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A new code to regulate the appearance of properties in Fort Dodge was advanced by the City Council Monday.
The council unanimously approved the first reading of a measure to adopt the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code.
The code was first reviewed by the council in November. The elected officials postponed any action on it at that time after Councilman Dean Hill noted that it could be interpreted as prohibiting gravel driveways.
On Monday, City Manager David Fierke said any existing gravel driveways will remain legal, but they cannot be expanded.
"Anything that is existing can remain," said Chad Schaeffer, the city's director of engineering, business affairs and community growth. "Anything new has to go to the new code."
The new code requires carbon monoxide detectors in rental properties. Fierke said that is in compliance with state law.
The new code must be approved by the council two more times to become effective.
In other business, the council approved the first reading of a measure changing the zoning of property south of 10th Avenue North and east of 32nd Street to allow the construction of 70 duplexes there.
RJ Tide Development, of Sioux City, is proposing a neighborhood there to be called Gypsum Creek Crossing that would include the homes, a four-acre park, two new streets and extensions of Seventh and Ninth avenues north.
The new homes would be built over eight to nine years with construction starting this year.
The change from single family zoning status to one that allows duplexes must be approved two more times by the council.