On August 10, 2026, the City Council of the City of Lake Park, Iowa, took action to call an election on November 3, 2026 upon the proposal to issue Not To Exceed $4,600,000 General Obligation Bonds or Capital Loan Notes for the purpose of paying costs of designing, constructing, equipping, and furnishing a new Emergency Services Facility, with related site improvements and acquisition of real estate therefor. The total project cost is estimated at $4,600,000.

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Spring is here!!! Now is one of the best times of the year to just take some time and remind you of some of the ordinances that the City of Lake Park has. These are the ones that we tend to see violations, so I thought it would be good to send the information so that hopefully you can avoid any warnings or nuisance violations.

1. Mowing of Properties:  a) Every owner shall cut, mow and maintain all grass, weeds and brush upon the owner’s property and adjacent to the curb line or outer boundary of any street, which includes the parking area abutting the owner’s property to a uniform height; b) Any property within the City whether vacated or non-vacated is required to be mowed any time the vegetation reaches a height of 10 inches; c) Said mowing requirements shall be completed by the 1^st and the 15^th day of the month in May, June, July, August, September and October each year.  Let’s keep those lawns maintained.
2. Trees: a) No trees or shrubs shall be planted in any City street, parking, or highway right-of-way or in an area of any utility easements in the city; b) The owner or agent of the abutting property shall keep the trees on or hanging over the street, trimmed so that all branches will be at least 15ft above the surface of the street; c) The City will not remove trees from the right-a-way unless they have been determined to be diseased or damaged, ash trees will be removed as they become diseased. We currently have many trees hanging over the streets. Be sure to check yours.  We have two local tree trimming businesses that I’m sure would love to help you out.
3. Junk and Junk Vehicles: a) “junk” means all old or scrap copper, brass, lead, or any other non-ferrous metal; old or discarded rope, rags, batteries, paper, trash, rubber, debris, waste or used lumber, or salvaged wood; dismantled vehicles, machinery and appliances or parts of such vehicles, machinery or appliances; iron, steel, or other old or scrap ferrous materials; old or discarded glass, tinware, plastic, or old discarded household goods or hardware. b) “junk vehicles” means any vehicle placed in storage with the County Treasurer or unlicensed and having any of the following characteristics: broken or cracked windshield, window, headlight, or taillight. Broken, loose, or missing fender, door, bumper, hood, steering wheel. A habitat for rats, mice, or other vermin. Lacks engine, tow or more wheels, or other structural parts leaving the vehicle inoperable. Defective in any way that constitutes a threat to public health and safety. c) It is unlawful for any person to store, accumulate or allow to remain on any private property within the corporate limits of the City any junk or junk vehicles.
4. Animal Control: a) it is unlawful for any owner to allow an animal to run at large within the corporate limits of the City. b) it is unlawful to allow a dog to cause annoyance or disturbance to any person by frequent and habitual yowling, yelping, barking, or otherwise, or by running after or chasing person, bicycles, automobiles or other vehicles.
5. Parking: a) No off street parking shall be permitted within the required front yard in all residential districts, except that portion of the driveway lying within the front yard may be used to satisfy the off street parking requirements; b) recreational vehicles (campers, boats, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, trailers) may be parked for seasonal use (short term or less than 30 consecutive days) on a driveway within a front yard. Recreational vehicles may be parked or stored (long term) within the side yard, rear yard or within an enclosed garage. c) in residential zoning districts, recreational vehicles shall only allow human habitation for not more than fourteen (14) days in a calendar year.

To answer those who wonder, “What does it matter to the city what my yard looks like?” The City is protecting the interests of the residents who enjoy a well kept community.  Respect your neighbors. Let’s have a great summer!!