HF2667: Statewide Urban Design and Specifications Board

Establishes a Statewide Urban Design and Specifications Board within the DOT. The board is responsible for developing, publishing, and updating statewide urban design and specifications standards for public improvement projects. The board's membership includes representatives from state agencies and various professional associations. The bill mandates that counties and cities are financially responsible for additional costs arising from projects that do not comply with these standards, while shielding property owners from being assessed those costs. The board must also publish analyses of changes to standards and associated cost estimates. You can read the Governor's veto message here. 

Key Points & Impacts

• Creates the Statewide Urban Design and Specifications Board within the DOT to develop and publish statewide urban design standards and specifications.

• Board membership includes employees from the DOT and representatives from county, city, contractor, builder, asphalt, and real estate associations.

• The board is required to publish both a design manual and a specifications manual on the DOT website.

• Any changes to the manuals must be accompanied by a public analysis and estimated cost variation.

• Counties and cities that approve project plans not compliant with these standards are responsible for paying any additional costs resulting from noncompliance.

• Property owners cannot be assessed costs resulting from local government noncompliance with design standards for projects on or adjacent to their property.

• Board members serve four-year terms without state compensation (except for state employees' regular pay during work hours).

• The board is exempt from dissolution under Iowa Code section 4A.5.