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 and sheds are accessory buildings and are governed by Section 100.4.06 of the City Code. The size of the building is limited by the size of the lot and existing accessory buildings.
(1) For lots up to 8,700 square feet, the total area for accessory buildings shall not occupy more than 720 square feet and shall not exceed 30% of the rear yard.
(2) For lots from 8,700 square feet to 13,333 square feet, no one accessory building shall occupy more than 720 square feet and the total area occupied by accessory buildings shall not exceed 800 square feet.
(3) For lots from 13,333 square feet to one acre, the total area occupied by accessory buildings shall not exceed 1,000 square feet.
(4) For lots larger than one acre, the total area occupied by accessory buildings shall not exceed 2,000 square feet.
In addtion, accessory buildings must observe a 5 foot setback from all property lines and are limited to a height of 18 feet, or the height of the principal structure, whichever is smaller.
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How do I find out what zoning classification my property falls under?
Community Development
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One may view the Bremer County Assesor Page to view your zoning on-line. Or, one may call City Hall at 319-352-9208 and the Zoning Office can answer your request. A current zoning map is also available for viewing in City Hall or available online by visiting here.
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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:
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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Yes. The fence permit process involves supplying the Zoning Office with a dimensioned plot plan, showing the proposed fence location, the height of the proposed fence and any easements that are on the property. Staff will review the plan and offer any proposed amendments to accommodate any recorded easements and to accommodate any sight triangle circumstances to ensure compliance. There is no fee for this review.
City Code allows a residential fence no taller than three (3) feet in the front yard and no taller than six (6) feet in the side and rear yards. For a corner lot, there may be two front yards. Applicants are to call Iowa One Call prior to applying so that underground utilities may be marked. For further information, contact the Community Development and Zoning Office.
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Can I have chickens on my residential property?
Community Development
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Yes. The City does allow for chickens. Effective February 2014, Waverly allows residential property owners to apply for a three year permit through the Zoning office to house up to four chickens on residentially zoned properties. For further information, contact the Waverly Zoning Office at (319) 352-9208 for the application. You may also visit Waverly City Hall at 200 1st St. NE, Waverly, to view a pamphlet and to consult with the Zoning office on the requirements for housing urban chickens.
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 brochure on residential decks.
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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Letter of Map Revision Received by FEMA for City of Waverly Effective October 24, 2014
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 here: FIRMette creation link
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.
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Are burn permits required?
Community Development
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Open burning of yard waste is permitted following submittal of a permit application to the Community Development Office. For residents who have an existing burn permit authorized, a renewal is not necessary. If a new property owner wishes to burn yard waste, they are required to register their property to be permitted to burn yard waste.
As of July 1, 2004, burning of all yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves, tree limbs, etc. is prohibited on properties of ½ acre or less in the City of Waverly. Burning of garbage or construction material and the use of burn barrels are prohibited on all properties. Additional questions can be directed to 319-352-9208.