Welcome to the Altoona Building Department's Online Permit Portal

The mission of the Building Department is to oversee and regulate all construction activities within the corporate limits of Altoona through the adoption and enforcement of nationally recognized standards. As stated in each adopted code, our purpose and intent is to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment.

All residential inspection appointments are scheduled through the front desk by calling 515-957-5128. Inspection requests received between 8:00 and 11:00 am will be scheduled for the following business day. Any inspection request received after 11:00 am will not be guaranteed an inspection the following day.

CURRENT ADOPTED CODES

As of March 26, 2025, the State of Iowa required all cities to adopt the 2024 UPC (including amendments) and 2024 IMC (including amendments). Permits submitted before March 26, 2024 will be issued under the 2018 IPC and 2018 IMC. 
As of July 1, 2025, the State of Iowa required all cities to adopt the 2023 NEC (including amendments). Permits submitted before July 1, 2025 will be issued under the 2020 NEC. 

All permits submitted after January 1, 2026 will be on the 2024 I-Codes. Please see notice that was sent to contractors on 12/5/25.