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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.

Do I need a 911 address sign?

A.

If you live or have a business in the Jones County unincorporated area, then yes, you need a sign. Many people get a 911 sign even if they do not have a home or business at a particular location. A 911 sign is a convenient way to let delivery drivers or emergency services know where you want a delivery dropped or when you want someone to find you. 

Q.

How do I apply for a 911 sign?

A.

Either stop at the Jones County 911 Office or download the application here. Fill out the application and provide a map of where your driveway access point will be from the main road. Having the parcel number is a big help. That can be obtained from the Jones County Assessor’s Office.

When finished filling out the application, drop it off at the office or return by mail.

Q.

Where do I get the 911 sign after applying?

A.

Rural Jones County residents and businesses get their signage from the 911 Office located in the Jones County Courthouse at 500 W. Main Street, Room 34, in Anamosa. In cities and towns contact the city clerk for your specific address.

Q.

How much does a sign cost?

A.

The cost of the signage is currently set at $70. This included the post, the sign, and hardware to attach the sign to the post along with a set of instructions. Prorated charges may be applied when purchasing replacement parts. The 911 Office only accepts cash or check.

Q.

Who installs the signage?

A.

The property owner is responsible for installing the signage.

Q.

Where does the sign go?

A.

Per Jones County ordinance, the signage is to be placed to the right of the driveway as you face the property from the access road. The post should be placed along or near the property easement line and roughly 30 feet from the driveway.

Q.

Who is responsible for replacing a damaged sign?

A.

Per the Jones County rural addressing ordinance, the property owner is responsible for replacing any damaged or missing 911 signage. In addition, it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure the signage is always visible. This includes clearing brush, tall grass, and preventing snow from piling up around the signage and blocking clear line of sight.

Q.

How does the county determine my address?

A.

A grid pattern is overlayed on a map of the county much like a chessboard. Numbering starts from the south-east corner of the county. The range of numbers begins at 1000 and increases by 1000 for every mile from the starting point. At the north-west most point in the county, the numbering stops at 24999.

Once a 911 address is determined it is forwarded to the United States Postal Service becoming the official address of the property. Every city in Jones County assigns its own address schema separate from the county system. And finally, it is worth noting not every county in Iowa plots their addresses the same way.

Q.

What are the Jones County 911 Office hours?

A.

Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Q.

Where can I get a map of the area to find my parcel (lot)?

A.

On the Jonescountyiowa.gov web site go to the Assessor's Office page listed under DEPARTMENTS.  Next, select PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS. Now look for a link called MAPS. This link is directly under the word BEACON. Select MAPS. you should now see a map of Jones County. find teh general area that you are trying to identify, then start zooming into the exact location of interest.  As you zoom in you should start seeing parcel numbers (10 digit number) that identifies each individual parcel in the county.  That parcel number is what the 911 office needs to begin the process of assigning a 911 address.  

Map · Jones County 911 Address Coordinator

500 W. Main St. · Anamosa, IA 52205