potential projects. The proposed amendment aims to provide clearer guidelines and facilitate the integration of technology-related uses into the community. The council plans to further explore these changes through the planning and zoning process to ensure that Norwalk remains competitive and responsive to evolving industry needs.