Iowa Code Title IX. Local Government [Chs. 331-420] § 414.27. Zoning for maternity group homes

1. It is the intent of this section to assist in improving the quality of life of new and expecting mothers by making available to them community residential opportunities in the residential areas of this state.  In order to implement this intent, this section shall be liberally construed.

2. For purposes of this section:

3. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, a city, city council, or city zoning commission shall consider a maternity group home a residential use of property for the purpose of zoning and shall treat a maternity group home as a permitted use in all residential zones or districts, including all single-family residential zones or districts, of the city.  A city, city council, or city zoning commission shall not require that a maternity group home, its owner, or its operator obtain a conditional use permit, special use permit, special exception, or variance.  However, new maternity group homes owned and operated by public or private agencies shall be dispersed throughout the residential zones and districts and shall not be located within contiguous city block areas.

4. Any restriction, reservation, condition, exception, or covenant in any subdivision plan, deed, or other instrument of or pertaining to the transfer, sale, lease, or use of property in a city that permits residential use of property but prohibits the use of property as a maternity group home for new and expecting mothers, to the extent of the prohibition, is void as against the public policy of this state and shall not be given legal or equitable effect.