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Engineer Department

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1. Bridges ~ How many bridges are in Black Hawk County?

Black Hawk County has 225 Bridges and approximately 2,500 culverts.

2. Building Permits ~ How do I get a building permit in the County?

The County contracts with the City of Waterloo for this service. To obtain a building permit information call Building Inspection at 319-291-4319.

3. Ditches ~ Who owns the ditch?

The right-of-way of the ditch belongs to the County.

4. Ditches ~ Who maintains the ditches?

The county is responsible for maintenance. The County Road Superintendent will determine which ditches are to be cleaned and to what extent the cleaning will be done.

5. Ditches ~ Can I burn leaves, branches and garbage in the ditch right of way?

No, there is no burning in any County ditch.

6. Ditches ~ What are agricultural buffer strips?

A buffer strip is an area of land maintained in permanent vegetation that helps to control air, soil, and water quality, along with other environmental problems, dealing primarily on land that is used in agriculture. Buffer strips trap sediment, and enhance filtration of nutrients and pesticides by slowing down runoff that could enter the local surface waters. The root systems of the planted vegetation in these buffers hold soil particles together which alleviate the soil of wind erosion and stabilize stream banks providing protection against substantial erosion and landslides. Farmers can also use buffer strips to square up existing crop fields to provide safety for equipment while also farming more efficiently.

7. Ditches ~ How can I help to keep the ditches from silting in?

By planting an agricultural buffer strip to prevent soil erosion.

8. Driveway ~ Who pays for the driveway entrance?

While there is no charge for the permit, the cost of the entrance is the property owner's responsibility.

9. Driveway ~ What is the policy for widening an existing driveway entrance or installing a new field drive?

An application can be obtained on our website under Online Permit Forms: Landowner Permits or by calling the Engineer's Office at 319-833-3008. The completed form must be returned to our office with the landowners signature. The application process will take approximately 10-14 days.

10. Driveway Permit ~ How do I obtain a new residential driveway entrance application?

If the entrance is for a new residence, you must first obtain and address from the Planning and Zoning Commission. They are located at Waterloo City Hall, 715 E Mulberry Street, Waterloo, IA 50703 and can be called at 319-291-4366 between the hours of 8:00 a.m and 5:00 p.m. Entrance Application permit forms are available on our website under permits or on the link below. On Line Driveway Permit

11. Dust Control ~ How do I get dust control for my road?

Dust control is applied by private companies that you can contact yourself. A list of these companies can be obtained by going to our Dust Control page (link below) on our website or by calling the Engineer's office at 319-833-3008. We prepare the road by blading and then issue a permit. Dust Control Information

12. Dust Control ~ Who pays for these applications?

Dust control applications are paid by the property owner except for special circumstances such as the road being used as a detour. Application of dust control for special circumstances must be approved by the County Engineer prior to application.

13. Roads Maintenance ~ How often are the shoulders mowed by the County?

The shoulders are mowed twice in a growing season. Once in May/June and a second time in August/September.

14. Road Maintenance ~ Why can't rock be placed on the roadbed first thing in the spring?

In the early spring, frost boils appear on the rock roads due to water trapped beneath the crusts. The general practice is to puncture the boil and lay it out to dry. If frost boils occurs in the same area, the boils may have to be excavated and graded, before rock can be placed over them.

15. Roads ~ How many miles of roads and ditches are in Black Hawk County?

Black Hawk County Secondary Roads maintains 1,534 miles of ditches and 761 miles of roads. We have 522 miles of gravel and 239 miles of paved roads.

16. Septic ~ Septic System and Well Water Questions?

All questions regarding septic tanks should be referred to the Black Hawk County Health Department at 319-291-2413.

17. Signs ~ Who do I contact for a 911 sign?

Contact the Black Hawk County Engineer's office either by following the link below or by calling 319-833-3008.

Uniform Rural Address System

18. Snow Removal ~ I live on a private road (or drive). Will the County plow my road?

No, it is the responsibility of the property owners to plow the snow or hire the job done.

19. Snow Removal ~ Is it illegal to push snow from yards or driveways leaving snow in the roadway?

Yes, this creates hazards for the traveling public. You could be sued (not the County) if there were to be an accident because of it.

20. Snow Removal ~ When are the snowplows out?

Snowplows are usually out between the hours of 5:00 a.m and 5:00 p.m. Plows may be called off the road if snow and blowing reduces visibility enough to create hazardous working conditions.

21. Snow Removal ~ When will my road be plowed?

Each storm has individual characteristics and must be dealt with accordingly. There is no time limit after a snowstorm in which the roads are to be plowed. Paved roads are done first then the unpaved roads will be plowed as soon as possible. Snow Removal Ordinance