Iowa Code Title IX. Local Government [Chs. 331-420] § 352.5. County land preservation and use plan

a. Methods of preserving agricultural lands for agricultural production.

b. Methods of preserving and providing for recreational areas, forests, wetlands, streams, lakes and aquifers.

c. Methods of providing for housing, commercial, industrial, transportational and recreational needs.

d. Methods to promote the efficient use and conservation of energy resources.

e. Methods to promote the creation and maintenance of wildlife habitat.

f. Methods of implementing the plan, if adopted, including a formal countywide system to allow variances from the county plan that incorporates the examination of alternative land uses and a public hearing on such alternatives.

g. Methods of encouraging the voluntary formation of agricultural areas by the owners of farmland.

h. Methods of considering the platting of subdivisions and its effect upon the availability of farmland.

3. a. Upon receipt of a plan, the county board may rerefer the plan to the county commission for modification, reject the plan or adopt the plan either as originally submitted or as modified.

b. If the plan is approved by the county board, it shall be the land use policy of the county and shall be administered and enforced by the county in the unincorporated areas. The county commission shall review the county plan periodically for the purpose of considering amendments to it. If the commission proposes amendments to the plan, it shall forward the proposal to the county board which may rerefer the amendments to the commission for modification or reject or adopt the amendments.