Boone County, Unincorporated Area, IA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Boone County. The zoning ordinance states that no building, structure, or land in the unincorporated areas may be erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, or structurally altered except after receiving a zoning permit from the Boone County Zoning Administrator.

Department

Address

201 State St., Second Floor, Boone, IA 50036

Phone

515-433-0550

Email

Thin data , no general planning email published on the main department page

Website

https://boonecounty.iowa.gov/planning_development/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project is in unincorporated Boone County and not inside a city limit.
2. Submit the zoning permit application through the county portal.
3. If the work includes septic/onsite wastewater, use Health & Sanitation's online septic permit application.
4. If required, complete a percolation test before septic permit issuance.
5. County staff review the application, valuation, and ordinance compliance.
6. Permit is issued after required reviews and fees are paid.

Typical processing time: Thin data, the county pages do not publish a standard turnaround time

Source:

General Requirements

County zoning permit required for regulated work in unincorporated areas. Septic permits required for new septic systems or renovation of the soil treatment area of an existing septic system.

Required Documents

• Online permit application, fee payment, and for septic systems, perc test preparation and supporting site information if required.

Building code

The county zoning ordinance incorporates Iowa Code Chapter 69 for septic systems without additional restrictions. The zoning ordinance is the main county land-use control for unincorporated areas. No separate county building code adoption was clearly published on the pages reviewed.

Owner-builder

Thin data, no countywide owner-builder rule was found on the public pages reviewed.

Contractor requirements

Thin data, but licensed contractors are required to pull electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits in the City of Boone. Boone County pages do not publish a similar county contractor rule in the reviewed material.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$30 for zoning permits

Plan check fee

Thin data for a separate county plan check fee; the public fee resolution excerpt reviewed did not show a distinct plan review line item

Reinspection fee

Double permit fees for construction started without a valid permit. Other county fee detail in the resolution excerpt is not fully visible from the public snippet.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Farm exempt land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, and other buildings, structures, or erections primarily adapted for agricultural purposes, while so used
• Agricultural areas created under Iowa Code Section 352.6 and the activities conducted thereon, subject to floodplain exceptions
• Thin data for other exempt work types, because the reviewed county ordinance excerpts focus on zoning and agricultural exemption rather than a complete building-permit exemption list

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Septic percolation tests are scheduled with the sanitarian after site preparation (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Application, fee payment, perc test if needed, county review, permit issuance, then inspection as required

Double fees apply if work starts without a valid permit

Additional Resources

• Building code: The county zoning ordinance incorporates Iowa Code Chapter 69 for septic systems without additional restrictions. The zoning ordinance is the main county land-use control for unincorporated areas. No separate county building code adoption was clearly published on the pages reviewed.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• License lookup guide: Iowa Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Iowa Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Iowa hub: Iowa Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Boone County, Unincorporated Area Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Boone County, Unincorporated Area, IA?

County zoning permit required for regulated work in unincorporated areas. Septic permits required for new septic systems or renovation of the soil treatment area of an existing septic system.

How much does a building permit cost in Boone County, Unincorporated Area, IA?

The minimum permit fee is $30 for zoning permits. Plan check fee: Thin data for a separate county plan check fee; the public fee resolution excerpt reviewed did not show a distinct plan review line item.

How do I apply for a building permit in Boone County, Unincorporated Area, IA?

1. Confirm the project is in unincorporated Boone County and not inside a city limit. 2. Submit the zoning permit application through the county portal. 3. If the work includes septic/onsite wastewater, use Health & Sanitation's online septic permit application. 4. If required, complete a percolation test before septic permit issuance. 5. County staff review the application, valuation, and ordinance compliance. 6. Permit is issued after required reviews and fees are paid.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Boone County, Unincorporated Area, IA?

Typical processing time is Thin data, the county pages do not publish a standard turnaround time.

What work is exempt from building permits in Boone County, Unincorporated Area, IA?

The following work is generally exempt: Farm exempt land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, and other buildings, structures, or erections primarily adapted for agricultural purposes, while so used; Agricultural areas created under Iowa Code Section 352.6 and the activities conducted thereon, subject to floodplain exceptions; Thin data for other exempt work types, because the reviewed county ordinance excerpts focus on zoning and agricultural exemption rather than a complete building-permit exemption list.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Boone County, Unincorporated Area, IA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Septic percolation tests are scheduled with the sanitarian after site preparation.

Other cities in Boone County