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Developer's Guide
The City of Dubuque is committed to supporting new developments and projects, and private investments in properties and the community.
The City has development regulations to promote a sound, safe, healthy, and desirable community; to encourage good development and support the conscientious developer; and to protect existing property values and uses while providing for future generations.
The Developer's Guide is meant to provide a comprehensive outline for all aspects of development projects in the City of Dubuque.
Depending on the nature of your project, you may be assisted and supported by staff from several City departments throughout the development/building process. Please use the table below to determine where to start. Contact information for the listed departments can be found below under 'Key Departments & Contacts.'
A Thriving, All-America City
In 2024, Dubuque was named the Iowa Community of Character by the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University. The Ray Center annually recognizes Iowa individuals, organizations, and communities that show the center’s six pillars of Character Counts®: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Dubuque was described as “an inspiring example of how communities can work together to promote positive values and make a meaningful impact on the lives of all their residents.” Dubuque was also included in the inaugural group of Iowa Thriving Communities, a new program from the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The program recognizes cities around the state that utilize innovative solutions to enhance their housing offerings to residents of all income levels. Dubuque has been named an All-America City by the National Civic League five times in just 12 years. This award celebrates the best in local innovation, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.
Outdoor Recreation
From parks to trails, golf to skiing, swimming to tennis, boating to hunting, and much more, Dubuque offers a wide array of outdoor recreational opportunities for all seasons. The City of Dubuque maintains over 1,200 acres of parkland and a comprehensive 53-mile bike/hike trail system. The Field of Dreams Movie Site, located approximately 20 miles from Dubuque near Dyersville, welcomes thousands of visitors and hundreds of youth baseball teams each year.
Arts and Culture
Art on the River, the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, the Dubuque Museum of Art, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, 50+ large-scale outdoor murals, and annual events like the Winter Arts Snow Sculpting Festival…the abundance of arts and cultural offerings available across Dubuque community are varied, dynamic, and accessible. The nonprofit arts and culture industry in Dubuque generates $70.4 million in annual economic activity, supporting 1,527 full-time equivalent jobs and generating over $40 million in household income to local residents, according to the 2023 Arts & Economic Prosperity VI national economic impact study.
A Great Place to Grow
Dubuque is a great place to grow your business and your family. It is home to three private, liberal arts colleges offering a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, a community college with diverse certificate and degree programs, and a Bible college. The Tri-State Area features an additional state university and two more community colleges for a total of 18,000 college students.
Nearly 3 million people live within 100 miles of Dubuque and over 58 million live within 500 miles. The Greater Dubuque region commands a central North American location in the heart of the Midwest, a convenient distance from major urban areas and large consumer markets. Its many transit and shipping options include four-lane connections, rail service, local and regional commercial airports, and Mississippi River barge harbor service. Our location makes it easy to get your product to market.
An Equitable Community of Choice
Dubuque has a goal of being an equitable community of choice. The City of Dubuque organization strives to be a high-performance organization (and community) with engaged residents and employees who are data-driven and outcome-focused, building on the five pillars of: resiliency, sustainability, equity, transparency, and compassion.
The Planning Services Department facilitates review and approval of site plans and subdivisions for projects that include residential, office, commercial, institutional, and industrial developments while meeting community goals through an open, transparent process.
The Planning Services Department concentrates on three major activities: City Planning, Development Services, and Historic Preservation.
Programs provided by the Planning Services Department include:
- Community Planning
- Development Site Planning & Review
- Historic Preservation
- Land Use Regulation
- Zoning Enforcement
The department also facilitates weekly meetings of the interdepartmental Development Review Team. Development approval can take as little as seven days with this team meeting with owners, developers, engineers, architects, and design professionals to review proposals in the context of all relevant City Codes.
View a handout on the Development Review Process.
Site Plan Resources:
- Major Site Plan Review Procedures
- Minor Site Plan Review Procedures
- Simple Site Plan Review Procedures
Developments in Dubuque must adhere to the Unified Development Code, which regulates zoning, subdivisions, signs, site development, and historic preservation. Developments are also subject to additional city, state, and federal regulations.
The Planning Services Department provides professional development planning services to the City Council and Zoning Advisory Commission for:
- Rezonings
- Planned Unit Developments
- Major Subdivision Review Procedures
- Minor Subdivision Review Procedures
- Simple Lot Split - Lot Consolidation Plat
- Zoning and Subdivision Text Amendments
- Interactive Zoning Map
The Planning Services Department also provides professional development planning services to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for:
Contact the City of Dubuque’s Inspection & Construction Services Division for the development functions listed on this page:
Permit Applications
Receiving and processing permit applications for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, de-construction, geothermal, solar, signs, storage trailers/containers, and more.Plan Review
Coordinating with other City departments to provide a comprehensive plan review, ensuring all work is code compliant prior to issuing permits to avoid costly change orders or work delays during the project.Inspections
Staff performs field inspections throughout the project and assists in answering questions or solving problems to ensure project meets all applicable City codes upon completion.Certificate of Occupancy
Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or letter of completion after final inspections are completed.Contractor Licensing
Administering licenses for the following: sign contractors, solar thermal contractors, electrical/industrial maintenance.ADA Compliance
Reviewing plans for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessibility codes.Design Review Team Meetings
Multiple City departments meet weekly with developers, business owners, architects, engineers, and others during the preliminary planning stages of a project or development to support, advise, and review project plans.
Contact the City of Dubuque’s Inspection & Construction Services Division for the development functions listed on this page:
Permit Applications
Receiving and processing permit applications for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, de-construction, geothermal, solar, signs, storage trailers/containers, and more.Plan Review
Coordinating with other City departments to provide a comprehensive plan review, ensuring all work is code compliant prior to issuing permits to avoid costly change orders or work delays during the project.Inspections
Staff performs field inspections throughout the project and assists in answering questions or solving problems to ensure project meets all applicable City codes upon completion.Certificate of Occupancy
Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or letter of completion after final inspections are completed.Contractor Licensing
Administering licenses for the following: sign contractors, solar thermal contractors, electrical/industrial maintenance.ADA Compliance
Reviewing plans for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessibility codes.Design Review Team Meetings
Multiple City departments meet weekly with developers, business owners, architects, engineers, and others during the preliminary planning stages of a project or development to support, advise, and review project plans.
To initiate the building permit process, submit a completed permit application for review, along with one set of plans and documents to the Inspection & Construction Services office.
Plans should include:
- Footing and Foundation materials and sizes
- Structural framing materials, spacing, spans, and sizes
- Room labels
- Door and window locations and sizes
A site plan is required for all proposed new structures or tear-down and replacement of existing structures. The site plan must contain:
- Lot dimensions per side of lot
- Total square footage of lot
- Size of all existing structures and proposed new structures
- Distances from structures to lot lines
- Total height of the proposed new structure from the ground to the peak of the roof
- Location identification, and dimensions all non-permeable surfaces such as concrete driveways and sidewalks
- Location of the street in regards to the structure
When completing the permit application:
Total Construction Value includes all associated costs of the project for labor and materials, both interior and exterior, including work not requiring a permit. Include all HVAC, plumbing, electrical, grading, exterior concrete work of sidewalks and driveways, fencing, landscaping, painting, cabinets and counters, and all general contractor costs. Total construction value is used to create monthly reports on the local building economy, which helps determine the type and average cost homes being constructed in our community.
Value of Work to be Permitted is Total Construction Value minus electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpeting, painting, cabinets and counters, sidewalks, driveways, grading, fences less than seven feet high, and retaining walls less than four feet high.
Applications must be submitted with an electronic copy of the construction plans for all proposed new structures, new interior walls or removal of existing interior walls, and major interior renovations or alterations.
Permit applicants will be notified upon completion of the plan review process and provided a copy of:
- The reviewed construction plans with any notes,
- A plan review letter,
- Total cost of the permit.
Applicants must pay the full balance due for the permit prior to issuance of the permit and work starting.
Upon issuance of the permit, work must commence within 180 days or the permit will expire and no longer be valid.
All work must be done within 365 days from the time of permit issuance unless otherwise requested at the time of issuance and approved by the Inspection & Construction Services Department.
Signing Up for Water Service
Residential and business customers who have not previously had City of Dubuque utilities in their name need to complete an Application for Utility Service and provide identification. Customers who have had service in the last three years may contact Utility Billing by email or phone at 563-589-4144 to have service initiated. All prior accounts must be paid in full before a new account can be established.
Water Meters
Water meters record water usage, and sewer usage is calculated based upon that water usage. Charges for all services are billed to the account holder on a monthly basis. Water meters are usually located in the basement or a utility room. City code requires that “all meters shall be installed horizontally between one foot (1’) and four feet (4’) above the basement floor.
Water meters must be installed by a licensed plumber. Meters are purchased at the Water Distribution office located at the Municipal Services Center. Connection and tapping fees are also paid at the Water Distribution Office. Prior to purchasing a water meter, a plumbing permit must be obtained from Inspection & Construction Services at the Historic Federal Building. The City of Dubuque takes care of all water meter maintenance. Property owners are responsible for protecting their meter from freezing temperatures and ensuring it is clean, dry, and is accessible at all times.
In order to best serve you, provide at least 24 hours notice before purchasing a meter or connecting to City water. Email or call 563-589-4291.
Water Main Installations
All new water main installations must have a minimum pipe size of eight inches in diameter, except for hydrant branches, which must have a minimum pipe size of six inches in diameter. Use of four-inch and six-inch diameter water man shall not be allowed, except to repair existing four-inch or six-inch mains or private service lines.
All water main designs must include the required Iowa Department of Natural Resources investigation of potential soil and groundwater contamination from leaking underground storage tanks within 500 feet of the proposed water main construction and the appropriate selection of pipe and gasket materials to prevent permeation.
Additional regulations can be found on the Resources for Contractors, Engineers, and Developers page.
Stormwater Management Utility
The Stormwater Management Utility is a unit within the City that manages stormwater through public right-of-way (ROW) and city property. Like water, wastewater, solid waste, and electric utilities, the Stormwater Management Utility generates its revenue solely through a user fee. All fees collected for the stormwater management utility can only be used for stormwater management activities such as the construction, maintenance, and operation of the public stormwater management system.
All fees are based on the measurement of a property’s impervious ground coverage. By ordinance, impervious area means the number of square feet of hard-surfaced areas which either prevent or hold back water’s entry into soil mantle as it would enter under natural conditions, or cause water to run off the surface in greater quantities or at an increased rate compared to natural conditions as undeveloped property. This can include, but is not limited to, roofs, roof extensions, patios, porches, driveways, sidewalks, concrete/asphalt pavement, gravel surfaces, and athletic courts.
There are over 20,000 properties within the Dubuque city limits. Over 15,000 of them are residential properties. Instead of utilizing the user fee to measure individual residential properties, the City used a statistical average. Eighty-five percent (85%) of all single-family homes are charged one billing unit called a Single Family Unit (SFU). The current rate is $8.85 per SFU. For non-residential properties, aerial photography and development plans are used to measure the impervious area. For every 2,917 square feet of impervious area, a non-residential property is charged one SFU.
The City of Dubuque offers a variety of resources to commercial property owners, rental property owners, and homeowners. Most programs are separated into three categories: Commercial Property Incentive Programs, Rental Property Incentive Programs, and Homeowner Incentive Programs.
Commercial Property Incentive Programs
- Downtown Housing Incentives
- Façade Grant
- Financial Consultant Grant
- Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund Program
- Planning and Design Grant
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
- Urban Revitalization Program (Tax Abatement)
Rental Property Incentive Programs
- Downtown Housing Incentive
- Façade Grant
- Financial Consultant Grant
- Healthy Homes Program
- Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund Program
- Planning and Design Grant
- Urban Revitalization Program (Tax Abatement)
Homeowner Incentive Programs
- First Time Homebuyer Loan Program
- Healthy Homes Program
- Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund Program
- Homebuyer Loan Program
- Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program
- Urban Revitalization Program (Tax Abatement)
There are also state and federal incentive programs, which can be combined with local programs to help make the most of resources.
State Incentive Programs
The Iowa Economic Development Authority administers several programs to assist individuals, communities, and businesses in business and community development.
The Iowa Finance Authority administers programs that provide affordable financing resources for individuals and their goals, from mortgage or down payment assistance and rental programs that provide affordable homes, to low-cost funds for drinking water, help for beginning farmers, and more. Housing Tax Credit Program (2023 timeline)
The State Historical Society of Iowa administers programs that helps preserve and bring new life to Iowa’s historic properties.
Federal Incentive Programs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers programs that offer support to projects that protect and better human health and the environment.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers programs that offer support to projects that create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.
The U.S. Department of Commerce administers programs that offer support to projects that create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity.
Dubuque is open for business!
The City of Dubuque’s Economic Development Department encourages you to investigate all that these partners can offer for your business, from finding the perfect location to putting together a financing package to help make your project successful.
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation maintains listings of properties for sale or lease and offers personalized support to new and existing businesses. They aid in developing state and local incentive packages to support employers. GDDC also delivers a range of newcomer services, facilitates workforce development initiatives, and oversees AccessDubuqueJobs.com, the premier local job board and recruitment platform, in collaboration with TH Media. Visit their website.
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce is a 5,000+ member organization devoted to building member success by supporting job creation and economic development policies that foster a positive business climate. The Chamber strengthens the local economy by representing business interests to state and federal legislators, investing in the development of future leadership, and more. Visit their website.
Dubuque Main Street
Dubuque Main Street maintains a directory of downtown properties available for lease or sale, can connect interested developers to resources for historic preservation work, while producing and promoting a host of events and services which add to the quality of life in downtown Dubuque. Visit their website.
ECIA Business Growth
East Central Iowa Intergovernmental Association (ECIA) Business Growth program operates business loans including the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Program and several Revolving Loan Funds. Each loan program has different requirements. Details and downloadable brochures are available through ECIA’s website, www.ecia.org.
Iowa Economic Development Authority
The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) mission is to strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. Learn more at www.IowaEDA.com.
Small Business Development Center
Northeast Iowa Community College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides free, confidential, customized business advice to existing businesses and start-ups in the Dubuque area. They present affordable workshops which teach practical skills, conduct research, provide comprehensive information services, and offer access to subject matter experts in a variety of fields. This organization is the only nationally-accredited entrepreneurial development program in Iowa. They are an accredited affiliate of America’s SBDC, the national Small Business Development Center program. Visit their website.
Additional contacts that can help assist you and answer your questions, but are not a part of the City of Dubuque organizational structure include:
Alliant Energy – Electricity Utility
1031 Iowa Street
1.800.255.4268
Alliant Energy Website
Black Hills Energy – Natural Gas Utility
1015 Cedar Cross Road
1.888.890.5554
Black Hills Energy Website
CenturyLink – Internet Provider
2262 Cherbourg Court
563.663.3043
CenturyLink Website
Comelec Services – Satellite Internet Provider
4190 Pennsylvania Avenue
563.556.6525
Comelec Services Website
ImOn – Internet Provider
300 Main Street
563.239.9111
ImOn Website
Maquoketa Valley Electrical Cooperative – Rural Electricity Utility
109 N. Huber Street
Anamosa, IA 52205
800.927.6068
Maquoketa Valley Electrical Cooperative Website
Mediacom – Internet Provider
2845 Plaza Way
Dubuque, IA 52002
855.633.4226
Mediacom Website
MVlink Fiber Internet – Internet Provider
109 N. Huber Street
Anamosa, IA 52205
800.927.6068
MVlink Fiber Internet Website
Dubuque City Council
Regular meetings are generally held on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. Sixth St., with the exception of City holidays.
Zoning Advisory Commission
Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month.
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month.
Planning Services Department
The Planning Services Department concentrates on three major activities: City Planning, Development Services, and Historic Preservation.
Services provided by the Planning Services Department include:
- Community planning
- Development site planning and review
- Historic preservation
- Land use regulation
- Zoning enforcement
The Planning Services Department is the first point of contact for projects involving rezonings, planned unit developments, and subdivision reviews. Staff can also provide assistance and clarity regarding zoning issues including variances, conditional uses, special exceptions, and appeals.
Key Contact: Wally Wernimont, Planning Services Director
Phone: 563-589-4210
Address: City Hall (Second Floor), 50 West 13th Street
Email: Planning@cityofdubuque.org
Inspection & Construction Services
Inspection & Construction Services, a division of the City of Dubuque’s Housing and Community Development Department, provides key services for developers including, but not limited to:
- Permit applications
- Plan reviews
- Design reviews
- Inspections
- Contractor licensing
Key Contact: Mike Belmont, Code Official
Phone: 563-589-4150
Address: Historic Federal Building, 350 West 6th Street, Ste. 312
Email: Housing@cityofdubuque.org
Engineering Department
Functions of the Engineering Department that support development projects include:
- Site plan and subdivision development review
- Sanitary sewer construction and rehabilitation
- Stormwater management
Key Contact: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
Phone: 563-589-4270
Address: City Hall (Second Floor), 50 West 13th Street
Email: Engineer@cityofdubuque.org
Water Department
The Water Department is dedicated to producing and delivering drinking water that complies with all state and federal drinking water standards. The department serves businesses by selling water meters, regulating water main installations, and providing water utility services.
Key Contact: Christopher Lester, Water Department Director
Phone: 563-589-4291
Address: Eagle Point Water Treatment Plant, 1902 Hawthorne Street
Email: WtrDept@cityofdubuque.org
Fire Department
The Dubuque Fire Department is a progressive ISO class 2 Fire/EMS department. The Fire Marshal is responsible for fire code enforcement, investigations, and issuing permits. They also participate in the development plan review process.
Key Contact: Kevin Esser, Fire Marshal
Phone: 563-589-4160
Address: Fire Headquarters, 11 West 9th Street
Email: Fire@cityofdubuque.org
Housing & Community Development Department
The Housing and Community Development Department has numerous programs to help meet the housing needs in our community through urban revitalization (tax abatement), home improvement programs, homebuyer programs, and rental assistance.
Phone: 563-589-4230
Address: Historic Federal Building, 350 West 6th Street, Ste. 312
Email: Housing@cityofdubuque.org
Economic Development
The Economic Development Department employs a collaborative model to help businesses maximize their resources. The department works with businesses to explore local loans, grants, and tax-rebate opportunities in combination with state and federal programs to develop comprehensive incentive packages.
Key Contact: Jill Connors, Economic Development Director
Phone: 563-564-5686
Address: Currently conducting in-person business by appointment only
Email: EconDev@cityofdubuque.org