FAQs

Your property line is a line identified on a plat map as the boundary of your lot. These are generally marked by a survey marker (a pipe or metal bar) buried slightly below the ground at the corners of your property. Often the front corners are located a foot or so behind the sidewalk (toward the house). Our office can provide you with a plat drawing to assist you in locating the property pins. The Plan & Building department can be contacted by phone at 515-963-3550, by e-mail, or in person at the Public Services Building located at 220 West First Street.

The City of Ankeny has adopted the International Fire Code which allows fro recreational fires as long as certain regulations are followed.  A permit is not required for a recreational fire.  More information is available in the Recreational Fires Handout.

Yes. To ensure that rental housing facilities and conditions are of sufficient quality to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of those persons utilizing such housing and also the general public, every person, firm or corporation that offers a dwelling unit for rent are required to submit an application to the city requesting registration of the property. Renewal of the application and regular inspections are required every three years in the case multiple-family dwellings and every five years in the case of unattached, single-family rental units and duplexes. Download the Registration form, or call 515-963-3550, or visit the Public Services Building at 220 West First Street.

Construction noise is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weeknights and between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

The Plan & Building Department administers an enforcement program that investigates and corrects violations of the City’s Municipal Codes that govern the use and maintenance of property within the City limits. Our Code Enforcement officers also investigate and conduct inspections involving nuisance, weed abatement, illegal construction and illegal dumping.
Violations can be reported by completing the online complaint form, by calling 515-963-3550, by visiting the Public Services Building at 220 West First Street, or via e-mail.

Permits allow the enforcement of the codes that have been adopted as law by a state, county, township or city and they provide the means for Code Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used. You have an investment in the home or business you are about to build or remodel and when that home or business building does not comply with the codes your investment could be reduced. Building permits are available online or at the Public Services Building at 220 W 1st Street.

Zoning classifications impose a series of requirements on a parcel of land including the uses that can occur and the bulk regulations for development.  View the current adopted Zoning Map. Our city planners, who can assist you with zoning, can be reached by calling 515-963-3550, by visiting the Public Services Building at 220 W 1st Street, or via e-mail.

Permits are not required for a home-based business. However, there are certain restrictions that may apply. Our planners can assist you with determining which requirements apply to your project and can be contacted by calling 515-963-3550, by visiting the Public Services Building at 220 West First Street or via e-mail.

The property owner is responsible for repairs to the sidewalk. Prior to pouring concrete, a sidewalk permit and inspection is required. Download the Application (PDF), or call 515-963-3550, or visit the Public Services Building at 220 West First Street.

When you are ready for an inspection, call 515-963-3533 during regular office hours and provide your name, the project address and the type of inspection requested. The inspector will usually be able to make the inspection within 24 hours of the request. For more information on the type of inspections required for your project, see Residential Building.

All contractors are required to be registered by the State of Iowa. Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical contractor licenses are renewed every two years by the City. More information is available at Contractor Licensing & Permits.

Ankeny does not have a business license requirement. However, it is important to verify with the Planning & Building Department that the zone district allows for business use.