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Housing & Property

Residential & Commercial Tax Abatement

Information
Residential and commercial real estate improvements may qualify for tax abatement. To qualify for tax abatement, the eligible improvement must increase the actual value by at least 15%. Applications are available at City Hall and must be filed with the City for each exemption claimed. The property owner must apply to the City for an exemption by February 1st of the assessment year the exemption is first claimed, but not later than the year all improvements are first assessed for taxation.

All applications are reviewed by City Council, and, if approved, are forwarded to the County Assessor’s office for review. The County Assessor will first make a physical review of the property, then determine the increase in the actual valuation due to the improvements, and finally, will notify the property owner of the results.

 Realtors

Websites
Greteman Real Estate
Smart Moves Iowa Realty

 Zoning Laws - Building Permit

Contact
Call: 800-292-8989

Information
Building permits are required in order to verify compliance with the City’s zoning ordinance. Prior to construction, such as improvements listed below, please contact city hall for information on city regulations and required permits. New Construction of houses, garages, sheds, commercial buildings (including modular, mobile homes, or moving a home or commercial building to a lot.)

  • New accessory structures (Sheds, detached garages, swim pools, etc., including moving a shed or garage on to a lot)
  • Any structural addition to an existing house or building
  • Exterior signage.

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 Ordinances

Information
The City of Lake City would like to make you aware of a few city ordinances that often result in complaints upon violation.  The complete City Code is available at City Hall and the Library for reference.  

  • Burn Permits. Permits are required for yard waste open burning (seasonally only) and recreational fires. 
  • Grass Clippings. Prohibits grass clippings from being deposited in the street.  The reason for this regulation is because the grass will plug the storm sewers. 
  • Leash Law. Prohibits animals, including cats and dogs, from running at large within the city limits.   
  • Mowing. Requires the mowing of property within the City.  Properties not mowed in accordance with the ordinance shall be mowed by the City or their agents, and billed to the property owner as established in the ordinance.
  • Property Cleanup. Please keep your property free of junk and junk vehicles.  The City has junk, nuisance, and dangerous building ordinances to aid in maintaining a clean community.  
  • Snow on Sidewalks. If a property owner does not remove snow, ice or accumulations within a reasonable time, the city may do so and assess the costs against the property owner.
  • Snow Ordinance. When snow is of sufficient depth for plowing, the ordinance shall be placed in effect.  Parking will not be allowed on City streets for approximately 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling and blowing to allow for plowing of the streets.  It is recommended that when snow is forecast overnight or conditions indicate potential snow, vehicles be moved to off-street parking.  The reason for this regulation is because City Crews begin work in the early morning hours.  Violation of this ordinance may result in the issuance of a parking ticket.
  • Snowmobiles. Not allowed on city streets except for designated streets which serve as a snowmobile route solely for the purpose of the leaving or entering the city. Please ask at City Hall for the routes.  Snowmobiles shall not be operated in any park, playground or any other publicly owned property without permission of the City. They are not to run on any sidewalk or the portion of the street commonly known as the parking, nor are they allowed on private property without the consent of the property owner.
  • Solid Waste Removal. Requires removal and disposal of animal feces from public property or the property of another person, such as during walks.  
  • Tree Planting. Be sure to check with the City for rules before planting trees in the parking area (between lot line and curb line).  
  • Tree Trimming. Requires property owners to keep tree branches trimmed at least 15’ above the street and 8’ above the sidewalks.  

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Specialty Services

Contact
Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center in Fort Dodge: 515-955-2273
Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center in Carroll: 712-792-6722
YWCA (Eliminating Racism ~ Empowering Women): 515-573-3931
New Opportunities Family Development: 712-792-9266
Murphy Management Family Housing in Lake City: 515-295-2927
AnswerLine - Questions relating to home and family: 800-262-3804
Bets Off - Iowa Gambling Treatment Program: 800-BETSOFF
Healthy Families - Prenatal, child health, and women's health care questions and info: 800-369-2229
Iowa Concern - Financial questions, legal issues, family transitions: 800-447-1985
Teen Line - Personal and health related information and referral: 800-443-8336
Beginning Farmer Center - Resources to help the next generation of farmers: 877-232-1999