No, the City of Ames does not prohibit the keeping of any certain breed of dog. In fact, the City addresses the broader topic of dangerous domestic animals - not just dogs - in order to protect the public from hazards associated with any such animal. In general, a dangerous domestic animal is one that has inflicted serious injury on a person or another animal, poses a potential risk of attacking and inflicting serious injury without provocation, or is owned for the purpose of animal fighting (which is a violation of state law).
The City Animal Control Officer determines, based on reasonable evidence, whether an animal is a dangerous domestic animal. Such evidence may include a verified report of aggression on the part of the animal, whether the animal was provoked, and an expert’s opinion. Under City code, people responsible for the keeping of an animal that is determined to be a dangerous domestic animal must meet several requirements. Such requirements include registering the animal with the Animal Control Officer, providing to the City proof of financial responsibility for injury or damage that might be caused by the animal, having a confinement plan approved by the Animal Control Officer, and meeting other handling requirements the Animal Control Officer has determined are necessary.
With these regulations and requirements, the City of Ames intends to take a fact-based, measured approach to protecting the public from dangerous domestic animals. Rather than making unfounded assumptions about an entire breed of animal, the Animal Control Officer focuses on the actual behavior of a domestic animal to determine whether that particular animal is dangerous. For additional information about requirements and appeal procedures, please refer to the Ames Municipal Code Chapter 3, Division II, Dangerous Domestic Animals. Finally, keep in mind that everyone in Ames has a duty to report an incident in which a domestic animal causes serious injury to a person or another domestic animal within 24 hours of the incident. To report such an incident, call Animal Control at 515-239-5530.

In order to better serve our adopters and ensure our animals remain healthy and happy, our animals are available for viewing by adoption appointment only. Adoption appointments are scheduled once an application has been submitted.

 Our adoption process is the following:

Step One: Review the available animals

Step Two: If you see someone you are interested in, submit an adoption application (be sure to list their name on the application.)

Step Three: A staff member will review your application and reach out to you by email once it has been approved. If approved, they will schedule you an appointment to come in and meet the animal.

Puppies & Dogs: $100.00
Kittens & Cats: $100.00
Rabbits: $40.00
Other Small Animals: As determined by staff

If the animal will allow you to approach it, please do so. Check the animal for a collar with a tag. If the animal is only wearing a rabies tag, you can call the clinic who issued the tag and they can attempt to reach the owner with the information they have on file. You can also take the animal to a nearby vet clinic to be scanned for a microchip.

If no identification is located, you may continue to hold on to the animal or bring them to the shelter for safe-keeping. By law, if you choose to keep possession of the animal you post reasonable notice for seven (7) days before the animal can be considered your property. You must also file a found report on our website HERE FOR CATS, HERE FOR DOGS, and HERE FOR OTHER SMALL ANIMALS.

If the animal will not allow you to approach them, please call us at 515-239-5530 to report the sighting so we can relay the information if an owner calls. You can also report the sighting on social media pages to attempt to locate an owner.

Yes. Please call the shelter at 515-239-5530 for information about surrendering an animal.

The Ames Area MPO is required by Federal law to adopt a new Long Range Transportation Plan at least every five years. The plan must have a planning horizon at least 20 years into the future.

The long range plan can be updated at anytime as needed. Updates to the plan may include changes to proposed projects, funding, or to update significant community changes. Any proposed updates to the Long Range Transportation Plan will follow the public participation process prescribed in the Public Participation Plan.

The Passenger Transportation Plan is a coordinated effort between transportation providers and human services agencies providing transportation services to enhance access throughout the community, minimize duplication of services, and facilitate the most appropriate and cost-effective transportation possible with available resources. The Ames Area MPO adopts a new Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP) every five years. The current PTP was adopted in March 2014 and has been amended as needed. The next PTP will be adopted by March 2019. Click here to learn more about the PTP and view the current document.

The Ames Area MPO adopts a new program annually and shows the next four years of capital projects which receive Federal funds or are regionally significant.

The Ames Area MPO adopts a new program annually showing how planning dollars will be spent during the fiscal year.

The Ames Area MPO develops and maintains the regional traffic model for the Ames-Gilbert metropolitan region. The current model is based on the regional roadway network and CyRide network from 2010, along with 2010 economic and demographic data. The model is calibrated using traffic volume counts and observed CyRide ridership data to verify the model is accurately forecasting traffic patterns in the region.

The model  is used to evaluate the impacts of modifications to the network, such as new population areas, new employment centers, and regional transit service changes. A new model is developed in concert with the periodic update to the MPO Long Range Transportation Plan every five years.

The State of Iowa administers funding for transportation projects which contribute to curbing emissions of mobile source emissions from surface transportation in a Federal program known as Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality improvement (CMAQ). Iowa accepts applications from governmental agencies such as cities and transit agencies, to fund projects with measurable impacts on attaining or maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Currently, all metropolitan areas in the State of Iowa are considered "Attainment" areas, meaning that they do not exceed air quality standards. However, Ames is eligible to submit projects for the ICAAP grant to maintain our attainment status and continue improving the air quality for residents of "criteria" air pollutants. The City of Ames transit service, CyRide, and Public Works department have been successful in obtaining ICAAP funds for projects such as additional transit service and traffic signal optimization studies.

Agency who awards funding

• Resolution of concurrence made by Transportation Policy Committee - Ames Area MPO
• Final selection made by Iowa Transportation Commission - Iowa Department of Transportation

Links for more Information about ICAAP

• About Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) (Federal Highway Administration)
• About Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) (Iowa Department of Transportation)
  • ICAAP Grant Application (Iowa DOT)

A bulk of Federal transportation funds go towards projects funded by the Surface Transportation Block Grant. This block grant provides flexible funding for projects to preserve and improve the conditions and performance on any Federal-aid highway, bridge, and tunnel projects on any public road, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and transit capital projects including intercity bus terminals. In Ames these funds are generally allocated towards capacity building projects, preservation, and transit vehicle replacement, among others.

Agency who awards funding

• Projects selected by Transportation Policy Committee - Ames Area MPO

Links for more Information about STBG

• About Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) (Federal Highway Administration)

A portion of transportation funds are set-aside for transportation projects which enhance the connection between modes on the surface transportation network. The program can be used for projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects which improve non-driver access to public transportation and enhance mobility, historic preservation and vegetation management, recreational trail project, safe routes to school projects, and environmental mitigation related to storm water and habitat connectivity. Unlike the process used for the former TAP program, TA projects are prioritized by the respective MPO but ultimately selected by the Iowa Transportation Commission. TA projects are competitively selected among with other TA projects across the State of Iowa; however, the Iowa Transportation Commission does have an interest in balancing resources across the State of Iowa.

Agency who awards funding

• Projects are prioritized by Transportation Policy Committee - Ames Area MPO
• Final selection made by Iowa Transportation Commission - Iowa Department of Transportation

Links for more Information about TA

• About Transportation Alternatives (Federal Highway Administration)

An account can only be in one name except for married couples. Married couples may have both names listed on the account.

The service can be transferred by terminating the current account and establishing a new account. The roommate who wants to take the service out or their name should contact our office to terminate their service or go to our web site and submit a “stop service” request. The roommate who wants to transfer the service into their name will need to complete an application for service. Applications for service are available in our office or on our web site under the “start service” link.

Anyone may make a payment on a bill. We will need the customer’s account number or their name and service address in order to apply the payment to the correct account.

Budget billing is a payment plan that allows you to level out the amount of your monthly utility bills.  You are still responsible for your actual charges.  Your monthly bill amount is the estimated charges on your account for the next 12 months divided by 12. The difference between your actual charges and your budget billing charges are settled-up (added to or subtracted from your account balance) on an annual basis or when you terminate your account. The budget billing amount will be reviewed and adjusted on at least annual basis.

We provide electric, water and sewer service within the City of Ames. Garbage service is provided by private contractors (check the yellow pages) and gas service is provided by Alliant Energy 800-822-4348.

City of Ames parking tickets which are less than 30 days old can be paid at Ames City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, Iowa, to the Cashier inside the east door between 8 am and 5 pm, or; payments can be placed in the drop box in front of Ames City Hall (east side), or; payments can be placed in the drop box located on Welch Avenue in the campustown area. These locations are also listed on your ticket. If you have questions about the amount you owe or if a specific ticket is too old to pay to the City of Ames, contact Finance Customer Service at 515-239-5283. If your ticket is more than 30 days old, it could be filed with the Ames Clerk of Court and would have to be paid to them. Check with the Finance Department to see if it has been filed. 

Pay Parking Tickets (current or at collection)

These are handled through the Ames branch of the Clerk of Court. If you simply want to pay the ticket, and an appearance is not required, then you can either mail or bring the appropriate copy of the ticket, plus the fine to the Clerk of Court’s office, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010. If you must or want to appear in court, the courtroom is located at Ames City Hall. Your date of appearance should be written on your ticket. For questions or to change a court appearance, contact the Clerk of Court. 515-239-5140. If the ticket was issued outside of Story County, there should be a corresponding address for the local Clerk of Court’s office near the top of the citation. Send the ticket plus fine to that address. 

Pay Parking Tickets filed with Clerk of Court.

The Ames Fire Department provides fire extinguisher training to service groups, companies, and other organizations.  Call Station #1 at 515-239-5415 and the on-duty Shift Commander would be happy to schedule a training session with our firefighters.

Ames Firefighters are more than happy to show you around the stations.  We just ask that, if possible, you call ahead to Station #1 at 515-239-5415. The on-duty Shift Commander would be happy to schedule your group.

Yes, you may call Fire Station #1 at 515-239-5415 and speak to the on-duty Shift Commander.  We will attempt to provide copies of incident reports within ten business days.

Call Fire Station #1 at 515-239-5415 and the on-duty Shift Commander will be able to assist you.

Fire department and other emergency responders are responsible only for investigating a reported carbon monoxide problem or a detector activation, evacuating, rendering first aid, and advising occupants. Emergency responders are not on scene to correct the cause of the problem.

Carbon Monoxide is an extremely hazardous product. It should be treated as a hazardous material -- a product which has escaped from its normal container and threatens life and/or property.

The purpose of response by emergency personnel is to rescue and remove individuals from a hazard or assist them in evacuation, render medical care, advise occupants of findings, and issue a "Notice of Findings Form."

Some of the common signs are:

• Entire Family is sick at the same time

• Flu-like symptoms decrease while away from the house

• Illness is present when gas appliances are in use

If you are a resident of Ames and your carbon monoxide detector is sounding alarm or if you are suffering from some of the common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, call 9-1-1.

If you would like a carbon monoxide test and your detector is not sounding, you should contact one of the local heating and cooling businesses.

There is no burning of yard waste, brush, or garbage allowed.  Click here to read the City of Ames Burning Policy.

By Iowa law, you are required to pull to the right and stop. This allows fire apparatus adequate and clear lanes to safely continue its response.

The City of Ames Resource Recovery Plant may take old extinguishers.

Please send your electronic Tier II reports to the Ames Fire Commanders firecommanders@cityofames.org

There are two reasons. First, automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials.  Second, firefighters are trained in extricating (removing) trapped occupants of the vehicle.

The Ames Firefighters are trained and certified as Iowa First Responders.  We carry medical equipment on our trucks.  We arrive to assist the paramedics. When we arrive first we are able to begin a patient history, take vitals and size up the scene to transfer the care of the patient quickly.

Sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident.  The first arriving unit can assess the situation and call off the unneeded units.  They are then put back in service and ready for other calls.

Fire apparatus are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator  A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire suppression, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability, and rapid intervention teams when firefighters become trapped or injured. The Ames Fire Department would rather be overcautious when they respond to citizens in need of help. We are always prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late. We have learned that it is better to have to much help than not enough.

For any swimming pool over 24 inches deep, a 48 inch fence is required.  Pools over 5,000-gallon capacity require a building permit.  A 15 foot round pool with 48 inch sides is 5200 gallons.  Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 5,000 gallons and are located entirely above ground do NOT require a permit, but are still required to meet the code requirements for a fence or wall if the water is greater than 24 inches deep. 

For more information, you may call the Inspections Division at 515-239-5153. 

The City has a Web Site Linking Policy.

Yes.  The following residential structures are exempt from the rental code:

• Owner-occupied single family dwellings;
•    a)  see definition of "Owner-Occupied Dwelling Unit" in Section 13.201, (Ord. 4343;4-24-18)
•    b)  the use of a dwelling unit, wholly or partially, as a Bed & Breakfast Establishment, Home Share, or
          Hosted Home Share licensed under Chapter 35. Vacation Lodging as defined in Chapter 29 is
          not exempt. (Ord. 4399;11-12-19) 
• Hotels, motels;
• University housing;
• State licensed health and custodial facilities;
• Other residential occupancies specifically regulated by state or federal authority;
• Fraternity and sorority houses.

Closet lights are not required in a rental property.  Closet lights are allowed to remain; however, they must have fully enclosed globed fixtures. As an alternate you may choose to remove the existing fixture, properly terminate the wires and install a cover plate.

Yes.  For new rentals, numbers and dimensions of off-street parking spaces must comply with standards in the Zoning Ordinance, Section 29.406, of the Ames Municipal Code.  There are provisions for approval of pre-existing parking areas for a rental property in Section 13.403 (8), of the Ames Municipal Code. 

Yes.  An appeal request must be made in writing and filed no later than 30 days after the date of the inspection deficiency letter.  The appeal will be heard by the Property Maintenance Appeals Board.  Rental property owners are entitled to file one appeal per structure, per inspection cycle, at no fee.  Successive appeals filed on the same property within the same inspection cycle will be charged at the standard rate established by City Council, as set forth in the City of Ames Municipal Code, Appendix L.  (link to appeal form).

If you are considering the purchase of a rental property, please complete the on-line Rental Housing Registration form to request a pre-sale inspection before purchasing the property. You may request a copy of prior inspection reports if the property has been or is currently being offered for rent. If you decide NOT to register the property as a rental a fee of $54.47 will be assessed. There is no charge for the inspection if you decide to register the property.

No.  Gas fired furnace and water heaters cannot be located in, or open directly into a bedroom or a bathroom.  This can not be approved as a pre-existing condition and must be corrected immediately upon notification.  This provision does not apply to direct-vent appliances that obtain all combustion air from outdoors.  These appliances can be located in an adjacent room when there is a solid wall and door separating the bedroom or bathroom from the room in which the appliance is enclosed.  The wall must prevent the passage of air from one room to another.  The door or door frame must be furnished with gasketing or weather-stripping along the sides and top to prevent passage of air through the doorway, and a snug fitting threshold must be provided.

Yes.  Or, your registered operator or authorized representative may be present in your place.  However a tenant is not considered an authorized representative of an owner or operator.  If you, your registered operator or authorized representative are not present, no inspection will be conducted.  The owner or operator is responsible to provide a minimum of 24 hour notice to tenants prior to any inspection.

Rent is defined as payment of money, goods, labor, service or otherwise for use of a dwelling.  Chapter 13, of the Ames Municipal Code defines an owner-occupied dwelling unit as any townhouse, condominium, or detached dwelling that is occupied as a dwelling by the owner or owner’s relative within the first degree of consanguinity (mother, father, daughter, son, sister, brother); and may include a live-in nanny; live-in nurse; one live-in exchange student; or one roomer.  If you are accepting rent as defined above and your property is not owner-occupied as stated above, then it would be considered a rental property and must be registered.  If the tenant is purchasing the property, there must be a legally recorded contract with the Story County Recorder’s Office for it to be considered owner-occupied.

Once a completed Rental Registration form is submitted to the Inspection Division, the property is considered to be registered.  The form can be filled out online or a paper copy may be submitted by mail or in person to the Inspection Division.  (Click here for Rental Registration form)

A “Request to Remove from Rental Housing Registration” form is required to be submitted.  Fees will continue to be charged until such time the form is received by the Inspection Division.  (click here for the on-line form to remove)

All receptacles serving the kitchen countertop surfaces must be ground-fault protected (GFCI).  Additionally, each bathroom must have at least one ground-fault protected duplex electrical outlet (GFCI) where an electrical cord may be easily and directly plugged in with a minimum of inconvenience.  Note:  All outlets in the bathroom must be ground-fault protected (GFCI) but there must be at least one provided.

A notice will be sent to you by email so it is important that a current email is always provided to the Inspection Division. The notice will include the date and time for your upcoming inspection as well as the name of the assigned inspector. You may also request that the notice be sent by regular mail. 

For any swimming pool over 24 inches deep, a 48 inch fence is required.  Pools over 5,000-gallon capacity require a building permit.  A 15 foot round pool with 48 inch sides is 5200 gallons.  Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 5,000 gallons and are located entirely above ground do NOT require a permit, but are still required to meet the code requirements for a fence or wall if the water is greater than 24 inches deep. 

For more information, you may call the Inspections Division at 515-239-5153. 

There are requirements, but they are not necessarily "new," and they do not apply to "all" apartments.  Since 2003, the International Fire Code, as adopted in Ames Municipal Code Chapter 8, has included a provision requiring fire alarm retro-fitting on all R-2 occupancies of more than 16 dwellings or sleeping units. This would mean that all apartment buildings with more than 16 dwelling units or sleeping rooms must have interconnected alarm systems, to ensure that a fire on any floor activate alarms on all other floors, as well.

Thus, the Ames City Council adopted Code language that requires:

• At a minimum, all existing R-2 occupancies of more than 16 dwelling or sleeping units, have an automatic, or manual and automatic fire alarm system installed throughout all interior corridors serving sleeping units.
• Existing buildings not meeting the above specifications, be retrofitted not later than July 1, 2020.
  
  
  

Permits are required by the City of Ames for all exterior sign work on all buildings and properties, with few exceptions.  If your project isn't listed in the code as exempt from permit requirements, then you need to get a sign permit before starting work. 

The permit application process is not complicated, but we need enough information to determine whether your project meets the relevant minimum codes before we can issue your sign permit.  These steps don't necessarily have to occur in this order, but all need to be completed before we can issue your sign permit.  Our goal is to identify and resolve code issues before your permit is issued and before you start work.  It's relatively simple to make corrections or revisions to a project while it's still on paper -- not so simple in the middle of construction.

2011 Sign Permit and Submittal

For more information, click here. 

No.  Registration may be transferred from one owner to another in the event of a property sale.  It is the responsibility of the current owner to inform the Inspection Division of the buyer’s name and contact information.  It is the responsibility of the property buyer to register the property in his/her name or company name and furnish appropriate contact information to the Inspection Division.  Prompt attention to updating this information will eliminate incorrect billing statements when rental fees are billed.

Yes, unless there is an openable window with an intact screen.  The bath fan must discharge to the outdoors.

Existing Rental:  Gravel parking can remain as long as it is properly maintained and provided with stationary boundaries.

New Rental:  Required parking spaces must be paved.

You will not be billed for each individual inspection.  The City of Ames charges an annual fee based on the type of property to cover the inspection process.  Each May, a billing statement will be sent out.  The required fee is due and payable within 30 days of the date of notice to the owner or operator.  The billing period encompasses the time from July 1^st to June 30^th of the previous year. 

All smoke detectors must be maintained in an operable condition at all times.  Smoke detectors must be installed as per manufacturer’s instructions.  Smoke detectors must be located at all of the following locations:

• In each room used for sleeping purposes.
• In the hallway or area immediately adjacent to the bedroom(s).
• In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars, but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics.

Types that are required: 

It is recommended that all new or replaced smoke detectors be Dual-Sensor Smoke Detectors.  In order to meet the definition of dual-sensor, the detector must:

• Have both a photoelectric and ionization sensor installed, OR
• Two sensors installed, at least one of which detects smoke and one of which detects other hazards such as heat or carbon monoxide.

Garbage and Refuse:  All exterior property and premises is required to be free from any accumulation of refuse or garbage per Section 13.410 (1) and 13.410 (2) of the Ames Municipal Code.  Additionally, Chapter 10.3 of the Ames Municipal Code states that garbage placed outdoors at all properties for collection must be placed in a water-tight and tightly closed receptacle. (link to Chapter 10)

Yard Waste:  For all properties including rental properties, yard waste may not remain on the property for a period of longer than seven days (except for composting) as per Chapter 10.9 of the Ames Municipal Code.  Yard waste includes grass clippings, leaves, garden waste, brush and trees. (link to Chapter 10)

Noxious Weeds:  The State of Iowa does not permit the growth of noxious weeds on any property in the State of Iowa.  The most commonly seen noxious weeds are thistles and cockleburs.  Dandelions are not considered noxious weeds. This law has been officially adopted by the City of Ames per Section 5.901. Please scroll down to page 5-53.

Yard Height (rental properties only):  Lawn grasses cannot exceed 12 inches in height at any given time per Section 13.406 (9) (a) of Chapter 13, of the Ames Municipal Code.

Outdoor Storage of Appliances:  It is a violation of Section 13.410 (3) (a), of the Ames Municipal Code to leave appliances on the exterior of a rental property.  For a complete list of the appliances, please see Section 13.410 (3) (a).  (Link to Section 13.410 (3) (a)) Please scroll down to page 13-26.

Outdoor Storage of Furniture:  It is a violation of Section 13.410 (3) (b), of the Ames Municipal Code to leave household furnishings on the exterior of a rental property.  The term “outdoor” includes a porch unless that porch is completely enclosed by fully intact glass or fully intact screen. This is often referred to as the “couch” ordinance.

Junk Vehicles:  Motor vehicles must be parked, stored and maintained in accordance with Chapter 30, of the Ames Municipal Code according to Section 13.406 (11) of the Ames Municipal Code.  Vehicles that meet the definition of a junk vehicle in Chapter 30, of the Ames Municipal Code may not be stored on private property for longer than 48 hours unless they are covered with a tightly fitted vehicle tarp or which are concealed or enclosed behind an opaque wall that is at least 6 ft. in height. 

Charcoal grills and other open-flame cooking devices cannot be operated or located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. This requirement does not include one and two family dwellings, nor does it include buildings, balconies and decks that are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.  LP-gas burners/grills cannot be operated or located on balconies or decks of multiple-family dwellings at any time. (Chapter 8, Sec. 8.202(2) of the Ames' Municipal Code and 308.3.1.1 of the International Fire Code).  Electric grills are ok!

A Knox box is a small metal box that is installed at a building entrance to house keys to provide necessary access to rooms and areas as required by the Fire Department.  It assures immediate building entry by firefighters and emergency response personnel and it eliminates needless and costly forced entry damage.  A Knox box is required for all existing and new apartment buildings with six or more dwelling units with a common entrance capable of being locked.

The Appliance Certification form was created to provide uniform information regarding the safe or unsafe operation of fuel burning mechanical equipment in rental properties at the time of the routine rental inspection.  This form can only be completed by a licensed Mechanical Contractor. (link to form)

An Appliance Certification is required when mechanical equipment reaches approximately 20 years of age or when one or more of the following visual concerns are present:

                                                •Improper Installation

                                                •Rust

                                                •Scorch marks

                                                •Frayed Wiring and/or

                                                •Leaks

A tenant wishing to file a complaint must first contact their landlord in writing regarding their concern/s.  If the concern is not addressed to the tenant’s satisfaction, a Tenant Complaint form can be filed with the Inspection Division.  Legal questions cannot be addressed through the complaint process.  (click here for Tenant Complaint form)

Plastic dryer vents are not safe and are not allowed.  Dryer vents must be constructed of rigid metal ducts that have smooth interior surfaces with joints running in the direction of the airflow. Flexible aluminum transition duct may be used but limited to single lengths not to exceed 8 feet. The dryer vent should be properly supported and routinely checked for any buildup of lint and debris.  The dryer vent must exhaust to the exterior of the building.

Fire Extinguishers (single-family and duplex)

As of July 1, 2015, all dwelling units must have one charged and operable 2-A: 10-BC rated fire extinguisher located in conspicuous location where it is readily accessible and immediately available for use. Re-chargeable fire extinguishers are subject to required maintenance at intervals of not more than one year by a trained individual.  Non-rechargeable fire extinguishers must be replaced after 12 years.  

Multi Family Properties (non-sprinklered)

All dwelling units must have one charged and operable 2-A: 10-BC rated fire extinguisher; or, there must be one charged and operable 2-A: 10-BC rated fire extinguisher supplied and kept on each floor of a dwelling within seventy-five (75) feet of every unit entrance located in conspicuous locations where they will be readily accessible and immediately available for use.  Re-chargeable fire extinguishers are subject to required maintenance at intervals of not more than one year by a trained individual. 

Multi-Family Properties (sprinklered)

In rental buildings that include an automatic sprinkler system utilizing quick-response automatic sprinklers, 1-A: 10-B:C portable fire extinguishers may be utilized.  In locations where the 1-A: 10-B:C portable fire extinguishers are allowed, they are only required within the dwelling units, not in the common areas.

All below grade bedrooms are required to have windows/emergency escape openings that comply with the 2006 International Residential Code.  These windows/openings are required to open directly into a public street, public alley, yard or court.  Where these windows/openings are provided, they cannot have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor.

Exception:  Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square ft.  (Grade floor opening:   A window or other opening located such that the sill height of the opening is not more than 44 inches above or below the finished ground level adjacent to the opening.)

Minimum opening area.           5.7 sq. ft.

Minimum opening height.        24 inches

Minimum opening width.         20 inches

Emergency escape windows/openings are allowed to be installed under decks and porches provided the location of the deck allows the emergency escape window/opening to be fully opened and provides a path not less than 36 inches in height to a yard or court.

Window Wells

The minimum horizontal area of the window well must be 9 square feet with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches. Window wells with a depth over 44’’ must be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully opened position. Ladders or rungs are required to have an inside width of at least 12” and project at least 3” from the wall and be spaced not more than 18” on center vertically for the full height of the window well. Any covering on the window well(s) must be removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool, special knowledge or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the window(s).

If you need to re-schedule a routine rental inspection, please contact Administrative Services at 239-5153.  If you need to re-schedule a re-inspection, please contact the assigned inspector that did the rental inspection with you.

No, the City of Ames does not prohibit the keeping of any certain breed of dog. In fact, the City addresses the broader topic of dangerous domestic animals - not just dogs - in order to protect the public from hazards associated with any such animal. In general, a dangerous domestic animal is one that has inflicted serious injury on a person or another animal, poses a potential risk of attacking and inflicting serious injury without provocation, or is owned for the purpose of animal fighting (which is a violation of state law).
The City Animal Control Officer determines, based on reasonable evidence, whether an animal is a dangerous domestic animal. Such evidence may include a verified report of aggression on the part of the animal, whether the animal was provoked, and an expert’s opinion. Under City code, people responsible for the keeping of an animal that is determined to be a dangerous domestic animal must meet several requirements. Such requirements include registering the animal with the Animal Control Officer, providing to the City proof of financial responsibility for injury or damage that might be caused by the animal, having a confinement plan approved by the Animal Control Officer, and meeting other handling requirements the Animal Control Officer has determined are necessary.
With these regulations and requirements, the City of Ames intends to take a fact-based, measured approach to protecting the public from dangerous domestic animals. Rather than making unfounded assumptions about an entire breed of animal, the Animal Control Officer focuses on the actual behavior of a domestic animal to determine whether that particular animal is dangerous. For additional information about requirements and appeal procedures, please refer to the Ames Municipal Code Chapter 3, Division II, Dangerous Domestic Animals. Finally, keep in mind that everyone in Ames has a duty to report an incident in which a domestic animal causes serious injury to a person or another domestic animal within 24 hours of the incident. To report such an incident, call Animal Control at 515-239-5530.

Yes. A building permit and related trade permits are required to construct an ADU. An ADU can be either premanufactured or constructed on site, but it will require a permanent foundation and cannot be a camper, trailer, or other mobile or temporary type of living unit.

When designing an ADU or selecting its location on a lot, you should be aware of different construction requirements based upon building and property line separations. Planning for a location that has at least 10 feet of separation from a building and 5 feet from a property line will have the fewest additional fire rated construction requirements. Fire separation requirements and rated construction will also apply to a garage with an ADU above the garage. More information on the Building Permit process can be found on the Inspections Division website.

All properties used for rental purposes must be registered with the City of Ames per the requirements of Ames Municipal Code Chapter 13 and meet all Rental Code standards. Only one of the two dwellings on a property may be rented, the other must be owner-occupied. Any principal residence or ADU used for rental purposes must have a valid Letter of Compliance (LOC). The LOC must be in place for the legal rental of either the ADU or the principal residence

If a property owner constructs an ADU but does not utilize either dwelling on the property for rental purposes, the property is not required to be registered or have a LOC for either dwelling.

Occupancy limitations will apply to the ADU and primary residence consistent with the standards of the Rental Code. The maximum occupancy for a one-bedroom dwelling unit is 3 adults.

All properties used for rental purposes must be registered with the City of Ames per the requirements of Ames Municipal Code Chapter 13 and meet all Rental Code standards. The property must be registered if either one or both of the duplex dwelling units is used for rental purposes, and a Letter of Compliance must be obtained for the duplex. If neither dwelling unit is rented, the property is not required to be registered as a rental property or to have a LOC.

There are many existing duplexes in neighborhoods across Ames. In 2000, the City established limitation on new duplexes in many residential areas. Existing duplexes were classified as “Pre-Existing” which allows for the use to continue and for building to be altered or replaced. If the new standards are approved, existing duplexes would be subject to the new standards at the time they are altered or replaced.

ADUs are limited to one bedroom. Occupancy is limited to no more than three adults. One bedroom is allowed as a separate room from the other living areas, or it can be incorporated into the common living area as a “studio” layout.

The City’s bedroom definition of the Zoning Ordinance will apply, which means that no additional rooms that are not a bathroom or kitchen and which exceed 70 square feet will be permitted within an ADU. This means that additional rooms labeled as offices, dens, or other will not be allowed. Only one bathroom and one kitchen will be permitted for an ADU.

The proposed duplex regulations do not limit the number of bedrooms per dwelling. Occupancy is subject to standards of the Rental Code.

On January 9, 2024, the Ames City Council adopted Ordinance 4516 allowing detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a secondary or accessory use in conjunction with single-family detached homes. The standards require an ADU to be a detached structure totally separate from the principal residence. The ADU cannot be attached to or located within the principal residence.

An ADU is allowed in any single-family zoning district that is not restricted by subdivision covenants. A property that already has more than one dwelling on the property cannot have an ADU. Having an ADU is subject to compliance with all City codes, including Zoning, Building, Utility, and Rental ordinances.

A property owner may request a separate address for an ADU. If a property is registered as a rental property, an address will be required for each dwelling.

ADUs require one off-street parking space in addition to the two required for the principal residence for a total of three spaces. Parking must be on a paved surface that meets location and design of the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 29 of the Ames Municipal Code). Although other spaces can be tandem or stacked, an ADU parking space cannot be in front off or behind another required parking space.

Prior to issuance of a building permit, a site plan showing compliant existing conditions or a driveway paving permit application must be approved. If an existing property has nonconforming unpaved parking, the site will be required to be brought into conformance with paved parking requirements.

A duplex (two-family dwelling) is a building located on a single lot that includes two independent residences as a two-family building that are attached to each other and do not cross a property line.

The maximum size of an ADU is 900 square feet of gross floor area, measured around the exterior perimeter of the building and including all levels. However, the total square footage of all accessory buildings cannot exceed 25% of the rear yard and conformance to other site development standards. The rear yard is the area between the primary residence and the rear property line.

The ADU standard is designed to create an additional living unit or living space that is accessory to an owner-occupied home. Either the primary dwelling or the ADU must be the primary residence of the property owner.

Not only does the owner residency requirement apply to registering a property as a rental property with the City, it also applies to any property owner seeking a building permit for construction of an ADU. The owner will need to verify residency status prior to the issuance of the building permit. The City will require that a “notice of limitations” describing the owner-occupancy requirement and rental property limitations be signed and recorded as a disclosure of limitations for future buyers of a property.

Owner-occupied means a “natural person” and must meet the definitions with the Ames Rental Code Chapter 13 for a primary residence and owner-occupied. A Trust or Corporation are example of entities that are not considered a “natural person” and are not eligible as property owners to construct an ADU or to register the property as rental for either the principal residence or the ADU.

A registered rental property will not be issued a building permit to construct an ADU, the property must be owner-occupied at the time the permit is issued.

Feedback from public outreach during August and September was provided to the City Council on October 10, 2023. The City Council has directed staff to proceed with public hearings. A public hearing was held with the Planning & Zoning Commission on January 17, 2024. The next public hearing is scheduled for February 27, 2024, with the City Council.

The City Council is considering allowing duplexes that are “new construction“ only within all residential zoning districts. Under this proposal, a duplex could not be created by dividing an existing residence into two dwelling units or by constructing an addition to an existing residential structure to create two dwelling units. A new duplex could only be constructed on a residential lot that does not have an existing dwelling.

Duplexes require two off-street parking spaces per unit for a total of four spaces. Parking must be on a paved surface. Each duplex unit will be required to have at least one covered parking space within a garage. Standards for driveway size and parking locations will apply.

Prior to issuance of a building permit, a site plan or a driveway paving permit application must be approved. The required parking must meet all location and design requirements of the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 29).

The minimum lot size for new construction of a two-family dwelling is 10,000 sq. ft. in Near Campus Neighborhoods. The list of Near Campus Neighborhoods is on the Rental Inspections website.

The Rental Code limits increasing the number of bedrooms for occupancy calculations for dwellings that existed on January 1, 2018. This does not change even if a building is demolished and a new one constructed.

Certain neighborhoods defined with the Rental Code have limitations on the number of bedrooms that may be utilized for purposes of determining occupancy. The list of Near Campus Neighborhoods is on the Rental Inspections website.

The maximum number of bedrooms for occupancy purposes is set based upon property conditions on January 1, 2018, within the defined near campus neighborhoods. Adding an ADU to a property will not increase the maximum number of occupants for a dwelling compared to the January 1, 2018, allowance.

When designing an ADU you may choose to either have a separate meter and utilities for the new building, or to connect it to existing services without having a separate meter. If a separate meter is installed the bill for the ADU can be separated from the primary home. If the utilities are shared, then only one bill is issued for the property.

The property owner will need to determine the feasibility of using existing services for a new ADU. If services are undersized, new or upgraded services may be required for the house and ADU. Alternatively, a wholly new service and meter may be beneficial depending on the location of the ADU on the property and the location of existing utilities.

No connection fee will be required for an ADU on a lot that has existing service. All other utility service and meter fees would apply.

Electric service is required to be provided underground to the new building.

City Council directed staff to prepare design guidelines to help define the character of an existing neighborhoods and to incorporate certain features into the new construction of duplexes. Neighborhood “style” varies among neighborhoods depending upon the year of construction. The design standards focus on roof type, building orientation, and garages. The standards do not change the Historic District Overlay requirements or the Single-Family Conservation Overlay District requirements.

Only one dwelling on a property may be rented due to the owner residency requirement related to the construction of an ADU. Either the ADU or the primary residence may be rented subject to compliance with the Rental Code. See also Owner-Occupied Limitation and Rental Code Requirements.

No, the proposed changes to the code do not override subdivision covenants. HOAs may still opt to prohibit accessory dwelling units through their covenants. It is incumbent upon the property owner to verify whether covenants are in place and applicable to the property. The City of Ames does not review or enforce private covenants.

No, the proposed changes to the code do not override subdivision covenants. HOAs may still opt to prohibit duplexes through their covenants. It is incumbent upon the property owner to verify whether covenants are in place and applicable to the property. The City of Ames does not review or enforce private covenants.

Yes, the emergency outdoor warning system is activated whenever the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Ames. Additionally, actual sightings of tornadoes by law enforcement personnel or other reliable sources are grounds for activating the warning system. Two important notes: the system is routinely tested at 10:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, weather permitting, and we do not issue an "all clear" siren. For additional information, please refer to local radio and television stations - please do not call the police department during severe weather situations - unless you have an actual emergency. For indoor notification we strongly encourage the use of a weather radio.

Applications may be picked up at the Police Department or contact Community Resource Officer Nate Rivera, 515-239-5432, or  nathan.rivera@cityofames.org for more information. The Citizen Police Academy is an 8-week program starting in January and September of each year. The course covers different areas of police department operations including, police ethics, use of force, crime scene investigations, narcotics, firearms training, to name a few. Eligibility requirements are as follows: you must live or work in Ames, be 19 years of age or older, have no felony convictions anywhere and no misdemeanor arrests within the last three years. There are no physical requirements although students are encouraged to participate in the hands-on training. 

ALL FINGERPRINTING SERVICES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - For possible updates or other fingerprinting location options, please call the Records Division, 515-239-5135, M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Yes, in Ames, if during a social gathering or party, by reason of the conduct of those persons in attendance, it results in any one or more of the following at the site of the party or social gathering, or on neighboring public or private property, then the person(s) in charge of the party or social event can be charged with a nuisance party violation:

• public intoxication
• unlawful consumption of beer
• wine or alcoholic beverages in a public place
• outdoor urination or defecation in a public place
• unlawful sale, furnishing, dispensing or consumption of beer, wine or alcoholic beverages
• underage or unlawful possession of beer, wine, or alcoholic beverages
• unlawful deposit of litter or refuse; the damage or destruction of property without the consent of the property owner
• unlawful pedestrian or vehicular traffic; standing or parking of vehicles that obstructs the free flow of traffic on the public streets and sidewalks or that impedes the ability to render emergency services
• unlawfully loud noise; fighting; or, any other conduct or condition that threatens injury to persons or damage to property is hereby declared to be an unlawful public nuisance
• See Chapter 17.30 of the Ames Municipal Code

How to Party in Ames and More!

Notice to Bidders

Bid Tab

Addendum

Plan Holder List

Letting Date and Location: Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 at 2:00 PM, Room 235, City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue

Award Date: Tuesday, December 10th, 2024

Engineer's Estimate: Base Bid: $1,549,153 , Alternate North: $97,600, Alternate South: $212,200

Apparent Low Bidder: 

Project Contact: Liz Calhoun, City of Ames, 515-239-5575

Please note due to large file size, the plans & specs for this project can not be emailed. 

Project: Traffic Signal Replacement and pedestrian ramp improvements

Update: (6-28-18) Underground utility work for the traffic signal has started.  The above ground work will occur in the Fall of 2018

Project Contact:
Engineer: Mark Gansen, City of Ames, 515-239-5291

Street or general concerns:  snowstreets@cityofames.org or 515.239.5550

Sidewalks:  snowwalks@cityofames.org or 515.239.5468

Ames on the Go mobile reporting application (LINK)

Anything that is dumped in the storm sewers - from motor oil to garbage - flows directly into our streams and rivers. It is illegal to use the storm sewers as trash receptacles, and it harms the environment.

To report stormwater violations:

City of Ames Public Works Department (8AM - 5PM), 515-239-5160
City of Ames Water and Pollution Control (after hours), 515-239-5150

Anything that is dumped in the storm sewers - from motor oil to garbage - flows directly into our streams and rivers. It is illegal to use the storm sewers as trash receptacles, and it harms the environment.

To report stormwater violations:

City of Ames Public Works Department (8AM - 5PM), 515-239-5160
City of Ames Water and Pollution Control (after hours), 515-239-5150

ICE CONTROL. During a city-wide ice storm, all streets may be treated with ice control materials. 
The use of these materials will be balanced between public safety and environmental concerns. 
It is important to remember that while ice control materials are a valuable and necessary tool,
their use is not always the best method to control ice formation.  Under certain conditions which
are common in the winter using ice control materials can actually lead to additional ice formation
because the pavement surface is too cold.  More salt is not always the solution.  A breakdown of
ice control priorities is listed in the table below:

The use of these materials will be balanced between public safety and environmental concerns.  It is important
to remember that while ice control materials are a valuable and necessary tool, their use is not always the best
method to control ice formation.  Under certain conditions which are common in the winter using ice control
materials can actually lead to additional ice formation because the pavement surface is too cold.  More salt is
not always the solution.

SNOW ON SIDEWALKS.  Property owners or tenants have 10 daylight hours from the last snow
accumulation in which to clear their sidewalks. If it snows again before the 10 hours expire, we will s
till post notices on older snow/ice accumulation. Sidewalks need to be cleared to a four-foot wide
surface down to the concrete.  When a covered walk is reported, the walk is inspected and posted
with a 24-hour notice to clean the walk. If it is not cleared within 24 hours, a contractor will be hired
to clear the walk and the property owner will be charged the actual cost of removal plus a $50
administrative fee.

REPORTING CONCERNS.

To report a snow or ice covered sidewalk, please e-mail snowwalks@cityofames.org, leave a message
on the City's dedicated Snow Walks hotline, 515-239-5468, with the address of the covered walk, or
use the Ames On The Go mobile reporting app.

If you have questions about the snow removal process or wish to report street plowing concerns, including
damage to a mailbox, please e-mail snowstreets@cityofames.org, call the Snow Desk at 515-239-5543 with
the address/location and specific nature of the street concern, or use the Ames On The Go mobile reporting app.

The purpose of the Snow Ordinance is to allow for safe and efficient snow removal operations on
designated snow routes throughout the City.  These snow routes are typically traversed by CyRide
buses or are collector streets feeding into the City’s arterial streets. 

When the snow ordinance is put into effect, it will be posted on the City's website, on the City’s social
media feeds, and on TV Channel 12 (Government Access Television) as soon as possible. Notice
will also be given to local radio: KASI - 1430 AM or KCCQ -105.1 FM and local television stations
channels 5, 8 and 13 to include in their scrolls.

Any time the snow accumulation reaches two inches on the main City streets (Lincoln Way, Grand
Avenue, Duff Avenue, etc.), be prepared to move your vehicle if you have parked along a snow route! 
During the snow removal process, please do not park on the snow routes until the snow has stopped
falling and the street is plowed from curb to curb.  These two details are important to remember to
avoid any ticketing or towing. 

When the snow ordinance goes into effect, vehicles parked on a snow route may be ticketed and/or
towed immediately, without waiting for a ticket to be issued.  If a vehicle is towed, contact
Central Iowa Towing, 2019 East Lincoln Way, at 515-290-4188. Vehicles may also receive a
parking ticket for the snow ordinance violation. Vehicles parked on streets that are not designated
snow routes may also be ticketed if they have not been moved within 48 hours after a snowfall.
Failure to remove cars from plowing routes leads to snow and ice that is difficult to remove and
may cause a hazard for traffic.

Priorities are established in the City’s Snow and Ice Control Policy that guide the actions of the
Operations Division to provide efficient snow plowing operations.  Arterial Street, Snow Routes,
and Priority Routes will be the primary focus for snow plowing while the snow is actively
falling.  Business Districts will also be a focus for plowing depending upon the timing of the storm.

If snow fall amount exceed three inches, residential streets will also be plowed.  The City utilizes
contract plowing services a times to assist in plowing residential streets, circles, and cul-de-sacs.

Depending upon the severity of the storm, all streets are typically plowed within 16 hours after
the end of the storm.  A breakdown of plowing priorities is listed in the table below:

Maps of these priorities can be found in the City of Ames Snow and Ice Control Policy

During an average storm, the goal is that snow plowing operations will be completed in 16 hours.  Actual
performance will vary greatly, depending upon factors such as actual snowfall amount vs. forecast amount,
air and pavement temperatures, previous accumulations, etc… It is important to note that many of these
factors are outside of the control of the City. 

Signs along snow routes remind you to keep an eye on the sky if you park on a designated snow route.
These signs are in addition to our traditional snow route reminders. We put the snow ordinance into
effect when we need to plow snow and we ask drivers to remove their vehicles so we can clear the
streets as completely as possible.

Starting Date: Weather Permitting, beginning on May 24, 2018  (Notice of Construction)

Description of Work Activities: The City of Ames has contracted with Keller Excavating to do improvements in your area.  This work will involve new concrete and asphalt street pavement, water main installation, electric infrastructure, and storm water improvements. 

Anticipated Duration: The overall project duration is 70 working days or approximately four months. Construction in the immediate vicinity may not extend for this entire time.

Contact Information: 

Contractor: Keller Excavating
Project Manager: Darin Keller: 515-291-3060 or 515-230-9905
Project Inspector: Schott Shepherd: 515-203-0799
Project Engineer: Nate Willey: 515-239-5436

Project Updates: 9.21.18 Work crews plan to work on S. Wilmoth and other utility work this week. Crews anticipate S. Wilmoth opening sometime next week. 

8.15.18 Work crews will begin work on storm water utility and grading for the pavement area. 

Send an email to purchasing@city.ames.ia.us stating that you or your company would like to be added to our bid list.  Include a contact name, return phone number, and a brief company description in the email.

The site you were using to dispose of construction and demolition debris, the Ames-Story Environmental Landfill, is now closed.  With this closure, our planning area is left with one designated landfill, the Boone County Landfill, to handle all Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste from Story County.  Below is a list of items acceptable at the Resource Recovery Plant, as well as at the Boone County Landfill.

ACCEPTABLE AT RESOURCE RECOVERY PLANT (RRP)

Phone: 515-239-5137
110 Center Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010

In Iowa, state law requires that any waste generated within a planning area must be disposed of in accordance with the area’s Comprehensive Plan.  For our planning area (Story County), this means materials accepted by the Resource Recovery Plant will not be accepted at the Boone County Landfill.  C&D waste from within a planning area cannot be landfilled outside the planning area without violating state law.

The Resource Recovery Plant accepts cash, checks, and credit cards.

ACCEPTABLE AT BOONE COUNTY LANDFILL (BCLF)

Phone: 515-433-0591
1268 – 224th Lane, Boone, IA 50036 

Hours:
Monday - Friday     8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday     8:00 am – 11:00 am 

• All loads MUST be tarped.
• Asbestos-containing materials – call BCLF for their acceptance policy.
• Mobile Homes – call BCLF for their acceptance policy.
• If your load contains other trash, it will be rejected until it is sorted appropriately  
  
  
  

  Wood	Flooring	Asphalt Shingles
  Wiring	Concrete	Paper Insulation
  Metal	Drywall	Fiberglass Insulation
  Brick	Plaster	Windows
  Siding	Stone	Glass

BCLF accepts cash or checks; they do not accept credit or debit cards.  A charge account can be applied for if you will be conducting business with them on a regular and ongoing basis.  Contact them for an application.

You will be required to declare the origination of all loads delivered to BCLF.  Making a false waste origin declaration will result in Boone County pursuing all available legal options for redress.

In the event a load is rejected, it is the hauler’s responsibility to reload any material that has already been unloaded.

The BCLF will not accept non-processed demolition waste from projects that exceed 300 tons (estimated total building weight prior to demolition).  These “large-scale” demolition projects must recover and divert (at a minimum) the following from landfill disposal: brick; concrete; recoverable metals; appliances; tires; PCB-containing light ballasts; fluorescent tubes; hazardous waste; and any other material(s) banned from landfill disposal. Contact the BCLF for “large-scale” waste acceptance policy.

Garbage disposal for commercial and residential customers.

Recycling bins at RRP for container glass (any color), no charge for drop off.

Recycling of auto and truck batteries at no charge.

Waste oil recycling, 5 gallons or less no charge, $.25 per gallon after 5 gallons.

Household Hazardous Materials disposal by appointment on Wednesday afternoons, at no charge.

Appliance disposal for $20 each. Appliance may include but is not limited to stove, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, water heater, humidifier, dehumidifier, washer, dryer.

Financial assistance for the operation of the Yard Waste Site, Chamness Technology at 26107 530th Avenue, Ames 50010, phone 515-450-0450, so commercial customers and private citizens may dispose of leaves, grass, and brush. We fund five free days at the Yard Waste Site: one in the Spring for leaves and brush and four in the Fall for leaves and grass.

Most high consumption problems are caused by leaks in a toilet. The Water Plant has toilet leak test dye tablets free to customers. Or, you can simply place blue food coloring in the upper tank of your toilet. Then wait approximately five minutes and see if the blue color shows up in the bowl. If it does, you have a leaking valve that should be replaced. 

Do you have faucets that drip? Even a slow drip can waste 450 gallons of water in a month and should be repaired.

Flow restrictors can be installed in shower heads to reduce water consumption. Also, low-flow shower heads are easily accessible at home improvement stores and online.

The best way to prevent frozen pipes and damage to your water meter is to make sure the heat in your residence is kept on. If pipes freeze and burst, it can cause water damage to property and be costly to fix. Replacing a damaged water meter could cost hundreds of dollars, and the resulting property damage could easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.   

To prevent frozen pipes:

• Keep the heat on your thermostat set at 62º F, even if it is not very cold when you leave.
• Insulate pipes, especially those in basements, attics, and near exterior or uninsulated walls. Be sure to install insulation according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Open cabinet doors below sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. If your indoor meter is in your basement, open the utility room door to let the heat in. 
• Keep garage doors closed.
• Seal up any gaps that may be around holes where pipes are located. If possible, seal on both the interior and exterior side of the wall or floor.
• Don’t forget to check outdoors as well. Disconnect garden hoses, be sure to close and drain outdoor faucets, and if needed, protect them with faucet covers.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to periodically check on your home.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Water Meter Division at 515.239.5151 from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday – Friday or at watermeter@cityofames.org.

For questions about utility billing, please contact Utility Customer Service at 515.239.5120 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday – Friday. 

If you wake up and your water is not working, take these steps to troubleshoot: 

Is it just your water that isn't working?
Ask a neighbor to see if they are experiencing the same issue. To find out if the City has shut your water off due to a water main break, call Public Work Utility Maintenance at 515-239-5550. You can also call the Water Plant at 515-239-5150.  

Did your water get shut off? 
Make sure it isn't a billing issue. Call Utility Customer Service at 515-239-5120 from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday. 

Is it all the faucets and taps in your home?
If not, you may need to call a plumber.

Do you hear rushing water anywhere in your home where it shouldn't be?
Call a plumber ASAP!

Is it cold outside?
If, after troubleshooting, you don't have an answer for your water not working in your home, you may have frozen pipes.

Once your pipes are frozen, you need to wait them out.  You can use some of the preventative measures below (such as opening cupboards/cabinets and applying blankets, insulation, and heat tape) to expedite the process and help keep your pipes from bursting and causing major damage to your home and bank account.

There might be the possibility that there is a main break and because of that, or because repair work involved main shutdown, homes may be without water until repairs are completed. The water distribution system is the responsibility of the Public Works Department. They strive to notify homeowners when a planned shutdown will occur; but when it comes to unexpected main breaks, there is often not time to notify nearby homeowners. Often conditions of the break, weather, and other factors determine when (or if) staff is able to give notification.

For apartment-dwellers, it's a good idea to first check with the owner or property manager. Often landlords or managers arrange for plumbing work to be done and fail to give notification.  If, indeed, this is not an internal problem, call the Water Plant 515-239-5150 to report.  Sometimes Water Meter staff will be doing a routine change-out on a meter or bank of meters at an apartment complex. this information does not always get relayed to each tenant. A quick call to the Water Meter Division 515-239-5151 will confirm whether or not city employees have shut off the water to do these routine changes.

During extremely cold weather, people often have no water because their meter is frozen. Staff from the Water Meter Division are called out to replace the broken meter.

Also during cold weather, individuals living in mobile homes can experience the problem of no water. Usually, this means the lines in the mobile home are frozen. Mobile homeowners may want to contact their court manager.

Also, check to make sure the shut-off valve which is located near the water meter in completely turned on. Sometimes children or even adults will unknowingly close the shutoff valve.

Anytime you are without water and don't know why, please contact the Water Plant (515-239-5150), Public Works (515-239-5550), or Customer Service (515-239-5120). Be ready to answer the following questions.

• When did you first experience this problem?
• Do you live in a mobile home? If so, the responsibility for problems within the park are the responsibility of the owner or manager. You will need to contact them directly. 
• Do you live in an apartment? If so, you should contact the manager to learn if they are doing any plumbing work within the building. 
• Are you aware if any of your neighbors have the same problem?
• Is it cold out?  If so, you may have frozen pipes.  

Individuals who are experiencing a strong septic or sewer gas odor should air out their house by opening windows and/or doors where possible.

It's likely that the trap in the basement floor drain has become dry and has allowed sewer gas odor to escape into the home. Pouring a bucket of water down the basement floor drain can cure the problem quickly. Some older basements may even have more than one floor drain.

Also, during the winter, the opening to the vent stack can form ice and cause a backup of sewer gas odor into the home. Even at other times of the year, the vent stack can become plugged by debris or nests.

If you notice an unexplained septic odor, contact the Public Works Utility Maintenance Division at 515-239-5550, with the following information. 

• When did you first notice the problem (time of day)?
• Is the problem with both the hot and cold water?
• Where is the odor most noticeable? 
• Do you have floor drains in the area? If so, the drain traps could be dry. Try pouring a bucket of water down the drain to find out if the odor dissipates. 
• Is your vent pipe frozen? The vent pipe normally carries any septic odors out of the house. If the pipe is frozen shut, the odors can be forced into the house. Also, insects and small birds can build nests inside vent pipes that ultimately restrict the opening.
• Have you installed a new water heater recently (within past year)? 
• Has any plumbing work been done in the home recently? 
• Do you have an in-home water filter system?
  
  

After hours, weekends, and holidays, you may call the Water Plant to report 515-239-5150.

Rusty water is safe to drink but is objectionable because it discolors laundry and affects the flavor of some beverages (such as tea and coffee). Usually, problems with rusty water are caused by some sort of disturbance in the distribution system. If you experience rusty water, try to avoid using any water, thus limiting the amount of rust you pull into your plumbing system. Postpone doing laundry until after the problem clears up. If you have already done laundry and it is stained, do not dry it. The Water Plant has available a product that may remove the stains. When you experience rusty water, you may call the Water Plant at 515-239-5150 or Public Works at 515-239-5550 if there is no known cause. Have the following information ready when you call.

•  When did you first notice the problem (time of day)? 
•  Is the problem with both the hot and cold water?
•  Are you aware if any of your neighbors are experiencing the same problem? 
•  Are you aware of any construction work occurring in your area?

The Water Pollution Control Plant (56797-280th) south of Ames will accept travel trailer waste water at the facility. Individuals should notify the plant staff 515-232-7423 about when would be a good time during the day to dump the waste water. 

It should be noted that getting to the plant can be somewhat challenging and includes driving about a mile and a half on gravel.  There is a dump station at the Story City rest area north of Ames on Interstate 35 that my be more easily accessible. 

Low water pressure can be caused by several things.  If water pressure is consistently low, water utility customers may call the Water Meter Division 515-239-5151 and report the problem. At no charge, Water Meter staff can take a water pressure measurement at the home or business to determine what sort of pressure is available where the water comes into the building. If the pressure is adequate at that location but remains low inside, it's possible there is an internal problem. 

It's not unusual for very old homes to have build-up inside the plumbing, causing low water pressure. Solutions may include some re-plumbing and upgrading fixtures.

If there is low pressure, say, just in the kitchen, check the faucet by unscrewing the aerator.  It may be clogged with fine particles. Usually, a quick rinse of the screen will solve the problem.

These types of  issues may also be reported to the Water Plant 515-239-5150.  There is someone on duty 24 hours a day.

Try to have the following information ready when you call.

• How long have you experienced this problem? 
• Have you had any plumbing work done in the home recently? (If you have and the problem is isolated to a single faucet, check the aerator for debris.) 
• Are you aware of any construction work in your area or neighborhood?

Possible water main breaks can be reported to the Public Works Operations Division 515-239-5550.  After regular business hours, weekends, or holidays, the public may call the Water Plant 515-239-5150 to report possible main breaks.