Permits
All permit applications are available online and can be emailed, faxed, mailed, or dropped off. Due to the high volume of permits being received, please expect and plan for delays in processing.
You can find all the permit applications for Building and Trades on this page:
* In order to open and fill out the PDF permit applications, you will need the free version of Adobe Reader installed on your computer. To install Adobe Reader, please go to this link: https://get.adobe.com/reader/
Submitting the Permit
- EMAIL: Email your application to the address listed on the permit (the majority of permit applications go to either residential@cedar-rapids.org or commercialpermit@cedar-rapids.org)
- MAIL: Mail your completed application to Building Services, 500 15th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
- DROP OFF: Bring your completed application to the customer service counter at the second floor of CIty Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA during regular business hours
- FTP SITE: For large plan submittals, please submit through our FTP site (directions can be found Here)
Payment Options
- Registered contractors will be invoiced through our finance department. Payments may be made online. Click here for more instructions: Contractor Online Payments
- Homeowners online payment option can be accessed here: HOMEOWNER ONLINE PAYMENTS
If you'd like to mail your payment, checks made payable to "City Treasurer" can be mailed to:
Inspections and COVID-19 Safety Measures
Inspection services continue. Inspection requests can be made online here: INSPECTION REQUESTS
Same day emergency inspection requests will be supported for:
- No heat (either gas tests or power)
- No power (service inspections)
All other inspection requests should allow up to one business day before an an inspection can be scheduled.
Inspections being scheduled as normal:
- Exterior footings, decks, accessory structures
- Residential and commercial projects where structure is unoccupied
- In general any new unoccupied construction project or outside project where exposure can be limited.
Inspections scheduled contingent on publich health measures:
- Interior residential/ commercial where occupants are present
- High risk facilities, hospitals, care centers, day cares, schools
- All other projects that pose a hazard from exposure to more than 10 individual or individuals who pose a risk
- Staff will evaluate the risk and determine the best course of action
Mechanical / Plumbing / Electrical
Staff will prioritize life safety issues (no heat, no water, no electrical)
- Gas test outside the structure with no heat
- Electrical service with no power include pictures of panel sent to electrical@cedarrapids.org
Next day inspections on site:
- Sewer and ground work that is outside the building
- Un-occupied commercial and residential projects
- Accessory structures
- Temporary electrical service
Inspections scheduled contingent on publich health measures:
- Inspections of appliance replacements in single family dwellings will not be done until further notice.
- The contractor may email photos of the work to mechanical@cedar-rapids.org or PlumbingInspector@cedar-rapids.org.
- Interior Residential where occupants are present
- High risk facilities, hospitals, care centers, day cares, schools.
- All other projects that pose a hazard from exposure to more than 10 or individuals who pose a risk
- Staff will evaluate the risk and determine the best course of action
Covid-19 Precautions
- For all inspections, Building Services staff will evaluate the risk and determine the best course of action
- Occupied buildings should be inspected through photos, Zoom or FaceTime.
- All onsite inspections will be limited to as few individuals as possible.
- No more than 3 in a group, maintaining 6-8 feet of social distance.
- If inspection areas have construction activity please vacate the areas of inspection while the inspector is present.
- Everyone in contact with inspection staff will wear a mask along with the inspectors on site.