How much does a building permit cost in 1) Des Moines County unincorporated area, IA?

The minimum permit fee is Thin data. Plan check fee: Thin data.

What work is exempt from building permits in 1) Des Moines County unincorporated area, IA?

The following work is generally exempt: Thin data. No public county exemption list was clearly posted on the reviewed pages..

How do I schedule a building inspection in 1) Des Moines County unincorporated area, IA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Thin data. No public inspection scheduling instructions were clearly posted..

City Building Permits

1) Des Moines County unincorporated area, IA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in 1) Des Moines County unincorporated area, Iowa. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Iowa Des Moines County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Des Moines County. The county land use program handles zoning, floodplain, and land use review for rural areas outside city limits.

Department: Des Moines County Planning and Zoning / Land Use
Address: 513 N Main St, Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-8205
Email: Thin data. No direct email was clearly published on the public land use pages reviewed.
Website: https://desmoinescounty.iowa.gov/land_use/

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: N/A or thin data • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Start with the county land use office to confirm whether the work is in unincorporated county territory and whether zoning or floodplain review applies.
Submit the applicable application or permit form with site and project details.
County staff reviews zoning and floodplain issues, then issues or denies the permit as applicable.

Typical processing time: Thin data. No published turnaround time was found on the public county pages.

Source: Des Moines County Planning and Zoning / Land Use

General Requirements

The county pages reviewed indicate land use review is required for regulated work in unincorporated areas, but the public site does not provide a complete building permit matrix.

Required Documents

Thin data. Expect site plan, property details, contractor and owner information, and project description at minimum.

Building code: Thin data. No county building code adoption statement was found on the public pages reviewed.
Owner-builder: Thin data. No county-specific owner-builder guidance was clearly published.
Contractor requirements: Thin data. No county-specific licensing guidance was clearly published on the public pages reviewed.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Thin data
Plan check fee: Thin data
Reinspection fee: Thin data

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Thin data. No public county exemption list was clearly posted on the reviewed pages.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Thin data. No public inspection scheduling instructions were clearly posted. (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Thin data. Expect zoning and floodplain review first if applicable.

Thin data

Additional Resources

Building code: Thin data. No county building code adoption statement was found on the public 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

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Des Moines County Planning and Zoning / Land Use before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Des Moines County unincorporated area Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in 1) Des Moines County unincorporated area, IA?: The county pages reviewed indicate land use review is required for regulated work in unincorporated areas, but the public site does not provide a complete building permit matrix.
How much does a building permit cost in 1) Des Moines County unincorporated area, IA?: The minimum permit fee is Thin data. Plan check fee: Thin data.
How do I apply for a building permit in 1) Des Moines County unincorporated area, IA?: 1. Start with the county land use office to confirm whether the work is in unincorporated county territory and whether zoning or floodplain review applies. 2. Submit the applicable application or permit form with site and project details. 3. County staff reviews zoning and floodplain issues, then issues or denies the permit as applicable.
How long does it take to get a building permit in 1) Des Moines County unincorporated area, IA?: Typical processing time is Thin data. No published turnaround time was found on the public county pages..
What work is exempt from building permits in 1) Des Moines County unincorporated area, IA?: The following work is generally exempt: Thin data. No public county exemption list was clearly posted on the reviewed pages..
How do I schedule a building inspection in 1) Des Moines County unincorporated area, IA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Thin data. No public inspection scheduling instructions were clearly posted..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in 1) Des Moines County unincorporated area can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Des Moines County

2 Burlington 3 West Burlington 4 Danville 5 Mediapolis

View all Des Moines County jurisdictions →