(See also under “Living in Ames” “Neighborhood Concerns and Programs”)
Animal Control can deal with a barking dog that is a nuisance if
it is a persistent problem and the person(s) being affected can find
the dog and report the address. Animal Control will visit the
property resident responsible for the dog about the problem and does
not need to give the complainant’s name. If questions arise,
an Animal Control Officer can do a neighborhood investigation and/or
a welfare check. If the problem continues unreasonably, then
the dog’s owner can be cited for a municipal infraction, if the
complainant is willing to testify in court.
Both dogs and cats must be kept on a leash while in parks or on
public property. Animals found loose and unrestrained elsewhere may
be picked up by animal control.
The City’s franchise agreement with the cable television provider requires them to bury all lines if within a subdivision where other lines are required to be buried. This includes service lines to the building. The City gives the cable provider a few days to a week to do this, depending on weather. The City Manager’s office manages this process
There are about 13 criteria that the Inspections Division uses to
determine whether a structure is so dilapidated or deteriorated that
the owner can be forced to do work to it (or tear it down).
These are generally concerned about public safety and what you can
see from the outside of the building. Inspections Division
generally prefers to work with an owner to get a building fixed,
rather than to force its removal. This is a complaint driven
process, although rental properties are inspected once every three
years and commercial properties have periodic fire/safety
inspections.
The City has ordinances about unlicensed cars: they can’t be parked on the property or the on the street. The Inspections Division enforces this provision for the private property and the Police Department enforces it for the public right-of-way. The Police typically ticket and then tow after 48 hours.
There are more than 30 neighborhood associations in Ames that serve as liaisons to City government. Neighborhood leaders are volunteers who receive information on a weekly basis about City Council meetings as well as other official meetings. They share the information with those in their neighborhood association. For more information, call (515) 239-5105.
City ordinance prohibits any noise that is a potential health hazard or nuisance. This includes noises from vehicles, animals, stereos and musical instruments. If you live in a residential area and will exceed 55 decibels between midnight and 7 a.m., or 60 decibels between 7 a.m. and midnight, apply for a noise permit at the Police Department several days in advance of your event.
Parking on grass is prohibited; must be on gravel or hard
surface. No such gravel or hard surface parking is allowed in
the front yard (as defined in zoning ordinance), unless it is a
driveway or existed before the law was enacted. Also, in the
areas zoned for low-density residential uses, at least 40% of the
lot must be open space, that is no building, structure, or paving,
including gravel. Inspections Divisions is responsible for
responding to complaints on parking issues within the property
itself.
Parking is not permitted across the walk or off the street surface in the parkway. On-street parking is only allowed under the conditions of the posted regulations. The Police Department is to enforce regulations for this parking in the street right-of-way.
Parking, recreational vehicles and trailers
In a residentially zoned neighborhood you can park a licensed and
operable recreation motor vehicle (self-propelled) or recreational
trailer, boat trailer or other trailer on a lawful, paved parking
space in your front yard (not into City right-of-way) for as long as
you want. Private covenants in some subdivisions may prohibit this,
but no prohibition is in City code.
Generally, trees can be planted in this portion of the City street right-of-way, but no multi-stem plants are allowed. Should get a form at Public Works or from Matt Pepper, which identifies certain trees that are not allowed, clearances required and sets the City in motion to get line locates before planting. Flowers are generally permitted, but not when they will restrict visibility at intersections or driveways. It is a good idea to call Matt Pepper at 239-5342 before planting anything other than trees.
Required for occupancy of all rental properties, with inspections
every three years. Owners of conversions (from
owner-occupancy) or new owners of rental properties have 30 days to
get the permit. Sometimes it is difficult to know when such a
conversion has occurred, as Inspections doesn’t have the staff to
check all real estate transactions.
People can determine the occupancy allowed of a rental property by going to “Student Issues—Occupancy and Zoning Issues.” Generally in the low-density residential districts, it is no more than three unrelated people. Inspections Division is responsible for responding to complaints on this. However, it is difficult to determine and prove the occupancy of a structure.
Plants on the state’s noxious weeds list are prohibited. Rental property yards must be maintained consistent with the surrounding neighborhood. The Inspections Division is responsible for responding to complaints on this. Certain standards apply to maintaining the public right-of-way adjacent one’s property. Public Works Department deals with this issue. There is no mowing requirement for owner-occupied residences.
Property owners are required to maintain the sidewalks in the
street right-of-way adjacent to their property. Snow removal
must be done within 10 daylight hours after a snowfall. The law is
less clear on public walks not in a street right-of way, but the
Public Works Department generally follows this same rule for such
walkways.
These right-of-way things are in the public right-of-way and generally you can’t use the right-of-way for private purposes without permission. Depending on the circumstances, doing so can be a criminal misdemeanor, such as trespass or mischief. If you can identify the source, you can talk to them or call the police non-emergency phone number.
Can only be put on public right-of-way for collection and must be in the approved manner. Can’t accumulate more than 10 days on private property, except composted. Inspections Division is responsible for responding to complaints on this
When this is on a rental property, it can be caught with the
rental inspection. On non-rental property, it is a City issue
if it constitutes a health or safety threat to the public.
Inspections Division is responsible for responding to complaints on
this.
Dumping by others on someone else’s (or public) property is a
municipal infraction. If someone sees it gets a license
number, then the Police can pursue it. But the property owner
typically needs to clean it up.
Typically happens in May and July/August, as this is when rental occupants change. All trash companies are very good about collecting all of this, although it has to wait until the regular trash day comes around.
The City does this on a periodic basis, through a contractor. Property owners are welcome to prune also, but as trees mature they generally don’t have the knowledge or equipment to do this. To report a tree that needs trimming, call Matt Pepper at 239-5342.