Land Use

Land Use

Duties & Responsibilities

Des Moines County contracts with the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC) to serve as the Land Use Department. This department is responsible for general county planning, approving zoning and floodplain permits, subdivision review, and enforcing all elements of the Des Moines County land use ordinances.

*IMPORTANT* - The County Zoning Ordinance only covers a specific area of land within 2 miles of the City of Burlington. If your property is within this area, a Zoning Permit is required for almost* all new construction and development projects, and must be submitted before construction begins. Please consult the map linked above ("Do I Need A Zoning Permit?") or ask Land Use staff to confirm whether a Zoning Permit is required for your project.

The Land Use office is housed at the SEIRPC headquarters in West Burlington. If you have questions for Land Use staff, you are encouraged to call or send an e-mail message first. SEIRPC is a separate agency that is involved in other planning activities throughout Des Moines, Henry, Lee and Louisa Counties, and the two Land Use staff members may not be available at the time, if you visit without prior notice.

Ordinances and Maps

Boards and Commissions

Membership, Agendas, and Minutes