Building Permit Application

The City of Dubuque Building Services Department issues building permits for commercial and residential projects. Our building inspectors are responsible for examining all construction plans and documents to ensure all 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, our inspectors will issue a final completion letter or certificate of occupancy for each project.

Residential & Commercial Building Inspector:
Mike Sievers
Phone: 563-589-4150
Email

Commercial Building Inspector:
Jeff Zasada
Phone: 563-589-4150
Email

Building permit applications can be submitted either by mail, email, or in person at the Building Services Department at 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001. All permit applications must be paid in full prior to the issuance of the permit and work beginning. The Building Services Department will accept cash, check, or credit/debit card payments. Credit/debit card payments must be done over the phone or in person at our office.

Residential Building Permit Applications are for: 

  • Single-Family Dwellings
  • Townhomes
  • Two-Family Dwellings

New Construction Building Permit Applications are for:  

  • New Construction
  • Additions or Alterations
  • Garages
  • Interior Remodel Projects

Application Requirements:

  1. Submit two copies of the construction plans or drawings with the permit application. One paper copy mailed or dropped off in person at City Hall and a PDF file emailed (if file size permits) or mailed or dropped off on a disk or thumb drive.
  2. All new construction projects are to submit a site plan for review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Department prior to permit issuance. 
  3. The Building Services Department will perform a plan review of the submitted construction documents and approve prior to permit issuance. 
  4. A plan review fee is charged for all new construction, additions, remodels, and accessory building over 200 square feet. The plan review fee is 20% of the permit fee. 
  5. All other general building permits being applied for can submit the residential building permit application below with a detailed work description of the project or work being done.

Residential Building Permit Application
Residential Garage Guide
Site Plan Example
Residential Permit Fees

Commercial Building Permit Applications are for: 

  • All Non-Residential Structures

NOTE: The Planning and Zoning Department needs to approve all site plans prior to building permit issuance

Application Requirements:

  1. New construction, additions or alterations, and interior remodel projects require two copies of construction plans be submitted with the permit application. One paper copy mailed or dropped off in person at City Hall and a PDF file emailed (if file size permits) or mailed or dropped off on a disk or thumb drive.
  2. All new construction projects are required to submit a site plan for review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Department prior to permit issuance. 
  3. A plan review fee is charged for all new construction, additions, remodels, and accessory building over 200 square feet. The plan review fee is 20% of the permit fee. 

Food Establishments Additional Requirements: 

  1. Contact the City of Dubuque Health Department (563-589-4181) to fill out a separate application and provide plans and specifications as required by the Health Department.
  2. Fill out a Fats, Oils, and Grease (F.O.G) application and submit this to the Water & Resource Recovery Center for processing.
  3. Fill out a Grease Interceptor Checklist Form and submit to the Building Services Department for review.

Permanent and Temporary Signs: 

All signs require a separate sign application (see below) to be filled out and reviewed for approval by the Planning and Zoning Department prior to permit issuance. Signs applications should be submitted at the same time your site plan or building plans are being submitted to make sure approval is granted prior to moving forward with your project. The City of Dubuque requires sign contractors to obtain an annual license from the Building Services Department.

Commercial Building Permit Application
Commercial Permit Fees

Additional Applications:

Site Plan Example
Grease Interceptor Checklist Form
F.O.G Program Application
Health Department Food Establishment Application
Sign Permit Application
Temporary Sign Permit Application