Bolthole Index

Wapello County, Iowa

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Wapello County, Iowa

66Index Score / 100
#20 of 99 in Iowa

Unincorporated Wapello County, Iowa requires a building permit for new residential construction and enforces county zoning and a local construction code outside city limits123. Planning and Zoning issues permits and performs building inspections, while Environmental Health administers private septic systems456.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new construction and additions in unincorporated Wapello County15
Zoning
County zoning applies to unincorporated land, with published districts and district-specific setbacks278
Septic
File with Planning and Zoning; Environmental Health evaluates and inspects systems96
Private wells
A county permit and inspection are required before construction10
RV and tiny homes
Occupancy rules are not confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning before placing a unit4
Owner-builder
A primary-residence licensing exemption is conditional and does not waive permits11121
Agricultural exemption
Conditional for property currently used to produce crops or raise livestock13

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Wapello County Planning and Zoning Department

Building permits, plan approval, inspections, zoning and floodplain questions for unincorporated Wapello County

641-684-5425

[email protected]

536 Mill St. Ottumwa, IA 52501

Online permits →

Health department

Wapello County Environmental Health Department

Private septic-system and well permitting, evaluation and inspection

641-684-5425

[email protected]

536 Mill St Ottumwa, IA 52501

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Wapello County Secondary Roads

Driveway and entrance permits for county secondary roads

641-684-5425

[email protected]

536 Mill St Ottumwa, 52501

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Wapello County, Iowa?

Yes. Unincorporated Wapello County requires building permits for new residential, commercial and industrial construction and for additions1. The county has adopted a construction code for all unincorporated areas, so rural construction outside a city is not code-free3. The Building Official must make the inspections required by the code and each permit, and an occupancy permit must be issued before a covered building or structure is used or occupied514. A conditional agricultural exemption may apply when property is currently used to produce crops or raise livestock, but confirm eligibility with Planning and Zoning before treating a project as exempt134.

Who is the Wapello County building department, and how do you reach it?

The Wapello County Planning and Zoning Department approves plans, issues permits and performs inspections for unincorporated Wapello County4. The office is at 536 Mill St. Ottumwa, IA 52501; call 641-684-5425 or email [email protected]4. Applicants use GeoPermits to apply, pay permit charges, register as contractors and track submissions15. Building-permit fees vary with the structure's square footage, so obtain the project-specific amount before budgeting16. Homeowners doing covered work on their primary residence may qualify for a licensing exemption after submitting the required affidavit, but that conditional exemption does not erase the county building-permit, inspection or occupancy-permit requirements11121514.

Does Wapello County have zoning?

Wapello County regulates land use in its unincorporated territory; incorporated cities may administer separate rules217. The county publishes its zoning regulations, zoning map and land-use districts, so identify the parcel's district before choosing a building site or use187. Setbacks differ by zoning district, and an A-1 Agricultural District requires 10 acres to build819. Wapello County's minimum dwelling size, lot-coverage limits and building-height limits could not be confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning for the standards that apply to the specific parcel4. Land subdivision is also regulated in unincorporated Wapello County, including certain divisions into three or more parts when any part is under 40 acres2021.

How do septic permits work in Wapello County?

Applicants for a private sewage disposal system in Wapello County file with Planning and Zoning, while Environmental Health administers permitting, site evaluation, soil coring and final system inspections9622. Environmental Health is at 536 Mill St Ottumwa, IA 52501 and uses 641-684-5425 and [email protected]22. Only about 0.4% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so complete the site evaluation before fixing the house location or system budget2322. A qualifying property transfer also requires a private-system inspection, and a time-of-transfer inspection remains valid for 2 years2425.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Wapello County?

Wapello County's rules for long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping and tiny-home occupancy on an individual unincorporated parcel could not be confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning before buying land or moving a unit onto it4. A manufactured home is different under Iowa law: Wapello County may not reject one solely because it is manufactured, but the home must meet the permanent-foundation, setback and minimum-square-footage standards applied to a site-built single-family home on the same lot26. Iowa also requires Wapello County to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single-family residence where that principal use is allowed, subject to statutory conditions27. Neither rule answers whether an RV or tiny home may serve as a residence on a particular parcel, so confirm the zoning district and proposed occupancy with Planning and Zoning4.

Building a home in Wapello County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Planning and Zoning to identify the parcel's zoning district, permitted use, minimum lot size and setbacks7198.
  1. Have Environmental Health evaluate the septic area, and obtain the required county permit and inspection before constructing a private well2210.
  1. Obtain the County Engineer's permit before installing a new, additional or modified entrance onto a county secondary road28.
  1. Apply and pay through GeoPermits; building fees vary by structure square footage1516.
  1. Schedule required building and septic inspections, then obtain the occupancy permit before using the covered building or structure52514.

What should you check before buying land in Wapello County?

Check the zoning district, setbacks, legal access, flood exposure, septic suitability and water plan before closing. Wapello County regulates subdivisions in unincorporated areas, and certain divisions into three or more parts are covered when any part is under 40 acres2021. A subdivision lot affected by a floodway or flood-hazard area must retain a buildable area outside that hazard, and subdivision approval can require state flood review29. A new or changed entrance onto a county secondary road needs a County Engineer permit before installation28. Every private well requires a county permit and inspection before construction10. Typical property tax is about 1.6%, and the median annual bill is about $1,8543031.

Watch-outs

  • Wapello County requires a permit before a new, additional or modified driveway entrance is installed on a county secondary road28.
  • Only about 0.4% of Wapello County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so septic feasibility can determine where and whether a home site works23.
  • An owner-builder licensing exemption is conditional and does not waive Wapello County's building permit, inspection or occupancy-permit requirements11121514.

Sources

  1. Wapello County Planning and Zoning - Permits (2026 county census)
  2. Ordinances - Planning and Zoning - Wapello County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  3. Ordinances & Zoning Map, quoted and re-checked
  4. Wapello County Planning and Zoning Department (wapellocounty.org)
  5. Permits - Wapello County Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  6. Environmental Health - Wapello County, quoted and re-checked
  7. Planning and Zoning - Wapello County Government - Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  8. Frequently Asked Questions - Wapello County Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  9. Septic Systems - Environmental Health - Wapello County, quoted and re-checked
  10. Wells Drinking Water - Environmental Health - Wapello County, quoted and re-checked
  11. CHAPTER 43 REWRITE Official Approved 12-2-2025, quoted and re-checked
  12. CHAPTER 43 REWRITE Official Approved 12-2-2025 (2026 county census)
  13. Frequently Asked Questions - Wapello County Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  14. Wapello County Application for Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  15. Permits - Wapello County Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  16. Frequently Asked Questions - Wapello County Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  17. Ordinances & Zoning Map - Wapello County (2026 county census)
  18. Ordinances & Zoning Map - Wapello County, quoted and re-checked
  19. Frequently Asked Questions - Wapello County Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  20. Ordinances - Planning and Zoning - Wapello County, Iowa, quoted and re-checked
  21. Chapter 41 Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  22. Wapello County Environmental Health Department (wapellocounty.org)
  23. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  24. Iowa Code §455B.172, Jurisdiction of department and local boards (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Environmental Health - Wapello County, quoted and re-checked
  26. Iowa Code §335.30, Manufactured and modular homes (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Senate File 2369 — Enrolled (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. WAPELLO COUNTY ENTRANCE AND DRIVEWAY POLICY, quoted and re-checked
  29. Chapter 41 Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Wapello County in Iowa

66
County map
Wapello County highlighted among the Iowa counties · colored by Index score

How Wapello County scores

Seclusion58100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency61100% ev.
Admin Boringness48100% ev.
Durability52100% ev.
Property Autonomy51100% ev.
Carry Cost68100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$133kTypical home
1.6%Property tax
$6,657Land / acre
37.2"Annual rain
14% of yrsSevere drought
8.8 / yr (+7.6)Mid-century 100°F days
16.4 daysMid-century dry spell
1.91" (+8.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.86×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,562Home insurance / yr
3.1% / yrInsurance growth
1.16%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
37,028People within 30 min
1,294,582People within 2 hr
40,993Radius comparison (15 mi)
81.4People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
85.1%Land at 15% slope or less
0.4%Septic soil without severe limits
1,176 acWorkable land screen
24.4%Wooded land
39.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.6°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Wapello County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Wapello County rules

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Homeowners performing work covered by Chapter 43 on their primary residence.

    • The exemption is from licensing requirements, not a blanket permit exemption.
    • The homeowner must sign and submit an affidavit stating ownership, primary-residence occupancy, and intent to continue occupying it for at least one year.
    • All code and other legal requirements still apply.

    minimum intended continued occupancy: >= 1 year

    “No license shall be required for homeowners”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Wapello County construction code in unincorporated areas.

    • The county page states adoption occurred in 2003.
    “adopted a Construction Code for all unincorporated areas”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New construction and additions for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings handled by county Planning and Zoning.

    • The official page states the department inspects new construction and additions; it does not provide the complete inspection schedule in the cited passage.
    “The Building Official shall make all appropriate inspections in accordance with this code and as each building permit requires.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Use or occupancy of a building or structure covered by the Wapello County building permit form.

    • A $100 re-inspection fee is charged for violating the Wapello County Construction Code and current IRC.
    • The form states the permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days.

    re-inspection fee: 100 USD (for violating the Wapello County Construction Code and current IRC)

    “An Occupancy Permit MUST be issued before applicant is allowed to use or occupy building/structure.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Chapter 40 zoning regulation of land use in the unincorporated areas of Wapello County.

    • The cited county zoning authority applies to unincorporated areas; incorporated municipalities may have separate rules.
    “regulation of land use within the unincorporated areas of Wapello County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Wapello County zoning regulations and zoning map for unincorporated areas.

    • The county publishes a zoning-regulations document and zoning map; detailed occupancy controls remain unresolved in this research pass.
    “Zoning Regulations/County Code Chapter 40”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Building lots in unincorporated Wapello County zoning districts.

    • A-1 Agricultural District requires 10 acres.
    • A-2 Agricultural/Rural Residential District requires 2.5 acres.
    • R-1 Residential District requires at least one-half acre.
    • C-1, C-2, I-1, and I-2 districts have no minimum lot size according to the FAQ.

    A-1 minimum lot size: >= 10 acres · A-2 minimum lot size: >= 2.5 acres · R-1 minimum lot size: >= 0.5 acres

    “In an A-1 Agricultural District it requires 10 acres to build.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setbacks for properties in unincorporated Wapello County zoning districts.

    • Different setback requirements apply in each zoning district.
    • The FAQ directs applicants to the zoning ordinance or Planning and Zoning Department for the applicable classification.
    “Different setback requirements apply in each zoning district.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Private wastewater treatment and septic systems administered by Wapello County Environmental Health.

    • The county page references Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 69 and Iowa DNR-certified inspectors for time-of-transfer inspections.
    “Permitting and evaluation of private wastewater treatment (septic) systems”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Septic systems during system construction/rehabilitation and before sale or deed transfer.

    • Every home/building served by a septic system must be inspected before sale or deed transfer.
    • Inspections must be conducted by an inspector certified by the Iowa DNR.
    • A time-of-transfer inspection is valid for 2 years.
    • A septic tank plus secondary treatment system that is not creating a public health or environmental hazard does not have to meet current code.

    time-of-transfer inspection validity: 2 years

    “A time of transfer inspection is valid for 2 years.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction of private wells in Wapello County.

    • The county page references Iowa Administrative Code chapter 49 compliance.
    • The county also performs construction inspections.
    “All wells in Wapello County require a permit and inspection to construct.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural exemption from building permits for property currently used to produce crops or raise livestock.

    • An Ag Exempt application must be submitted to the Wapello County Zoning Administrator.
    • A site viewing will be made.
    • The property must currently be used for producing crops and/or raising livestock.
    • Livestock includes cattle, horses, sheep, swine, poultry, and other animals or fowl primarily produced for human food products.
    “primarily adapted, by reason of nature and area, for agricultural purposes”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions and re-subdivisions in Wapello County, including tracts divided into three or more parts when any part is less than 40 acres.

    • Final plats require review and approval before recording.
    • Fees are established by Board of Supervisors resolution.
    • A building permit must be denied where subdivision approval and required improvements are incomplete.
    • Septic-served subdivisions require percolation tests reported by the County Engineer and County Health Officer.
    • Floodway or flood-hazard-area subdivisions require Iowa Natural Resources Council approval and a buildable area outside the hazard area.

    subdivision threshold: >= 3 parts (any part less than 40 acres) · penalty: 100 USD per lot or part of lot (sold, disposed of, or offered for sale before approval and recording)

    “three (3) or more parts, any part of which is less than forty (40) acres”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New, additional, or modified entrances and driveways accessing Wapello County secondary roads under County Engineer jurisdiction.

    • A permit is required before installation and is free.
    • The County Engineer reviews location and construction criteria, establishes culvert diameter and length, and performs final inspection.
    • The policy is effective June 1, 2004.
    • Sight-distance standards are 400 feet on gravel roads and 600 feet on paved roads, with extraordinary-circumstance exceptions at the County Engineer's discretion.

    minimum sight distance on gravel roads: 400 feet (extraordinary circumstances may be excepted at County Engineer discretion) · minimum sight distance on paved roads: 600 feet (extraordinary circumstances may be excepted at County Engineer discretion)

    “required to obtain a permit for installation from the County Engineer prior to installation.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Subdivision proposals containing land in a floodway or flood-hazard area.

    • No subdivision containing land in a floodway or flood-hazard area may be approved without Iowa Natural Resources Council approval.
    • A lot must contain a buildable area outside the floodway or flood-hazard area suitable for the zoning district.
    • Floodway or flood-hazard land may be included as individual-lot area, reserved open space, or county-dedicated public open space subject to the stated conditions.
    “without the approval of the Iowa Natural Resources Council.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Wapello County building permit fees.

    • Fees are based on square footage.
    • Applicants are informed of the required fee after application review and approval.
    • All fees are due before permit issuance.
    “based on the square footage of the structure.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County Planning and Zoning GeoPermits process.

    • Applicants must create an initial account using email.
    • The system supports construction permits, contractor registration forms, document submission, fee payment, parcel confirmation, and application tracking/editing.
    • The FAQ requires permits for covered work outside city limits.
    “Our web-based application and permit submittal system allows you to apply and pay for permits and register as a contractor”

Iowa rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction subject to Iowa's State Building Code, including state-owned buildings, buildings in governmental subdivisions that adopt the code, certain cities over 15,000 population without a substantially conforming local code, factory-built structures, and construction covered by statewide energy-conservation provisions.

    • Iowa Code section 103A.10 makes the state building code applicable to all state-owned buildings and structures.
    • The code applies in a governmental subdivision where the governing body has enacted an ordinance accepting the code.
    • The code applies in each city with a population over 15,000 that has not adopted a substantially conforming local building code.
    • Factory-built-structure manufacture and installation provisions apply throughout Iowa.
    • Permit issuance and enforcement are administered under local law or ordinance; the state source does not establish one universal permit requirement for every building statewide.
    • A governmental subdivision may prohibit commencement of construction until a local building department issues a permit after compliance is shown.
    • The application must be signed by the owner or authorized agent and include the owner's address, a statement that the application seeks permission to construct under the code, and a statement that construction will comply with applicable energy-conservation requirements.
    “The examination and approval or disapproval of plans and specifications, the issuance and revocation of building permits, licenses, certificates, and similar documents, the inspection of buildings or structures, and the administration and enforcement of building regulations shall be the responsibility of the governmental subdivisions of the state and shall be administered and enforced in the manner prescribed by local law or ordinance. [...] Prohibit the commencement of construction until a permit has been issued by the local building department after a showing of compliance with the requirements of the applicable provisions of the state building code.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Placement and residential occupancy of manufactured homes under county zoning statewide in Iowa

    • A county may not disallow the proposed residential structure solely because it is a manufactured home.
    • The home must be located and installed under the same standards applicable to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot, including permanent foundation, setback, and minimum square footage standards.
    • The home must be assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.
    • A county may not require an incompatible perimeter foundation system and may not require more than one permanent foundation system.
    • Outside a manufactured home community or mobile home park, requirements may ensure visual compatibility of the permanent foundation system with surrounding residential structures.
    • Recorded restrictive covenants are not abrogated.
    • Counties may regulate transportation, water, sewerage, and other land development; the statute also bars width standards greater than twenty-four feet and certain design standards when federal standards are met.

    maximum mandated width standard: <= 24 feet (if the housing otherwise complies with 42 U.S.C. §5403)

    “A county shall not adopt or enforce zoning regulations or other ordinances which disallow the plans and specifications of a proposed residential structure solely because the proposed structure is a manufactured home. However, a zoning ordinance or regulation shall require that a manufactured home be located and installed according to the same standards, including but not limited to a permanent foundation system, set-back, and minimum square footage, which would apply to a site-built, single family dwelling on the same lot, and shall require that the home is assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    City regulation of accessory dwelling units statewide in Iowa, within a zoning district where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use

    • At least one accessory dwelling unit must be allowed on the same lot as a single-family residence.
    • The accessory dwelling unit must comply with applicable building regulations under chapter 103A.
    • The unit may not exceed 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the size of the single-family residence, whichever is larger; unfinished basements are excluded from the size calculation.
    • Historic-building-code restrictions, deed restrictions, and common-interest-community rules may limit or prohibit construction or use.
    • A manufactured or mobile home used as the accessory dwelling unit must be converted to real property by placement on a permanent foundation and assessed for real-estate taxes under section 435.26.
    • A historic-preservation area may regulate the unit to the extent the city or commission determines it incongruous and records its reasons.
    • Effective July 1, 2026.

    maximum accessory dwelling unit size: 1,000 square feet or 50% of the single-family residence, whichever is larger (unfinished basements excluded from the size calculation)

    “A city shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use, in accordance with the following conditions:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — County regulation of accessory dwelling units statewide in Iowa, within a zoning district where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use
      “A county shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use, in accordance with the following conditions:”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Iowa counties may adopt zoning ordinances for land and structures within the county but outside the corporate limits of any city.

    • Chapter 335 applies to any Iowa county at the option of its board of supervisors.
    • The zoning power is subject to Iowa Code section 335.2: ordinances generally do not apply to agricultural land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, or other structures primarily adapted for agricultural purposes while so used, except that ordinances may apply to structures, buildings, dams, obstructions, deposits, or excavations in or on river or stream floodplains.
    • A county may not require an application, approval, or fee for an ordinance to be deemed inapplicable to qualifying agricultural land or structures.
    • A county may not regulate, restrict, or prohibit the location of permanent buildings or temporary structures used for consumer-fireworks sales pursuant to section 10A.519 in locations zoned commercial or industrial.
    • The board of supervisors may divide the county into zoning districts, and regulations may differ among districts.
    • Regulations and restrictions require public-hearing and notice procedures under sections 335.6 and 331.305; district boundaries must identify the affected township and section and, if possible, streets or roads.
    • Energy-conservation and solar-access objectives do not require zoning in a county that did not have zoning before July 1, 1981.
    “applicable to any county [...] at the option of the board of supervisors [...] outside of the corporate limits of any city.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Wapello County municipalities and other local jurisdictions.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Wapello County zoning districts.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Wapello County zoning districts.
  • Building height — Building-height limits in unincorporated Wapello County zoning districts.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Wapello County.
6 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Septic permit
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Wapello County, Iowa

Is Wapello County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Wapello County scores 66/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and workable self-sufficiency basics (37.2″/yr rainfall).

Do you need a building permit in Wapello County, Iowa?

Wapello County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Wapello County Planning & Zoning (septic permits via GeoPermits), under Iowa DNR. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Wapello County, Iowa?

Land in Wapello County runs about $6,657 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Wapello County?

Wapello County gets about 37.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 14% of years.

How remote is Wapello County?

A representative private-land location has about 37,028 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,294,582 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Wapello County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Wapello compares in Iowa

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