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Police Department

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1. How do I get my vehicle out of impound?

Registered owners or title holders of vehicles that have been impounded by the Johnston Police Department can make applications for the release of their vehicle at the Johnston Police Department Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). Vehicle registration and title must be current and valid before release. Impounded vehicles will only be released to the vehicle's registered owner or title holder who will be required to provide a valid state-issued photo identification and pay a $20 CASH ONLY administrative processing fee in order to claim their vehicle. 

In some cases, additional requirements must be satisfied before a vehicle will be released from impound. For this reason, the Johnston Police Department recommends that vehicle owners contact the Johnston Police Department prior to making claim for their vehicle to ensure that they have all the necessary documentation required to complete their vehicle release request. Impound release information can be obtained Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays) by contacting the Johnston Police Department's records section at (515) 278-2345. 

Email inquiries can also be directed to police@cityofjohnston.com.

 Additional information regarding vehicle impounds can also be obtained on our website under the police department “services” tab.

2. How can I obtain a copy of a police report?

Copies of certain reports and information can be obtained through the police department’s records section. Some restrictions and fees may apply. For this reason, we recommend that you contact the Johnston Police Department in advance to determine what information is available to you and confirm if and when your request can be satisfied. The Johnston Police Department’s records section is available Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays) and can be reached at (515) 278-2345. 

Email requests or inquiries can also be directed to police@cityofjohnston.com.

3. How do I make a traffic complaint?

If you have a traffic concern that you wish to bring to the Police Department's attention you can contact the police department directly or you can complete a traffic complaint form. Upon receipt, the Johnston Police Department will implement an enforcement plan to investigate and address your complaint. Traffic Complaint forms and additional traffic complaint information can be obtained on our website under the police department's “services” tab. 

You can also contact the Johnston Police Department directly at (515) 278-2345.

4. Where do I go to pay a ticket?

Fine payments for parking and snow ordinance violations issued by the Johnston Police Department should be directed to the City of Johnston. Payment can be dropped off or mailed to the Johnston City Hall at 6221 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131 Fine payments for traffic violations and other simple misdemeanor citations issued by the Johnston Police Department are not accepted at the Johnston City Hall or Police Department. Payment for these violations should be directed to the Polk County Clerk of Courts Office. 

Payments can be dropped off or mailed to the Polk County Clerk of Court at 500 Mulberry Street - Room #212, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. Payments may also be made online at www.iowacourts.gov.

If you have questions or would like further clarification regarding how or where to direct a fine payment you can contact the Johnston Police Department at (515) 278-2345 or the Polk County Clerk of Courts Office at (515) 286-3917.

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Sidewalk Repair Program

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1. 1. Who is responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to a resident’s home or other property?

Iowa State Code and City Ordinance have established that the maintenance and repair of sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjoining property owner. This is detailed in the Iowa Code section 364.12(d) and the City of Johnston Code Book Chapter 136 Sidewalk regulations (136.05) and provides the City of Johnston the ability to require an owner to repair a sidewalk adjacent to their property.

2. 2. What opportunity does the city’s sidewalk program offer to residents?

By opting into the city’s sidewalk program, it offers the property owner a low-cost solution to repair/replace sidewalk panels that are out of compliance with city, state and federal guidelines. The more residents that join the program, the better price the city will receive from a contractor. This will save the property owner time and money by not having to locate and hire individual contractors for their replacement project.

3. 3. When will my sidewalks be inspected?

The city has been divided into eight segments and all sidewalks in each of the segments will be inspected in the same year. In addition, if a complaint is received on the condition of a sidewalk, an inspection will be made at the time the complaint is received.

4. 4. What options do I have to get my sidewalks repaired?

There are a few options for the property owner to repair the sidewalk. Property owners can perform the repair or replacement themselves. They can hire their own contractor to make the necessary repairs or replacement. The property owner can opt into the city’s sidewalk program and have the city’s contractor repair or replace the deficient sidewalk panels.

5. 5. How long will I have to complete the sidewalk repairs?

It would be appreciated if the repairs were completed as soon as possible to provide pedestrians with a safe passageway; however, deadlines are established and given in the notification letter. Typically, sidewalks marked as part of the inspection program are identified with a deadline for completion of repairs. Please note that the repair work must be completed within two weeks after removing the sidewalk.

6. 6. Is a permit required?

Yes, a construction permit is required; however, there are no permit fees.

7. 7. What will happen if I can’t find a contractor to do the repair work?

If the repairs are not completed by the deadline stated in your notification letter, the city will take charge of the repair work and invoice you for the repair costs. 

8. 8. How much will the city charge to repair my sidewalk?

The city will bid a new contract each year and the cost will be determined at that time. After the deadline, an inventory of which sidewalks have and have not been repaired will be made. A list will be compiled and a bid will be solicited from contractors to repair those sidewalks. Depending on the lowest responsible bid received, the city will charge the property owner for the costs of making sidewalk repairs on their property. The current anticipated cost per panel of sidewalk ranges from $400 to $600. Many factors will determine this cost, such as the size of the project, material and labor costs and contractor availability.

9. 9. If the city repairs my sidewalk, what method of repair is done?

The city will only remove and replace sidewalk squares if the city takes charge of the repair work. Therefore, if you desire to utilize a repair option other than removal and replacement, you will need to arrange for the work.

10. 10. If I have the city repair my sidewalk, will my property be assessed?

The city will first invoice the property owner for the costs incurred and will work with the property owner in making the payment. Only if the invoice is not paid within 30 days will the property be assessed and added to property taxes.

11. 11. Do I have to hire a contractor, or can I repair the sidewalk myself?

If you have the ability to complete the repairs to the city’s specifications, you may complete the repair work yourself.  

12. 12. Can the city recommend a contractor?

The city cannot recommend contractors as we are unable to favor any particular contractor. The city does not require that the contractors be licensed and therefore does not have an approved contractor list.

13. 13. What are the acceptable methods to repair my sidewalk?

There are different acceptable methods of repair depending on the repair type marked on the inspection sheet. The sidewalk inspection report details repair types. The recommended method of repair is removal and replacement for all types; however, other options are as follows:

• Types B, D, and F (see attachment) must be removed and replaced. The city recommends doweling the new squares into the adjacent squares to prevent the movement of the new squares.  
• Type A and C (see attachment) may be removed and replaced or mud-jacked, not to exceed 5%. Type A may also be corrected if it does not exceed ½” in height it can be beveled with a grinder to meet the city’s specifications
• Type E may be sealed with a rigid sealant after the removal of all vegetation/debris.

14. 14. Can I fix more squares than what is marked?

Absolutely. The city only marks the minimum number of squares to eliminate hazards. You may have additional squares in marginal condition that you may want to repair, or you may find it in your best interest to replace entire segments of the sidewalk rather than doing spot repairs.

15. 15. Will the city inspect the forms and grade?

The city does require the forms and grade to be inspected. However, an inspection can be made after the forms are set and before the concrete is poured. Inspection arrangements are to be made at least 24 hours in advance.

16. 16. Is there funding available to help pay for the repairs?

The city does not have funds allocated to offset the costs property owners will incur to repair their sidewalks.

17. 17. What do I do if the squares marked on my inspection form are actually adjacent to my neighbor’s property?

Call Johnston Public Works at 515-278-0822, so we may re-evaluate the location of the marked squares. If the square(s) is adjacent to your neighbor’s property, a letter will be sent to your neighbor.

18. 18. I sold the property; should I call the city?

Yes, if you recently sold the property, the records may not have been updated at the Polk County Recorder’s office yet. By notifying the city of the recent sale, we can notify the correct property owner.

19. 19. What if I disagree with the squares marked?

If you believe the squares marked adjacent to your property do not meet the criteria established on the inspection form, or it would be preferable to repair the adjoining square, please call Johnston Public Works at 515-278-0822. A second opinion of the need for repairs may be requested. The city will have a different inspector look at the sidewalk and evaluate it for meeting the criteria.

20. 20. I have seen other squares worse than mine; why weren’t they marked?

The city tries to be as fair and as consistent as possible when marking sidewalk squares for repair. If you believe we missed a sidewalk needing repair, or there is a sidewalk in another area of your neighborhood that also needs repair work, please call Johnston Public Works at 515-278-0822 with the addresses to initiate inspections of those sidewalks.

21. 21. Who is responsible for repairing my damaged irrigation system?

Any irrigation system (lines or heads) that are in the public right-of-way are susceptible to damage and are the responsibility of the homeowner to repair.

22. 22. Do I need to notify the city when the repairs have been made?

Notification is not necessary. The city will automatically re-inspect the sidewalks marked for repair after the deadline stated in your notification letter. 

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Stormwater Utility

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1. What are stormwater utility fees?

Like gas, electricity, water, and sewage - stormwater runoff can be managed as a utility and billed as a fee. The fee is based on the concept that every property in a watershed contributes runoff and should support the operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the stormwater drainage system in the watershed. The amount of support is based on the amount of runoff the property contributes to the stormwater drainage system.

2. What is stormwater?

Stormwater is the runoff that results from precipitation. As this water flows over construction sites, farm fields, lawns, driveways, parking lots, and streets, it picks up sediment, nutrients, bacteria, metals, pesticides, and other pollutants. Unlike sanitary sewers that go to a treatment plant, most stormwater is discharged directly to local water bodies.

Increasing amounts of impervious surfaces in urban areas, such as rooftops, driveways, parking lots, and streets, decreases the ability of the water to soak into the ground, thus increasing the amount of stormwater. More stormwater places more demands on the city’s stormwater infrastructure.

3. What is an impervious surface?

An impervious surface is a hard surface that does not allow rain to absorb into the ground. Impervious surfaces increase stormwater runoff. Examples of impervious surfaces considered for the utility are roofs, paving (including gravel driveways), sidewalks internal to the site (not along the streets), sheds, paved patios, and pool decks. Surfaces not considered impervious: planting beds/landscaping features, the surface area of pools and decks (unless the area under the deck is paved).

To better understand how impervious surfaces are mapped and calculated view the impervious calculation document.

4. Who pays the fees?

Owners of all developed land in the City of Johnston would pay the stormwater utility fee. This includes residential properties, commercial properties, industrial properties, churches, and other nonprofit and governmental organizations. Undeveloped land is not charged stormwater utility fees because it does not have impervious surfaces.

5. How are stormwater utility fees charged?

The most fair and equitable basis for calculating stormwater charges is based upon the amount of a property's impervious area, which can be measured and has a direct and accepted relationship to the estimated amount of water that leaves a property as stormwater runoff. A property's impervious area is the most significant factor affecting both stormwater quality and quantity because stormwater cannot be absorbed by these surfaces and must be managed through some sort of stormwater system.

A unit of impervious surface area on an average single-family, residential property, or "equivalent residential unit" (ERU), is the quantity used for assessing the new stormwater charges. The size of one ERU was determined by averaging the impervious surface areas existing on all single-family properties around the city. The value of one ERU in the City of Johnston is set at 4,000 square feet of impervious area. Thus, the stormwater utility fee system is based on the total impervious surface area divided by 4,000 square feet; properties with greater than 4,000 square feet (1 ERU) of impervious surface are charged for more than one ERU.

For example: A property with 8,000 square feet of the total impervious surface would be billed for 2 ERUs. In all cases there are caps on the maximum number of ERUs that can be billed to the property, the cap for single-family residential properties is 4 ERUs and the cap for commercial, industrial, nonprofit, and all other properties is 40 ERUs.

6. How much are stormwater management fees?

The ordinance established a fee of $4.55 per equivalent residential unit (ERU) per month beginning July 1, 2012. The stormwater management fees are billed by the Johnston Water Utility and are made payable monthly at the same time payment for city water, sanitary sewer, and garbage are made.

7. How do I know how many equivalent residential units (ERUs) I’ll be billed?

If you would like to see how the impervious surface was calculated on your specific property you may contact city staff at 515-278-2344 or by email and an aerial map will be provided for your property showing the impervious surfaces.

8. How was the equivalent residential unit (ERU) rate determined for Johnston?

To determine the appropriate level of revenue needed to fund the utility, the city first analyzed the unmet needs of the stormwater utility system and developed a list of critical projects through the work completed with the Watershed Assessment and Stormwater Management Plan in 2009 and since that time other critical projects have been identified through the Capital Improvement Program; as noted on the list above.

Additionally, a small portion of the stormwater utility revenue annually will be used for operations and maintenance of the stormwater management system, with the intent of doing preventative maintenance to reduce the number of future capital improvement program projects. Using the costs and schedules of these projects and expenses, the city worked with Northland Securities, the city’s financial advisor, to determine the minimum fee necessary to fund those projects over a long term basis.

9. How will stormwater utility fees be used?

The stormwater management fees pay for

• Operation and maintenance costs of the stormwater management benefits and services and may include but are not limited to the provision of adequate systems of collection, conveyance, detention, treatment, and release of stormwater


• Reduction of hazard to property and life resulting from stormwater runoff and flooding


• Improvement in general health and welfare through reduction of undesirable stormwater conditions and flooding


• Improvement to the water quality in the stormwater and surface water system and its receiving waters

A list of capital improvement projects currently planned over the next 10 years that would be funded through the stormwater utility are available.