Who issues the permit in Unincorporated Des Moines County?

The local building department for Unincorporated Des Moines County handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.

How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?

Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.

Do I need a permit for retaining wall construction in Unincorporated Des Moines County?

Unincorporated Des Moines County does not issue residential building permits. Des Moines County has no county building code. Its Land Use Department (run by the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission) issues zoning permits only, and only within 2 miles of Burlington. State electrical and plumbing rules may still apply.

The requirements below come from Iowa rules and describe the standard the work must still meet. They are not a statement that Unincorporated Des Moines County will issue you a permit.

Permit may be required

It depends. Whether retaining wall construction needs a permit in Unincorporated Des Moines County comes down to the details of your project.

Iowa's adoption of the 2024 IRC deletes the IRC administrative sections R103 through R114, so there is no state list of work exempt from permit; each city or county that issues permits sets its own permit scope (481 IAC 301.8(2)). Iowa does not adopt the model IRC height exemption for retaining walls statewide; the wall height that triggers a permit is set locally. A county building code does not apply inside a city unless the city opts in, and does not apply to farm houses or farm buildings primarily adapted for agricultural use (Iowa Code 331.304(2)).

Get your exact answer

Answer a few questions to see the specific permits, documents, and next steps for your retaining wall construction in Unincorporated Des Moines County.

Check my project

Documents you may need

Building or grading permit application where the city or county requires oneSometimes required
Site plan with wall location, height, and property linesLikely required
Wall section and drainage detailsSometimes required
Engineered design for taller walls or walls supporting a surcharge where required locallySometimes required

Possible inspections

Footing or base inspection where a permit is issued
Final inspection where a permit is issued

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for retaining wall construction in Unincorporated Des Moines County?: It depends. Whether retaining wall construction needs a permit in Unincorporated Des Moines County comes down to the details of your project. The documents and inspections sections on this page list what the building department typically asks for.
Who issues the permit in Unincorporated Des Moines County?: The local building department for Unincorporated Des Moines County handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?: Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.

PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.