Time for a makeover: Many homes will likely run afoul of Ames' new property maintenance ordinance

Teresa Kay Albertson, Ames Tribune
Updated ·4 min read

The City of Ames is nearing its first-ever property maintenance ordinance, which could drastically − and forcefully − alter the appearance of many homes throughout town.

The Ames City Council is preparing to adopt the new code by July 18, complete with several exterior requirements for property owners or otherwise face pressure from the city.

The council considered a draft of the ordinance Tuesday night, making three minor changes to the proposal. The final draft will be considered on July 18 and will include the following requirements:

  • a one-foot vegetation buffer along curb lines to allow people to open car doors and exit vehicles

  • a 10-foot vegetation clearance above all sidewalks

  • City staff must have a court-ordered warrant in hand before entering private property to abate property maintenance violations.

The new city ordinance would affect all residential and business property structures within Ames city limits.

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The Ames City Council is on the cusp of enacting it's first property maintenance standards ordinance. This property on 13th Street as of June 28, 2023 might fall under this new ordinance with the chipped exterior paint and dilapidated window structure.
The Ames City Council is on the cusp of enacting it's first property maintenance standards ordinance. This property on 13th Street as of June 28, 2023 might fall under this new ordinance with the chipped exterior paint and dilapidated window structure.

What does the new property maintenance ordinance change?

The ordinance will create a new Chapter 30 in the city's code. Specifically, the code identifies certain property maintenance issues that will no longer be tolerated. The chapter combined physical property issues with previously existing nuisance ordinances. The draft ordinance addresses many elements requiring that local buildings adhere to the following:

  • Exterior trim and exterior exposed surfaces are sound, in good condition and securely attached to the structure.

  • Exterior walls are free of holes and made of a consistent material, such that patches or repairs consisting of dissimilar materials or colors are not present.

  • The foundation is plumb and free from cracks, breaks and holes.

  • Exterior wall surfaces are properly painted and/or maintained. Plastic wrap material shall not be considered an acceptable siding material. No flaking or chipped paint or outer loose material dominates or detracts from the exterior appearance of the structure.

  • Yard waste cannot be stored on the exterior of a property in anything other than a trash disposal container for longer than seven days.

  • Vegetation hanging over public streets with less than 16 feet of clearance above the public street or vegetation that hangs over or into public sidewalks with less than 10 feet of clearance above the sidewalk is not allowed.

  • Vines, brush or unkempt bushes that restrict egress from or ingress to a building through doors or below grade egress windows is not allowed.

  • Upholstered or finished furniture intended for indoor usage may not be placed or used outdoors.

  • Roofing materials shall be in good condition and made up of consistent materials and consistent coloration throughout the roof area

  • Drainage gutters and downspouts, if present, are securely attached to the structure and in proper functioning order

Property owners in violation of the new code will be notified and given a specified time to address the problems by. The new ordinance would allow the city to step in and address property issues if the violation isn't corrected promptly or if repairs don't meet their standards.

In that case, the city will charge the property owner for labor and supplies.

The Ames City Council is on the cusp of enacting it's first property maintenance standards ordinance. This property on 13th Street as of June 28, 2023 might fall under this new ordinance with the piles of discarded carpeting.
The Ames City Council is on the cusp of enacting it's first property maintenance standards ordinance. This property on 13th Street as of June 28, 2023 might fall under this new ordinance with the piles of discarded carpeting.

Council makes push to inform public

The first − and likely only − opportunity for public input on the new property maintenance ordinance will come July 18 during the council's initial reading. The second and third readings don't usually allow for public input, Mayor John Haila said Tuesday night.

Councilmember Tim Gartin voiced his concerns over what he felt was a lack of public awareness, especially for such a significant ordinance.

"I question whether the public truly understands the magnitude of this ordinance," Gartin said. "This is going to affect every homeowner in Ames."

The first reading was expected to come before the council on July 11, but Gartin asked to postpone to help spread the word about the impending change.

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The City of Ames began the ordinance process in 2020, with rough draft proposals presented to the council in 2021, while a public workshop was held in June of 2021.

Ames Fire Chief Rich Higgins and Building Official Sara Van Meeteren will oversee the ordinance through the finish.

Teresa Kay Albertson covers politics, crime, courts and local government in Ames and central Iowa for the Ames Tribune and Des Moines Register. Reach her on Twitter @TeresaAlberts11 and at talbertson@registermedia.com, 515-419-6098.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: New property maintenance ordinance nearing adoption by Ames council