Since 2024 and during the following winter, homeless people lived temporarily in the building, even starting a fire to keep warm at one point. Those conditions violate the city’s nuisance ordinances. After following procedures required in Chapter 657A of the Code of Iowa, the City of Webster City took possession of the property June 30, 2025.

It’s a story destined to be repeated indefinitely into the future.

Recently, the city took legal possession of abandoned homes at 809 Merritt, and 931 James Street. Both are expected to be demolished by the end of 2026.,

“Taking possession is a last resort,” Derrick Drube, Right of Way inspector for Webster City said, “We prefer owners make the required repairs, and the building continues to be someone’s home.”

For a variety of reasons though, more and more single-family homes, the majority in the city’s older neighborhoods, are being abandoned. “It can be due to the owners no longer maintaining the property to city codes; maybe repairs will cost more than the property is worth, or the owners may not be able or wish to sell it,” said Brian Stroner, Environmental and Safety Coordinator, for the City of Webster City.

Regardless, there are more abandoned homes in Webster City today than at any time in living memory. How many? City staff are working to determine that, but the number grows steadily.

The process leading to demolition of an abandoned home is carefully defined by state law. It often begins with neighbors complaining about, or city staff observing general nuisance conditions at a home. This time of year it’s likely to be overgrowth of grass and weeds; in winter, it could be a home where snow isn’t regularly removed from sidewalks.

The next step is to consult utility records. If a home hasn’t used water, gas or electricity, it’s a solid sign no one is living there. Are property taxes up to date? If not, the owner will be contacted for an explanation. The city will work with anyone who’s late in paying taxes, but intends to do so.

Stroner said the reaction of homeowners who receive a notice to mow lawns or clear snow, can range from “using every swear word you’ve ever heard” to coming in, giving us the keys, and saying, in effect, “it’s all yours!”

If the only remedy is to demolish a home because it threatens either public health or safety, taxpayers ultimately pay the bill. Each house is a different case, but a typical cost to demolish a three-bedroom home in Webster City, runs between $15,000-20,000.