Is the Wheel Unbalanced? A Study of Bias on Zoning Boards

Abstract

This article describes an empirical study of the occupational composition of zoning boards in Iowa. The study finds that both zoning adjustment boards and planning commissions are heavily weighted toward white-collar professionals; labor and agricultural interests are significantly under-represented. Moreover, the study finds that boards are heavily populated with those who stand to gain from property development. The study recommends that legal restrictions on board appointments be tightened to ensure a better cross-section of the community is represented.