City Permits and Applications

How Do I Submit a Permit?

All permits are available below. They can be submitted at City Hall; Gabby Breheny is the main point of contact for most permits but any of our staff at City Hall can get the process started. 

Deven Markley is the point of contact for the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment.

Questions that are more technical or whose answers are not clearly specified in the code sections provided above can be submitted to Safe Building or Deven Markley

Do I Need a Permit?

Most property improvement or building projects in the City of Carlisle require a permit. Some may require multiple permits depending on the scope of work being completed. Some examples of projects that need a permit that you may not think of are sidewalks, driveway paving construction or replacement, some sheds, and all fencing. It is important that you check with City Hall prior to starting the project and comply with all applicable building codes and permits.

The purpose of building codes are to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating the improvement of property within the city limits of Carlisle. Strong and consistent building codes provide assurance to the general public that the structures on their property are built to a certain level of quality. 

Processing time varies for each permit. Our staff works to provide a high quality of review while also keeping turnaround time in mind. Various factors affect processing time including staff workload, complexity of project, legibility, quality and completeness of permit submitted, amongst others. We appreciate your understanding and patience in the permitting process. 

Incomplete applications may be denied or processing may be put on hold until a completed application is submitted. It is not the responsibility of city staff to fill out or otherwise provide information required on any applications submitted to the City for review. 

Websites you may find helpful in completing certain aspects of permits include:

  • Warren County’s GIS website – useful for providing specific property information such as legal description for Warren County properties. 
  • Polk County’s GIS website – useful for providing specific property information such as legal description for Polk County properties. 

Building Inspection Information

All formal building permits and trade permits require an inspection of the work performed. The City of Carlisle contracts building and trade permit review and inspection to Safe Building Iowa based in Polk City. Upon completing a permit, please send it to City Hall where it will be processed and sent to Safe Building. Once plan review is completed, City Hall or Safe Building staff will contact you to let you know the work is approved to proceed. From that point, the process is turned over to Safe Building. Safe Building staff can be contacted by phone at 515-333-4161. You can also utilize their website to schedule an inspection. Once the work is complete, the final permit fees will be calculated and City Hall staff will contact you with that amount.

You can pay several ways. Cash or checks can be sent to City of Carlisle at City Hall, 100 N. 1st Street, PO Box 430,  Carlisle, Iowa 50047. You can also pay online by following the button below. There is a processing fee for electronic payments. 

Click to pay now

Pay for Permits

Safe Building has provided a flyer regarding some helpful information on their services. You can also see their fee schedule that was reviewed and approved by Carlisle City Council.