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1. How do I report a property or violation?

To report a property or a nuisance violation, please contact the Code Enforcement Officer. 

2. How much time do I have to clear my sidewalk of snow and ice after it snowed?

You have 24 hours to remove all snow and ice from your sidewalk after a snow event.  The entire width of the sidewalk must be cleared.  Also, if there is any re-freeze, that needs to be cleared as well.  

3. Can I park my vehicle in my own yard?

Per Municipal Code, you are allowed to park in your front and side yards, on a parking surface only.   You can park no more than one vehicle, trailer, camper, etc in your rear yard on a non-parking surface.  Municipal Code- Yard Parking

4. Can I deposit grass clippings from my yard on the sidewalk or street?

It is prohibited to deposit snow, ice, manure, rubbish, yard waste, mud, gravel, debris, junk or any other substance or material likely to injury any person, animal or vehicle on any street right-of-way, alley or sidewalk of the City.   Debris on sidewalks, streets and alleys

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1. When do I need a building permit and how much will it cost?

You need a building permit for all construction that involves the construction, repair, movement to another site, removal, or demolition of any building or structure. All electrical, plumbing and mechanical work needs a separate permit for each trade. The price of the permit is calculated using the cost of the construction. View our Permits, Applications and Procedures.

2. May I start work before my permit is issued?

Work on a project may not legally begin before a permit is obtained and on the work site.

3. Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?

Water heater applications are processed at the counter.

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1. How do I report a Pothole?

Please call 515-462-4273 or email rflaherty@cwmu.net.  The address or intersection is needed when reporting a pothole.  

We will quickly evaluate the area of damaged pavement and determine how to best address it. We appreciate your input and patience as we address pavement issues throughout Winterset’s street network.    Some of the factors we take into consideration when evaluating and repairing potholes include:  

• Is the pothole creating a safety issue for drivers, cyclists, and/or pedestrians? 

• How severe is the damage to the pavement? 

• Is the pothole deep enough to actually hold patching material? 

• How much traffic is traveling over the damaged pavement? 

• How do we most efficiently address this pothole given other pavement repair work that needs to be done on that street or nearby streets? 

• Can public works crews safely access the area and make the repairs? 

• Given weather conditions, what kind of patching material can we use to repair the pavement?  

• Is it more appropriate to do a temporary or longer-term repair? 

The Winterset Street Department team uses multiple methods and materials to maintain and repair streets including cold patch, hot mix asphalt, mastic, crack sealing, full-depth concrete repair,  and partial depth concrete repair.  The strategy we deploy in each situation depends on the weather conditions, outside temperatures, availability of materials, and the underlying condition of the street around the damaged pavement. 

2. Where can I find a map of when my street will be plowed after a snow event?

Please visit Snow Routes to find your address.  

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1. How do I identify an Ash Tree?

1. We suggest using the ISU Forestry website. It has a variety of resources that are free and downloadable that can assist you. Visit the ISU Forestry Extension Website.
2. Another resource is the Madison County ISU Extension office, asking for a Master Gardener for assistance.

2. How do I identify an infected tree with Emerald Ash Borer?

We recommend using such tools located on the websites ISU Forestry; ISU Master Gardener; and DNR.

1. Contact a profession Arborist and ISU Forestry Department professional. The local extension office or the ISU Extension website has contacts listed.
2. View the Planning for Emerald Ash Borer website.

3. How do I dispose of infected wood in Madison County?

Currently, the option is to dispose of the wood at the county landfill. The Tree Commission is working on additional options, so watch for updates to this document. In addition, connect to the DNR link. There are instructions listed on reporting.

a. View the Iowa DNR, Why Plant Iowa Native Grown Trees?

4. What are treatment options for Emerald Ash Borer infected trees?

There are a couple of options and facts to consider before deciding what to do with the infected tree or prevent the infestation. We recommend you check out the following websites to assist you in making a good decision for your situation:

1. ISU Forestry Extension: Planning for Emerald Ash Borer
2. Iowa Department of Agriculture: Certified Pesticide Applicator Database Searches

5. Is there a city ordinance for Dead Trees in Winterset?

At this time Winterset does not have a city ordinance to guide the city’s dead tree removal. However, the Tree Commission is working to recommend an ordinance presently. So be sure to check for updates to the Q&A document. ISU Forestry Department and the Arbor Foundation have a sample ordinance to guide the commission.

6. What would be a good replacement tree?

We suggest you check out the following websites:

1. The ISU Extension Forestry website has numerous resources that can guide your selection of replacement trees
2. Department of Natural Resources Iowa

7. Who do I contact for more information related to Tree Commission Community Preparedness activities?

We suggest you contact John Pletchette at City Hall or attend the monthly Tree Commission Meeting.

8. What resources are available to have an infected or dead tree remove in Winterset?

1. There are currently no city funds set aside specifically for tree removal at the current time to assist homeowners. City departments work together to trim and remove trees in the right ways as time allows. (Pending question to city council.)
2. View the Iowa DNR: Emerald Ash Borer website.

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1. Are there established rules to follow if I want to plant a tree in the parking area (this would be commonly known as the right-of-way)?

A city ordinance dictates the conditions under which a tree may be planted in the city right-of-way areas. The guidelines are listed on the City Ordinance When Planting a Tree page.

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1. What portion of the wastewater distribution system is the property owner's responsibility?

The property owner is responsible for all service pipes up to and including the connection to the main. Typically this includes the pipes from inside the building out to the middle of the street. Responsibility Diagram

2. How do I prevent sewer back-ups?

The city's sewers are designed to dispose of very specific things. Using your toilet for disposal of many modern products will often result in blockages. The drains that connect your home to the main sewer are only big enough to carry water, toilet paper and human waste - often no wider than four inches. 

3. What do I do if I smell a sewer odor in my home?

This is usually caused by an empty drain trap somewhere in the house that is allowing sewer odor back into the house. You should periodically pour water down every drain trap in the house. Be sure to use enough water to completely fill each trap.

4. Can I dispose of Flushable Wipes in the toilet?

Marketed as flushable, this popular hygiene product has the potential to cause huge problems at the expense of taxpayer dollars. These wipes don't break down the same way toilet paper does, as well as the costly damage they can cause to our wastewater system.  Please do not dispose of them in the waste water system.