Environmental Rules in Ames, IA (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Ames, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
In the City of Ames, Iowa, Chapter 5B of the Municipal Code requires any new development disturbing one acre or more of land, or creating over 10,000 square feet of impervious cover, to meet City stormwater management standards before a development or redevelopment application is approved. Violations are a municipal infraction carrying a $500 fine for a first offense and $750 for repeats, and occupancy permits are held until stormwater controls pass inspection.
Ames Post-Construction Stormwater Management Rules
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 5B.1, 5B.8
Sec. 5B.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS ... (8) ... (a) City stormwater requirements must be met for a development application to be approved. City stormwater requirements apply to any new development disturbing one (1) acre or more of land or to any development disturbing less than said acreage of land if the amount of impervious cover created exceeds 10,000 square feet. ... (b) City stormwater requirem...
Erosion Control
In the City of Ames, Iowa, anyone required to obtain a State NPDES General Permit #2 for a construction site must also get a City Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control (COSESCO) Permit under Ames Municipal Code Chapter 5A. Permit holders submit a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, pay application and inspection fees set by City Council resolution, and face a $500 fine for a first violation and $750 for repeat violations.
Ames Construction Site Erosion Control Permit
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 5A.1-5A.6
Sec. 5A.1. FINDINGS. (3) ... the City is obliged to undertake primary responsibility for administration and enforcement of the Program by adopting a CONSTRUCTION SITE EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL (COSESCO) ordinance designed to achieve the following objectives: ... shall also be required to obtain from the City a CONSTRUCTION SITE EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL permit (City COSESCO Permit) in add...
Flood Zones
In the City of Ames, Iowa, no structure or land in a mapped flood plain overlay district can be used, located, extended, converted or structurally altered without full compliance with the city's flood plain zoning chapter. Development involving structures, fill or storage of materials in the Floodway Overlay District needs a Major Site Development Plan, and the Flood Plain Administrator, the Director of Planning and Housing, reviews every permit against the Official Flood Plain Zoning Map.
Ames Floodplain Development Permit Rule
Significant RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 9.2(4); Sec. 9.4(2); Sec. 9.9
(4) Compliance. ... No structure or land shall hereafter be used and no structure shall be located, extended, converted or structurally altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. ... (2) Development Uses. The following developments which involve structures (temporary or permanent), fill, or storage of materials or equipment may be permit...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In the City of Ames, Iowa, new or substantially improved residential structures in the Floodway Fringe Overlay District must elevate their lowest floor, including any basement, at least three feet above the base flood elevation. Compacted fill must hold that same three-foot elevation and extend at least 18 feet beyond the structure. Until a regulatory floodway is designated, no development may raise the base flood elevation by more than one foot.
Ames Base Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 9.5(2); Sec. 9.9
(2) Performance Standards. All development must be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage and shall meet the following applicable performance standards. Until a regulatory floodway is designated, no development may increase the Base Flood Elevation more than one (1) foot. ... (b) Residential Structure. All new or substantially improved residential structures shall have the lowest...
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