Building Inspection

About the Division

The Building Inspection Division is one of the three divisions within the Housing and Inspection Services Department. The Building Inspection Division is responsible for enforcement of all codes and ordinances regulating the protection of the public health, safety and general welfare as it relates to the built environment and maintenance of existing structures.

Issuing all permits for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs and signs is one of the key functions to the Building Inspection Division.

The Building Inspection Division enforces the following construction codes:

• 2009 International Building / Residential Code, as amended
• 2009 International Mechanical Code
• 2009 Uniform Plumbing Code, as amended
• 2009 International Fire Code
• 2009 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2008 National Electrical Code, as amended

The complete Iowa City Code can be found at: www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=953

In addition to the above codes, the Building Inspection Division enforces the Zoning, Sign, Nuisance, Weed, Noise, Graffiti, Site Plan Review, Floodplain Management and Construction Site Runoff Ordinances. Enforcement of snow and ice removal from public sidewalks is also a responsibility of the Building Inspection Division.