Building Permits
What is a Building Permit? Building Permit Application Fee Schedule
Residential Outbuildings
For all post frame construction in Muscatine County, the following will be required:
- A Building Permit Application
- 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.
- All construction in the flood plain will require a Muscatine County Flood Plain Development Permit.
- 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.
Pole Building Construction
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 flood plain development requires a Muscatine County Flood Plain Development Permit.
- 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
Agricultural structures being constructed in Muscatine County 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 or modifying existing septic installations is also required to have a permit, even when exempted from construction codes.
More information on the farm exemption process can be found in the County's zoning ordinances. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact our office by phone at 563-263-0482 or by email at zoning@muscatinecountyiowa.gov
3 Seasons Rooms / Sun Rooms
Residential 3 Season Rooms require permitting and inspections. All construction is required to comply with the County's adopted building codes. Sun rooms can also meet the specifications set forth in AAMA/NPEA/NSA 2100-12. Complete plans showing the new construction & how it is tied into the existing dwelling are required. These plans do not need to be professionally drawn, but must be legible and include all the required information on construction member sizes and spacing.
Backup Generator
Residential backup generator permits must include the following submissions. Note: Portable generators that are only used with extension cords and are not permanently attached to a structure.
- Electrical Service Installation Application
- A copy of the manufacturer's specifications/installation instructions
- Site plan, including the following:
- Distance from the generator to combustible construction (Structure and vegetation). Note: Typically, 5 feet – check manufacturer’s specifications.
- Distance from the generator to property lines.
- Distance from the generator to any operable doors or windows. Note: Minimum 5' must be shown on site plan.
- Location of trench for gas line. (if applicable)
- Location of trench for electrical conduit(s). (if applicable)
- Fuel gas requirements (natural gas or propane)
- Location of gas shut-off valve and sediment tube.
Note: If the generator is fueled by gasoline, diesel, or propane, the maximum allowed amounts are 10g, 25g, and 50g.
Decks
Construction of decks requires permitting. On single rectangular decks, most times, either the "Single Joist Span" or "Multi-Joist Span" permit packets are sufficient to get your project evaluated and permitted.
- Single Joist Span Permit Packet (for simple rectangular decks)
- Multi Joist Span Permit Packet (for simple rectangular decks)
On anything that isn't a simple rectangular design or all the information cannot be submitted via one of the two permit packets, a building permit application needs to be filled out. Along with a plan view drawing of the proposed decks structure, as well as a simple cross section showing the structural member sizes. These drawings should include: Ledger locations & sizes; joist size, spacing, and span; beam sizes and spans; post sizes and locations; footing sizes, locations, & depth.
Driveways & Concrete Patios
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.
Fencing
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.
Installation or Upgrade of Electrical Service
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.
Electrical Service Installation Applications
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.
Multi-unit Housing
Please contact our office to discuss the plan submittal and review process.
Private Sewer (Septic) Systems
Muscatine County Development permits all new and renovated installations of septic systems in Muscatine County. To obtain a septic permit, the following information needs to be submitted:
- The address of the proposed system.
- Percolation Test or Soil Analysis (for a new system).
- The Number of Bedrooms in the residence (Bedrooms are any confined room that have both a storage closet and an emergency egress window).
- A map showing the proposed location of the system.
Percolation Test or Soil Analysis
All new installations of septic systems in Muscatine County are required to have a percolation test or a soil analysis. The results of the test will determine what type of system the soil can sustain. A percolation test or a soil analysis must be administered by a registered engineer in the State of Iowa or an approved agent.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit #4
Any private sewage disposal system that discharges treated wastewater to a designated water of the state or a subsurface drainage tile must be monitored to ensure that it meets secondary treatment standards. These systems must obtain an NPDES General Permit #4 issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Prior to the use of the system, a Notice of Intent form must be submitted to the Iowa DNR. Systems covered by this permit must meet all applicable requirements listed in the permit including effluent monitoring and sampling.
Helpful Links
Private Well
Private well construction, renovation, and well pluggings are overseen by the Muscatine County Development department.
- County Ordinance - Title II, Chapter I - Water Wells
- Iowa DNR - Forms, Guidance, and Private Well Rules
- What are nitrates, and who is at risk?
Free Well Testing
Our office offers free yearly well water testing to individuals living in Muscatine County who are using a private well. Funding is provided through the State of Iowa's private well program.
Testing is done for bacteria (coliform and E.coli) and nitrates.
Remodeling
A Building Permit and inspections are required for any remodeling of existing construction or for changing a storage area into a finished living space (finished basements). A drawing of the proposed remodel must be submitted with the permit application. Remodeling may include anything from running new water and electric to completely gutting a building down to bare studs.
Please contact the County Development department at 563-263-0482 or zoning@muscatinecountyiowa.gov to discuss the scope of your project with a building inspector and find out what submittal drawings and documents will be required.
Replace Roofing, Siding, and Windows
Currently, 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 repair work should be performed.
Room Additions
Room additions in the County do require a Building Permit and Inspections. The following documents will be required:
- Building Permit Application
- Construction drawings 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 & size, foundation wall type & size, floor system materials & sizing, and the exterior wall construction details & materials.
Single Family Dwelling
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.
Helpful Documents
Solar Array
Residential solar arrays are allowed in Muscatine County and may be placed with a building permit.
- Residential Solar Array
- Solar Array Permit Application
Swimming Pool
A building permit is required for all in-ground pools, above-ground pools, spas, and hot tubs. Pre-formed "kiddie" type pools that are less than 24" deep do not require permitting. Decks and other accompanying structures will also require permitting and inspections.