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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Union County.

Union County's official department directory does not list a county zoning or general building department, and its ordinances page lists no general county building-code or zoning ordinance. Building permits and inspections therefore fall back to the applicable municipality; Creston's official Building and Code Compliance Department handles construction permits, building codes, inspections, zoning questions, and related approvals within Creston. Countywide environmental-health rules cover septic systems, wells, wastewater, and related public-health matters. Union County separately regulates flood plains, wind/solar facilities, airport height, agricultural-area applications, and certain roads/utilities.

Inspection lane

For property in Creston, contact Public Works at 641-782-2000 option 3 or the building inspector at 515-850-2980; the City issues and schedules local inspections. For other municipalities, contact the relevant city clerk/building official. County septic, well, and environmental-health inspections are handled by Union County Environmental Health at 705 E. Taylor Street, Creston, 641-782-7803, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. weekdays.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

No countywide building-permit exemption list was published because Union County does not operate a general county building-permit program. In the principal municipal fallback, Creston says a one-story detached accessory shed/playhouse/tool or storage structure up to 200 square feet may not need a permit if setbacks are met; an above-ground swimming pool may not need a permit, subject to setbacks and barrier rules. Creston requires permits for new buildings, structural changes, major residential remodels, commercial/industrial remodeling, attached decks, and detached decks over 30 inches high or 120 square feet. Other Union County municipalities may differ.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    For property in Creston, contact Public Works at 641-782-2000 option 3 or the building inspector at 515-850-2980; the City issues and schedules local inspections. For other municipalities, contact the relevant city clerk/building official. County septic, well, and environmental-health inspections are handled by Union County Environmental Health at 705 E. Taylor Street, Creston, 641-782-7803, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. weekdays.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

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.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Union County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

This record is marked Municipal Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel 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 641-782-2000 option 3 (Creston Public Works/Building); 641-782-7803 (Union County Environmental Health).

How long might review take?

N/A. Union County does not publish a countywide building-permit timeline; municipal review times vary. Creston directs applicants to its Building and Code Compliance Department for current processing information.

How are inspections scheduled?

For property in Creston, contact Public Works at 641-782-2000 option 3 or the building inspector at 515-850-2980; the City issues and schedules local inspections. For other municipalities, contact the relevant city clerk/building official. County septic, well, and environmental-health inspections are handled by Union County Environmental Health at 705 E. Taylor Street, Creston, 641-782-7803, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. weekdays.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Union County's official department directory does not list a county zoning or general building department, and its ordinances page lists no general county building-code or zoning ordinance. Building permits and inspections therefore fall back to the applicable municipality; Creston's official Building and Code Compliance Department handles construction permits, building codes, inspections, zoning questions, and related approvals within Creston. Countywide environmental-health rules cover septic systems, wells, wastewater, and related public-health matters. Union County separately regulates flood plains, wind/solar facilities, airport height, agricultural-area applications, and certain roads/utilities. No countywide building-permit exemption list was published because Union County does not operate a general county building-permit program. In the principal municipal fallback, Creston says a one-story detached accessory shed/playhouse/tool or storage structure up to 200 square feet may not need a permit if setbacks are met; an above-ground swimming pool may not need a permit, subject to setbacks and barrier rules. Creston requires permits for new buildings, structural changes, major residential remodels, commercial/industrial remodeling, attached decks, and detached decks over 30 inches high or 120 square feet. Other Union County municipalities may differ.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.