Ankeny, IA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Code of Ordinances Section 178.04 sets Ankeny's plumbing permit acquisition rules under the Ankeny Plumbing Code, which itself adopts the state plumbing code as currently amended by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) under Section 178.02. Permits are not transferable, and the work itself must be performed by a contractor licensed by the State of Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board under Iowa Code Chapter 105. A state-licensed Master plumber may sign for and obtain a permit only for the contractor that actually employs them, and must show proof of that employment.

A licensed contractor may only secure permits for themselves or a single firm or corporation, and only that contractor's own employees, in compliance with Chapter 105, may perform the permitted work; the Code Official can demand payroll records, canceled checks or contracts within 24 hours to verify who is really doing the job, and failure to produce them is grounds for immediate permit revocation. Section 178.04's fifth item carves out a homeowner exception: an owner-occupant who qualifies for the Iowa homestead tax exemption may pull plumbing permits for their own principal residence and its accessory structures, but only after passing the Ankeny Plumbing Homeowner's exam, and never for an apartment, rental unit or rental building; the exception also never covers connecting to the public sewer, water or storm main.

Permits expire twelve months from issuance under Section 178.05 unless tied to a longer construction schedule approved by the Code Official, and fees are set by City Council resolution under Section 178.06.