City of Ralls

A written building permit is required before construction, alteration, repair, removal, or reconstruction of any structure or part thereof within Ralls city limits. The fire-prevention article states permits are required on all buildings constructed, enlarged, or altered within city limits, except construction in zone three where total cost does not exceed $100.00. The electrical code requires a permit before installing, altering, or adding electrical equipment.

• Exempt In zone three, construction with total cost not exceeding $100.00 (still must conform to fire-prevention article)
• Exempt Farm, ranch, and forestry dwellings, buildings, or agricultural uses on a tract of five or more acres (exempt from zoning ordinance, not building permit)

Note: Exemptions vary by zone and use. Confirm with City Hall before proceeding.

Building code

International Plumbing Code, 2015 edition, with electrical code and other local amendments.

Permit validity

The written building permit is valid for one year unless otherwise noted by the building official.

Contractor requirements

State trade licensing applies for regulated trades such as plumbing and electrical work.

Source: City Hall / Building Official ↗

1. 01
   Confirm the parcel is inside Ralls city limits.
2. 02
   Contact City Hall or the building official before work starts. The zoning ordinance requires a written building permit before construction, alteration, repair, removal, or reconstruction of a structure or any part of one.
3. 03
   Apply for the building permit and, at the same time, apply for the certificate of occupancy and compliance where required.
4. 04
   Submit any plans and documents the city requires.
5. 05
   Pay the applicable permit fee to the city secretary.
6. 06
   Schedule required inspections. For electrical work, the ordinance requires the electrician to notify the electrical inspector when work is complete.
7. 07
   Obtain the certificate of occupancy and compliance before occupancy where required.

Typical processing time: Certificate of occupancy and compliance issued or refused within 5 days after written notice that the premises is ready for occupancy. Electrical inspection within 48 hours after notice, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, or as soon thereafter as possible.

Source: City Hall / Building Official ↗

The city site links to FastGovPay for payments, though no permit-specific online payment workflow was publicly documented.

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

Typical sequence: Apply for permit. Complete work under permit. For electrical work, notify the electrical inspector when work is complete for inspection within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). For concealed electrical work, do not conceal it until inspected and approved or until 48 hours have elapsed after notice, excluding weekends and holidays. Obtain certificate of occupancy and compliance before occupancy where required.

Source: City Hall / Building Official ↗