Plan and Zoning Commission

What is the role of the Plan and Zoning Commision?

The Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission is a 15 member commission, appointed by the City Council with the responsibility to make recommendations on planning, zoning, subdivision platting and other issues related to the orderly development and redevelopment of the City. The Commission is supported in its work by the Division of Planning and Urban Design within the Department of Community Development.

Some of the major areas of responsibility for the Plan and Zoning Commission include:

  • Long Range Planning
    • The Commission is charged with the responsibility to create and recommend a "Comprehensive Plan" for the City. The primary element of this being the Future Land Use Plan, with other specialized elements. The current Future Land Use Plan was adopted in 2000 by the City Council and is called the Des Moines’ 2020 Community Character Plan and will be used as a guide for land use and development decisions. Examples of other specialized plans that are incorporated into the "Comprehensive Plan" that are reviewed by the Commission include the Parklands Plan, the Preservation Plan, The River Book, and The Destination Downtown Plan.
  • Special Area Planning
    • The Commission is also responsible for special area studies and planning, such as the recently recommended Easter Lake New town Plan, a detailed plan to further guide development in the southeast part of the City. Examples of other special area plans that are reviewed by the Commission include the Neighborhood Action Plans, and The Western Gateway Plan.
  • Zoning Ordinance Preparation
    • The Commission is charged with the Responsibility of creating and recommending the Zoning Ordinance and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to the City Council for adoption. Within the next year the Planning Commission will be working on a complete revision to the existing Zoning Ordinance to bring current Zoning regulations in-line with the principles and objectives of the Des Moines’ 2020 Community Character Plan.
  • Development Review
    • The Commission receives applications for zoning amendments and text changes that are requested by property owners, neighborhood organizations, businesses, developers or the City Council. The Commission studies and holds hearings on proposed zoning amendments and development proposals and again, prepares recommendations for the City Council’s consideration.
  • Subdivision Review
    • Along with development and zoning reviews, the commission also approves the preliminary subdivision of land into lots for building and development. The Commission reviews proposed preliminary subdivision plats in light of adopted plans, zoning and other rules, and the City’s Subdivision Regulations, which set forth the procedures and requirements for dividing property for development.

In addition to these primary duties, the Plan and Zoning Commission works with the City Council and other Boards in the review of public and private developments, including historic, urban renewal and revitalization projects, again to assure consistency with the City’s adopted future plans and development policies.

The Plan and Zoning Commission annually reviews and comments on the proposed Capital Improvement Plan for the City. They make specific recommendations to the Council on proposed public projects and improvements with regard to consistency with the principles of the Des Moines’ 2020 Community Character Plan and other specific plans and studies the City has adopted.

Members of the Plan and Zoning Commission:

  • Leisha Barcus, Community Representative
  • Shirley Daniels, Community Representative
  • Jacqueline R. Easley, Community Representative
  • Dann Flaherty, Chair, Community Representative
  • Dr. Bruce Heilman, Community Representative
  • Ted R. Irvine, Community Representative
  • Jeffrey Johannsen, Community Representative
  • Greg Jones, Community Representative
  • Frances Koontz, Community Representative
  • Jim R. Martin, Community Representative
  • JoAnne Corigliano, Community Representative
  • Brian L. Millard, Community Representative
  • Mike Simonson, Community Representative
  • Kent Sovern, 2nd Vice-Chair, Community Representative
  • Marc R. Wallace, Community Representative

For information contact Erik Lundy, 515-283-4144 or Deb Atkins, 283-4181.

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City of Des Moines, Iowa
Community Development