Historic Preservation in Iowa (2026)
6 rules on the books across Iowa, 6 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Historic-Cultural Monuments
How buildings, sites, and trees are nominated and designated as Historic-Cultural Monuments, the protections that follow, and the demolition-stay process.
Cedar Rapids
Significant RestrictionsCedar Rapids designates local historic districts and landmarks by City Council ordinance under Municipal Code Chapter…
Read full rule →Des Moines
Significant RestrictionsDes Moines requires a certificate of appropriateness before anyone alters, reconstructs, or demolishes the exterior of…
Read full rule →Iowa City
Significant RestrictionsIowa City designates local historic landmarks by ordinance through the historic district overlay (OHD) zone. Any…
Read full rule →Sioux City
Significant RestrictionsSioux City designates historic landmarks and districts through Historic Preservation Commission review and City Council…
Read full rule →Story County
Significant RestrictionsIn unincorporated Story County, renovating or repurposing a building on the National Register of Historic Places, or a…
Read full rule →Johnson County
Some RestrictionsJohnson County's Sensitive Areas Ordinance requires any development site with a historically significant structure or…
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