Commission on Urban Planning Growth Management of Cities and Protection of Farmland, January 1998

(1998) Commission on Urban Planning Growth Management of Cities and Protection of Farmland, January 1998. Legislative Services Agency (Legislative Service Bureau)

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Abstract

The Legislative Council authorized the study in order to review county land use inventories; survey the status of Iowa farmland and natural areas; determine the extent to which areas have been converted to residential, commercial, or industrial use; report on the agricultural quality of farmland converted to residential, commercial, or industrial use; survey problems facing the state's cities; evaluate the effectiveness of current state, regional, and local planning and zoning laws and assess their impact on the farmland, natural areas, and cities of the state; review model legislation and studies on farmland protection and urban planning; collect information on states that have undertaken reform efforts and have effective programs; propose innovative and cooperative planning and land use approaches that will protect farmland, accommodate and guide growth and development, ensure the planning and construction of adequate supporting services and infrastructure including utilities, storm water management systems, and transportation; provide opportunities for or eliminate barriers to affordable housing; protect the environment; and minimize exposure to natural hazards.