§ 352.1 — Purpose

Iowa § 352.1

• Jurisdiction: Iowa
• Title IX: LOCAL GOVERNMENT
• Ch. 352: COUNTY LAND PRESERVATION AND USE COMMISSIONS

Text

1. It is the intent of the general assembly and the policy of this state to provide for the
orderly use and development of land and related natural resources in Iowa for residential,
commercial, industrial, and recreational purposes, preserve private property rights, protect
naturalandhistoricresourcesandfragileecosystemsofthisstateincludingforests, wetlands,
rivers, streams, lakes and their shorelines, aquifers, prairies, and recreational areas to
promote the efficient use and conservation of energy resources, to promote the creation
and maintenance of wildlife habitat, to consider the protection of soil from wind and water
erosion and preserve the availability and use of agricultural land for agricultural production,
through processes that emphasize the participation of citizens and local governments.
2. The general assembly recognizes the importance of preserving the state’s finite supply
of agricultural land. Conversion of farmland to urban development, and other nonfarm uses,
reduces future food production capabilities and may ultimately undermine agriculture as a
major economic activity in Iowa.
3. It is the intent of the general assembly to provide local citizens and local governments
the means by which agricultural land may be protected from nonagricultural development
pressures. This may be accomplished by the creation of county land preservation and use
plans and policies, adoption of an agricultural land preservation ordinance, or establishment
of agricultural areas in which substantial agricultural activities are encouraged, so that land
insidetheseareasorsubjecttothoseordinancesisconservedfortheproductionoffood, fiber,
and livestock, thus assuring the preservation of agriculture as a major factor in the economy
of this state.

Legislative History

[C79, 81, §93A.1; 82 Acts, ch 1245, §2]