Building Information

Building Permit Applications & Submittal Requirements 

A permit is required for any construction that physically changes or adds structure to a property or for work regulated by city codes or ordinances. 

Apply For Permit

A list of building submittal requirements and guidelines is available on our Building Permit Guidelines page.

For Plumbing, Electrical or Mechanical permits please visit the Trades Contractor Permits page.

Submittals Via Email

Email Building Plan Documents
Note: Building plan documents should be in PDF format and may be limited in size 

Email Energy Documents and Manual J&D Documents

Permit Costs

  1. Fee Schedule (PDF)
  2. New Construction Permit Fees (PDF)

Review Process

No construction is allowed until the permit is issued. Once the permit application and accompanying plans have been submitted, it will take approximately five working days to review residential applications and about 10 working days or more, depending on the project scope, to review commercial applications and to process the plans. Following approval of the plan and payment of fees, a permit will be issued.

Inspections

The type and number of inspections depend on the project. 48 hours' notice is required. Our Inspection line is 515-963-3533.

Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria

  • International Residential Code
    • Ground Snow Load: 33 PSF
    • Wind Speed: 107 MPH
  • International Building Code
    • Snow and Wind: See Chapter 16
  • Seismic Design Category: A
  • Frost Line Depth: 42 inches

Contractor Updates  

Annually, the city holds a meeting to update contractors on upcoming code changes, changes to department policy, and discussions on permitting, fees, inspections, construction, and common field practices to code requirements.

Cold Weather Concrete Policy 

The Cold Weather Concrete Policy (PDF) reflects the standard of care required to place and cure concrete, masonry mortar, and grout when the temperature drops below code and standard practice temperatures as identified in the adopted building code and referenced guidelines.

National Weather Service Forecast Office Point Forecast: Ankeny IA