City of Perry, Iowa
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Planning & Zoning

Building Official
Abraham Cardenas

Phone: 515-465-2481
Cell: 515-314-9621
Fax: 515-465-4862
Mon-Fri (7:30am to 4:30pm)

Click Here for Online Building Permit Application


Building Permit Application
File Size: 18 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Building Permit Fees
File Size: 21 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Perry Zoning Map
File Size: 1031 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Building Permits

Building permits are required for new structures, additions to existing buildings, garages, garage additions, accessory buildings, sheds, patios, decks, fences, signs, pools, hot tubs/spas, driveways and sidewalks. Building permits are also required for renovations for commercial properties. 

Demolition permits are required for removal of structures.

Structures must be built in compliance with the 1994 Uniform Building Code.

Please call City of Perry Building Official Steve Tibbles at 515-465-4100 or 515-314-9621 if you have any questions.


Frequently Asked Questions

Where can a fence be put on a property?
  • No fence shall be constructed in other but a rear or side yard.
  • A side or rear wall fence or wall shall be set back (2) two feet from the property line.
  • Every side wall or fence shall be set to a point parallel with the front set back of the primary structure located on the lot or the required structure set back on the lot, whichever is greater.
  • A side or rear wall or fence can be constructed inside the two foot setback with the consent of the adjacent property owner.
  • A side or front wall or fence can not exceed 6 feet in height.
  •  A rear wall or fence can not exceed 6 feet in height unless it is set back 5 feet from the rear property line.

Accessory buildings.
  • No accessory building can be erected in any required front yard.
  • No accessory building can be erected within 4 feet of a main building
  • No accessory building shall be closer than 4 feet to the rear or side lot line
  • Accessory building may not occupy more than 30 percent of the rear yard.
  • No accessory building shall be used without occupancy of the principal building.
Yards and visibility
  • On a corner lot in any district nothing shall be erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as to impede vision between a height of 3 and 10 feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets.

Private swimming pools
  •  Private swimming pools shall be allowed only in rear yards.

Vehicular parking spaces
  •  All vehicular parking spaces in required front yards shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width and be surfaced with gravel, concrete or asphalt.

Would I need a permit to build a deck? If so, how much would it cost?
  • Yes, you would need a permit to build a deck. The cost is $50.

What is the depth of the frost line in Iowa?
  • The frost line in Iowa is 42 inches.

What is the maximum area I can take up in the backyard with a building?
  • You may not occupy more than 30 percent of the rear yard with a structure.

Would I need a permit to build a fence? If so, how much does it cost?

  • Yes, you would need a permit to build a fence. The cost is $50.

How far must the fence be from the property line?

  • The fence must be two feet from the property line unless you are able to obtain a Fence Contract with your neighbor(s) allowing you to place it on the property line.  

What documentation is needed to build a garage?

  • You will need a drawing of the garage with the dimensions of the garage, size of opening and value of the building.

How tall can the grass in my yard get before I am out of Compliance?

  • The grass in your yard is not to exceed 6 inches in both residential and commercial properties.  Agricultural areas are exempt as long as it is a crop.  

My neighbor has a car that never moves.  How long can it be there before it is declared a nuisance?

  • If it a fully licensed and operable vehicle that is moved every 30 days, then it is in compliance with the Perry Code of Ordinance.    

Is there a rental code in Perry?  If so, can the City of Perry perform inspections on rental properties?

  • Yes, there is a rental code in Perry. If we receive a complaint about a property, we notify the landlord that the City of Perry has received a complaint about their rental property. An inspection is performed on a reasonable date and time with both parties being present upon inspection.

My neighbor has a bunch of junk in their yard.  What can the City do about my neighbor’s junk?

  • The City can inspect the yard to see if it would fit the definition of junk in the Perry Code of Ordinances.  If it meets the requirements, the City will give them a warning with a reasonable amount of time to comply. If they do not comply by the end of that time, the City will begin the abatement process.  When the time expires on the abatement process, the City will remove of the junk at the owner’s expense.  

How much time do I get to clear my sidewalk after a snowfall?

  • Residential property owners are given 48 hours to clear their sidewalks from snow, ice and accumulations.  Property owners within the business district are given 12 hours after a snowfall to clear their sidewalks from snow, ice and accumulations.  If the task is not completed by the end of the allotted time, the City may do so at the property owner’s expense and assess the cost to the property owner.  A warning will not be sent.

What are the height regulations for trees over streets, sidewalks, and alleyways?

  • All trees, whether being private or public, must be trimmed to at least 9 feet above all sidewalks and at least 13 feet above all streets and alleyways.  If they are not compliant, the city may send a warning to the owner of noncompliant trees.  If the trees are not in compliance by the date on the warning, the City may do so and assess the cost to the property owner.
City of Perry, Iowa- 'Make Yourself At Home!' | 1102 Willis Avenue P.O. Box 545, Perry, IA 50220 | (515) 465-2481
  • Government
    • Mayor & Council
    • Administration >
      • City Administrator
      • Finance Officer
      • City Clerk
      • Employee Portal
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Departments >
      • Cemetery
      • Compliance
      • Garbage & Recycling
      • Library
      • Parks, Recreation & Culture
      • Perry Water Works
      • Perry Municipal Airport
      • Planning & Zoning
      • Public Safety
      • Public Works
      • Waste Water
    • Boards & Commissions >
      • Airport Commission
      • Historic Preservation
      • Library Board
      • Parks & Recreation
      • Planning & Zoning
      • Tree Board
      • Zoning Board of Adjustment
    • Code of Ordinances
    • Website Disclaimer
    • Contacts & Staff Directory
  • Resident Info
    • Local Option Sales Tax
    • Citizen Handbook
    • Property Maintenance
    • Rental Property Code Enforcement
    • Community Calendar
    • Contacts & Staff Directory
    • Links of Interest
    • Maps
    • Media/ News
  • Chamber of Commerce
    • Chamber Members Directory
    • Member Benefits
    • Farmers Market
    • Community Calendar
    • BRR
    • July 4th Celebration 2017
  • Business & Development
    • Tax Abatement
    • Community Development >
      • Solar Resources
      • Residential Development
      • Sustainability
      • Common THREAD
    • Business Resources
    • Locate Here >
      • Incentives
      • Sites and Buildings
    • Greater Dallas County Development Alliance
    • Dallas County Development Guide
    • Perry Economic Development, Inc.
    • Plans & Studies >
      • Comprehensive Plan 2030
      • Housing Studies
      • Iowa Living Roadways- Community Visioning
  • Culture & Recreation
    • McCreary Center >
      • Programs
    • Camping
    • Public Parks
    • Dog Park
    • Trails
    • Carnegie Library
  • I Want To . . .
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