Building Permits

Building plans approved for permit

A building permit is required in Storm Lake for the following common projects:

  • New buildings, dwellings
  • Additions & Alterations- egress windows, remodeling with structural changes
  • Demolition of all or part of a structure
  • Moving structure
  • Wood decks and porches (repairs and replacements)
  • Roofing
  • Fence
  • Siding
  • Sheds
  • Garages and carports
  • Signs
  • Interior remodeling involving drywall, moving and/or building of walls, altering windows and/or doors 
  • Driveways, sidewalks,patios
  • Repair from fire or natural damages

A Right of Way (ROW) permit is required when working in the city ROW, streets, alleys, parking or sidewalks.

Your project must be submitted in graphic form along with a complete application. Please allow 48 hours for approvals. 

Electrical and Plumbing Permits

The following are some of the items that require an electrical, or plumbing permit:

  • Changing, relocating, altering the electrical service entrance
  • Rewiring house or commercial building
  • Adding a new bath, changing locations of plumbing fixtures
  • Gas piping

This list is not all inclusive. If you have any questions about whether your project requires a permit, please call the Building Department at 712-732-8002 between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday thru Friday or contact us by email.

How to apply for a building permit

Building Permit applications are available at 
City Hall 620 Erie Street , or on our Building Permit Applications page.

Review Process

No construction is allowed until the permit is issued. Once the permit application and accompanying plans have been submitted, it will take approximately five working days to review residential applications and about 15 working days or more, depending on the project scope, to review commercial applications and to process the plans. Following approval of the plan and payment of fees, a permit will be issued.

Contractor Updates

Annually, the city holds a meeting to update contractors on adopted building codes, permitting requirements, scheduling inspections, stormwater information and more.  

Adopted Codes

Required Inspections

To schedule inspections please call 712-732-8002. Allow 24 hours advance notice. 

  1. Required Inspections

Commercial Submittal Guidlines

  1. Commercial Permit Submittal Requirements 2025