CHANGES TO THE GRASS & WEED ORDINANCE

There are updates to the Grass & Weed Ordinance.  You can view the entire ordinance (Chapter 52) on the city website at www.altoona-iowa.com under “Mayor & Council” button click “City Code” button.  The following highlights the changes:

1.  Residential Properties:   Grass and weeds are not to exceed a height of 6 (six) inches.

2.  Undeveloped Lots:  Grass and weeds are not to exceed 6 (six) inches in height along the side and rear property lines for a width of 10 feet, the remaining property can have grass as high as 12 or 15 inches in height depending on what the property is zoned/utilized for. This basically creates a maintained buffer area between undeveloped and developed properties.

3.  The public right of way adjacent to all properties: Grass and weeds are not allowed to exceed 6 (six) inches in height. The right of way is described as the area between the back or edge of street to the actual property line.

4.  Commercial and Industrial: Grass and weeds are not allowed to exceed 12 inches.

5.  Agricultural: Grass and weeds are not allowed to exceed 15 inches.

SIDEWALK AND TREE INSPECTION

Just a reminder the City of Altoona will begin its annual sidewalk and tree measuring inspection soon.  Sidewalks that have settled ˝” below existing sidewalks, or have cracks more than 1” wide, spalling or excessive sloping will be marked.

Tree limbs that overhang on your sidewalk need to be a least 8' above the sidewalk.  Any bushes, shrubs, evergreens, etc., need to be trimmed back so they do not protrude across the sidewalk path.

Marked sidewalks are the responsibility of the homeowner.  The sidewalk is to be repaired by the homeowner, or they may have the City do the repairs for them at a set cost.  This cost will be determined when all sidewalks have been marked and the project is bid out.  Any repairs made by the owner or contractor must be inspected and approved.  Only Portland concrete is acceptable and patching is not allowed.  According to our City Code, the homeowner is responsible for the care and maintenance of the sidewalk area that abuts their property.  Copies of the sidewalk and tree ordinance are available at City Hall.  Also, the Sidewalk and Approach handout provided by the Building Department is also available at City Hall.

CITY BRUSH DROP OFF

The entrance to the City of Altoona brush pile has moved.  Residents wishing to deposit brush can enter through the gate north of the Altoona Aquatics Park and south of the Altoona Skate Park.  Altoona Aquatics Park is located at 1200 Venbury Drive. 

Please have information identifying you as a City of Altoona resident ready when you drop off brush.  The brush pile is open from 8:00am – 12:00pm on the following dates:

Saturday, May 4

Saturday, June 1

Saturday, July 6

Saturday, August 3

Saturday, September 7

Saturday, October 5