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: 563-589-4154
Email

Commercial Building Inspector:
Jeff Zasada
Phone: 563-690-6037
Email

Residential Building Permit Applications are Required for: 

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

Application Process:

  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 (50 W. 13th St.) and a PDF file emailed (if file size permits) or mailed or dropped off on a disk or thumb drive.
  2. Download the Plan Review Checklist, complete, save, and submit with the application.
  3. All new construction projects are to submit a site plan for review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Department prior to permit issuance. 
  4. The Building Services Department will perform a plan review of the submitted construction documents and approve prior to permit issuance. 
  5. 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. 
  6. 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

Building permit applications can be submitted 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 accepts cash, check, or credit/debit card payments. Credit/debit card payments must be made over the phone or in person at our office.

Commercial Building Permit Applications are for: 

  • All Non-Residential Structures, including all multi-family residential buildings with three or more dwelling units.

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. 

Commercial Building Permit Application
Commercial Permit Fees

Food Establishments Additional Requirements: 

  1. Contact the City of Dubuque Health Department (563-589-4181) to fill out a separate Health Department Food Establishment 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 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 permanent sign permit application or temporary sign permit application, 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 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.

Demolition Permits and Moving Buildings