Hazard Mitigation

The county’s comprehensive plan includes a Hazard Planning element with extensive hazard mitigation policy recommendations. 

This element addresses both natural and human-made hazards. The plan also includes a specific implementation program for this element.

Wind Energy

The county’s comprehensive plan sets goals and objectives related to wind energy and outlines implementation steps for these policies. It supports the expansion of renewable energy in the county and prescribes regular review of wind energy regulations in the unified development code (pp.8 – 11). Unincorporated areas of the county are designated as a Small Wind Innovation Zone by the Iowa Utilities Board (p.57). It creates streamlined local approval and utility interconnection processes for owners of small wind energy systems.