| COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - |
| Home | Staff | Applications | Code |
| Do I need a permit to put up a fence? Yes, a fence permit is required. A sketch drawing of the location of the fence and the height and type of fence are required on the permit application. Please submit the application prior to constructing any fence. (Fence requirements) |
| What is Zoning? Zoning is a set of policy regulations adopted by the City Council to regulate the use of land within the city. The location, size, and height of buildings and signs, size of lots, yards, and other open spaces are all regulated by Zoning. Zoning regulates what you can use your property for and what you can build on it. The basis of Zoning is to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the community and its residents. |
| How do I find my lot (property) lines? It is the responsibility of each property owner to determine the location of their lot lines. An abstract will give you the dimension of a property, however, locating the property pins located at the corners of your lot will help you determine the boundaries. If you cannot find your property pins, you may consider hiring a licensed land surveyor to survey your property. The City does not have a survey crew to survey private property. The on-line Des Moines County GIS Mapping System shows the approximate location of property lines. |
| Who do I contact about trash or weeds in my neighborhood?
Nuisance inspections operate on a complaint basis. Residents can
call a Nuisance Inspector if they have questions or complaints
regarding trash, tall grass, weeds, etc.
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| How close to a property line am I allowed to build a garage, house, fence, etc?
Setback requirements vary depending upon the zoning classification of a
property, the layout of the lot, and the location of the proposed
structure. Please call Planning and Zoning (319) 753-8151 to discuss with staff the property and the zoning requirements.
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| Who is responsible for maintaining the area between the sidewalk and the street? It
is the adjacent property owner's responsibility to mow and maintain the
area between the sidewalk and the street (right-of-way). Plant
material is not to obstruct the sidewalk; grass and leaves are not
to be mowed or blown into the City street. Information regarding
excavation in
the right-of-way can be found here.
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| Can I place gravel for a new driveway? Any new driveway or new construction (garage) requires that the driving / parking surface be paved of a hard, dust-free surface, such as concrete, asphalt, or brick. |
| If you have any further questions please contact a member of staff. |