Property Maintenance in Ames, IA (2026)
3 verified property maintenance rules for Ames, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Property Blight
In the City of Ames, Iowa, the Building Official can declare any building, shed, fence or structure a dangerous building or public nuisance under the city's Dangerous Building Code, Sec. 5.400-5.404. Owners get written notice ordering vacancy, repair or demolition on a set deadline, and the City may proceed by summary abatement without prior notice when a structure is imminently dangerous, then bill the owner for the cost.
Ames Dangerous Building Abatement Code
Heavy RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 5.401-5.403
Sec. 5.401. DEFINITIONS. ... (4) Imminently dangerous structure is any building, shed, fence or other man-made structure which, is in danger of imminent collapse of all or any part of such structure and is thereby an imminent danger to the health and safety of the general public or adjacent property. ... Sec. 5.402. ... AUTHORITY. ... (2) Abatement. All buildings or portions thereof which a...
Vacant Lot Maintenance
In the City of Ames, Iowa, Municipal Code Sec. 30.5(14) makes it a public nuisance to leave an excavation, hole, or depression deeper than three feet on any lot or parcel in the city. Chapter 30 applies to every property, so an unbuilt or vacant lot is covered the same as a developed one, and the owner must backfill it to match the surrounding grade.
Ames Vacant Lot Excavation Rule
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 30.5(14)
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all properties within the City of Ames and constitute minimum requirements and standards for premises, structures, and vehicles. ... (14) Any excavation, hole, or other depression in the ground in or on any lot or parcel of land in the city of a depth of more than three feet below the surrounding grade, other than as part of the active constructio...
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing
In the City of Ames, Iowa, property owners must clear snow and ice from the sidewalk abutting their property within ten (10) daylight hours after a storm ends, under Ames Municipal Code Sec. 22.2. If the owner does not act in time, the City Manager can order the snow removed and bill the actual cost back to the property, and Chapter 22 violations carry a $500 municipal infraction fine under Sec. 22.26.
Ames Sidewalk Snow Removal: 10 Daylight Hours
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 22.2
(1) Duty of property owner. It is the responsibility of the abutting property owner to promptly remove snow, ice, and accumulations from the sidewalks in the right-of-way. ... (2) Failure of owner to remove. No owner shall, for a period of ten (10) daylight hours after the cessation of the storm or cause of accumulation, permit snow, ice, or accumulations to remain upon the adjoining and abutti...
Looking for Story County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ames city rules.
Property Maintenance in Story County →