All dogs and cats are required to be licensed in the City of Windsor Heights on an annual basis.

  • Spayed/neutered animal: $20 per calendar year 
  • Not spayed/neutered: $30 per calendar year 
  • After March 31 - fees double

This year we've moved the process online. Click the button below to register your pet. You will need to create an account. Please email any questions to police@windsorheights.org or call 515-277-4453.

Those owners wishing to submit a form by mail with a check may do so by downloading a printable form here: 2021 Pet License Form - Print Only.
There's one more chance to get rid of any remaining yard waste before spring. The last day of winter collection is Friday, January 8th. 2020 stickers for both carts and bags can be used for winter collection. Regular yard waste pickup will start again in April.

  • Click the button below for a list of retailers who sell yard waste bags and stickers. 
  • Windsor Heights residents can purchase these in other cities, they do not have to come from within our city limits. 
  • Please call the retailer to check on the availability. 
  • The link below shows retailers for both yard waste and large trash stickers.
  • You can also order stickers online by clicking the button below.
  • Metro Waste Authority will ship them to your home.
  • The link below has the order form for both yard waste and large trash stickers. Please scroll down to find the large trash option.
When temperatures drop, the risk of your pipes freezing jumps. That's because water expands as it freezes and this expansion can break metal or plastic pipes. This could cause thousands of dollars in property damage. But here are some simple steps from the Red Cross to prevent this problem.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
  • Keep garage doors closed.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors.
  • Let cold water drip from a faucet.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night.
  • If you are out of town, keep the heat set to no lower than 55 degrees.
  • Add insulation to basements, attics, and crawl spaces.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
  • If you turn on your faucet and only a trickle comes out, it's likely that the pipe is frozen.
  • Keep the faucet open so water can come out as the pip begins to thaw.
  • Apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe using an electric heating pad, hairdryer, portable space heater, or wrap pipes with towels soaked in hot water.
  • Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices.
  • Apply heat until the water pressure is back to normal.
  • Check all other faucets for other frozen pipes.
Keep Fire Hydrants Clear
When you shovel your driveway and sidewalk, don't forget to clear the area around the fire hydrant (if there is one near your property). Heavy snowfall can cover or block these and make it difficult for firefighters to access them in an emergency.
Public Works Department Precautions
The Windsor Heights Public Works Department is taking extra precautions during the pandemic, but this won't impact their ability to care for roads this winter. The team is separated from each other to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. They're also wearing masks and disinfecting the snowplow trucks before and after each use. But if COVID does impact the team, there is a contractor lined up who will be able to perform snow removal operations.
We've already seen plenty of snow in December, but more will come before the winter ends. Thank you to everyone who has remembered these snow removal reminders. This helps our public works crew clear the streets faster.
  • Do not park on the street when it snows and 24 hours after the snowfall ends (City Code 60.10.10). Failure to do so may result in a $25 citation (City Code 60.11.03).
  • Don't push snow from your property into the street.
  • Clear sidewalks within 48 hours after snowfall ends
Stay in the know the next time it snows with Windsor Heights text and email alerts. These alerts are sent for snow parking bans, road closures, water main breaks, and other breaking news. If you'd like to sign up, please click the button below.
We've put together a list of some frequently asked questions about the road construction projects in Windsor Heights. Learn why some projects won't be finished this year, what will happen this winter, and more by clicking the button below.
BCycle
A BCycle electric-assist bike rental station is coming to the City of Windsor Heights. This program is being hosted by the Des Moines Street Collective in collaboration with the City.

A 10 dock BCycle station will be installed in Colby Park directly north of the butterfly gardens. It will have electric-assist bicycles available to rent to use for recreational or transportation purposes. This will be funded by a mix of rental fees, advertisements, and annual support from the City. The exact installation date is yet to be determined.

The City of Clive is planning on installing BCycle stations at two locations along the Walnut Creek / Clive Greenbelt Trail and there is also a location coming to Water Works Park in Des Moines. There are several BCycle stations in Des Moines.
City buildings remain closed to the public due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in Polk County. City staff is still working at this time and is available to help you over the phone at 515-279-3662. You can also access the same services online at windsorheights.org. Click on the button below to watch a video that shows you what you can do on our website.
There are several locations in and near Windsor Heights where you can get a COVID-19 test. Locations vary on cost and how long it takes to get the test results back. Here is a list of testing options in the metro.
The Community Center and Pavilion are all available to rent online and are abiding by the current restrictions set by the governor. The Dog Park and playground remain open. The outdoor restrooms are closed and the water fountains are turned off for the winter.
City Council Meetings
Recordings of City Council Meetings are now available to view on windsorheights.org as well as the City's YouTube account.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council Meetings will be conducted via Zoom. Zoom meeting information will be posted on windsorheights.org and on social media.

Zoom Meeting Information
Meeting ID: 882 5126 3290
Passcode: 084772
Phone: 1 312 626 6799

Check out the City Council Recap! This is a brief highlight of the City Council meetings. The recap is not minutes of the Council meeting. Minutes are considered and approved at the subsequent Council meeting.
Prefer a Printed Newsletter?
We are giving our residents the option to receive their City newsletter in printed form. If you would like to (or know a neighbor who would) please email your name and address to Communications/Recreation Coordinator Whitney Tucker at wtucker@windsorheights.org or call 515-645-6819. Residents have to opt in to receive the newsletter in printed form, they will not automatically be mailed to every resident.
Save the Date

  • January 8 — Last Day of Winter Collection
  • January 4 — City Council Meeting Via Zoom
  • January 18 — City Council Meeting Via Zoom
  • February 8 — City Council Meeting Via Zoom
  • February 22 — City Council Meeting Via Zoom

City Council meetings will be conducted on Zoom until further notice
Phone Numbers

City Hall 515-279-3662
Police Department 515-286-3632
Police Admin/Records 515-277-4453
Building Inspections 515-333-4161 (Safe Building)
Fire Department 515-279-9450
Public Works Department 515-645-6825
Community Events Center 515-645-6819
Animal Control 515-286-3632