City Codes

As the governing document for the community, the city code book is vital to a successfully managed city. Included are local laws that describe how the municipal government is structured, the duties and services the city is responsible for, how public safety is provided in the community, the regulations that help ensure properties are used and maintained properly, and much more.

ECIA has been working with an attorney and other COGs across the state for more than 30 years to provide an up-to-date model city code. Currently, Dorsey and Whitney LLP (Dorsey) is the law firm that maintains the model city code in collaboration with the Iowa Association of Councils of Governments (ICOG) who convenes all the COGs across the state and facilitates the process outlined in the chart below.

Model Code Update Process

Each year in May, Dorsey reviews the current model code to identify any areas that need to be updated after the legislature adjourns. Then, in August ICOG obtains input from the COGs for feedback and input on suggestions for changes or clarifications. In December, an updated model city code is available for COG staff to use with their respective communities.

When ECIA works with communities, this is generally how the codification process looks for those that choose to update their code every five years (A City’s code of ordinances must be updated every five years if they aren’t doing annual amendments):

  • A letter from ECIA is sent to mayors and city clerks the year before the city code will hit the five-year mark, briefly outlining the codification process.
  • ECIA provides a codification cost estimate if requested by the City. This is based on the number of city ordinances adopted since the last update and pertinent model code changes.
  • The clerk sends ECIA staff all adopted ordinances and resolutions that have been passed since the last city code update.
  • ECIA staff incorporates the city ordinances and pertinent model code changes to the draft city code.
  • ECIA meets with the Clerk and/or any other interested City staff and Council on the draft city code (this could take one or multiple meetings).
  • ECIA staff makes any changes that came from those meetings and other conversations.
  • A final draft is approved by City staff to move forward with adoption process.
  • ECIA prepares a final draft with any changes highlighted in red and adoption materials which includes a resolution to pass the public hearing date, the public hearing notice, and the ordinance that adopts the new city code.
  • After the adopting ordinance is certified and ECIA receives a copy, ECIA will prepare the final code for printing and posting on the city website.

ECIA also assists with city code supplements if a community wants to update their code annually and will also work with American Legal Publishing to keep an online version live.

Please call Marla Quinn, ECIA Grants and Municipal Coordinator, at 563-690-5703, or email mquinn@ecia.org to discuss fees for this service and if you have questions.

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