Bolthole Index

Story County, Iowa

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

52Index Score / 100
#61 of 99 in Iowa

Unincorporated Story County, Iowa requires a zoning permit for all new construction and any change in use of land or a building1. Story County Planning and Development administers zoning and land-division rules outside city limits; ask the municipality about zoning inside city limits2. Septic permits come from Story County Environmental Health3.

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

Unincorporated Story County requires a zoning permit for all new construction and any change in use of land or a building, including portable structures.

Unincorporated Story County requires a zoning permit for all new construction and any change in use of land or a building, including portable structures1. Most structures need zoning permits, including dwellings, pole buildings, fences, decks and signs1. Story County Planning and Development reviews development cases, approves site plans and performs on-site inspections2. We could not confirm county adoption of a general building construction code or a certificate-of-occupancy requirement; ask Planning and Development which construction reviews apply. Electrical permits and inspections are handled by the State of Iowa, not Story County1.

Who issues building permits in Story County, Iowa?

Story County Planning and Development issues zoning permits for unincorporated land.

Story County Planning and Development issues zoning permits for unincorporated land2. Reach the department at 900 Sixth St. in Nevada, IA 50201, by phone at (515) 382-7245, or by email at pzweb@storycountyiowa.gov2. The county online portal accepts residential and commercial zoning-permit applications, floodplain permits, changes in use, sign permits and special-event permits; contact Planning and Development for other application types1. Story County publishes zoning fees and fines in schedules identified as effective August 18, 20261.

Does Story County have zoning?

All unincorporated Story County is zoned; Planning and Development administers land-use and land-division rules through the Story County Land Development Regulations.

All unincorporated Story County is zoned; Planning and Development administers land-use and land-division rules through the Story County Land Development Regulations1,2,4. The regulations describe allowable uses by district, and the county directs buyers to the assessor for parcel zoning and floodplain information4. Every lot division must meet the applicable district's minimum lot size and setbacks10. A single-family dwelling in A-R Agricultural Residential needs at least 1 net acre; in A-2 Agribusiness, that minimum applies to a farmstead or single-family dwelling permitted as an accessory use11,12. In A-1 Agricultural, a 1-net-acre dwelling lot may qualify through the LESA farmland evaluation, but both the site assessment and total score must qualify; within the Ames Fringe Area Plan, the property must also be designated Agricultural and Farm Service13. Qualifying agricultural uses generally fall outside county zoning under Iowa law, though floodplain controls can still apply7. In the Residential Manufactured Housing District, structures must stay at least 30 feet from public road rights-of-way and 15 feet from the development's exterior boundary14.

How do septic and well permits work in Story County?

Story County Environmental Health issues septic construction and alteration permits and handles water and vertical geothermal well permits.

Story County Environmental Health issues septic construction and alteration permits and handles water and vertical geothermal well permits3. A home without an approved municipal, community or group sewer connection must have a private onsite wastewater treatment system5. For a new septic system, the owner or contractor submits the application and current fee; the county evaluates the site and specifies the approved location, type and size5. New or replacement systems require a site evaluation5. About 29% of Story County soils are rated other than very limited for conventional drain fields, so establish septic feasibility before committing to a home site15. The contractor must call Environmental Health 8 hours before final inspection and leave the installation uncovered until inspection and documentation are complete5. Many property transfers also require a certified septic inspection under Iowa law16.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Story County?

At a commercial campground or travel trailer park in unincorporated Story County, guests may stay no more than 30 consecutive days unless the site is in a Residential Manufactured Housing District or an extended stay is requested and granted through the conditional-use permit.

At a commercial campground or travel trailer park in unincorporated Story County, guests may stay no more than 30 consecutive days unless the site is in a Residential Manufactured Housing District or an extended stay is requested and granted through the conditional-use permit8. That campground provision does not establish permission to live in an RV on an ordinary private parcel8. We could not confirm ordinary private-parcel RV occupancy or tiny-home occupancy; ask Planning and Development about the proposed unit and parcel before buying. Even portable structures require a zoning permit and must meet setbacks1. Homes without approved sewer service need private onsite wastewater treatment, including homes planned for off-grid use5.

How do you build a home in Story County, Iowa?

Ask Planning and Development to confirm the parcel's zoning district, allowed residential use, lot-division requirements and setbacks.

  1. Ask Planning and Development to confirm the parcel's zoning district, allowed residential use, lot-division requirements and setbacks2,4,10.
  2. Check floodplain status before site work; grading or construction in an unincorporated flood-hazard area requires a floodplain development permit, with a final inspection before the final permit is granted17.
  3. Submit the residential zoning-permit application through the county online portal and check the published fee schedule1.
  4. If the home lacks approved sewer service, apply to Environmental Health for the septic site evaluation and permit5.
  5. Arrange electrical permits and inspections through the State of Iowa1.
  6. Have the contractor call Environmental Health 8 hours before final septic inspection and keep the system uncovered until inspection and documentation are complete5.

What should you check before buying land in Story County, Iowa?

Soils and septic: about 29% of Story County soils are rated other than very limited for conventional drain fields, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency.

Soils and septic: about 29% of Story County soils are rated other than very limited for conventional drain fields, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency15. Sewer: a home without an approved municipal, community or group connection must have a private onsite wastewater system5. Flood: grading or construction in a mapped flood-hazard area of unincorporated Story County requires a county permit before work starts9. Access: an entrance onto an Iowa primary highway needs Iowa DOT district approval before work begins18. Lot status: each land division must meet its zoning district's minimum lot size and setbacks10. Taxes: the effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, with a median annual bill near $3,58615.

Watch-outs

  • Story County commercial campground guests generally face a 30-consecutive-day limit, with exceptions for an RMH District or an approved extended-stay condition; ask Planning and Development separately about RV living on an ordinary private parcel8.
  • A new septic installation must remain uncovered until Story County Environmental Health performs the final inspection5.
  • In unincorporated Story County flood-hazard areas, the pre-construction floodplain permit lasts 1 year and may be extended by written request; final inspection is required before the final permit is granted17.

Sources

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

  1. Applications and Permits
  2. Planning & Development
  3. Environmental Health
  4. Applications and Permits
  5. Getting Ready for Your New Septic System
  6. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 91C — Construction Contractors (2026 county census)
  7. Iowa Code §335.30, Manufactured and modular homes (Iowa statewide rule)
  8. codelibrary.amlegal.com
  9. Development Regulations | Story County, IA - Official Website
  10. Chapter 87 Land Development Regulations: Land Division Requirements
  11. Development Regulations | Story County, IA
  12. Development Regulations | Story County, IA
  13. Land Evaluation Site Assessment
  14. Story County, Iowa Code of Ordinances
  15. 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
  16. Iowa Code §455B.172, Jurisdiction of department and local boards (Iowa statewide rule)
  17. Floodplain Management
  18. Access Management (Iowa statewide rule)

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.

Off-grid gear

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 5 of its 6 neighbors, Story County has countywide zoning.

RuleStory CountyPolk CountyMarshall CountyBoone CountyHardin CountyHamilton CountyJasper County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredNot requiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesNoYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. Health Dept.County Env. Health ServicesCounty Env. HealthCounty Health & SanitationCounty Env. HealthCounty Public HealthCounty Community Development

County locator

Story County in Iowa

52
County map
Story County highlighted among the Iowa counties · colored by Index score

How Story County scores

52 / 100 · #61 of 99 in Iowa · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion40100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency29100% ev.
Admin Boringness61100% ev.
Durability70100% ev.
Property Autonomy51100% ev.
Carry Cost52100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$298kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$10,914Land / acre
36.3"Annual rain
13.2% of yrsSevere drought
3.9 / yr (+3.6)Mid-century 100°F days
16.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.85" (+10%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.78×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,631Home insurance / yr
3.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.06%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
33,294People within 30 min
1,759,262People within 2 hr
89,654Radius comparison (15 mi)
172.2People / sq mi
0.2%Federal land
97.7%Land at 15% slope or less
29.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
105,609 acWorkable land screen
6.9%Wooded land
55.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
48.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Story 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: Cambridge · Colo · Maxwell · Sheldahl

Answers from the rulebook for Story County

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

Story County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    All new construction and any change in use of land or a building in unincorporated Story County.

    • The requirement is for a zoning permit.
    • Portable structures require a permit.
    • Required setbacks from property lines must be met.
    “The fact of the matter is that a Zoning Permit is required for all new construction and any Change In Use of any land or building. Even a portable structure requires a permit and required setbacks from property lines must be met.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New construction and changes in use in unincorporated Story County.
      “The fact of the matter is that a Zoning Permit is required for all new construction and any Change In Use of any land or building.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Development cases administered by Story County Planning and Development in unincorporated Story County.

    • The source identifies on-site inspections as a department responsibility but does not establish a general building-code inspection program.
    “Other responsibilities of the Planning and Development Department include reviewing development cases, approving site plans, issuing zoning permits, and performing on-site inspections.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning and land-development regulation in unincorporated Story County.

    • The cited county zoning statement applies to unincorporated Story County.
    • Specific uses remain subject to district requirements, conditional uses, setbacks, and other applicable regulations.
    “All of unincorporated Story County is zoned and permits are required for most structures (pole buildings, dwellings, fences, decks, signs, etc.).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning in unincorporated Story County.

    • The county page expressly limits the cited administration to unincorporated areas.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer their own local zoning.
    “The Story County Planning and Development Department is responsible for administering the Cornerstone to Capstone (C2C) Comprehensive Plan and the Story County Land Development Regulations, which govern how property can be divided and the uses that are allowed on property in the unincorporated areas of Story County.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County land-development zoning administered in unincorporated Story County.
      “Story County has adopted zoning and subdivision regulations in one document, officially called the Story County Land Development Regulations.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Property in unincorporated Story County.
      “The Story County Planning and Development Department is responsible for administering the Cornerstone to Capstone (C2C) Comprehensive Plan and the Story County Land Development Regulations, which govern how property can be divided and the uses that are allowed on property in the unincorporated areas of Story County.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts and allowable uses in unincorporated Story County.

    • The county publishes the Land Development Regulations chapters and directs users to the county assessor for parcel zoning and floodplain information.
    • The zoning map and district requirements may be amended by later ordinances.
    “These regulations describe the zoning districts and types of uses allowable in each district.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwellings in the A-R Agricultural Residential District in unincorporated Story County.

    • The table identifies the requirement as a net lot-area requirement.
    • The table is within the district's bulk requirements, which apply to all development within the A-R Agricultural Residential District.

    minimum net lot area for single-family dwelling: 1 acre

    “Single-Family Dwelling | 1 acre | 50 feet | 10 feet | 37½ feet | 20 feet | 40 feet | 100 feet | 40 feet”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Land divisions and lots subject to applicable Story County zoning districts.
      “All lot divisions must be in conformance with the minimum lot requirements of the applicable zoning districts and all setbacks must be achieved.”
    • Specified — Farmsteads and single-family dwellings permitted as accessory uses in the A-2 Agribusiness District in unincorporated Story County.
      “Farmstead or Single- Family Dwelling permitted as accessory use | 1 acre | 50 feet | 10 feet | 37½ feet | 20 feet | 40 feet | 100 feet | 400 square feet | 40 feet”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Manufactured housing development in the Residential Manufactured Housing District.

    • Front setback for manufactured homes is at least 10 feet from the front edge of the interior street.
    • Front setback for detached garages and accessory buildings is 24 feet.
    • Rear yard is at least 10 feet, with a three-foot rear-lot-line exception for an accessory building.
    • No structure may be within 30 feet of a public road right-of-way or 15 feet of an exterior development boundary.
    • Minimum separation between homes is 20 feet; accessory-building separation from an adjacent home is six feet.

    front setback: >= 10 feet (manufactured homes) · front setback: >= 24 feet (detached garages and accessory buildings) · rear yard: >= 10 feet · rear-lot-line setback: >= 3 feet (accessory building) · public-road-right-of-way separation: >= 30 feet · exterior-boundary separation: >= 15 feet · home separation: >= 20 feet · accessory-building separation: >= 6 feet (from a home on an adjacent lot)

    “No part of any manufactured home or other structure shall be located within 30 feet of any public road right-of-way or within 15 feet of any exterior boundary of the development.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Manufactured housing development in the Residential Manufactured Housing District.

    • The limit applies to the maximum lot area covered by all structures.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 50 percent (all structures)

    “The maximum lot area to be covered by all structures shall not exceed 50 percent.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Manufactured homes and accessory buildings in the Residential Manufactured Housing District.

    • The cited height limit is district-specific.

    maximum structure height: <= 18 feet (manufactured home or accessory building)

    “Single Unit Wide | 5,000 square feet | 10 feet | 20 feet | 10 feet | 18 feet”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    RV or travel-trailer guest occupancy at a Commercial Campground or Travel Trailer Park in unincorporated Story County

    • The use is governed as a conditional use where indicated in the county table of conditional uses.
    • The site must satisfy the supplemental campground standards, including a minimum area of two net acres, maximum 35% impervious-site impact, required drives and screening, off-drive parking, and posted 911 addresses.
    • Guests may stay no more than 30 consecutive days unless the site is in an RMH District or an extended stay is requested in the Conditional Use Permit submittal and granted as a condition of approval.
    • All required permits must be acquired before land or structures are occupied or used.

    maximum guest stay: <= 30 consecutive days (Exception for an RMH District or an extended stay granted as a condition of the Conditional Use Permit)

    “Guests may stay at a Commercial Campground or Travel Trailer Park for no more than 30 consecutive days, unless the site is located within a Residential Manufactured Housing (RMH) District, or extended stay beyond 30 consecutive days is requested as a part of the Conditional Use Permit submittal and is granted as a condition of approval.”
  • Camping on your landAllowed (with conditions)

    Designated Story County Conservation Board camping areas.

    • Camping is allowed from April 1 through October 31 at designated areas.
    • All campsites are closed from November 1 through March 31 except the remote campsite at Robison Wildlife Acres, which is available year-round.
    • Occupancy is limited to 14 consecutive days, followed by leaving the park for at least 48 hours.

    maximum occupancy duration: 14 consecutive days (campers must leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours)

    “Camping is allowed at designated areas from April 1 to October 31. All campsites are closed from November 1 to March 31, except for the remote campsite at Robison Wildlife Acres which is available year-round.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Administration of private wastewater and septic permitting in Story County.

    • The Environmental Health Department is under the Story County Board of Health and funded by the Board of Supervisors.
    • County Ordinance 287 supplements Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 69.
    “The Environmental Health Department is under the jurisdiction of the Story County Board of Health and funded by the Story County Board of Supervisors.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Environmental-health administration of private wastewater and septic matters in Story County.
      “Wastewater Treatment | Septic permits (construction & alteration) Site evaluations Troubleshooting Time of transfer inspection report reviews”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New private onsite wastewater treatment systems in Story County.

    • Homes not connected to an approved municipal, community, or group sewer system must have a private onsite wastewater treatment system.
    • The owner or contractor submits the application and current permit fee to Environmental Health.
    • The Sanitarian conducts a site evaluation and issues the permit with location, type, and size defined.
    • Alterations require Environmental Health approval.
    “To start the installation process of a new wastewater treatment system, the owner or the contractor should submit the Application for Septic Permit to the Story County Environmental Health Department along with the current permit fee.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Final inspection of new septic installations in Story County.

    • The contractor must call the Environmental Health Department eight hours in advance.
    • The installation must be inspected and component locations documented before the contractor may cover the installation and finish grade.
    • A certificate of completion is sent to the property owner.

    advance notice: 8 hours

    “It is important to remember that the contractor MUST call the Environmental Health Department (515-382-7240) for a final inspection eight hours in advance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New or replacement private wastewater treatment systems in Story County.
      “It is important to remember that the contractor MUST call the Environmental Health Department (515-382-7240) for a final inspection eight hours in advance.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private onsite wastewater treatment for homes in Story County without an approved municipal, community, or group sewer connection.

    • A private onsite wastewater treatment system is required where no approved sewer connection exists.
    • A septic permit, site evaluation, applicable fee, and final inspection process apply.
    “All homes in Story County that are not connected to an approved municipal, community or group sewer systems are required to have a private onsite wastewater treatment system~~s~~.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Homes using private sanitation instead of an approved municipal, community, or group sewer system.
      “All homes in Story County that are not connected to an approved municipal, community or group sewer systems are required to have a private onsite wastewater treatment system~~s~~.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    LESA exemption from the 35-acre residential minimum lot size in the A-1 Agricultural Zoning District.

    • The property must be evaluated through LESA.
    • The one-acre exception requires both SA score 0-172 and total LESA score 0-266.
    • Within the Ames Fringe Area Plan, the property must be designated Agricultural and Farm Service.

    site assessment score: 0-172 points (Both SA and total LESA conditions must be satisfied) · total LESA score: 0-266 points (Both SA and total LESA conditions must be satisfied) · exception minimum lot area: 1 net acre (A-1 single-family dwellings)

    “If the parcel is evaluated by LESA and identified as being low-to-moderate value agricultural land for both the site assessment (SA) score and the total LESA score, as defined in Table 86-1 (see below), a minimum lot size of one acre (net) for single-family dwellings may be permitted in the A-1 Agricultural District (when property is located within the Ames Fringe Area Plan, this exception only applies if the property is designated Agricultural and Farm Service).”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division and subdivision of land in unincorporated Story County.

    • The county states that subdivision regulations are contained in the Land Development Regulations.
    • The applicable subdivision request type and requirements depend on the proposed development.
    “Story County has adopted zoning and subdivision regulations in one document, officially called the Story County Land Development Regulations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Land division in unincorporated Story County.
      “The Story County Planning and Development Department is responsible for administering the Cornerstone to Capstone (C2C) Comprehensive Plan and the Story County Land Development Regulations, which govern how property can be divided and the uses that are allowed on property in the unincorporated areas of Story County.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Grading and construction in mapped flood-hazard areas in unincorporated Story County.

    • A floodplain development permit is required before grading or construction in a flood-hazard area.
    • Story County issues floodplain permits only for unincorporated properties; properties inside a city require contacting that city hall.
    • The pre-construction phase permit is issued for one year and may be extended upon written request.
    • A final inspection is required before the final floodplain permit is granted.

    pre-construction permit duration: 1 year (may be extended upon written request)

    “A floodplain development permit is required before any grading or construction takes place in a flood-hazard area.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development subject to Story County Floodplain Management Program regulations.
      “Floodplain permits are required in order for development to take place in the mapped Special Flood Hazard Area. (Please note, Story County only issues permits for unincorporated properties - if you are inside a city, you will need to contact that City Hall.)”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Story County zoning permit and fine schedules.

    • The county page identifies the fee schedule as effective August 18, 2026.
    • The page does not reproduce individual fee amounts.

    fee schedule effective date: 2026-08-18

    “You can find all fee and fine costs in the following schedules:”
  • Permit processPartial

    County zoning-permit applications in unincorporated Story County.

    • Commercial and residential zoning permits, floodplain permits, 911 addresses, property research, change-in-use permits, sign permits, and special-event permits are listed as application types.
    • The county provides an online application portal for listed permits.
    • Other applications require contacting Planning and Development by email or telephone.
    “All other types of applications (those not listed above), please contact the Planning and Development Department at pzweb@storycountyiowa.gov or call 515-382-7245.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential and commercial zoning permits, floodplain permits, and listed Planning and Development permits.
      “To apply for the permits listed above, click here to be directed to our new online application portal. All other types of applications (those not listed above), please contact the Planning and Development Department at pzweb@storycountyiowa.gov or call 515-382-7245.”

Iowa rules that apply here

  • 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) — Iowa contractor-registration requirements as applied to a person performing work, or having work performed, on that person's own property, including property in Story County.
      “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.”
  • 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.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum dwelling-size standards imposed by county zoning regulations on manufactured homes in Iowa.

    • County zoning under chapter 335 is optional and applies only where the county board of supervisors has adopted it.
    • The local standard must be the same standard applicable to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot.
    • The cited provision does not supply a statewide numeric minimum square-footage value.
    “However, a zoning ordinance or regulation shall require that a manufactured home be located and installed according to the same standards, including but not limited to a permanent foundation system, set-back, and minimum square footage, which would apply to a site-built, single family dwelling on the same lot, and shall require that the home is assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Placement and residential occupancy of manufactured homes under county zoning statewide in Iowa

    • A county may not disallow the proposed residential structure solely because it is a manufactured home.
    • The home must be located and installed under the same standards applicable to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot, including permanent foundation, setback, and minimum square footage standards.
    • The home must be assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.
    • A county may not require an incompatible perimeter foundation system and may not require more than one permanent foundation system.
    • Outside a manufactured home community or mobile home park, requirements may ensure visual compatibility of the permanent foundation system with surrounding residential structures.
    • Recorded restrictive covenants are not abrogated.
    • Counties may regulate transportation, water, sewerage, and other land development; the statute also bars width standards greater than twenty-four feet and certain design standards when federal standards are met.

    maximum mandated width standard: <= 24 feet (if the housing otherwise complies with 42 U.S.C. §5403)

    “A county shall not adopt or enforce zoning regulations or other ordinances which disallow the plans and specifications of a proposed residential structure solely because the proposed structure is a manufactured home. However, a zoning ordinance or regulation shall require that a manufactured home be located and installed according to the same standards, including but not limited to a permanent foundation system, set-back, and minimum square footage, which would apply to a site-built, single family dwelling on the same lot, and shall require that the home is assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    City regulation of accessory dwelling units statewide in Iowa, within a zoning district where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use

    • At least one accessory dwelling unit must be allowed on the same lot as a single-family residence.
    • The accessory dwelling unit must comply with applicable building regulations under chapter 103A.
    • The unit may not exceed 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the size of the single-family residence, whichever is larger; unfinished basements are excluded from the size calculation.
    • Historic-building-code restrictions, deed restrictions, and common-interest-community rules may limit or prohibit construction or use.
    • A manufactured or mobile home used as the accessory dwelling unit must be converted to real property by placement on a permanent foundation and assessed for real-estate taxes under section 435.26.
    • A historic-preservation area may regulate the unit to the extent the city or commission determines it incongruous and records its reasons.
    • Effective July 1, 2026.

    maximum accessory dwelling unit size: 1,000 square feet or 50% of the single-family residence, whichever is larger (unfinished basements excluded from the size calculation)

    “A city shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use, in accordance with the following conditions:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — County regulation of accessory dwelling units statewide in Iowa, within a zoning district where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use
      “A county shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use, in accordance with the following conditions:”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction of private water-supply wells statewide in Iowa, including household, livestock, commercial, processing, irrigation, recreational, industrial, monitoring, dewatering, and related wells identified by the Iowa DNR.

    • A private well construction permit is required for all water-supply wells.
    • For private water-supply wells serving fewer than 25 individuals or fewer than 15 water-service connections, permits are issued by local county health departments, except Osceola County, which lacks authority to issue private well construction permits; the Iowa DNR handles permitting there.
    • The applicant must submit an application and county application fee; each county sets its own fee.
    • The county reviews completeness and location relative to contamination sources and issues or denies the permit in writing before construction proceeds.
    • The county and DNR must be allowed to visit the proposed well site before, during, and after construction.
    • Public water-supply wells serving 25 or more individuals or having 15 or more water-service connections require a Public Water Supply Construction Permit issued by Iowa DNR Water Supply Engineering; county private-well programs cannot issue those permits.
    • Private well permits are not required for geotechnical borings without well casing or screens, Geoprobe-style boreholes without temporary or permanent casing, and cathodic-protection wells.
    • Trench dewatering does not require a private well construction permit.
    • Separate water-allocation, NPDES, floodplain, or underground-injection permits may also be required depending on the project.

    public water supply threshold: >= 25 individuals served (A public-water-supply construction permit is also required at 15 or more water-service connections.) · public water supply threshold: >= 15 water-service connections (A public-water-supply construction permit is also required when 25 or more individuals are served.) · geothermal loop depth threshold: >= 20 feet (Closed-loop and open-loop geothermal systems at or beyond this depth require a private well construction permit.)

    “Private Well Construction Permits are required for all water supply wells, and for all geothermal systems - closed-loop and open-loop - that are 20 feet or greater in depth.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private water supply wells in Iowa, including Story County.
      “Regulations for issuance of private water supply well permits. This is the Iowa Administrative code 567-38 which sets the State of Iowa and Story county regulation for issuing of water well permits.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy on private land in unincorporated Story County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer connection in Story County.
  • Driveway access — Driveway access requirements for property in unincorporated Story County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Story 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 Story County, Iowa

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

Story County scores 52/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (36.3″/yr rainfall) and about 33,294 people within a 30-minute drive.

How much does land cost in Story County, Iowa?

Land in Story County runs about $10,914 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Story County?

Story County gets about 36.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 13.2% of years.

How remote is Story County?

A representative private-land location has about 33,294 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,759,262 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 Story compares in Iowa

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