Bills › 88th General Assembly
Relating to county and city regulation of vegetable gardens
Topics:Cities & counties
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 14, 2020
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 21, 2020
- Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: House committee
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2020 session adjourned on June 14, 2020, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Local governments would no longer be allowed to make specific rules about vegetable gardens on residential property. While cities and counties cannot target gardens directly, they can still enforce general rules about things like water use or fertilizer. This change affects anyone growing fruits, vegetables, or herbs to eat in their own yard.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to county and city regulation of vegetable gardens. Under the bill, a county or city shall not adopt an ordinance or other regulation specifically regulating vegetable gardens located on residential property. Any such ordinance or regulation is void and unenforceable. However, a county or city may adopt and enforce an ordinance or regulation of a general nature that does not specifically regulate vegetable gardens, such as an ordinance relating to water use during drought conditions, fertilizer use, or control of invasive species. The bill defines “vegetable garden” as a plot of ground where herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables are cultivated for human consumption.
Senate subcommittee
Named January 21, 2020. Meeting: Monday, January 27 · 4:30 PM · RM G17.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
1 for · 3 against · 12 undecided · Who →