Iowa Code §§ 335.15 (counties) and 414.12 (cities) provide identical mandates for zoning boards of adjustment. These statutes are very specific in limiting the functions of the board of adjustment to (1) hearing appeals of decisions made by the zoning administrator, (2) granting or denying special exceptions (also referred to as "special uses" or "conditional uses"), and (3) granting or denying variances. This Fact Sheet discusses each of these issues.

Planning and Zoning workshops are presented throughout the state of Iowa by Community and Economic Development Extension and Outreach’s Local Governments team. Information on these workshops and other programs can be found at: www.extension.iastate.edu/communities/programs-and-services