Show All Answers

1. Is there airline service available?

No. For airline services nearest to Sioux Center, please view the following link. Nearby airline services.

Chartered private flight services are available through AirFlair at the Sioux County Regional Airport.

2. What is the length of the runway?

The runway is 5,500 feet long and 100 feet wide, accompanied by a full-length parallel taxiway.

3. Does the airport have information on all airplanes coming and going?

Usually not. Since there is not a control tower, prior notification is not a requirement, and often the airport personnel do not know the status of inbound or outbound personal flights.

4. Do you offer lessons?

Yes. Instruction and other aviation services are provided by AirFlair. Contact them at (712) 567-1000.

Show All Answers

1. How can I learn about upcoming Arts events?

You can find out about them on this website on the Arts page, or by liking our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SiouxCenterIowaArts

2. How do I register for a drama class or camp?

Contact Suzie Schuld via e-mail at suzies@siouxcenter.org or by phone at (712) 722-4386 ext. 8.

Show All Answers

1. What are the construction requirements for the back yard?

You are allowed to construct a 120-square-foot accessory building without a permit. It should be placed 10 feet from the property to avoid utility lines.

• If the accessory building faces an alley, it must be set back 15 feet.
• No accessory buildings are allowed in the front or side yards.
• The maximum allowable building in the rear yard is 30% of the required rear yard.

2. What are the size requirements for egress windows?

For regulations regarding egress windows, please view the following document. Egress Window Regulations

3. What inspections are required for building / remodeling?

The following are required inspections for building and remodeling:

• Footing Inspection – Required before you pour concrete
• Foundation Inspection – Required before you pour concrete
• Rough-In Inspection – Required before you insulate or install drywall
• Final Inspection – Required before you occupy the newly built or remodeled space

For all inspections, please call Code Enforcement Director Josh Dorhout at (712) 722-0761.

4. Where can I park an extra car or camper?

• All vehicles need to be parked on an approved surface of asphalt, concrete or rock.
• No vehicles are allowed to be parked in the road right of way, which is the first 20 feet behind the curb.
• No vehicles are allowed to be parked on or over the sidewalk.
• No vehicles are allowed to be stored in the front yard. Recreational vehicles may be stored in the front yard only during camping season.

Show All Answers

1. What are the mall hours?

Individual Centre Mall store hours vary. Go to the Centre Mall Store Directory for individual store hours. 

2. When are the Driver's License Examiners at Centre Mall?

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Call (712) 722-2923 for details. View the Sioux County Drivers License Schedule for more information.

3. When does the Life Serve Blood Center accept blood donations at Centre Mall?

The Life Serve Blood Center is open the first Thursday of each month from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Look for additional blood drive dates on the Centre Mall Calendar.  

Make an appointment to donate

Show All Answers

1. Who do we call when the power is out?

City of Sioux Center/Sioux Center Municipal Utilities

712-722-0761

2. When are the city tornado sirens tested?

Sioux Center holds monthly tornado siren tests the first Friday of every month from April through September as well as during Severe Weather Awareness Week in late March. The tests begin at 10 a.m. on those days.

The City has nine sirens placed at various strategic locations around the city and Sandy Hollow to provide outdoor warning.

Show All Answers

1. How do I report an outage?

If your house is without power, please contact the Electric Department immediately. During office hours, please call (712) 722-0761. After hours, call (712) 722-0921.

2. What is the average residential bill during winter months?

The average residential electric bill for winter (November - February) is about $89.

3. What part of the electric distribution system is the customer responsible for maintaining and repairing?

The Electric Department installs, maintains and repairs the electric lines up to the house. The city also provides the meter and meter socket. This includes the gas mains located in the street rights of way and utility easements, service lines serving each customer and the gas meter. The customer is responsible for all plumbing after the meter.

You may also view a drawing of your electric service.

4. Where do we purchase our power from?

The Sioux Center Municipal Utility purchases the power you use every day from Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and Missouri River Energy Services (MRES). You can read more information on our purchase providers in the Department History page.

Show All Answers

1. Are property taxes in Sioux Center high?

The 2018 fiscal year, Sioux Center's city property tax rates were ranked 482nd highest out of 941 cities in Iowa. Below is a listing of cities in Sioux County and their 2018 tax rates: To view comparisons with other local tax rates, view Area Property Tax Rates

To view comparisons with all Iowa cities, visit Tax Rate Web site, click the City Tax Rates link on the left, and open the file "Consolidated Tax Rate Comparison Between Cities." 

2. What percentage of my property tax payment does the city get?

If you live in the city limits, the city gets approximately 35% of your property tax payment. The school gets around 48%, the county gets 15% and the community college gets 2%. There are also some businesses located in TIF areas where a portion of the tax bill is split with these percentages and a portion is diverted to a particular project.

If you live outside of city limits, no portion of your property taxes goes to the city.

3. Why did my tax bill go up even though the city did not raise taxes?

There are five factors that determine your tax bill. Four of these factors are tax rates set by the school, city, county and community college. The fifth factor is your property valuation. If all four entities did not raise taxes but your property valuation increased, your individual tax bill could still be higher.

4. How much money does the City of Sioux Center have on hand?

The city currently has around $12 million in cash on hand. This is about 35% of annual expenses and is not excessive for a city with municipal gas and electric utilities. Around $2 to 3 million is continually needed for monthly cash flow. Monthly purchase of wholesale natural gas alone have been as high as $900,000 in recent winters.

5. Are sales taxes in Sioux Center high?

Sales tax in Sioux Center is 7%, which is normal for communities in Iowa.

That 7% rate is a combination of two rates. The Iowa sales tax rate is 6%. Like many Iowa cities, Sioux Center has a local option sales tax of 1%. Of this 1%, the City of Sioux Center gets approximately half. The remainder is split between the county and other cities in Sioux County. 

6. Does Sioux Center have an income tax or gas tax?

No. The city collects property tax, local option sales tax and hotel tax. 

However, the state does collect an income tax and gas tax.

Show All Answers

1. How many calls does the SCFD respond to each year?

The number of calls vary each year but the average is 80-100 calls.

2. Do the firemen get compensated for working with SCFD?

No, all members of the Sioux Center Fire Department are 100% volunteer.

3. Are fireworks allowed to be set off in Sioux Center?

Fireworks are prohibited within the City of Sioux Center, except during the dates allowed: June 13-July 8 between 9 a.m.-10 p.m., with extended use to 11 p.m. on July 4 and the Saturdays/Sundays before and after July 4 (up to July 8). Must be 18 to use. A $250 fine applies for misuse.  

4. Can I burn leaves or trash within city limits?

No, leaf and trash burning in Sioux Center is prohibited.

Show All Answers

1. What should I do to report a gas leak?

If you suspect a gas leak, immediately call the Natural Gas Department at (712) 722-0761 (weekdays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm) or at (712) 441-1106 (all other times). If you suspect a leak in a building, do not call from inside the building, as it is possible for the phone to ignite the leaking gas.

2. What is the average residential bill during winter months?

The average residential gas bill for winter (November - February) is about $92.

3. What part of the natural gas system is the customer responsible for maintaining and repairing?

The natural gas department installs, maintains and repairs all underground gas pipes up to the gas meter. This includes the gas mains located in the street rights of way and utility easements, service lines serving each customer and the gas meter. The customer is responsible for all plumbing after the meter.

Natural gas utility personnel are properly trained and qualified to work on the underground gas pipe. It is also important to employ a qualified plumber to perform any plumbing work after the meter.

You may also view a drawing of your natural gas service.

Show All Answers

1. How do I reserve a shelter house?

Only enclosed shelter houses can be reserved by calling the All Seasons Center at (712) 722-4386. Open shelter houses are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. How do I reserve a ball field?

You can make an online reservation request, 

call the All Seasons Center at (712) 722-4386, 

or email the All Seasons Center staff.

3. Where are the parks located in Sioux Center?

To view Sioux Center park and trail locations, please view the following document. Park Map

Show All Answers

1. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

For a copy of an accident report, please contact the Sioux Center Police Department between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday at:
335 1st Ave. NW
Sioux Center, IA 51250
Ph: (712) 722-0761

2. If my keys are locked in my vehicle, can the Sioux Center Police open it for me?

No, unless in case of emergency. Otherwise, the Sioux Center Police Department will assist you in obtaining the services necessary, such as a certified locksmith, to unlock your vehicle.

3. How long do I have to renew my Iowa driver’s license?

Residents needing to renew their driver’s license have 30 days before and 60 days after their birthday to renew. Residents moving to Iowa from another state have 30 days to obtain an Iowa driver’s license and Iowa license plates from the Sioux County Treasurer's Office in Orange City.

4. Is overnight parking on the street allowed?

Overnight parking is not allowed on the street from 2:00 am to 6:00 am. A $15 fine will be issued for such parking violations.

5. How do I pay a parking ticket?

All parking ticket payments need to be placed in the envelope provided and deposited in the deposit box, returned to the city office or returned to the Police Department within 48 hours of receiving the ticket.

6. How can I pay an Iowa citation?

To pay a citation, contact the clerk of court's office at (712) 737-2286 or pay your citation online

Show All Answers

1. How can I find out if an activity has been canceled?

Rained-out activities will be announced on KSOU 1090 AM or 93.9 FM and KDCR 88.5 FM. You can also call the rain number at (712) 722-0120.

2. What is the rain number?

The rain number is (712) 722-0120.

3. What swimming lesson session / class is my child in?

To find out what swimming lesson session / class your child is in, please contact the All Seasons Center (712) 722-4386 ext. 5 or 6.

Show All Answers

1. Does Sioux Center offer senior meals?

Yes. Meals are served each Wednesday at the New Homestead Community Room, 510 North Meadow Drive in Sioux Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. for all seniors 60 years of age and older. Kelly’s Catering from Hospers provides this service at a cost of $6 per meal. There are no income guidelines or tickets needed to attend this meal. Menus are posted on Channel 12 and in the local newspapers. For more information, you can contact (712) 722-2237 (New Homestead office).

2. How does the New Homestead Low Rent Housing Agency calculate rent?

Rent is 30% of your adjusted income, which is your annual income less deductions allowed by the HUD regulations. Please see the website at www.scnewhomestead.com for additional information regarding guidelines and frequently asked questions. More information about New Homestead

3. Are home health services and Life Line services provided at the New Homestead?

Home health services and Life Line are both available if you live at the New Homestead. These services are provided by outside entities (i.e. CHEARS Home Health through the Sioux Center Health (712) 722-8108; Community Health Partners in Orange City; etc.)

Show All Answers

1. How can I get some of my sidewalk replaced?

The City of Sioux Center continues to offer assistance with the cost of replacing deteriorating sidewalks. The cost share, designed to cover the cost of concrete, is $4.20 per lineal foot. City participation requires approval. For further information, please read and fill out the following application. Sidewalk Replacement Application

2. How do I get a "Children at Play" sign in my neighborhood?

Please contact the city office at (712) 722-0761 to request the sign. The cost of the sign will be passed along to you. The Street Department will install the pole and sign. Only one sign is allowed per block.

Show All Answers

1. What do I do if one of my floor drains, toilets, or showers backs up?

If water backs up in a basement floor drain when the washer runs or someone is using the shower or bathroom facilities, the problem is most likely within the home's private service line and you should call a drain cleaning company.

2. What part of the sewer system is the customer responsible for maintaining and repairing?

The Wastewater Department maintains and repairs all sewer mains and manholes located in the street rights of way and easements. The customer is responsible for the individual service that connects to the sewer main.

You may also view a drawing of your sewer service.

3. Can I discharge my sump pump into the sanitary sewer system?

Sump pumps shall not be connected into the sanitary sewer pipes or drains. The extra flow that sump pumps add to the sanitary sewer system causes the collection system to overflow. It could also cause the treatment plant to not work properly.

Sump pump lines should be discharged onto your property or into the gutter line at the street. If you live in a newer subdivision, sump pump drain lines are installed near the street for connection.

Show All Answers

1. What part of the water distribution system is the customer responsible for maintaining and repairing?

The Water Department maintains and repairs all water mains located in the street rights of way and water easements. The customer is responsible for the individual service that connects to the water main. This includes the curb stop (water shutoff) located on the property, the service pipe running from the main to the house and the water meter valve located in the house. The water meter is maintained by the utility.

You may also view a drawing of your water service.

2. What is the white film on my glasses, pans, and ice cube trays?

The white film is the calcium and magnesium in our water (hardness). These are naturally occurring minerals and do not pose a health risk. To remove the residue, try wiping or soaking the object with vinegar. Commercial products can also be used to remove the film that has built up on glassware.

3. What is "hard" water?

Hardness is drinking water is mainly the result of the presence of two minerals; calcium and magnesium. If either of these minerals are present in your water in large amounts, the water is said to be "hard" because making a lather or suds for washing is difficult (hard) to do. Water containing little calcium or magnesium is referred to as "soft" water. Our water is 38-40 grains per gallon.

4. What is the average residential bill during winter months?

The average residential water bill for winter (November - February) is about $24.

5. What can I do to prevent a high water bill?

There are several potential sources of a high water usage, including some that you as a homeowner can test for:

• Check for a leaky toilet by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank of every toilet. If coloring appears in the bowl, the toilet has a small leak that results in many lost gallons.
• Check to make sure no outdoor faucets are unintentionally running.

For more ideas, please call the Water Department at (712) 722-0761.

6. Is water treated with chlorine safe to drink?

Many studies have shown that the presence of chlorine in treated water is not a factor in whether the water is safe or not to drink, although some people object to the taste and smell. The addition of chlorine during the treatment process is necessary to protect against potential bacterial contamination. Chlorine may be removed from the water by simply putting an uncovered container of tap water in the fridge and letting it sit for a couple of hours.

7. Is fluoride added to Sioux Center’s drinking water?

Yes, fluoride is added to Sioux Center's drinking water during the treatment process. It is closely monitored maintain a level of 1.1 ppm (parts per million).

8. What causes white water?

The presence of air bubbles may cause your water to appear white or cloudy. You can identify the problem as air by filling a glass with water. If the cloudiness rises from the bottom to the top of the glass, it is most likely air.