Polk County's 2018 Flood Assistance Program has been implemented to assist low to moderate income residents of single-family owner occupied homes to replace or repair water heaters, furnaces and electrical panels from damage caused by floodwater. This program is jointly administered by Polk County and the City of Urbandale.

Starting the Process

Homeowners who fall below 80% (see the list below) of the median income level for Polk County and who have had flood damage will qualify for up to $6,000 to replace their water heater, furnace and electrical panels. The cost for furnace will be capped at $2,750, hot water heater at $1,750 and electrical panel at $1,500 – in aggregate not to exceed $6,000. Owner occupied mobile homes will be eligible for up to $750 for water heaters, furnaces and electrical panels. Rental, multi-family and commercial properties are not eligible for this program.

Total Gross Income must be less than:
$44,600 for 1-person households.
$51,000 for 2-person households.
$57,350 for 3-person households.
$63,700 for 4-person households.
$68,800 for 5-person households.
$73,900 for 6-person households.
$79,000 for 7-person households.
$84,100 for 8-person households.

Apply for Flood Assistance

Start the process by downloading the flood assistance application here, and email the completed application to floodpermit@urbandale.org. Please make sure to review the application carefully and fill it out completely. If you have questions please call (515 278-3930) or email us. After you submit your application we will review it and submit to Polk County to determine your eligibility. You can also send hard copies to:
City of Urbandale
Building Department
3600 86th Street
Urbandale, IA 50322

Repairing the Damage (Residential and Commercial)

When it's time to repair the damage we'll waive all the permit fees, regardless of household income level. Start the process by downloading the waived fee application here, and email the completed application to floodpermit@urbandale.org. Please make sure to review the application carefully and fill it out completely. If you have questions please call (515-278-3930) or email us. After you submit your application we will review it to determine your eligibility and waive the permit fees. You can also send hard copies to:
City of Urbandale
Building Department
3600 86th Street
Urbandale, IA 50322

Questions?

Still have flood damaged debris to be collected? Not sure where to start? Please call us at 515-278-3930 and we'll help answer your questions.

More Resources

Metro Home Improvement Program

The City of Urbandale with the collaboration of nine other metro cities participates in The Metro Home Improvement Program. The purpose of the program is to preserve affordable housing stock within our community. The Program is currently accepting applications from homeowners interested in the program. The assistance is for housing repairs such as sump pump installation, basic repairs (walls, roof, foundation), building systems (electrical, plumping, heating), weatherization (insulation, windows, siding), handicap accessibility (ramps and bathroom facilities), as well as any city code violations up to $12,500. The awards are in the form of a five-year forgivable loan to eligible households with income less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Polk County. Eligible property types are single family dwellings and do not include mobile homes, homes being purchased on contract, duplexes or rental units. The house assisted must be the primary residence of the applicant and assessed below $183,000. Property taxes, mortgage payments and insurance must be current.

The Metro Home Improvement Program is administered by the City of West Des Moines. The program is funded through the participating cities and the Polk County Housing Trust Fund. For further information or a program application, visit the following link www.wdm.iowa.gov/mhip or contact Christine Gordon or Kay Schoon, at the City of West Des Moines, at 515-273-0770.

Storm Water Grant Program

The Storm Water Grant Program helps property owners prevent or repair storm water related damage and improve drainage. Eligible projects could include: erosion prevention, bank reinforcement, installation of a drain tile, or silt removal from storm water detention areas. The 2018 Storm Water Grant Program opened on February 1st, 2018. Funds are still available! Please review the grant guidelines carefully. The application can be submitted electronically to stormwater@urbandale.org. Please contact stormwater@urbandale.org if you have any questions.