How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Scott County, IA?

The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; $50 for $1-$1,000, then stepped schedule, with $1,016 for first $100,000 plus $7 per additional $1,000 up to $500,000, then $5 per additional $1,000 up to $1,000,000, then $4 per additional $1,000 over $1,000,000. Plan check fee: $100 review fee for new house/addition submittals, credited toward permit fee; $500 review fee noted for new commercial submittals on LeClaire county-routed page.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Scott County, IA?

The following work is generally exempt: Agriculturally exempt farmer work; Minor repairs and replacements; Small accessory structures under 120 square feet.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Scott County, IA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 563-326-8643.

County Building Permits

Scott County, IA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Scott County, Iowa. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Iowa Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Issues building permits and inspections for unincorporated Scott County, including Park View.

Department: Scott County Planning and Development
Address: 600 W. 4th St., Davenport, IA 52801-1003
Phone: 563-326-8643
Email: planning@scottcountyiowa.gov
Website: https://www.scottcountyiowa.gov/planning/building-permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Scott County Planning and Development Online Payment

Platform: Scott County Planning and Development Online Payment • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm zoning, floodplain, and site constraints with Scott County Planning and Development before construction.
Submit the applicable county permit application with plot plan, legal description, owner and builder contact information, and plans; new homes and additions also require review fee and ResCheck.
County reviews plans and may request engineered plans or corrections.
Pay the invoiced permit fee; permit is issued only after approval and payment.
Call 563-326-8643 for inspections through the required construction stages and obtain final approval before occupancy where applicable.

Typical processing time: 3-5 days for most new houses/additions; 7-10 days for commercial construction

Source: Scott County Planning and Development

General Requirements

Required for decks/patio covers, fireplaces, garages/pole buildings, HVAC supply or exhaust work, pools 24 inches or deeper, sheds over 120 square feet, fences over 6 feet, room additions, dormers/wall openings, plumbing/heating/electrical changes, siding, load-bearing wall changes, garage conversions, retaining walls over 4 feet, roofing, major structural repairs, porches, masonry/concrete repair, and demolition

Required Documents

Plot plan, legal description, owner and builder names and contact info, two sets of building plans, engineered plans if required, and ResCheck for houses or substantial improvements

Permit validity: Not clearly posted on the main county pages reviewed
Building code: 2021 IBC, IRC, IPMC, and ISPSC; 2015 IECC; 2020 NEC; 2021 IMC; and 2021 UPC, as amended by Scott County Code Chapter 5
Owner-builder: Owner information must be listed; county pages do not separately publish an owner-builder exception summary
Contractor requirements: State electrical license required for electrical contractors; trade permit forms require contractor information

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50.00
Plan check fee: $100 review fee for new house/addition submittals, credited toward permit fee; $500 review fee noted for new commercial submittals on LeClaire county-routed page
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based; $50 for $1-$1,000, then stepped schedule, with $1,016 for first $100,000 plus $7 per additional $1,000 up to $500,000, then $5 per additional $1,000 up to $1,000,000, then $4 per additional $1,000 over $1,000,000
Reinspection fee: Not separately posted on the county fee PDF reviewed
Payment note: County says only pay online after invoice; credit cards carry 2.25% service fee online and at counter, debit card at counter is $2.00, checks have no fee

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Agriculturally exempt farmer work
Minor repairs and replacements
Small accessory structures under 120 square feet

Inspections

How to Schedule

563-326-8643 (phone)

Inspection hours: Office hours 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Staking, footing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, framing, and final as applicable by project type

Not specifically posted on the main county pages reviewed

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 IBC, IRC, IPMC, and ISPSC; 2015 IECC; 2020 NEC; 2021 IMC; and 2021 UPC, as amended by Scott County Code Chapter 5
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 Scott County Planning and Development before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scott County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Scott County, IA?: Required for decks/patio covers, fireplaces, garages/pole buildings, HVAC supply or exhaust work, pools 24 inches or deeper, sheds over 120 square feet, fences over 6 feet, room additions, dormers/wall openings, plumbing/heating/electrical changes, siding, load-bearing wall changes, garage conversions, retaining walls over 4 feet, roofing, major structural repairs, porches, masonry/concrete repair, and demolition
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Scott County, IA?: The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; $50 for $1-$1,000, then stepped schedule, with $1,016 for first $100,000 plus $7 per additional $1,000 up to $500,000, then $5 per additional $1,000 up to $1,000,000, then $4 per additional $1,000 over $1,000,000. Plan check fee: $100 review fee for new house/addition submittals, credited toward permit fee; $500 review fee noted for new commercial submittals on LeClaire county-routed page.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Scott County, IA?: 1. Confirm zoning, floodplain, and site constraints with Scott County Planning and Development before construction. 2. Submit the applicable county permit application with plot plan, legal description, owner and builder contact information, and plans; new homes and additions also require review fee and ResCheck. 3. County reviews plans and may request engineered plans or corrections. 4. Pay the invoiced permit fee; permit is issued only after approval and payment. 5. Call 563-326-8643 for inspections through the required construction stages and obtain final approval before occupancy where applicable.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Scott County, IA?: Typical processing time is 3-5 days for most new houses/additions; 7-10 days for commercial construction.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Scott County, IA?: The following work is generally exempt: Agriculturally exempt farmer work; Minor repairs and replacements; Small accessory structures under 120 square feet.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Scott County, IA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 563-326-8643.

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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.

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