New Residents

Water and Sewer Services

Riverside operates its own water and wastewater plants. Located East of Highway 218 on Highway 22, these modern and efficient plants are dedicated to providing the highest quality services to Riverside citizens.

There is a $100 deposit (for renters only) upon connection and a monthly charge. The property owner is responsible for water and sewer lines to the main. Water and sewer bills are sent on the 1st and due by the 15th of the month. You may pay your bill by mail (PO Box 188), or in the drop box located by the front door at City Hall or by ACH.

Trash and Recycling

Refuse collection is contracted out, and pick-up is curbside each Monday beginning at 7 a.m. The rate for trash and recycling is currently $17.50/month or $19.50/month, depending upon size of the container, and will appear on your water bill. All recyclables should be placed curbside in the recycling cart and trash in the trash cart. Both are supplied to each property. If you are a tenant and do not have carts, contact your landlord. All existing properties should already have trash and recycling carts.

Yard Waste

Yard waste pickup is handled through a bag system April 1st through November 1st of each year. Johnson County Refuse bags are currently available for $1.65 per bag at city hall. Yard waste is deemed grass, small twigs, and garden waste. Open burning is permitted for yard waste and recreational activities. They will be available at City Hall. Please contact City Hall regarding any questions you may have on city ordinances.

Building Permits

Fees for building permits vary depending upon the proposed project. The process for approval follows:

Submit plans of the proposed project, including property lines, to the City Clerk
Complete and sign permit application
The City's Building Inspector will inspect and approve plans (if okay) and attach appropriate fees

Fines may be imposed if construction is started before a permit is approved or if occupancy is allowed before the City approves the structure. It is the builder's responsibility to inform the City Administrator and/or City Clerk when the project is ready for inspection.

Some examples of projects requiring permits are:

Homes
Garages
Permanent sheds
Patios
Additions which change the roofline of a home
Patios or additions which do not change the roofline of a home

If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, contact Building Inspector David Tornow at 319-330-5880

Council Meetings

The City Council meets the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 60 N. Greene St. in Riverside. If the Monday falls on a holiday, the alternate date will be posted. Agendas for council meetings are posted online and in the glass window outside City Hall.

Key Services

Riverside has a volunteer Fire Department and First Responders with trained EMTs. Dial 911 in case of an emergency.

Riverside residents can support the Washington County animal shelter, PAWS & More, through the "add a dollar" program collected through your water bill. You may call City Hall and request participation to donate any amount you'd like each month. PAWS & More is a private, non-profit organization that survives primarily on adoption fees, donations, and fundraising activities.

Riverside contracts with the Kalona Public Library for library service, and this allows Riverside residents to use the Kalona, Coralville, and Iowa City libraries at no charge. Residents may first obtain a card at Kalona or present a photo ID with a Riverside address at the Iowa City and Coralville libraries to receive a card.