On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Guthrie County Unincorporated Area
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
- Exempt Detached accessory buildings 120 square feet or less
- Exempt Detached accessory buildings that are not attached to the ground and are located in the side or rear yard
- Exempt Agricultural use is broadly treated differently, but many farm-related uses still require compliance certificates if listed in the ordinance
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
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm zoning and floodplain constraints with the zoning administrator.
- 02 Complete the county building/zoning permit form.
- 03 Submit duplicate scale plans and supporting documents with the application.
- 04 If public water or sewer is unavailable, include County Health Officer approval for water supply and sanitary waste disposal.
- 05 If land disturbance thresholds are met, include a pollution prevention plan and, when applicable, an Iowa DNR NPDES permit.
- 06 County zoning administrator reviews and acts within 14 days if the application is complete.
- 07 If approved, the applicant receives an approved copy and later a Certificate of Zoning Compliance after completion and inspection.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Guthrie County Unincorporated Area building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not publicly enumerated in the reviewed ordinance text; fee schedule is established by Board resolution
02
Plan check fee
Not publicly published
03
Reinspection fee
Not publicly published
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Not clearly published (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Not clearly published
Typical sequence: permit review, construction, completion inspection, then certificate of zoning compliance
Not clearly published
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Guthrie County Unincorporated Area permits
01 How much does a building permit cost in Guthrie County Unincorporated Area, IA? ▸
Building permit fees in Guthrie County Unincorporated Area, IA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Guthrie County Unincorporated Area, IA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Guthrie County Unincorporated Area, IA, follow these steps: 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.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in Guthrie County Unincorporated Area, IA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Guthrie County Unincorporated Area, IA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Guthrie County Unincorporated Area, IA via: Not clearly published.
last verified April 2026
source Guthrie County Planning and Zoning ↗
entry id permits/iowa/guthrie/guthrie-county-area
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Guthrie County Planning and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.