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Applications and Forms
Below are tabs for the various applications accepted by the Planning and Community Services Division. Click here for a fee schedule. These forms can be submitted to planning@cedarfalls.com or at City Hall. If you have questions please feel free to call (319) 273-8600.
- New Construction / Additions
- Signage
- Rental Applications
- Grants / Tax Exemptions
- Rezoning / Subdivision / Street Vacation / BOA
Land Use Permit Application: Before dividing a property into two or more lots, city review is required. Residential properties including new construction, additions, fences, driveways, garages, and the like will need this permit. In addition, a Building Permit and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (prior to new home construction) may be required. Information sheets are provided for common questions, illustrating what is permitted.
- Detached accessory structure (ex. garage, shed, … )
- Decks
- Fences
- Residential Driveway and Paving
- Residential parking lots
- Attached garage additions/expansions
- Small Cell Siting Application
Major Site Plan Application: Generally applies when new construction, additions, or redevelopment is proposed on commercial or multi-family properties. However, site plan review may be required for a single-unit or duplex residential property if located in an overlay zone, such as the College Hill Neighborhood Overlay District. Check with the Planning & Community Services Division if you have questions about the review process that is required. In addition, a Building Permit and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (prior to new home construction) are also required.
Downtown Character District Review: This application is for changes to the exterior buildings walls or building features of an existing building located in the Downtown Character District (CD-DT) that require administrative review and approval. Please note that a pre-application meeting is also required.
College Hill Neighborhood Design Review: Submit this application for exterior renovations and sign improvements to all properties located in the College Hill Neighborhood. Please contact the Planning & Community Services Division regarding questions on this review.
Fill Permit Application: Properties located in the Special Flood Hazard Area or general floodplain district must submit a fill permit application for the placement of fill material on the property. Fill is allowed at a 3-foot depth from the natural grade that does not exceed 33.3% (1/3) of the lot area.
Sign Permit Application: New or replacement sign(s) must obtain this permit.
Movable Sign Permit Application: Sidewalk signs are allowed downtown and the College Hill Commercial District. A permit is necessary. Signs must be either next to the storefront of next to the curb, leaving at least 5' of public sidewalk.
Rental Application: All residential rental properties (including short term rentals, such as Airbnb) must be registered with
the City of Cedar Falls and have a current rental permit prior to rental occupancy. Rental permits are not transferable to a new owner.
For more information on the City's rental code please visit our Rental Code Information page.
College Hill Partial Property Tax Exemption Application: For partial tax exemption on improvements made to residential use properties in the College Hill Urban Revitalization Area submit this application.
College Hill Facade Grant Application: Submit this request for grant funding on exterior renovations and sign improvements to commercial properties located in the College Hill Business District.
Downtown Facade Grant Application: Submit this request for grant funding on exterior renovations and sign improvements to commercial properties located in the Downtown Overlay District.
Rental Conversion Application: Submit this request for the potential of a Forgivable Loan up to $10,000 for improvements to a residential rental property being purchased and converted to a single family owner occupied residence. For more information on this program, view the Rental Conversion Single Family Tri-fold.
Subdivision Application: Dividing a property must be reviewed. There are various levels that need different information. See specific checklists below.
- Minor Plat Checklist: Site will be divided into three or fewer parcels and no new roads are needed.
- MINOR PLAT APPLICATION
- Preliminary Plat Checklist: Site will be divided into three or more parcels and new roads are needed.
- PRELIMINARY PLAT APPLICATION
- Final Plat Checklist: Follows preliminary plat approval and creates lots that can be sold. It can be a smaller portion of the Primary Plat.
- FINAL PLAT APPLICATION
Rezoning Application: When seeking to change a property’s zoning this application applies.
Right of Way Vacation Application: A property owner may submit this application if he/she wishes to purchase a portion of the public right-of-way and make it part of their property. Before applying, check with the Planning & Community Services Division to discuss your request. (Call 319-273-8600 and ask for Planning)
Application for an on-street parking restriction: A property owner may submit this application if he/she wishes to submit a petition to the City Council for an on-street parking restriction.
Easement Vacation Application
To find the zoning for your property or see roughly where your property lines are go to the Cedar Falls Web Mapping Site.
Use the 'Search' box in the upper-right hand corner to enter and address, street name or subdivision name. Expand the 'Planning' layers on the left and turn on 'Zoning'. Please contact us with any questions at gis@cedarfalls.com
For more information on getting a permit or scheduling an inspection please visit our Permits and Inspections page.