Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to most common questions can be found on department pages, but we’ve compiled some additional FAQs below.

Do I need a permit or license?

For a shed?
Yes, a maximum two storage buildings, greenhouses or structures designed for other similar use, or any combination thereof, may be located within the rear yard subject to the following conditions:

• Maximum 200 square feet gross building area per building.
• A minimum of five feet from the side and rear property line.
• A minimum of 10 feet from a public or private right-of-way alley.
• Not within any utility, sewer, drainage, access or walkway easement, where such easement is dedicated to the City or to public use.
• Maximum building height of 10 feet.

In mobile lots, a maximum of one storage shed is permitted per lot, no greater than 12 x 12 feet. It may be located as an accessory use to the factory-built home, provided the shed is located on the same space as the factory-built home.  The storage shed shall not be located in the front yard setback area of the factory-built home space.  The exterior wall and roof covering material shall match the wall and roof covering material of the dwelling unit for which it serves.

Apply for a accessory building permit here.

For a new or altered fence?
For the construction, alteration, moving, and repair of any fence within the jurisdiction.

• Permit Required. Each application for a fence permit shall be submitted prior to the installation or alteration of a fence.
• Application Fee. A fee for the fence permit shall be charged.  The fee shall be set by the City and shall be available at the office of the Code Official.
• All applications for fence permits shall be submitted to the Code Official for review and approved prior to permit issuance.  Each application shall include data necessary to show that the requirements of this code are met.
• Every fence permit issued by the Code Official under the provisions of this code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 180 days from the date of such permit, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced, for a period of 180 days.
• Inspection Required. Upon completion of the work the applicant or owner shall notify the Code Official that the work is completed.  Read the full ordinance.

For my garage sale sign (and other signs)?
Most signs in North Liberty require a permit, thought some types are exempt, including official flags and emblems, temporary decorations, other small signs for hours of operation or names and addresses, as well as art. Additionally, some temporary signs fall have special considerations, including real estate signs, banners, community events and garage sales. There are some restrictions for garage sale signs. All signs, even those that don’t require a permit, fall under some general prohibitions, such as cannot be in the public right-of-way (usually from the sidewalk to the street) or be located off the premises. Read the full ordinance.

For my pet?
A pet license is required annually for all cats and dogs residing in North Liberty. The license application and dog park memberships are available here. Any pet found at large, and any pet considered to be a public nuisance, may be seized and impounded. Owners may retrieve their pet only after the impound, boarding, delinquent license fees and fine for municipal infraction are paid in full. Read the full ordinance.

A block party or other special events?
A  permit is required when an event uses public property (like a park), includes the consumption of alcohol, amplified music, signage, road closures or temporary structures, and should be submitted a few months in advance. There is a standard application fee of $50, which can be waived with approval by the City Administrator. You’ll find the Special Events Guide and Application here and city staff can help you navigate the process.

Can I/they do that?

What is the city noise ordinance?
Easiest explanation is to read the City of North Liberty Code Chapter 53 on Noise. There are exceptions to the ordinance like for construction or maintenance activities that can occur from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Vehicle noise is also listed under Chapter 77 of the Code of Ordinances.

Are chickens allowed in North Liberty?
Yes, the keeping of domestic chickens shall be permitted on single-family residences and zero-lot line duplexes (where each unit owner owns a separate and distinct portion of the lot), so long as such keeping is in strict compliance with this subsection and all other applicable City ordinances. Read the full ordinance

When is/isn’t street parking allowed?

• During snowfall – Snow emergencies automatically go into effect when snow accumulation reaches two inches and can also be declared by the mayor or designee at the mayor’s discretion. During snow emergencies parking is not allowed on any street to ensure streets are clear for effective snow removal and other road maintenance. Any vehicles in violation of the ordinance may be ticketed and towed without notice. Each 12-hour period that a vehicle is parked or allowed to remain on any street in violation of this section constitutes a separate and distinct offense. Read the full snow parking code.
• All other times – Vehicles can park within 18 inches of the curb for less than 48 hours. It is prohibited for vehicles to be parked on public streets for sale, repair (except for emergency), advertising or merchandise sales. Generally, parking is prohibited in crosswalks, on or across sidewalks, in front of a driveway, within five feet of a fire hydrant, 10 feet of a stop sign or signal, 20 feet of mailboxes, 50 feet of a railroad crossing, and 20 feet of a fire station driveway. Also, please note that no street parking is permitted on streets during snow emergencies. Additionally, parking restrictions have been applied to several streets in North Liberty, primarily due to safety concerns. Read the full ordinance.

In addition, a police officer is authorized to impound a vehicle if it has accumulated two or more parking citations where payment of such is 30 or more days overdue. In addition to the penalties, the owner or driver of the impounded vehicle shall be responsible for the costs of towing and storage. This is addressed in chapter 70.06 of the North Liberty Code of Ordinances.

What are the expectations for picking up after my pet?
It is unlawful to let your dog or cat use public property, or private property other than your own, as a toilet. You must pick up after your pet, for health and safety reasons. Pet waste bags are provided in our public parks for your convenience.

How long can grass be?
Weeds and grass growing on all lands within the City shall be cut on a periodic basis so that the height of such is never greater than six (6) inches. There are a few exceptions for undeveloped land and right-of way and ditches. Read the full ordinance.

Do residents have clear sidewalks?
Residents are required to clear their sidewalks within 48 hours of a snowfall. Grievances can be reported as property complaints here, where normal protocol is for the city to send a courtesy letter informing them of their responsibility to clear snow. Read the full snow clearing code.

The complete City of North Liberty Code of Ordinance is available here.

How do I…

Reserve city facilities?

• Gyms, pools and parks – we offer a variety of facilities to rent for special events, practices, meetings, parties and more. Demand for Facilities available to rent include meeting rooms, gyms, pools, baseball/softball fields and park shelters is high, reservations are first come, first served and city programming takes priority. For availability and more contact the recreation department at (319) 626-5716 or click here to submit a request.
• Library meeting rooms – patrons and organizations that meet our Meeting Room Terms of Use can host their meeting, program, or training in one of our meeting rooms. Meeting rooms are available on a first come, first served basis to groups and organizations as specified in our Meeting Room Terms of Use. We have space that can accommodate from two to 64 guests. Individuals, groups, or organizations may only have three reservations on our calendar at any given time. Please read our Meeting Room Terms of Use for our complete list of criteria. Reserve a meeting room online or by calling the library. The North Liberty Recreation Center, 626.5716, has fee-based meeting space available for for-profit purposes.

Sign up for city utilities?
You can sign up for water, sewer, trash and recycling service here.

Change my trash bin size?
Submit a request to change your bin size through this form (select “trash collection” from the drop down), or call City Hall at (31) 626-5700. Trash bin size and collection options can be viewed here.

Report a compliant?
Submit property complaints (weeds, cars, noise) here.
For stormwater complaints call (319) 626-5700 or submit a complaint through this form.
For emergencies, please call 911. For non-emergency business needing law enforcement call (319) 356-6800.

Report a street light outage?
Street lights are maintained by electric providers. Links to their online reporting forms are here.

Obtain a copy of my property lines?
The most accurate way is to hire a land surveyor. The surveyor can measure and map the property and will generally also mark the corners of the property with stakes.

How do I get a library card?
You need a valid driver’s license and proof of address if your driver’s license does not have your current address. We will take your photo for identification purposes. You can also sign up for a library card on our home page by clicking the “My Account” button.  You will still need to come in to the library to show a photo ID, proof of address, take your picture, and get your library card. Your first library card is free and there is a $2 replacement cost for lost cards.

Renew or replace my driver’s license or identification card?
You can now renew/replace your Iowa driver’s license or identification (ID) card at the North Liberty Community Library via the Iowa DOT kiosk. For more information on how the kiosk works or to find out if you are eligible visit the Iowa DOT website here.

Request a speed trailer to be set up at a certain location?
Please contact police records at (319) 626-5724 or email [email protected] . The location will be added to the list if it is a public street and it can safely be left at a location. The location must be level, not have any blind curves and not block any driveways.

Read my water meter?
While the city uses equipment to remotely read residential water meters for billing, residents can read their own at home. Here are some tips for how  to monitor their usage, find potential leaks and other water waste issues, and lower their monthly bills. The city uses your water meter to also bill for waste water. If you ever have a question about your bill, City Hall will be happy to help if you give them a call at (319) 626-5700.

Contact the police or who should I call to talk to an officer?
In an emergency call 911, if you have routine or non-emergency business, please call the Joint Communications Center at (319) 356-6800 and an officer will be dispatched.

Pay a parking ticket or traffic citation?
For parking tickets, you can mail the payment to City Hall at: City of North Liberty, PO Box 77, North Liberty, IA 52317. You may also pay it in person at City Hall’s front desk, 360 N. Main St. If you mail it, be sure to include the envelope provided and/or the citation number.

For traffic citations, you can pay in person at the Johnson County Clerk’s Office at: Johnson County Courthouse, 417 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, IA 52244. You can also mail it to the Clerk’s Office in the envelope you were given with the citation. If you lost the envelope or were not given one, mail a check or money order along with the appropriate copy of the citation to: Clerk of District Court, Traffic Violation Office, P.O. Box 2510, Iowa City, IA 52244-2510. You may also pay your traffic citations online at iowacourts.gov.

Report a stray pet in city limits?
If during normal business hours please call city hall at 319-626-5700 and they will make arrangements with the city crews to pick up. If after business hours please call joint communications (see question #1) and a North Liberty Officer will pick up.

Report a wild animal on my property?
The City of North Liberty will respond if a wild animal is an immediate hazard to the public, (for example, if a resident was bitten by a wild animal and needs assistance in capturing for testing), and should call dispatch (see question #1) For all other wild animal request the owner or lessee of the property will be referred to a private pest control company,  for example Critter Control at 1 (800) 683-2560.

Report that my pet is lost?
If during normal business hours, please call City Hall at (319) 626-5700.. They will need to know owner information, contact information and description of animal. Any animals picked up by the city will be housed temporarily in the city. If housed by the city there will be an impoundment/housing fee. If you need to claim an animal you will need to make arrangements with City Hall during normal business hours to pay the fee and claim the animal. If after hours leave a message with City Hall or you may contact the Cedar Valley Humane Society website is www.cvhumane.org. They can also be reached at 319‐362‐6288 or email at [email protected]. All domestic animals should be registered with the City. If a pet is located and has a city tag, every reasonable effort is made to return the animal back to the registered owner as soon as possible.

Does the city…

Offer financial aid?
Recreation programs: financial aid is available for residents only on a sliding scale for annual memberships and some programs based on income. After receiving a Financial Assistance Request Form, staff utilizes the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) LIHEAP program to verify income.

Utility Bill Relief Policy: the city has a sewer fee adjustment policy. The Water Department will assist customers in processing the request for assistance and evaluating such request for approval. Learn more here.

Offer a Before & After School Program or summer camps?
Yes, both. The before and after school program (BASP) through the North Liberty Community Center are referred to as “Recsters”. The school-year program is offered Monday-Friday in conjunction with the ICCSD calendar, and designed for Penn, Grant and Buford Garner elementary students. Enrollment is on a first come, first serve basis.  March for current participants, April begins open enrollment until program is full. All-day programs are also offered for non-school days for an additional charge. Learn more and view fees.

In the summer “Recsters” is a ten week program provides recreational activities, supervision and guidance for children kindergarten through sixth grade, during the summer. Program offered weekly, Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more and view fees.

Have a curfew for minors?
Yes, for children 15 and under the curfew is enforceable in public places from 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. For children ages 16 and 17 the curfew takes place from midnight until 5 a.m. There are some exceptions so please refer to the Chapter 46.01 of the Code for full details.

Have regular community events?
There is no shortage of things to do in North Liberty. You’ll find the city’s largest annual and ongoing events and programs here. There is also the community calendar.

Have an activity guide?
Yes! Activity guides are mailed to all North Liberty households and available online at northlibertyiowa.org three times/year.

• Winter/Spring Guide – January-April programming
• Summer Guide – May-August programming
• Fall Guide – September-December programming