FAQs • Oskaloosa, IA • CivicEngage

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Building and Zoning

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. All accessory buildings must be at least five (5) feet from the rear lot line, four (4) feet from interior lot lines if located between the rear building line of the principal building and the rear property line. The accessory building must be located five (5) feet from other buildings on the lot. The accessory building may not be closer than twenty (20) feet from any street right-of-way. The maximum height is fifteen (15) feet. Review the regulations that apply to accessory buildings: Title 17. Chapter 17.24, Section 17.24.030 B.6 of the Oskaloosa Municipal Code.
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?: Smoke detectors should be located in each sleeping area. A smoke and carbon monoxide detector should be located adjacent to sleeping areas and a smoke detector should be located on each level of a dwelling in addition to those serving sleeping areas.

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?: Contact the Building Division at (641) 673-7472. City of Oskaloosa Zoning Map

14. Who do I contact to tell me where my property lines are?: The City does not perform private surveys. Hire a professional surveyor and/or check recorded deed documents to confirm property boundaries.

15. Are chickens allowed within city limits?: No. Hens and roosters are not presently allowed within Oskaloosa's city limits. The raising of chickens, ducks, and other poultry and livestock for agricultural, commercial, personal, or recreational purposes is not allowed except within an agricultural zoning district, or where previously established as a legal, nonconforming use.

16. Are bees allowed within city limits?: No. Beekeeping is not presently allowed within city limits. Title 6, "Animals", of the Oskaloosa Municipal Code states that it is "unlawful for a person to keep within the city such bothersome animals as barking dogs, bees, cattle, horses, swine and sheep which tend to disrupt the peace and good order of the community".

17. Are horses allowed within city limits?: No, with certain exceptions. The raising of horses, cows, pigs, and other split hoofed animals is not allowed except within an agricultural zoning district, on larger lots within a rural residential district, or where previously established as a legal, nonconforming use. In the RR rural residential district, a lot two acres or greater may maintain one horse, llama, or other equine and/or hoofed animal and its immature offspring, plus one additional animal for each two additional acres of lot area, up to a maximum of three animals.

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.