Cambridge, IA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Cambridge

Street address

225 Water St., Cambridge, IA 50046

Phone

515-220-4541

cityofcambridge@huxcomm.net

Coverage

Covers the incorporated City of Cambridge.

Website

Department website

Additional resources

City Website ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Cambridge

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

Note: No stand-alone public exemption list was identified in the reviewed Cambridge materials. Applicants should confirm any claimed exemption with the city clerk before starting work.

Required documents

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

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

Source: City of Cambridge ↗

§ 03

Application process

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

01

Download the Cambridge building permit application and, if needed, the separate trade permit application from the city website.
02

Complete the form and include a site plan and building plan(s); the form expressly requests both.
03

Submit the completed application to cityofcambridge@huxcomm.net or to City Hall.
04

Pay building, plan review, and any city connection or administrative fees after city review.
05

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Cambridge building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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

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

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

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

Scheduling deadline: At least 1 business day advance notice

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

Source: City of Cambridge ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Cambridge permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Cambridge, IA? ▸

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

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

Building permit fees in Cambridge, IA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

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

To apply for a building permit in Cambridge, IA, follow these steps: 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.

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

Building permit processing times in Cambridge, IA typically run Submitted permits are typically reviewed within 3-8 business days from receipt if materials are complete.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Cambridge, IA via: Contact Safe Building at 515-333-4161. At least 1 business day advance notice.

last verified April 2026 source City of Cambridge ↗ entry id permits/iowa/story/cambridge-city

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Cambridge before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Cambridge

Other jurisdictions in Story County.