The Sensitive Areas Ordinance (14-6K-1) was created to implement the environmental policies of the city’s comprehensive plan. It defines the reasonable use of properties which contain environmentally sensitive features. Sensitive features include wetlands, fully hydric soils, prairies remnants one acre or larger, stream corridors, archeological sites, steep slopes (18-24%), critical slopes (25-39%), protected slopes (40%+), and woodlands greater than or equal to 2 acres... Read More

This ordinance was created to protect mature and young woodlands and prevent the ecological degradation of heavily wooded areas, as well as protect drainageways, wetlands, and soil erosion and sedimentation control... Read More

The city of Clive, Iowa, enacted an Architectural Design Ordinance. The ordinance requires that site plan approval be submitted and reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Counsel in accordance with the architectural standards set forth in the ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance is: to decrease the visual and audible impact of service areas, loading areas, or similar operations on adjoining properties and general public; reduce negative aesthetic impacts of large buildings; and create a compatible look for buildings by.. Read More

This ordinance was created to protect mature and young woodlands and prevent the ecological degradation of heavily wooded areas, as well as protect drainageways, wetlands, and soil erosion and sedimentation control... Read More

Within its City Code, Manson City has incorporated an entire chapter on access to solar energy. A major section within that chapter is one that outlines the requirements and process for obtaining solar access easements. The solar access regulatory board may grant these easements, subject to a number of requirements. One of those requirements includes filing a detailed application with the secretary of the planning and zoning commission, which includes a description of the solar collector to be used, a legal description of the solar access easem.. Read More

In Dubuque, Iowa’s Unified Development Code, solar collectors are permitted in Single-Family Residential Districts, Two-Family Residential Districts, Alternate Two-Family Residential Districts, Moderate Density Multi-Family Residential Districts, Multi-Family Residential Districts, Office Residential Districts, and Office Commercial Districts as accessory use structures. Dubuque’s Development Code also includes a Sustainable Subdivision Development program whereby applicants must achieve a minimum score of forty points by utilizing a list of to.. Read More