Zoning Ordinance, Section 13: Permits and Fees

This section intends to provide a written record of authorization to start building activity and to provide a specific period during which building activity is allowed. This section also established the procedure for setting fee amounts and their collection and use.

No building may be erected, reconstructed, or structurally altered nor shall any work be started, upon it until a “Building Permit” for it has been issued by the City Clerk. The permit must state that the builder must construct the proposed building in compliance with all provisions of this Ordinance. The permit must be valid for one year following issuance of any permit for property zoned residential, commercial, industrial, or planned area development. At the end of the one year period, the applicant may purchase a one-time, three-month extension of the permit for a fee that will be established by resolution of the City Council.

The City Clerk is directed to issue permits, under this Ordinance, for the construction or alteration of residential, commercial, or industrial, or planned area development buildings, and to charge fees in the amounts set by resolution of the City Council. The fees required must be credited to the General Fund of the City of Tiffin. Unless specifically provided otherwise, fees are not refundable once any application has been accepted by the City Clerk. Building permits may be issued, however, without charge to:

A. the United States Government or any political subdivision thereof, and

B. the State of Iowa or any political subdivision thereof; and

C. any religious group for the construction of a church or parochial school.

VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES