FAQs • Cedar Falls • CivicEngage

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Cedar Falls

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Building Inspection Services

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1. What types of building projects require a building permit?: Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

2. What type of work does not require a building permit?: The following activities do not require a building permit: painting, wall papering, tiling and carpeting. For a more detailed list, contact the Building Inspections Division

3. What types of work require an electrical, plumbing or mechanical permit?: Any owner or authorized agent who intends to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by City Code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

4. How much will my permit cost?: Permit costs are based on a percentage of the cost of your project. The fee schedule can be found here.

5. How can I request an inspection with the City of Cedar Falls?: Inspections can be requested by calling 319-268-5161 between 7:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday; or if you are registered on CF1Stop, inspections can be requested online through that system anytime.

6. Is a contractor required to be certified by the contractor's board to do commercial construction?: Yes, contractors must be registered with the State of Iowa and have their insurance on file with INRCOG.

7. What is the time frame when submitting plans to obtaining building permit?: Typically commercial plans are reviewed within three weeks of being submitted. Once plans are received they are reviewed by all building trades, fire, planning, engineering and then comments are sent back to the designer for response. Residential plans go through a similar process but take a significantly less time to be reviewed.

8. How many sets of plans are required for construction?: Commercial projects require three sets to be submitted to the inspections division, one plan set to the fire department, a PDF set sent to CFU and Inspections, and if required one set to the Health Department. Residential projects require two sets.

9. What are the City of Cedar Falls codes dealing with buildings, construction, and related activities?: City of Cedar Falls has adopted the 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 UPC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IFC, and 2012 IECC.