The City of Cedar Falls has been working with state and county agencies to protect and inform our community regarding the COVID-19 virus. We are taking safety precautions to help decrease exposure opportunities in our community and following the guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Iowa Department of Health (IDPH). 

On this website, you will find the latest city press releases regarding COVID-19, department updates, and resources to learn more about the virus.

City Council Extends Mask Mandate Resolution 

On January 19, 2020, the Cedar Falls City Council voted to extend the current Cedar Falls mask mandate resolution until March 3, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. This requires anyone within city limits to wear a face-covering (whether disposable, cloth or face shield) in public settings when unable to remain six or more feet apart from others, including during the use of public transportation or private car services. 

The Cedar Falls mask requirement does not apply to children under the age of five. Additional exemptions are granted for anyone who has trouble breathing or is on oxygen therapy or ventilator. It also does not apply to anyone who has been told by a medical, legal, or behavioral health professional not to wear face coverings. Additionally, a mask is not required when traveling in a personal vehicle alone or with household members, exercising at moderate or high intensity, while eating or drinking while seated at a food establishment, while obtaining a service that would temporarily require removal of the covering, or when federal or state law requires removal of the covering. 

City Facility Updates:

• Cedar Falls City Hall is open to the public under regular business hours
  • All visitors will be required to wear masks. Staff will be wearing masks when interacting with the public as well. Signs will be positioned in City Hall notifying visitors of these requirements and social distancing marks will be in place on the floor to help visitors comply with guidelines. Visitors may only visit the front desk either upstairs or downstairs at City Hall. Plexiglass will be in place to provide a barrier between staff and visitors. Hand sanitizer stations will be set up at both windows and sanitation of all surfaces will be performed frequently. Any citizen exhibiting symptoms of illness, including fever, shortness of breath, or cough, should not visit City Hall.
  • We continue to encourage citizens to conduct business online as much as possible. Please see the resources listed under 'Learn more about doing business online with Cedar Falls’ section on this webpage for more information
• The Cedar Falls Recreation and Fitness Center is open under certain COVID-19 precautions:
  • At the Rec, all patrons must wear masks and staff will also wear masks when interacting with the public. The Rec is currently operating under 50 percent occupancy capacity to allow for safe social distancing. Learn more about additional safety rules in place at the Rec by clicking this link. Call (319) 273-8636 with any questions.
  • The Falls Aquatic Center is closed for the season. 
• The Cedar Falls Public Library is open for limited capacity browsing hours. Curbside service is also available. For more information on their services including browsing hours, go to cedarfallslibrary.org or contact (319) 273-8643 with any questions.
• The Cedar Falls Community Center is closed to the public. 
• The Visitors and Tourism Center is open to the public, Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. All visitors must wear masks. Social distancing signage and plexiglass barriers are in place at the front desk. Call (319) 268-4266 with any questions.
• The Hearst Center for the Arts is open to the public (normal operating hours) under the following precautions
  • All patrons must wear masks in order to use the facility. Staff will also be wearing masks.
  • Staff asks that patrons be considerate of social distancing requirements when viewing exhibitions. Artworks are hung with enough space to allow for comfortable viewing.
  • Any patron exhibiting signs of illness including cough, fever, or shortness of breath or were recently exposed to a person diagnosed with COVID-19 should not enter the facility.
  • By-appointment viewing of the exhibition is also available on Mondays between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call or email Heather Skeens the week before at (319) 268-5550 or heather.skeens@cedarfalls.com.
  •  Visit thehearst.org for more information and to stay updated on programming announcements.
•  The Cedar Falls Public Safety and Public Works buildings will continue to have limited public access. 

Learn more about doing business online with Cedar Falls:

• Many permits, licenses, payments, services requests can be handled online, over the phone, by email, or traditional mail. Click here to see the list of city phone numbers.
• The Inspection Services Division is currently operating as follows:
  • Permits continue to be required for work regulated under our building codes
  • Inspections are to be scheduled by call/email only and Inspectors & Building Officials can be reached by contacting City Hall at (319) 273-8600
  • Permits can be submitted electronically at https://www.cf1stop.com/
  • New construction for both residential and commercial will continue as well as exterior inspections for siding, decks, etc. Additions/remodels inspections and furnace/hot water inspections are also available.
• If you will be on-site during an inspection, remember to do the following:
  • Confirm everyone in the home is in good health. If someone is in quarantine due to exposure or a positive COVID test, the inspection will have to be scheduled after the quarantine time is over.
  • Please minimize the number of people in the home at the time of the inspection.
  • If you need to interact with the inspector, wear a mask.
  • Learn more about Building Inspection Services here.

• Use the city website to report an issue or request service. Find request for service forms here.
• Cedar Falls Public Works will have limited public access during this time. Call Public Works at (319) 273-8629 with any questions.
• During this time, the Cedar Falls Public Safety building has limited access to the public. The Cedar Falls Police Division encourages the public to call in police reports to (319) 273-8612. Cedar Falls Public Safety will not be allowing public tours during this time. Property pick-up is now available.
  • There will be no rental or commercial inspections starting March 17.
  • You can now report crimes online at https://www.cedarfalls.com/1533/Report-a-Crime. The online submission form allows for the reporting of crimes such as credit card fraud, harassment, theft, and minor vehicle accidents on private property. It is not for emergencies or crimes in progress. In an emergency situation always call 911.

• Beginning February 15, 2021, City Council meetings will be available via videoconference and the public may also attend at City Hall. Masks are required for all those entering the building and social distancing markers are in place. Due to social distancing, there is limited seating in the Council Chambers. All other commission meetings are taking place via videoconference only. Visit bit.ly/CFCityCouncil for all meeting agendas and access information and to stay updated on meeting availability and location. 
• Please continue to check the city website and social media for additional updates. You can follow the city on Facebook and Twitter at @citycf.