FAQ
Yes, trash receptacles are installed in all public parks and emptied at least twice a week.
For rentable shelters, trash is emptied after each rental.
Yes, dogs are allowed in all public parks. They must have a leash, cord, chain, or similar restraint not more than six feet in length (See City Code Chapter 55.06).
Additionally, there is a dog park located at 851 17th Ave SW, Altoona, IA.
At this time, access to the Altoona dog park is free and does not require a pass.
The City of Altoona owns Terrace Hills Golf Course. The golf course is managed by CSC Golf Management Co.
Phone: (515) 967-2932
Email: terracehillsgolf@yahoo.com
Online Form: https://golf-terracehills.com/contact-us/
https://golf-terracehills.com/leagues/
https://golf-terracehills.com/lessons/
https://foreupsoftware.com/index.php/booking/20360/4405#/teetimes
Call (515) 967-2932 with any questions.
Yes. Mosquitoes can be dangerous with their threat of transmitting diseases, such as encephalitis to humans and heartworms to pets.
The City of Altoona periodically sprays mosquitoes starting in April until sometime in October, depending on mosquito count and weather conditions. The City uses Kontrol 30-30 Concentrate and ULV Karrier Green. Altoona also uses an ultra-low volume cold aerosol insecticide generator/sprayer that targets mosquitoes.
Mosquito control and your safety are important. That is why we use chemicals and techniques that meet EPA standards.
Please contact the Parks Department if you do not want the City to spray your area for mosquitoes, or you want to be contacted prior to the city spraying in your area.
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). The Building Department can provide you with a plat drawing to assist you in locating the property pins.
Learn more about locating property pins with this PDF.No. According to the Altoona Fire Code, recreational fires are not allowed.
There is a procedure in place for the City to enforce trees overhanging property limits. See Chapter 151 of the City code for more details and contact the City with your concerns.
Regulated noise disturbances are prohibited before 6:30am and after 9:00pm.
See Chapter 58 of the City Code for a list of regulated noise disturbances.
You do not need a permit for a garage sale. However, you can publicize your garage sale by registering it on the Altoona Chamber of Commerce website here.
Remember that garage sale signs cannot be placed in City Right-of-Way. Typically, this means they must stay on your property, behind the sidewalk.
The Building Department requires permits for a variety of home projects, remodeling, and construction projects. Here is a list of projects requiring permits:
- Fences
- Sheds (larger than 40 Sq Ft)
- Swimming Pools / Hot Tubs
- Decks
- Pergola
- Any electrical changes
- Any plumbing changes
- Any mechanical changes
- Any structural changes
- Basement Finish
- New residential buildings
- New commercial buildings
- New rooms added to existing buildings
- Accessory structures
- Sidewalk or Approach Replacement
- Egress Windows
- Signs
- Tenant Finishes
You can learn more and/or apply for a permit by visiting the Building Department’s Online Portal. On the homepage, find the section labelled “Permits.”
To determine if you need a permit, you can click “Learn More About Permitting” and then on the left side of the page, click “Do you need a Permit.” On this page, under “More Information,” there’s a list of circumstances that do not require permits.
You must apply for a building permit to install a pool on your property. Learn more on the CitizenServe Online Portal.
It depends.
If you are replacing the public sidewalk along your property, you do need a permit. Public sidewalk is easily recognizable, as it typically runs along roadways and connects to your neighbor’s portion of sidewalk.
You do not need a permit to replace private sidewalk located farther inside your property, near your house, garage, or patio.
The City of Altoona does not allow homeowners to keep livestock, except physician prescribed therapy animals with specific approval of the City Council. Banned livestock include cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, ostriches, rheas, emus, farm deer, or poultry. See Chapter 55 for more information.
The City also bans the ownership of dangerous animals. Additionally, owners of dangerous or vicious dogs must comply with a list of regulations. See Chapter 57 for more information, including a list of banned dangerous animals.
Yes, there are several options for printing at the Altoona Public Library Learn more here.
You need a photo ID and proof of your current address. A Driver’s License would cover both criteria. Learn more here.
Yes and no.
The Altoona Public Library will close for inclement weather. The library reports changes in hours to the Des Moines Register, WHO, KCCI and posts information on their website and Facebook page located at www.altoona.lib.ia.us.
City Hall, Police Department, Fire Department and Public Works/Utilities do NOT close for inclement weather but our services may be affected by the weather events.
The Altoona Campus is managed by a separate board and policies. In regards to their closure procedures, please contact the Campus at (515) 967-0788.
https://mymvd.iowadot.gov/Account/Login
You can also renew your driver’s license in person at an approved site. Visit the following for more information:
https://iowadot.gov/mvd/driverslicense/renew
If you have questions on license renewal, you can call 515-244-1052 or email myMVD@iowadot.us
- Transfer of ownership (title transfer) and collection of Road Use Tax.
- Registration fees (license plate/validation fees)
- All types of vehicles (cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, truck-trailers, and semi-trailers) must pay an annual license fee.
- Specialty plates issuance.
- Duplicate titles, registrations, and plates.
- Notation and cancellation of security interests (liens).
- Storage of vehicles and Junking Certificate issuance.
Walk-in Customers, Mon-Fri, 7am – 5pm
Please click below to be connected with the Polk County Treasurer’s office:
https://www.iowatreasurers.org/tagsearch.php
Altoona is a part of the Southeast Polk Community School District. You can learn more on their website: www.southeastpolk.org
All dogs six months of age or older must be registered annually through Polk County, per Ordinance No. 136. This includes dogs within the City of Altoona.
Licenses can be obtained from the Polk County Auditor.