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Building and Zoning

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1. Do I need a permit for a fence?

Yes, you must get a permit to construct a fence. Review the regulations that apply to fences. Title 17, Chapter 17.26, Section 17.26.090

2. Can a fence go on the property line?

Yes, a fence may be constructed up to the property line. Review the regulations that apply to fences. Title 17, Chapter 17.26, Section 17.26.090

3. Can I do my own work on my home and do I need a permit?

Homeowners can do work on their own homestead dwelling. Permits and inspections are required and will be issued to the homestead property owner of record. Electrical work done by the owner is permitted up to the main service disconnect. Plumbing work done by an owner may not include connections to public sewers or supply mains.

4. Do I need a permit for a deck?

Any deck attached to a dwelling, or that serves the primary entrance, requires a permit. A detached deck requires a permit if it is more than thirty inches high or more than one hundred twenty square feet in area.

5. Do I need a permit for a shed or other accessory building?

A permit is required for sheds or other accessory buildings one hundred twenty (120) square feet or larger. All accessory buildings must be at least five (5) feet from the rear lot line, four (4) feet from interior lot lines if located between the rear building line of the principal building and the rear property line. The accessory building must be located five (5) feet from other buildings on the lot. The accessory building may not be closer than twenty (20) feet from any street right-of-way. The maximum height is fifteen (15) feet.  Review the regulations that apply to accessory buildings: Title 17. Chapter 17.24, Section 17.24.030 B.6 of the Oskaloosa Municipal Code.

Title 17. Chapter 17.24, Section 17.24.030 B.6

6. Do I need a permit to replace my roof?

No.  However, due to the weight of roofing materials and load capacity of framed structures, there should be no more than two (2) roofing layers applied to most structures.  There should also be an ice barrier applied under shingles or rolled roofing from the lowest roof edge to a point 24 inches  (36 inches if the slope is 8/12 or greater) inside the exterior wall line.  Please contact the building official with any questions.

7. Are frost depth footings required for a detached garage or other accessory building?

Frost depth footings are required for freestanding light-frame construction accessory buildings (detached garages) larger than 600 square feet, and for freestanding accessory structures other than light-frame construction larger than 400 square feet. The frost depth for the Oskaloosa area is forty-two inches to the bottom of the footing.

8. When do I need a building permit?

Any time you build a new building, enlarge an existing building, or make a change to an existing building that affects its structural characteristics.

9. Where should smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors be located?

Smoke detectors should be located in each sleeping area. A smoke and carbon monoxide detector should be located adjacent to sleeping areas and a smoke detector should be located on each level of a dwelling in addition to those serving sleeping areas.

10. Where should ground-fault electrical receptacles be located?

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets should be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, unfinished basements, garages and as exterior electrical outlets.

11. Is a permit required for a swimming pool?

A permit is required for all swimming pools, either above-ground or below-ground pools, which are capable of holding water 24 inches or deeper. A minimum 48-inch safety barrier is also required.  This is typically a fence, or in the case of an above-ground pool the sidewall may serve as the barrier.  Access limitations may apply.  Setback requirements are the same as for other accessory structures. Contact the Building Official at 641-673-7472 for help with specific requirements.

12. How can I find out if my property is in a flood zone?

Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov/, enter your address, and click 'search'.  Map layers may take a few moments to load.  Flood hazard areas are typically noted as 'Zone A' and highlighted in a light-blue color.   Map revisions, amendments, and revalidations are also available at this link.  Contact local floodplain manager Shawn Christ at 641-673-9431 (ext 5029) or shawn.christ@oskaloosaiowa.org with questions or visit the Development Services Department at City Hall.

13. How do I find out how my property is zoned?

Contact the Building Division at (641) 673-7472. City of Oskaloosa Zoning Map

14. Who do I contact to tell me where my property lines are?

The City does not perform private surveys. Hire a professional surveyor and/or check recorded deed documents to confirm property boundaries.

15. Are chickens allowed within city limits?

No.  Hens and roosters are not presently allowed within Oskaloosa's city limits.  The raising of chickens, ducks, and other poultry and livestock for agricultural, commercial, personal, or recreational purposes is not allowed except within an agricultural zoning district, or where previously established as a legal, nonconforming use.

16. Are horses allowed within city limits?

No, with certain exceptions.  The raising of horses, cows, pigs, and other split hoofed animals is not allowed except within an agricultural zoning district, on larger lots within a rural residential district, or where previously established as a legal, nonconforming use.  In the RR rural residential district, a lot two acres or greater may maintain one horse, llama, or other equine and/or hoofed animal and its immature offspring, plus one additional animal for each two additional acres of lot area, up to a maximum of three animals.

17. Are bees allowed within city limits?

No.  Beekeeping is not presently allowed within city limits.  Title 6, "Animals", of the Oskaloosa Municipal Code states that it is "unlawful for a person to keep within the city such bothersome animals as barking dogs, bees, cattle, horses, swine and sheep which tend to disrupt the peace and good order of the community".

18. Can I have a home-based business?

Yes, with certain limitations.  Most home-based businesses and home occupations are permitted as an accessory use in residential units subject to certain conditions (see Sec. 17.22.090 OMC, linked here). Animal hospitals, beauty and barber shops with over one chair, retail sales, mortuaries, repair shops or service establishments, stables or kennels, welding, and vehicle body repair/rebuilding/dismantling businesses are prohibited.  Please contact zoning staff to discuss your plans.  A permit is not necessary unless construction work will occur on the home.

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Human Resources

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1. How do I find out what jobs are open with the City of Oskaloosa?

See the local newspaper, the local cable TV access channels and openings posted at City Hall in the main entrance, as well as clicking on this link: City of Oskaloosa Job Opportunities

2. How do I apply for a job with the City of Oskaloosa?

You may apply for job in person at City Hall, online under Job Opportunities or under How Do I?

3. If I submit a resume do I still need to complete the City of Oskaloosa employment application?

Yes. A City of Oskaloosa employment application is required for city employment. Applications are only accepted when there is a posted job vacancy. The job title of the position you are applying for must be filled in on the application form.

4. Will my application be kept on file?

Employment applications are current for 60 days. If you wish to apply for another position we ask that you complete an application for each new position.

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Main

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1. How do I contact a City department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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Public Works

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1. How do I report a pothole.

The City's website allows for residents to report potholes using Request Tracker.

2. Who is responsible for replacement or repair of the sidewalk in front of my property?

The property owner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the broken or settled sidewalk in front of their property. City Ordinance - Title 12, Chapter 12.12

3. What happens if I don’t repair my sidewalk?

City will issue notices to those who have not completed their sidewalk repair independently. The City will then hire contractors on a case-by-case basis to repair the sidewalks. Once the repair has been completed, the homeowner has certain days to pay the bill and/or be assessed for the cost of the repair.

4. Why do we have a stormwater utility fee?

The City of Oskaloosa created a stormwater utility fee in September 2007. The utility fee raises the revenues needed to fund the stormwater and surface drainage system. This program brings us into compliance with federal regulations and safeguards our community through improved drainage and protection of local waters.
A stormwater utility fee charges properties in City of Oskaloosa based on that property's contribution to the need for stormwater management. The utility uses the amount of impervious surface on a property as the primary basis for the fee. Review the regulations that apply to stormwater utility fee. Title 8, Chapter 8.28

5. How can I determine the location of the right-of-way on a given roadway?

Our office has a listing of the right-of-ways for each street within the City of Oskaloosa. However, for your particular address, a survey or recorded deed documents would be the most accurate.

6. What is sealcoating?

This is a process of spreading liquid asphalt and chip rock on the paved roads. It is a relatively low cost method of preserving existing low-volume pavements. This “seal” prevents water from freezing in the cracks and breaking up the pavement. A sealcoat offers the best protection for the least amount of money, and makes a road last longer.
The peastone or chip rock that we use for cover material sticks to the emulsion and, after rolling and sweeping, provides a slightly roughened skid resistant surface to improve safety. Although sealcoating can preserve and extend the life of the pavement, it is only a surface treatment and does not fill any existing bumps, holes, or irregularities and thus does not improve the ride quality.

7. When will the loose rock be swept up after sealcoating?

To ensure that the rock is securely embedded in the liquid asphalt and the liquid asphalt has time to properly harden, two weeks later, the street sweeper will begin picking up the loose rock and will continue sweeping until all of the loose rock is removed

8. How does the City prioritize the snow removal effort during a storm?

During a snowstorm Street Maintenance crews are mobilized. The City's first priority is to plow and de-ice all major streets leading to emergency entrances and exits such as hospitals and police and fire stations. Providing all arterial streets are plowed and de-iced, efforts are then focused on feeder streets.

9. Why do city trucks push snow back into my driveway after I cleaned it out?

Throughout the winter months, our crews will be out clearing the roads during and after snowfalls. At the same time residents are clearing their driveways. Many times while this is going on, a snowplow truck will go by and fill in the end of a freshly-cleared driveway with snow from the road, causing frustration and more clearing for residents. Please understand that the City’s first priority is the safety of the traveling public and clearing the roads of snow and ice and pushing it off of the road and shoulders, and sometimes into driveways, is a necessary wintertime evil. Residents sometimes call and ask why we cannot pick up the blade when going by their driveway. This is not a practical solution and our drivers would never finish clearing the roads due to the multitude of driveways. There is, however, a method of clearing your driveway that can help minimize the amount of snow (and frustration) during the winter months:
1. If possible (not always practical), clear your driveway after we have finished plowing the roads.
2. When clearing your driveway, place as much snow as possible in the direction of travel, on the downstream side of the road.
3. Clear an area upstream from your driveway opening to form a pocket for the snow from the road to go into. The result? More of the snow from the road will go into the pocket and less will wind up in the end of your driveway.

10. Whose responsibility is it to trim trees?

In most cases, trees interfering with vehicle visibility must be trimmed by the property owner. All trees must be maintained to provide 8 feet of clearance above sidewalks and 15 feet above roadways. Title 12, Chapter 12.40, Section 12.40.080