The City of Ames, like other communities, is made up of parks, stores, homes, offices, industrial areas, shopping centers, and lots more. But what makes Ames a great place to live is our strong neighborhoods. Strong residential neighborhoods are the building blocks to a vibrant, thriving community.
If you're an Ames resident, you probably live in or near a Neighborhood Association. Neighborhood Associations are groups of neighbors who meet with some regularity, elect officers, and work together to make their neighborhoods even better places to live. Many Neighborhood Associations have applied to the City of Ames for Neighborhood Improvement Grants which have provided matching funds for neighborhood projects.
There are 45 neighborhood associations in the City of Ames. Click here for a map.
If you would like to be in contact with your neighborhood association, please contact Jeff Benson, with the Planning and Housing Department, at jbenson@city.ames.ia.us or call (515) 239-5269.
Applications for block parties may be obtained by contacting the Public Work’s Office at (515) 239-5160. One week’s notice is required, and a majority of the neighborhood must be participating in order to block off the street.
The ordinance affectionately called the "couch ordinance" (in Section 17.34 of the Municipal Code) says those who place household appliances, furniture or furnishings in a yard, deck or porch will be in violation of the law. In the past, it was illegal for anyone to place indoor furniture on rental property. The new ordinance applies to all residents of the City, including those in owner-occupied residences. It does not apply to items designed for outdoor use and also excludes porches that are completely enclosed by glass or screens.
Penalties for violating this ordinance will be $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense and $250 for a third offense and subsequent offense. The ordinance is enforced on a complaint only basis.
Garage sales and sales of garden produce are not defined as "home occupations," provided no more than three sales are held per year. Therefore, they do not require a permit.
Mosquito fogging of city parks will be taking place during the summer months through Labor Day weekend.
The City Council offers from $25,000 to $50,000 annually in matching grants to neighborhood groups wishing to make permanent improvements to their neighborhoods. Neighbors should work together to plan and implement their program. The grant money must be matched with funds, labor or materials. The program is reopened each spring. Call the City Manager’s office at (515) 239-5101 for application deadlines and details about how to apply. More information about the Neighborhood Improvement Program can be found is available here and from the City Clerk's Office.
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.
If you are planning to tap more than one keg of beer during your party, a permit is required from the Ames Police Department, 515 Clark Avenue. The permit must be applied for 24 hours in advance at the Police Department. A pre-party inspection is required. Keg beer is prohibited in Ames parks.