Voluntary Property Acquisition Program

Updated: April 2009

How to Determine if Your Property is Beyond Reasonable Repair

The City Council has adopted a Voluntary Property Acquisition Plan that includes acquiring properties which are not financially feasible to rehabilitate.  This determination is based upon the criteria established for the Jumpstart Housing Assistance Program.  If the estimated cost of rehabilitation exceeds 60% of the pre-flood assessed value of the property, it is considered “beyond reasonable repair”.

The “beyond reasonable repair” determination is different depending on the use of the property at the time of the flood. Below are the definitions and required determination processes for each of these three property categories: 

  1. Owner-Occupied Residential – This category includes houses occupied by owners at the time of the flood. They serve as the owner’s primary residence. Owner-occupied homes are determined to be “beyond reasonable repair” through the inspections completed as part of the Jumpstart Housing Assistance Program. If your owner-occupied house was damaged by the flood and you have not applied to the Jumpstart Housing Program, please do the following:
    • Call the Jumpstart Housing Assistance Program at (319) 286-5850
    • Tell them you are interested in a buyout and need an inspection completed
    • Schedule a meeting with a Jumpstart representative
  1. All Other Residential – This category includes houses occupied by renters, or someone other than the property owner, at the time of the flood. If you own a flood-damaged property that served as a residential property, but was not your primary residence, please do the following:
    • Call the Jumpstart Rental Rehabilitation Program at (319) 731-5867 (UPDATED on 4/29)
    • Tell them you are interested in a buyout and need an inspection completed
    • Schedule a meeting with a Jumpstart representative
  1. Commercial/Industrial – This category of properties were designated for commercial or industrial use at the time of the flood. Commercial and industrial properties will be determined to be beyond reasonable repair based on a rehabilitation estimate from a qualified contractor.  Please do not incur expenses to obtain this type of estimate prior to the consultation meeting when specific instructions and requirements for the estimate will be provided.