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Bill > SF2091


IA SF2091

IA SF2091
A bill for an act relating to the ability of property owners to protest proposed changes in zoning districts.(See SF 2378.)


summary

Introduced
01/22/2026
In Committee
01/22/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill repeals the ability of property owners to submit a written protest to challenge a proposed change in a zoning district. Under Code section 414.5, as a part of an ordinance changing land from one zoning district to another zoning district or an ordinance approving a site development plan, a city council may impose conditions on a property owner in addition to existing regulations if the additional conditions have been agreed to in writing by the property owner before the required public hearing or adjournment of the hearing. The conditions must be reasonable and imposed to satisfy public needs that are directly caused by the requested change. If, however, a written protest against a change or repeal is filed with the city clerk and is signed by the owners of 20 percent or more of the area of the lots included in the proposed change or repeal, or by the owners of 20 percent or more of the property that is located within 200 feet of the exterior boundaries of the property for which the change or repeal is proposed, the change or repeal shall not become effective except by the favorable vote of at least three-fourths of all the members of the council. The protest, if filed, must be filed before or at the public hearing. The bill repeals Code section 414.5. Current law requires a person to obtain approval from the city zoning commission before substantially changing the existing use of a shooting range or improving property that was acquired to maintain a shooting range within the city. In the event the city does not have a zoning commission, the city council shall comply with Code section 414.5 before granting approval. Due to the repeal of Code section 414.5, the bill eliminates the requirement that a city council comply with Code section 414.5 before approval.

AI Summary

This bill repeals a provision in Iowa law that allows property owners to protest proposed changes to zoning districts, which are official maps that divide land into different categories for development and use. Previously, if at least 20% of affected property owners or those within 200 feet of the proposed change filed a written protest with the city clerk before or at a public hearing, a zoning change would require a higher threshold of approval from the city council, specifically a three-fourths vote instead of a simple majority. The bill also removes a requirement for city councils to follow this specific protest procedure (Code section 414.5) when approving substantial changes to shooting ranges or property acquired for shooting ranges, particularly in cities that do not have a zoning commission.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 2378. S.J. 320. (on 02/18/2026)

bill text


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