City of West Branch (Johnson County Portion)

Anyone intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building/structure, and anyone erecting/installing/enlarging/altering/repairing/moving/converting/replacing electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. The permit requirements sheet specifically lists decks, porches, room additions, remodels, pergolas, sheds, garages, dwellings, multifamily, commercial remodels/buildings/roofing/siding, fences, pools, signs, basement remodels, egress windows, major reroofing, and retaining walls over 4 feet.

Note: No public consolidated exemption list was located in this pass. West Branch instead publishes a detailed list of work that does require permits.

Building code

West Branch permit requirements sheet states the city adopted the 2015 International Residential Code and the 2020 Electrical Code.

Permit validity

Not clearly posted in the sources reviewed.

Owner-builder

Not clearly posted in the sources reviewed.

Contractor requirements

Not clearly posted in the public page text; coordinate with city on state trade licensing requirements.

Source: City of West Branch, Building Inspector ↗

1. 01
   Review the permit requirements sheet and select the correct residential, commercial, trade, fence, sign, demolition, or ROW permit form.
2. 02
   Prepare accurate plans drawn to scale and any required site plan, erosion, or solar materials.
3. 03
   Email completed permit forms and required documentation to permits@westbranchiowa.org or submit through the city office workflow.
4. 04
   Wait for review, pay the permit, and obtain approval before starting work.
5. 05
   Schedule all required inspections with the Building Official and complete final inspection/certificate of occupancy before occupancy or use.

Typical processing time: Not publicly posted.

Source: City of West Branch, Building Inspector ↗

Permit must be picked up, paid for, and approved before starting the project

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• Terry Goerdt, Building Official (phone)

Inspection hours

City office Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical sequence: Permit issuance, required inspections before cover-up, final inspection, certificate of occupancy for dwellings/multifamily/commercial-industrial as applicable