Building Division

The Linn County Building Division provides guidance and advice to architects, engineers, contractors, and homeowners to help them bring building projects to life while ensuring safety for occupants and residents. They also help keep existing buildings safe by conducting property maintenance inspections, rental inspections, and adopting the latest building codes. We are community-oriented and dedicated to making Linn County a safer place.

Core Functions of the Linn County Building Division:

  • Protects the public through their commitment to building safety.
  • Enforces code compliance to empower and educate partners to embrace and integrate safety standards in their work.
  • Ensures that buildings are constructed to withstand the stress of everyday use.
  • Performs safety checks that protect your home from emergencies before fire, flood or disasters strike.
  • Supports economic development by ensuring our buildings are built to withstand Iowa wind and snow loads to ensure the longevity of our buildings.
  • Plays a significant role in community planning decision making as a connection between government, business and built environment partners.

The Linn County Building Division’s jurisdiction includes rural Linn County and nine partner cities that contract with the county through 28E agreements to provide inspection services.   Our partner cities are Alburnett, Bertram, Central City, Center Point, Ely, Lisbon, Mount Vernon, Palo, and Springville.

Inspections performed include:

  • Building Inspections for new construction
  • Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspections for new construction
  • Property Maintenance inspections on existing buildings
  • Rental housing inspections

Apply Online - Permit Applications

Permit Search & Inspection Requests

If you have any questions, please contact Planning & Development at by email or phone 319-892-5130.

Permit Applications