Subdivision regulation is a process by which cities and counties establish and enforce standards so that land subdivision occurs in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.  The purpose of a subdivision ordinance is three fold:

1. To ensure proper survey and recording of land
2. To carry out the policies of a Comprehensive Plan
3. To provide control over the design and construction of streets, water and sewer systems, and other necessary improvements to turn raw land into developable sites.

Because these improvements are permanent and often become the property and responsibility of the city/county, it is important to establish standards for them and ensure that the improvements are installed so that the general public does not bear the burden to re-build them later.  Chapter 354 of the Code of Iowa provides the authority to cities and counties to adopt this type of ordinance.

last updated January, 2006