Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances

Zoning and subdivision ordinances are used as tools to implement a comprehensive or land use plan. ECICOG helps local governments prepare new zoning and subdivision ordinances tailored to the community's needs. When the local government revises their ordinance, we will assist the local planning and zoning commission in reviewing their existing ordinances to determine what type of provisions should be revised, updated, or repealed.

Urban Renewal Plans

Urban renewal plans are a vehicle for the use of tax increment financing (TIF), under Chapter 403 of the Iowa Code. In a TIF district, property tax revenues from development can be used to finance debt incurred by the city of improvements. In order to use TIF, the local government must have an urban renewal plan.

Urban Revitalization Plans

Urban revitalization plans are available for the use of tax abatement under Chapter 404 of the Iowa Code. Tax abatement is the partial exemption of taxes on the value added by improvements or new construction to all qualified real estate in an urban revitalization district. The local government must have an urban revitalization plan in order to have tax abatement.

Technical Assistance

ECICOG Community Development staff can provide technical assistance on local government finances, historic preservation, recreation planning, and downtown revitalization. In addition, our staff collects current information on federal and state assistance programs which are available to the region's cities and counties. ECICOG also serves as a liaison to state and federal agencies and can help local governments understand and comply with new regulations and mandates.

Development Review

The addition of the ECICOG staff to the development review process helps the community consider the long range planning implications of development proposals, and ensures that zoning and subdivision ordinance implementation is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan. The ECICOG staff will attend meetings and work sessions of the planning and zoning commission or city council, make necessary site visits, and prepare requested reports and opinions for the zoning commission or council regarding the subdivision requests, zoning changes, and annexations.