Comprehensive Planning is a transparent, public process in which communities establish a future vision and locally designated standards in order to promote public health, safety and prosperity. Successful planning 2015 attracts economic development, protects and preserves Comprehensive the community’s resources, and encourages a strong community identity. (Iowa Smart Planning, 2010) Land Use Plan The Elements of a Good Life! Prepared with Planning Assistance from Northwest Iowa Planning & Development Commission Spencer, Iowa ESTHERVILLE, Iowa 2015 Comprehensive Plan ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS In Cooperation and Support from the: City of Estherville Kenny Billings, Mayor Penny Clayton, City Administrator Elizabeth Burton, City Clerk/Finance Director Julie Miller, Deputy City Clerk Barb Mack, Community Development Director Planning & Zoning Commission City Council John Semrad, Chair Mike Nieland, Ward 1 Dorothy Christensen Julie Clark, Ward 2 Nancy Clark Dave Seylar, Ward 3 Betty Fiddler Ann Goebel, Ward 4 Roy Gage Roger Guge, Ward 5 Grace Spalding Gene Haukoos, At Large Steve Woodley Larry W. Anderson, At Large Board of Adjustment Jack Schoon, Chair Kevin Fraser Bob L’Heureux Gary Stam Rick Wilhelms City Administration Office, 2 North 7th Street Estherville, Iowa 51334 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Phone: 712-362-7771 Fax: 712-362-7773 www.cityofestherville.org Prepared with Planning & Technical Assistance By: Northwest Iowa Planning & Development Commission 217 West 5th Street, Box 1493, Spencer, Iowa 51301 (712) 262-7225 1-855-262-7225 NW Iowa Planning & Development i ESTHERVILLE, Iowa 2015 Comprehensive Plan TABLE OF cONTENTS Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... vii Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION & PLANNING ELEMENTS.............................................................. 1 Chapter 2. COMMUNITY HISTORY ......................................................................................... 4 Historical Sites in the City of Estherville ............................................................................................ 5 Historical Significance in Emmet County – National Register of Historic Places ............................. 6 Chapter 3. PLANNING BACKGROUND & PUBLIC INPUT .......................................................... 7 Background of Comprehensive Planning ........................................................................................... 7 Public Input & Data Gathering ........................................................................................................... 7 Conclusions and Analysis of From Estherville Land Use Questionnaire ........................................... 8 Estherville Community Visioning Survey Results ............................................................................. 12 Chapter 4. PHYSICAL FEATURES & NATURAL RESOURCES ..................................................... 14 Geographic Location .......................................................................................................................... 14 Climate ............................................................................................................................................... 15 Topography and Landforms ............................................................................................................... 17 Soils ................................................................................................................................................... 18 Aquifers and Groundwater ................................................................................................................. 19 Watershed and Natural Drainage ....................................................................................................... 20 Storm Water Management ................................................................................................................. 21 Chapter 5. NATURAL HAZARDS & MITIGATION ACTIONS ...................................................... 23 Hazard Mitigation Enabling Laws and Regulations .......................................................................... 24 Identification of Natural Hazards ....................................................................................................... 24 Hazard Mitigation Risk Assessment Results ..................................................................................... 26 Hazard Mitigation Actions................................................................................................................. 26 Hazard Mitigation Measures .............................................................................................................. 27 Floodplain Mapping ........................................................................................................................... 28 Emergency Management Services ..................................................................................................... 30 Chapter 6. COMMUNITY TRENDS ......................................................................................... 31 Historic Population Trends ................................................................................................................ 31 Current Population Structure ............................................................................................................. 32 Future Population Projection ............................................................................................................. 34 Housing Trends .................................................................................................................................. 36 Age of Housing .................................................................................................................................. 36 Housing Valuation ............................................................................................................................. 37 Future Housing Needs ........................................................................................................................ 39 Residential Building Permits ............................................................................................................. 41 Occupancy Conditions ....................................................................................................................... 41 Estherville Affordable Housing ......................................................................................................... 43 Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund .................................................................................. 43 Chapter 7. CITY CHARACTER & PUBLIC SERVICES .................................................................. 44 Estherville City Hall .......................................................................................................................... 44 Police Department .............................................................................................................................. 44 NW Iowa Planning & Development ii ESTHERVILLE, Iowa 2015 Comprehensive Plan Estherville Ambulance Service .......................................................................................................... 44 Fire & Rescue .................................................................................................................................... 44 Emmet County Courthouse ................................................................................................................ 45 Emmet County Fair ............................................................................................................................ 45 Emmet County Historical Museum .................................................................................................... 45 Senior Citizens Center ........................................................................................................................ 46 Healthcare Facilities ........................................................................................................................... 46 Public Library..................................................................................................................................... 49 Daycare/Childcare Services ............................................................................................................... 49 Estherville Lincoln Central Schools ................................................................................................... 49 Educational Attainment of Estherville Residents .............................................................................. 52 Iowa Lakes Community College ........................................................................................................ 53 Regional Wellness Center .................................................................................................................. 54 Religious Opportunities ..................................................................................................................... 54 Community Organizations ................................................................................................................. 55 Chamber of Commerce ...................................................................................................................... 55 EXCEL! Estherville ..........................................................................................................................