Building Permits
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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
| 2018 International Building Code | 2018 International Residential Building Code | 2024 International Mechanical Code* |
| 2018 International Existing Building Code | 2018 International Fire Code | 2018 International Fuel Gas Code |
| 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code* | 2012 International Energy Conservation Code | ANSI A117.1-2009 |
| 2020 National Electrical Code |
*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.
Getting Started is Easy
- 1.
Learn
Learn when you need to apply for a permit and the permit application process.
Do you need a permit? - 2.
Gather
Each permit type has different submittal requirements, understand what you'll need to provide to get started.
Submittal Requirements - 3.
Register
Register on our website, once registered you can apply for permits, view review status, schedule inspections and more.
REGISTER Now - 4.
Apply
Once you've gathered everything needed for your application and registered on our portal you can apply and pay your permit application fees.
Apply Now