Municipal Services
ZONING
Planning and zoning are important tools for cities and counties in that they provide the opportunity to establish land use patterns that are logical, orderly, attractive, and convenient. Communities that have been carefully and thoughtfully developed are instantly recognizable. Private investment is encouraged and protected in such planned environments. Similarly, public resources can be expanded more efficiently as a result of sound planning enforced by effective zoning.
Under Iowa law, zoning ordinances must be made in accordance with a local comprehensive plan, which is really the first step to effective zoning. The authority to establish and implement zoning regulations rests with local governments. All larger cities within the state, many of Iowa’s smaller communities, and many counties have adopted zoning ordinances to enhance both public and private investments, to improve the quality of life, and to protect the local environment. Zoning authority is granted to Iowa cities by Chapter 414 of the Code of Iowa, and to counties by Chapter 335.
Cities and counties that implement zoning must appoint both a planning & zoning commission and a board of adjustment to comply with Iowa law. The responsibilities of these entities as well as the local governing body are as follows:
Governing Body (City Council or Board of Supervisors):
- Adopt the comprehensive plan
- Adopt zoning regulations
- Amend and make changes to the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance
- Appoint members to the planning & zoning commission & board of adjustment
Planning & Zoning Commission:
- Prepare the comprehensive plan & zoning ordinance
- Give recommendations on proposed changes in zoning or in the comprehensive plan
- Review and update planning and zoning documents
Board of Adjustment:
- Interpret zoning regulations
- Grant exceptions
- Grant variances
In short, zoning is very important to the orderly growth of cities and counties. Region XII can assist cities in reviewing and updating existing zoning ordinances as well as preparing and implementing new zoning regulations for areas where zoning is currently not in effect.
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