Click the tabs below to view answers to commonly asked questions.
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How large can I build a garage or shed on my property?
Community Development
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Garages, sheds, and similar structures are classified as accessory buildings and are regulated under Section 100.4.06 of the City Code. The size and placement of these buildings are determined by the size of your lot, the presence of any existing accessory buildings, and if there are any existing easements.
(1) Lots up to 8,700 sq. ft.
- Total area of accessory buildings is limited to 720 sq. ft.
- Must not exceed 30% of the rear yard.
Lots between 8,700 and 13,333 sq. ft.
- No single accessory building may exceed 720 sq. ft.
- Combined total for all accessory buildings may not exceed 800 sq. ft.
Lots between 13,333 sq. ft. and 1 acre
- Total area of all accessory buildings is limited to 1,000 sq. ft.
Lots larger than 1 acre
- Total area of all accessory buildings is limited to 2,000 sq. ft.
Additional Requirements:
- A 5-foot setback from all property lines is required.
- The maximum height of any accessory building is 18 feet, or the height of the principal structure, whichever is less.
For more information, click here to go to the Zoning section of our City Code.
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How do I find out what zoning classification my property falls under?
Community Development
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Online:
- Visit the Bremer County Assessor's website to view your property's zoning information.
- Visit the City of Waverly's website here to view the current map.
By Phone:
- Call the Zoning Office at 319-352-9208 for assistance.
In Person:
- A current zoning map is available for public viewing at City Hall: 200 1st Street NE, Waverly.
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How do I find Flood Plain information?
Community Development
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There are multiple sources to check. One option is to check with your insurance provider. Another option is to contact FEMA at 1.877.336.2627 (1-877-FEMA MAP). This number may also be utilized to help answer common questions such as:
- How long does it take to get the map revised?
- How can I order a flood plain map?
- I was just told by my lender that my house is in a flood plain and I need flood insurance, what are my options?
- Was a LOMA ever issued for my property?
- Has the National Flood Insurance Program Flood Hazard map for my community been revised?
- Some additional web sites that may be useful include:
- www.floodsmart.gov
- http://msc.fema.gov/portal
One may also contact the Community Development and Zoning Office with additional questions or for updates on current flood-related projects or questions as it pertains to Waverly.
Click here for additional flood plain information from FEMA
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Do I need a permit for a fence?
Community Development
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Fence Permit Process
Residents planning to install a fence must submit a fence permit application to the Zoning Office. The site plan on the application must include:
- The proposed location of the fence
- The height of the proposed fence
- Any known easements on the property (if unknown, the city can assist with locating)
Zoning staff will review the plan to ensure complaine with the City Code, include accomodation of recorded easements and sight triangle requirements. There is no fee for this review.
Fence Height Regulations (per City Code):
- Front yard: Maximum height of 3 feet
- Side and rear yards: Maximum height of 6 feet
- Corner lots: May have two front yards, subject to front yard height limits
Before installing, all applicants must contact Iowa One Call at 811 to have underground utilities located and marked.
For questions or more information, contact the Zoning Office at 319-352-9208 or email zoning@waverlyia.com.
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Can I have chickens on my residential property?
Community Development
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Yes - the City of Waverly does allow chickens on residential properties.
Since February 2014, residents may apply for a three-year permit through the Zoning Office to keep up to four (4) chickens on residentially zoned properties.
To apply or learn more visit here.
Urban Chicken Brochure
Urban Chicken Permit Application
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Do I need a permit for putting up a pool?
Community Development
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The rule with outdoor pools is that you need a permit for a pool that is 5,000 gallons or more. If the pool is less than 5,000 gallons, you do not need a permit. Here are some sample dimensions to help you determine if your project is over or under the 5,000 gallon mark:
- If you have a 15' X 15' X 3' deep pool, you will have 4,995 gallons
- If you have a 15' diameter pool 4' deep, you will have 5,288 gallons
Pool building permits are received and reviewed by the Bremer County Building and Zoning Department. For additional questions about pools and pool permits, feel free to contact them at 319-352-0332.
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What are the requirements for adding a deck onto my residence?
Community Development
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The requirements for residential decks in Waverly may be obtained from the Bremer County Building, Zoning & Sanitation Office. To view the general requirements, click here to be directed to Bremer County's website.
These decks must observe the same setbacks required of the dwelling. Click here to view Waverly's setback requirements by zone.
Click here to search for your property and discover how it is zoned.
Make sure that the deck is not placed in front of or below any electrical meters or meter sockets. This is a National Electric Code regulation. To view a letter from Waverly Light and Power addressing this matter, click here.
Finally, a building permit application must be submitted to the Bremer County Building, Zoning & Sanitation Office located within the Bremer County Courthouse located at 415 East Bremer Avenue in Waverly. Applications are available at the Courthouse, at the City of Waverly Community Development & Zoning Office located at 200 1st St. NE in Waverly, or applications may be printed out by clicking here.
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Is my property still in the Flood Plain after the inflatable dam installation?
Community Development
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Effective October 24, 2014, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released a determination that they have approved a request for a Letter of map Revision (LOMR) for the areas contained within the effective flood insurance rate maps (FIRM) for the City of Waverly dated March 04, 2008. The result is floodplain boundary movements in all quadrants of the City and subsequent "map revisions".
Lenders and Insurance providers will have access to the map revisions and you can view them too, following the instructions provided below.
The map revisions may be viewed online, under the FEMA’s Map Service Center webpage, www.msc.fema.gov. Simply type in your address in the lower left corner in the search bar provided following the format of “101 Pleasant Street, Waverly, Iowa”. You will then select the “Revisions” folder under the title of “Letters of Map Change” (select first option ending in 190030). The maps will be part of the pages provided near the end, with basic information provided for your information. Maps are also available in the hallway of the Waverly City Hall, located at 200 1st Street NE, Waverly, and also in the Zoning Office in City Hall. For further instructions on how to print a map you are viewing, follow the “FIRMette creation link” below.
Maps will not be printed and distributed to property owners, local insurance agents or mortgage lenders through FEMA. You may create a small viewable map, called a FIRMette online at www.msc.fema.gov, by following the instructions found on their website.
The City does not have the tools needed to make large copies of floodplain maps. FEMA may reproduce these maps and make copies to send via mail and electronic copies may be made available for a fee by contacting their offices at 1-800-358-9616. You will need the correct map panel identification number which should be found on the lower right corner of the map produced by FEMA. The Waverly Zoning office may be contacted for a simple determination.
For more information, contact the City of Waverly Zoning Office at (319) 352-9208 or email zoning@waverlyia.com.
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Are burn permits required?
Community Development
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Open burning of yard waste is permitted in the City of Waverly following the submission of a burn permit application to the Community Development Office. Residents who already have a valid burn permit do not need to renew it. However, if a new property owner wishes to burn yard waste, they must register their property and obtain a new permit.
Please note:
As of July 1, 2004, the burning of yard waste (including grass clippings, leaves, tree limbs, etc.) is prohibited on properties that are 1/2 acre or smaller within city limits.
Additionally, burning of garbage or construction materials and the use of burn barrels are prohibited on all properties, regardless of size.
For more information, please contact the Zoning Office at 319-352-9208 or email zoning@waverlyia.com.