28I.4 Powers and duties.

1. The commission shall have the power and duty to make comprehensive studies and plans for the development of the area it serves which will guide the unified development of the area and which will eliminate planning duplication and promote economy and efficiency in the coordinated development of the area and the general welfare, convenience, safety, and prosperity of its people. The plan or plans collectively shall be known as the regional or metropolitan development plan. The plans for the development of the area may include but shall not be limited to recommendations with respect to existing and proposed highways, bridges, airports, streets, parks and recreational areas, schools and public institutions and public utilities, public open spaces, and sites for public buildings and structures; districts for residence, business, industry, recreation, agriculture, and forestry; water supply, sanitation, drainage, protection against floods and other disasters; areas for housing developments, slum clearance and urban renewal and redevelopment; location of private and public utilities, including but not limited to sewerage and water supply systems; and such other recommendations concerning current and impending problems as may affect the area served by the commission. Time and priority schedules and cost estimates for the accomplishment of the recommendations may also be included in the plans. The plans shall be made with consideration of the smart planning principles under section 18B.1. The plans shall be based upon and include appropriate studies of the location and extent of present and anticipated populations; social, physical, and economic resources, problems and trends; and governmental conditions and trends. The commission is also authorized to make surveys, land-use studies, and urban renewal plans, provide technical services and other planning work for the area it serves and for cities, counties, and other political subdivisions in the area. A plan or plans of the commission may be adopted, added to, and changed from time to time by a majority vote of the planning commission. The plan or plans may in whole or in part be adopted by the governing bodies of the cooperating cities and counties as the general plans of such cities and counties. The commission may also assist the governing bodies and other public authorities or agencies within the area it serves in carrying out any regional plan or plans, and assist any planning commission, board or agency of the cities and counties and political subdivisions in the preparation or effectuation of local plans and planning consistent with the program of the commission. The commission may cooperate and confer, as far as possible, with planning agencies of other states or of regional groups of states adjoining its area.

2. A planning commission formed under the provisions of this chapter shall, upon designation as such by the governor, serve as a district, regional, or metropolitan agency for comprehensive planning for its area for the purpose of carrying out the functions as defined for such an agency by federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

[C66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §473A.4]

C91, §28I.4

2010 Acts, ch 1184, §19