Cambridge, IA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers the incorporated City of Cambridge.

Department

City of Cambridge

Address

225 Water St., Cambridge, IA 50046

Phone

515-220-4541

Email

cityofcambridge@huxcomm.net

Website

https://www.cambridge-ia.us/

Application Process

1. Download the Cambridge building permit application and, if needed, the separate trade permit application from the city website.
2. Complete the form and include a site plan and building plan(s); the form expressly requests both.
3. Submit the completed application to cityofcambridge@huxcomm.net or to City Hall.
4. Pay building, plan review, and any city connection or administrative fees after city review.
5. Schedule inspections with Safe Building and obtain approval before concealment or occupancy.

Typical processing time: Submitted permits are typically reviewed within 3-8 business days from receipt if materials are complete.

Source: City of Cambridge

General Requirements

Cambridge publishes separate building, garage/shed, and trade permit forms.

Required Documents

• Signed application
• Site plan
• Building plan
• Contact information
• Project details
• Setbacks and structure dimensions

Permit validity

Trade permit expires one year from approval date or if work does not begin or is abandoned for 180 days. Building permit work must begin within 6 months of approval.

Building code

Specific code edition was not posted in the reviewed city materials; forms require compliance with applicable code and city ordinances.

Owner-builder

Building permit form allows owner, contractor, and design contacts to be listed.

Contractor requirements

Cambridge trade permit states work must be performed by a State of Iowa licensed contractor.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Trade permits on the reviewed city form are $100 each for temporary electric service, electric all other, plumbing, and mechanical. Building permit form shows a $25.00 times quantity administrative fee plus permit and plan review line items.

Plan check fee

Line item shown on building permit form; amount not printed on the face of the reviewed form

Permit fee formula

Building permit valuation is determined by the building official; trade permits are flat-fee by trade.

Trade permit fee

$100 per trade

Payment note

City connection fees include water connection $175, sewer connection $175, and administrative fee $25 each

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Cambridge to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact Safe Building at 515-333-4161 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

At least 1 business day advance notice

Typical inspection sequence: Reviewed Safe Building guidance calls for inspection before concealment and at final approval; exact sequence depends on project type

Additional Resources

• Building code: Specific code edition was not posted in the reviewed city materials; forms require compliance with applicable code and city ordinances.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Safe Building Guidance
• License lookup guide: Iowa Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Iowa Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Iowa hub: Iowa Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Cambridge, IA?

Cambridge publishes separate building, garage/shed, and trade permit forms.

How much does a building permit cost in Cambridge, IA?

The minimum permit fee is Trade permits on the reviewed city form are $100 each for temporary electric service, electric all other, plumbing, and mechanical. Building permit form shows a $25.00 times quantity administrative fee plus permit and plan review line items.. Fees are calculated as: Building permit valuation is determined by the building official; trade permits are flat-fee by trade.. Plan check fee: Line item shown on building permit form; amount not printed on the face of the reviewed form.

How do I apply for a building permit in Cambridge, IA?

1. Download the Cambridge building permit application and, if needed, the separate trade permit application from the city website. 2. Complete the form and include a site plan and building plan(s); the form expressly requests both. 3. Submit the completed application to cityofcambridge@huxcomm.net or to City Hall. 4. Pay building, plan review, and any city connection or administrative fees after city review. 5. Schedule inspections with Safe Building and obtain approval before concealment or occupancy.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Cambridge, IA?

Typical processing time is Submitted permits are typically reviewed within 3-8 business days from receipt if materials are complete..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Cambridge, IA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact Safe Building at 515-333-4161. At least 1 business day advance notice.

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