SF 498: Relating to county and city landscaping regulation in commercial and multifamily residential zones

What it does

This bill prohibits a county or city from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, motion, resolution, or amendment to establish a standard for landscape design including the products, materials, or aesthetic methods that must be used in areas zoned for commercial or multifamily residential use. A county or city may adopt or enforce an ordinance, motion, resolution, or amendment that does any of the following: creates a buffer between an area zoned for commercial or multifamily residential use and an area zoned for any different use; regulates landscaping in commercial or multifamily residential areas to conform with Code chapter 317 or as otherwise required by law; regulates landscape design in ditches, easements, and other areas of the commercial or multifamily residential property that may obstruct a motorist’s view or create any other public safety issue; is in accordance with other provisions of the law governing topsoil conservation and storm water runoff.

Senate subcommittee · named February 11, 2025

• Sen. Cherielynn Westrich (R) · cherielynn.westrich@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Herman C. Quirmbach (D) · herman.quirmbach@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Dave Sires (R) · dave.sires@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 0 for, 1 against

Against: American Planning Association Iowa Chapter

In plain words

1. February 11, 2025Filed in the Senate and sent to the Local Government committee · as SSB 1108
2. February 11, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Westrich, Quirmbach and Sires · as SSB 1108
3. February 19, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it · as SSB 1108
4. March 3, 2025Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 498 · as SSB 1108
5. March 4, 2025Filed in the Senate
6. March 4, 2025Approved by the Senate committee
7. June 16, 2025Sent to the Senate Local Government committee