Dallas County is seeking a few volunteers to serve on two different boards, but they note that the requirements for joining have been altered by the State of Iowa.

Governor Kim Reynolds recently signed into law House File 2512, which amends the state code on county zoning. In particular, it more clearly defines who can serve on a planning and zoning commission and board of adjustment. Samuel Larson, Senior Planner for the Dallas County Planning and Development Department, says the board and commission members are now required to be residents of unincorporated areas of the County, and there are more strict gender balance guidelines in place.

Larson points out that with the unincorporated parts of Dallas County continuing to shrink as land is annexed by municipalities, their options for volunteers have become more limited. Even so, he’s hopeful to find people willing to serve on the boards. There are two open seats for both Planning and Zoning and the Board of Adjustment, with the former requiring at least one vacancy filled by a female, and the latter to be filled by either two males or one male and one female. The terms for the appointments are five years, and meetings are typically held once a month. For more information or to volunteer, click the link below to visit the Dallas County volunteer portal.

https://www.dallascountyiowa.gov/our-community/get-involved/volunteer