Building Permit portion of the interview:
This is the list from Mayor Fridolph. My areas to request
discussion are underlined.
WORK EXEMPT FROM PERMIT
Permits shall not be required for ordinary maintenance and repair work that does not involve
structural changes or modification of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, or life-safety
systems.
Examples of work exempt from permit requirements include, but are not limited to:
1. Painting, staining, wallpapering, or other cosmetic finishes.
2. Installation or replacement of flooring materials including carpet, tile, laminate, or
hardwood.
3. Cabinet, countertop, shelving, and interior trim installation or replacement.
4. Interior drywall repair or replacement that does not alter structural framing.
5. Replacement of doors or windows within existing openings where structural framing is
not altered.
6. Replacement of siding or exterior cladding where structural members are not altered.
7. Replacement of roof coverings including shingles where the roof structure is not
modified.
8. Replacement of gutters and downspouts.
9. Replacement of plumbing fixtures such as sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showers, and toilets
where existing piping connections are not altered.
10. Replacement of lighting fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets where wiring is not
modified.
11. Replacement of appliances connected to existing plumbing or electrical connections.
12. Replacement of deck boards or surface materials where structural framing is not altered.
13. Landscaping, grading, and yard improvements that do not adversely affect drainage onto
adjacent property.
Exemption from permit requirements shall not exempt work from compliance with applicable
building codes or safety standards.
WORK REQUIRING BUILDING PERMITS
A permit shall be required for construction, installation, or modification involving structural
elements or life-safety systems, including but not limited to:
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1. Construction of new buildings or structures.
2. Additions or expansions to existing buildings.
3. Structural alterations including removal or modification of load-bearing walls.
4. Construction or structural alteration of decks, porches, garages, or accessory structures.
5. Installation or alteration of structural roofing components including rafters, trusses, or
roof pitch changes.
6. Installation of new windows or doors requiring structural modification of openings.
Permits required under this section shall be subject to fees established by resolution of the City
Council.
EMERGENCY REPAIRS
When equipment failure or damage creates an immediate hazard or loss of essential services
including heat, water, electrical service, or sanitation, repairs or replacement may proceed
without first obtaining a permit.
A permit application shall be submitted to the City on the next business day, and the work shall
be subject to inspection.
CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY
Any contractor performing work requiring a permit within the City shall:
1. Hold all licenses required by the State of Iowa.
2. Carry any liability insurance required by state law.
3. Obtain all required permits prior to commencing work, except in emergency situations as
provided in Section 159.09.
Permits may be obtained by the property owner, the property owner’s authorized agent, or a
licensed contractor performing the work. Contractors applying for permits shall be deemed
authorized by the property owner to obtain such permits.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
The Building Official or authorized designee shall administer and enforce the provisions of this
Chapter.
The Building Official may approve alternative materials or methods of construction when the
proposed design complies with the intent of the adopted codes and maintains public safety.
ORDINARY MAINTENANCE
Ordinary maintenance that does not affect structural integrity or modify mechanical, electrical,
plumbing, gas, or life-safety systems shall not require a permit.
Such maintenance includes work intended solely to maintain a building in good repair and does
not include the installation of new systems or structural modifications.
