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Building & Zoning

The Building Department manages the inspection activities necessary to ensure that residential, commercial, and industrial structures conform to building codes, local ordinances, zoning regulations and approved contract specifications. Responsibilities include building plan review, processing and issuing permits, and inspection activities. The building department also coordinates and oversees the Rental Housing Program and Property Maintenance/Nuisance Abatement.

Building Codes

• 2018 International Building Code 
• 2018 Existing Building Code
• 2018 International Residential Code
• 2017 National Electric Code
• 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code 
• 2018 International Property Maintenance Code

There are minimum building standards for all construction within the City of Manchester. Building Permits are required for all new construction and most remodeling.

Contractors, plumbers, and electricians must be registered by the City of Manchester. This ensures that citizens are hiring insured, qualified contractors for health and safety reasons.

The City's zoning map can be found here: Manchester Zoning Map

Iowa One Call -- Dial 811

It is the law in Iowa that prior to any digging, the site shall be cleared by Iowa One Call. Call 811 and be prepared to provide your name, the location of the job, contractor doing the work, type of work, and start date. All utilities will be notified to locate any possible obstacles to your digging and flag the underground locations.

If you see little flags in the right-of-way, it means that underground utilities have been located.