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Community Development
About the Department
The Community Development Department concentrates on five activities including city planning, zoning, site plan and subdivision review, building services, and rental housing. Through these efforts, the department ensures that developments align with the plans, community goals, and adopted codes of our city.Look up zoning and subdivision regulations.
Code Enforcement
The City of Coralville enforces building and housing code requirements, ordinances, and zoning laws, as well as any State and International adopted codes.
Community Plans
A community plan is a guide for community development. It is a public document with specific proposals for future land uses and public improvements.View community plans.
Electrical Permits & Inspections
The City uses the State of Iowa Electrical Licensing and Inspection Program for permits and inspections of all commercial and residential electrical work permitted in Coralville after January 1, 2015. Permits issued by the City prior to January 1, 2015 are inspected by the City.Learn about electrical permits and inspections.
Reference Information
- Driveway Construction
- Driveway Widening
- Dual Smoke Detectors and Placement
- The American Wood Council's "Design for Code Acceptance #6 - Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide - 2015 IRC Version" should be used to show code compliance for residential wooden decks. This guide includes tables for sizing all structural elements including footings.
- Do I need a permit to install a fence?
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Yes. All fence installation requires a fence permit. To apply, complete a fence permit application and submit a basic site plan to the Community Development Department. The fence may be installed after approval of the permit and payment of the permit fee. Remember to contact Iowa One Call at 1.800.292.8989 at least 48 hours prior to digging so that underground facilities can be marked.
- How do I make a complaint about my neighbor’s property?
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Complaints can be made through the City website, either with your contact information so you can follow the status of the issue online, or submitted anonymously. The City will review the complaint and, if it is about an issue the City handles, staff will review the complaint and inspect the issue. If upon inspection it it is determined that there is a violation of city code, the City will advise the property owner to make any needed corrections.
- Does the Community Development Department take credit cards?
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The Community Development Department accepts cash, check, and credit card for payment of permit fees.
- Do I need a permit to install or display a sign or temporary banner?
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Yes. All signs in the City, including temporary banners, require a sign permit. To apply, complete a sign permit application and submit a rendering or photo of the sign along with a site plan for the location of the sign. After approval, the permit fee is collected and the sign can be installed.
- Do I need a permit to put a storage shed in my yard?
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A permit is required for sheds that are greater than 200 square feet in area. Storage sheds may be located in the rear yard only. Contact the Community Development Department at 319.248.1720 for more information about the proper shed location on your site.
- Can I operate a business out of my home?
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No-impact home-based businesses are allowed in residential districts in Coralville only when certain criteria are met. Learn about no-impact home-based business requirements
- Do I need a permit to re-roof or re-shingle my house?
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A permit is not necessary to re-side or re-shingle a single family dwelling or duplex as long is no structural damage is to be repaired. All commercial re-roofing and siding require a building permit.
- How do I apply for a permit to build a deck?
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A building permit is required to build a deck. To apply, submit the following to the Community Development Department:
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Site plan
- Drawing or plan for the deck showing all dimensions, including dimensions for hand railings, stairs, and locations of post holes
The fee for the permit is based upon the project value and is due when the permit is approved.
- Can I put a “House For Sale” sign on the corner of my street?
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No. A sign can only be placed in the property for sale, and not on the corner of the street. All off-premise signs are illegal in the City. Signs shall be placed inside the sidewalk on private property and are not allowed in the public right of way, such as the space between the sidewalk and the street, in the median, or in a roundabout.
- Can I park a vehicle in my yard?
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No. Parking is allowed only on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt on a drive leading to a garage or carport. Parked cars should never obstruct the sidewalk, and parking between the sidewalk and curb is not allowed.