Iowa Statewide Rule
Iowa Agricultural Zoning and County Authority Limits
Key Facts
- Requirement
- Iowa Code 335.2 exempts farms from county zoning
- Requirement
- CAFOs governed by Iowa Code chapter 459
- Requirement
- DNR matrix scoring evaluates new operations
- Requirement
- City zoning still applies inside city limits
Summary
Iowa Code 335.2 exempts most farm structures and uses from county zoning regulations, preserving broad rights to operate agricultural land.
335.2 Farms exempt. 1. Except to the extent required to implement section 335.27, no ordinance adopted under this chapter applies to land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, or other buildings or structures that are primarily adapted, by reason of nature and area, for use for agricultural purposes, while so used. However, the ordinances may apply to any structure, building, dam, obstruction, deposit, or excavation in or on the floodplains of any river or stream.
Full Breakdown
Iowa Code section 335.2 prohibits counties from using zoning powers to regulate land, buildings, or structures used for agricultural purposes outside cities, including most farm operations and dwellings. Confined animal feeding operations are governed under Iowa Code chapter 459 and matrix scoring administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, not local zoning. Cities retain zoning authority within their boundaries. The limits reinforce Iowa's policy of protecting agricultural enterprises from inconsistent local regulation.
Violations & Penalties
County zoning rules conflicting with the agricultural exemption are void; courts will enjoin enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Iowa counties zone farms out of agricultural land?
How are large livestock operations regulated?
Sources
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