Iowa State University is launching the first statewide land-use survey since 1977. Information will be collected through telephone surveys of officials in 99 counties and 950 municipalities. The survey will focus on such issues as local land-use plans, zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations. It is intended to provide a comprehensive update of land use planning in the state.
Local governments have the primary responsibility for land use planning.
But, we don't know what is going on statewide because there hasn't been a comprehensive inventory in more than 20 years. The telephone survey portion of the study is to be completed by mid-Decemeber. A preliminary report on the survey is expected to be done by early January 2000, with a complete report done by March, said Borich. Data collected with be shared with government officials and various state agencies.