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1. Does my pet need to be licensed?

Yes.  As per City Code of Ordinance Title 7, Chapter 6, Article B: Dogs and Cats.  Any dog or cat that is kept in the City (Dubuque city limits) needs to be licensed.  Animal licensing for the City of Dubuque is handled through a company called PetData.  Contact information for PetData is:

Dubuque Animal Licensing
c/o PetData
P.O. Box 141929
Irving, TX 75014-1929

1-800-738-3463

Additional information on pet licensing.

PetData website

2. How do I get my pet out of impound?

If your pet has been impounded, you will need to go to the Dubuque Humane Society (4242 Chavenelle Rd.) and pay an impoundment fee of $30.00 (1st offense) or $60.00 (2nd and subsequent offenses) before the animal can be claimed. Any delinquent pet license fees must also be paid at that time.  Pet license fees must be paid through PetData.

Animal Control website

3. Does the City trap wild animals?

The City's Animal Control division is responsible for the care and control of domesticated animals; therefore, we do not set traps for nuisance wildlife.

Residents needing nuisance wildlife removed from their property may trap it themselves or hire licensed animal trappers for a fee.

4. How do I submit a request for Animal Control to trap feral cats?

Submit an online service request or you may call Animal Control at 563-589-4185 to request to be put on the trap list.

Animal Control sets these traps, weather permitting, from March until October.

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1. Do bicycles need to be licensed?

Every bicycle owned or ridden within the City of Dubuque should be registered pursuant to Title 7, Chapter 7 of the City Code of Ordinances.  Bike registration forms can be found online or picked up at the City Clerk's Office located in City Hall (50 W 13th St.) or at various bicycle shops in the Dubuque area.  The cost of a bicycle license is $5 and is valid for as long as the owner owns the bike.

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1. How do I request to speak at a City Council meeting?

Residents are able to address the City Council during the public input section of regular session City Council meetings. Public input occurs during every regular session City Council meeting, so you are welcome to attend any regular session meeting to provide public input. Regular session City Council meetings occur on the first and third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. If the first or third Monday is a holiday, then the meeting occurs on the following Tuesday.

As of January 2022, public input may be provided in-person or virtually via GoToMeeting chat or phone. Agendas for City Council meetings are posted the Friday before the scheduled meeting here. 

The agenda will contain the participation options and will also show when the public input period is scheduled on the agenda.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Individual remarks are limited to five minutes
• Speakers must first provide their name and address before speaking
• Masks are required if attending the meeting in person

City Council Contact Information

2. How do I contact my City Council representative?

City Council contact information is available here. 

Not sure which ward you live in?  Type in your address on this interactive ward map to find out.

3. How do I get a copy of a City Council agenda or minutes from a meeting?

City Council agendas are available after 9 a.m. on the Friday prior to a City Council meeting (first and third Monday with the exception of holidays). 

Agendas are posted at City Hall and on the City of Dubuque's website. Copies of current and past agendas and minutes are available here. 

Sign up to be notified via email and/or text message when a new agenda is available.

Copies are also available at City Council meetings. Minutes are generally available on the City of Dubuque website the Friday following a City Council meeting and, pursuant to State Code, published in the Telegraph Herald within 15 days of the meeting. Copies can be e-mailed or mailed upon request to the City Clerk's Office.

4. What is the make-up of the City Council?

The City Council consists of a Mayor and two Council members elected at large, and one Council member elected from each of Dubuque's four wards. The Mayor and other Council members serve four-year staggered terms. The Mayor is a member of the City Council and may vote on all matters before the council. 

Learn more about Dubuque's City Council

5. When and where does the City Council meet?

The Dubuque City Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the Historic Federal Building at 350 West 6th Street. The meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and are broadcast live on CityChannel Dubuque, the City's local government access channel (Dubuque Mediacom channels 8 and 117.2). In the event of a holiday, meetings are held on the following Tuesday.

City Council Meeting Videos

City Council meeting videos are streamed live and archived on the CityChannel Dubuque webpage.  Meetings are also streamed live on the City of Dubuque Facebook page and broadcast live and replayed on CityChannel Dubuque (Dubuque Mediacom channels 8 and 117.2).

6. What is the City Council's function in the Council-Manager form of government?

The City Council is the legislative body; its members are the community's decision makers. Power is centralized in the elected council, which approves the budget and determines the tax rate, for example. The council also focuses on the community's goals, major projects, and such long-term considerations as community growth, land use development, capital improvement plans, capital financing, and strategic planning. The council hires a professional manager to carry out the administrative responsibilities and supervises the managers performance. 

Source: International City/County Management Association

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1. What type of incentives and programs are available in Dubuque to attract new businesses and promote growth of existing businesses?

The City's Economic Development Department works closely with several partner organizations, including Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, to help fulfill the needs of businesses looking to build, relocate, or expand in Dubuque.  A number of tools are available to encourage business growth including low-interest loans, land discounts, tax-increment financing, and programs through the State of Iowa.  

Contact the Economic Development Department

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1. What is the history of the Bee Branch Creek?

The "Bee Branch" is identified on the US Geological Survey maps running along W. 32nd Street. At the W. 32nd Street Detention Basin, the creek enters into the storm sewer that has for many decades been referred to as the Bee Branch storm sewer. This storm sewer extended from W. 32nd Street down through the Couler Valley area and discharged into the pond near the former Dubuque Packing Company property on E. 16th Street. Prior to the early 1900's, it is thought that Bee Branch Creek joined with the Couler Creek somewhere between what is now W. 30th Street and W. 32nd Street.

Visit the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project website

2. What is a green alley and what are the benefits?

All alleys and other impervious surfaces throughout the watershed contribute to the flooding problems.  When stormwater runs off your property, it enters the street and storm sewer system.  The capacity of the system can be exceeded in major rain events. The Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project takes a comprehensive, watershed-wide approach to reducing the amount of stormwater, slowing its rate through the upper watershed, and increasing the safe conveyance of stormwater to prevent flooding and private property and public infrastructure damage. The conversion of 240 alleys will result in runoff reductions of up to 80% within the Bee Branch Watershed.

Green Alley Information

3. What is the "right-of-way"?

Right-of-way (ROW) is land which is owned by the City to provide a location for the construction of streets, alleys, sidewalks, and utilities. Typically, the width of public ROW is 50, 60, or 64 feet, although other widths may occur. ROW is always wider than the street. If a 50-foot wide ROW has a 26-foot wide street, then there is a 12-foot wide area behind the curb on both sides of the street which is owned by the City, providing that street is centered in the ROW. Property owners cannot encroach upon public ROW with fences, walls, or buildings since this may conflict with the use of ROW for utilities and sidewalks.  For more information contact the City of Dubuque Engineering Department or call (563) 589-4270. 

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1. How do I find a job in Dubuque?

Opportunities with the City of Dubuque can be found on the City's website.

AccessDubuqueJobs.com is a collaborative effort of Dubuque organizations to promote employment in the Dubuque area.  

Some additional resources to visit as you explore working in the Dubuque community are:

• Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
• Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
• Prosperity Eastern Iowa
• Iowa Department of Economic Development

2. What are the business hours at City Hall?

City Hall is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday, excluding holidays.

Utility Billing and Finance hours are 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday thru Thursday, and 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., on Friday, excluding holidays. 

3. How do I find a hotel in Dubuque?

Dubuque delivers all the latest amenities, from gorgeous Victorian architecture overlooking the city and the Mississippi River to hotels combining old world elegance with contemporary luxury in historic parts of the city, as well as many major chain hotels.  

For information on lodging in Dubuque, visit Travel Dubuque's website.

4. How do I have an item placed on a City Council meeting agenda?

The City Clerk's Office coordinates the agenda for all City Council meetings. City Council agenda items are due in the City Clerks Office in City Hall by noon on the Wednesday preceding the Council meeting. For more information, call the City Clerk’s Office at 563.589.4120.

City Clerk's Office web page

5. Where is the highest point in the City of Dubuque?

A lot of people think the bluffs are the highest point in the City, but that is incorrect!  The highest point in the City of Dubuque is at the very western edge of the City limits, north of 17201 Middle Rd., in a farm field.  The elevation at that location is 1122' above mean sea level.

The bluff line near Loras College (at Alta Vista St.) is 870', which is 274' above the normal river level at the railroad bridge.  The lowest elevation of 594' is along the shore of the Mississippi River on Chaplain Schmitt Memorial Island.

6. How do I pay court fines?

To pay a court fine, please contact the Clerk of District Court, Dubuque County Courthouse, 720 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA  52001, or call 563.589.4418

Fines can be paid online at https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-1/district/1/county/dubuque

7. How do I get an Iowa driver's license?

Iowa State driver’s licenses can be applied for at the local Iowa Department of Transportation Driver’s License Bureau, 2460 Gateway Dr, Dubuque, IA 52003.

Website

Phone: 563-583-9844

8. How do I obtain a copy of a marriage certificate or apply for a new one?

Information regarding marriage certificates can be obtained from the Dubuque County Recorder's Office, Dubuque County Courthouse, 720 Central Ave., Dubuque, IA  52001.

Website

Phone: 563.589.4434

9. How do I find my polling place?

To locate your polling place, please contact the Dubuque County Elections Office, Dubuque County Courthouse, 720 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA  52001.

Website

Type in your address to find your polling place using this interactive map.

Phone: 563.589.4457

10. How do I apply for a Special Event Permit?

The process for applying for a Special Event Permit is available here.

For questions regarding Special Events, contact the City Clerk's Office at 563-589-4100.

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1. Does the City's Noise Ordinance include snow removal equipment?

The City Ordinance states: "Snow removal equipment may be operated at any time." 

View more information on the City's Noise Ordinance

2. What time is lawn mowing allowed?

The City Ordinance states: "Power equipment, such as lawn mowers, small lawn and garden tools, riding tractors that are necessary for the maintenance of property may operate between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and sunset, Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to sunset on Saturday and Sunday."

View information on the City's Noise Ordinance

3. What time is outdoor music allowed?

The City Ordinance states: "The making or continuing to make any outdoor music or amplified noise is prohibited from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday."

If your event is expected to play amplified music outside these permitted hours, a Noise Variance Permit will need to be completed and turned in to the Health Services Department for approval before the event. The Health Department does not issue Noise Variance Permits for private events/parties. 

Noise Variant Permit

Find more information on the City's Noise Ordinance.

4. What do I do if I believe I have food poisoning?

If you believe you have food poisoning, please call the Iowa Department of Public Health's "Iowa Sic" hotline at 844-IowaSic (844-469-2748) to file a report.

5. Is hunting allowed in Dubuque city limits?

The City of Dubuque's urban deer management program aims to control excess deer within the city limits of Dubuque and the surrounding outlying area.  Turkey hunting is not allowed. Hunting of any animals other than deer is prohibited.

Deer Management Plan information

Informational brochure

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1. Are there any City programs available to help with a down payment on a house?

The City's Housing & Community Development Department has a variety of programs to help homeowners and homebuyers.  Visit the website for more information.

Full list of homeowner incentive programs

2. Are there any City programs available for residents living in the Washington Neighborhood?

The Housing & Community Development Department offer a Washington Neighborhood Homeowner Rehabilitation Program.  Details available here.  More information on neighborhood revitalization programs are available on their website. 

Full list of homeowner incentive programs

3. I live outside the city limits, are there any programs available for me?

Unfortunately no.  The property must be within the Dubuque city limits. 

However, you could contact ECIA (East Central Intergovernmental Association) at 563-556-4166, which assists residents outside of the city of Dubuque. 

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1. Can you keep horses or ponies in the city of Dubuque limits?

You may keep horses or ponies on property that is zoned AG Agricultural.  Horses or ponies may also be allowed in an R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district with approval of a Conditional Use Permit from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.   If you have questions, feel free to contact the Planning Services Department at 563-589-4210.

2. Can you keep chickens within the City of Dubuque limits?

Chickens or ducks (hens only) are permitted in any residentially zoned property for egg production only.  No roosters are allowed.  You may keep chickens/ducks (hens or roosters) on property that is zoned AG Agricultural.  They must be contained in a coop and enclosure to protect them from predators or weather and to confine them to the property owner's lot.  See brochure for more information.

The coop is required to meet setbacks for a detached accessory structure.  Please contact the Planning Services Department at 563-589-4210 to verify setbacks for the coop.

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1. Who can I contact about lost or found property?

Found property turned in to the Dubuque Police Department is maintained in accordance with Iowa Code.  If the owner of the property is unknown, the property will be disposed of after a ninety (90) day holding period.  If you find property that you would like to turn over to the police department, please contact dispatch at 563-589-4415 at any time.  If you have lost property and would like to inquire if it is in police custody, please call 563-587-3801 between 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM on Monday - Friday.

2. How do I file a complaint against a police officer?

You can compliment/commend a police officer, file a complaint against a police officer, or submit a comment on the police department's website.

3. How do I submit a compliment about an officer?

You can compliment/commend a police officer, file a complaint against a police officer, or submit a comment on the police department's website.

4. What is the law concerning loud mufflers?

Iowa Code 321.436 and Dubuque Code 9-12-321.436 each indicate that "Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive noise or annoying smoke."  The Dubuque Code specifically lists prima facie violations as:

1. The use of a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device upon a motor vehicle upon a street;
2. Equipment marked with either "off road use" or "not for street use";
3. Excessive revving and/or acceleration which can be heard at a distance of at least two hundred feet (200'); or
4. The operation of a vehicle making excessive noise so as to be audible at a distance of at least two hundred feet (200').

The law does not use a specific volume (decibel) level to define what is considered "excessive," nor does it require a law enforcement agency to measure the decibel level of a violator before issuing a citation.  A law enforcement officer will take in to account the totality of the circumstances at the time of a violation when determining the best course of corrective action.

5. Can I pay a speeding or other traffic ticket online?

Traffic violations issued by the Dubuque Police Department may be paid online on the State of Iowa's website.

A traffic ticket can also be paid at the County Clerks office in the Dubuque County Court House. The fine and citation can also be mailed to the Clerk of Court. Please follow the directions on the reverse side of the citation for payment by mail.

6. How do I retrieve a vehicle that has been impounded/towed?

The following procedure must be completed if the vehicle was impounded/towed for an INSURANCE VIOLATION (see below for other reasons):

1. The no insurance citation must be satisfied. This means that the person issued the citation has obtained a court order to release the vehicle or else paid the fine.  Proof of this is obtained from the Clerk of Court.  If the cited person has proof that there was insurance coverage on your vehicle at the time the citation was issued, that paperwork should be presented to the Clerk of Court.
2. The motor vehicle must then be properly re-registered at the County Treasurer’s Office.
3. The owner must obtain valid insurance for the motor vehicle.
4. The receipt from the Clerk of Court verifying the citation has been satisfied, proof of registration (plates & registration form), and proof of insurance can then be brought to the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center at 770 Iowa Street. A Shift Commander, or his/her designee, will review the paperwork.  If everything is in order, a call will be placed to the wrecker service to authorize the release from impound following payment of the $20 City of Dubuque vehicle impound administrative fee at the DLEC.
5. Any towing fees or storage fees will have to be paid to the wrecker service before the they will release the vehicle.

The following procedure must be completed if the vehicle was impounded/towed for OTHER REASONS:

1. The owner needs to come to the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center at 770 Iowa Street to resolve the issue of why the vehicle was towed (such as outstanding parking tickets) and to pay the $20 City of Dubuque vehicle impound administrative fee.
2. Any towing fees or storage fees will have to be paid to the wrecker service before the they will release the vehicle.

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1. How do I dispose of my leaves?

There are several things you can do with your leaves:

• Mulch the leaves and scatter them on your lawn
• Use paper yard waste bags or use cans and attach a yellow sticker
• Schedule a leaf rake out. Details available on the Public Works website.

2. How do I recycle my glass?

The City of Dubuque ended its curbside collection of glass on July 2, 2011, because it was no longer a sustainable practice. In terms of Dubuque’s sustainability model, glass collection is a very poor economic investment with costs greatly exceeding benefits and offsets. Recycling glass also has very low net environmental benefits and glass is inert and therefore disposal in a landfill causes no direct pollution.

If you want to recycle glass, here are some options available:

• Return your glass to one of the drop-off locations (purple containers) around Dubuque
  • The DMASWA Landfill Facility at 101 Airborne Rd. (formerly 14501 HWY 20 West, now accessed by a frontage road.)
  • The City of Dubuque Municipal Services Center at 925 Kerper Ct. 
  • Hy-Vee in Asbury Plaza (off the NW Arterial)
• Redeem glass bottles through Iowa’s Bottle Bill’s five-cent redemption program. About 40 percent of the glass that was curbside-collected in Dubuque qualified for five-cent redemption.
• Find ways to reuse the glass containers you buy and look for products that come in a type of packaging that is locally recyclable.

Learn more here.

3. How do I dispose of large items, such as appliances and furniture?

You can submit large item collection appointment online or call the Public Works Department at (563) 589-4250. Collections are normally done on your regular solid waste collection day. All items must be set out to the curb or alley line by 6:00 a.m. on the day of collection, but not more than 24 hours prior to collection.

More information on Dubuque's Large Item Collection Program

4. When will my street be cleared of snow and ice?

During a storm, our operators plow and deice Dubuque's arterial streets as long as it continues to snow.  Once it has stopped snowing and the arterial streets are safe for travel, our crews will proceed to plow and deice Dubuque's secondary streets. Information on Dubuque's Winter Weather Response.

Snow Plow Priority Route Map

YOU CAN HELP!

During a storm, our operators work around the clock on alternating 12 hours shifts until all streets are plowed and safe for travel.  Plow operators can do a better job when cars are not parked on the streets.  We ask that residents park their vehicles off the street during snow plowing operations.  The equipment that we use to plow the snow from the streets will leave a ridge of snow across your driveway.  It is up to the property owner to remove the ridge left by our snow plowing equipment.  When shoveling or snow blowing your driveway and sidewalk, please do not shovel or blow snow into the street. Your cooperation reduces the time required to plow all streets.  Also, when residents blow or shovel snow into streets, they become liable for the road hazards they have created. City ordinance that prohibits this illegal and dangerous practice.

5. How much time do I have to remove the snow and ice from my sidewalk following a snowfall?

Sidewalks are required, by ordinance, to be cleaned of snow and ice within a reasonable amount of time. The reasonable length of time is considered to be forty-eight (48) hours after the ending of a snowfall. If this is not done, the Engineering Division may have the sidewalk(s) cleaned and the property owner assessed for this service. Written notice is given to the property owner once per season prior to City work.  For more information, contact the Engineering Department or call 563.589.4270.  Please see the Winter Reminders flyer for more information.

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1. Do the buses operate on holidays?

The Jule may operate on certain holidays.  The holiday schedule is available on The Jule's website or by calling 563-589-4196.  

You may also sign up to be alerted via email or text message with Jule news, announcements, and route/schedule changes.

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1. How can I track my water usage and view my bill?

WaterSmart is Dubuque's free water management tool and online payment portal for City of Dubuque water customers.

With WaterSmart, you can:

1. View and pay bills
2. Track daily water usage
3. See how your usage ranks compared to similar households
4. View tips on how to save
5. Sign up for leak alerts, and more!

Learn more at https://cityofdubuque.org/watersmart

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1. Can I tour the Water Distribution Plant or Water & Resource Recovery Center?

Tours of the Eagle Point Water Treatment Plant at 1902 Hawthorne St. are available Monday - Friday. To schedule a tour, please call 563.589.4291.

To tour the Water & Resource Recovery Center at 795 Julien Dubuque Dr., please call plant manager William O'Brien at 563.589.4176 or wobrien@cityofdubuque.org.  

Watch a virtual tour here!