All projects will need information submitted with the permit to define the project. Decks require a site plan; siding and roofing will need elevation drawings in the project is located in an overlay district, new windows require at minimum a list of sizes and locations, all other projects require a plan review.
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A building permit application is an application to renovate, alter, or build an addition to an existing building or to build a new commercial building or residence. It allows the city to review the code compliance of the project.
A PDF of both the commercial and residential permits can be found online or here and can be filled out and emailed or delivered to city hall. Permits can also be filled out in person at City Hall.
All work except interior and exterior painting, floor finishes, storm doors, and like-for-like work requires a permit. For example if your faucet leaks and you want to install a new faucet this does not require a permit. If you are relocating a sink and changing any of the piping a permit would be required. Also sheds that are less than 120 square feet do not require a building permit however they will need a land use permit from the planning office.
No, windows and doors require a permit. The city needs to verify if the changes are code compliant. Ex: Windows are tempered where required and doors meet egress requirements.
City of Cedar Falls has adopted the 2015 IBC, 2015 IRC, 2015 IMC, 2015 UPC, 2017 NEC, and 2012 IEC. The city adopts new codes on a six year cycle.
No, you will need a permit for each trade as they require different types of licensing and inspections.
Typically commercial plans are reviewed within there 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.
Permit costs are based on a percentage of the cost of your project. The fee schedule can be found here.
City of Cedar Falls has adopted the 2015 IBC, 2015 IRC, 2015 IMC, 2015 UPC, 2017 NEC, and 2012 IEC.
City ordinances can be found online here. Copies of the international building code can be purchased through the ICC or can be found at the Cedar Falls Public Library. The inspections division also has various fliers with code information for decks, accessory buildings, windows, and roofs which can be found online or at City Hall. Building Inspection Services
Per Iowa code a licensed architect or engineer are required on any project that fits within a certain criteria. For more information this link will provide you with the Architectural Matrix. However the requirement of a signed professional is at the discretion of the Building Official. There are times that projects may not require an architect based on the matrix but are a typical enough that the Building Official may require a stamped set of plans.
Yes, these amendments can be found in the city ordinances chapter 7.
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. Depending on the type of project you will require a wide range of inspections. A list of required inspections will be included with your permit.