Permits

What Work Requires a Permit?

The City of Dubuque Inspection & Construction Services Division issues permits for building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work being performed.

All construction activities, from initial site grading to interior improvements, alterations, and most repairs, require a permit unless the work is specifically exempted by the building, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing codes.

Certain building, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work may be performed without a permit. If your project does not appear on this list of exempt work, assume that a building permit is required.

NOTE: Although some work is exempt from requiring a permit from Inspection & Construction Services, it may be subject to other city regulations. Contact Inspection & Construction Services to determine if any other permits or technical review is required.

Even if a permit is not required, the exempt construction/work must be code compliant. For example, re-striping a commercial parking lot is exempt from a building permit, however, the striping must conform to building code standards for accessibility and zoning standards for parking lot design. Failure to comply with code requirements may constitute a violation.

Building Permits

The City of Dubuque Inspection & Construction Services Division issues building permits for commercial and residential projects. Our building inspectors review construction plans and documents to verify 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 of a project, our inspectors will issue a letter of completion or certificate of occupancy.
Commercial Building Permit Application
Residential Building Permit Application

Plumbing Permits

Plumbing permits are issued for plumbing work for new construction, alterations, and repairs to residential and commercial properties. The plumbing inspector provides assistance during the initial application process, plan review stage, and performs field inspections until final inspection is complete ensuring work meets minimum code requirements.
Plumbing Permit Application

Mechanical Permits

Mechanical permits are issued for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) work and equipment installations. The mechanical inspector provides assistance during the initial application process, plan review stage, and performs field inspections until final inspection is complete ensuring work meets minimum code requirements.
Mechanical Permit Application

Electrical Permits 

Electrical permits are issued for all interior and exterior electrical work. The electrical inspector provides assistance during the initial application process, plan review stage, and continues with field inspection until final inspection is complete ensuring work meets minimum code requirements. 
Electrical Permit Application

Deconstruction Permits or Moving a Building 

Inspection & Construction Services issues deconstruction permits and permits to relocate or move a structure. 

Permits are required to: 

• Deconstruct a building or portion thereof 
• Deconstruct accessory structures (garage, green house, shed, etc.) exceeding 200 square feet or that is identified on the city assessor’s records for the property;  
• Move a building from one location to another across private or public property.

Deconstruction Permit Application

Sign Permits 

Sign permits are issued for both temporary and permanent signs. The Inspection & Construction Services Division works with the Planning and Zoning Department throughout the Plan Review process for all sign applications. 
Sign Permit Application