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Vacant Properties
If you own a property that is vacant there are a few things to keep in mind:
If you decide to have your water meter removed, please contact City Hall at (641) 236-2600 to make the arrangements. The water department will need to be able to access the inside of your home to remove the meter.
To obtain a reimbursement for solid waste charges, submit an online request or download and complete the Request for Solid Waste Reimbursement form and send it to the City Office, 520 4th Avenue.
The following information will be needed for completion of the form:
If you have questions on the reimbursement of sanitation charges, contact the City Office at (641) 236-2600 or email.
Grass must be mowed and weeds dealt with according to City Code. If a property owner fails to mow the grass or take care of weeds, the city will mow it and the charges will be assessed to the property owner. (City Code, Chapter 52)
Sidewalks must be kept clear of snow according to City Code. If a property owner fails to remove the snow and ice from the sidewalks, the city will remove it and the charges will be assessed to the property owner. (City Code, Chapter 136.03)
Water/Sewer/Storm Water Utilities
The minimum water and sewer charges and the storm water charge will be incurred while the property is vacant unless the water meter is removed. If the water meter is removed, the storm water charge will still be incurred.If you decide to have your water meter removed, please contact City Hall at (641) 236-2600 to make the arrangements. The water department will need to be able to access the inside of your home to remove the meter.
Solid Waste
Solid waste charges will be incurred during the time the property is vacant even if the service isn't being used unless the water meter is removed. If the property is vacant three consecutive months or longer, you will be eligible for reimbursement of the solid waste charges. The reimbursement is given in three month increments.To obtain a reimbursement for solid waste charges, submit an online request or download and complete the Request for Solid Waste Reimbursement form and send it to the City Office, 520 4th Avenue.
The following information will be needed for completion of the form:
- Your name
- Street address of the vacant property
- Dates property was vacant
If you have questions on the reimbursement of sanitation charges, contact the City Office at (641) 236-2600 or email.
Property Maintenance
Vacant properties need to be kept in good repair. If they are not, a notice will be sent requesting the property be repaired or it will be considered an abandoned property and further action will be taken by the City of Grinnell. (City Code, Chapter 160)Grass must be mowed and weeds dealt with according to City Code. If a property owner fails to mow the grass or take care of weeds, the city will mow it and the charges will be assessed to the property owner. (City Code, Chapter 52)
Sidewalks must be kept clear of snow according to City Code. If a property owner fails to remove the snow and ice from the sidewalks, the city will remove it and the charges will be assessed to the property owner. (City Code, Chapter 136.03)