This bill establishes the Statewide Urban Design and Specifications Board (SUDAS Board) within the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). The board is tasked with developing statewide urban design standards and specifications, which may involve recommendations from the Institute for Transportation at Iowa State University. The SUDAS Board will consist of 15 members appointed from various governmental and non-governmental entities, and it is required to publish a design manual and specifications manual on the DOT's website. Additionally, the board must analyze any changes made to these manuals and provide estimates of potential cost variations resulting from such changes. Members will serve four-year terms without state compensation, although state employees on the board will receive their regular pay for board duties.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if a county or city approves a project plan that does not comply with the SUDAS manuals, they will be responsible for any additional costs incurred due to this noncompliance. Importantly, property owners will not be assessed any costs related to projects on or adjacent to their property that arise from the noncompliant plans of the county or city. This provision aims to protect property owners from financial burdens resulting from local government decisions that do not adhere to established urban design standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 307.22, 331.301, 307.22A