Iowa SF498 prohibits counties and cities from setting landscape design standards in commercial and multifamily residential zones.

Iowa SF498 restricts counties and cities from establishing standards for landscape design in commercial and multifamily residential zones. However, these local governments may still create buffers between different zones, regulate landscaping to comply with topsoil conservation and stormwater runoff laws, and manage landscape design in areas that could obstruct motorists' views or pose safety issues. The bill defines "landscape design" as arranging land and elements for public and private use, excluding structures with separate purposes and public streets and highways.

Iowa SF498 prohibits counties and cities from setting landscape design standards in commercial and multifamily residential zones.

Iowa SF498 restricts counties and cities from establishing standards for landscape design in commercial and multifamily residential zones. However, these local governments may still create buffers between different zones, regulate landscaping to comply with topsoil conservation and stormwater runoff laws, and manage landscape design in areas that could obstruct motorists' views or pose safety issues. The bill defines "landscape design" as arranging land and elements for public and private use, excluding structures with separate purposes and public streets and highways.