FAQ List
- Where can I purchase a dog park pass?
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Annual Dog Park passes can be purchased online. City of Ankeny does not sell day passes to the Dog Park.
- How do I find out if a City event has been canceled due to weather?
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The City of Ankeny's Parks and Recreation Department maintains a Weather Cancellation Hotline at 515-963-3575 with the most recent information to alert program participants of program cancellations. Cancellations are also shared through the City's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Kirkendall Public Library events and programs typically follow the Ankeny School District's weather cancellation announcements. Please call the library at 515-965-6460 and/or check the Library Facebook page for weather-related updates.
- What are the hours for the Aquatic Centers?
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Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. Cascade Falls Aquatic Center is open daily from noon to 7 p.m.
- When do the Aquatic Centers open for the summer?
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Prairie Ridge and Cascade Falls Aquatic Centers will open for the summer on Saturday, May 27.
- Can I have a fire pit on my property?
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The City of Ankeny has adopted the International Fire Code which allows for recreational fires as long as the regulations are followed. A permit is not required for a recreational fire though is subject to and regulated by guidelines.
The City of Ankeny defines "recreational fire" as "an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish/refuse where fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes."
Please consult our Recreational Fires Guidelines (PDF) for more information.
- Does the City allow chickens?
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Chapter 55, Section 5 of Ankeny's Municipal Code states " It is unlawful for a person to keep livestock within the City."
The City's Municipal Code defines livestock as any animal belonging to the bovine, caprine, equine, ovine or porcine species, ostriches, rheas and emus; farm deer as defined in Section 170.1 of the Code of Iowa; or poultry.
The reasons livestock is prohibited within City limits are multiple. They include a lack of code to establish zoning of coops next to residential units as well as noise and smell complaints from caged or penned animals.
The primary reason, however, is that there are no means to "police" livestock should they escape confinement.
The City of Ankeny does not have dedicated animal control officers. Rather, we are contracted with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and they do not have the means to capture, house, or maintain stray livestock. There are also no means to license or register livestock to facilitate returning them to their rightful owners.
- When are the hours of construction noise permitted?
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In accordance with Chapter 44, Section 5, Item 4 of the City's Municipal Code, construction noise is prohibited between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weeknights and between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
To report a violation of the noise ordinance, please contact the Ankeny Police Department's non-emergency number at 515-286-3333. Reports can be filed anonymously.
- How can I be notified when a job becomes available?
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Job seekers interested in a specific job category can indicate their interests and sign up to receive email notifications when a job is posted in that area.
For the next 12 months after you submit this form, you will receive an email notification each time a position opens with City of Ankeny Iowa whose category matches one of the categories you've chosen.
- How do I apply for a job with the City?
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The City of Ankeny no longer accepts paper applications. All applications must be submitted online through the City's website.
Apply by clicking on the job title you are interested in and then clicking on the "Apply" link. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can import your resume from LinkedIn, upload it from a saved document on your computer, or manually enter your personal information. This application will be saved and used to apply for future job openings.
- Can I print documents at the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library?
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Yes. Learn more about printing at the library here.
- Can I renew library items online or over the phone?
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All items can be renewed up to two times as long as they are not on hold for another person and the fines on your account are $4.99 or under. To renew, call 515-965-6460 opt. 3, email the library, or log on to your online account.
- Does Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library accept credit or debit cards to pay fines and fees?
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Yes. Payments can be made in person or over the phone by calling 515-965-6460 opt. 3.
- Are groups of five allowed at the golf course?
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Groups of five at Otter Creek Golf Course is not allowed due to the delay in the pace of play that they cause.
- Can two players share clubs?
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Every golfer at Otter Creek will need to have their own set of clubs. Sharing of clubs is not permitted. High quality rental clubs are available for rent at the golf shop.
- Does Otter Creek Golf Course have leagues?
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Otter Creek Golf Course has golf leagues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Open play is still available on all nights except Thursday. Please call 515-965-6464 for a tee time.
- How do I find out if a City event has been canceled due to weather?
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The City of Ankeny's Parks and Recreation Department maintains a Weather Cancellation Hotline with the most recent information to alert program participants of program cancellations. It can be reached by phone at 515-963-3575. Cancellations are also shared through the City's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Kirkendall Public Library events and programs typically follow the Ankeny School District's weather cancellation announcements. Please call the library at 515-965-6460 and/or check the Library Facebook page for weather-related updates.
- How do I register my child for youth sports?
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The City offers four ways to register for Parks and Recreation programs:
- Online
- In person at the Parks and Recreation Office
- After-hours drop box located at the Parks and Recreation Office
- U.S. mail
Payment is required at the time of registration via credit card, check or cash. The Parks and Recreation Office is located in the Public Services Building at 220 W First Street, Ankeny, IA 50023.
For more information about the City of Ankeny Parks and Recreation Programs, please email Leslie Reab or call 515-963-3570.
- Where can I get a copy of the current Parks & Recreation Guide?
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Twice annually, the Ankeny Parks and Recreation Program Guide is mailed to all Ankeny residents. Additional print copies can be obtained from the following locations during regular business hours:
Parks and Recreation Department, 220 W First Street
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.All Parks and Recreation programs and activities requiring registration can be accessed through ActivityReg.com and will include all relevant information.
- Does the City of Ankeny spray for mosquitoes?
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The city-wide mosquito spraying program was suspended in 2011, due largely to the program's high cost and general ineffectiveness in widespread areas.
The Parks and Recreation Department will spray chemicals for mosquitoes one to three times per year at a few high-traffic recreational sites where spot treatment is more effective. These locations include:
- Aquatic Centers
- Prairie Ridge Sports Complex
- Hawkeye/Wagner Park Complex
- High Trestle Trail
- Gay Lee Wilson Trail
- Summerfest Site the second week of July
- How do I rent a park shelter?
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Park shelters are available for rent at ten of the City's parks. Reservations can be made online or in person at the Parks and Recreation Office, 220 W First Street.
- When are City properties mowed?
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Mowing season for City of Ankeny properties typically begins in April and lasts through November. City properties are mowed every ten days, weather dependent.
- Can I pay a City bill online?
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Water and sewer utility bills can be paid online with a debit card, a credit card or by electronic check. The ability to pay other city bills online is being considered for the future.
- Do I have to install a second meter to get a break on sewer?
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No, you may remain on sewer averaging if you so choose. However, installing a second meter could benefit you in the long run, depending upon your usage during the averaging period and how your usage is during non-watering months.
- How do I get my car out of impound?
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If your vehicle was impounded by the Ankeny Police Department, you need to obtain an impound release in person from the department at Ankeny Police Headquarters, 411 SW Ordnance Road during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- How do I find out if a City event has been canceled due to weather?
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The City of Ankeny's Parks and Recreation Department maintains a Weather Cancellation Hotline with the most recent information to alert program participants of program cancellations. It can be reached by phone at 515-963-3575. Cancellations are also shared through the City's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Kirkendall Public Library events and programs typically follow the Ankeny School District's weather cancellation announcements. Please call the library at 515-965-6460 and/or check the Library Facebook page for weather-related updates.
- Does the Ankeny Police Department unlock vehicles?
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The Ankeny Police Department does not generally unlock vehicles. The only exception is an emergency situation such as a child locked inside a running vehicle.
This informal policy is due to the increasing complexity of car security systems and side-impact airbags, Attempts to open may cause damage to the vehicle or injury to an officer. Please contact a locksmith to open vehicles.
- How do I find out if a City event has been canceled due to weather?
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The City of Ankeny's Parks and Recreation Department maintains a Weather Cancellation Hotline with the most recent information to alert program participants of program cancellations. It can be reached by phone at 515-963-3575. Cancellations are also shared through the City's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Kirkendall Public Library events and programs typically follow the Ankeny School District's weather cancellation announcements. Please call the library at 515-965-6460 and/or check the Library Facebook page for weather-related updates.
- How do I report a crime?
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To report a crime or any suspicious activity, please contact the Ankeny Police Department's non-emergency number at 515-286-3333. They will take your statement and - if necessary - dispatch an officer to your location.
Reports can be made anonymously.
- How do I report downed branches on power lines?
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If there are branches, trees, or debris on the power lines contact Mid-American Energy 888-427-5632.
- How do I report flooding in my neighborhood?
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To report neighborhood flooding, please contact the Municipal Utilities Department at 515-963-3520.
If flooding occurs outside of office hours, please contact the Ankeny Police Department at by calling their non-emergency number at 515-286-3333 and a City service crew will be dispatched to your location.
- What are the planned improvements on NE 36th Street between North Ankeny Boulevard / U.S. Highway 69 and NE Delaware Avenue?
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In 2016, the City of Ankeny will be widening the existing NE 36th Street bridge over Fourmile Creek from two lanes to four lanes. In 2017, the existing two-lane rural roadway from just east of Highway 69 to just west of NE Delaware Avenue will be reconstructed into a new four-lane divided urban street with raised medians and left turn lanes. The existing rural ditches will be replaced with storm sewer intakes and pipes.
NE 36th Street Bridge Widening Over Fourmile Creek (2016 Construction)
Why is this project necessary?
The purpose of the project is to widen the existing bridge from two lanes to four lanes with an 8' wide sidewalk in advance of the NE 36th Street Reconstruction - Phase 2 project.
How long will construction last?
Construction of the bridge widening is anticipated to last the entire construction season, from April through November 2016.
How will the project be constructed?
The bridge widening is being staged to maintain two-way traffic on NE 36th Street throughout the duration of construction. The widening will occur in separate stages on both the south and north sides of the bridge.
What should motorists be aware of when traveling through this area?
The speed limit of NE 36th Street between NE Trilein Drive and NE Briarwood Drive will be reduced to 25 mph during construction for the safety of both the construction workers and the motorists traveling adjacent to the project.
Will pedestrian traffic be allowed in the area?
For everyone's safety, pedestrian traffic on NE 36th Street in the vicinity of the bridge will be prohibited while lane widths are reduced on the existing bridge. The lane width reductions are necessary to provide sufficient clearance for the construction workers as they perform their work.
What amenities are being provided?
The north side of the bridge widening will include additional width to accommodate an 8' wide sidewalk with a safety rail separating pedestrians from vehicular traffic. In addition, the preliminary grading of a wetland and water quality basin will be undertaken on City property south of the Outdoor Education Center.
How will the City notify the public about project updates?
The City will use its website, news releases, email notifications and social media channels to inform the public of any updates on this project. The City appreciates the patience and understanding of its citizens while it completes this important project.
NE 36th Street Reconstruction - Phase 2 (2017 Construction)
Why is this project necessary?
The purpose of the project is to provide increased traffic capacity and mobility due to the substantial growth within this corridor. The improvements will help improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians. For reference, the Phase 1 project consisted of the reconstruction of NE 36th Street from just west of NE Delaware Avenue to just east of Interstate 35 in 2012, in conjunction with the opening of the NE 36th Street Interchange.
How long will construction last?
Construction of the roadway improvements is anticipated to last the entire construction season, from April through November 2017. Depending on construction progress and weather conditions, the landscaping and permanent surface restoration will occur in either Fall 2017 or Spring 2018.
How will the project be constructed?
The roadway reconstruction is being staged to maintain north/south traffic at the NE Trilein Drive and NE Briarwood Drive intersections for as long as possible. However, through traffic on NE 36th Street from Highway 69 to NE Delaware Avenue will be prohibited for the duration of construction. Closing NE 36th Street to traffic will allow for the project to be completed in one construction season and will also reduce project costs. The signed detour route for through traffic on NE 36th Street will be Highway 69, NE 18th Street, and NE Delaware Avenue.
What should motorists be aware of when traveling through this area?
NE 36th Street will be closed to through traffic at the east leg of the NE 36th Street and Highway 69 intersection. Local traffic will be allowed to access the entrance to Casey's and to the Bentgrass Townhomes. NE 36th Street will be closed to all traffic at the west leg of the NE 36th Street and NE Delaware Avenue intersection.
Will pedestrian traffic be allowed in the area?
For everyone's safety, pedestrian traffic along the NE 36th Street corridor will be prohibited while the roadway and sidewalk are being constructed. The pedestrian crossings at NE Trilein Drive and NE Briarwood Drive will remain open for as long as possible.
What amenities are being provided?
A new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of NE 36th Street and NE Trilein Drive. The north side of NE 36th Street will have an 8' wide sidewalk from Highway 69 to NE Delaware Avenue. In addition, the wetland and water quality basin on City property south of the Outdoor Education Center will provide stormwater quality and quantity management. The street right-of-way will be landscaped with street trees and ornamental grasses.
How will the City notify the public about project updates?
The City will use its website, news releases, email notifications, and social media channels to inform the public of any updates on this project. The City appreciates the patience and understanding of its citizens while it completes this important project. View an exhibit of the proposed improvements (PDF).
- How can I get information about my property or real estate taxes?
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Information about property and real estate taxes is available through the Polk County Auditor's Office at 515-286-3753, the Polk County Assessor's Office at 515-286-3140, and the Polk County Treasurer's Office at 515-286-3060.
- Where can I get information about my Federal income taxes?
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Information about filing and submitting Federal income taxes is available through the Internal Revenue Service.
- Where can I get information about my State income taxes?
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The Iowa Department of Revenue can provide information about filing and submitting your State income tax.
- How do I get water service?
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The City of Ankeny's Utility Billing is a function of the Finance Department, while working closely with the Public Works Department. They provide billing, payment processing, collection and customer service for all water and wastewater needs.
To obtain water service, you will need to fill out a water application.
- How do I report flooding in my neighborhood?
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To report neighborhood flooding, please contact the Municipal Utilities Department at 515-963-3520.
If flooding occurs outside of office hours, please contact the Ankeny Police Department at by calling their non-emergency number at 515-286-3333 and a City service crew will be dispatched to your location.
- What is the City's responsibility when repairing a sinkhole?
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If there is a sinkhole in your yard, the City of Ankeny will need to determine the cause. Sometimes the cause is settling, other times it might be related to a storm sewer or sanitary sewer pipes or manhole / intake structures.
If it is determined the cause of the sinkhole is one of the public sewer systems, the City of Ankeny will repair the sewer, fill the hole, and re-seed the area. If the sinkhole is on public property but is not caused by the public sewer system, City crews will fill the hole and re-seed the area.
If the sinkhole is not caused by the public sewer system and is on private property, it is the property owner's responsibility to fill the hole.
- Where can I obtain an absentee voting ballot?
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To vote absentee, download and complete the Polk County Auditor's Official Absentee Ballot Request Form (PDF).
Completed forms need to be sent to the Polk County Auditor Office at 120 2nd Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309
- Where can I register to vote?
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Register to vote or update your voter registration online using your Iowa driver's license or ID number. You will receive your voter registration card from your county auditor within two weeks.
Have questions about voter registration? Visit the Iowa Secretary of State's web page for more information.
- Does the City offer free mulch and compost to residents?
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The City of Ankeny offers free mulch and compost to Ankeny residents and businesses during the spring and summertime.
The mulch and compost are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week outside the fence of the City Maintenance Facility, located at 211 SE Lorenz Drive.
The mulch comes from wood and yard clippings that are dropped off and chipped during the City's tree and branch recycling events. The mulch is rough and has not been dyed; however, it is still effective at retaining moisture and preventing weeds around trees and plantings.
The compost is made from the wood chips and leaves the City collects during leaf collection days in the fall. The City periodically turns the compost pile with heavy equipment. The natural organic processes raise the temperature of the material but we do not add any artificial heat or cook the compost.
- How do I contact a garbage hauler?
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Ankeny offers subscription garbage collection, each resident contracts individually with a private garbage hauler. The following companies provide residential services in Ankeny:
Residential Garbage Haulers
- Ankeny Sanitation 515-964-5229
- Aspen Waste Systems, Inc. 515-974-1600
- Garbage Guys 515-707-3866
- Walters Sanitary Service, 515-432-2866
- Waste Connections of Iowa, Inc. 515-265-7374
- Waste Management of Iowa 515-265-5267
Residents should contact the above companies for information on:
- Start and stop service
- Garbage collection rates
- Pickup days and times
- Yard waste collection and fees
- Large item (furniture, appliances, etc.) and extra trash pickup procedures and fees
- Special pickup for elderly or disabled residents
- Missed collection
- Request an extra cart, cart repair
- How do I get a recycling container?
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Metro Waste Authority's Curb It! program provides each residential household in MWA's service area a 96-gallon cart with automated collection with every other week pickup. For those who generate less trash, 48-gallon carts are available. Requests for the smaller carts can be made by calling 24-GREEN. An exchange fee may apply. Check the lid on your cart for the pickup schedule in your area, and be sure to set your cart out by 7:00 a.m.
Items Accepted
- Cardboard
- Mixed Paper
- Newspapers
- Paper Food Cartons
- Plastic Containers
- Shredded Paper
- Tin and Aluminum Cans
Items Not Accepted
- Food-contaminated material
- Garbage or yard debris
- Plastic bags or containers with motor oil or other hazardous materials
For more information about card placement, large recycling quantities or more, please contact Metro Waste Authority at 515-244-0021.
- What if I am disabled or a senior citizen who is unable to clear snow from my sidewalks?
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The Senior Citizen Snow Removal Program is a snow removal service provided at no cost to senior citizens (age 65 and older) or disabled residents whose annual household income is less than 300% of federal poverty guidelines. For those eligible, the City will contract to remove snow accumulations of two inches or more from public sidewalks adjacent to homes.
If you have additional questions or meet the eligibility requirements and wish to receive snow removal services, please call 515-963-3538.
- What can I do to help when it snows?
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When it begins to snow, please remove all vehicles from the street. If snow is predicted to occur during evening hours, it would be wise to move your car off the street.
All vehicles must be moved off of any public streets, roads, and alleys within the city when a snow ordinance is declared. Parking in The District at Prairie Trail and Uptown business district is banned from 2 - 6 a.m. during snow ordinances. Vehicles parked on the street during a snow ordinance will be ticketed $40 and may be towed. The City can declare a snow ordinance based on several factors including snow, sleet, freezing rain, and blowing snow. Learn more about how you can be notified when a snow ordinance is in effect on the Snow and Ice Removal page.
The Division of Public Works and the Ankeny Police Department will coordinate the towing operation. If your car is towed, you may call 515-965-6440 to locate your vehicle during regular business hours or contact the Polk County Dispatch at 515-286-3333 after business hours.
Additional Suggestions
- Keep small children inside when snow removal equipment is in your neighborhood.
- Trim low-hanging branches above the street to prevent damage by snowplow trucks.
- Shovel the snow around the fire hydrant near your home for public safety.
- Shovel the snow around the catch basins in the street, so melting snow can drain away.
- Please do not plow or shovel snow into or across the street. It is against the City's Code of Ordinances to do so, and if the snow removal equipment doesn't get a chance to come back and remove it, the snow will most likely freeze and cause ice ruts. This could be hazardous for motorists and pedestrians.
- Do not pass a plow or sander and do not follow them closer than 50 feet.
- Please let us know of any treacherous conditions or problems encountered on the city streets.
- Please be patient. All the streets will be cleared and the problems will be responded to as quickly as possible.
- What should I do if I live in a cul-de-sac and the City moves snow on the sidewalk in front of my house?
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During periods of excessive snow, homeowners may find snow piled into the sidewalk or into their yards. This is an unavoidable part of the snow removal process. Should residents have concerns about clearing their sidewalks, the City of Ankeny will not ticket property owners on cul-de-sacs with snow piled on their sidewalks when it is evident that Public Works has placed it there.