If your project is within city limits, you will need to contact that municipality for their permitting requirements. For example, if the property is located within the city limits of Muscatine, you would need to contact the City of Muscatine - Community Development Office.
New Single-Family Dwellings being constructed in Muscatine County will require a building permit.
As of July 1, 2014, all new dwellings must have electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors who are registered with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing and with the State of Iowa. License numbers must be provided on the Building Permit Application before permit issuance.
A Building Permit Application must be submitted along with two copies of detailed construction plans. Plans must be drawn by either an architect, engineer, or draftsman. Plans for dwellings that are constructed using post frame construction (commonly known as “barndominiums”) will require an engineered stamp on the plans.
A site plan showing where the building will be placed on the lot (this can be as simple as a print off from Beacon showing offsets from property lines/existing structures)
For buildings with a footprint no greater than 1,500 sq. ft, with sidewalls no greater than 12’ tall, and general post spacings no greater than 8’, we require plans showing the overall construction of the building (footing sizes, interior partitions, overall dimensions, window & door locations, bracing and girt locations, truss details, etc.)
For buildings with a footprint greater than 1,500 sq. ft., or sidewalls over 12’, or with general post spacings greater than 8’, engineered stamped plans WILL be required.
Buildings designed with construction documents showing they meet the requirements set forth in the United States Department of Agriculture’s “Prescriptive Design Specifications for Non-Diaphragm Post-Frame Buildings” would NOT require engineered design, but will need complete design drawings.
For buildings constructed with manufactured trusses, the permit holder must have the manufacturer loading specifications available at the time of the rough-in inspection.
If any construction will take place in the Flood Plain or on leased land (Government or Private Lease), additional permitting will be required.
Development on privately leased land will require the signature of the property owner on the permit documents.
Development on Government leased land will require proof of contact with the U.S. Army Corp. or Engineers or another related agency.
Manufactured Yard Sheds
Manufactured yard sheds larger than 200 square feet in total area are required to obtain a building permit for their placement and have different requirements depending on style and size. Please see the links below for more information on what is required.
Commercial Structures
New commercial and industrial construction projects in Muscatine County must comply with our adopted building codes.
Construction Prints for Commercial & Industrial Projects
Plans and specifications for new commercial or industrial construction projects shall be drafted by a licensed design professional and bear their seal for the civil, structural, and architectural drawings.
or
Professionally drafted scale drawings with an accompanying letter or cover sheet from a licensed design professional bearing their seal with an attached Building Design Code Compliance Review.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing drawings for Commercial & Industrial Projects
Plan submittals for all MEP work on commercial projects shall either be part of the architectural design package and bear the seal of the licensed design professional.
or
A design professional may provide a narrative scope for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings and the tradesman shall provide their own "shop" drawing. These drawings will be acceptable only with an accompanying stamp or letter from the design professional stating that the design meets their design criteria.
Existing Commercial Building Renovation and/or Addition
Existing commercial structures that are being renovated or added on to must meet the requirements of the adopted Building Codes.
Commercial projects that take place in the county without the infrastructure of municipal water, power, or sewer will require special consideration. If the building requires sprinkler systems, water containment may be an issue. Wastewater management on commercial or industrial projects may require Iowa DNR approval. Engineered designs for the well and wastewater layouts may also be required.
All development on privately leased land will require the signature of the property owner on the permit documents.
All development on Government-leased land will require proof of contact with the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers or other related agency.
Agricultural Structures
New agricultural structures require either a building permit or a farm exemption. Income-producing farming operation projects can be exempted from the County's construction codes by submitting the exemption application to the building department for review and approval. With exemption from county construction codes, property owners are still required to have electrical installations inspected by a state official. New septic systems or modifications to existing septic systems will still require a permit.
You can find additional information on the farm exemption process in the County's zoning ordinances. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact our office.
Decks
Construction of a deck requires a building permit. Please submit a Building Permit Application along with the following:
A site plan showing the proposed location of the deck.
A drawing of the deck strucure including:
ledger locations and sizes
joist size, spacing, and span
beam sizes and spans
post sizes and locations
footing sizes, locations, and depth
These packets may also be used to provide the deck details:
Currently, the County Development office does not permit or inspect flat work that is not a portion of an already permitted structure. Please check with your local city street department, your homeowners association, or the Muscatine County Engineer's Office about new entrances.
Electrical Service, Generator, or Solar Array
Electrical Service Installation or Upgrade
Service installation and upgrades are required to be done by an electrician that is licensed by the State of Iowa.
Additional electrical work may be done by the property owner as long as they are receiving the Homestead Tax Credit.
Construction of fencing is not currently regulated by the Muscatine County Development office. Make sure that you check with your city and homeowners' association. They may have rules regarding the type of fence that can be used and where it can be placed. Be sure to check for any utility easements on your property to prevent problems in the future. If you are not sure where your property lines are located, you will need to contact a surveyor.
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) work requires permitting and inspection in Muscatine County. If a new pressurized gas pipe is being installed, either an in-person pressure test or a signed affidavit stating that a pressure test was completed by the installer will be required.
Please contact our office to discuss the plan submittal and review process.
Remodeling
A Building Permit and inspections are required for the remodeling of existing construction or for changing an area into finished living space (finished basements). A drawing of the proposed remodel must be submitted with the permit application.
Roofing, Siding, and Window Replacement
The County Development office does not require permitting for replacing roofing, siding, or installing replacement windows. If the installation of any of these components requires the structure to be altered, a permit should be issued, and an inspection of the work will be completed.
Room Additions
Room additions in the County do require a Building Permit and Inspections. The following documents will be required:
Construction plans showing how the addition will tie into the existing structure.
Elevation view showing how the new and existing roof will be tied together.
A cross-section view that shows the footing type and size, foundation wall type and size, floor system materials and size, and the exterior wall construction details and materials.
A building permit is required for all in-ground pools, above-ground pools, spas, and hot tubs. Pre-formed pools that are less than 24" deep do not require permitting. Decks and other accompanying structures will also require permitting and inspections.
