Story County, IA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

10 sets the trigger: land may not be occupied or used, and no building or structure may thereafter be moved, erected, or increased in size and occupied or used, until all required permits are acquired. 08, are Conditional Use, Zoning, Home Business, Grading, Change of Use, Sign, and Special Events permits, and each must certify the use or structure conforms to the Ordinance's minimum requirements before a change of use occurs. 09(2), applications are reviewed for conformance to zoning requirements, floodplain regulations, platting, and other requirements; if the project proposes wastewater generation, a zoning permit cannot issue before review and approval by the Story County Environmental Health Department.

A preliminary zoning permit issues after initial review to allow construction to begin, and a final permit issues after a final inspection. Required inspections include a foundation location inspection before construction and a final inspection after construction is complete. A preliminary development permit becomes null and void six months after issuance if construction has not commenced; the Director may grant a one-time six-month extension on written request submitted before the original deadline, but construction must be completed within 18 months of the permit's issuance or extension. 307 and Chapter 93.