On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Palo Alto County - Unincorporated Area
Farm land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, and other buildings or structures primarily adapted for farm purposes as a primary means of livelihood are exempt from zoning restrictions while so used.
Feed lots and confined feeding facilities are not exempt.
Farm buildings in a flood plain are not exempt.
The ordinance still requires a certificate of zoning exemption or zoning compliance before construction or relocation of a building.
- Exempt Farm land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, and other buildings or structures primarily adapted for farm purposes as a primary means of livelihood are exempt from zoning restrictions while so used.
- Exempt Feed lots and confined feeding facilities are not exempt.
- Exempt Farm buildings in a flood plain are not exempt.
- Exempt The ordinance still requires a certificate of zoning exemption or zoning compliance before construction or relocation of a building.
Required documents
- A Certificate of Zoning Compliance is required before a building is erected, constructed, altered, moved, converted, extended, enlarged, or land is used, except for farm exemptions.
- A Certificate of Occupancy is required before vacant land or buildings are used, except for farm exemptions.
- Plot plan or drawing in duplicate or as required
- Dimensions of lot lines
- Building location on lot
- Additional information the zoning administrator needs
- Boundary survey and staking if required
- Complete construction plans if required
- Certificates are valid for the period stated on the certificate.
- Unless extended in writing, permits expire after 90 days if no substantial beginning has been made and after 1 year if not completed.
- No special owner-builder rule was published in the county sources reviewed.
- No county contractor licensing rule was published in the county sources reviewed.
- Thin data for a local building code adoption. The county zoning ordinance is published and governs land use and zoning in the unincorporated area, but it does not publish a county building code adoption in the sections reviewed.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Start by contacting the zoning office at 712-852-3058 or aking@paloaltocounty.iowa.gov.
- 02 Submit the zoning compliance or zoning exemption application with plot plan and supporting documents.
- 03 The ordinance requires plot plans in duplicate or as required by the zoning administrator, with lot lines, building locations, and other needed information.
- 04 The zoning administrator must issue or deny the certificate within 15 days of filing.
- 05 If no decision is issued within 15 days, the applicant may appeal directly to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
- 06 If approved, construction may begin under the certificate conditions.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Palo Alto County - Unincorporated Area building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not published
02
Plan check fee
Not published
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Call ahead. The county page says due to part time office hours, on site inspections and evaluations are best scheduled in advance. (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Palo Alto County - Unincorporated Area permits
01 How much does a building permit cost in Palo Alto County - Unincorporated Area, IA? ▸
Building permit fees in Palo Alto County - Unincorporated Area, IA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Not published. Plan check fee: Not published.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Palo Alto County - Unincorporated Area, IA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Palo Alto County - Unincorporated Area, IA, follow these steps: 1. Start by contacting the zoning office at 712-852-3058 or aking@paloaltocounty.iowa.gov. 2. Submit the zoning compliance or zoning exemption application with plot plan and supporting documents. 3. The ordinance requires plot plans in duplicate or as required by the zoning administrator, with lot lines, building locations, and other needed information. 4. The zoning administrator must issue or deny the certificate within 15 days of filing. 5. If no decision is issued within 15 days, the applicant may appeal directly to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. 6. If approved, construction may begin under the certificate conditions.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in Palo Alto County - Unincorporated Area, IA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Palo Alto County - Unincorporated Area, IA. The following work is generally exempt: Farm land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, and other buildings or structures primarily adapted for farm purposes as a primary means of livelihood are exempt from zoning restrictions while so used.; Feed lots and confined feeding facilities are not exempt.; Farm buildings in a flood plain are not exempt.; The ordinance still requires a certificate of zoning exemption or zoning compliance before construction or relocation of a building.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Palo Alto County - Unincorporated Area, IA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Palo Alto County - Unincorporated Area, IA via: Call ahead. The county page says due to part time office hours, on site inspections and evaluations are best scheduled in advance..
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/iowa/palo-alto/palo-alto-county-area
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Zoning and Solid Waste, Palo Alto County Iowa before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.