Staff

Community Development Director: Pam Broomhall

319-524-2050 ext. 2209 –  pbroomhall@cityofkeokuk.org

Planning Secretary: Annette Peevler

319-524-2050 ext 2203  –  apeevler@cityofkeokuk.org

Building/Construction

Click here to apply for a permit

The Building inspectors enforce codes and issue permits on all new construction and remodeling of buildings. This includes the building structure, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical components. The Inspector also serves as support to several code boards which enact new code requirements and hear appeals. They also oversee the licensing of contractors in the various fields to work in Keokuk.

The building inspectors are typically flexible on making inspections if proper notification is given. A twenty-four (24) hour notification is requested to set up an inspection with a building inspector. Contractors are required to set up inspection appointments; failure to do so could result in the removal of uninspected work. All permits must be applied for and received prior to beginning any work within the City. Failure to receive a permit before construction begins will result in a double permit fee.

Planning / Zoning

The Planning staff develops plans for the future growth and development of the community and administers development regulations that ensure the use and development of land meets the community’s standards. Staff also assists and advises the City Council, City Boards, Commissions, and the general public on various planning, zoning, and land development issues. Working with developers, residents, and other City Departments, the Planning and Zoning Division works to encourage orderly growth and redevelopment, while preserving a quality living environment.

The Planning Staff assists in the creation and implementation or future community development plans. These plans are developed though extensive citizen inquiry and participation and serve as the basis for future development. Plan Documents, including the Comprehensive Plan, and the Housing Needs Assessment, work to specify future community goals and objectives.

The Keokuk Zoning and Subdivision Code contain those regulations that control land use in the City. The zoning code describes the specific Zoning District within the Community and which uses are permitted and prohibited in such areas. The code also list various requirements for building lot size, buildings size and height requirements, setbacks, signs, parking, and other development requirements.

The Planning Department provide assistance and information regarding zoning designation for properties, subdivisions and developments, site plans, signs, fences, special use permits, home occupations, and other related topics covered in the Zoning and Subdivision Code (Regulations) Please contact staff for any questions that you may have.

Housing Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement/ Housing Official: Casey Barnes

319-524-2050 ext. 2204

cbarnes@cityofkeokuk.org

The Purpose of the Housing Official is to encourage and provide a cleaner, safer environment for all those living and working in the City of Keokuk. The Housing Code (Chapter 15,16) for the City of Keokuk states very specific rules and regulations for all property owners, landlords, and tenants to abide by for the proper welfare of all involved. The Housing Official works primarily on a complaint basis, following the proper procedures listed in the adopted Housing/Building & Construction Codes established by the City of Keokuk.

Enforcement may be in the form of:

  • A request to abate a nuisance on said property (Chapter 5 — Health & Sanitation)
  • A request for structural repairs (Chapter 15.16 — Buildings & Construction)
  • Inspecting of a building after a complaint is properly filed (Chapter 15.16.150 — Buildings & Construction)
  • Posting a building “Unsafe to Occupy” (Chapter 15.04 — Buildings & Construction)
  • Ordering a Building Demolished (Chapter 15.04 — Building & Construction)

For housing information:
Keokuk City Hall
501 Main Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: 319-524-2050

Legal Services Corporation of Iowa
Southeast Regional Office
106 North Market
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phone: 515-683-3166 or 1-800-452-0007

Iowa Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Iowa Department of Public Health
Phone: 800-972-2026

Iowa Tenant Rights
Abuse Hot Line: 888-270-3864
www.dhs.iowa.gov

Housing Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement/ Housing Official: Casey Barnes

319-524-2050 ext. 2204

cbarnes@cityofkeokuk.org

The Purpose of the Housing Official is to encourage and provide a cleaner, safer environment for all those living and working in the City of Keokuk. The Housing Code (Chapter 15,16) for the City of Keokuk states very specific rules and regulations for all property owners, landlords, and tenants to abide by for the proper welfare of all involved. The Housing Official works primarily on a complaint basis, following the proper procedures listed in the adopted Housing/Building & Construction Codes established by the City of Keokuk.

Enforcement may be in the form of:

  • A request to abate a nuisance on said property (Chapter 5 — Health & Sanitation)
  • A request for structural repairs (Chapter 15.16 — Buildings & Construction)
  • Inspecting of a building after a complaint is properly filed (Chapter 15.16.150 — Buildings & Construction)
  • Posting a building “Unsafe to Occupy” (Chapter 15.04 — Buildings & Construction)
  • Ordering a Building Demolished (Chapter 15.04 — Building & Construction)

For housing information:
Keokuk City Hall
501 Main Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: 319-524-2050

Legal Services Corporation of Iowa
Southeast Regional Office
106 North Market
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phone: 515-683-3166 or 1-800-452-0007

Iowa Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Iowa Department of Public Health
Phone: 800-972-2026

Iowa Tenant Rights
Abuse Hot Line: 888-270-3864
www.dhs.iowa.gov

Nuisance

Code Enforcement/ Housing Official: Casey Barnes

319-524-2050 ext. 2204

cbarnes@cityofkeokuk.org

The purpose of Code Enforcement is to encourage and provide a cleaner, safer environment for all those living and working in the City of Keokuk. Code Enforcement works primarily on a complaint basis with an average of 600-700 complaints per year, responding on a daily basis. Violators are given ample time to abate all nuisances. When violators do not comply, the City then abates the nuisance billing the violator for said abatement. If the violator does not pay the charge within thirty days, the City than files the charges as a lien on the property.

Regulations are enforced on the following:

  • Abandoned/Unlicensed/Inoperable Vehicles (Chapter 5.26 — Health & Sanitation)
  • Non Compliant Trash/Garbage (Chapter 5.08,5.12,5.26 — Heath & Sanitation)
  • Tall Grass & Vegetation/Noxious Weeds (Chapter 5.24.10 — Health & Sanitation)
  • Un-kept Yards/Yard Junk (Chapter 5.08, 5.12, 5.24, 5.26 — Health & Sanitation)
  • Other Valid Environmental Nuisances (Chapter 5, Health & Sanitation)

Programs for Community Involvement:

  1. Citywide Cleanup Voucher Program — This program is for residential solid waste customers that are charged for garbage disposal service through the water bill.   City of Keokuk will provide vouchers to dispose of two loads free of charge to the Lee County Transfer Station.   The program is generally held biannually during a designated two-week period in the spring and fall.  When held the City of Keokuk will make every effort to announce details in advance.

For more information call City Hall at 319-524-2050 ext. 2204