Answers to FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
How can I prepare my family and home in case of an emergency?
Click here to visit the Be Ready Iowa website. There you will find instructions to build an emergency supply kit, create an emergency plan, and more information about preparing in case of an emergency or disaster. You may also visit the FEMA Be Ready website at www.ready.gov for more information.
I have some branches in my yard. How can I dispose of them?
If your tree branches are no wider than 6 inches in diameter and no less than an 1" in diameter, you can place them on the curb on the first week of each month during chipping season. The 2013 chipping season will begin on April 2, 2013, and ends the first week of November, 2013. The chipper may be delayed if there is rain or based on staff availability. If you only have loose brush and leaves, there are "Compost It!" stickers available at Bondurant City Center (to be used with large paper yard waste bags) for $1.20/ea. The "Compost It!" regular collection season typically runs April through November, or otherwise as stated in the Bondurant March 2013 Newsletter. Please visit Metro Waste Authority's website here for more information on their "Compost It!" program.
Where can I find information about building permits? Who performs building inspections for the City of Bondurant?
The City of Altoona Building Department handles all building permits and inspections for the City of Bondurant. Please contact their office at (515) 967-5138, or you may contact them in person or by mail at 1504 8th St SW, Altoona, IA 50009. Some basic information is also available at the City of Altoona’s Building Department website (click here).
Building permits are required to build any structures or to modify existing structures on your property. Permits are also required for any electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or excavation work. Items that require permits also include: fences, sheds, swimming pools, and decks. Please be sure to contact the Altoona Building Department if you have any questions.
Please click
here to view the Bondurant Community Information on Metro Waste Authority’s website. Information on all trash and recycling programs in Bondurant can be found on the Community Information page, and information on facilities and other programs in the area can also be found on their website.
Where can I post garage sale signs? Is there a City-Wide Garage Sale?
You may post signs on your own property (between house and sidewalk) and if you have permission you may post signs on another person's property (between house and sidewalk). Signs should not be posted between the sidewalk and the street as underground wires or cables may be buried. Please note that it is illegal to post signs on city signs (stop signs, etc.) as they are distracting and unsafe for drivers.
The Bondurant city-wide garage sale occurs annually on Mother's Day weekend, and you may contact the Bondurant Mother's Club at (515) 967-2824 or at bondurantmothersclub@yahoo.com with questions. The 2013 city-wide garage sale will be Saturday May 11.
Where can I dispose of hazardous waste? What qualifies as hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste can be brought to the MWA/ Metro Hazardous waste drop-off, which is located at 1105 Prairie Drive SW in Bondurant, at phone number (515) 967-5512. Their facility is open Tuesday through Friday (1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m). Please contact the center for Saturday hours. Businesses must call ahead to make an appointment. For the most up-to-date information, including accepted waste, please visit their website at www.mwatoday.com.
When is Bondurant's "Summerfest"?
Summerfest occurs annually during the middle of June and is a two-day event. The 2013 Summerfest will occurred on Wesdesday and Thursday June 26 & 27. Please click here to be directed to the event information.
I'm moving out. How can I have the utilities taken out of my name?
Stop by Bondurant City Hall (200 2nd St. NE) or call us at (515) 967-2418. We will need to know the date you would like the final meter read for water. Final water meter reads must occur during our business hours (Mon.-Fri., 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.). Please make sure to let the person moving in after you (if applicable) know that they need to sign up for water service in their name to avoid a $50 reconnection fee.
I'm moving in. How can I get utilities in my name?
Stop by Bondurant City Hall (200 2nd St. NE) to fill out an application in person. Please be sure to bring a valid photo I.D. There is a $100-$200 deposit for utilities, based on the number of meters at the property, and we accept cash or check. If there is no water service at the property there will be a $50 fee to reconnect the service.
How do I understand my Utility Bill? What do the codes mean? What does the "ST" code mean?
Code Identification (as listed on the back of your utility bill*): GA=Garbage, RC=Recycling, PN=Penalty, DP=Deposit, SW=Sewer, WA=Water, MS=Miscellaneous, AR=Arrears.
*ST=StormWater
The StormWater Fee is based on the amount of impervious surface on your property (i.e. roofs, driveways, parking areas). This Utility is in place to assure compliance with the City's Stormwater Permit issued by the Iowa DNR. This Utility will fund related erosion control measures. Please see the article on page four in the July 2010 Bondurant "City Connection" Newsletter or the front page of the May 2010 Bondurant "City Connection" Newsletter for additional information.
Rate Information: Please click here to review the current utility rates for the City of Bondurant.
Online Payment Instructions and Fee Information:
ONLINE PAYMENT PROCESSING FEES (assessed by iCash):
FEE CHART
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Click on this link to go directly to the City of Bondurant's iCash page
- If that link is not working, go to website - www.icashiowa.org
- Click on the 2 drop downs on the upper left-hand corner; select City of Bondurant for both.
- Scroll over Online Services, select Online Payment.
- Click on Pay Now under "One Time Payment". The other options are not set up at this time.
- Fill in all payor information. Account number is your UTILITY account number (listed on your bill). If you do not have your bill, you may contact City Hall (967-2418) between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, for your account number and current balance.
- Fill in amount of charge on the right side of the screen - box next to "Utility". If paying for a charge other than utility (i.e. ambulance bill) add a short description in "other" (i.e. ambulance bill), and add the amount in the next field to the right.
- Select Method of Payment on the lower left side of screen (Credit Card or E-check).
- Click Next on the lower right-hand corner of your screen.
- Fill in ALL REQUIRED FIELDS.
- Payment Processing/Service Fee will be added to your total. This fee is assessed by the payment processing company.
- Click Confirm Details if all information is correct.
- Click Authorize Payment.
- Print a copy of your receipt for your records.
You may make payments online by following the steps above. Otherwise, you may set up automatic monthly payments through City Hall, pay by mail, make payments at the front desk of City Hall, or drop payments in the silver drop-box on the West side of City Hall. Please note, payments set up through other bill payment services are often not received until 5-10 days after the "due date" you specify through your bank account(s). This is because the "due date" is often the day they write out the payment from your account, and does not account for mail processing time. We suggest scheduling this kind of bill payment on the 1st of the month so it is recieved at City Hall by the 15th.
Does the City of Bondurant offer a monthly Automatic Payment option to pay my Utility Bill?
Yes! Stop in to City Hall to fill out paperwork (and bring a voided check), and we can set up an automatic monthly payment from your bank account directly through City Hall. If you cannot stop in between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., you can also contact us at (515) 967-2418 or info@cityofbondurant.com to have the paperwork mailed to you. Please make sure to include a voided check with your completed paperwork.
When Automatic Bill Pay is set up, payments will be automatically withdrawn on the 15th of each month. You will continue to receive your bill in the mail, as usual, but "Bank will Pay" will be printed on the bill.
We recommend this payment option for customers who would otherwise pay using another financial institution's "bill pay" service. Payments set up through other bill payment services are often not received until 5-10 days after the "due date" you specify through your bank account(s). This is because the "due date" is often the day they write out the payment from your account, and does not account for mail processing time. Late penalties will be assessed if we do not receive payment on or before the due date, so please be careful and pay early if you plan to use another bill payment service.
What fees are assessed by the outside payment processing company?
Please review this Fee Chart for electronic payments (Debit, Credit, Electronic Check), which is displayed at the front desk of City Hall. These fees are assessed by the payment processing company and may change over time. Please make sure to verify your totals before authorizing payment, and keep a copy of your receipt.
Is open burning allowed?
The City of Bondurant open burning policy is outlined in the City of Bondurant Code of Ordinances – Chapter 105, Section 105.05 and is based upon State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Polk County regulations and the requirements of the International Fire Code – 2000 edition. These rules limit open burning to improve air quality and provide a better quality of life for the entire metro area.
With five specific exceptions, it became unlawful for any person to open burn or to permit open burning of any refuse, rubbish, garbage, landscape waste or other combustible material within the City of Bondurant, Polk County, Iowa. Permitted Open Burning is as follows:
1) Disaster Rubbish. The open burning of rubbish, including landscape waste, for the duration of the community disaster period in cases where an officially declared emergency condition exists.
2) Recreational Fires. Indoor or outdoor fire places or barbecue grills used solely for entertainment purposes or the preparation of food for human consumption. Said fire places or barbeque grills shall burn only unprocessed wood products, charcoal, propane, and/or natural gas and have provisions for under-fire air for holding an outdoor fire off the ground.
3) Training Fires. Fires set for the purpose of bona fide training of public or industrial employees in fire fighting methods, provided that the training fires are conducted in compliance with rules established by the State Department of Natural Resources.
4) Agricultural Structures. The open burning of agricultural structures if in accordance with rules and limitations established by the State Department of Natural Resources.
5) Variance. Any person wishing to conduct open burning of materials not permitted herein may make application for a variance to the Fire Chief.
Please call Bondurant Emergency Services at 967-2418 with any questions you may have regarding burning policies.
Boy Scout Troop 10 of Bondurant has American flags available for purchase. Please contact Don Wallace at (515) 491-0634 for sizes and pricing information.
The American Legion Post 396 now has their own website! Please visit
www.bondurantpost396.org for information about the American Legion and Auxilliary, building rental rates and availability calendar, and other news and events. The Bondurant American Legion also hosts a Community Breakfast in Bondurant on the 3rd Saturday of every month at the Legion Hall from 7:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.
The Polk County Treasurer serves in the capacity of tax collector for all taxing authorities in Polk County. This includes the collection of taxes for the City of Bondurant. Please visit
www.iowataxandtags.gov for Property Tax questions, or visit the Polk County Treasurer's website by clicking
here for more information. Property Tax Abatement Application Forms are available on our website
here (or click on "Apply for" and "Property Tax Abatement" on the left hand margin of this page).
No person shall park any vehicle or permit the same to remain standing upon any public street in the City during the following times or periods:
The City of Bondurant Snow Ordinance shall take effect following a declaration of same by the City Administrator or Street Superintendent. Vehicles must be removed from any City street by 8:00 p.m., and must remain off of the City street until 8:00 a.m., the following day, or until the snow declaration has been lifted, whichever occurs latest. Vehicles not removed by 8:00 p.m., will be ticketed for violating the City’s Snow Ordinance. After being ticketed, vehicles not removed from the City street by 8:00 a.m., the following day will be towed, with expenses for towing payable by the vehicle owner.
To help ensure that sidewalks are safe during the winter, City Ordinance requires residents to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours following the end of the snowfall. Property owners who do not comply are subject to a municipal citation.
A helpful hint for residents – clear your sidewalk after the snowplows have finished plowing to the curb. When you remove snow from your sidewalk, please remember that City Ordinance prohibits placing that snow in the street. The unnatural deposit of snow from driveways and parking lots onto the City right-of-way is also prohibited.
Equipment operators often work 12 or more hours in a shift and appreciate courteous and friendly drivers and pedestrians. Please remember to maintain a safe following distance of 75 feet from all snow removal equipment.
I live in Bondurant. Where can I register to vote? Where is my polling place? A useful website to locate your polling place can be found at the Vote411.org website, which you can visit
here. The Polk County Auditor's
website also contains candidate information and resources to locate your polling site. You can download a form from the Polk County Auditor's website
here, which you can complete and mail to register to vote, or you may visit the Polk County Voter Registration and Election Office at 120 2nd Ave., in Des Moines to register to vote. Please contact their office at (515) 286-3247 with any questions you may have about voter registration.
In Bondurant, fishing is allowed at Lake Petocka with a fishing license. Hunting is only allowed outside of the City limits with a hunting license, and
only if you have the landowner's permission to hunt on their land. You can find information about hunting and fishing by visiting the Department of Natural Resources website at
http://www.iowadnr.gov/ or you may give them a call at (515) 281-5918. Please be sure to follow all rules and regulations to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time.
Can I reserve a park shelter at one of the Bondurant parks? Is there a fee involved?Please click
here to be redirected to reservation information on another page.
I'd like to report a crime. Who should I contact?If it is an emergency, dial
911!
To report a non-emergency crime, you can contact the
Polk County Sheriff's office at
(515) 286-3333.
You may also provide tips and/or report petty crimes (i.e. vandalism), to the
Polk County Crime Stoppers at
(515) 223-1400. Rewards are sometimes offered for information on particular cases. Please contact the Crime Stoppers for additional information.
I would like to find zoning information, where should I look?
Zoning information is available on this website under "The City of Bondurant Departments and Boards", "Planning and Zoning", "Bondurant Zoning Code". Our Zoning Map is available on the website under "Maps", at the top right of each page.
The Planning and Zoning Commission meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, when an agenda is created, and meetings are open to the public. New agendas will be posted (under "Planning and Zoning", "Agendas") by 5 p.m. the Monday prior to a meeting. If there is no meeting scheduled, the last agenda will remain posted. If you have additional zoning questions, please contact City Hall at 515-967-2418.
I would like to get involved in a 4-H club in the area, but am not sure who to contact.
There are multiple 4-H Clubs in Polk County that are always looking for volunteers to get involved in their organization. Please click here to be directed to the Polk County 4-H website. Click on their "Club Map" tab for club information for the Bondurant (Northeast) area of Polk County.
I would like to know the hours and holiday schedule for garbage/recycling pick up.
Hours and Holiday Schedule
Office hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM to 5 PM Closed on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
| Holiday | Status |
| New Year's Day | CLOSED, NO DELAYS |
| Christmas Day | CLOSED, NO DELAYS |
| New Year's Eve | OPEN NORMAL OPERATING HOURS |
| Day After New Year's Day | CLOSED ON SUNDAY |
| Martin Luther King Day | OPEN NORMAL OPERATING HOURS |
| Memorial Day | CLOSED, PICK UP DELAYED ONE DAY |
| Independence Day | CLOSED, PICK UP DELAYED ONE DAY |
| Labor Day | CLOSED, PICK UP DELAYED ONE DAY |
| Thanksgiving Day | CLOSED, PICK UP DELAYED ONE DAY |
| Day after Thanksgiving Day | OPEN, PICK UP DELAYED ONE DAY |
| Day before Christmas | OPEN NORMAL OPERATING HOURS |
Click here for more information.