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 will be published in a design manual and a specifications manual on the DOT's website. The board will consist of 15 members, including employees from the DOT and representatives from various organizations such as the Iowa State Association of Counties and the Iowa League of Cities. Members will serve four-year terms without state compensation, although state employees on the board will receive their regular pay for board duties.

Additionally, the bill mandates that counties and cities that approve project plans not in compliance with the SUDAS standards will be responsible for any additional costs incurred due to this noncompliance. Property owners will not be liable for costs associated with projects on or adjacent to their property that arise from the noncompliant plans of their respective county or city. The bill also includes provisions for the board to analyze changes to the SUDAS manuals and estimate any cost variations resulting from these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 307.22, 331.301, 307.22A