The Law of the Land

Owning a house in a town or a farm in the country can guarantee a couple of things:

•	Your use of the land and your buildings will most likely be dictated by zoning ordinances—laws that tell you what you can and cannot do with your property.
•	Your neighbors' use of their land and buildings will also be governed by those same ordinances.

Zoning laws are locally determined laws that regulate how land can be used and the size and type of physical structures that can be placed on a particular piece of land. Businesses cannot build a mall in an area that is zoned for residential housing, and condominiums cannot be built in areas zoned for agriculture. Local zoning is public law and has the power of law enforcement behind it. If your neighbor does something to his land that influences your land in a negative way and also goes against zoning ordinances in your area, you have the right to call the authorities.

Zoning in the Loess Hills

Not only do the seven counties that make up the Loess Hills in Iowa all have very different zoning ordinances, but the cities and towns inside the hills do too. In the bigger city areas such as Council Bluffs and Sioux City, zoning draws a lot of attention, mainly because of their extreme growth. In more rural areas, zoning laws are not as noticeable though some residents are rallying for stricter zoning laws.

Annexation

If you own property near a growing city, it has the possibility of being annexed. This means your property—usually voluntarily—is annexed (made part of an existing county or city). There are benefits and drawbacks to being annexed. Some benefits might include city fire and police protection while a drawback might be higher taxes.

What do you think? Your neighbor may request to be annexed to a nearby city. If it happens, how will it affect your property? Will your property value go up? Will your property taxes go up? Will you have to follow more rules about how your land can be used?

Your Neighbor's Laws and Rights

Zoning and annexing land usually focuses on the growth of a community. Most zoning ordinances are established for the protection of land, landowners, and neighbors. Some of your neighbors may think these laws are easy to follow. Other neighbors may not agree. By becoming aware of the zoning laws, you will be able to make educated decisions on fair land use.

Web Link

Wisconsin Zoning Ordinances—See what Wisconsin is doing through zoning laws to protect its wetlands.

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