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Building and Zoning

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1. Do I need a permit for a fence?

Yes, you must get a permit to construct a fence. Review the regulations that apply to fences. Title 17, Chapter 17.26, Section 17.26.090

2. Can a fence go on the property line?

Yes, a fence may be constructed up to the property line. Review the regulations that apply to fences. Title 17, Chapter 17.26, Section 17.26.090

3. Can I do my own work on my home and do I need a permit?

Homeowners can do work on their own homestead dwelling. Permits and inspections are required and will be issued to the homestead property owner of record. Electrical work done by the owner is permitted up to the main service disconnect. Plumbing work done by an owner may not include connections to public sewers or supply mains.

4. Do I need a permit for a deck?

Any deck attached to a dwelling, or that serves the primary entrance, requires a permit. A detached deck requires a permit if it is more than thirty inches high or more than one hundred twenty square feet in area.

5. Do I need a permit for a shed or other accessory building?

A permit is required for sheds or other accessory buildings one hundred twenty (120) square feet or larger. The maximum height of accessory buildings is the greater of twenty (20) feet or the height of the principal structure.  All accessory buildings must be at least five (5) feet from the rear lot line, accessory buildings under fifteen (15) feet in height require five (5) feet from interior lot lines if located between the rear building line of the principal building and the rear property line. An additional one (1) foot setback is required for every two (2) feet above fifteen (15) feet in height, up to the minimum requirements of the zoning district. The accessory building must be located five (5) feet from other buildings on the lot. Accessory buildings may not be closer than twenty (20) feet from any street right-of-way. See Oskaloosa Municipal Code Section 17.05 for more site development regulations.  

Title 17. Chapter 17.24, Section 17.24.030 B.6

6. Do I need a permit to replace my roof?

No.  However, due to the weight of roofing materials and load capacity of framed structures, there should be no more than two (2) roofing layers applied to most structures.  There should also be an ice barrier applied under shingles or rolled roofing from the lowest roof edge to a point 24 inches  (36 inches if the slope is 8/12 or greater) inside the exterior wall line.  Please contact the building official with any questions.

7. Are frost depth footings required for a detached garage or other accessory building?

Frost depth footings are required for freestanding light-frame construction accessory buildings (detached garages) larger than 600 square feet, and for freestanding accessory structures other than light-frame construction larger than 400 square feet. The frost depth for the Oskaloosa area is forty-two inches to the bottom of the footing.

8. When do I need a building permit?

Any time you build a new building, enlarge an existing building, or make a change to an existing building that affects its structural characteristics.

9. Where should smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors be located in my home?

A smoke detector should be located in each sleeping room. A smoke and carbon monoxide detector should be located immediately outside sleeping areas (e.g. hallway) and a smoke detector should be located on each level of a dwelling, including the basement. Detectors should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years. Batteries should be replaced every year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of 5 home fire deaths happen with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

10. Where should ground-fault electrical receptacles be located?

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets should be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, unfinished basements, garages and as exterior electrical outlets.

11. Is a permit required for a swimming pool?

A permit is required for all swimming pools, either above-ground or below-ground pools, which are capable of holding water 24 inches or deeper. A minimum 48-inch safety barrier is also required.  This is typically a fence, or in the case of an above-ground pool the sidewall may serve as the barrier.  Access limitations may apply.  Setback requirements are the same as for other accessory structures. Contact the Building Official at 641-673-7472 for help with specific requirements.

12. How can I find out if my property is in a flood zone?

Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov/, enter your address, and click 'search'.  Map layers may take a few moments to load.  Flood hazard areas are typically noted as 'Zone A' and highlighted in a light-blue color.   Map revisions, amendments, and revalidations are also available at this link.  Contact local floodplain manager Shawn Christ at 641-673-9431 (ext 5029) or shawn.christ@oskaloosaiowa.org with questions or visit the Development Services Department at City Hall.

13. How do I find out how my property is zoned?

You may view and search the city's official interactive zoning map at https://www.oskaloosaiowa.org/330/Zoning-Map-interactive-GIS or contact the building inspector or department director at (641) 673-7472 to look up the zoning designation at a particular address. Only zoning information obtained from the City of Oskaloosa (not the county or any other source) should be utilized.

City of Oskaloosa Zoning Map

14. Who do I contact to tell me where my property lines are?

Property lines are determined by metal markers ("pins") placed underground at every corner, angle, intersection, or change of direction of the boundary line. Pins may include a plastic cap with surveyor identification information and are shown on the original and all subsequent survey plats of a property. The most accurate and reliable method to determine a property boundary is to hire a registered land surveyor to perform a boundary survey of your property. The surveyor is licensed to perform such work and can locate any existing pins and set any that are missing. The City of Oskaloosa does not locate private property lines nor resolve property line disputes. Property owners may attempt to locate existing property pins themselves to estimate the location of property lines. Please do not remove or disturb property pins. 

15. Are chickens allowed within city limits?

Yes, in some areas with a valid permit and certain restrictions. Effective September 2023, personal animal raising is allowed in the city with application and site plan approval. In residential districts, small animals and fowl are allowed when contained entirely within a rear yard and other limitations are met. For chickens, only females (hens) are allowed. Buildings must be at least 25 feet from any property line, and limited to a maximum of 1 bird or small animal per 2,000 square feet of lot area. In R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts a site plan application must be submitted and approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission. In the AG district birds/animals are permitted with no restrictions. In all other districts, animals are not allowed. Please contact the zoning administrator with questions or to discuss submittal requirements.

16. Are horses allowed within city limits?

Yes, in some areas with a valid permit and certain restrictions. Effective September 2023, personal animal raising is allowed in the city with application and site plan approval. In the RR Rural Residential zoning district, any lot 2 acres and over may keep one horse or other equine/hoofed animal and its immature offspring. Such lot may have one additional animal per additional acre of lot area. No stable shall be located closer than 50 feet to any dwelling unit on the site or property line. In the AG district horses are permitted with no restrictions. In all other districts, horses are not allowed. Please contact the zoning administrator with questions or to discuss submittal requirements.

17. Are bees allowed within city limits?

Yes, apiaries and honeybees are allowed in some areas with a valid permit and specific restrictions. Effective September 2023, personal animal raising is allowed in the city with application and site plan approval. Bee colonies must be kept in hive structures with removable combs, with a minimum setback of 5 feet from any property line, 10 feet from a public sidewalk, and 25 feet from a principal building on an abutting lot. If located within 25 feet of a property line, a flyway barrier 6 feet in height must be established 10 feet beyond the colony in each direction. Hives must be secured and properly maintained, and a convenient water source available. Colony densities are limited by lot size. Unusually aggressive colonies must be requeened by the beekeeper. Swarms, colonies without hive structures, or abandoned hives must be destroyed or removed from the city.  See Oskaloosa Municipal Code Section 17.06.120(3)(c) for more information.

18. Can I have a home-based business?

Yes, with certain limitations.  Most home-based businesses and home occupations are permitted as an accessory use in residential units subject to certain conditions (see Sec. 17.22.090 OMC, linked here). Animal hospitals, beauty and barber shops with over one chair, retail sales, mortuaries, repair shops or service establishments, stables or kennels, welding, and vehicle body repair/rebuilding/dismantling businesses are prohibited.  Please contact zoning staff to discuss your plans.  A permit is not necessary unless construction work will occur on the home.