Planning and Zoning


PPZC Agenda and Packet

Board of Adjustment Agenda and Packet
Staff Contacts

The primary objectives of Planning and Zoning in the City of Waterloo are:

  • to promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity and general welfare;
  • to conserve and protect the value of property throughout the City and to encourage the most appropriate use of land; to lessen congestion in the streets;
  • to prevent the overcrowding of land;
  • to avoid undue concentration of population;
  • and to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements.
Furthermore, Planning and Zoning is also intended and designed to meet the specific purpose of Chapter 414, Code of Iowa, as amended. It is further the intent of Planning and Zoning to provide for the orderly use and development of land and related natural resources in Iowa for residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational purposes, preserve private property rights, protect significant natural and historic resources and fragile ecosystems of this county including forests, wetlands, rivers, streams, lakes and their shorelines, aquifers, prairies, and recreational areas, and to provide for the efficient use and conservation of energy resources.

To implement these objectives, the City of Waterloo has adopted the City of Waterloo Zoning Ordinance, a Subdivision Ordinance, and a Comprehensive Plan. As part of the Comprehensive Plan, the City of Waterloo has developed a Future Land Use map, which provides a general guide for the growth and development of the City.

The Waterloo Planning and Zoning Department can assist you in answering a variety of questions that deal with:

  • Why your land is zoned a particular way.

  • Confirm if your property is located in a floodplain.

  • Inform you on the status of city-owned property.

  • Advise as to what zoning status is needed to operate a business.

  • Let you know the zoning guidelines for running a home-based business.

  • Building rules and regulations for your property.

 For questions relating to planning, zoning, historic preservation, zoning variances, flood plain and property development or redevelopment, please contact our office.

For help identifying available buildings and sites in Waterloo, contact on of our Economic Development professionals for a confidential consultation.


Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission
These are the items listed on the Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission agenda as of 12:00 noon on the Friday preceding the Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission meeting. Items may have been added that are listed on the official agenda posted at City Hall.

No February 2024 meeting scheduled
View the Agenda and Packet 3-12-24
View the Agenda and Packet 01-09-24
View the Agenda and Packet 12-12-23

View the Agenda and Packet 11-14-23


Board of Adjustment
These are the items listed on the Board of Adjustment agenda as of 12:00 noon on the Friday preceding the Board of Adjustment meeting. Items may have been added that are listed on the official agenda posted at City Hall. 

  • View the March meeting agenda and packet here.
  • View the February meeting agenda and packet here.
  • View the February Special meeting agenda and packet here.
  • View the January meeting agenda and packet here.
  • View the November meeting agenda and packet here.
  • View past meetings on our YouTube Channel here.


Contact Information
City Hall (Second Floor)
715 Mulberry Street
Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: (319) 291-4366
Fax: (319) 291-4262
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Additional Links: Economic Development | Brownfields

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