2017 Spencer Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Spencer, Iowa  2017  Comprehensive Plan

SPENCER PLANNING & ZONING SERVICES The City of Spencer is zoned and the city enforces subdivision regulations for the platting of land. The community’s zoning regulations, establishes by legislation, specific zoning districts within the city in which certain land uses are permitted by right or special exception and of which allowed uses will be subject to site development regulations such as yard setbacks, maximum height of buildings, and minimum lot area and lot width requirements.

Zoning and Building Code services in Spencer are provided by the city’s Planning Director and Planning Assistant. These staff positions are responsible for enforcing the zoning laws and policies set forth in the city’s zoning ordinance and administrative procedures. According to the city’s website, within the “Planning Department” page, the Spencer Planning Department assists people regarding buildings or property development. When a property owner desires to construct a new building or structure in Spencer, the city’s Planning staff will assist with completing the necessary forms and will issue a permit for those projects complying with the city’s codes and zoning regulations. Within Spencer, a permit is needed for building any new residential dwelling or other non-residential buildings or structures, unattached garages or accessory buildings, storage sheds, fences, decks and patios, etc. A building permit is also needed when any structure is built or altered by way of changing the square feet and/or elevation.

The Spencer Planning Department oversees the following building and development related activities:

• The issuance of building permits for dwellings, buildings, land use changes, signs, fences, communication towers, and wind power devices

BUILDING & ZONING PERMITS Any property owner intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move or demolish a building, structure or fence shall first fill out an application to the City and obtain the required permit. In accordance with Section 9-1-6 of Title 9 – Zoning Regulations, “No structures or buildings or part thereof shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, remodeled, converted, altered, enlarged, extended, raised, moved, or used, and no land shall be used except in conformity with this title.” (Ord. 10-11-1990)

Electrical and plumbing inspections

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Nuisance enforcement

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• Floodplain management and permit review • Map determinations for flood insurance purposes • Subdivision plat review and coordination with developers • Support for the Zoning Board of Adjustment • Support for The Planning and Zoning Commission • Support for the Historic Preservation Commission Inspections for substandard structures • Inspections for zoning violations, nuisance violations and other prohibited conditions • Create/update various maps for city staff and citizens using both AutoCAD and ArcGIS software • Support for the Electrical Board Support for the Plumbing Board • •

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NW Iowa Planning & Development