Chapter 12.25
UNIFORM RURAL ADDRESS SYSTEM
Sections:
12.25.030 Establishment by ordinance.
12.25.050 Implementation of system.
12.25.080 Cost of address markers.
12.25.090 Private roads and mobile home parks.
12.25.100 Maintenance of uniform rural address system.
12.25.130 Exhibit A – Typical E-911 address sign installation.
12.25.010 Purpose.
This chapter mandates the use of a uniform address naming system to promote the health, safety, welfare and convenience of residents throughout Black Hawk County and provides for specific fees and penalties in the development, installation and operation of a County-wide uniform rural address system that fosters the rapid and effective response of law enforcement, fire rescue and emergency medical service personnel in meeting the emergency needs of County residents. [Ord. 139 § 1, 2016.]
12.25.020 Definitions.
For use in this chapter, the following terms or words shall be interpreted or defined as follows:
“Address marker” is the means by which the rural address number for each dwelling, business, industry or special site is displayed.
“Base map” shall mean the map used by the agency coordinating the uniform rural address system in Black Hawk County. Such a map shall indicate all addresses in Black Hawk County subject to the provisions of this chapter.
“Building” shall mean a roofed and/or walled structure built for permanent use.
“E-911 Board” is as established in Iowa Code Section 34A.3.
“Engineer” shall mean the Black Hawk County Engineer.
“Person” shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, unincorporated association or other entity.
“Private street, road, drive, alley, or entrance” means all property intended for use by vehicular traffic, but not dedicated to the public nor controlled and maintained by a political subdivision.
“Public or private safety agency” is a unit of state or local government, a special purpose district, or a private firm that provides or has the authority to provide fire, police, ambulance, emergency medical services or hazardous materials response.
“Public street, road, alley, drive or entrance” means all property intended for use by vehicular traffic which has been dedicated to the public or deeded to a political subdivision.
“Rural address system” is the method used to assign a specific number to each resident, business, industrial or special site in the unincorporated areas of the County.
“Secondary road system, street, road, alley, drive or entrance” means all property intended for use by vehicular traffic which has been dedicated to the public and meets requirements of the Iowa Code and has been accepted into the County system by the Board of Supervisors.
“Subdivision” shall mean the division of a tract of land into separate lots or parcels for the purpose of transfer of ownership or building development.
“Trailer court signage” shall mean any signage for homes located in a mobile home park or trailer park.
“Zoning Administrator” shall mean the Black Hawk County Zoning Administrator. [Ord. 139 § 2, 2016.]
12.25.030 Establishment by ordinance.
The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors shall, by ordinance, establish the uniform rural address system to be used in Black Hawk County. The ordinance codified in this chapter shall be effective on February 1, 2017. [Ord. 139 § 3, 2016.]
12.25.040 Extent of system.
The uniform rural address system shall extend over the unincorporated areas of Black Hawk County. [Ord. 139 § 4, 2016.]
12.25.050 Implementation of system.
A. The Board of Supervisors, pursuant to the 28E Agreement dated July 1, 1993, with the City of Waterloo, shall direct the City Engineer on behalf of the County to:
1. Assign addresses in accordance with the system selected by the Board of Supervisors.
2. Verify the accuracy of the base map that shall be used in the assignment of addresses.
3. Make all necessary corrections and updates to that base map.
B. The Board of Supervisors shall direct the County Engineer to:
1. Purchase all sign assembly materials which meet the specifications of the MUTCD.
2. Notify all residents affected by this mandatory system by publication and posting of the ordinance codified in this chapter on the Black Hawk County website, which includes the following information:
a. How to use the system.
b. That a permanent address marker must be placed indicating the assigned house number.
c. All costs associated with purchase and installation of signs.
d. That maintenance of the system is required by the homeowner or current resident and where replacement markers can be obtained and how to place them (Exhibit A, BHCC 12.25.130).
e. That there is a penalty for refusing to use the system and for removing, damaging, defacing, altering or destroying the address marker.
f. Provide an estimated time that the markers will be distributed and/or installed.
C. The Board of Supervisors shall request the E-911 Board to:
1. Assist in the county-wide compliance with this chapter. [Ord. 139 § 5, 2016.]
12.25.060 House numbers.
Black Hawk County will provide for every person owning, controlling, occupying, or using any house, store, storeroom, property or building situated on premises fronting any public way, as provided in BHCC 12.25.040, a permanent marker on such premises indicating the assigned number.
The permanent marker with the house number affixed shall be placed to the left of the driveway on the county right-of-way line as you face the property from the road. See Exhibit A (BHCC 12.25.130). A request can be made to the Black Hawk County Engineer for alternate placement when the above stated placement is not practical.
Mobile homes shall have their number affixed to the side of the home facing the road.
All signs must be reflective, free from obstructions and clearly visible from the road so emergency vehicles can easily see them. [Ord. 139 § 6, 2016.]
12.25.070 Existing signs.
Any address marker existing that meets all of the requirements at the time the ordinance codified in this chapter takes effect (as noted in BHCC 12.25.030) will not need to be replaced. If it is determined that a sign is in need of replacement, due to age, reflectivity or absence, at the time the ordinance codified in this chapter takes effect (as noted in BHCC 12.25.030) it will be at the cost of the property owner as addressed in BHCC 12.25.080. [Ord. 139 § 7, 2016.]
12.25.080 Cost of address markers.
Address markers must be purchased by the Black Hawk County Engineer’s Department and will be installed by the Black Hawk County Secondary Roads Department unless a request is made by the property owner.
The Board of Supervisors shall set fees for address markers and other related costs payable to the Black Hawk County Engineer’s Department. In addition, the Board of Supervisors shall have the authority to revise or predetermine fees (including rate increases) whenever the Board deems appropriate. The cost for an address marker and its installation shall be payable to the Black Hawk County Engineer’s Department. The party may install the sign themselves at a reduced rate.
The cost for a sign with installation by the Black Hawk County Secondary Roads Department shall be $60.00 and shall be paid at the time the sign is requested. The cost of a sign with installation by anyone other than the Secondary Roads Department will be $25.00 and shall be paid at the time the sign is requested.
Payment shall be made at the Black Hawk County Engineer’s office located at 316 E. 5th Street, Room 211, Waterloo, Iowa. Completed signs shall be picked up as directed by the Black Hawk County Engineer’s office. [Ord. passed 8/23/2022; Ord. 139 § 8, 2016.]
12.25.090 Private roads and mobile home parks.
Homes located on a private street, road, drive, alley, entrance, or that are located in a trailer court will be required to comply with this chapter in its entirety. [Ord. 139 § 9, 2016.]
12.25.100 Maintenance of uniform rural address system.
The County Engineer shall be responsible for the maintenance of the uniform rural address system in Black Hawk County which includes providing replacement markers and installation of address markers as requested.
Black Hawk County, with the assistance of the E-911 Board, will be responsible for compliance and enforcement of this chapter. Periodic checks of the rural areas of Black Hawk County will be done to ensure that the provisions of this chapter are being complied with, and to ensure the continued maintenance of the uniform rural address system of Black Hawk County.
The property owner shall ensure that address markers are reflective, free from obstructions and clearly visible from the roadway from both directions. The property owner shall report any missing signs to the County Engineer’s Department. [Ord. 139 § 10, 2016.]
12.25.110 Notice to comply.
County officials shall be authorized to enter private property for the purpose of inspection and/or to give notice to a party in violation of this chapter.
If the County Engineer is made aware that a sign does not comply, the Engineer’s office will notify property owners that they are out of compliance. A second notice will be sent if the property owner has not contacted the Engineer’s office within 30 days. If after 90 days from the first notice the property owner still has not complied completely with this chapter, then the penalties listed in BHCC 12.25.120 may be enforced. [Ord. 139 § 11, 2016.]
12.25.120 Penalty.
Refusal to use the uniform rural address system, or failure to replace, or the removal, damaging, defacing, alteration or destruction of the uniform rural address marker which indicates a premises assigned number or the removal, damaging, alteration or destruction of a rural address system marker intentionally by one who has no right to so act may be punished by a fine. A violation of this section shall be punishable by a civil penalty of $100.00 for the first offense and up to $200.00 for subsequent penalties. [Ord. 139 § 12, 2016.]
12.25.130 Exhibit A – Typical E-911 address sign installation.
[Ord. 139 Exh. A, 2016.]