Minutes-4/21/1999

1998 FACT SHEET AND DESCRIPTION OF LAND USE PLANNING AND CONTROLS Fact's about Tiffin, Iowa: 1990 Population 460 1998 Population 900 estimated 2005 Population 1,500 projected Subdivision Lots created since 1993 240 New Businesses since 1995 10 Municipal Infrastructure Investment $1,150,000 (1994-1998) New Private Investments $6,974,000 (1993 to July 1997) The following information contains brief descriptions of planning efforts and land use regulations undertaken by the City of Tiffin. 1. SUBDIVISION REGULATION The City of Tiffin has recently adopted a completely revised Subdivision Ordinance. This newer ordinance includes more detailed requirements on infrastructure requirements and regulations affecting the platting process. The Subdivision Ordinance now includes a provision for mandatory dedication of recreational/public areas for each development 2. ZONING In 1995, 1996, and 1998 the City completed significant updates to its Zoning Ordinance. The revisions specify use of modular, component, and mobile homes, and clarify the distinctions between lower density and higher density residential developments. The Zoning Ordinance includes new zoning classifications and requires landscape buffers and safety setbacks along major roads and railroads. The Ordinance includes new regulations for communications towers. 3. DESIGN STANDARDS The City of Tiffin adopted a revised version of the Joint Municipal Metropolitan Design Standards used by Coralville, Iowa City, and North Liberty. 4. EXTRATERRITORIAL/FRINGE AREA LAND USE CONTROLS The City of Tiffin has in place an Extraterritorial Subdivision Review Ordinance for all plats within two miles of the City. The City has recently entered into a new Fringe Area Policy Agreement with Johnson County that greatly reduces the City's review of agricultural-related subdivisions while increasing the City's control over key development locations. 5. BUILDING CODE The City of Tiffin uses the Uniform Building Code regulations for all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The City has a fully established building fee system that fully supports contracted Building Inspector services. The City's FIRE SAFETY building regulations require sprinklers for 3-level buildings and fire inspections. The City consults with the State Fire Marshall on specific industrial structures.