Guthrie County Unincorporated Area, IA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Guthrie County unincorporated area and county zoning/floodplain related review; contract zoning administrator is Region XII Council of Governments

Department

Guthrie County Planning and Zoning

Address

Region XII Council of Governments, 1009 East Anthony Street, P.O. Box 768, Carroll, IA 51401

Phone

(712) 792-9914

Email

Not published on the page reviewed

Website

https://guthriecounty.gov/planning_zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm zoning and floodplain constraints with the zoning administrator.
2. Complete the county building/zoning permit form.
3. Submit duplicate scale plans and supporting documents with the application.
4. If public water or sewer is unavailable, include County Health Officer approval for water supply and sanitary waste disposal.
5. If land disturbance thresholds are met, include a pollution prevention plan and, when applicable, an Iowa DNR NPDES permit.
6. County zoning administrator reviews and acts within 14 days if the application is complete.
7. If approved, the applicant receives an approved copy and later a Certificate of Zoning Compliance after completion and inspection.

Source: Guthrie County Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

Required Documents

• approved form, filing fee, duplicate scale plans, lot shape and dimensions, building location and dimensions, existing and intended use, dwelling unit count, utility and sanitation approvals if needed, soil/water and NPDES documents where required

Building code

Iowa State Building Code and Historical Building Code; listed adopted editions include 2003 IBC, 2003 IMC, 2003 IRC, 2004 IEBC, 2005 NEC, and 2004 IECC for commercial construction

Owner-builder

not clearly published

Contractor requirements

not clearly published in the reviewed materials

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Not publicly enumerated in the reviewed ordinance text; fee schedule is established by Board resolution

Plan check fee

Not publicly published

Reinspection fee

Not publicly published

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached accessory buildings 120 square feet or less
• Detached accessory buildings that are not attached to the ground and are located in the side or rear yard
• Agricultural use is broadly treated differently, but many farm-related uses still require compliance certificates if listed in the ordinance

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Not clearly published (phone)

Inspection hours

Not clearly published

Typical inspection sequence: permit review, construction, completion inspection, then certificate of zoning compliance

Not clearly published

Additional Resources

• Building code: Iowa State Building Code and Historical Building Code; listed adopted editions include 2003 IBC, 2003 IMC, 2003 IRC, 2004 IEBC, 2005 NEC, and 2004 IECC for commercial construction
• 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

Guthrie County Unincorporated Area Building Permit FAQ

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

The minimum permit fee is Not publicly enumerated in the reviewed ordinance text; fee schedule is established by Board resolution. Plan check fee: Not publicly published.

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

1. Confirm zoning and floodplain constraints with the zoning administrator. 2. Complete the county building/zoning permit form. 3. Submit duplicate scale plans and supporting documents with the application. 4. If public water or sewer is unavailable, include County Health Officer approval for water supply and sanitary waste disposal. 5. If land disturbance thresholds are met, include a pollution prevention plan and, when applicable, an Iowa DNR NPDES permit. 6. County zoning administrator reviews and acts within 14 days if the application is complete. 7. If approved, the applicant receives an approved copy and later a Certificate of Zoning Compliance after completion and inspection.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory buildings 120 square feet or less; Detached accessory buildings that are not attached to the ground and are located in the side or rear yard; Agricultural use is broadly treated differently, but many farm-related uses still require compliance certificates if listed in the ordinance.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Not clearly published.

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