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1. What is Zoning?

Zoning is a set of policies 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 also 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.

2. Do I need a permit to install 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 and call 811 to request a locate prior to constructing any fence.

3. 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 online Des Moines County GIS Mapping System shows the approximate location of property lines. The City does not locate property lines on private property. It is the property owner's responsibility to locate property lines and to check your abstract for easements and restrictive covenants.

Below are two methods that may help you establish your property lines: 

• Locate the metal "pins" that designate the corners of your property. These "pins" may be iron pipes, iron rods or "T" bars and have a cap on them identifying the licensed surveyor who performed the survey. Sometimes they may be buried and can be located with a metal detector. A plat of your property will indicate the location of each pin (at the property corners) and lists the dimensions of all property lines. The recorded plat should be included in the abstract of your property. The Des Moines County Recorder's Office also has a copy of all recorded plats. 
• The only accurate way to establish or verify your property corners (if you cannot find the original survey pins), is to obtain a survey from a licensed land surveyor. Names of licensed surveyors can be found under "surveyors-land" in the Yellow Pages of the phone book. Most licensed surveyors will provide an estimate for the cost of the survey. Please note that there may be utility and access easements or private covenants that may impact the development of your property that will not be indicated on a survey plat. For information on underground utilities, contact Iowa One Call, or dial 811.

If you have any questions regarding zoning and/or setback regulations, please contact the Development Department.

4. 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) 753-8130 to discuss with staff the property and the zoning requirements.

5. 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.

6. Can I place gravel for a new driveway?

No, any new driveway or parking surface is required to be paved of a hard, dust-free surface, such as concrete, asphalt, or brick.