Frequently Asked Questions

No. Jackson County does not issue building permits or conduct general building-code inspections in the unincorporated areas of the County.

However, this does not mean that no County permit or approval is required.

Most new buildings, structures, additions, and other development require a zoning permit from the Jackson County Zoning Office. Depending on the property and project, additional review or permits may also be required for:

• Floodplain development
• Septic systems and wells
• Driveways and road access
• Other applicable County, state, or federal requirements

A zoning permit is different from a building permit. Zoning review determines where and how a property may be used and where structures may be located; it is not a review or inspection of building-code construction standards.

If your property is located within an incorporated city, contact that city to determine its building and zoning permit requirements.

Unincorporated Jackson County means property that is outside the city limits of an incorporated city or town.

If your property is located inside city limits, you will generally need to contact that city for zoning and development requirements. If your property is outside city limits, Jackson County Zoning generally has jurisdiction.

Keep in mind that your mailing address does not always tell you whether you are inside city limits. For example, a property may have a Maquoketa, Bellevue, or another city mailing address but still be located outside that city's corporate limits.

If you are unsure, contact the Jackson County Zoning Department with the property address or parcel number, and we can help determine whether the property is in unincorporated Jackson County.

If your property is located in the unincorporated area of Jackson County, a zoning permit is required for most new buildings, structures, additions, and other development unless the project is specifically exempt from zoning requirements.

Examples of projects that commonly require a zoning permit include:

• New homes
• Garages and accessory buildings
• Sheds and portable buildings
• Building additions
• Decks and porches
• Swimming pools
• Ground-mounted solar arrays
• Other new structures or changes in use

A zoning permit verifies that the proposed project complies with applicable requirements such as the zoning district, setbacks, lot requirements, and other development standards.

A Jackson County zoning permit does not replace any electrical, septic, driveway/entrance, floodplain, or other permits or inspections that may be required.

Do not begin construction simply because an application has been submitted. Work may begin only after the required zoning permit has been approved and issued.

Some projects may qualify for an agricultural exemption from zoning. Agricultural exemption is based on the actual agricultural use of the property or structure and is not automatic simply because the property is zoned A-1 Agricultural.

If you are unsure whether your project requires a zoning permit, contact the Zoning Office before beginning work.

Zoning permit applications are submitted through Jackson County’s online GeoPermitting system for property located in the unincorporated areas of Jackson County.

“Unincorporated” means the property is outside the city limits of an incorporated city or town. If your property is located within the city limits of Maquoketa, Bellevue, Preston, Miles, Sabula, Baldwin, Andrew, Spragueville, or another incorporated community, please contact that city or town directly to find out what zoning or building permits they require.

If you are unsure whether your property is inside city limits or under Jackson County zoning jurisdiction, contact the Zoning Office with the property address or parcel number and we can help determine who you should contact.

The online application will ask for information about the property and the proposed project. Please be prepared to provide:

• The property address and/or parcel number.
• A description of the existing use of the property and what you are proposing to build, add, or change.
• The type and dimensions of the proposed structure or project.
• A clear and complete site plan showing the proposed project, property lines, required setback measurements, roads/right-of-way, existing structures, and other applicable site information.
• Any supporting information or documents requested for your particular project.

Depending on the property and project, additional information may be needed for review by Zoning, Environmental Health, the County Engineer, Floodplain Management, or another reviewing agency.

Submitting an application does not mean the permit has been approved. Applications are reviewed after submission, and you may be contacted if additional information, measurements, documents, or a revised site plan are needed.

Providing complete and accurate information when you apply will help avoid delays in the review process.

If you need assistance completing the online application, the Zoning Office is happy to help. An appointment is required for in-person application assistance.

Yes! The Zoning Office is happy to assist you with the online zoning permit application.

Because completing an application may require reviewing property information, site plans, setbacks, road right-of-way, septic or well information, and other project details, an appointment is required for in-person application assistance.

Please contact the Zoning Office to schedule an appointment before coming in for help completing your application.

To make the appointment as productive as possible, please bring any information you have about the project, including a site plan or sketch, property address or parcel number, proposed structure dimensions, and any available setback measurements.

Applicants are ultimately responsible for providing accurate information and measurements for their project.

Please allow up to two weeks for review of a complete zoning permit application.

Many applications can be reviewed sooner; however, review time depends on the property, the type of project, and whether additional information or review by another County department is required.

Applications may take longer if:

• The application or site plan is incomplete or additional measurements or information are needed.
• Road right-of-way, driveway, access, drainage, or other review by the County Engineer is required.
• Septic or well review by Environmental Health is required.
• The property or proposed development is located within a regulated floodplain.
• Additional zoning, subdivision, recorded-condition, or other site-specific review is necessary.

Existing septic system records are not available for every property. If Environmental Health is unable to locate adequate records showing the location or status of an existing septic system, you may be contacted for additional information and may be asked to complete a septic application or other Environmental Health review before the zoning permit can be approved. This does not necessarily mean that a new septic system will be required.

Submitting a zoning permit application does not authorize construction or development to begin. Please wait until the required permit has been reviewed, approved, and issued.

Jackson County has been a zoned county since 1976. Jackson County has zoning regulations that apply in the unincorporated areas of the county. Before changing the use of land or a building, contact the Zoning Office to make sure the proposal conforms to the zoning ordinance.

You can view zoning information using Jackson County’s online GIS/Beacon map.

1. Go to the GIS Maps page on the Jackson County website.
2. Select Maps to open the interactive Beacon map.
3. Search for your property by address, parcel number, or owner name.
4. Locate and select your parcel on the map.
5. View the zoning information/layer for the property. Jackson County zoning districts include:
   • A-1 — Agricultural
   • R-1 — Residential
   • C-1 — Highway Commercial
   • M-1 — Limited Industrial
   • M-2 — General Industrial
   • PUD — Planned Unit Development

Please note: Online GIS maps are provided for informational purposes. If you are unsure of the zoning district, if your property appears to be near a zoning boundary, or if you need confirmation before purchasing property or planning a project, contact the Jackson County Zoning Office.

Jackson County zoning applies to property located in the unincorporated areas of Jackson County. If the property is located within an incorporated city, contact that city for zoning information.

Setback requirements vary depending on the zoning district, type of structure, location on the lot, road frontage, and other site-specific circumstances.

Do not assume that the setback used for another property or another structure applies to your project. Some properties may also be subject to alternate setback regulations, recorded conditions, private road or easement requirements, or other site-specific restrictions.

You can begin by finding your zoning district using the Jackson County GIS/Beacon map. If you are unsure which setbacks apply to your project, contact the Zoning Office with the property address or parcel number before preparing your site plan or beginning work.

Setbacks are measured from the applicable property line, road right-of-way, or private road/easement line to the furthest projecting portion of the proposed structure.

This means the measurement may need to be taken to a roof overhang, deck, porch, steps, or another projection rather than simply to the building wall or foundation.

For front setbacks, do not assume the setback is measured from the edge of the pavement or traveled roadway. The road right-of-way may extend beyond the visible roadway, and right-of-way widths can vary.

The property owner/applicant is responsible for providing accurate property-line and setback measurements. Jackson County does not locate or survey private property lines. GIS/Beacon parcel lines are useful for general reference but are not a substitute for a survey when the exact property line is uncertain.

If a proposed structure will be close to a required setback, the Zoning Office may require additional documentation or a survey to verify compliance before a permit can be issued.

The first question is whether the request may qualify for an Administrative Waiver. Certain setback reductions of up to 50% may be approved administratively if the ordinance criteria are met. If those criteria are not met, the applicant may apply to the Board of Adjustment for a Dimensional Variance.

A clear and complete site plan is required with your zoning permit application. The site plan does not need to be professionally prepared unless specifically requested, but it must contain enough accurate information for the Zoning Office and other reviewing departments to determine whether the proposed project complies with applicable requirements.

At a minimum, your site plan should show:

• Property lines and the approximate shape of the parcel.
• Adjacent roads, including whether access is from a public road or private road/easement.
• Existing buildings and structures on the property.
• The location of all proposed buildings, additions, decks, garages, sheds, pools, solar arrays, or other structures included in the application.
• The dimensions of the proposed structure.
• The proposed structure’s distance from each applicable property line.
• The front setback measured from the road right-of-way or applicable private road/easement, not simply from the edge of the pavement.
• Setback measurements taken from the furthest projecting portion of the structure, including roof overhangs, decks, steps, porches, or other projections when applicable.
• The location of the driveway or proposed access to the property.
• If the project includes a garage, the direction the garage or overhead door will face.
• The location of the existing or proposed well and septic system, when applicable.
• Any known easements that may affect the proposed project.
• A north arrow or other clear indication of direction.

Depending on the property or project, additional information may be required for floodplain review, septic or well review, road access, subdivisions, recorded conditions, or other zoning requirements.

Incomplete, unclear, or inaccurate site plans may delay review of your zoning permit application. If required measurements or other information are missing, the application may be placed on hold until a revised site plan is provided.

Please do not submit a site plan that only shows the proposed building without showing its relationship to the property lines, road, and other relevant features.

The applicant is responsible for providing accurate property-line and setback information. Jackson County GIS/Beacon parcel lines are helpful for general reference but should not be relied upon as a survey when the exact location of a property line is uncertain.

If you are unsure what should be shown for your particular project, contact the Zoning Office before submitting the application.

Contact the Zoning Office before having a survey or deeds prepared, as subdivision and land-division requirements should be reviewed before new parcels are created. Jackson County has a subdivision ordinance, and land division requests are reviewed individually. Depending on the location and type of division proposed, additional approvals may be required. City regulations may also apply near municipalities or in other special situations.

There is not one minimum acreage requirement that applies to every property. Minimum lot size depends on the zoning district and, in some cases, when and how the property was created.

For example:

• In the A-1 Agricultural District, the minimum lot size is generally 2 acres.
• In the R-1 Residential District, the minimum lot size is 20,000 square feet (approximately ½ acre).

However, meeting the minimum lot size does not automatically mean a property is buildable. Before purchasing land for a home or other development, additional items may need to be reviewed, including:

• Lot width and road frontage
• Legal access to a public road and driveway/entrance requirements
• Required building setbacks
• Well and septic feasibility
• Floodplain or other overlay district requirements
• Subdivision or plat restrictions
• Any recorded zoning or Board of Adjustment conditions that apply to the property

Thinking about purchasing property? Contact the Jackson County Zoning Department with the property address or parcel number before you buy. We can help identify the zoning district and any zoning requirements that may affect your plans.

If the property is located inside a city or town, contact that city for its zoning and development requirements.

A regular zoning permit does not authorize development in a regulated floodplain. “Development” includes more than buildings and structures and may include driveways, roads, grading, filling, paving, excavation, storage of materials, and other changes to the land.

If any part of your proposed development is located within a mapped floodplain, additional floodplain review is required before construction or development may begin. Depending on the location and type of project, you may need a Jackson County Floodplain Development Permit and additional review or approval from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. This may apply even when the proposed building is outside the floodplain if a driveway, fill, grading, or other associated development is within it.

Floodplain regulations may affect where a structure can be located, how it must be constructed or elevated, and what documentation or certifications are required. Some proposed locations or types of development may not be permitted.

Do not assume that a project is exempt from floodplain regulations because it qualifies as farm or agriculturally exempt from zoning. Agricultural exemption applies to county zoning requirements; it does not exempt a project from applicable floodplain regulations. Farm buildings and other agricultural development located in a regulated floodplain must still complete the required floodplain review before work begins.

If you believe your property may be located in a floodplain, contact the Zoning/Floodplain Office before purchasing materials, preparing a building site, placing fill, or beginning construction. We can help determine what review and permits will be required for the proposed location.

No. Jackson County does not issue electrical permits or perform electrical inspections.

Electrical work in Iowa is regulated through the State of Iowa. For property in unincorporated Jackson County, electrical permits and inspections are generally handled by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) Electrical Inspection Program.

Many new electrical installations and alterations require a State electrical permit and inspection. Your electrician may obtain the required permit and arrange the inspection, or property owners should contact DIAL to determine what is required for their project.

Apply for an electrical permit or request an inspection:
Iowa DIAL – Electrical Permits & Inspections

DIAL Electrical Examining Board: 515-725-6147

If your property is located inside a city, check with that city first, as some cities perform their own electrical inspections.

Under Iowa law, certain land, buildings, structures, and uses that are primarily adapted and used for agricultural purposes may be exempt from county zoning regulations.

Simply owning agricultural land or having property zoned A-1 Agricultural does not automatically make a project farm exempt. The exemption is based on the actual agricultural use of the property, building, or structure.

If a project qualifies as farm exempt, a Jackson County zoning permit and zoning permit fee are not required. However, farm exemption from zoning does not mean the property or project is exempt from all other requirements. Floodplain, septic, well, driveway or road access, state or federal requirements, and other regulations may still apply.

Agricultural exemption from zoning is also not the same as a property-tax exemption. Questions regarding property assessment or taxation should be directed to the Jackson County Assessor’s Office.

If you believe your project may qualify as farm exempt, contact the Zoning Office for an Agricultural Exemption Application/Questionnaire.

If your property is zoned A-1 Agricultural, keeping chickens is generally allowed.

Chickens are not expressly allowed in the R-1 Residential District under the current Jackson County Zoning Ordinance, and staff does not interpret the keeping of chickens as a permitted residential accessory use. This includes small or “backyard” chicken flocks.

If you are unsure of your zoning district, contact the Zoning Office with the property address or parcel number before bringing chickens onto the property.

Please note that larger-scale or commercial poultry operations may be subject to additional zoning or other applicable requirements.

Coops, poultry buildings, shelters, or other structures associated with keeping chickens may also require zoning review unless they qualify for an agricultural exemption.

If your property is zoned A-1 Agricultural, keeping horses is generally allowed.

Horses are not expressly allowed in the R-1 Residential District under the current Jackson County Zoning Ordinance, and staff does not interpret the keeping of horses as a permitted residential accessory use.

If you are unsure of your zoning district, contact the Zoning Office with the property address or parcel number before bringing horses onto the property.

Please note that keeping horses and operating a horse-related business are not necessarily the same zoning use. Commercial boarding, riding stables, arenas, training facilities, or similar uses may be subject to additional zoning requirements.

Buildings and structures associated with horses, such as barns, stables, shelters, or arenas, may also require zoning review unless they qualify for an agricultural exemption.