Regulations/Zoning

CITY OF MOUNT PLEASANT, IOWA Small Cell Guidelines

The city is divided into zoning districts. The districts are grouped into three general categories – residential, business, and industrial. In general, districts are designed to preserve the existing characteristics of areas and to promote future development. The zoning ordinances ensure that the uses of all existing and new developments are compatible with nearby existing property uses. Uses that are incompatible with one another hinder property owners from the free enjoyment of their property and erode property values. The zoning ordinance regulates primary uses, such as whether or not a property can be used for residential, businesses, or factories, and where buildings can be located. The zoning ordinance also addresses accessory uses, or minor uses of properties, such as whether or not homes can be used for home-based businesses, where parking is permitted, where fences or sheds are allowed, whether or not farm animals can be raised, what types of signs are allowed, etc.

Application for Zoning Change and/or Amendment

The zoning ordinance requires all structures and all uses of all property to be compliant with the zoning ordinance. Whenever a property use is changed or modified, a certificate of zoning compliance must be obtained in order to ensure compliance with the zoning ordinance. Structures and uses that are not allowed cannot be continued, unless they are “grandfathered”, meaning they existed before the zoning ordinance was adopted.

Feel free to contact the Building and Zoning Administrator with any questions.

See the complete zoning ordinance

Mount Pleasant Comprehensive Plan 2017

The city is divided into fifteen zoning districts. The districts are roughly grouped into three general categories – residential, business, and industrial. Each district has specific boundaries. All structures and uses of all property must be compliant with the district in which the property is located unless the structures or uses are “grandfathered”, which means the structure or use existed before the zoning ordinance.

Zoning Map

Firework Sales

Variances, or exceptions, to zoning ordinances, are given in rare situations where the zoning ordinance creates an unnecessary hardship to a property due to the unique characteristics of the property. The Board of Adjustments considers variance requests on a case-by-case basis. Variances are granted when it is determined that the variance is the minimum necessary to make the property usable, and is not harmful to the welfare of the public or the neighborhood. An application and a fee of $50 are required to apply for a variance.

Variance Ordinance

The city has adopted the 2012 International Building, Residential, Property Maintenance, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, and Fire Codes. Additionally, both the 2017 National Electric Code, as amended by the State of Iowa and the current version of the NFPA Life Safety Code, have been adopted by the city. The city enforces these codes, as well as other applicable codes adopted by the state and federal governments. Building codes are in place to protect occupants of buildings from various hazards and to protect rescue workers who enter buildings in hazardous situations. Building codes are also in place to ensure that buildings are safe to use and accessible to all individuals. The Building and Zoning Administrator is happy to answer any code-related questions. Copies of the codes are available in the public library.

See Permits and Fees

Generally, dwellings are required to be kept in good condition, sanitary, and safe. Roofs, windows, siding, paint, doors, interior areas of homes, electrical, plumbing, and heating systems are all required to be safe and in good condition. Safety equipment like guards and smoke detectors must all be functional and in good condition. Exterior areas must be kept clean and sanitary. All personal items may be left outside for no longer than 48 hours, and then they must be moved inside. This does not apply to decorative items or items such as lawn furniture.  All exterior structures, such as fences, sheds, garages, decks, signs, swimming pools, etc., are required to be kept in good condition, sanitary, and safe, in the same manner, that houses are to be maintained. The use of signs is limited, and commercial messages are not allowed. Certain home businesses are allowed, but a home business permit must be obtained. All questions can be directed to the Building and Zoning Administrator.

Certain home businesses are allowed, but, because of their potential to negatively impact the residential atmosphere of neighborhoods, home businesses are regulated by city ordinances. City ordinances limit the types of businesses, signs, number of employees, retail display, noise, and other typical business characteristics that might disturb nearby homes. A home occupation permit issued by the city is required. Types of business allowed are offices, beauty salons, home employment for the handicapped, private instruction, child care, and similar low-impact businesses.

Please contact the Building and Zoning Administrator if you would like to operate a home business.

The complete ordinance can be found by using the link below. Scroll down to the item (i).

Home Business Ordinance

A Certificate of Zoning Compliance issued by the city is required before any business can be operated. To preserve property values, and support land use that is compatible with nearby properties, the city has a zoning ordinance that regulates land use. All properties – commercial, industrial, and residential –  must comply with the zoning ordinance. For this reason, a Certificate of Zoning Compliance must be issued by the city before any property can be used.

If a sign is installed, a sign permit will be required. Signs are regulated because having too many signs or signs that are too large can create a traveling hazard, and it could block the view of neighboring signs.

Please contact the Building and Zoning Administrator if you would like to operate a business.

A Building Permit may be required to move a business into a different building, or to change the use of any building, even if no remodeling will take place. The requirement is in place because different types of building use present different degrees of hazards, and therefore require different levels of fire protection, exit capability, etc. For example, converting a business office with very few occupants into a church with many people would require a building permit, because the building code has different fire protection and exit requirements for each type of use.

A Certificate of Zoning Compliance issued by the city is required before any business can be operated. To preserve property values, and support land use that is compatible with nearby properties, the city has a zoning ordinance that regulates land use. All properties – commercial, industrial, and residential –  must comply with the zoning ordinance. For this reason, a Certificate of Zoning Compliance must be issued by the city before any property can be used.

If a sign is installed, a sign permit will be required. Signs are regulated because having too many signs or signs that are too large can create a traveling hazard, and it could block the view of neighboring signs.

Please contact the Building and Zoning Administrator if you would like to operate a business.

City ordinances require interior and exterior areas of structures, and exterior property areas, to be maintained safe, in good repair, structurally sound, and sanitary. These ordinances are in place to prevent properties from threatening public safety, health, or welfare, to prevent properties from harming nearby property values, and to prevent properties from interfering with the ability of nearby property owners to freely use their own property.

Common safety requirements for dwellings include the following: functioning smoke detectors in every bedroom; carbon monoxide detectors in houses with garages or gas-burning appliances; large fire escape windows in every bedroom, connection to electric, water, and sewer systems; safe electric and plumbing systems; properly functioning heating systems; fall protection for elevated walking surfaces

Addresses need to be prominently displayed on all buildings. The numbers need to be at least 4 inches tall, on contrasting backgrounds, and on the building. Addresses on mailboxes don’t count.

In general, grass can’t be longer than 6 inches, weeds need to be trimmed, personal items need to be stored indoors, trash needs to be cleaned up, sidewalks need to be kept safe and clear of snow, and inoperable vehicles need to be kept inside garages. Buildings need to be kept weathertight and in good repair. Exposed wood that can rot needs to be painted, safety features need to remain in place, exit pathways need to be kept safe and clear.

Structures cannot be inhabited unless they are safe and are connected to an approved electric and water supply and they must have safe electric, plumbing, and heating systems. The International Property Maintenance Code, which is an adopted ordinance of the city, is used to regulate the maintenance of properties, and to determine if properties are safe and fit to be occupied.

The Building and Zoning Administrator oversees the maintenance, safety, and occupancy of structures. The Police Department enforces ordinances related to keeping exterior property areas clean and sanitary.

A copy of the International Property Maintenance Code can be accessed in the Public Library, or be talking with the Building and Zoning Administrator.

The Nuisance Ordinance

The Inoperable Vehicle Ordinance

The Grass and Weeds Ordinance

Sign Permits are required for almost all new signs, for changes to signs, and signs which are moved to a different location. City ordinances regulate signs to ensure they are safely installed, and to allow businesses to adequately identify themselves without cluttering the town or preventing other businesses from identifying themselves.

Downtown area – special approval from the Community Development Committee. This committee is charged with preserving the historical and architectural appearance of the downtown area. Signs must be tasteful and in harmony with the downtown area.

Permanent signs require a sign permit, with a few exceptions. Signs in the downtown area need special approval from the Community Development Committee in addition to a sign permit. That process takes an extra 2-4 weeks, so please plan ahead.

Many temporary signs do not need a permit. Examples are up to 4 garage sale signs, realtor signs, temporary business signs on their own property, political signs, etc. Even though some signs do not require permits, regulations still apply.

Signs located off-site from the advertised product, service, or activity, whether for profit or nonprofit, must have a sign permit. This includes businesses, churches, fundraisers, nonprofit organizations, etc.

Signs cannot be placed in the City Right-of-Way (usually 10-15 feet strip along both sides of a street) without special approval from the City Council.

Please contact the Building and Zoning Administrator if you have any questions or if you need a sign permit.

Signs cannot have moving parts, flashing lights, or other similar features that are distracting or dangerous to pedestrians or automobiles. For example, signs cannot say “Stop” or “Look”.

Sign Ordinance

Most fences and walls require fence permits. Chain link fences 4ft and shorter, and all other fences or walls 3ft and shorter do not require permits.

On residential properties, fences and walls in front yards need to be 3 ft or shorter. They can be up to 4 ft, but the top 1 foot needs to be 75% open to allow air and light to pass through. Fences in back and side yards need to be 6ft or shorter. They can be up to 8 feet tall, but the top 2 feet needs to be 75% open to allow air and light to pass through. Electric fences and fences or walls with sharp edges are not allowed

On commercial properties, fences up to 10 feet are allowed, but if they are located along streets, they must be 75% open to air, light, and vision. Sharp edges are allowed if they are 6ft or more above the ground.

Fence Ordinance

All commercial decks and most residential decks require building permits. Residential decks do not require building permits if they are in rear yards, detached from the house, are less than 30 inches above grade, and are less than 200 sq/ft.

Decks must be built according to the building code, with proper connections to the structure, framing, railings, and stairs.

Decks in front and side yards and attached decks in rear yards must be set back from property lines in compliance with the zoning code. Usually, that is 25ft from front property lines, 10ft from sidelines, and 30 ft from rear lines. But, there are many exceptions, especially for older homes. Please contact the zoning administrator for complete rules.

Garages and sheds, called accessory buildings in city code, must be placed in rear yards, and usually require a building permit. The rear yard is the area behind the main building, and not beside the main building.

Corner lots have different rules, which can be a little confusing, and which sometimes require an accessory building to be placed beside a house. On corner lots, the portion of the lot which has the shortest length of street frontage is considered the front yard, and the portion which has the longer street frontage is the side yard. In these cases, accessory buildings are required to be placed in the yard area that is opposite from the yard that has the shortest length of street frontage.

Building permits are required for all accessory buildings over 120sq/ft. Accessory buildings may only be 1 story tall.

Accessory buildings are limited to 12 feet high, measured from grade to the average roof height. To calculate the average roof height, measure from grade to the lowest point of the roof, then measure from grade to the highest point of the roof, add the two measurements together, divide the sum by 2, and you will have the average roof height. To put it another way, the roof peak can exceed 12 feet high, as long as the average roof height does not exceed 12 feet.

Accessory buildings must be 4 feet from lot lines, 5 feet from alleys, and on corner lots, they must be set back from the street the same distance that the main building is required to be set back. Accessory buildings may only cover 30% of rear yards. All rear yards are allowed to have a 24ft by 24ft garage, regardless of these rules, unless neighborhood covenants prohibit them. The city does not enforce neighborhood covenants; the members of the covenants enforce the covenants.

Accessory buildings cannot be built on a lot that does not have a main building (a house, business, or other allowed principle structure).

See the zoning portion of the accessory building ordinance. Other requirements are found in the building code.  Scroll down to “c”.

All vehicles parked on the street must move every 24 hours and must be licensed and completely operable, as defined in the link below. All vehicles parked off-street are required to park on hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, or gravel), and must be licensed and operable.

Inoperable vehicles can be left outside for 72 hours; after that, they need to be stored completely inside a building. Vehicles being worked on need to be in a building.

Operable vehicles are vehicles that are licensed, have their tires inflated, can start, move forward and reverse, and can make full turns under their own power.

Inoperable vehicle ordinance

Parking ordinance

Raising and keeping chickens and other livestock is only allowed in the Agricultural Residential Reserve (AR) zoning district, and only if you have received a Certificate of Zoning Compliance. Generally, the AR district is located on the edges of the town. The Certificate of Zoning Compliance is issued free of charge and ensures that chickens and livestock are kept in the proper zoning district and at proper distances from other buildings.

View AR district locations on the zoning map.

Grass and weeds are required to be cut so the length does not exceed 6 inches. When grass gets too long, the City will post a notice on the door of the building notifying the owner that they have 10 days to mow the grass. If the grass is not mowed within that timeframe, the city will mow the grass and send a bill to the owner. If the bill is not paid, the cost will be assessed to the property taxes.

Trees need to be maintained in a safe condition. If trees become dangerous, the city can require owners to take appropriate action to make the tree safe.

Trees in the right-of-way: It is the responsibility of property owners to maintain trees in the right-of-way area. A permit must be obtained from the Public Works Department (319-385-1480) to trim, remove, or plant a tree that is located in the right-of-way.  The right-of-way is an area along streets that is reserved for the installation of public utilities, sidewalks, street signs, etc. It is usually 15 or 20 feet from the curb, but it can be more or less. Property owners are required to maintain grass, sidewalks, trees, etc., in this area.

Depositing grass, leaves, mud, etc. on streets, sidewalks, alleys are not allowed. Leaves and grass on city streets are hard on city equipment and plug the storm sewer.

Sidewalks need to be maintained in a safe condition by property owners. If a property owner desires to repair, replace, or construct a new sidewalk, a sidewalk permit must be obtained by contacting the Public Works Department (319-385-1480). These permits are issued free of charge and ensure that sidewalks are constructed to City and federal ADA regulations.

Property owners need to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice within a reasonable time. Depositing snow from sidewalks onto city streets is not allowed.

Sidewalks cannot be used for any purpose, such as retail and display, without a sidewalk use permit.

Sidewalk Construction Permit

Sidewalk Use Permit

Pets do not need to be licensed with the city, but dogs and cats must have current rabies vaccinations and must wear a rabies vaccination identification tag. All animals must be confined on their owner’s property, confined on the property to which permission has been granted for the animal to be located, or confined on a leash or be under voice control of the owner.  All animals must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length in city parks.

Building permits are not required to remodel single and two-family dwellings, but, plumbing and electric permits are required for plumbing and electrical work. All work must be done according to the building code even if a permit is not required. Any extension of the footprint or living area of a house will require a permit. For example, closing in a porch, or adding a dormer, an attached deck, and addition would all require a building permit. Homeowners may perform their own electrical or plumbing work, but they must obtain permits. Any plumbing or electrical work performed on rental houses must be done by licensed contractors.

The Building and Zoning Administrator is happy to assist you with permits, or any questions you may have.

Building permits are required for all interior and exterior work except minor repairs, minor finish work such as painting, floor covering, trim work, and cabinetry. Plumbing and electrical permits are required for all work except minor repairs and fixture changes.

When the type of occupancy of a building is changed, a Certificate of Zoning Compliance is required, and building permits are often required. For example, if a former retail store is changed to a restaurant, a building permit is required. Or if a place of business is turned into a dwelling, a building permit is required. This requirement is in place because different safety features are required in buildings based on the degree of hazard that the use of the building presents. A place where large amounts of people gather presents different hazards than places where small amounts of people gather. A place where people sleep presents more hazards than a place in which people are always awake.

Whenever the use of a building is changed, a Certificate of Zoning Compliance will be required. Call the Building and Zoning Administrator to find out if a building permit is required.

Safety features that were required in buildings when they were constructed must be maintained in operational condition throughout the occupancy of the building. These features include fire sprinklers, fire alarms, fire doors, firewalls and barriers, emergency lights, exit signs, and door hardware.

Building permits are required before any of these features are modified. Contact the Building and Zoning Administrator to obtain building permits.

The City of Mt. Pleasant enforces the State electrical code and permit requirements. Non-licensed homeowners must obtain an electrical permit and inspection for all maintenance, new work, extensions to circuits, modifications to circuits, repair work, and any work that involves work inside a panel. Licensed electrical contractors need permits for new work, but do not need permits for routine maintenance, extensions, alterations, or modifications to existing equipment if the work does not involve work inside a panel, is on a circuit of fewer than 30 amps, and is on a circuit of fewer than 277 volts.

Electric Ordinance

Plumbing permits and inspections are required for all new work, alterations to plumbing systems, and for the replacement of major appliances and equipment such as water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, mini-split units, and grease traps. Plumbing permits are not required when the plumbing system is not altered, but fixtures such as toilets, sinks, etc are simply replaced. If the system is altered (for example – if a sink is moved to a different location when a kitchen is remodeled), a permit is required.

While the city does not require rental permits, licenses, or regular inspections of rental properties, the city has adopted the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code, which establishes minimum safety requirements for all properties – dwellings and commercial buildings. This code is enforced when complaints are made, or when violations are observed by the Building and Zoning Administrator.

Common safety requirements for dwellings include the following: functioning smoke detectors in every bedroom; carbon monoxide detectors in houses with garages or gas-burning appliances; large fire escape windows in every bedroom, connection to electric, water, and sewer systems; safe electric and plumbing systems; properly functioning heating systems; fall protection for elevated walking surfaces

The State of Iowa mandates that architects and engineers perform design work for certain building projects that present a high degree of hazard. The size and use of the building determine whether or not architects or engineers will be required. Also, building methods that are not standardized in the building code will usually require architects or engineers.

Parking space striping, handicap space striping, and all other direction markings must be maintained in compliance with city ordinances. Loading zones adjacent to handicap spaces must be maintained. All handicap spaces must have signed on poles at the head of the parking space designating it as a handicap space. City ordinances require all parking spaces to be 9 feet wide. Before restriping a parking lot, submit a plan to the Building and Zoning Administrator for approval.

Parking lots may only be used for parking, and may not be used for storage, retail display, or other purposes unless a parking lot use permit is issued by the city. Storage of miscellaneous items is not allowed in parking lots and truck loading areas unless these items are screened from view of the public by approved enclosures.

All dumpsters and trash cans need to be inside approved enclosures that screen trash collection facilities from public view. The enclosures are usually constructed of fencing material or block masonry walls.

Parking Ordinance

All dumpsters and trash cans need to be inside approved enclosures that screen trash collection facilities from public view. The enclosures are usually constructed of fencing material or block masonry walls.

Dumpster Permit

Building permits are required to build permanent swimming pools. Temporary swimming pools do not need building permits.

Permanent and temporary swimming pools cannot be located in front yards. They can be placed inside and rear yards, but they must be 10 feet away from property lines. If pools are placed in a yard that adjoins a street, the pool must be placed back from the street the same distance that is required for the house. Some houses are located too close to the street, so if you desire to place a pool in a yard along the street, contact the Building and Zoning Administrator to find out where you can locate the swimming pool. These rules do not apply to pools that are less than two feet deep.

Swimming pools greater than two feet deep need to have fences around them that are 4 feet tall. The exterior of above-ground pools usually counts as the fence if a ladder can be removed. There are many specific rules that apply to swimming pool fences, so please call the Building and Zoning Administrator for more information.

See “j” from this page.

Due to potential hazards created by these and similar appliances, plumbing permits and inspections are required when these appliances are installed or replaced. Permits are very easy to obtain, and usually, only cost $12. If an appliance needs replaced during the night or weekend, permits can be obtained the following business day.

Homeowners and volunteers for homeowners can replace these appliances, but permits and inspections are required. When these appliances are replaced in all other properties, including commercial properties, rental houses, rental units, etc., licensed plumbers or mechanical contractors must perform the work. In certain instances, employees are allowed to replace these appliances. Please direct all questions to the Building and Zoning Administrator.

The water ejected from sump pumps, or other storm or groundwater, must not be deposited into the City sanitary sewer (the sewer into which your sinks and toilets drain). This water must be deposited on the ground and allowed to disperse on the owner’s property in a manner that does not create problems for nearby properties. Property owners could be fined for breaking this ordinance.

Storm or groundwater may be deposited into storm sewers, but prior approval must be obtained from the Director of Public Works. It is not recommended to deposit storm or groundwater directly into storm sewers. If storm sewers become overwhelmed, water will back up into basements.

Storm or groundwater that is deposited into the sanitary sewer must be treated as if it were sewage. Treating sewage is very expensive, and these costs are paid for by all users of the public water and sewer system. If stormwater enters the sanitary sewer, large rain events could cause the sanitary sewage treatment plant to fail, resulting in severe environmental damage and large fines from the DNR. These fines are assessed to the City and ultimately paid for by taxpayers.

Many large developments in town have stormwater retention ponds, berms, basins, or other stormwater retention systems. These systems are required by city ordinances and must be permanently maintained. These systems collect stormwater from large rain events and release the water slowly into the storm sewer system. This prevents storm sewers from backing up, flooding on streets, and heavy erosion in creeks and rivers.

To help emergency works quickly locate properties, addresses must be clearly displayed and visible from the street. Addresses must contrast with the background on which they are attached, must be at least 4 inches tall, attached to the main building, and clearly visible from the road. If the main building is not visible from the road, the address must be posted in an additional location that is clearly visible from the road. The address may be in numbers, or it may be spelled out.

Address ordinance

A permit must be obtained in advance to perform any work in the right-of-way. The Director of Public Works issues these permits. The right-of-way is city-owned land next to streets. Usually, nearby property owners mow the right-of-way, but and other work requires a permit. Contact the Director of Public Works if you are unsure of the location of the right-of-way.

ROW Permit

A sidewalk use permit must be obtained from the city to use the city sidewalk for purposes other than pedestrian use, with the exception of 4 ft tall by 30 inch wide A-framed temporary signs in the downtown area.

Examples of sidewalk uses are the display of goods, outdoor seating, non-profit fundraisers, special events, activities associated with Old Threshers, etc.

Allowed A-framed temporary signs may only advertise for the business adjacent to the sidewalk. Only one such sign is allowed. The signs must not block pedestrian traffic, and ADA clearances must be maintained (generally 36 inches).

Contact the Building and Zoning Administrator for a sidewalk use permit application.

Street Sidewalk Use Permit

Anyone who offers goods or services for sale door to door, business to business, or temporarily at a fixed location, needs to obtain a peddler’s permit. The permit application can be obtained at City Hall.

Some exceptions apply –

nonprofit organizations permanently established within Henry County

Businesses on routes serving existing customers (Schwan’s, Avon, Mac/Snap-on Tools, etc.)

State-licensed insurance salespeople, realtors, or auctioneers

Established businesses in town that temporarily sells goods from a different location (so long as it complies with the zoning ordinance)

Salesmen and temporary vendors who are required to have a peddler’s permit must follow specific ordinances as summarized in the rules below. Persons breaking the ordinances are guilty of a misdemeanor or civil infraction and can be fined $100-500 per day.

Leave a property if asked to do so

Not enter a property if a “no solicitation” sign is posted

Pass a background check before a permit is issued

Not make false claims about their goods or services

Only engage in peddling between 9 a.m. and one-half hour before sunset

Have a sales tax permit or proof of exemption

Show their approved peddler’s permit upon demand by anyone

Permits cost $50 for a one-month period. Permits can be prepaid for up to one year.

If any residents have any concerns about salesmen or temporary vendors, they can ask to see their peddlers permit, and call City Hall.

Peddler’s/Temporary Vendor’s ordinance

Permits, Fees, and Applications

The city right-of-way is the land on which streets and alleys are located, and an additional strip of land on both sides of the street. The right-of-way is usually covered with grass, but sometimes concrete. Public utilities and sidewalks are usually located in the right-of-way.  Sometimes, a right-of-way exists without a street.

The width of the right-of-way varies. Sometimes the sidewalk is on the edge of the right-of-way, and sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes there is no sidewalk in the right-of-way at all. Privately owned structures and items are not allowed to be located in the right-of-way. The zoning ordinance requires that structures be set back certain distances from the right-of-way lines. These measurements vary, so contact the Building and Zoning Administrator with any questions.

Driveway permits and excavation permits are required to be issued before any work is performed in the right-of-way. Contact the Public Works Director for right-of-way permits.

It is the adjoining property owner’s responsibility to maintain grass, sidewalks, trees, and driveways in the right-of-way.

Recreational vehicles need to be parked on hard surfaces, out of the right-of-way, and generally out of front yards. RVs and travel trailers may be parked and stored on residential property, but they cannot be used for living or sleeping. They can only be used for living or sleeping in approved travel trailer parks. Several travel trailer parks are located in town.

RVs, travel trailers and other recreational vehicles may be stored on commercial properties only if properly zoned and approved by the Building and Zoning Administrator.