Administrative overview · FIPS 19163
Scott County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Scott County Planning & Development Department
For a project in or near Scott County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
563-326-8643; fax 563-326-8257
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
Scott County Planning & Development, Administrative Center, 600 W. 4th Street, Davenport, IA 52801-1003
Operating hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Review expectation
Most new-house or addition building and plot-plan reviews can be completed in 3-5 days; commercial construction reviews generally take 7-10 days. Permits become invalid if work does not begin within 180 days, if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement, or at 12 months from issuance unless extended by the building official.
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Scott County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Scott County Planning & Development Department is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 563-326-8643; fax 563-326-8257.
How long might review take?
Most new-house or addition building and plot-plan reviews can be completed in 3-5 days; commercial construction reviews generally take 7-10 days. Permits become invalid if work does not begin within 180 days, if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement, or at 12 months from issuance unless extended by the building official.
How are inspections scheduled?
Submit the applicable completed application, plot/site plan, legal description, owner and builder information, building plans, engineered plans when required, REScheck for a house or substantial improvement, and proof of the required Iowa electrical license. Applications identify the preferred contact for payment, permit inquiries, and inspections; contact Planning & Development at 563-326-8643 to coordinate inspections. The department states that most building and plot-plan reviews take 3-5 days and commercial reviews generally take 7-10 days.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
For unincorporated Scott County and cities that elect to use the county program by agreement, Chapter 5 adopts the International Building Code 2021, International Residential Code 2021, International Existing Building Code 2021, International Property Maintenance Code 2021, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2021, International Energy Conservation Code 2015, International Mechanical Code 2021 as adopted by Iowa, Uniform Plumbing Code 2021 as adopted by Iowa, and National Electrical Code 2020 as adopted by Iowa. County amendments include Planning & Development as the department, a 180-day commencement rule, 12-month permit expiration, county floodplain provisions, and replacement of the International Plumbing/Private Sewage references with the county's applicable codes. Scott County says a building permit from its office is not needed for an agriculturally exempt farmer, minor repairs and replacements, or a small accessory structure 120 square feet or smaller. The published requirements otherwise identify permits for decks and patio covers, fireplaces/chimneys, garages and pole buildings, mechanical/HVAC work, pools 24 inches or deeper, sheds over 120 square feet, fences over 6 feet, structural or room changes, plumbing/electrical/heating changes, roofing, siding, porches, retaining walls over 4 feet, and demolition. Agricultural exemptions do not override floodplain requirements, and incorporated cities may administer their own program unless they have an agreement with the county.