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1. Can I have a fire pit on my property?

The City of Ankeny has adopted the International Fire Code which allows for recreational fires as long as the regulations are followed. A permit is not required for a recreational fire though is subject to and regulated by guidelines.

The City of Ankeny defines "recreational fire" as "an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish/refuse where fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes."

Please consult our Recreational Fires Guidelines (PDF) for more information.

2. Does the City allow chickens?

Chapter 55, Section 5 of Ankeny's Municipal Code states " It is unlawful for a person to keep livestock within the City."

The City's Municipal Code defines livestock as any animal belonging to the bovine, caprine, equine, ovine or porcine species, ostriches, rheas and emus; farm deer as defined in Section 170.1 of the Code of Iowa; or poultry.

The reasons livestock is prohibited within City limits are multiple. They include a lack of code to establish zoning of coops next to residential units as well as noise and smell complaints from caged or penned animals.

The primary reason, however, is that there are no means to "police" livestock should they escape confinement.

The City of Ankeny does not have dedicated animal control officers. Rather, we are contracted with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and they do not have the means to capture, house, or maintain stray livestock. There are also no means to license or register livestock to facilitate returning them to their rightful owners.

3. When are the hours of construction noise permitted?

In accordance with Chapter 44, Section 5, Item 4 of the City's Municipal Code, construction noise is prohibited between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weeknights and between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

To report a violation of the noise ordinance, please contact the Ankeny Police Department's non-emergency number at 515-286-3333. Reports can be filed anonymously.

4. Where are you supposed to park during a snow ordinance if you don't have a driveway?

All residential housing in Ankeny is required to have a driveway or place to park (that is not in the street) based on Chapter 194 of the City Code. This includes rental units. Beyond what is outlined in the code, parking would need to be resolved by each individual property owner based on each unique property and number of vehicles. If you live in a rental unit and do not have adequate parking, we would advise you to contact your landlord. View details of Chapter 194 of the City Code.

5. Where can I post garage sale / real estate / political signs?

Temporary signs cannot be placed in the public right-of-way - the grassy area between the street and sidewalk.

Garage sale signs are limited to a maximum of three days in advance of each sale. Signs may be placed within 1/2 mile of the garage sale location, but not within 300 feet of a major arterial intersection.

Political signs must be removed 10 days after the election for which they were applicable.

Signs that are not removed within the time limit, or after notice has been given from the City, will be removed with the cost of removal charged to the person named on the sign.

For questions, please contact Planning and Building at 515-963-3550.

Adopted in 2009, Chapter 195 of the City's Municipal Code addresses the placement of both permanent and temporary signage.

6. Where do I get a pet license?

Pet licenses can be purchased online.

The fee for a pet license is $15 per pet and a copy of the current rabies vaccination is required.

Learn more about pet licensing.

7. Which solicitors are licensed to operate in Ankeny?

The City Clerk's office maintains an updated list of solicitors who are licensed to operate within Ankeny city limits.

All solicitors who operate within Ankeny City Limits must keep their license in their possession at all times and be able to produce the license upon request of the customer as evidence of compliance with the City's Municipal Code, Chapter 132.

If you encounter an unlicensed solicitor, please contact the Ankeny Police Department non-emergency number at 515-286-3333. You can file a report anonymously.

8. Why should residents not be allowed to park on residential streets if snow removal operations are in effect but it is a light enough snow that residential streets are not going to be plowed?

A winter storm may start out with residential streets not being plowed, however, could easily progress to a longer duration or more intense weather event where residential streets do need to be plowed and then mid-event we would have to ask residents to move their vehicles.

9. How can I submit a code complaint or question?

Visit Ankeny One Stop to submit a service request to report things like grass and weed height, tree overhang, sidewalks not cleared and more.