City of Cedar Rapids

• 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)

• 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

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.