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Questions

  1. Are there covenants that govern my property?
  2. Can I get a map of my neighborhood?
  3. How can I locate my lot lines?
  4. I want to make an addition to my property - add a fence, deck, swimming pool, remodel my basement, or add an accessory building. How do I get a permit?
  5. How can I rent Crown Point Community Center or Simpson Barn?
  6. How do I reserve a picnic shelter for an event?
  7. A potential employer has requested I provide them with my fingerprints in order to conduct a background investigation. Can I be fingerprinted by the Johnston Police Department?
  8. How can I obtain a copy of a police report and how much of the information is available to me?
  9. I am going on vacation or traveling south for the winter. Can an officer watch my home?
  10. I feel that the officer I was in contact with did not act in a respectful or professional manner and I would like to file a complaint against that officer. How do I do that?
  11. I have lost my animal can the Police Department help me?
  12. My car was impounded, what do I do?
  13. My vehicle has been impounded, how do I retrieve it?
  14. What is Johnston's snow ordinance and how can I make sure I do not receive a ticket?
  15. What programs do you offer for youth in the community?
  16. Where is the Polk County Courthouse located?
  17. Who do I contact if I have lost my keys or I have found someone else's keys?
  18. Do I have recycling service?
  19. How do I get a different sized trash container?
  20. How do I get rid of an appliance?

Answers

  1. Are there covenants that govern my property?

    In some cases, convenants have been established that provide direction for home and property improvements. The City of Johnston does not monitor the covenants, but a copy can be obtained at the Poik County Recorder's office.


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  2. Can I get a map of my neighborhood?

    The Community Development Department is able to provide a plat map, or drawing of your neighborhood. It includes a diagram of properties and other related information.

    Maps can be obtained by calling 515-727-7765 or by visiting Johnston City Hall at 6221 Merle Hay Road. The office is open 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.


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  3. How can I locate my lot lines?

    In many cases, the Community Development Department can provide you with a site map of your property. Maps can be obtained by calling 515-727-7765 or by visiting Johnston City Hall at 6221 Merle Hay Road. The office is open 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.

    Our staff is unable, however, to locate property markers or pins. These can often be found by using a metal detector, or hiring the services of a professional.


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  4. I want to make an addition to my property - add a fence, deck, swimming pool, remodel my basement, or add an accessory building. How do I get a permit?

    The City of Johnston requires a building permit when property improvements are made. For more information, access the building department information.

    If you have questions, the Building Permit Technician can be reached buildingdepartment@ci.johnston.ia.us or at 515-727-7778.


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  5. How can I rent Crown Point Community Center or Simpson Barn?

    Crown Point Community Center and Simpson Barn can be rented for your personal or public event. Arrangements can be made by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 727-8091.

    Fees for rental


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  6. How do I reserve a picnic shelter for an event?

    Various picnic shelters are avaialble for private and public use. Arrangements can be made by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 727-8091.

    Fees for rental


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  7. A potential employer has requested I provide them with my fingerprints in order to conduct a background investigation. Can I be fingerprinted by the Johnston Police Department?
    Fingerprinting is provided free of charge to Johnston residents and for Johnston businesses. Proof of residency or local employment is required. Please call (515) 278-2345 to schedule.
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  8. How can I obtain a copy of a police report and how much of the information is available to me?

    Accident reports are provided free of charge to accident victims. Insurance agencies or third parties are charged $5 for each report.

    Pubilc record reports are available for all other situations for a nominal fee. Release of additional information requires a subpoena in order to protect the confidentiality of individuals in the case and ongoing investigations.


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  9. I am going on vacation or traveling south for the winter. Can an officer watch my home?

    Johnston Police Department offers the Vacation Watch program for residents who are gone for an extended amount of time.

    Complete the form and submit to the police department.

    Contact the Johnston Police Department at (515) 278-2345 between 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.


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  10. I feel that the officer I was in contact with did not act in a respectful or professional manner and I would like to file a complaint against that officer. How do I do that?
    Citizens may file a complaint by contacting Lieutenant Lynn Aswegan at (515) 278-2345 to arrange an appointment to make the complaint in person.
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  11. I have lost my animal can the Police Department help me?

    When an animal is lost, contact the public works department at 278-0822.


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  12. My car was impounded, what do I do?

    Vehicles impounded by the Johnston Police Department are available for release Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays).  Vehicle owners must provide state-issued photo identification at the Johnston Police Department, 6221 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, Iowa, to obtain a release form.  Impounded vehicles will only be released to the vehicle’s registered owner or title holder.

    In some cases, additional documentation may be required before a vehicle is released.  For this reason, vehicle owners are encouraged to contact the Johnston Police Department’s administrative office prior to visiting the police department by calling 515-278-2345, 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays).

    For more information.


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  13. My vehicle has been impounded, how do I retrieve it?
    A release must be obtained from the Johnston Police Department. We recommend calling (515) 278-2345 prior to arriving at the station to determine whether holds have been placed on your vehicle (i.e. proof of valid insurance, registration or valid drivers license). Once you have met the impound requirements, a release will be issued a and you may proceed to the proper towing agency to retrieve your vehicle.
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  14. What is Johnston's snow ordinance and how can I make sure I do not receive a ticket?
    Johnston's snow ordinance states that “vehicles shall not be parked or left standing on any part of the right-of-way of a public street during anytime when snow removal operations are in progress and before such operations have resulted in the removal or clearance of snow or ice from such street or streets. The owner of the vehicle shall be jointly responsible with the driver, if different person.” Failure to follow the prescribed ordinance may result in a civil citation issued to either the driver or owner of the vehicle.
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  15. What programs do you offer for youth in the community?

    The Johnston Police Department is engaged with the youth in the community through many programs. Kid Power is the umbrella organization that includes youth programming.

    Child Seat Safety

     


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  16. Where is the Polk County Courthouse located?
    The Polk County Courthouse is located at 5th and Mulberry in downtown Des
    Moines, Iowa.
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  17. Who do I contact if I have lost my keys or I have found someone else's keys?
    If you have lost your keys or have found a set of keys, please call (515) 278-2345 or e-mail us at admin@police.ci.johnston.ia.us .
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  18. Do I have recycling service?
    Every household within the City of Johnston has recycling service through the Metro Waste Authority's Curb It! Recycling program Residents west of NW 86 Street will be collected on Mondays, residents east of NW 86 Street will be collected on Tuesdays.
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  19. How do I get a different sized trash container?
    If you decide to change the size of your Waste Management, Inc. trash container, there is a $25.00 charge to have a one delivered to your door. There is no charge if you are able to take your container to Waste Management, Inc. offices at 201 SE 18th Street  in Des Moines.
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  20. How do I get rid of an appliance?
    A $35 charge is required for the cost of collection and disposal of appliances. Appliances are defined as any apparatus containing refrigerant gases, mercury or other regulated substances, which require specialized collection and disposal in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Items typically considered appliances include refrigerators, air-conditioners, freezers, stoves, washers, dryers, de-humidifiers and dishwashers. Residents will need to schedule a pick up time with Waste Management (265-5267) to collect appliances.
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