Construction Permits

The Building Inspections Department is responsible for enforcement of the adopted building codes from permit application through plan review, inspection and final approval of all projects within the city limits. In addition to code enforcement, the department also provides public education and customer assistance.

No building or structure shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished without first acquiring the applicable permits. Electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits are required for the installation, repair or alteration of any plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation or air conditioning system, including the replacement of furnaces and water heaters.  Click here for permit applications and fees.

Adopted Codes

International Building Code : 2015 Edition

International Residential Code : 2015 Edition

National Electrical Code : 2014 Edition

Uniform Plumbing Code : 2015 Edition

International Mechanical Code : 2015 Edition

International Fuel Gas Code : 2015 Edition

International Fire Code : 2015 Edition

International Existing Building Code : 2015 Edition

International Energy Conservation Code : 2015 Edition

International Property Maintenance Code : 2015 Edition

State of Iowa Manufactured Housing Code

Permit Guidelines

To obtain a permit, the applicant must submit a completed permit application form. You may also need the following:

• Construction plans (2 sets) : new construction, additions, renovations, etc.
• Engineered site plan : new commercial or residential development
• Plot sketch : residential additions, decks, swimming pools, fences, etc.
• Other information as required based on scope of the project.

Zoning Approval: All new construction, additions, accessory structures, fences, pools, etc., must obtain zoning approval before a building permit will be issued. Zoning approval may be obtained at the same time as the application for a construction permit is submitted except in cases of new commercial development. New development requires an engineered site plan to be reviewed and approved by the appropriate boards and city engineer prior to making permit applications.

Required inspections are identified on the permit placard for each project. It is the responsibility of the permit applicant to request the required inspections and no work shall be performed beyond the inspection stage or to cover any work without approval of the building official.

Permits are valid for one hundred and eighty (180) days. The Building Official may extend a permit for an additional one hundred and eighty (180) days, pending a written request from the permit holder and progress on the work permitted.

Buildings requiring a Certificate of Occupancy may not be occupied until the Building Official has issued a certificate.