Single Family Homes
Somerset, like most neighborhoods, was developed in multiple stages called additions. Each addition of Somerset has its own set of restrictive covenants. In Iowa, restrictive covenants are valid for 21 years and must be renewed prior to their expiration date to stay current and enforceable. All Somerset covenants are up-to-date and will be enforced.
To determine which covenants apply to your property, you will need to know which addition it is in. To find your addition, you can check your deed, or visit the City Assessor's Website and search your property address. The property addition will be listed under "Brief Tax Description" as seen below. In this example, the property is Lot 10 in the 6th addition.
EXAMPLE:
Brief Tax Description SOMERSET SD 6TH ADD LOT 10 AMES
Short Term Vacation Rentals and Guest Lodging Compliance
The use of single family homes, townhomes or rowhouses for short term vacation rentals is NOT in compliance with Restrictive Covenants of the Somerset Subdivision.
Click here to read the SPOA's official position on short term vacation rentals in Somerset.
For more information, see the City of Ames Guest Lodging Regulations.
Restrictive Covenants
See the map below to find your property's Addition.
Then View Covenants to find the Restrictive Covenants for your Addition.
These are for reference only.
Covenants and their amendments, along with any Verified Claims for renewal are available at the
Story County Recorders website.
Beacon is an e-government solution that allows users to view local government information and related records online. Beacon combines both web-based GIS and web-based data into a single, user friendly web application designed to make access to government information more easily accessible. Use this site to learn about tax description, lot lines, zoning, and school district, and more. If you're considering changes to your property, and you'd like to know things like this, Beacon is a great place to start.
Fence Guidelines
Please follow these guidelines when planning changes to your property and consult the applicable Covenants.
Contact the Somerset Property Owners Association Board with any questions regarding fence installation, construction, or any other significant change to your property.
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Plan to be reviewed by city for setbacks and height requirements. Contact: City of Ames
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Design elevation/sketch to be reviewed and approved by Somerset Property Owners Association (SPOA).
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No chain link fences allowed.
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Only fence type allowed for front yards: picket.
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The height of fences and walls shall not exceed 6 feet along the side and rear lot lines and shall not exceed 4 feet when constructed between the build‐to‐line and the front property line.
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Approved fence material shall be made of vinyl, wrought iron, aluminum, cedar, pressure‐treated wood, or other approved wood fencing by the Somerset POA. Color: white, black, or natural wood.
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Gates may be constructed of wood, iron, or aluminum.
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Privacy fences above 48” in height are to be multi‐patterned with a horizontal pattern break at 36” minimum.
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Fences shall have a void between fence slats between maximum 2” and minimum 3/4” distance.
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If masonry piers are used: minimum 12”square made of brick or stone.
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Masonry (stone or brick) constructed fences are allowed. Minimum 8” thickness with a horizontal coping.
