2017 Spencer Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Spencer, Iowa  2017  Comprehensive Plan

Policy 1.b. – Create, update and sustain a hazard mitigation plan for the community in compliance with FEMA recommended standards to address procedures and create policies to reduce the community’s exposure to natural and man-made disasters. Policy 1.c. – Strongly encourage and continue to push the proper federal authorities (FEMA) to re- survey the city’s floodplains. It has been decades since the city’s floodplain boundaries were created and there have been many changes since the maps inception. It is time to reestablish the flood boundaries, especially with regards to the National Flood Insurance Program. Policy 1.d. – Continue and intensify the city’s efforts to clean up run down and nuisance properties in Spencer; including but not limited to addressing the parking of junk or operating vehicles on front yards. Policy 1.e. - Assure high quality developments using land use controls including but not limited to zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, annexation plan, development incentives, minimum building standards, and downtown or historic architectural standards. Policy 1.f. – Ensure adequate land is available within the city limits to develop upon for permitted uses, while alleviating existing or potential land use conflicts. Policy 1.g. - The Planning and Zoning Commission should review and recommend all land use changes to the City Council. Policy 1.h. - Continue offering financial and human resources dedicated to zoning enforcement, code enforcement and compliance with the city’s land use controls. Policy 1.i. – Desired land uses beyond the existing city limits should be designated on the future land use map where development can be anticipated and proposed annexation can be planned or initiated, if needed to control development and in the best interest of the community. Policy 1.j. – Encourage development to occur on vacant properties within the city, when economically, socially, and physically possible and consistent with the city’s future land use map as a first choice in lieu of building upon prime agricultural lands.

AGRICULTURAL, CONSERVATION AND UNDEVELOPED LAND USES Agricultural land uses are those properties within the city limits primarily used for grazing or pasture land, producing row crops, raising livestock or other traditional farm animals, or other agricultural commodities. Agricultural uses comprise the largest amount of land acres in Spencer at more than 1,905 acres or 26.7% of land area within the corporate city limits of Spencer. Most of this land is utilized for pasturage or active row cropping. In a survey of city officials, board members and community leaders, more than 65% of respondents indicated that agricultural uses in Spencer are generally compatible in nature. In a related question about agricultural

Photo of agricultural uses on the fringe of Spencer

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NW Iowa Planning & Development