Welcome to the City of Des Moines!

As Iowa's capital city, Des Moines is a hub of government action, business activity and cultural affairs. With a Metro

population of 456,000, Des Moines is a bustling metropolis. Though we have big city bustle, we're extremely proud of our small town atmosphere. Our community offers quality

schools, superb public services, and friendly neighbor-hoods. Truly the best of both worlds! We hope this guide will provide you with helpful information for good living in

America’s heartland.

CITY OF DES MOINES GOOD NEIGHBOR GUIDE

Useful Information for Neighborhood Residents—New and Old!

February 2014

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HELPFUL THINGS TO KNOW

AROUND YOUR HOME……………………………...….3 Your Property Your Safety Your Pet

AROUND YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD………...…...……....8 Getting Connected Road, Sidewalk and Tree Maintenance Public Property

AROUND YOUR CITY………………………...…….…11 Transportation Activities Staying Informed

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YOUR PROPERTY

The City of Des Moines wants our residents to enjoy their homes and make them mean-ingful places to live. By provid-ing helpful information on city services and regulations, we hope you can get the most out of your property, whether working or playing around the house!

AROUND YOUR HOME...

We believe that your home should reflect who you are when it comes to style! We also believe that a well-maintained home provides a better quality of life, not only for you, but for your neighbors as well. As a resident of Des Moines, it is your responsibility to ensure that your home is in good repair. Please follow these guidelines and services in this booklet for the upkeep of your property and the health of you and your neighbors.

Building Permits

The City requires permits for building decks, gar-

ages, finishing basements, interior remodeling

and various other construction/modification pro-

jects on residential properties. To find out if a per-

mit is required for your project, access the City’s

Permit & Development Center website at:

www.dmgov.org/Departments/

CommunityDevelopment/Pages/

PermitDevelopmentCenter.aspx

or contact the Permit Center by phone at 283-

4200.

Sewers

To report a sewer back up on your property call

the Public Works 24 -hour Call Center at 283-

4950.

Utilities & Services

Gas and electric services are provided by MidAmerican Energy Company. To set up an account, report problems, or for more information, visit the website at www.midamericanenergy.com/ or call 1-888-427-5632.

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Garbage, Yard Waste, & Recycling

Collection carts should be placed at the curb or collection point no later than

6:30 AM on the day of pickup and not before 5:00 PM the evening prior to

pickup day. They can be placed on the curb 24 hours prior to scheduled pick

up and must be removed from the curb within 24 hours after pick up. Make

sure the short metal bar on the garbage cart is facing the street.

Blue recycling bins are provided for the collection of newspapers, magazines,

old mail catalogs, paper of any color (not soiled by food or waste), materials

like cereal and tissue boxes, clear glass (no lids), brown paper sacks, tin/

aluminum cans (lids off), #1 and #2 plastics like milk, 2 liters, laundry deter-

gent, bleach and shampoo bottles, and flattened cardboard.

YOUR PROPERTY continued...

Utilities & Services (contd.)

Water is provided by Des Moines Water Works (DMWW). To set up service, report problems, or for more information, visit the website at www.dmww.com/ or call 283-8700. For emergencies, call the DMWW—Main Breaks: 283-8772 or Water Outage: 283-8700.

Cable television, home phone and internet services are available through

various carriers throughout Des Moines. Some of which include Mediacom

and Century Link. To set up service or report problems with Mediacom, visit

the website at www.mediacomcc.com or call 1-855-633-4226. To set up

service or report problems with Century Link, visit the website at

www.centurylink.com or call 1-866-706-8592.

To find out which days your garbage, yard waste and recycling are collected,

request a garbage collection cart, or get

information about guidelines for pickup,

call Public Works at 283-4950 or access

the guidelines online at www.dmgov.org/

Departments/PublicWorks/Pages/

GarbageAndYardWaste.aspx.

You can also find out your pickup day

according to your address through the

City’s website at http://maps.dmgov.org/

extmapcenter/AddressLookUp.aspx.

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Lawn & Weed Control

Polk County requires that lawns and weeds be kept under 12 inches tall. To

report a lawn in need of mowing contact the Weed Commission at 286-3705 or

email: weedcommission@polkcountyiowa.gov.

Junk & Debris

Storage of junk and debris, unlicensed and/or inoperable vehicles stored out-

side a completely enclosed building is a violation of the city code. City inspec-

tors identify violations, advise the property owner of the violation and give ade-

quate time to clean the property. If the property is not cleaned by the owner the

inspector will arrange to have the property cleaned. The costs will be assessed

to the property and will be due with the property taxes. Parking vehicles in the

front yard is also a violation of the code and the vehicle might be issued a park-

ing ticket. To report a property that has storage of junk, debris, inoperable/

unlicensed vehicles, contact the Neighborhood Inspection Zoning Division at

283-4046.

SCRUB Day Events

The City of Des Moines hosts Neighborhood SCRUB (Spring Cleanup to Re-

duce Urban Blight) events on designated Saturdays throughout the year for

neighborhood residents to dispose of junk and debris. On SCRUB days there

are designated neighborhood drop-off locations for junk and debris. Metro

Waste Authority’s Metro Transfer Station and the Metro Compost Center are

also open to the public on designated SCRUB days. To participate residents

must bring proof of residency with a current photo ID or a current utility bill.

To learn more about SCRUB day guidelines and to access the calendar visit

the City’s website at www.dmgov.org/Departments/PublicWorks/Pages/

SCRUBEvents.aspx.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS can be a good way to prevent neighbor conflicts. Follow these tips for promoting good relations in your community.

● Introduce yourself to your neighbors...bringing cookies along always helps!

● Host a block party.

● Inform your neighbors if you plan to have numerous guests parking at your house for a gathering.

● Keep noise levels low after 10 p.m. and before 7 a.m.

● Clean up after your pets.

● Follow the Golden Rule: Treat your neighbors as you would like to be treated.

● Talk with your neighbors if you have a concern or complaint before calling the police or inspections division.

● Keep an eye on each other’s properties and report any suspi-cious behavior.

Emergencies

For emergency help, contact the Des Moines Police & Fire Departments by

calling 911.

Fire

Open burning and the use of fire pits are illegal within the city limits of Des

Moines. An outdoor fireplace or grill may be used solely for non-commercial

preparation of food. Outdoor fireplaces and grills may not be used for the burn-

ing of refuse, rubbish, or garbage.

Installing a smoke detector is one of the best ways you can ensure protection

from fire in your home. Smoke detector information is online at

www.dmgov.org/Departments/Fire/PDF/DMFDSmokeDetectorBrochure.pdf.

To arrange for a test of fire protection systems or a fire safety presentation, call

the Fire Prevention Bureau at 283-4907.

YOUR SAFETY

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Storm Warning Sirens

Storm warning sirens will be sounded for tornadoes or severe thunderstorms

with winds occurring or forecasted to be 70 mph or greater. The sirens may be

sounded multiple times during the threat. There will be no "all clear" signal for

the sirens. The storm warnings sirens are tested on the first Saturday of every

month at 12 p.m. (noon).

If your siren is not working properly you should contact the Polk County Emer-

gency Management Agency at 286-2107. They will need to know the siren loca-

tion and a description of the problem in order to direct the maintenance/repair

request to the proper place.

Wildlife & Animal Control

To report a wildlife problem or dead animal contact the City’s Animal Control

Unit at 284-6905. To make a report after hours, contact the Des Moines Police

Non-Emergency Dispatch at 283-4811.

To report pest and rodent problems, contact the Health and Zoning Code En-

forcement Division at 283-4046.

All dogs and cats 6 months old and over must

be licensed. Dog and cat licenses are due Janu-

ary 1st of each year. To acquire a license you

will need to submit a current rabies certificate

and proof of spay or neuter, if applicable, along

YOUR PET

Pet Waste: City Ordinance

requires that all pet waste

deposited on any public or

private property be removed

by the pet owner or caregiver.

with the application and required fee. Any own-

er of any unlicensed pet is guilty of a misde-

meanor and may be punished by a fine up to

$500 or by imprisonment up to 30 days.

To obtain a pet license, visit the City Clerk’s Office or print the application form available on the City’s website at www.dmgov.org/Departments/CityClerk/PDF/AnimalLicenseApplication.pdf.

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AROUND YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD...

The City of Des Moines has over 50 vibrant neighborhoods. These com-

munities serve city residents in various ways—from block parties to

neighborhood watch programs. We encourage you to be an active partic-

ipant in your neighborhood. Working together makes Des Moines a bet-

ter place for everyone to live, work, and play!

On a leash! All dogs are required to be on a leash or restrained by an ade-

quate fence at all times. A dog that is on public property must be on a leash

not more than six feet in length at all times. Cats are not required to be

leashed; however, if a cat is not confined within a property, it is required to be

spayed or neutered, properly licensed and must display a spay/neuter tag

issued by the City.

Lost Pets: The Animal Rescue League of Iowa began providing animal

shelter services for the City of Des Moines. Anyone who has lost a pet is

encouraged to visit the ARL of Iowa Animal Care and Control Center at 1615

SE 14th Street in Des Moines.

YOUR PET continued...

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GETTING CONNECTED

Neighborhood Associations

Des Moines has many neighborhood associations. Neighborhood associations

are a great way for neighborhood residents to come together to discuss the

issues in their neighborhood and implement projects that can serve the general

welfare of their community. To find out more about your neighborhood’s associ-

ation, visit the City’s website at http://maps.dmgov.org/extmapcenter/NH.aspx.

neighborhoods. These cross-departmental teams work with residents in identi-

fying and prioritizing concerns, planning a course of action and implementing a

solution to the problem. For more information call NBSD at 237-1583.

Neighborhood Based

Service Delivery (NBSD)

Select police sergeants and

neighborhood inspectors are

assigned to work with mem-

bers of other city departments

to improve services and en-

hance quality of life for the

residents of recognized

ROAD MAINTENANCE

General Maintenance

To report a street or intersection in need of atten-

tion, potholes, or a broken concrete curb or side-

Winter Conditions

Sidewalk Clearance: Residents are required to remove all snow and ice from

sidewalks within 48 hours after the end of the snowfall. Property owners who do

not remove snow and ice may receive a civil citation.

walk, call the Public Works 24-hour Call Center at 283-4950 or submit a report

on the City’s website at www.dmgov.org/InteractiveForms/Pages/default.aspx.

SNOW & ICE CONTROL OPERATIONS

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To report a walkway where snow or ice has not been properly removed call

the Public Works 24-hour Call Center at 283-4950 or fill out a request on the

City’s website www.dmgov.org/InteractiveForms/Pages/default.aspx.

Street Plowing: According to the snow ordinance, when snowfall is more

than one inch snow plowing begins on streets located in the snow route sys-

tem. Removal of snow from the snow routes takes 24 to 36 hours after snow-

fall ends. When snowfall is more than two inches, residential street plowing

will begin after the completion of snow route plowing. Clearance of snow from

the residential streets takes an additional 36 hours. Parking is prohibited on

snow routes after snowfall begins. Parking is not allowed on residential

streets after two inches of snow accumulation. It is the responsibility of the

property owner to remove the ridge of snow left by plowing equipment. When

shoveling out the entrance of a driveway, throw the snow to the right or left,

but NOT in the street.

To check the status of ice control and snow plowing operations call Public

Works at 283-4950. Sign up to receive email notifications of when the snow

ordinance is in effect on the City’s website at www.dmgov.org/Pages/

subscribers.aspx.

SNOW & ICE CONTROL OPERATIONS continued...

PUBLIC PROPERTY

Trees

To report a diseased, dying, or dangerous

tree in the City’s Right-of-Way (public side-

walks, streets, parks), call the City’s Depart-

ment of Public Works 24 hour call center at

283-4950 or fill out a report online by access-

ing the City’s website at www.dmgov.org/

InteractiveForms/Pages/default.aspx.

Graffiti

Des Moines operates a graffiti removal program to “erase” graffiti that appears

in our neighborhoods, on public property and in commercial areas. To report

the location and or a graffiti sighting contact the Park and Recreation Depart-

ment at 248-6350 or the Police Graffiti Hot Line at 237-1808.

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Mosquito Control

The City of Des Moines has a mosquito control program that sprays for mosqui-

toes throughout the summer months. When spraying is scheduled for residen-

tial neighborhoods, it will generally begin after 8:00 pm. For current scheduling

information, you may call the “Mosquito Hotline” at 248-6099 after 5:00 pm.

daily, or view the Mosquito Spray Map at http://maps.dmgov.org/extmapcenter/

MosquitoMap.aspx.

If you wish to report standing water, request that your neighborhood be

sprayed, or want to be added to the spray "shut-off" list, fill out a report online at

www.dmgov.org/InteractiveForms/Pages/default.aspx?FormName=Mosquito

Control Form or call the Mosquito Hotline at 248-6099.

AROUND YOUR CITY...

The City of Des Moines offers many urban amenities while maintaining

the small-town hospitality of a Midwestern community. The metro area

boasts an array of transportation options, restaurants, arts and cultural

venues, education facilities and family friendly activities. We hope this

guide helps you find this bustling metro a great place to live in America’s

heartland.

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TRANSPORTATION

Bus & Rideshare

The City of Des Moines offers public transportation options through the Des

Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). DART services include pub-

lic bus routes, rideshare programs, and paratransit transportation. Bus

schedules can be accessed online at www.ridedart.com.

Bicycle

Des Moines has a bicycle sharing program—B-Cycle. There are rental sta-

tions throughout the city where you can pick up a bicycle to use for recrea-

tion, running an errand, grabbing lunch, or traveling from a bus stop to your

next destination. Bicycle rental is open to anyone for a minimal charge. Mem-

bership is available and makes rental that much easier! To learn more about

the program and to find bike station locations throughout the city, visit the

website at desmoines.bcycle.com/.

Airport

The Des Moines International Airport offers flights to and from Des Moines

throughout the country and numerous international destinations daily. Flight

information can be found on the website at www.dsmairport.com/.

Paying Parking Tickets

To pay a parking ticket online, visit the website www.dmgov.org/pt/.

ACTIVITIES

Parks

Des Moines is home to over 70

neighborhood and regional parks

offering a variety of programs and

recreation amenities. Special

downtown amenities include the

Brenton Skating Plaza, Pappajohn

Sculpture Park and Principal River-

walk. A complete list of parks and

amenities can be found at

www.dmgov.org/Departments/

Parks/Pages/ParkList.aspx.

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Trails

Des Moines has been named a “Bronze Level” Bike Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. There are over 40 miles of trails throughout the city for biking as well as walking and running. To access trail maps, visit the website at www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Trails/newtrails/maps.htm. Fun on the Water

Des Moines offers plenty of opportunities to get cool throughout the summer,

which include aquatics centers, wading pools, and Gray’s Lake. For season

pass prices, rental information, programs, and operating hours, visit the website

at:

www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/AquaticsandWaterSports.aspx.

Dog Park

Des Moines now has three Dog Parks! Located at 4660 Indianola Avenue,

1111 Illinois Street, and 3533 E. Douglas Avenue these facilities have over 15

acres of fenced area for all dogs. Visit www.dmgov.org/departments/parks/

pages/DogParks.aspx for more information.

Recreation Programs and Special Events

The Parks and Recreation department provides many different programs in the

area of sports/sport instruction, urban conservation, environment education,

neighborhood beautification, volunteerism and stewardship. Parks staff also

plans special events throughout the year, such as, the Father-Daughter Dance,

Free Flicks, Hoopin' at the Dome, Des Moines Winter Games, Mayor's Annual

Ride for Trails, Carp Festival, and much more. For a full list, visit the calendar

of events at www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/ParkActsEvents.aspx.

There are 45 open-air and enclosed shelters, some of which can be reserved in

advance for events. To reserve a shelter online, visit the City’s website at

www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/ShelterReservation.aspx or call the

Parks and Recreation Department at 237-1386.

Glass containers are not allowed in the parks. Alcoholic beverages (beer and

wine) are only allowed in enclosed shelters at certain parks. To access the

rules and policies concerning park use and shelter rentals, visit the City’s web-

site at www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/ShelterRules.aspx.

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Public Library

The Des Moines public library has several branches throughout the metro

area. The library hosts numerous programs and services for people of all

ages. For a complete listing of the various library locations with their hours

and program offerings, visit the website at www.dmpl.org/locations-hours.

ACTIVITIES continued...

City News

You can access City news by visiting the website at www.dmgov.org/pages/news.aspx. For specific news releases, alerts and notifications subscribe to the Des Moines e-mail list at www.dmgov.org/Pages/subscribers.aspx.

City Council Members are elected by the citizens of Des Moines to serve as

their representatives for addressing city-related issues. City Council Members

are designated by Wards, each of which include numerous neighborhoods. To

find out who your City Council representative is and how to contact him/her,

visit the website at www.dmgov.org/Government/CityCouncil/Pages/

CouncilMembers.aspx.

City Council meets the second and fourth Mondays of every month at 4:30 PM

at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public and are broadcast live on DMTV

Mediacom Digital Cable Channel 86 & 97.1 or are available to watch online at

dmtv.dmgov.org/Cablecast/Public/Schedule.aspx?ChannelID=1. Meeting

schedules and agendas can be found online at www.dmgov.org/Government/

CityCouncil/Pages/Meetings.aspx.

Community Gardens

There are community gardens located throughout the city that provide oppor-

tunities for local residents to grow their own food and flowers. To learn more

about getting involved, visit the City’s Parks and Recreation website at http://

www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/FlowersCommGardening.aspx.

STAYING INFORMED

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Website: www.dmgov.org DMTV on MediaCom Cable 86 and 97-1

Animal Control...........................................................284-6905 Animal License..........................................................283-4209 City Clerk...................................................................283-4209 Des Moines Water Works..........................................283-8700 Emergencies.......................................................................911 Fire Prevention Bureau..............................................283-4240 Forestry Department..................................................283-4134 Graffiti Hot Line..........................................................237-1808 Human Rights Commission….…………....................283-4284 Information Center (City Hall)....................................283-4500 Metro Waste Authority...............................................244-0021 Neighborhood Inspection Zoning Division.................283-4046 Non-Emergency Police..............................................283-4811 Parks & Recreation Department................................237-1386 Permit & Development Center...................................283-4200 Polk County Emergency Management Agency.........286-2107 Public Library.............................................................283-4152 Public Works 24-hour Call Center.............................283-4950 Weed Commission....................................................286-3005

CITY CONTACT INFORMATION

City Hall 400 Robert D. Ray Drive Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

515-283-4141 CityManager@dmgov.org

Show Me My House

This feature of the City of Des Moines’s website enables residents to access

important information regarding where they live. By visiting the website at http://

maps.dmgov.org/EXTmapcenter/AddressLookUp.aspx and typing in your ad-

dress, you can find out days for garbage and yard waste pickup, recycling, the

names and phone numbers of city inspectors and officers assigned to your

neighborhood, City Council ward information, and more.