Iola Municipal Code

For fee information on permits, inspections and professional fees, look at the "License Information" link.


License Information

Permits and Fees

Building Codes
Iola's adoption of international codes reflects the City's progressive nature. By implementing the more standardized international code, a rarity in smaller cities, Iola reflects its up to date approach to code enforcement. For more on Iola's municipal code, follow the link on the left. Look at the list at right to see many of the codes Iola has adopted. These codes are revised and updated every three years. The year of adoption is noted next to the code.
Fuel Gas 2000
Residential 2000
Building (Commercial) 2000
Mechanical 2000
Property Maintenance 2000
Plumbing 2000
National Electric 2002
Building Permits are very beneficial to you and your community. By working with an expert code official you will benefit from their knowledge of the building codes to ensure your construction project is built right, will be safe and will last.

What's a building permit?

A building permit gives you the legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.

When do you need a permit?

The best way to find out if you need a permit is to contact the Iola Code Services Official by email or call (620) 365-4903. Discuss your plans with the code services official before you begin construction to determine whether you need a permit. If a permit is not needed, the code official will answer your construction questions and may provide you with valuable advice.

Permits are generally required for the following:
Foundation Repair
Satellite Dish
Roof Repair
Sign
Fence
Above ground pool- over 24" deep
In-ground pool
Patios and Decks
Additions (new rooms, garages)
Storage sheds
New Homes and Businesses

Iola does not generally require permits for the following:
Above ground pool- up to 24" deep
Cement patio (uncovered)
Siding
Sidewalk
Gravel driveway (must have one paved driveway on property)

What good does a permit do?

Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or a building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied or do costly repairs.

A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met as demonstrated by a code official's carefully maintained records has a strong ally if something happens to trigger a potentially destructive lawsuit.

Your permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety and welfare. By following code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends or future owners.

The Simple Permit Process

1.) Talk to your Local Code Official

Iola’s code official wants your project to be a success and will help you avoid potential problems that could cost you time and money. You will be asked some basic questions (What are you planning to do? Where?), advised of any requirements and, if necessary, referred to other departments for their approval. The code official will provide the applicable building codes. You will then receive an application for a building permit.

2.) Submit Application

At this stage you will document the "who, what, when, where and how" of the job, along with any sketches or plans of the proposed work.

3.) Review Process

In a brief amount of time, the code official will review your plans and determine if your project is in compliance with local requirements. If your plans meet these requirements, a permit is issued. If not, the code official may suggest solutions to help correct the problem.

4.) Receive Permit

Now that you have been approved for a permit, you have legal permission to start construction. A fee, based on the size of the job, is collected to cover the cost of the application, the review and the inspection process. An experienced code official is available to you should you have any questions concerning your project. You should consider your code official as an ally who will help you make your project a success. Normally, separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and heating or air-conditioning work.

5.) Job-site Visits

On site inspections will be required to make certain the work conforms to the permit, local codes and plans. Again, you will have access to the expertise of the code official to help you with questions or concerns regarding the project and to ward off potentially costly mistakes. The code official will let you know approximately how many inspections may be needed for your projects. Usually, a one or two day notice is needed when requesting visits.

6.) Final Approval

The code official will provide documentation when construction is complete and code compliance is determined. You will then have the personal satisfaction of a job done right. Enjoy your new surroundings with peace of mind and the knowledge that they meet the safety standards in your community.
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P.O Box 308 2. W. Jackson Ave. Iola, KS 66749 Phone:(620)365-4900 Fax:(620)365-4906