Building

The Building Department is the inspection and permit issuing authority for the City of North Liberty. This department is responsible for ensuring the building permits issued meet the requirements of the City of North Liberty’s building and zoning codes. The department processes permit applications, reviews the plans for compliance with the codes and performs field inspections of the work allowed within the permit. In times of disaster we perform assessment of damage to structures. The department also is responsible for the enforcement of the City of North Liberty Construction Site Runoff Regulations.

Mission Statement

In order to maintain the highest standard of public safety and to protect the property rights of the citizens of North Liberty, the Building Safety Department will ensure the building requirements of the City of North Liberty are fully met. The Department will provide the information and assistance that meets our customer’s needs and guides them through the permitting process. Our Staff will provide professional, consistent and friendly service. We intend to work in partnership with Designers, Developers, Contractors and Owners to foster an environment that understands the needs of our customers and works for full compliance of the governing codes. To help us improve our services your comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Please send your comments to [email protected].

Vision Statement

The city’s Building Department strives to:

  • Educate the public about code requirements.
  • Streamline processes.
  • Be solution oriented.
  • Prioritize the intent of the code when interpreting code language.
  • Be consistent in interpreting codes, polices and forms.
  • Be well trained and educated.
  • Treat everyone fairly and consistently.
  • Be a great resource to the community.

City Codes

Permit applications can be found on the Permits page. You can search permits online here.

Our current Zoning Ordinance is available in the online Code of Ordinances

Our current adopted Building Code and Fire Code are available here in the Code of Ordinances.

The following codes have been adopted by the City of North Liberty:

  • 2021 International Building Code
  • 2021 International Residential Code
  • 2021 International Fire Code
  • 2021 International Mechanical Code
  • State of Iowa Plumbing Code (2021 UPC)
  • 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
  • 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
  • 2021 International Existing Building Code
  • State of Iowa Electrical Code (2020 NEC)
  • State of Iowa Energy Code (2012 IECC)

Copies of the code are available at the office of the Department of Building Inspection (1 Quail Creek Circle), the North Liberty Community Library (520 W. Cherry Street) and for purchase online from the International Code Council.

Additional Standards and Information

Sump-Pump-Discharge-Line

Lift-Station-Control-Standards

Preferred Communications Wiring Standards

Potable Water Protection Policy

North Liberty uses the Iowa Statewide Urban Design and Specifications with this supplement to the SUDAS (updated May 2023).

Accepted product lists are available for North Liberty Water Department Accepted Products List (updated June 21 2022) and Accepted-Products-for-Sanitary-Distribution-Materials.

2010 ACI 322 Cold Weather

Storm Water Management

The City of North Liberty encourages the use of storm water best management practices, including the use of rain gardens, pervious pavement, bioretention. Learn more about these techniques, and available grants on the Stormwater Management page.

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