Dubuque City Council Updates Local Ordinances, Advances Housing and Off-Road Vehicle Access

DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Dubuque City Council recently voted on a series of measures that update local weapon regulations, advance new housing developments, and adjust traffic rules for off-road vehicles.

Repeal of Obsolete Concealed Weapons Ordinance

In a move to align with Iowa state law, the council repealed an outdated ordinance that barred individuals from concealing items such as slingshots, metal knuckles, air guns, spring-loaded guns, and replica firearms.

Because Iowa law now allows concealed carry without a permit and prohibits cities from restricting the carry of these items—as well as knives and firearms—the city’s old ordinance had become unenforceable. While the city had not enforced the rule for several years, it officially remained on the books until this recent action. The repeal takes effect upon publication. However, officials note that the discharge of weapons, including air guns, remains illegal in most circumstances within city limits, as does launching projectiles that endanger people or property.

New Housing Development on Eastgate Court

The council voted 7-0 to set an October 19 public hearing regarding an urban revitalization plan for Eastgate Court.

Developer L Wingate Properties, which has built apartments and condominiums in the area over the past several years, plans to construct 15 market-rate, townhome-style rental duplexes on the last open lot at the end of Eastgate Court. Dubuque Economic Development Director Jill Connors has recommended a 10-year, 73% property tax abatement on the increased value of the property (excluding the school foundational property tax). The council will debate the proposed subsidy at the upcoming October meeting.

Off-Road Vehicles Allowed on Portion of Asbury Road

In a 6-1 vote, with Council member Danny Sprank voting no, the council approved an ordinance allowing off-road vehicles to travel on a specific stretch of Asbury Road between Seippel Road and Briarwood Drive.

The change was prompted by the neighboring city of Asbury, which recently passed an ordinance allowing utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on its streets. Because Asbury’s irregular city limits are bisected by a far western portion of Dubuque, off-road vehicle operators were previously forced to break the law to travel between the two sides of Asbury. The new ordinance creates a legal pass-through on this single street. Off-road vehicles remain strictly prohibited in the rest of Dubuque, including on shared streets like Radford Road. The new rule takes effect upon publication.

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