Types of land uses, such as residential, commercial, industrial, etc., are surveyed and inventoried for identification and locational purposes. This information is mapped and can be used for review or development of a zoning ordinance and map. Tracking development of land over a period of time is another use for this information. Often, this information is requested on certain grant applications such as EDA and CDBG. A land use inventory was required (by Iowa law) of counties in 1984, and a land use plan in 1985. Chapter 352 of the Iowa Code details this process and the usefulness and importance of it.

last updated January, 2006