Building Permits

The City of Dubuque Inspection & Construction Services Division issues building permits for commercial and residential projects. Our building inspectors are responsible for examining all construction plans and documents to ensure all work meets minimum code requirements prior to the issuance of the permit. Our inspectors will perform field inspections throughout your project to ensure work is being done according to the submitted application and plans. Upon completion, our inspectors will issue a final completion letter or certificate of occupancy for each project.

Residential Permit Information

Residential & Commercial Building Inspector
Mike Sievers | Email
Phone: 563-589-4154

Commercial Permit Information

Commercial Building Inspector
Jeff Zasada | Email
Phone: 563-690-6037

Residential Building Permit

Residential building permit applications are required for:

  • Single-family dwellings
  • Townhomes
  • Two-family dwellings
  • New construction
  • Additions or alterations (including decks, patios, and fences)
  • Garages and carports
  • Any accessory structure larger than 200 square feet
  • Retaining walls over 4 feet in height
  • Interior Remodel Projects
  • Backyard Swimming Pools

Why Building Permits are Important / Work That Requires a Permit

NOTE: The Planning and Zoning Department needs to approve all site plans prior to building permit issuance.

Residential Application Process

  1. Submit a permit application through the online permit portal with construction plans or drawings.

  2. Download the Plan Review Checklist, complete, save, and submit with the application.

  3.  Inspection and Construction Services will perform a plan review of the submitted construction documents and will provide plan review notes and/or plan approval prior to permit issuance.

  4. Permit applications for new construction projects must include a site plan for review and approval by the Planning Services Department prior to permit issuance.

  5. A plan review fee will be charged for all new construction, additions, remodels, and accessory buildings over 200 square feet in size.

  6. All other general building permits being applied for can submit the residential building permit application along with a detailed work description of the project or work being done.

  7. NOTE: By providing as much detail about your project as possible, including product specifications when appropriate, the plan reviewer will be able to provide helpful feedback that could prevent potential code deficiencies that may be identified at the time of inspection.

  8.  In addition to a building permit, if the scope of work for your proposed project includes plumbing, mechanical, or electrical, a separate permit application must be submitted for each trade.  

Building permit applications can be submitted online (1a), by mail, email, or in person at the Inspection & Construction Services Division located at the Historic Federal Building, 350 W 6th St., Suite 312 (3rd floor) in the Housing & Community Development Department office. 

All permit applications must be paid in full prior to the issuance of the permit and work beginning. Payment options include cash, check, or credit/debit card payments. Credit/debit card payments must be made over the phone at 563-589-4150 or in person.

Guidelines and Code-Related Information

Commercial Building Permit

Commercial building permit applications are required for:

  • All non-residential structures, including all multi-family residential buildings with three or more dwelling units.

Commercial Application Requirements

  1. New construction, additions or alterations, and interior remodel projects require construction plans to be submitted with the permit application. 
  2. All new construction projects are required to submit a site plan for review and approval by the Planning Services Department before permit issuance. 
  3. A plan review fee is charged for all new construction, additions, remodels, and accessory buildings over 200 square feet. The plan review fee is 20% of the permit fee.

Fire Protection Permit

Fire Protection Permit applications are required for:

  • Fire Alarm System Work
  • Sprinkler System Work

How To Apply

Commercial building permit applications must be submitted through the City's online permit portal. For questions, call Inspection and Construction Services at 563-589-4150.

Food Establishments Additional Requirements

  1. Contact the City of Dubuque Health Department at 563-589-4181 to fill out a separate Health Department Food Establishment Application and provide plans and specifications as required by the Health Department. 
  2. Fill out a Fats, Oils, and Grease (F.O.G) application and submit it to the Water & Resource Recovery Center for processing.
  3. Fill out a Grease Interceptor Checklist Form and submit to Inspection and Construction Services for review. Visit the Plumbing Permit page for more information.

Permanent and Temporary Signs

All signs require a separate application, reviewed for approval by the Planning Services Department, prior to permit issuance. Signs applications should be submitted at the same time your site plan or building plans are submitted to make sure approval is granted prior to moving forward with your project. The City of Dubuque requires sign contractors to obtain an annual license from the Inspection & Construction Services Division.

Visit the sign permit page for more information.