Finding Regulatory Assistance
The Iowa Business and Regulatory Assistance Network ensure access and responsiveness to inquiries and requests for assistance from citizens, small business, industry and local governments. Business Assistance Coordinators in agencies across state government work as a cohesive network coordinating communication and streamlining service. You may contact the Iowa Department of Economic Development directly for assistance, or the agency contacts reflected below.
Iowa Department of Economic Development, Regulatory Assistance Team
Assistance with identifying business licensing, registration, certification, or professional licensed occupations through the Business License Information Center.
Confidential consultation for regulatory issues or assistance in working with regulatory agencies on identifying compliance requirements, resources and timing considerations.
Contact: Business License Information Center Manager, Christine Cavil at 515-242-4755 christine.cavil@iowalifechanging.com
http://www.iowalifechanging.com/business/blic.html
Regulatory Consultation contact Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Sherry Timmins at 515-242-4901
sherry.timmins@iowalifechanging.com
http://www.iowalifechanging.com/business/
Iowa's Business and Regulatory Assistance Network
Below you will find a brief description of agency functions and a contact for assistance:
Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)
The Division of Consumer Protection and Industry Services administers agricultural market development and regulatory programs which include: Ag Diversification and Market Development, Agricultural Market Development, Animal Industry Bureau, Commercial Feed and Fertilizer Bureau, Dairy Products Control, Entomology and Plant Science, Grain Warehouse Bureau, Horticulture and Farmers' Market Bureau, Horse and Dog Breeding Program, Iowa Farmer's Market Nutrition Program, Iowa Laboratory Facility, Meat and Inspection Bureau, Pesticide Bureau, and Weights and Measures Bureau.
The Soil Conservation Division is responsible for managing oil, water and mineral resources and assisting soil and water conservation districts and private landowners to meet their agricultural and environmental protection needs. Division programs include: Field Services Bureau, Mines and Minerals Bureau, and Water Resource Bureau.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Margaret Thomson at 515-281-5322 or
margaret.thomson@idals.state.ia.us
http://www.agriculture.state.ia.us/directory.htm
Division of Banking, Professional Licensing Bureau (PLB)
PLB coordinates administrative support for seven professional licensing boards regulating: Accountants (CPA and LPA), Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects, Real Estate (Broker, Salesperson, and Firm) and Real Estate Appraisers.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Glenda Loving at 515-281-7362 or glenda.loving@iowa.gov
http://www.state.ia.us/government/com/prof/home.html
Division of Credit Unions, Commerce Department
The Division of Credit Unions provides the supervision and regulation of Iowa state-chartered credit unions.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Rebecca Behrens at 515-281-6515 or rebecca.behrens@iowa.gov
http://www.iacudiv.state.ia.us/
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (IDCA), State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
SHPO consults with federal and state agencies on how their “undertakings” (e.g. actions receiving federal support such as funding, permitting or other assistance) may affect historic properties. The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires federal agencies to review actions which may affect a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or which may affect a property eligible for this listing.
A property may be a building, historic district, archeological site, cultural landscape or traditional cultural properties. SHPO provides technical assistance on how best to mitigate effects from an undertaking to preserve the historic integrity of the property.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Dan Higginbottom at 515-281-8744 or daniel.higginbottom@dca.state.ia.us
http://www.culturalaffairs.org/programs/business-assistance-team/index.htm
Iowa Department of Human Service, Child Support Recovery Unit (CSRU)
CSRU assists Iowa employers by providing 24/7 online access to make child support payments, report hired or rehired employees and to report employee terminations. Employers may call toll-free 877.274.2580 to speak with a customer service representative.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Doris Taylor at 515-242-6098 or
dtaylor1@dhs.state.ia.us
http://www.iowachildsupport.gov
Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (IDIA)
The IDIA inspects, licenses, and/or certifies health care providers and suppliers, restaurants and grocery stores, social and charitable gaming operations, hotels and motels, and barber and beauty shops.
Contact:Health Facilities, J Bennet at 515-281-4115 or jbennett@dia.state.ia.us
Food safety and sanitation inspections, Judy Harrison at 515-281-6530 or Jharrison@dia.state.ia.us
Social and charitable gaming, Sherry Hopkins at 515-281-6848 or Shopkins@dia.state.ia.us
http://www.state.ia.us/government/dia/index.html
Iowa Insurance Division (IID)
Supervises insurance business transacted in Iowa, grants permission to companies wishing to sell insurance and serves as the administrator of the securities act.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Jim Armstrong at 515-281-5705 or jim.armstrong@iid.state.ia.us
http://www.iid.state.ia.us/busasst/
Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Administers environmental protection programs for air, water, land quality, maintains state parks and forests, and manages Iowa’s natural resources.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Christine Spackman at 515-281-7276 or
christine.spackman@dnr.state.ia.us
http://www.iowadnr.com/other/bizreg.html
Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH)
The Department of Public Health is a catalyst for promoting and protecting the health of Iowans. It strives to improve the quality of life for all Iowans by fulfilling the fundamental obligations of population-based services by: preventing epidemics and the spread of disease; protecting against environmental hazards; preventing injuries; promoting and encouraging healthy behaviors and mental health; preparing for and responding to public health emergencies and assisting communities in recovery; and assuring the quality and accessibility of health services.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Dean Austin at 515-242-6514 or daustin@idph.state.ia.us
http://www.idph.state.ia.us
Iowa Department of Public Safety (IDPS)
This department licenses, certifies, or registers electricians and electrical contractors, private investigative and private security businesses, commercial explosive operations, fire extinguishing system contractors, alarm system contractors and installers, and above ground petroleum storage tanks, as well as overseeing weapons permitting in Iowa.
The State Fire Marshal establishes and enforces fire safety requirements for various specific occupancies as well as for storage, use, and handling of explosives and of flammable and combustible liquids. The Building Code Commissioner adopts the State Building Code, statewide accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities, energy conservation requirements for construction, and requirements for minimum plumbing facilities in restaurants, pubs, lounges, and places of public assembly.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Mike Coveyou at 515-725-6185 or
regassist@dps.state.ia.us
http://www.dps.state.ia.us/regassist/index.shtml
Department of Revenue (IDR)
This department administers Iowa’s tax laws, including sales and use, motor fuel, cigarette and tobacco, individual and corporation income, and inheritance taxes. IDR issues business tax permits and provides Iowa tax publications and forms. IDR also provides information on tax laws, administrative rules, and tax policy and assists local governments in making property tax assessments fair and in compliance with the law.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Victoria Daniels at 515-281-8450 or
victoria.daniels@iowa.gov
http://www.state.ia.us/tax/links/IowaBAN.html
Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT)
This department regulates and authorizes access locations to primary highways, utility occupancy of highway right of way, and use of highway right of way by others.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Bruce Schuck at 515-237-3270 or
Bruce.Schuck@dot.iowa.gov
http://www.dot.state.ia.us/bus_reg_assist.htm
Iowa Secretary of State (ISOS)
This part of state government processes certificate of incorporation (to transact business as a corporation in Iowa), registration as a foreign corporation (a corporation organized under the laws of a state other than Iowa) and reserving the exclusive right of a corporate name in Iowa.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Harry Davis at 515-281-6560 or
harry.davis@sos.state.ia.us
http://www.sos.state.ia.us/
Iowa Utilities Board (IUB)
The IUB administers regulatory approvals needed for generating certificate, natural gas pipeline permit, electric line franchise, or flexible rate tariff.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Joan Conrad at 515-281-4874 or
joan.conrad@iub.state.ia.us IUB also handles complaints against utility service providers.
Contact: iubcustomer@iub.state.ia.us or 1-515-281-3839 or 1-877-565-4450 toll free.
http://www.state.ia.us/government/com/util/links/business_regulatory.html
Iowa Workforce Development (IWD)
This department administers services including Workforce Development Centers, Workers Compensation, and Unemployment Insurance. The Division of Labor Services at IWD administers programs including occupational safety and health, construction contractor registration, child labor, wage payment and minimum wage, asbestos abatement, and elevator, escalator, boiler, pressure vessel, and amusement ride safety.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Kathleen Uehling at
515-281-5915 or kathleen.uehling@iwd.state.ia.us
Office of Citizens Aide/Ombudsman
The Office of Citizens' Aide/Ombudsman serves as an independent and impartial agency to which citizens can air their grievances about government. By facilitating communications between citizens and government and making recommendations to improve administrative practices and procedures, the Ombudsman promotes responsiveness and quality in government.
Contact: Regulatory Assistance Coordinator, Kristie Hirschman at 515-281-3592 or kristie.hirschman@legis.state.ia.us
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/ombudsman/
