Brochures

• Egress Windows/Handrails
• Fence Information and Guidelines
• Fence Tri-fold Brochure
• Building Decks
• Home Occupation Regulations
• Safety Glazing

Guidelines for Drawing Residential Projects

• Attached Garage Plans
• Detached Garage Plans
• Fence Plans
• Finished Basement Plans
• Porch Plans
• Room Addition Plans
• Swimming Pool Plans
• Uncovered Deck Plans

Design Review is an administrative review that is required for:

• properties in Urban Renewal parcels
• building projects and sign permits within City Plaza
• projects that benefit from tax abatement or tax increment financing
• multi-family properties within the Central Planning District and PRM zone
• multi-family properties seeking alternatives to building and/or site design standards

City staff typically review the applications and plans for these projects. Occasionally City Council approval is required in addition to staff's recommendation for approval.

For more information about Design Review, call 319-356-5122.

Site design review applications can be found on the City's Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal.

Building Inspection Services enforces the following construction codes.

• 2021 International Building / Residential Code, as amended
• 2021 International Fire Code

The following codes can be found under the Building/Residential Code above. They have been amended to align with State of Iowa Codes.

• 2021 International Mechanical Code
• 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code
• 2020 National Electrical Code
• 2012 International Energy Conservation Code

• Iowa City Code

• State of Iowa Building Codes (found under ‘State Adopted Codes’)

In addition to the above codes, Building Inspection Services enforces the Zoning, Sign, Nuisance, Weed, Noise, Graffiti, Site Plan Review, Floodplain Management, and Construction Site Runoff Ordinances. Enforcement of snow and ice removal from public sidewalks is also a responsibility of Building Inspection Services.

• Monthly Statistics Reports
• Yearly and 10-Year Statistics Reports

When you need information, you may use ICgovXpress or call one of the following:

Backflow Prevention
319-356-5126

• Annual Testing
• Water System Survey

Board of Appeals
319-356-5122

• Application Process

Building Permit
319-356-5120

• Application Process
• Inspections

Building Plan Review
319-356-5124

• Code Interpretations
• Pre-application Meeting

Development Regulations
319-356-5132

• Construction Site Pollution Prevention
• Design Review
• Floodplain Information
• Natural Areas
• Site Plan Review
• Zoning

Electrical Permits
319-356-5127

• Code Interpretation
• License and Insurance Requirements

Fire
319-356-5257

• Access for Emergency Vehicles
• Alarm and Sprinkler System Requirements
• Code Interpretation
• Maintenance Reporting Requirements

Historic and Conservation Districts
319-356-5243

• Approval Process for Remodeling and Expansion
• Locations of Districts
• Permit Requirements

Mechanical Permits
319-356-5125

• Code Interpretation
• Commercial Exhaust Hoods
• License and Insurance Requirements

Nuisances
Report a Concern

• Abandoned and Vacant Buildings
• Garbage and Debris
• Inoperable Vehicles on Private Property
• Noise
• Snow and Ice on Public Sidewalks
• Tall Grass or Weeds

Parking Violations
319-356-5275

• Vehicles Stored on the Street Over 48 Hours
• Vehicles Blocking Public Sidewalks
• Non-permitted Vehicles in Assigned Parking Areas

Plumbing Permits
319-356-5126

• Code Interpretation
• License and Insurance Requirements

Public Right-of-Way
319-356-5140

• Curb Cuts and Driveways
• Excavation
• Public Utilities
• Sewer and Water Service
• Sidewalk Repair

Sign Permits
319-356-5123

• Application Process
• License and Insurance Requirements