Bolthole Index

Lee County, Iowa

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Lee County, Iowa

72Index Score / 100
#11 of 99 in Iowa

Lee County, Iowa has no confirmed general residential building-permit process, although Iowa's building code applies to specified construction1. Lee County has no county zoning ordinance, but city zoning can apply inside cities and may extend beyond city limits2. Lee County Health Department handles covered septic and private-well permits, including for addresses where a city controls building permits or zoning3.

Do you need a building permit in Lee County, Iowa?

We could not confirm a general Lee County building permit for an ordinary home in an unincorporated area.

We could not confirm a general Lee County building permit for an ordinary home in an unincorporated area1. Iowa's State Building Code applies to specified construction, including state-owned buildings, qualifying state-funded work, factory-built structures, certain cities, and local governments that accept the code1. The state has also adopted residential construction requirements, but that adoption does not establish a Lee County building department or county building-permit program6.

Before construction, ask the Lee County Engineer or Board of Supervisors whether the parcel needs a building permit, building inspection, or certificate of occupancy. A city may administer its own building permits, so contact the city for construction inside its jurisdiction; covered septic permits and private-well permits remain with Lee County Health Department rather than moving to the city's building office3,7.

Who issues building permits in Lee County, Iowa?

Lee County's published permit process identifies private-entrance, right-of-way, utility, right-of-way septic, and floodplain-development applications, but it does not establish a general residential building-permit process.

Lee County's published permit process identifies private-entrance, right-of-way, utility, right-of-way septic, and floodplain-development applications, but it does not establish a general residential building-permit process8. The Lee County Engineer accepts county engineering and floodplain applications and publishes the private-entrance and floodplain-development forms8.

For a parcel inside a city or an area where city authority applies, ask that city whether it issues the building permit and administers zoning2. City building permits and zoning do not replace Lee County's covered septic and private-well permits: begin those applications with Lee County Health Department Environmental Services3,9. Ask the County Engineer before grading a county-road entrance because the county publishes an application but the available rule does not say when every driveway requires one8.

Does Lee County, Iowa have zoning?

Lee County has not adopted a county zoning ordinance for unincorporated land.

Lee County has not adopted a county zoning ordinance for unincorporated land2. As a result, unincorporated land outside an area governed by city zoning has no county zoning-based minimum dwelling size, building setback, or minimum lot size2. Lee County's subdivision rules can still apply when land is divided, and septic, floodplain, road, airport, and other non-zoning requirements can still limit where or how a project is built2,3.

Zoning varies across Lee County because incorporated cities may adopt zoning and a city's zoning authority may extend into eligible areas beyond city limits2. Ask the relevant city to confirm its zoning approval, minimum home size, setbacks, and minimum lot size before treating an unincorporated address as free of municipal zoning2. Covered septic and private-well permits still go through Lee County Health Department even where a city administers zoning3.

How do septic permits work in Lee County, Iowa?

Lee County requires a septic construction or provisional permit before covered construction, reconstruction, or alteration of an onsite sewage system begins.

Lee County requires a septic construction or provisional permit before covered construction, reconstruction, or alteration of an onsite sewage system begins3. The septic permit is valid for 6 months, and unfinished work needs a new permit after that period3. Regulated onsite systems must remain accessible for final inspection or sampling by the county authority3.

Apply through Lee County Health Department Environmental Services, which handles the county's covered private-sewage and private-well programs3,9. Septic and well permit fees are set by resolution, so request the current amount from Environmental Services3. A private sewage system generally cannot be installed where public or managed community sewer is available within 200 feet unless a specific variance is granted3. The soil dataset rates 0% of Lee County soils as free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before assuming a conventional system will fit10.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Lee County, Iowa?

Unincorporated Lee County has no county zoning restriction on long-term RV occupancy on private land, but that answer does not override sewage, health, nuisance, subdivision, floodplain, or state requirements.

Unincorporated Lee County has no county zoning restriction on long-term RV occupancy on private land, but that answer does not override sewage, health, nuisance, subdivision, floodplain, or state requirements4. In a regulated floodplain, an RV staying less than 180 consecutive days must be licensed and ready for highway use; a longer stay or a vehicle not ready for highway use must meet the floodplain anchoring and elevation requirements4.

Unincorporated Lee County also has no county zoning restriction on occupying a tiny home, and no county zoning-based minimum dwelling size applies outside municipal zoning areas2,4. A tiny home must still satisfy applicable building, septic, floodplain, subdivision, and health rules4. Inside cities and areas reached by city zoning, ask the city about RV occupancy, tiny homes, zoning approval, setbacks, and minimum home size; covered septic and well permits remain with County Health2,3.

Building a home in Lee County: what are the steps?

Confirm whether the parcel is inside a city or an area subject to extended city zoning; Lee County itself has no county zoning ordinance.

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is inside a city or an area subject to extended city zoning; Lee County itself has no county zoning ordinance2.
  2. Ask the city, or the Lee County Engineer or Board of Supervisors for unincorporated land, whether the project needs a building permit, inspection, or certificate of occupancy because no general county residential process was confirmed1.
  3. Apply to Lee County Health Department for covered septic and private-well permits before fixing the house location3,9.
  4. Ask the Lee County Engineer about a private-entrance permit for county-road access and a floodplain-development permit where applicable8.
  5. If the project divides land, check Lee County subdivision approval before recording or building on new parcels3.
  6. An owner working on the owner's property is exempt from Iowa contractor registration for that work, but the exemption does not waive applicable building permits, codes, or inspections5.

What should you check before buying land in Lee County?

Confirm whether a city zoning ordinance reaches the parcel, because Lee County has no county zoning ordinance but city zoning may apply inside cities or extend beyond city limits.

Confirm whether a city zoning ordinance reaches the parcel, because Lee County has no county zoning ordinance but city zoning may apply inside cities or extend beyond city limits2. Check subdivision status as well: Lee County regulates covered divisions of unincorporated land even without county zoning3.

Put septic feasibility near the top of due diligence because 0% of Lee County soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field10. Confirm septic and well locations with Lee County Health Department Environmental Services, and ask the County Engineer about legal road access and floodplain development8,9. For budgeting, Lee County's effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is $1,85510. Before closing, get a parcel-specific answer on the building permit, building inspection, and certificate of occupancy because those general county requirements could not be confirmed1.

Watch-outs

  • No county zoning does not mean no land rules: city zoning, subdivision review, septic permits, floodplain requirements, and road-access rules may still apply2,3.
  • A septic permit expires after 6 months, and covered construction must be completed within that period or permitted again3.
  • A private septic system generally cannot be installed when public or managed community sewer is available within 200 feet unless a specific variance is granted3.

Sources

10 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 10, 2026

  1. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 103A — State Building Code (2026 county census)
  2. Lee County Code of Ordinances
  3. Code of Ordinances, Lee County, Iowa
  4. Code of Ordinances of Lee County, Iowa, 2017
  5. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 91C — Construction Contractors (Iowa statewide rule)
  6. Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 301 State Building Code
  7. Iowa Code §103A.3 — Definitions (Iowa statewide rule)
  8. Permits & Applications - Lee County IA
  9. Lee County Health Department Environmental Services (leecounty.org)
  10. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Lee County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleLee CountyVan Buren CountyDes Moines CountyHenry CountyJefferson CountyLouisa CountyDavis County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredLimitedRequiredNot requiredRequiredNot required
County zoningNoNot publishedNoYesNoYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County SanitarianCounty Public HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Public HealthADLM Env. Public Health

County locator

Lee County in Iowa

72
County map
Lee County highlighted among the Iowa counties · colored by Index score

How Lee County scores

72 / 100 · #11 of 99 in Iowa · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion55100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.
Admin Boringness6777% ev.
Durability57100% ev.
Property Autonomy51100% ev.
Carry Cost67100% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$129kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$7,412Land / acre
39"Annual rain
5.8% of yrsSevere drought
6.7 / yr (+6.1)Mid-century 100°F days
16.4 daysMid-century dry spell
1.94" (+8.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.78×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,537Home insurance / yr
2.3% / yrInsurance growth
1.01%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
39,904People within 30 min
1,488,035People within 2 hr
27,757Radius comparison (15 mi)
62.9People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
86.2%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
29.6%Wooded land
53.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Lee County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet covered: Donnellson · Franklin · Montrose · St. Paul

Answers from the rulebook for Lee County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Lee County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Lee County as a county government; this does not negate zoning adopted by incorporated municipalities or extended into unincorporated areas under Iowa Code section 414.23.

    • The cited county code states that Lee County itself has not adopted a zoning ordinance.
    • Municipal zoning may apply inside incorporated municipalities and in eligible extraterritorial areas.
    “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Absent — County zoning in unincorporated Lee County; the county's own ordinance states that Lee County has not adopted a zoning ordinance.
      “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
    • Absent — Lee County zoning as a county ordinance; incorporated municipalities and city extraterritorial areas may have separate zoning rules.
      “The County has not adopted a zoning code and is therefore required to limit the application of this chapter to certain zones.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate conclusion for Lee County: zoning is administered by incorporated municipalities where adopted, and may extend into eligible unincorporated areas; Lee County itself states it has not adopted a county zoning ordinance.

    • Fort Madison administers zoning and land-use matters under its municipal code and identifies twelve zoning districts.
    • The county code states that a city may extend zoning under Iowa Code section 414.23; the exact municipalities and extraterritorial areas were not fully resolved in this run.
    • This aggregate does not mean Lee County administers each municipal zoning ordinance.
    “Guided by the City of Fort Madison Municipal Code, Chapter 10 (Zoning) and Chapter 11 (Subdivisions), the Planning and Zoning Department reviews and processes zoning and land use matters and subdivisions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of local zoning in Lee County, including municipal zoning and possible city extraterritorial zoning; Lee County itself has not adopted a county zoning ordinance.
      “Outside of the incorporated limits of a city to which a city has extended its zoning ordinance pursuant to Section 414.23, Code of Iowa. The industrial construction or addition of machinery and equipment must comply with that city's zoning ordinance.”
  • Zoning districts · by state lawNot published

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • This absence does not eliminate municipal zoning or city extraterritorial zoning that may apply under Iowa Code section 414.23.
    • Subdivision, floodplain, sewage, and other non-zoning regulations may still apply.
    “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning minimum-dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Lee County outside areas subject to municipal zoning.

    • The county code states that Lee County has not adopted a zoning ordinance.
    • Municipal zoning may apply inside municipalities and in applicable extraterritorial areas.
    “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning-based minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Lee County.
      “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
    • None — County zoning-based minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Lee County.
      “The County has not adopted a zoning code and is therefore required to limit the application of this chapter to certain zones.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning minimum-lot-size requirements in unincorporated Lee County outside areas subject to municipal zoning.

    • The county code states that Lee County has not adopted a zoning ordinance.
    • Municipal zoning and county subdivision regulations may apply in particular locations.
    “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning-based minimum lot size in unincorporated Lee County.
      “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
    • None — County zoning-based minimum lot size in unincorporated Lee County.
      “The County has not adopted a zoning code and is therefore required to limit the application of this chapter to certain zones.”
  • SetbacksNone

    County zoning setback requirements in unincorporated Lee County outside areas subject to municipal zoning.

    • The county code states that Lee County has not adopted a zoning ordinance.
    • This claim concerns county land-use zoning only; septic, floodplain, subdivision, airport, energy, nuisance, and municipal rules may impose separate setbacks or location limits.
    “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning-based building setbacks in unincorporated Lee County.
      “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
    • None — County zoning-based setbacks in unincorporated Lee County.
      “The County has not adopted a zoning code and is therefore required to limit the application of this chapter to certain zones.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • This absence does not eliminate municipal zoning or city extraterritorial zoning that may apply under Iowa Code section 414.23.
    • Subdivision, floodplain, sewage, and other non-zoning regulations may still apply.
    “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
  • Building height · by state lawNone

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • This absence does not eliminate municipal zoning or city extraterritorial zoning that may apply under Iowa Code section 414.23.
    • Subdivision, floodplain, sewage, and other non-zoning regulations may still apply.
    “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
  • Living in an RVUnrestricted

    County land-use zoning regulation of long-term or permanent recreational-vehicle occupancy on private land in unincorporated Lee County, Iowa.

    • Lee County has not adopted a county zoning ordinance; this conclusion is limited to the absence of county zoning regulation and does not eliminate state law, county health, sewage, nuisance, subdivision, floodplain, or other applicable requirements.
    • Municipal zoning ordinances may apply inside incorporated cities and in areas where a city has legally extended its zoning ordinance.
    • For parcels subject to the Lee County floodplain ordinance, recreational vehicles located on site for less than 180 consecutive days must be fully licensed and ready for highway use; recreational vehicles located more than 180 consecutive days or not ready for highway use must satisfy the ordinance's anchoring and elevation requirements.
    • A recreational vehicle is ready for highway use when it is on its wheels or jacking system, attached only by quick-disconnect utilities and security devices, and has no permanently attached additions.

    floodplain recreational-vehicle site duration: < 180 consecutive days (Vehicles located more than 180 consecutive days or not ready for highway use must satisfy the applicable anchoring and elevation requirements.)

    “6-3-4 ZONES OF ELIGIBILITY. The County has not adopted a zoning code and is therefore required to limit the application of this chapter to certain zones.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • This absence does not eliminate municipal zoning or city extraterritorial zoning that may apply under Iowa Code section 414.23.
    • Subdivision, floodplain, sewage, and other non-zoning regulations may still apply.
    “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
  • Tiny homesUnrestricted

    County land-use zoning regulation of occupancy of a tiny home as a dwelling on private land in unincorporated Lee County, Iowa.

    • Lee County has not adopted a county zoning ordinance; this conclusion is limited to the absence of county zoning regulation and does not eliminate state building, health, sewage, nuisance, subdivision, floodplain, or other applicable requirements.
    • Municipal zoning ordinances may apply inside incorporated cities and in areas where a city has legally extended its zoning ordinance.
    • Private sewage disposal systems remain subject to Iowa Chapter 69 siting, construction, and permitting requirements when applicable.
    “6-3-4 ZONES OF ELIGIBILITY. The County has not adopted a zoning code and is therefore required to limit the application of this chapter to certain zones.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • This absence does not eliminate municipal zoning or city extraterritorial zoning that may apply under Iowa Code section 414.23.
    • Subdivision, floodplain, sewage, and other non-zoning regulations may still apply.
    “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Lee County: no county rule sets this, because Lee County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • This absence does not eliminate municipal zoning or city extraterritorial zoning that may apply under Iowa Code section 414.23.
    • Subdivision, floodplain, sewage, and other non-zoning regulations may still apply.
    “Lee County, Iowa has not adopted a zoning ordinance and is therefore required to limit the application of this Chapter to certain zones.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site sewage treatment systems within the scope of Lee County Code Chapter 5-2

    • The chapter incorporates Iowa Administrative Code chapters 69.1(2) and 69.3(1).
    • The chapter generally applies within the county but excludes cities over 25,000 population and structures where county regulations would be void or prohibited by law.

    scope threshold: <= 15 persons (or 1,500 gallons or less of sewage per day, or within Iowa Administrative Code 567 Chapter 69)

    ““Administrative authority” means the Lee County Board of Health and shall include its agents and employees.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New construction, reconstruction, or alteration of on-site sewage treatment systems within the scope of Lee County Code Chapter 5-2

    • A construction or provisional permit must be obtained from the administrative authority before covered work begins.
    • The system must meet Iowa DNR requirements for construction, materials, design, and location.
    • The permit fee is established by resolution, must be paid before issuance, is non-refundable, and a provisional permit is non-transferable.
    • The permit is valid for six months; construction must be completed during that period or a new permit obtained.
    • No private system may be installed where a public or managed community sewer is available within 200 feet unless a specific variance is granted.
    • Cities over 25,000 population and structures where county regulation would be void or prohibited by law are excluded.

    permit validity: 6 months (construction must be completed during this period or a new permit must be obtained) · public sewer separation: < 200 feet (unless a specific variance is granted)

    “The appropriate construction or provisional permit or permits must be obtained from the administrative authority.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    On-site sewage disposal systems regulated by Lee County Code Chapter 5-2

    • The system may not be constructed in a manner that denies final inspection or sampling procedures.
    • Inspection is by the administrative authority, defined as the Lee County Board of Health and its agents and employees.
    • Inspection for suspected violations requires owner or occupier permission unless an administrative search warrant is obtained.
    “No on-site sewage disposal system shall be constructed in such a fashion as to deny final inspection or sampling procedures by the Administrative Authority.”
  • Well permitRequired

    New construction, major rehabilitation, or reconstruction of non-public water wells in Lee County

    • A permit must be obtained from the Lee County Health Department and remains valid six months from issuance.
    • The application must be completed and signed by the landowner or person in possession and grant inspection access.
    • Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 49 requirements apply.
    • Specified test holes, soil borings, exploration holes, gravel pits, quarries, and temporary de-watering wells are exempt; groundwater test holes are exempt only if used for testing, limited to seven consecutive days, and properly closed.
    • Public water-supply wells remain subject to DNR construction and water-withdrawal permits.

    permit validity: 6 months (from date of issuance) · groundwater test-hole duration: <= 7 consecutive days (test hole must be properly closed immediately after testing)

    “A permit must be obtained from the County Health Department. A permit will remain valid for a period of six months from the date of issuance.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Plats, replats, and subdivisions in unincorporated Lee County, including land within two miles of any city, involving parcels of 40 acres or less or larger parcels divided into parcels of which any are less than 40 acres.

    • The subdivision must be prepared, approved by the Lee County Board of Supervisors, and recorded as prescribed by the ordinance.
    • The regulations apply to division of a lot or parcel into two or more lots or parcels of 40 acres or less for transfer of ownership or building development.
    • A final plat, replat, or subdivision subject to the chapter cannot be filed or recorded until reviewed and approved under the regulations.
    • The final plat must be recorded by the owner in the offices of the County Recorder, County Auditor, and County Assessor within one year after Board approval or it is held invalid.
    • The final plat must include a certificate that required improvements and installations have been completed, or an approved performance bond guaranteeing completion filed with the County Auditor, or an agreement by the Board that the County will provide the improvements and assess the cost against the subdivider or future property owners.
    • The subdivider must submit five copies of the final plat and required supplementary material; the Board refers one copy to the County Engineer and County Health Department for review and recommendation.
    • Final-plat approval is null and void if the plat is not recorded within 30 days after approval, unless the Board grants a written extension during that 30-day period.
    • The Board may grant variations or exceptions for unusual size, shape, surrounding development, or unusual conditions causing substantial hardship or injustice, upon the subdivider's written request and after a public hearing; publication must occur not more than 20 nor less than four days before the hearing, at the subdivider's expense.
    • Violations may result in imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $500.00.

    parcel applicability threshold: <= 40 acres (Also applies to parcels larger than 40 acres if divided into parcels, any of which are less than 40 acres.) · final-plat recording deadline after Board approval: 1 year (The plat is held invalid unless recorded in the offices of the Recorder, Auditor, and Assessor within this period.) · final-plat recording deadline after final approval: 30 days (The Board may grant a written extension during the 30-day period.) · variance-hearing publication window: 4 to 20 days before hearing (Publication must be in a newspaper of general circulation in the County and is paid by the subdivider.) · violation imprisonment: <= 30 days · violation fine: <= 500 USD

    “All plats, replats, and subdivisions of any parcel of land of 40 acres or less, or more than 40 acres, if divided into parcels, any of which are less than 40 acres, and lying in the unincorporated area of the County, including the subdivision of land within two miles of any city, shall be prepared, approved by the Board, and recorded as herein prescribed.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Permit fees for Lee County onsite sewage and private-well permits

    • Fees are established by resolution of the administrative authority.
    • The fee may be changed by resolution.
    • Fees must be paid before issuance; the sewage permit fee is non-refundable and a provisional permit is non-transferable.
    “The fee for the issuance of the permit shall be established by resolution of the administrative authority.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County engineering and land-use permit process published by Lee County

    • Engineering permit applications are submitted to the Lee County Engineer.
    • The published page lists private entrance, right-of-way, right-of-way septic, utility, and floodplain-development permits.
    • The page does not establish a general building-permit process.
    “Completed forms may be returned by any of these methods: [...] Mail to Lee County Engineer, PO Box 158, Ft Madison, IA 52627”

Iowa rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction subject to Iowa's State Building Code, including state-owned buildings, buildings in governmental subdivisions that adopt the code, certain cities over 15,000 population without a substantially conforming local code, factory-built structures, and construction covered by statewide energy-conservation provisions.

    • Iowa Code section 103A.10 makes the state building code applicable to all state-owned buildings and structures.
    • The code applies in a governmental subdivision where the governing body has enacted an ordinance accepting the code.
    • The code applies in each city with a population over 15,000 that has not adopted a substantially conforming local building code.
    • Factory-built-structure manufacture and installation provisions apply throughout Iowa.
    • Permit issuance and enforcement are administered under local law or ordinance; the state source does not establish one universal permit requirement for every building statewide.
    • A governmental subdivision may prohibit commencement of construction until a local building department issues a permit after compliance is shown.
    • The application must be signed by the owner or authorized agent and include the owner's address, a statement that the application seeks permission to construct under the code, and a statement that construction will comply with applicable energy-conservation requirements.
    “The examination and approval or disapproval of plans and specifications, the issuance and revocation of building permits, licenses, certificates, and similar documents, the inspection of buildings or structures, and the administration and enforcement of building regulations shall be the responsibility of the governmental subdivisions of the state and shall be administered and enforced in the manner prescribed by local law or ordinance. [...] Prohibit the commencement of construction until a permit has been issued by the local building department after a showing of compliance with the requirements of the applicable provisions of the state building code.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A person performing work or having work performed on the person's own property, for purposes of Iowa Code chapter 91C contractor registration.

    • The exemption is from being treated as a contractor for purposes of chapter 91C; it is not stated to waive building permits, building-code compliance, inspections, or certificates of occupancy.
    • The separate annual-earnings threshold is less than $2,000, but the own-property exemption is stated independently.
    • A contractor doing business in Iowa must register under chapter 91C unless an applicable statutory exclusion applies.
    “However, a person who earns less than two thousand dollars annually or who performs work or has work performed on the person’s own property is not a contractor for purposes of this chapter.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A person performing work, or having work performed, on that person's own property in Iowa, for Iowa Code chapter 91C contractor-registration purposes.
      ““Contractor” means a person who engages in the business of construction, as the term “construction” is defined in the Iowa administrative code for purposes of chapter 96, the Iowa employment security law. However, a person who earns less than two thousand dollars annually or who performs work or has work performed on the person’s own property is not a contractor for purposes of this chapter.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    The Iowa State Building Code, including the 2024 International Building Code adopted by reference with Iowa amendments, applies statewide to state-owned buildings and structures, qualifying state-funded construction, certain cities over 15,000 that lack a substantially equivalent local building code, and governmental subdivisions that accept the code by ordinance. Factory-built-structure provisions apply throughout Iowa.

    • In a governmental subdivision, the code generally applies only after the governing body enacts an ordinance accepting applicability and files a certified copy with the commissioner.
    • The local ordinance fixes the effective date, which must be no more than six months after adoption.
    • A governmental subdivision may withdraw after one year by ordinance, following the required public hearing and written notice; the withdrawal date must be at least 180 days after ordinance adoption, and previously issued permits are unaffected.
    • The state building code applies to state-owned buildings and structures and to newly constructed buildings and structures paid for in whole or in part with state-appropriated money but not wholly state-owned.
    • Cities with populations over 15,000 that lack a local building code substantially in accord with nationally recognized standards must enforce the state building code.
    • Factory-built-structure provisions apply throughout the state; an approved factory-built structure is deemed compliant with building regulations applicable to its manufacture and installation and is exempt from other state or local building regulations, subject to the statutory exceptions concerning professional engineering and architecture and manufactured homes.
    • The current administrative rule adopts the 2024 International Building Code by reference with amendments; detached one- and two-family dwellings, certain townhouses not more than three stories, and their accessory structures instead comply with the amended International Residential Code.

    adopted model building code: 2024 International Building Code (Adopted by reference with Iowa amendments.) · current administrative-rule effective date: 2025-09-10 (Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481.301 source identifies ARC 9474C as effective September 10, 2025.) · local ordinance effective-date limit: <= 6 months after adoption · local withdrawal waiting period: >= 1 year after code became applicable (A governmental subdivision may withdraw only after this period has elapsed.) · withdrawal effective-date minimum: >= 180 days after ordinance adoption (Previously issued permits remain unaffected.)

    “The state building code shall be applicable: [...] In each governmental subdivision where the governing body has enacted an ordinance accepting the application of the code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Iowa's statewide building-code framework, including residential construction requirements applicable according to Chapter 301 scope and applicability rules.
      “The provisions of the International Residential Code, 2024 edition, published by the International Code Council, located at www.iccsafe.org, are hereby adopted by reference as the requirements for construction”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Buildings and structures subject to Iowa Code section 103A.10A, including newly constructed state-owned buildings, state-board-of-regents buildings, and certain state-funded buildings.

    • Newly constructed state-owned buildings and structures subject to the state building code are subject to plan review and inspection, excluding renovations and repairs except as provided by statute.
    • Newly constructed buildings owned by the state board of regents are subject to plan review and inspection, excluding renovations and repairs except as provided by statute.
    • State-funded buildings not wholly owned by the state are subject to state plan review and inspection when the governmental subdivision has not adopted the listed codes or does not perform inspections; otherwise they must comply with the local codes and inspections.
    • For ordinary privately owned construction, inspection administration is governed by the applicable local law or ordinance.
    “All newly constructed buildings or structures subject to the state building code, including any addition, but excluding any renovation or repair of such a building or structure, owned by the state or an agency of the state, except as provided in subsection 2, shall be subject to a plan review and inspection by the commissioner or an independent building inspector appointed by the commissioner.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy or use for buildings subject to Iowa's State Building Code and certificates approving specified buildings, facilities, or installations for licensure.

    • A local building department issues certificates of occupancy or use when required by ordinance.
    • When issued for a building constructed under the state building code, the certificate must certify conformity with the code and is in the form prescribed by the governing body of the governmental subdivision.
    • For facilities governed by Iowa Administrative Code chapter 481.280, if a certificate of occupancy is required for use, it will not be issued until the inspection fee is paid.
    • Chapter 481.280.5 applies to a certificate approving a building, facility, or installation for occupancy upon request from an owner or owner's agency when applicable rules are satisfied and all fees are paid.
    • The state sources do not require a certificate of occupancy for every building statewide.

    additional reinspection fee: 125 USD (Applies for each additional reinspection after the initial reinspection when original deficiencies remain uncorrected.)

    “Issue certificates of occupancy or use, permits, licenses, and other documents in connection with the construction of buildings or structures as may be required by ordinance. (1) A certificate of occupancy or use for a building or structure constructed in accordance with the provisions of the state building code shall certify that the building or structure conforms to the requirements of the code. The certificate shall be in the form the governing body of the governmental subdivision prescribes.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, and other buildings or structures primarily adapted by reason of nature and area for agricultural purposes, while used for those purposes, under county ordinances adopted pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 335.

    • The exemption applies except to the extent required to implement section 335.27.
    • An ordinance may still apply to any structure, building, dam, obstruction, deposit, or excavation in or on the floodplains of any river or stream.
    • The county may not require an application, approval, or fee for the ordinance to be deemed inapplicable under this section.
    • Qualifying land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, or other buildings or structures may qualify independently or in combination with other agricultural uses.
    • Land enrolled in a soil or water conservation program is considered land primarily adapted for agricultural purposes.
    • The exemption concerns ordinances adopted under chapter 335; chapter 335 applies to a county at the option of its board of supervisors.
    “no ordinance adopted under this chapter applies”
  • Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionConditional

    Planning and design services for outbuildings connected with detached residential buildings in Iowa; this is an exemption from Iowa's architect-licensure requirement, not an affirmative exemption from any locally administered building permit or land-use requirement.

    • The detached residential building may contain no more than 12 family dwelling units.
    • The detached residential building may be no more than three stories.
    • The outbuilding must be in connection with the detached residential building.
    • Iowa's current residential construction rule adopts the 2024 International Residential Code for covered dwellings and accessory structures, but deletes sections R103 through R114 and their subsections; the cited state rule therefore does not itself preserve the model-code permit administration provisions.
    • Local building, zoning, septic, well, electrical, plumbing, and other applicable requirements are not displaced by this architect-licensure exception.

    maximum family dwelling units in detached residential building: <= 12 family dwelling units · maximum stories in detached residential building: <= 3 stories

    “Detached residential buildings containing twelve or fewer family dwelling units of not more than three stories and outbuildings in connection with the buildings.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Accessory structures in Iowa: statutory exemption from the licensed-architect requirement for planning and design services (not a general building permit exemption)
      “churches and accessory buildings, whether attached or separate, not more than two stories in height and not exceeding two thousand square feet in gross floor area.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development on a regulated Iowa floodplain or floodway in the rule's listed rural, urban, protected-stream, impoundment-related, and dam circumstances.

    • State Department approval is required unless the project is instead approved under a delegated community's local floodplain ordinance pursuant to 567—71.2(455B), or is exempt under 567—71.4(455B).
    • In rural areas, the rule applies to projects in or on the floodplain of a stream draining ten or more square miles at the downstream end of the project site.
    • In urban areas, the rule applies to projects in or on the floodplain of a river or stream draining two or more square miles at the downstream end of the project site.
    • On protected streams, the rule applies to channel changes at any location on a river or stream designated as a protected stream under Division III of 567—Chapter 72.
    • For new construction, additions, lowering, or reconstruction of specified buildings, facilities, structures, and associated fill, the rule applies without regard to drainage-area size if the project is adjacent to an impoundment with its lowest floor, including any basement, lower than the adjacent dam top; an upstream dam can reasonably cause flooding from principal or emergency spillway discharges; or an upstream dam does not substantially comply with high-hazard criteria and flooding can reasonably be anticipated from overtopping and failure.
    • The rule applies to construction, repair, or modification of a dam exceeding the thresholds in 567—73.3(455B).

    rural-stream drainage area threshold: >= 10 square miles (At the downstream end of the project site.) · urban-stream drainage area threshold: >= 2 square miles (At the downstream end of the project site.)

    “approval is required by the department for any development [...] unless the project is otherwise approved by a delegated community’s local floodplain ordinances”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Iowa counties may adopt zoning ordinances for land and structures within the county but outside the corporate limits of any city.

    • Chapter 335 applies to any Iowa county at the option of its board of supervisors.
    • The zoning power is subject to Iowa Code section 335.2: ordinances generally do not apply to agricultural land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, or other structures primarily adapted for agricultural purposes while so used, except that ordinances may apply to structures, buildings, dams, obstructions, deposits, or excavations in or on river or stream floodplains.
    • A county may not require an application, approval, or fee for an ordinance to be deemed inapplicable to qualifying agricultural land or structures.
    • A county may not regulate, restrict, or prohibit the location of permanent buildings or temporary structures used for consumer-fireworks sales pursuant to section 10A.519 in locations zoned commercial or industrial.
    • The board of supervisors may divide the county into zoning districts, and regulations may differ among districts.
    • Regulations and restrictions require public-hearing and notice procedures under sections 335.6 and 331.305; district boundaries must identify the affected township and section and, if possible, streets or roads.
    • Energy-conservation and solar-access objectives do not require zoning in a county that did not have zoning before July 1, 1981.
    “applicable to any county [...] at the option of the board of supervisors [...] outside of the corporate limits of any city.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Iowa counties may adopt, administer, and enforce county building codes and may administer and enforce the state building code for buildings, including residential construction, in county jurisdiction outside incorporated municipalities, subject to statutory limitations.

    • A county building code may not apply within the incorporated area of a city except at the city's option.
    • A county building code may not apply within a city's two-mile limit under Iowa Code §414.23 to the extent the city has adopted a building code within that two-mile limit.
    • A county building code may not apply to farm houses or other farm buildings primarily adapted for agricultural purposes while so used or under construction for that use.
    • Administration and enforcement are conducted as prescribed by local law or ordinance.
    • The state building code applies in a governmental subdivision only after the governing body adopts an ordinance accepting it and files a certified copy with the commissioner; the ordinance fixes the effective date, which must be no more than six months after adoption.
    • A local building department may prohibit commencement of construction until a permit is issued after showing compliance with applicable state building-code provisions.
    • Thermal-efficiency energy-conservation standards apply to construction containing heated or cooled enclosed space, but the commissioner must provide appropriate exceptions where applying an energy-conservation requirement would be impractical.
    “The power to adopt, administer, and enforce the state building code shall be exercised in accordance with chapter 103A. The power to adopt by ordinance, administer, and enforce a county building code, is subject to the following restrictions: a. A county building code shall not apply within the incorporated area of a city except at the option of the city, and shall not apply within a city’s two-mile limit referred to in section 414.23, to the extent that the city has adopted a building code within the two-mile limit. b. A county building code shall not apply to farm houses or other farm buildings which are primarily adapted for use for agricultural purposes, while so used or under construction for that use.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Lee County
  • Driveway access — Driveway or private entrance access in Lee County
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Lee County

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Lee County, Iowa

Is Lee County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Lee County scores 72/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

How much does land cost in Lee County, Iowa?

Land in Lee County runs about $7,412 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Lee County?

Lee County gets about 39" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.8% of years.

How remote is Lee County?

A representative private-land location has about 39,904 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,488,035 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Lee compares in Iowa

Compare side-by-side →See all 99 Iowa counties ranked →