Permits, Licenses, and Plans

Alcoholic Beverage

Animal

All pet animals over the age of four months, and dogs and cats under the age of four months that are no longer nursing from their mother, are required to be licensed or have a City ID tag. To obtain a City license for pets over the age of four months, proof must be presented in the form of a current rabies certificate to the Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Contact:
Animal Control and Adoption Center

Annexation

Appeal (Board of Adjustment)

The Board of Adjustment considers and rules on appeals from any resident who believes there is an error in any decision, determination, or interpretation made by the City or its designee in the administration of the Zoning Code. Appeals shall be submitted to the Board within a reasonable time period, as defined in the Board’s Procedural Rules. To discuss a potential appeal, contact Urban Planning Staff.

Banners

Public Right-of-Way (specialty banners on light poles) - A permit is required for display of banners on public right-of-way. The City poles on which banners are mounted are not open for use by the general public. Banners will be selected by the Iowa City Downtown District based on factors that are reasonably related to the governmental functions of the Downtown, including the Downtown District's interest in welcoming visitors and providing information to the community about activities and events.

Banner Permit Application - Please note, a completed application must be submitted before installation is considered.

Private Property - Other than the specialty banners affixed to Downtown light poles for special civic and charitable events, Iowa City businesses are allowed only very specific types of banners and in limited situations. A permit is required for display of banners on private property. A business can apply for a "Grand Opening" banner. This permit expires after 30 days and the banner must say "Grand Opening." A new business can have a banner up as a temporary identification sign until their permanent sign is installed. The banner can only include the name of the business; it cannot have any advertising message such as "Now Open."

If a business has a parking area of more than 200 spaces, Identification Banners can be affixed to the light poles at 80-foot intervals. There are very specific regulations pertaining to these types of banners and they do require a permit. The permit can be granted for one year and is renewable if the banner signs are in good condition or are replaced with new banner signs.

Contact:
Iowa City Downtown District
319-354-0863, ext. 500

Bicycle

Birth Certificate

Boundary Line Adjustment

Building Permit

Business License

Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any new structure or for any change in use. The Certificate of Occupancy certifies that at the time of issuance, the structure was in compliance with various ordinances regulating building construction or use and the City Zoning Ordinance. The Certificate of Occupancy is the conclusion of the building permit process, but may also be necessary even if no building permit has been required if a change of use occurred.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5120

Chickens

With a permit, residents who live in single-family homes may have up to four chickens in their backyards. Before the City will issue an urban chicken permit, an application must be completed, and all requirements of the Urban Chicken Policy must be met. The application form includes a consent form that must be signed by all neighboring property owners. The application form and the Urban Chicken Policy can be found at the links below.

Contact:
Animal Control and Adoption Center
319-356-5295

Cigarettes

City Plaza, Use of

Comprehensive Plan Amendment

A Comprehensive Plan Amendment is a change in the text, illustration, figures, or maps contained in the Comprehensive or District Plans for the City. To discuss a potential change, contact Urban Planning Staff.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5230

Condo Conversion

Construction in the Right-of-Way

Any construction activity that requires construction equipment to occupy the right-of-way should be coordinated with the Public Works Department by obtaining a temporary use of a public right-of-way permit. Excavation within the public right-of-way requires an excavation permit from the Public Works Department. A refundable deposit and certificate of insurance is required to ensure restoration is completed.

Contact:
Department of Public Works
319-356-5139 or 319-356-5140

Construction Trade

In the City of Iowa City, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire sprinkler and fire alarm contractors are required to have State of Iowa license. The City requires proof of license and a Certificate of Liability Insurance that lists the City of Iowa City as “additional Insured” from electrical and plumbing contractors before the issuance of any electrical or plumbing permit. The City of Iowa City also requires and issues licenses for water and sewer installers and sign erectors. These licenses are issued through the Department of Neighborhood and Development Services and are renewed on a yearly basis.

Permit Fees

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5120

Construction Site Runoff (CSR)

The Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program requires permits for stormwater discharges from construction activities in Iowa City that disturb one or more acres, and discharges from smaller sites that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale. Construction activity refers to actions that result in a disturbance of the land, including clearing, grading, excavating, and other similar activities. In order to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff from construction, Iowa City has developed the construction site run off program.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5120

Curb Cuts

Death Certificate

Deeds

Demolition

Demonstration, Rally, Picket or Protest

Design Review

The City Council may designate that exterior alternations of buildings, areas, and structures within the following areas of the City be subject to design review by staff, City Council or both; Form Based Code Districts, Central Planning District (Non single-family), PRM Zoning District, Towncrest District, Urban Renewal Area Project R-14, City Plaza, Rooftop Service Areas, or as required by Development Agreements.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5120

Division of Land

Domestic Partner Registry

Drivers License

Easement for Use of the Sidewalk/Public Right-of-Way

In order to better comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City Council may grant an easement for the use of a sidewalk or public right-of-way to make local businesses accessible to persons with disabilities if physical limitations prevent the necessary accommodations on private property. The Department of Neighborhood and Development Services should be contacted about specifications for accessibility. If an easement for the use of the sidewalk or public right-of-way is the preferred option, a written request with construction drawing must be submitted to the Department of Public Works for City Staff review and City Council approval.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5120

Public Works
319-356-5140

Electrical

Fences

Fire Alarm

Fire Sprinkler

Flood Plain

Food Trucks

Ambulatory Vendor

Please see Licenses and Permits on the City Clerk's page for more information.

Mobile Food Truck Vendor

If you are interested in operating a mobile food truck in Iowa City, you will need a mobile food truck vendor permit.

Food Truck Permit Application

A Mobile Food Establishment License will also be needed through Johnson County Public Health. Visit their website to complete that licensing. Call Johnson County Public Health at 319-356-6040.

More important information

Contact:
Building Inspection Services
319-356-5123

Food truck rules

Food truck catering (not selling) from private property does not need a permit from the city.
Food truck selling from private property: requires a temporary use permit completed via CSS, a health permit, COI and a site plan. $75 fee for new application, $25 for a renewal/good for six months. (note this does not include any fees/rent/etc. that may be paid to the property owner)
Food truck selling from street public right of way: complete a paper application, including: a health permit, COI and a photo of the truck. $1000 annual fee/expires December 31^st/can be prorated. Operational policies, including but not limited to:

Food trucks may operate seasonally or year round
Permitted hours of operation are 7 am to 2 am
Food truck vendor may sell any type of food or non-alcoholic beverage
Food trucks must be entirely self-contained, no outside electrical is permitted.
Food trucks must be equipped with a 5 lb. multi-purpose fire extinguisher
Food trucks mode of operation must not impede free flow of pedestrian traffic in the right of way or in or out of adjacent properties
Food trucks can operate in any commercial zone and the River Front Crossing districts.
Food trucks cannot operate within 150 feet of the downtown or northside market, not within 150 feet of the entrance of a restaurant, not in a residential zone, not in a loading zone.
Food trucks can operate in 2 metered spaces if both spaces are operational, operate for up to 3 hours in a metered space with an established time period of 2 hours or less if the meter is operational, or back into and operate in an angled stall.

Grading

A grading permit is required before any grading can be done on property with slopes of twenty-five percent (25%) or greater, vertical height exceeding ten (10) feet, flood hazard areas, wetlands as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, or property traversed by a drainage way as shown in blue line on the U.S. Geological Survey maps.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5120

Health

The Johnson County Department of Public Health regularly inspects businesses that affect public health. Construction and remodeling plans for hotels and motels and licensed daycare centers must be approved by the County Health Department. Hotels and motels are inspected regularly and licensed daycare centers are inspected annually. Swimming pools inspected by the County Health Department include: public swimming pools and spas; hotel/motel pools and spas; public schools; and community facilities. An annual inspection fee is required. Approval for swimming pool construction and remodeling is obtained from the State Department of Public Health. Tanning facilities, tattoo establishments, and funeral homes are annually inspected to determine compliance with state regulations. An annual inspection fee is required.

Contact:
Johnson County Department of Public Health
319-356-6040

Historic Review

The Urban Planning office assists in identifying and preserving historically significant landmarks and districts. The Historic Preservation Commission, with the assistance of the preservation planner, reviews requests for exterior changes to properties located within the seven local historic districts and conservation districts, and historic landmarks. To discuss a potential annexation, contact Urban Planning Staff.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5230

Home Occupation

Some occupations and businesses can be conducted within a dwelling by a person residing on the property. As an accessory use, these businesses must be limited in extent, clearly subordinate to the residential use, and not detract from the residential character of the neighborhood. Businesses where a nonresident employee works at the site or where customers frequent the site on a regular basis, require the operator of the use to obtain a home occupation permit.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5120

Housing Moving

Information Table, City Plaza Only

Marriage License

Mechanical

Minor Modification

The building official may grant small modifications from certain standards specifically listed in the City Code if the proposed development meets certain criteria and continues to meet the intended purpose of those regulations. Minor modification reviews provide flexibility for unusual situations applicable to the property, for which strict application of the regulations is impractical.

Minor Modification-General Approval Criteria

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5120

Motor Vehicle Registration

Outdoor Service Area

Oversized Loads

Parade

Parks, Use of

Piano

Planting in the Right-of-way (Area Between Sidewalk and Street)

The area between the sidewalk and the street is called the City right-of-way and is public property. It may also be referred to as the parking or the tree lawn. While the area serves many purposes, it is principally used as a space for underground or overhead utilities. Trees may be planted there, but care must be taken to understand and follow sound planting practices. Inappropriate plant species or an improper planting location can create slight obstructions for pedestrians and motorists, or interfere with overhead or underground utilities.

For these reasons and others, persons wishing to plant in the right-of-way should contact the City Forester at the Parks and Recreation office for a tree planting permit at 319-356-5100 before they purchase or plant.

Plumbing

Public Grounds and Streets, Use of

Reasonable Accommodation

A reasonable accommodation request is an administrative process that allows persons with disabilities to request a reasonable accommodation from a zoning regulation or process that acts as a barrier to their ability to use or enjoy their home. To discuss a potential reasonable accommodation, contact Urban Planning Staff.

Contact:

Neighborhood & Development Services
319-356-5230

Rental

All rental property in Iowa City is required to have a rental permit. All rental properties that are within single family homes, duplex structures, and multi-family structures (three or more units) are inspected every two years. Life-safety and fire-safety items, along with general maintenance requirements, constitute the majority of violations cited. All violations cited by an inspector must then be corrected in a timely manner by the landlord or property manager. After all violations have been corrected, the rental permit is again issued.

Contact:
Housing Inspection Services
319-356-5130

Restaurant, Food or Vending Machine

A permit is required for any kind of food-related business, including grocery stores, restaurants, food carts, catering, certain home-based products, and vending machines. Building and equipment plans must be received and approved by the Johnson County Department of Public Health before construction or remodeling occurs. Food operation licenses are nontransferable; therefore, a new permit must be obtained if a change in ownership and/or change of location occurs. After a permit has been issued, the County Health Department conducts annual inspections. An annual license renewal fee is required.

Contact:
Johnson County Department of Public Health
319-356-6040

Rezoning

A rezoning is a process that changes the zoning district designation of a property or group of properties to allow for different uses to occur and is reflected on the City’s zoning map. The City's decision to grant a rezoning will be based on the comprehensive plan, compatibility of the proposed zone with nearby zones; the adequacy of the city infrastructure and services in the area; and public input. To discuss a potential rezoning, contact Urban Planning Staff.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5230

Right of Way, Temporary Use of

Sign Installer's License

Sidewalk Cafe

Sidewalk Retailing (2018)

City Code Section 10-3-6 provides that a Sidewalk Retailing Permit may be issued to individual retailers allowing placement of merchandise on the sidewalk. This permit will be in effect from March 1 through October 31, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Under this provision, a permit may be issued to any individual retailer who completes the application, provides proof of liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured, and abides by the rules for sidewalk retailing established by the City Manager.

More Information about Sidewalk Retailing .

Sidewalk, Temporary Use of (E.g. Sidewalk Sales)

Site Plan

Sign

Most commercial and industrial signs visible to the public from a street or public right-of-way require a sign permit. A sign permit is required for any new signs or any change in the face or structure of an existing sign. At the issuance of the permit, a permit fee will be collected. Certain types of signs, such as roof signs and swinging signs, are prohibited. A few types of signs do not require a permit, although the size and placement of the size may be regulated.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5120

Small Wireless Facility

Solar Photovoltaic

The form below is required to be submitted along with your permit application for Residential Roof Mounted Solar Photovoltaic projects.

Information on How to Apply for a Permit
Residential Roof Mounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Verification Form
Photovoltaic Worksheet - this worksheet has been provided for the installer to complete and submit with the required Electrical Permit Application.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5120

Sound

Special Exception (Board of Adjustment)

Each zoning district contains a list of permitted and provisional land uses that may be established on a property if the zoning requirements, such as building height and parking spaces, are adhered to. Each zoning district also contains a list of special exceptions. Special exceptions are not permitted by right in a zone, but after review by the Board of Adjustment, they may be allowed if there are no negative impacts on nearby properties or if any negative impacts may be reduced. To discuss a potential special exception, contact Urban Planning Staff.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5230

Streets and Public Grounds, Use of

Subdivision

A subdivision is the division of a tract, lot or parcel of land into three (3) or more lots. A plat is the graphical representation of a subdivision of land, prepared by a registered land surveyor, having a number or letter designation for each lot within the plat and a succinct name or title that is unique for the county where the land is located. No subdivision may be created, nor any plat recorded with the Recorder’s Office until both a preliminary and final plat have been submitted and approved in accordance with City requirements. To discuss a potential subdivision, contact Urban Planning Staff.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5230

Taxicabs

Temporary Use

Vacation

A vacation of public right-of-way is a process of the City releasing its right to an area of public travel, such as a street or alley. This is typically paired with a purchase offer from the applicant. To discuss a potential annexation, contact Urban Planning Staff.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5230

Variance (Board of Adjustment)

A variance grants a legal right to an owner to develop property in a manner that is not otherwise allowed by the Municipal Code or the Special Exception process. Property owners must demonstrate that a strict application of the Zoning Code would cause unnecessary hardship, making the property unusable, or would deprive the applicant of rights enjoyed by other properties in the zoning district. To discuss a potential variance, contact Urban Planning Staff.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5230

Zoning

The City of Iowa City has designated various areas throughout the city as appropriate for industrial and commercial uses. When looking for a business location, it is suggested that these areas be considered first. The Department of Neighborhood and Development Services supplies general information on zoning and allowable land uses in various zoning categories. Most information is available over the phone or in person free of charge.

Contact:
Neighborhood and Development Services
319-356-5120

Iowa City, IA

FIND A SERVICE

HOW DO I…

Permits, Licenses, and Plans

Ambulatory Vendor

Mobile Food Truck Vendor

Food truck rules