Post-Flood Inspections For Wapello County
Wapello County officials have begun the process of letting some residents return to their homes in areas where floodwaters have receded. As the river returns to its banks, residents are asked to respect road barricades. Flood damaged rock roads and pavement may be unstable and could collapse under the weight of vehicles.
The Wapello County Engineering Department has established an inspection process to determine a structure's safety for habitation after the flood. Once the floodwaters are down, all homes in flooded areas will have to pass an inspection before the utilities can be re-connected and residents can move back in. The schedule for the inspection process will be announced as the conditions of flooded areas improve. After inspection, the structures will be marked with one of three colored tags or placards.
A Green tag means that the home is safe to live in and utility services can be reconnected.
A Yellow tag indicates the structure has been damaged. Yellow tag damages and deficiencies must be repaired and approved before habitation can be allowed. Utility reconnections on yellow-tagged structures will be allowed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the integrity and safety of the electrical system in the home.
A Red tag will be placed on structures determined to be unsafe to enter due to major damages.
Yellow-tagged properties will be off limits to residential occupation until property owner obtains:
(1.) proof of Iowa DNR Flood Plain Permit (if applicable),
(2.) proof of Elevation Certificate,
(3.) a Wapello County Building Permit for needed repairs,
(4.) proof of on-site wastewater system compliance with IAC 69 and
(5.) a positive well water test.
IAC 69, or Iowa Administrative Code 69 deals with the State of Iowa's regulations for private septic systems. The DNR Flood Plain Permit generally requires buildings with high damage potential, such as bank side homes, to be protected to the level of a one-foot above the 100-year flood elevation. Individuals re-occupying structures in violation of yellow or red placards are subject to citations and removal.
Residents are asked to be patient with the inspection process. The inspections may take some time to complete, but they are necessary for the health and safety of the residents. Individuals with questions about the inspection process can contact the office of the Wapello County Engineer at 684-5425.