IRON MOUNTAIN — A zoning change the Iron Mountain City Council approved Monday is meant to accommodate existing and planned businesses in the area of River and Cedar avenues while also easing deed and insurance complications for homeowners.

The change from B-2 to B-1 zoning affects an area bordered by River Avenue, West H Street, Cedar Avenue and West D Street.

B-2 zoning doesn’t allow first-floor residential uses, so about 10 to 15 homes in the area have been considered legal non-conforming, City Manager Jordan Stanchina said. That’s been an issue for insurance coverage, since a rebuilt structure may be considered out of compliance.

The change to B-1 will permit first-floor residences as well as neighborhood business uses, including fitness centers. The adjustment initiated by Iron Mountain Planning Commission will also allow — by special use permit — medical offices, construction services housed indoors and multiple-family residences.

Council members approved the change after several residents sought clarifications on what will be permitted. A number of written statements were received in support.

In other action, the council:

— Reviewed an annual audit with Scott Sternhagen of the accounting firm Clifton Larson Allen LLP. The general fund remains in good shape, showing a balance of nearly $3 million, up by $250,000 from a year ago, he said. The general fund, however, will continue to be stressed by legacy costs that include retiree health insurance and supplemental pension liabilities estimated at $38.5 million. Sternhagen complimented Heather Lieburn, chief finance officer, and Stanchina for their assistance during the audit.

— Approved an amendment to the city’s sign ordinance that will accommodate a larger “monument sign” than currently allowed for the Green Bay, Wis.-based NEW Dermatology clinic under construction on the 1600 block of South Stephenson Avenue. The clinic, which has 330 feet of frontage, applied for a permit for a sign that exceeded the 30 square feet allowed. The change will allow business district signs less than 9 feet in height to occupy up to 75 square feet, based on the amount of frontage and other requirements. The clinic, just east of Tadych’s Family Market, will likely open this year.

— Heard Stanchina report 36 deer harvested through the city’s managed archery hunt. The program in 2020 culled 34 deer, up from 17 in 2019 when a baiting ban was introduced as part of the fight against chronic wasting disease. The highest harvest over the past 10 years was 73 deer in 2015.