More information about Linn County’s storm response and resources are available at LinnCounty.org/Storm. This website is updated as new information becomes available.
Organic Storm Debris
Linn County Secondary Road Department continues to work with contractor Ceres for organic debris removal in unincorporated Linn County. Crews are still working on the first of three passes for organic debris pickup. As of August 27, crews have hauled away more than 128,000 cubic yards of debris, including more than 1,400 hazardous trees leaning or hanging in the right of way.
Linn County has opened four self-haul drop-off sites for residents of unincorporated Linn County to use to dispose of their organic storm debris, in addition to the two Solid Waste Agency locations. The locations and hours of operation are listed at LinnCounty.org/Storm.
Residents in unincorporated Linn County who are unable to dispose of their organic debris on their own may place it near their drive entrance right-of-way for Linn County to remove. Debris placed for removal should not block the roadway or sight lines and must be accessible by road crews. When possible, cut tree limbs into 10 feet long sections.
Planning & Development Storm-Related Updates
Linn County has made multiple service changes and passed resolutions to assist with recovery from the August 10 storm. Here are the highlights:
- Linn County Planning & Development and the Assessor’s Office are continuing to do preliminary damage assessments throughout the county and residents with internet access are encouraged to fill out the State of Iowa’s Damage Assessment Survey. This preliminary data will be shared with the Linn County Emergency Management Agency and the State of Iowa for damage assessment purposes. This assessment does NOT take the place of an insurance claim.
- To report structural damage (broken rafters, trusses, studs, etc.) that you are worried will collapse a wall, roof, or ceiling on property in unincorporated Linn County or the cities of Alburnett, Bertram, Center Point, Lisbon, and Mount Vernon, call Linn County Planning & Development Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 319-892-5130. Dial 911 for emergencies.
- A reminder that building permits are required for storm damage repairs, but fees for storm-related construction permits have been waived through December 31, 2020 for the unincorporated areas in Linn County and the cities Linn County contracts with (Alburnett, Bertram, Center Point, Lisbon, and Mount Vernon). Linn County Planning & Development staff can help property owners verify that contractors are registered, licensed, and/or insured to perform the work. More permit information and tips for finding a licensed contractor can be found on the Linn County website.
- The Board of Supervisors signed a resolution allowing residents of unincorporated Linn County who are unable to occupy their home due to storm damage to establish temporary housing on the same site as the storm-damaged home, or on a vacant parcel intended for construction of a new residence under these conditions:
- Temporary housing must be a self-contained recreational vehicle or camper or a mobile or manufactured home.
- Home must have been placarded as “unable to occupy” (e.g. a yellow or red placard as used in the Linn County damage assessments, or similar placard as used by another government agency as part of the damage assessment process).
- The parcel must be owned (deed or contract) by the occupants of the temporary housing unit.
- All permits must be obtained prior to placement of the temporary housing.
- All permits for the repair of the storm-damaged home, or for construction of a new residence, must be obtained within 60 days of placement of the temporary housing unit.
- Temporary housing units must be removed and all utility hookups must be properly disconnected no later than 240 calendar days from August 21, 2020. A resident may request, and the Linn County Planning & Development Department may approve, a single extension not to exceed an additional 125 calendar days (for a maximum of 365 calendar days), should circumstances prevent the timely completion and occupancy of the storm-damaged home.