Building & Zoning

Building and Zoning Department SealMission

The Building and Zoning Department provides quality service to the community in a manner that is comprehensive, efficient, and knowledgeable. We continue our commitment to excellent public safety and quality of life, by building strong relationships and partnerships with residents, businesses, and the development communities; through innovative programming, technology, and the enforcement of the highest standards of codes.

Goal

The goal of the Building and Zoning Department is to provide excellent public service, by expanding broadening, and enhancing communication with our customers, while maintaining a comprehensive countywide construction and code enforcement program.

Codes

The County has adopted and will maintain the State of Iowa Building Codes as Follows:

  • (All local amendments and codes as pertinent)
  • 2014 National Electrical Code
  • 2015 International Building Code
  • 2015 International Energy Conservation Code
  • 2015 International Existing Bldg Code
  • 2015 International Fuel Gas Code
  • 2015 International Mechanical Code
  • 2015 International Property Maintenance Code
  • 2015 International Residential Code
  • 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code

Design Criteria

  • Decay: Slight to Moderate
  • Frost Line Depth: 42-inches below finish grade
  • Ground Snow Load: 30 pounds per square foot
  • Seismic Design Category: B
  • Termite: Moderate to Heavy
  • Weathering Probability for Concrete: Severe
  • Wind Speed: 90 miles per hour for a 3-second gust /Exposure C
  • Winter Design Temperature: -5 degrees

Building Forms

  1. Accessory Structure Permit Application (PDF)
  2. Commercial Building Permit Application (PDF)
  3. Demolition Permit Application (PDF)
  4. Electrical Permit Application (PDF)
  5. Evaluating Water Damaged Electrical (PDF)
  6. Exterior Renovation Permit Application (PDF)
  7. Flood Safety Inspection Process (PDF)
  8. Interior Renovation Permit Application (PDF)
  1. Mechanical Permit Application (PDF)
  2. Plumbing Permit Application (PDF)
  3. Residential Building Permit Application (PDF)
  4. Residential Geo-Thermal Permit Application (PDF)
  5. Residential Wind Generator Permit Application (PDF)
  6. Retaining Wall Permit Application (PDF)
  7. Swimming Pool - Spa and Pool Barrier Permit Application (PDF)
  8. Temporary Land Use Permit Application (PDF)

Zoning Forms

  1. Agricultural Exemption Request (PDF)
  2. Conditional Use Permit Application (PDF)
  3. Corridor Overlay Zoning District Application (PDF)
  4. Grading Permit Application (PDF)
  5. Mills County Comprehensive Plan Document (PDF)
  1. Mills County Comprehensive Plan Map (PDF)
  2. Sign Permit Application (PDF)
  3. Soil Extraction Permit Application (PDF)
  4. Zoning District Amendment Application (PDF)
  5. Zoning Variance Form (PDF)