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Building Permits
Getting the Permits
Applications can be dropped of at City Hall or mailed to:
City of Johnston
Building Department
6221 Merle Hay Rd
PO Box 410
Johnston, IA 50131
You can submit applications by email to the: BuildingDepartment@cityofjohnston.com
*If you do not receive a confirmation response the application has been received within 24hrs you will need to follow up using one of the other submittal options.
Applications must be submitted with all required drawings, site plans and additional forms needed. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. A typical review may last up to, if not more; 7 working days. Once plans are approved we can happily accept most Permit Fee Payments with credit card over the phone.
SITE PLANS CAN BE PULLED FROM POLK COUNTY AT: CLICK HERE
Trade Permits
Trade Permit Application (Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical)
Building Permits
Building Permit Application (Addition, Fence, Pool/Hot Tub, Basement Finish, Remodel/Repairs)Accessory Building Permit Application
Deck/Pergola Application
New Residential Home Application Packet
ALL CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF TWO BUSINESS DAYS TO PRODUCE.
PLAN YOUR FINAL INSPECTIONS ACCORDINGLY.
- New House Building Permit Checklist
- Building Application
- Grading Permit Application
- Water Service Application
All Building Permits must be submitted with a Site Plan.
Site Plan Check list:
- North arrow
- Adjacent street names
- Documented property lines
- Footprint of proposed and existing structures with dimensions of proposed structures
The following information is available to assist you in preparing and supplying the appropriate information for your permit:
- Accessory Building or Storage Shed
- Basement
- Deck
- Fence or Replacing an Existing Fence
- Generic Wall Section Form
- New Single Family Residential Home
- Pool or Hot Tub
- Detailed plans showing layout
- Correct beam sizing
- Proper span size of truss
- Floor or ceiling joist (stamped)
- Indicate blocking, bracing, and re-enforcement
Determining Fees
Fees for most permits are calculated by determining the value added to the property or the cost of construction. This value is used with the fee tables as published in the appropriate code governing the work.
Flat Fees
There are some routine items that are “flat fee” permits such as fences, seasonal or temporary pools, and non-covered decks between 1-300 square feet in size.
How to get a Quote
We are happy to help estimate the permit fees for a project but until an application is submitted and reviewed an exact fee cannot be given. All fees are calculated by the building official.
Site Maintenance
The contractor will be responsible for all debris on the site and should take all necessary measures to ensure it does not blow away from the site. Subcontractors hauling debris will be required to cover all loads and a trash containment system is required at all sites, approved styles are:
- Dumpster type container
- Trailer
- Fenced in containment area
Concrete Regulations
The City of Johnston uses the National Weather Service’s 24 hour prediction to reflect when/how concrete may be poured as follows:
10° or below - No concrete may be poured
25° or below - Concrete must be covered for a minimum of 48 hours
Stormwater Management Development Standards
Information on stormwater calculations, grading permit information and stormwater management development standards can be found here.