Frequently Asked Questions

MAINTENANCE

Is parking allowed on the street?

Parking on the street is usually allowed on one side of the street for vehicles that are licensed and operable. Signs will be posted. Vehicles may not be parked on any City street for longer than 24 hours. Storage of vehicles, campers, or boats is not allowed on any street.

What is the “Parking” Area/Right-of-Way?

The area from the street curb over to the sidewalk is public property. This must be maintained by the property owner including the maintenance of the sidewalk. These areas are designed for sidewalks, utility lines including water and sewer mains, and electrical power lines. This area is also used in snow removal. Snowplows push the snow off of the road onto the “parking.” Landscaping or planting in the public area must be approved by the City Council.

Do I really have to shovel my sidewalks?

Property owners are required to clear sidewalks after any snow accumulation. Driveway and sidewalk snow must be placed onto your property or “parking area.” Do not push snow onto the roadway or into your neighbor’s yard.

Do I need to move my car from the street when it snows?

If there is an accumulation of 2” of snow the City requests the residents remove vehicles parked along City streets. This will allow the snowplows to safely remove the snow from curb to curb.

Does the City provide Solid Waste Collection?

The City provides a curbside solid waste collection service for residential properties located within the corporate limits of Mount Pleasant. The City is divided into four route days. Your route day will depend upon your address. Solid waste is collected once each week-Monday through Thursday.

What is the trash sticker all about?

The Mount Pleasant residents have used a volume-based fee system to pay for their solid waste collection since October 1990. The volume-based system requires residents to put a “garbage sticker” on each 30-gallon bag of garbage to be collected or on each bag inside a 33-gallon can. Stickers are available for purchase at the grocery stores and convenience stores in Mount Pleasant.

Collection Rules & Regulations	Uncollectible Items
Must be at curb by 7:00 a.m.	Grass Clippings, branches & leaves
Must bear the sticker	Sheet rock, dimension lumber, etc.
Maximum can size is 33 gallons	Furniture
Maximum bag size is 30 gallons	Oil-based paint
Cans must have handles	Home & yard chemicals
Cannot weigh more than 45 lbs.	Tires

What is Spring Clean Up?

This service has been a favorite of Mount Pleasant residents for many years. Each year during April the City sponsors a community spring clean up during which residents can dispose of large and unusual items that cannot be accepted during the rest of the year. Your spring clean up day will be your regular garbage collection day. You must have your spring cleanup materials out to the curb by 7:00 a.m. Material must be piled up as orderly as possible. You may dispose of furniture, carpet, appliances, and other large items. You are required to use a minimum of five garbage stickers on your entire pile and eight stickers on each appliance. If you have any questions, feel welcome to contact the Public Works Department at 385-1480 or City Hall at 385-1470.

What can I do with my yard waste?

The City operates a yard waste collection area for the disposal of grass clippings, leaves, garden waste, apples, walnuts and other forms of organic wastes. Tree trimmings, branches and bushes may be disposed of using solid waste stickers. The collection area is located southwest of Saunders Park at the end of Yocum Lane and Hoaglin Drive. The site opens in early spring (specific dates will be announced in the paper and on local radio station KILJ) and closes in the late fall. Normal hours for this facility are Wednesday 1-6 P.M. and Saturday 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. If you have any questions about the service, you may contact Public Works Department at 385-1480 or City Hall at 385-1470.

What can I do with my yard waste if I can’t get to the dump?

For residents who do not wish to dispose of their own yard waste, the City offers a curbside yard waste collection service. The service operates every Friday during the summer months. The service operates by request only. To get on the Friday collection route, you must call City Hall at 385-1470 Monday through Thursday from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The service requires a regular garbage sticker to be placed on each bag of grass or leaves.

Just a friendly reminder that in doing your lawn work, it is against City Code, “For any individual to discharge or cause to be discharged any solid or viscous substances in quantities or of such size capable of causing obstruction to the flow in sewers”. City ordinance states that you don’t blow grass clippings out into the streets, sidewalks, or alleys.

Does the City offer recycling of common household products?

Curbside recycling services are provided to the citizens of Mount Pleasant by the Des Moines County Regional Solid Waste Commission. The Solid Waste Commission assesses the City $2.20 per household per month for recycling services. The City passes this cost along to you on your monthly utility bill. The service includes collection of plastics, metals, glass, cardboard and newsprint at the curb once every two weeks. If you live north of Washington Street, your recycling day is Tuesday. If you live south of Washington Street, your recycling day is Thursday. You must use the solid waste Commission’s official recycling container to receive recycling services. The containers are available from City Hall at the cost of $8.00. If you have any questions about the recycling services, you may contact the Solid Waste Commission at 1-800-216-8126.

What can I do with my waste oil?

The City offers a waste oil collection service. Citizens may bring waste oil to the south side of the Public Works Maintenance Building located at 1201 North Broadway. The waste oil collection barrel is clearly marked. There is no additional cost for this service. The barrel is open to the public during the regular business hours of the Public Works Department. The hours are posted on a sign at the site.

What do I do with all these leaves?

The City provides a free leaf pick-up program. Leaf pick up can vary depending when leaves are off the trees. All leaves must be bagged and placed at the curb during the designated week on your particular trash day. This service is available for all City residents, even those who do not utilize the City garbage collection. Pick up week will be advertised in the newspaper and on the local radio station (KILJ).

What can I do with my old Christmas tree?

The City’s Public Works Department coordinates a community Christmas tree collection during the second week of January each year. There is no sticker required for the service. The tree must be placed at the curb on your regular garbage collection day. Remember to take off all lights and decorations before taking the tree to the curb.

Can I use a private trash collection service?

There are several local private businesses that collect and dispose of solid waste. The City requires citizens to dispose of solid waste. Citizens are free to contract with a private waste hauler for service if the citizen does not wish to participate in the City’s garbage sticker program. All monthly fees, however, are assessed regardless of who collects the solid waste.

What is the landfill closure fee?

The City of Mount Pleasant is a member of the Henry County Solid Waste Commission. The Henry County Solid Waste Commission is currently charged with the task of closing and monitoring the former Henry County Landfill, which was closed in 1990. The City is assessed a percentage of the annual cost of the Henry County Solid Waste Commission. The $1.00 monthly landfill closure fee is charge to support these costs.

ORDINANCES

Do I really have to mow my yard?

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. You must not blow your yard clippings or leaves into the city street.

Can I live in my RV?

Camping in an RV or recreational vehicle is not allowed unless in an approved RV Campground. Camping or living in an RV or recreational vehicle in a residential area is not allowed.

Can I burn my own trash?

No.

Can I burn my own yard waste?

The City of Mount Pleasant allows open burning of yard waste, leaves, and small branches under the following requirements:

• Fire must be 25’ from and structure
• Must have person standing by tending the fire
• Required to have a working water hose
• It must not be offensive to your neighbors

BUILDING AND ZONING

Building Permits are required before any new construction, alteration and/or addition is started. The following miscellaneous items are examples that require building permits:

• Construction or addition to a garage
• Deck
• Fences over 6 ft. high
• Storage shed larger than 120 sq. ft.
• Swimming pools and hot tubs
• Sidewalks, approaches, driveways
• Solar equipment
• Ham radio towers
• Signs
• Fireplaces and wood burning stoves
• Addition to principal building

Electrical and plumbing permits are required before any work is started. Permits are also required for rewiring and installation of hot water heater and additional plumbing.

Building permits are required for most exterior improvements to your home or business. Before starting a home or remodel project, whether exterior or interior contact the Building and Zoning Administrator at 319.385.1474 to check if a permit is needed.

Tax Abatement

The City has a Tax Abatement Program which citizens/businesses may qualify for improvements adding value to the property. The City approves applications in January for the previous year. Contact the Building and Zoning Administrator for more information at 319.385.1474.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Non-emergency: 385-3511
Police Administration: 385-1450

Who do I call for animal control?

For assistance with a stray or bothersome animal contact the police department’s Community Service Officer at 385-3511.

Where do I pay traffic citations?

Traffic citations may be paid in person at the Henry County Courthouse or by mail to the Henry County Clerk of Courts.

Where do I pay parking tickets?

Parking Tickets must be paid at the Police Department. This can be done in the lobby or they may be deposited in the Courtesy box located outside the police department.

How do I report stoplights that are out or missing street signs?

If a stoplight is out or malfunctioning, or if a street sign is missing or has been knocked down please call City Hall at 385-1470.

FREQUENTLY CALLED PHONE NUMBERS

City Government

City Hall	385-1470
Police Department	385-3511
Building & Zoning	385-1474
Water & Electric	385-2121
Library	385-1490
Park & Recreation	385-1475
Street Shop	385-1480

Henry County

Sheriff	385-2712
Assessor	385-0750
Auditor	385-0756
Clerk of Court	385-2632
Motor Vehicle	385-0764
Supervisors	385-0759
Treasurer	385-0763
Chamber of Commerce	385-3101