Iowa Code Title IX. Local Government [Chs. 331-420] § 354.19. Dedication of land

1. An official plat which conforms to this chapter and has attached to the plat a dedication by the proprietors to the public and approval of the dedication by the governing body is equivalent to a deed in fee simple from the proprietors to the public of any land within the plat that is dedicated for street, alley, walkway, park, open area, school property, or other public use. An approved dedication of land for street purposes by the proprietors establishes an easement for public access, whether or not a deed has been recorded or the improvement of the street is complete, except when the resolution approving the plat specifically sets aside portions of the dedicated land as not being open for public access at the time of recording for public safety reasons. The recording of a subdivision plat shall dedicate to the public any utility, sewer, drainage, access, walkway, or other public easement shown on the plat.

2. The recording of an auditor's plat shall not serve to dedicate streets, alleys, parks, open areas, school property, public improvements, or utilities. The failure to show the existence of an easement or any public interest on the auditor's plat shall not remove or otherwise affect the interest.