Originally Posted by
City of Des Moines web site
WHEN ARE BUILDING PERMITS REQUIRED?
A Building Permit is required when any building or structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, improved, converted or demolished. Common exceptions that allow limited work without permit are listed below. This work must still conform to code.
1. One story detached residential accessory buildings used as tool sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the area of the structure is 120 square feet or less.
2. Chain link fences 4 feet in height or less.
3. Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet in height.
4. Retaining walls with earth surcharge not over 4 feet high, measured from top of wall to bottom of footing.
5. Sidewalks, driveways, and platforms on private property less than 30 inches above grade. .....(This is as close as I could come to an exemption, but it was 60" tall per police report)
6. Painting, papering, wallboard repair and similar finish work.
7. Residential siding and shingle replacement, and other minor maintenance as determined by the Building Official.
WHEN ARE ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL AND PLUMBING PERMITS REQUIRED?
Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Permits are required for most work involving electrical, heating, air conditioning and plumbing systems. Limited exemptions to this requirement allow some work without a permit. Work exempt from a permit must still conform to applicable codes.
1. Plumbing Permits: The direct replacement of a fixture (sink, water closet, etc.) and leak repair not involving piping replacement is allowed without a Plumbing Permit. A Plumbing Permit is required for repairs, modifications or new installation of supply, drain, waste or vent lines; installation of new fixtures, or replacement of water heaters.
2. Electrical Permits: Replacement of a fixture when no other work is necessary and installation of low voltage equipment (less than 50 volts) is allowed without permit. (Again does not meet guideline for exemption, so this light should have been inspected)
3. Mechanical Permit: A permit is not required where repair or maintenance costs of heating or cooling equipment are less than $100.
WHAT CODES ARE ADOPTED BY DES MOINES?
International Building Code
International Residential Code
International Existing Buildings Code
National Electric Code
International Fire Code
International Mechanical Code
Uniform Plumbing Code
International Fuel Gas Code
The Municipal Code of Des Moines
ANSI A117.1 for Accessibility