FAQs

Q2.Building Permit – Do I need to obtain one ?

Answer: Building permits are required before constructing or placing any structures in the unincorporated area of Grundy County. Permits are also needed when altering the exterior dimensions of any existing structure. Building Permits are managed by the Zoning Department located on the lower level of the Grundy County Courthouse, 706 G Avenue.

Q3.Zoning – Where do I inquire about zoning regulations and permits in Grundy County ?

Answer: Rural zoning matters are handled at the County Zoning Office, housed in the lower level of the Grundy County Courthouse, 706 G Avenue in Grundy Center.

Q4. Driver’s License – Where do I get mine ?

Answer: At the Grundy County Treasurer's Office on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm or at any Driver's License Station in the State of Iowa. For more information on locations nearest you, visit the Iowa State Treasurers Association website at www.iowatreasurers.org.

Q5. Marriage License – What do I need to get one ?

Answer: A marriage license can be obtained from the Recorder’s Office, located on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse. The 2 parties to be married and a disinterested witness (any adult who knows both the parties) must complete the application and sign it in front of a notary public or Recorder’s Office personnel. The fee is $35.00 payable to the Grundy County Recorder. You may also obtain a copy of a marriage certificate from the Recorder’s Office.

Q6. Clerk of Court – How do I research information in your office ?

Answer: You can research our public records yourself or have someone do it for you. Some of our records are available on-line at www.iowacourtsonline.org.

Q7. Real Estate – How do I find the owner of a particular property ?

Answer: Real Estate Parcel ownership can be determined from the Assessor’s Office located in the lower level of the Grundy County Courthouse (319-824-6216), the Auditor’s Office located on the main level of the Grundy County Courthouse (319-824-3122), or on the County GIS Mapping site which you can access from the homepage of this website.

Q8. Landfill – Where is the County Sanitary Landfill ?

Answer: Click here to view information about County Convenience Center/Landfill.

Q9. Driver’s License – How many days do I have to renew mine ?

Answer: Your Iowa driver's license is valid for 60 days after the expiration date. The IA DOT gives you this extra time to process your renewal application. If your driver's license has been expired for longer than 1 year, you must re-take the written and driving tests. If you're unsure about the status of your driver's license in Iowa, you can always get a copy of your Iowa driving record.

Q10. Septic Permit – Where do I get one ?

Answer: Septic Permits are handled at the County Sanitarian’s Office, housed in the lower level of the Grundy County Courthouse, 706 G Avenue in Grundy Center.

Q11. Birth Certificate – Where do I get a copy ?

Answer: A birth certificate can be obtained in the County Recorder’s Office on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q12. Real Estate – How do I request information on liens on real estate parcels ?

Answer: Mortgages, state, and federal liens are available in the Recorder’s Office, located on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse. Lien judgment information is available in the Clerk of Courts Office, located on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q13. Clerk of Court – Will you research a case for me ?

Answer: No, the Clerk of Court’s Office is unable to do research for you.

Q14. License Plates – When can I renew them ?

Answer: You have the month before, the month of, and the month following your license plate renewal month to renew without penalty.

Q15. Property Taxes – When are they due ?

Answer: Your tax statement will provide you with the amount of the tax due for the year. The tax statement will include two payment stubs, one for the first half of the year and one for the second half. You may choose to pay each half by the due date with these stubs or pay the full year at once. The first half of taxes are due by September 1st of each year (late interest will begin accruing October 1st) and the second half is due by March 1st of each year (late interest will begin accruing April 1st).

Q16. Property Taxes – What types of credits are available for the elderly, disabled, or low-income property owners?

Answer: To learn more about Iowa Property Tax Credit, visit the Property Tax Department in the County Treasurer’s Office in the Grundy County Courthouse or to download an application go to www.state.ia.us/tax/forms/prop.html.

Q17. Jury Duty – How will I know when I need to report for jury duty ?

Answer: You will be notified by mail when you will need to report.

Q18. Food Stamps – How do I get them ?

Answer: Contact the Iowa Department of Human Services at 1-800-873-1340.

Q19. Legal Description – Where do I find mine ?

Answer: The legal description can be found on your land abstract or on the County GIS Mapping site which you can access from the homepage of this website. Should you need further assistance, visit the Auditor’s Office located on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse or contact them at 319-824-3122.

Q20. Dust Control – How do I apply for this service ?

Answer: Click Here to get to the Dust Control Application form online and submit it to the County Engineer’s Office, located at 22580 M Avenue, north of Grundy Center.

Q21. 911 Maps – Where can I receive one ?

Answer: 911 maps are available at the Sheriff’s Office located at 703 8th Street in Grundy Center (directly west of the Grundy County Courthouse)

Q22. Real Estate – How much does it cost to record a real estate deed and mortgage ?

Answer: The standard recording fee is $7.00 for the first page and $5.00 for every page thereafter. A deed will also require an Auditor’s Transfer fee of $5.00 per parcel and a real estate transfer stamp based on the selling price of the property. Deeds and mortgages are recorded in the Recorder’s Office, located on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q23. Car Title – Where do I get the title transferred into my name if purchasing a car?

Answer: You can title and register your car at the Motor Vehicle Counter in the County Treasurer’s Office located in the lower level of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q24. Voter Registration – Where and how do I register to vote ?

Answer: You can register to vote in the Auditor’s Office located on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse. They will provide you with a voter registration form to complete and sign in order to become a registered voter in Grundy County. You may also complete a voter registration form to make a change to your registration information. A voter registration form may be obtained on-line by clicking here.   Complete the form and return to the Auditor’s Office.

Q25. Death Certificate – Where do I obtain a copy of one ?

Answer: Contact the County Recorder’s Office on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q26. Real Estate – How do I find out about a building structure, square footage, etc. on a real estate parcel ?

Answer: That information is available in the Assessor’s Office located in the lower level of the Grundy County Courthouse or on the County GIS Mapping site which you can access from the homepage of this website.

Q27. Roads – Who maintains the county roads ?

Answer: County roads are maintained by the Engineer/Secondary Road Department, located at 22580 M Avenue, north of Grundy Center.

Q28. Traffic Citations – What amount on the ticket do I pay ?

Answer: You would pay the Total Fine/Costs on or before the court date. If you are paying after the court date, you would pay the Unsecured Appearance Bond amount at the bottom of the ticket.

Q29. Property Taxes – What are my payment options ?

Answer: Payment may be made by cash, check, debit card, credit card, or money order in person to the Property Tax Department in the County Treasurer’s Office in the Grundy County Courthouse or by mail to the same department. You may also use a Debit Card, Master Card, Visa, Discover Credit Card or e-check on the Iowa State Treasurer’s Association Website found by clicking on Treasurer under the departments link on the homepage of this website.

Q30. Real Estate – How do I change my name on a property ?

Answer: In most cases, a new deed will need to be prepared and recorded at the Recorder’s Office, located on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q31. Property Taxes – Can I make a partial payment ?

Answer: You may make partial payments for current or delinquent real estate or mobile home property tax. Partial payments are not accepted for special assessments or tax sale redemption payments. A partial payment must be indicated on your payment of tax due.

Q32. 911 Address Markers – Where are they available ?

Answer: Contact the Sheriff’s Office located at 703 8th Street in Grundy Center (directly west of the Grundy County Courthouse).

Q33. Clerk of Court – What are their office hours ?

Answer: The Clerk of Court’s Office is open to the public from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except Judicial holidays.

Q34. Traffic Citations – Where do I send payment for a traffic citation that I received in Grundy County ?

Answer: Send payment to Clerk of District Court, Grundy County Courthouse, 706 G Avenue, Grundy Center IA 50638.

Q35. Traffic Citations - How do I plead not-guilty to my traffic citation ?

Answer: You would notify the Clerk of Court's Office either verbally or in writing on or before the court date on the ticket. You will then be notified by mail of your trial date.

Q36. General Relief – Where do I apply for relief services ?

Answer: Contact the General Relief Office, housed on the main level of the Grundy County Annex Building, 706 H Avenue in Grundy Center (directly south of the Grundy County Courthouse).

Q37. License Plates – How do I get a refund on my plates ?

Answer: Bring your license plates and registration to the Motor Vehicle Department in the County Treasurer’s office located in the lower level of the Grundy County Courthouse and complete a “Claim for Refund.” The claim will then be sent to the Iowa Department of Transportation. If approved, a refund will be mailed to you within four to six weeks.

Q38. License Plates – Where do I apply for personalized license plates ?

Answer: Personalized license plate applications can be obtained at the Motor Vehicle Department in the County Treasurer’s Office located in the lower level of the Grundy County Courthouse or click on vehicle services at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/vehicleregistration/plates.

Q39. Motor Vehicle Department – Where is it located ?

Answer: The Motor Vehicle Department is housed in the County Treasurer’s Office located in the lower level of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q40. Well Permit – Where do I get one ?

Answer: Well Permits are handled at the County Sanitarian’s Office, housed in the lower level of the Grundy County Courthouse, 706 G Avenue in Grundy Center.

Q41. Social Services – How do I access these services ?

Answer: The Social Services office is located on the main floor of the Grundy County Annex Building, 704 H Avenue in Grundy Center (directly south of the Grundy County Courthouse).

Q42. Property Taxes – Where do I pay my property taxes ?

Answer: At the Property Tax Department in the Treasurer’s Office located in the lower level of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q43. ATV – Where can I receive information about registering mine ?

Answer: Contact the County Recorder’s Office on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q44. Court Hearing – Do I need to hire an attorney for my small claims hearing ?

Answer: You are not required to be represented by counsel, but you may seek legal advice if you choose to do so.

Q45. Board of Supervisors – Where can I find the weekly agendas on this website?

Answer: Weekly Board of Supervisor agendas may be found by clicking on the "Board of Supervisors Agenda" button located on the right side of this page.

Q46. Board of Supervisors – When and Where do they meet ?

Answer: The County Board of Supervisors usually meet on Mondays at 9:00 A.M. in the Board of Supervisor’s Room on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q47. Hunting – Where can I receive information on regulations and licenses ?

Answer: Contact the County Recorder’s Office on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q48. Fishing – Where can I receive information on regulations and licenses ?

Answer: Contact the County Recorder’s Office on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q49. Absentee Ballot Application Form – Can I request one on-line ?

Answer: Click here for request form  that you can complete and mail to the Auditor’s Office.

Q50. Economic Development – Who do I contact about economic development opportunities ?

Answer: Contact the Grundy County Development Alliance housed at 705 F Avenue in Grundy Center or visit their website at www.grundycountyia.com. You may contact them at 319-825-3606-or call the Chamber of Commerce for the community.

Q51. Snowmobiles – Where can I receive information about registering mine ?

Answer: Contact the County Recorder’s Office on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q52. Child Abuse and Neglect – How do I report suspicion of ?

Answer: Contact the Iowa Department of Human Services at 1-800-873-1340.

Q53. Boats – Where can I receive information on boating registration and regulations?

Answer: Contact the County Recorder’s Office on the main floor of the Grundy County Courthouse.

Q54. Immunizations, communicable diseases, physicals, etc. – How do I find out more information about these ?

Answer: Contact Grundy County Public Health, located at 706 H Ave; Suite 2. in Grundy Center.  Phone 319-824-6312.

Q55. Sale Tax Permits – How do I get information about them ?

Answer: Sales Tax Permits are handled at the Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance at 1-800-367-3388.

Q56. Income Tax Forms – Where do I get them ?

Answer: Income Tax Forms are handled at the Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance at 1-800-367-3388 or www.irs.gov.

Q57. Camping – Can I reserve a camping site?

 Answer: Camping at Grundy County Lake and Wolf Creek Recreation Area are on a first come first serve basis only. No reservations are possible.