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City of Ames Inspection Division
As a division of the Ames Fire Department, the Inspection Division is responsible for many different activities:
- Issuing permits for new construction and alterations for all structure types
- Inspecting all permitted work for compliance with adopted codes
- Registration and inspection of all rental properties
- Compliance with exterior property maintenance standards
- Issuing sign permits Maintaining property records
Our goal is to ensure your project is successful through permitting and inspection processes. Adherence to local codes ensures the safety of our community by providing compliant and accessible structures for residents and visitors alike!
Please click the links on the right side of the screen to learn more about our services!
***Code Updates***
The Inspection Division is currently working through the code update process to align with the State of Iowa. Staff recently presented a review of the code changes to the Ames Home Builder's Association. Please review the Power Point(PPTX, 9MB) used during that presentation for information on the changes as well as the 2024 Significant Changes(DOCX, 333KB) document. A recording of the presentation is also available. The following are important notes regarding the update:
- The Power Point and Recording include slides and discussion on assessing credit card fees to each transaction. This will NOT be happening at this time.
- A 5% fee increase is proposed across all building and trade permits.
- The City is required to adopt the same plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes as the State of Iowa. There are a few amendments that the City has that are more strict than what the State adopted. The City cannot be less restrictive than the State.
- The codes being proposed include:
- 2024 International Building Code
- 2024 International Residential Code
- 2024 International Existing Building Code
- 2024 International Fire Code
- 2023 National Electrical Code
- 2024 International Mechanical Code
- 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code
- Permits applied for prior to September 1st may be built under existing code standards or the 2024 standards
An open house will be held on February 2nd at 3:00 pm at the Technical Services Complex located at 300 E. 5th Street. Please bring any questions or concerns you may have regarding the code adoptions.