5) Creston, IA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Incorporated city of Creston, county seat of Union County

Department

Creston Building and Code Compliance Department / Public Works; building inspections by Veenstra and Kimm

Address

116 W. Adams Street, Creston, IA 50801

Phone

(641) 782-2000, Option 3 for Public Works; Beth Madison 641-782-2000 ext. 206; Bobby Wintermute 641-782-2000 ext. 205; Veenstra and Kimm 515-850-2980

Email

Not published on the reviewed page

Website

https://www.crestoniowa.gov/2148/Code-Compliance-Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Check whether the project needs a permit based on work type
2. Submit the building permit application and related documents to Public Works / Building and Code Compliance
3. Building inspections are handled by Veenstra and Kimm or the city code compliance staff
4. The city reviews compliance with codes and ordinances and then issues or denies the permit

Typical processing time: Not published on the reviewed pages

General Requirements

New buildings, enlargements, structural changes to existing buildings, major residential remodeling, and remodeling of commercial or industrial buildings

Required Documents

• The reviewed FAQ and code page do not publish a full checklist, but the city uses building permit applications, fee tables, and plan review materials; Afton-style plan documents are not published here in the same level of detail

Permit validity

Not published on the reviewed pages

Building code

Not fully confirmed from the pages reviewed; the FAQ references city zoning regulations and building codes, and the page links to building valuation data and the building fee table

Owner-builder

Homeowners can do work on their own homestead dwelling, not rental units; permits and inspections are required for major remodels and additions and are issued to the homestead property owner of record

Contractor requirements

Building inspections are performed by Veenstra and Kimm; no citywide contractor licensing rule was published on the reviewed page

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$15 minimum fee for valuation of $1 to $500

Plan check fee

65 percent of permit fee for listed categories, including new homes, new commercial and industrial construction, certain additions or alterations, and all new two-family and multifamily construction

Reinspection fee

Not published in the fee table reviewed

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• A detached shed or accessory building under 200 square feet may not require a permit if setbacks are met
• Replacing shingles or siding is not listed on the Creston FAQ page as exempt work in the reviewed lines; do not assume exemption without checking the current code

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact Public Works at 641-782-2000, Option 3, or the building inspector at 641-782-2000 ext. 205 (phone)

Inspection hours

City contact page lists city offices at 116 W. Adams Street; specific inspection hours were not published

Typical inspection sequence: Determine permit need, submit application, review by city staff and inspections contractor, permit issuance, construction, and inspections as required

Not published on the reviewed pages

Additional Resources

• Building code: Not fully confirmed from the pages reviewed; the FAQ references city zoning regulations and building codes, and the page links to building valuation data and the building fee table
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

5) Creston Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in 5) Creston, IA?

New buildings, enlargements, structural changes to existing buildings, major residential remodeling, and remodeling of commercial or industrial buildings

How much does a building permit cost in 5) Creston, IA?

The minimum permit fee is $15 minimum fee for valuation of $1 to $500. Plan check fee: 65 percent of permit fee for listed categories, including new homes, new commercial and industrial construction, certain additions or alterations, and all new two-family and multifamily construction.

How do I apply for a building permit in 5) Creston, IA?

1. Check whether the project needs a permit based on work type 2. Submit the building permit application and related documents to Public Works / Building and Code Compliance 3. Building inspections are handled by Veenstra and Kimm or the city code compliance staff 4. The city reviews compliance with codes and ordinances and then issues or denies the permit

How long does it take to get a building permit in 5) Creston, IA?

Typical processing time is Not published on the reviewed pages.

What work is exempt from building permits in 5) Creston, IA?

The following work is generally exempt: A detached shed or accessory building under 200 square feet may not require a permit if setbacks are met; Replacing shingles or siding is not listed on the Creston FAQ page as exempt work in the reviewed lines; do not assume exemption without checking the current code.

How do I schedule a building inspection in 5) Creston, IA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact Public Works at 641-782-2000, Option 3, or the building inspector at 641-782-2000 ext. 205.

Other cities in Union County