Inspections Division

 Finishing your Basement

Many home improvement projects are subject to community zoning and building code restrictions and do require a permit. This information sheet has been written to help you with your construction project. It lists the information needed to be submitted with an application for your specific project.

Please submit the following information:

• Submit a drawing of your basement finish; please provide scaled drawings showing the work to be performed including a floor plan identifying each room, placement of windows and doors, and specific locations of bedrooms. Please include a list of materials used. Please include electrical, plumbing, HVAC (Heating and Air Conditioning), and fireplace if applicable. Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits will be required as applicable.
• Fill out the permit application.
• You will be required to call for a framing inspection, plumbing inspection, mechanical inspection, electrical inspection, and final inspection.
   

Some of the specific requirements for basement finish include:

• All bedrooms must have an emergency egress window (See Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings/Egress Windows).
• Electrical outlets are required for every 12’ of wall space (6’ from starting point).
• Additional smoke detectors will be required as for new construction.
• Bathrooms are required to have an openable window or bath fan vented to the outside.
• All clothes dryers are require to be vented to the outside.
• All new plumbing drain, waste, and vent piping for bathrooms must be identified. Show location for tub or shower valve.
• Electrical service panels are not permitted in closets, bathrooms or behind doors, and also require a minimum of 36” clear space in front of the panel. Water pipes and drain lines are not permitted to be located above a service panel.
• Combustion air is required for all mechanical rooms.
• Wood stud walls are required to have a decay resistant treated bottom plate when installed on concrete floors.
• Bedrooms and bathrooms must not open directly into mechanical rooms.
• GFCI outlets are required in all bathrooms and within 6’ of all laundry sinks and bar sinks.
• The minimum headroom clearance for all habitable spaces must be 7’.
• Additional requirements may apply dependent on your specific project.

Construction permit applications can be obtained in the Inspections Division located on the second floor in the Ames City Hall building located at 515 Clark Ave., Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Our telephone number is 239-5153 if you have any questions or would like to request an inspection.

Email the Inspection Division: inspections@city.ames.ia.us

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