Table of Contents

Scenic View Protection

The city’s zoning code protects views to and from the Iowa State Capitol. It aims to maintain dominant height of the building by limiting the height of surrounding buildings. It establishes two districts which contain different requirements relate to height control (§134-1245).

Food Systems | Urban Livestock

The city's zoning code was amended in 2014 to address the keeping of animals in residential zones (Chapter 18.150). The code regulates 2 or fewer rabbits or miniature potbellied pigs per unit as household pets; more than 2 rabbits or miniature potbellied pigs per unit or fowl as small domestic animals; and horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats as large domestic animals (§18.150.050). Small domestic animals require city manager review; the ordinance lists application information, which includes a site plan, and establishes maximum animal allowances, minimum lot size (25,000 SF), minimum setbacks, and screening requirements (§8.150.080). 

Large domestic animals require city manager review; the ordinance lists application information, which includes a site plan, and establishes maximum animal allowances, minimum lot size (35,000 SF), minimum setbacks, and screening requirements (§8.150.080). 

Bees require city manager review; the ordinance lists application information, and establishes minimum lot size (12,500 SF), minimum setbacks, and fencing, signage, and screening requirements (§8.150.100).

The city's regulations are summarized in a Public Assistance Memo (PAM 007) on animal keeping.