Bolthole Index

Clarke County, Iowa

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Clarke County, Iowa

62Index Score / 100
#28 of 99 in Iowa

Unincorporated Clarke County, Iowa requires a building permit for new construction or expansion, subject to qualifying agricultural exemptions1. County zoning applies outside city limits; Osceola administers its own building permits and zoning, while Murray and Woodburn residents should ask their city halls about local requirements2345. County septic approval and inspection apply throughout Clarke County, including cities, under county and Iowa DNR standards678.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new construction or expansion of a building in unincorporated Clarke County1
Zoning
County zoning outside city limits; Osceola has city zoning; ask Murray or Woodburn City Hall about local requirements245
Permit fee
$150 for a principal building or dwelling under the published schedule9
Septic permits
County Sanitarian approval before work on a dwelling served by septic; mandatory system inspection; Iowa DNR standards also apply678
Owner-builder
Working on your own property is exempt from Iowa contractor registration, not from county permits101
Minimum home size
First-floor minimum is 500 square feet in A-1, 900 in R-1, and 750 in R-2111213
Manufactured and mobile homes
Manufactured and modular homes may qualify in R-1; mobile homes are confined to R-214
Agricultural exemption
Available for qualifying agricultural land and structures, but floodplain rules still apply15

Who to call

Zoning

Clarke County Zoning Administrator (Engineer's Office)

Zoning building permits for new construction or expansion of a building in unincorporated Clarke County, plus zoning district review; the Board of Adjustment (variances, conditional use permits, appeals) and the Planning and Zoning Commission (major subdivisions) work alongside this office

641-342-2716

clarkebos@clarkecountyiowa.org

Clarke County Courthouse, 100 South Main Street, Osceola, Iowa 50213

Septic permits

Clarke, Decatur, and Ringgold County Environmental Health Office

Septic (on-site wastewater treatment) permits and inspections for Clarke County, serving Clarke, Decatur, and Ringgold counties together

641-223-8299

144 W. Jefferson St., Osceola, IA 50213

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Clarke County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Clarke County, Iowa?

Unincorporated Clarke County requires a building permit for new construction, structural alteration, or building expansion16. The Zoning Administrator reviews the district, use, agricultural status, lot size, setbacks, special requirements, and possible subdivision rules17. A zoning-compliance certificate is required before a new or structurally altered building is occupied or used18. The published schedule lists $150 for a principal building or dwelling, $25 for an accessory building under 600 square feet, and $50 for one over 600 square feet19. Qualifying agricultural land and structures may be exempt from zoning restrictions, but the claimant must demonstrate agricultural use and floodplain rules still apply20. We could not confirm Clarke County’s adopted building-code edition or ordinary-home inspection schedule; ask the Zoning Administrator what applies to your project21. Iowa occupancy inspections and their $150 fee apply to state-regulated buildings, not automatically to every private home2223.

Who issues Clarke County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The Clarke County Zoning Administrator issues zoning-based building permits, and the zoning office operates with the County Engineer’s office21. Reach the office at 641-342-2716 or clarkebos@clarkecountyiowa.org, or visit the Clarke County Courthouse, 100 South Main Street, Osceola, Iowa 5021321. Submit the approved application form with duplicate scaled plans before construction17. A zoning certificate becomes void if approved work does not begin within 6 months, and construction or alteration must be completed within 18 months18. Inside Osceola, the city’s Zoning Administrator issues building permits; septic remains with the County Sanitarian under county and Iowa DNR standards32425. Murray and Woodburn residents should ask their city halls about building requirements5.

Does Clarke County have zoning?

County zoning applies to unincorporated Clarke County; Osceola sets city zoning, while county septic rules still apply inside the city2424. The county has 8 classifications: A-1 Agricultural, R-1 Rural Residential, R-2 Manufactured Home Community, P-1 Planned Development, C-1 General Commercial, I-1 Industrial, FP Floodplain Overlay, and AP Airport Overlay; the official map is kept with the Zoning Administrator26. An A-1 single-family dwelling generally needs 2 acres and 150 feet of lot width; an R-1 lot needs 40,000 square feet and 100 feet of width2728. Where neither public water nor public sewer is available, the greater district standard or a minimum of 2 acres and 200 feet of width at the building line applies29. A-1 front and rear yards are 50 feet, subject to use and accessory-building exceptions30. P-1 rezoning starts with at least 10 acres and requires public water and publicly owned sewage treatment31. C-1 has no minimum lot area or width, but yard, height, parking, loading, and overlay rules still apply32.

How do septic permits work in Clarke County?

The County Sanitarian and Board of Health administer Clarke County septic approval, with Iowa DNR standards also applying inside and outside city limits256. The shared Clarke, Decatur, and Ringgold County Environmental Health Office handles Clarke County septic permits and inspections33. Obtain the septic permit before constructing or adding to the dwelling or building the system serves7. Subsurface absorption-system applications need a professional soil analysis or percolation test and a sketch showing the dwelling, wells, and system34. Keep the permit on site during construction; validity is limited to 12 months7. Give the County Sanitarian at least 24 hours’ notice during weekday business hours, leave the system uncovered and unused for inspection, and submit the completed system-layout drawing for approval8. An on-site system cannot be installed when the Board of Health finds public sewer reasonably accessible35. Household sewage cannot discharge to a ditch, waterway, drain tile, or ground surface36. Only 0.7% of county soils are rated “not limited” for a conventional drain field; that makes site evaluation essential, rather than making septic impossible37.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clarke County?

We could not confirm a rule for living in an RV on an individual parcel in unincorporated Clarke County; ask the Zoning Administrator about the parcel, duration, and utility plan21. Private campgrounds and travel-trailer parks require conditional-use approval, and the campground definition limits use to 4 weeks; that does not resolve residential RV occupancy on an individual parcel38. We could not confirm a separate tiny-home classification21. A site-built tiny home requires a building permit; A-1 and R-1 first-floor minimums are 500 and 900 square feet, excluding garage space, and both require a mean dwelling width of at least 20 feet, subject to ordinance modifications161139. Manufactured and modular homes may qualify in R-1; mobile homes are confined to R-240. R-2 dwellings have a 750-square-foot first-floor minimum, with maximum heights of 35 feet for principal buildings and 12 feet for accessory buildings1341. An additional home for family members or farm employees is listed as a conditional use requiring a concept plan and compliance with lot-size and setback limits; ask the Zoning Administrator how your proposal is classified4221.

What are the steps to build a home in Clarke County?

  1. Establish the jurisdiction: county building-permit rules apply outside city limits; Osceola has city building permits, and Murray and Woodburn residents should ask their city halls235.
  2. Ask the County Zoning Administrator for the district, allowed use, lot dimensions, setbacks, height limits, overlays, and subdivision review4344.
  3. Confirm legal access: residential lots need at least 40 feet on a public street or a qualifying private easement; shared access has separate width rules45.
  4. Resolve county-road entrance approval with the County Engineer; Iowa DOT approval is required before work on a primary-highway entrance4647.
  5. Complete soil work and obtain the septic permit before constructing the dwelling it serves7.
  6. Submit building plans, obtain zoning approval, and pay the applicable building-permit fee before construction1719.
  7. Arrange septic inspection before covering or using the system, then obtain the zoning-compliance certificate before occupying the building818.

What should you check before buying land in Clarke County?

Before buying an existing home with septic in Clarke County, arrange the applicable Iowa time-of-transfer inspection by a certified inspector; qualifying transfers require an inspection report, subject to statutory exceptions48. For a new rural home, resolve water availability and septic feasibility before fixing the house site: residential lots where neither public water nor public sewer is available must meet the greater district standard or at least 2 acres and 200 feet of width at the building line29. Iowa requires a private well construction permit for a household water-supply well through the county health department; ask Environmental Health for Clarke County’s application and fee4933. A new county-road driveway with an address has a published $60 fee and a 180-day completion deadline, but the available rule does not establish a permit requirement for every entrance46. County subdivision rules cover plats, replats, and land divisions outside city limits, including within 2 miles of a city50. We could not confirm complete floodplain development requirements; ask the Zoning Administrator before buying a parcel affected by the overlay21. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, and the median annual bill is about $2,3355152.

Watch-outs

  • The published permit-fee schedule was approved in 2003, so confirm the current amount with the Zoning Administrator before paying921.
  • R-2 is not a general rural mobile-home option: the district needs at least 10 acres, paved-road access, publicly owned water, and approved sewage treatment; individual lots must measure at least 75 by 150 feet145354.
  • We could not confirm individual-parcel RV occupancy or a separate tiny-home category in unincorporated Clarke County; ask the Zoning Administrator before buying for either use21.

Sources

  1. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  2. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update – In Effect from 9-9-2024, quoted and re-checked
  3. Osceola: 165.07 Building Permits Required (Clarke County), quoted and re-checked
  4. Osceola: 166.01 Establishment of Districts and Boundaries (Clarke County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  6. Clarke County Board of Health Rules and Regulations Chapter 01, quoted and re-checked
  7. Clarke County Board of Health Rules and Regulations Chapter 01, quoted and re-checked
  8. clarkecounty.iowa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  9. Fees, quoted and re-checked
  10. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 91C — Construction Contractors (2026 county census)
  11. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update – In Effect from 9-9-2024, quoted and re-checked
  12. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update – In Effect from 9-9-2024, quoted and re-checked
  13. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update – In Effect from 9-9-2024, quoted and re-checked
  14. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update – In Effect from 9-9-2024, quoted and re-checked
  15. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update, quoted and re-checked
  16. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  17. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  18. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  19. Fees, quoted and re-checked
  20. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update, quoted and re-checked
  21. Clarke County Zoning Administrator (Engineer's Office) (clarkecounty.iowa.gov)
  22. Fire Safety Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  23. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 103A — State Building Code (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Osceola: Clarke County Board of Health Rules and Regulations Chapter 01 (Clarke County), quoted and re-checked
  25. Clarke County Septic Rules and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  26. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update, quoted and re-checked
  27. Zoning Ordinance No. 42 — Land Use Regulations Amended, quoted and re-checked
  28. Zoning Ordinance No. 42 — Land Use Regulations Amended, quoted and re-checked
  29. Zoning Ordinance No. 42 — Land Use Regulations Amended, quoted and re-checked
  30. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  31. Zoning Ordinance No. 42 — Land Use Regulations Amended, quoted and re-checked
  32. Zoning Ordinance No. 42 — Land Use Regulations Amended, quoted and re-checked
  33. Clarke, Decatur, and Ringgold County Environmental Health Office (clarkecounty.iowa.gov)
  34. Clarke County Septic Rules and Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  35. Clarke County Board of Health Rules and Regulations Chapter 01, quoted and re-checked
  36. Clarke County Board of Health Rules and Regulations Chapter 01, quoted and re-checked
  37. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update, quoted and re-checked
  39. clarkecounty.iowa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  40. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update - In Effect from 9-9-2024, quoted and re-checked
  41. clarkecounty.iowa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  42. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update, quoted and re-checked
  43. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  44. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  45. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update - In Effect from 9-9-2024, quoted and re-checked
  46. Entrance Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  47. Access Management (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  48. Iowa Code §455B.172, Jurisdiction of department and local boards (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  49. Private Well Construction Permits (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  50. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update - In Effect from 9-9-2024, quoted and re-checked
  51. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  52. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  53. Clarke County Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Regulations Update – In Effect from 9-9-2024, quoted and re-checked
  54. Zoning Ordinance No. 42 — Land Use Regulations Amended, quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Clarke County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleClarke CountyDecatur CountyWarren CountyUnion CountyLucas CountyMadison CountyWayne County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredLimitedNot requiredRequiredNot required
County zoningYesYesYesNoNoYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Public HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. Health Office

County locator

Clarke County in Iowa

62
County map
Clarke County highlighted among the Iowa counties · colored by Index score

How Clarke County scores

Seclusion58100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency54100% ev.
Admin Boringness48100% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy51100% ev.
Carry Cost69100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$201kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$5,329Land / acre
37.2"Annual rain
10.8% of yrsSevere drought
6.1 / yr (+5.2)Mid-century 100°F days
18.4 daysMid-century dry spell
2.07" (+13.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.77×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,636Home insurance / yr
3% / yrInsurance growth
1.48%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
9,974People within 30 min
1,275,218People within 2 hr
12,934Radius comparison (15 mi)
22.2People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
80.8%Land at 15% slope or less
0.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
2,023 acWorkable land screen
19.7%Wooded land
26.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Clarke County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Murray · Woodburn

Answers from the rulebook for Clarke County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Clarke County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction or expansion of a building in unincorporated Clarke County.

    • An application must be submitted for review and approval before construction.
    • Municipal requirements may differ in Osceola, Murray, and Woodburn.
    • Agricultural buildings may receive a zoning exemption when they meet agricultural-exemption requirements.
    “Prior to construction of any structure in Clarke County, an application for a building permit must be submitted for review and approval.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New construction or expansion of a building in unincorporated Clarke County.
      “Clarke County zoning ordinance requires a building permit for any new construction or expansion of a building. If you live in the City of Osceola, Murray or Woodburn you will need to check at you local city hall about specific requirements.”
    • Required — New construction, structural alteration, and building expansion in unincorporated Clarke County.
      “Prior to construction of any structure in Clarke County, an application for a building permit must be submitted for review and approval.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in the unincorporated area of Clarke County.

    • The City of Osceola, Murray, and Woodburn may have specific local requirements administered by their respective city halls.
    • Zoning certificates or building permits are administered by the County Zoning Administrator.
    “Clarke County zoning ordinance requires a building permit for any new construction or expansion of a building. If you live in the City of Osceola, Murray or Woodburn you will need to check at you local city hall about specific requirements.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate land-use regulation across Clarke County, with county zoning for unincorporated areas and separate requirements for Osceola, Murray, and Woodburn.

    • The county page directs residents of Osceola, Murray, and Woodburn to their local city halls for specific requirements.
    • This aggregate claim does not assert that the county administers incorporated-municipality ordinances.
    “If you live in the City of Osceola, Murray or Woodburn you will need to check at you local city hall about specific requirements.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — County aggregate of county zoning and incorporated municipal zoning.
      “If you live in the City of Osceola, Murray or Woodburn you will need to check at you local city hall about specific requirements.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    The official Clarke County zoning districts for the unincorporated area.

    • The boundaries are shown on the Official Zoning Map, which is incorporated by reference into the ordinance.
    • The ordinance states that the map is on file with the County Zoning Administrator.
    • The eight classifications are A-1 Agricultural, R-1 Rural Residential, R-2 Manufactured Home Community, P-1 Planned Development, C-1 General Commercial, I-1 Industrial, FP Floodplain Overlay, and AP Airport Overlay.
    “Section 2: Establishment of Districts and District Boundaries”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Zoning district classifications and boundaries in unincorporated Clarke County.
      “the unincorporated area of Clarke County, Iowa, is hereby divided into eight (8) zoning district classifications as follows: A-1 Agricultural District R-1 Rural Residential District R-2 Manufactured Home Community District P-1 Planned Development District C-1 General Commercial District I-1 Industrial District FP Floodplain Overlay District AP Airport Overlay District”
    • Published — The county zoning districts and official zoning map for unincorporated Clarke County.
      “the unincorporated area of Clarke County, Iowa, is hereby divided into eight (8) zoning district classifications”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwelling units in the R-1 Rural Residential District.

    • The cited standards are district-specific and subject to modifications in Section 3.

    minimum first-floor area: >= 900 square feet (Garage space is not counted.) · minimum mean dwelling width: >= 20 feet (Garage space is not counted.)

    “Dwelling Unit, not counting garage space: Mean width of at least twenty (20) feet and total minimum first floor area of nine hundred (900) square feet.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots and single-family dwellings in the A-1 Agricultural District in unincorporated Clarke County.

    • The ordinance states that the A-1 bulk requirements are subject to modifications in Section 3.
    • Where neither public water nor public sanitary sewer is available, the greater standard applies: at least two acres and 200 feet of lot width at the building line.
    • Agricultural buildings and structures primarily adapted for agricultural purposes may be exempt from county zoning under the agricultural exemption, except floodplain-related regulations.
    • A single-family dwelling on a lot of official record as of the ordinance effective date may be located irrespective of area or width, subject to the existing-lot yard conditions in Section 3.24.

    minimum lot area for single-family dwellings: >= 2 acres · minimum lot area for schools, colleges, universities, churches, chapels, temples, private recreation centers, and similar uses: >= 5 acres (May include road easements) · lot width: >= 150 feet

    “2. Lot Area: Schools, colleges and universities, churches, chapels, and temples, private recreation centers, and similar uses: Five (5) acres (which may include road easements). Single family dwellings: Two (2) acres. 3. Lot Width: 150 feet”
    7 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — PD Planned Development District in unincorporated Clarke County.
      “The owner or owners of any tract of land comprising an area of not less than ten (10) acres may petition the Board of Supervisors for a change to the P-1 Zoning District Classification. [...] Minimum lot and yard requirements within the development shall not apply, except that minimum yards specified in the district or suitable screening or buffering shall be provided around the boundaries of the development.”
    • Specified — Lots and residential development in the R-1 Rural Residential District in unincorporated Clarke County.
      “The following minimum requirements shall be observed, subject to the modifications contained in Section 3. 1. Dwelling Unit, not counting garage space: Mean width of at least twenty (20) feet and total minimum first floor area of nine hundred (900) square feet. 2. Lot Area—all uses: 40,000 square feet. 3. Lot Width: 100 feet.”
    • None — Lots in the C-1 Rural Commercial District in unincorporated Clarke County.
      “The following minimum requirements shall be observed in the C-1 District. 1. Lot Area: No minimum requirements 2. Lot Width: No minimum requirements 3. Front Yard: Thirty-five (35) feet from right-of-way 4. Side Yards: Residential: Same as in R-1 District. Other Allowed Uses: No minimum requirements, except when adjoining any residential district or use, in which case, fifteen (15) feet shall be required.”
    • Specified — Residential lots in any Clarke County zoning district where neither public water supply nor public sanitary sewer is available.
      “In any district in which residences are permitted and where neither public water supply nor public sanitary sewer is available, the lot area and frontage requirements shall be the greater of the minimum required for the particular district and a minimum lot size of two (2) acres with a lot width at building line of two hundred (200) feet.”
    • Specified — Lots in the R-2 Manufactured Home Community District in unincorporated Clarke County.
      “The following minimum requirements shall be observed, subject to the modifications contained in Section 3.1. Dwelling Unit, not counting garage space: Mean width of at least fourteen (14) feet and total minimum first floor area of seven hundred fifty (750) square feet. 2. Lot Area—75 feet by 150 feet”
    • None — Lots in the C-1 Rural Commercial District in unincorporated Clarke County.
      “The following minimum requirements shall be observed in the C-1 District. 1. Lot Area: No minimum requirements 2. Lot Width: No minimum requirements”
    • Specified — Lot-size controls under the Clarke County zoning districts.
      “Lot sizes and set back requirements from property lines vary for each district.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Dwellings and other permitted uses in the R-2 Manufactured Home Community District.

    • The R-2 bulk regulations are subject to Section 3 modifications.
    • No part of a mobile-home space may be closer than 75 feet to an adjoining public street, although interior park streets may be within the setback area.

    front yard: 25 feet · dwelling side yard: 20 feet · rear yard: 20 feet · mobile-home-space public-street setback: >= 75 feet (interior park streets may be within setback area)

    “No part of any mobile home space shall be closer to any public street upon which the park adjoins than seventy-five (75) feet; however, interior park streets may be located within the setback area.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Structures in the county zoning districts, including A-1 and R-1 districts.
      “Lot sizes and set back requirements from property lines vary for each district. Front yard, side yard, and rear yard set backs are described in the zoning ordinances and the property owner is made aware of the appropriate distances at the time of application.”
    • Specified — Front, side, and rear yard setbacks under the Clarke County zoning districts.
      “Front yard, side yard, and rear yard set backs are described in the zoning ordinances and the property owner is made aware of the appropriate distances at the time of application.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings in the R-2 Manufactured Home Community District.

    • The R-2 bulk regulations are subject to Section 3 modifications.
    • Airport and other applicable height restrictions may also apply.

    principal building maximum height: 35 feet · accessory building maximum height: 12 feet

    “Maximum Height: principal building: 35 feet. Accessory building: 12 feet”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings in the R-2 Manufactured Home Community District.
      “Maximum Height: principal building: 35 feet. Accessory building: 12 feet”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Building-height controls under the Clarke County zoning districts.
      “Special requirements may apply to various districts or uses. Building heights, accessory structures such as sheds, garages and such also have unique requirements.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Private campgrounds and travel-trailer parks in unincorporated Clarke County.

    • Private campgrounds and travel-trailer parks require conditional-use approval.
    • The ordinance defines a campground as being used for a period not exceeding four weeks.

    maximum campground occupancy period: <= 4 weeks

    “Campground: Any land or portion thereof which is planned for and used exclusively by occupants of tents, trailers, mobile homes or other mobile living facilities, for a period not exceeding four (4) weeks duration.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured, modular, and mobile-home occupancy in the R-1 and R-2 districts.

    • R-1 allows single-family dwellings including manufactured and modular homes only in accordance with R-1 regulations.
    • Mobile homes may not be placed in the county except in an R-2 zone.
    • R-2 areas must be at least 10 acres and have direct access to a paved Secondary Road or Primary Highway.
    • Manufactured-home communities must comply with Iowa Department of Public Health and Clarke County public-health requirements, submit a mobile-home-park plan, provide storm shelter and open space, install skirting within 90 days, and provide compliant streets, sewer, water, storm drainage, and other facilities.

    minimum R-2 area: >= 10 acres · skirting installation deadline: <= 90 days (after installation of the structure)

    “Single-family dwellings, including manufactured and modular homes, provided they are developed in accordance with the regulations of this zone.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    An additional home on the same property for family members or farm employees.

    • The use is a conditional use.
    • A concept plan must show all setback requirements are met.
    • The additional home must fit within the minimum lot-size and yard-setback limitations.
    “One additional home on the same property to care for the needs of family members or for living quarters for persons employed on a farm, subject to the provisions of Section 3.11 of this Ordinance.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private sewage-disposal and on-site wastewater systems regulated under Clarke County rules.

    • The County Sanitarian administers approval and inspection functions.
    • The rules reference Board of Health approval for deviations from plans or specifications.
    “Upon approval of the application by the County Sanitarian, the permit will be issued upon payment of the required applicable fees made payable to Clarke County Environmental Services.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Private sewage disposal systems regulated through Clarke County Environmental Services, the County Sanitarian, and Board of Health.
      “Upon approval of the application by the County Sanitarian, the permit will be issued upon payment of the required applicable fees made payable to Clarke County Environmental Services.”
    • Mixed (with conditions) — On-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems in Clarke County, including incorporated cities and towns.
      “requirements set forth by the Department in the most current edition of the Iowa Administrative Code 567, Chapter 69, and to such additional requirements as are prescribed by regulations of the Board of Health.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction or repair of an on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system in Clarke County.

    • The permit must be obtained before construction of or addition to any dwelling or building served by the system.
    • Applications for subsurface absorption systems must include a professional soil analysis or percolation test.
    • A property sketch showing dwellings and affected wells is required.
    • The permit is issued after approval and payment of applicable fees.
    • The permit must remain on site during construction and is valid for a maximum of twelve months.
    • No on-site system may be installed when a public sewer is reasonably accessible as determined by the Board of Health.

    permit validity: <= 12 months (another permit is required if the system is not completed during the validity period)

    “No person shall begin construction or repair of any on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system for any purpose in the County without first having obtained a permit as set out in this chapter.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, reconstruction, alteration, or repair of a subsurface absorption system in Clarke County.
      “Application for a permit to construct, reconstruct, alter, or repair a subsurface absorption system in the County shall also include the results of a professional soil analysis or percolation test performed by a professional soil analyst or a licensed engineer.”
    • Required — Private sewage-disposal and on-site wastewater treatment systems in Clarke County.
      “No person shall begin construction or repair of any on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system for any purpose in the County without first having obtained a permit as set out in this chapter.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    On-site wastewater systems constructed, repaired, altered, reconstructed, or installed to replace an existing system.

    • The County Sanitarian must receive notice at least 24 hours before inspection or testing.
    • The system must not be used, covered, or constructed so as to impede mandatory inspection.
    • For existing-system work, the building must be connected to the building sewer before inspection.
    • A completed drawing showing system layout, dimensions, and wells must be submitted and approved.
    • Transfer inspections are available upon request, and systems inspected or permitted within two years before transfer are exempt from further inspection until the next ownership change.

    inspection notice: >= 24 hours (notice is given during the stated Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. hours)

    “No part of any private sewage disposal system shall be used, covered or constructed so as to deny or impede the mandatory inspection by the County Sanitarian.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Private sewage disposal systems installed, repaired, altered, reconstructed, or replaced in Clarke County.
      “No part of any private sewage disposal system shall be used, covered or constructed so as to deny or impede the mandatory inspection by the County Sanitarian.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private sanitation through an on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system.

    • A county permit is required before construction or repair.
    • Construction must comply with Iowa Administrative Code 567 Chapter 69 and County Board of Health regulations.
    • Discharge to ditches, streams, lakes, ponds, waterways, drain tiles, or the ground surface is prohibited.
    • An on-site system cannot be installed when public sewer is reasonably accessible.
    “It is prohibited for any household drainage and/or sewage, to discharge to any ditch, stream, lake, pond, natural or artificial waterway, county drain tile, surface water drain tile, or to the surface of the ground.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Use of private on-site wastewater systems where public sewer service may be available.

    • An on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system may not be installed when a public sewer is reasonably accessible, as determined by the Board of Health.
    “No on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system shall be installed when a public sewer is reasonably accessible, as determined by the Board of Health.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Water and sewer (with conditions) — R-2 Manufactured Home Community District in unincorporated Clarke County.
      “These districts will be permitted only where publicly owned water supply and Iowa Department of Natural Resource approved and regulated sewage treatment works are available. No mobile homes, as defined in this ordinance, shall be placed in the county except in an R-2 zone.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, and other structures primarily adapted for agricultural purposes while so used.

    • The exemption does not apply to regulations concerning structures, buildings, dams, obstructions, deposits, or excavations in flood plains.
    • The person claiming the exemption must demonstrate agricultural use.
    • The county seeks voluntary compliance, specifically minimum yard requirements.
    “It shall be the responsibility of any person or group claiming that certain property is entitled to exemption on the basis of this section to demonstrate that the property is used for agricultural purposes.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, and other structures primarily adapted for agricultural purposes while so used.
      “In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 335 of the Code of Iowa, as amended, no regulation or restriction adopted under the provisions of this ordinance shall be construed to apply to land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, or other buildings, structures, or erections which are primarily adapted, by reason of nature and area, for use for agricultural purposes while so used; provided, however, that such regulations or restrictions which relate to any structure, building, dam, obstruction, deposit or excavation in or on the flood plains of any river or stream shall apply thereto.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, and other buildings or structures primarily adapted for agricultural purposes while so used.
      “no regulation or restriction adopted under the provisions of this ordinance shall be construed to apply to land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, or other buildings, structures, or erections which are primarily adapted, by reason of nature and area, for use for agricultural purposes while so used”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Major subdivision preliminary and final plats and property splits creating new lots in unincorporated Clarke County.

    • The county zoning page identifies major subdivision preliminary and final plat review by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
    • Subdivision regulations may apply when a property split or new lot is created.
    • Published fees distinguish preliminary plats and final plats.
    “The Clarke County Planning and Zoning Commission is responsible for reviewing major subdivision preliminary plats, final plats, zoning changes, zoning ordinance changes/amendments, comprehensive plan changes/amendments, and other planning and development issues.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Plats, replats, and divisions of land in unincorporated Clarke County, including land within two miles of a city.
      “This Ordinance shall apply to all plats, replats, and divisions of land into parcels, and lying in the unincorporated area of Clarke County, Iowa, including the subdivision of land within two (2) miles of any city.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway and field entrances handled through the Clarke County Engineer's entrance-permit process, particularly entrances involving county roads.

    • The application requires acceptance of the Clarke County Driveway Entrances Ordinance, installation standards, and permit terms.
    • The application records jurisdiction approval by the Clarke County Engineer.
    • The application lists residential/shared-residential widths of 22–24 feet, commercial/industrial widths of 24–40 feet, and agricultural widths of 22–40 feet.
    • The application lists fees of $60 for a new driveway with address, $30 for a new field entrance, $30 for converting a field entrance to a driveway with address, and $15 for widening an existing entrance.
    • The permit becomes null and void if the entrance is not completed within 180 days from issuance.
    • The sources do not establish a universal permit requirement for every access type or every public road.

    residential entrance width: 22-24 feet · commercial/industrial entrance width: 24-40 feet · agricultural entrance width: 22-40 feet · new driveway with address fee: 60 USD · new field entrance fee: 30 USD · completion deadline: 180 days (from permit issuance)

    “Acceptance of Conditions: I agree to follow all conditions of the Clarke County Driveway Entrances Ordinance, Standards for Installation, and terms of the permit, when issued.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential lots and dwellings governed by the county zoning ordinance.
      “no lot shall contain any building used in whole or in part for residence purposes unless such lot abuts for at least forty (40) feet on at least one public street, or unless it has an exclusive unobstructed private easement of access or right-of-way of at least twenty (20) feet wide to a street”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Clarke County zoning certificates, building permits, commercial/industrial permits, hearings, and subdivision plat review.

    • The fee schedule was revised and approved April 25, 2003 and states that it goes into effect upon publication in the paper.
    • Fees are paid to the Clarke County Zoning Administrator and deposited in the Rural Basic Fund.

    principal building or dwelling: 150 USD · accessory building under 600 square feet: 25 USD · accessory building over 600 square feet: 50 USD · deck, porch, or room addition: 20 USD · preliminary plat: 150 USD · final plat: 200 USD (plus $25 per lot over 6 lots)

    “Principal Building or Dwelling | $150.00”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning certificates, building permits, hearings, subdivision reviews, and related zoning documents.
      “The following Zoning Fee Schedule has been revised and approved by the Clarke County Board of Supervisors on April 25, 2003 and shall go into effect upon publication in the paper.”
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning certificates/building permits and related hearings and subdivision plat review.
      “Principal Building or Dwelling | $150.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning-certificate and building-permit process for unincorporated Clarke County.

    • Applications are reviewed for district, use, agricultural exemption, lot size, setbacks, special requirements, and possible subdivision-regulation applicability.
    • Plans must be approved before a permit is issued.
    • A certificate is required before occupancy.
    • Agricultural uses are exempt from filing plot plans under the cited ordinance provision.

    certificate commencement deadline: 6 months (Certificate becomes null and void if construction, alteration, or change of use has not commenced.) · completion deadline: 18 months (Proposed construction or alteration must be completed within this period.)

    “No land shall be occupied or used, and no building hereafter erected or structurally altered, shall be occupied or used in whole or in part for any purpose whatsoever, until a certificate is issued by the Zoning Administrator, stating that the building and use comply with the provisions of this ordinance.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning certificate/building permit process for construction in unincorporated Clarke County.
      “Written application on approved forms shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator and shall be accompanied by plans in duplicate, drawn to scale”
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning/building-permit process for construction in unincorporated Clarke County.
      “Prior to construction of any structure in Clarke County, an application for a building permit must be submitted for review and approval. The purpose of the Building Permit is to ensure that the proposed construction meets certain conditions set out for the district in which it is located.”

Iowa rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A person performing work or having work performed on the person's own property, for purposes of Iowa Code chapter 91C contractor registration.

    • The exemption is from being treated as a contractor for purposes of chapter 91C; it is not stated to waive building permits, building-code compliance, inspections, or certificates of occupancy.
    • The separate annual-earnings threshold is less than $2,000, but the own-property exemption is stated independently.
    • A contractor doing business in Iowa must register under chapter 91C unless an applicable statutory exclusion applies.
    “However, a person who earns less than two thousand dollars annually or who performs work or has work performed on the person’s own property is not a contractor for purposes of this chapter.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    The Iowa State Building Code, including the 2024 International Building Code adopted by reference with Iowa amendments, applies statewide to state-owned buildings and structures, qualifying state-funded construction, certain cities over 15,000 that lack a substantially equivalent local building code, and governmental subdivisions that accept the code by ordinance. Factory-built-structure provisions apply throughout Iowa.

    • In a governmental subdivision, the code generally applies only after the governing body enacts an ordinance accepting applicability and files a certified copy with the commissioner.
    • The local ordinance fixes the effective date, which must be no more than six months after adoption.
    • A governmental subdivision may withdraw after one year by ordinance, following the required public hearing and written notice; the withdrawal date must be at least 180 days after ordinance adoption, and previously issued permits are unaffected.
    • The state building code applies to state-owned buildings and structures and to newly constructed buildings and structures paid for in whole or in part with state-appropriated money but not wholly state-owned.
    • Cities with populations over 15,000 that lack a local building code substantially in accord with nationally recognized standards must enforce the state building code.
    • Factory-built-structure provisions apply throughout the state; an approved factory-built structure is deemed compliant with building regulations applicable to its manufacture and installation and is exempt from other state or local building regulations, subject to the statutory exceptions concerning professional engineering and architecture and manufactured homes.
    • The current administrative rule adopts the 2024 International Building Code by reference with amendments; detached one- and two-family dwellings, certain townhouses not more than three stories, and their accessory structures instead comply with the amended International Residential Code.

    adopted model building code: 2024 International Building Code (Adopted by reference with Iowa amendments.) · current administrative-rule effective date: 2025-09-10 (Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 481.301 source identifies ARC 9474C as effective September 10, 2025.) · local ordinance effective-date limit: <= 6 months after adoption · local withdrawal waiting period: >= 1 year after code became applicable (A governmental subdivision may withdraw only after this period has elapsed.) · withdrawal effective-date minimum: >= 180 days after ordinance adoption (Previously issued permits remain unaffected.)

    “The state building code shall be applicable: [...] In each governmental subdivision where the governing body has enacted an ordinance accepting the application of the code.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Buildings and structures subject to Iowa Code section 103A.10A, including newly constructed state-owned buildings, state-board-of-regents buildings, and certain state-funded buildings.

    • Newly constructed state-owned buildings and structures subject to the state building code are subject to plan review and inspection, excluding renovations and repairs except as provided by statute.
    • Newly constructed buildings owned by the state board of regents are subject to plan review and inspection, excluding renovations and repairs except as provided by statute.
    • State-funded buildings not wholly owned by the state are subject to state plan review and inspection when the governmental subdivision has not adopted the listed codes or does not perform inspections; otherwise they must comply with the local codes and inspections.
    • For ordinary privately owned construction, inspection administration is governed by the applicable local law or ordinance.
    “All newly constructed buildings or structures subject to the state building code, including any addition, but excluding any renovation or repair of such a building or structure, owned by the state or an agency of the state, except as provided in subsection 2, shall be subject to a plan review and inspection by the commissioner or an independent building inspector appointed by the commissioner.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — State fire-code inspections and state building inspections for state-regulated or otherwise qualifying projects.
      “State Building Code Inspectors perform inspections for new buildings and additions when:”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy or use for buildings subject to Iowa's State Building Code and certificates approving specified buildings, facilities, or installations for licensure.

    • A local building department issues certificates of occupancy or use when required by ordinance.
    • When issued for a building constructed under the state building code, the certificate must certify conformity with the code and is in the form prescribed by the governing body of the governmental subdivision.
    • For facilities governed by Iowa Administrative Code chapter 481.280, if a certificate of occupancy is required for use, it will not be issued until the inspection fee is paid.
    • Chapter 481.280.5 applies to a certificate approving a building, facility, or installation for occupancy upon request from an owner or owner's agency when applicable rules are satisfied and all fees are paid.
    • The state sources do not require a certificate of occupancy for every building statewide.

    additional reinspection fee: 125 USD (Applies for each additional reinspection after the initial reinspection when original deficiencies remain uncorrected.)

    “Issue certificates of occupancy or use, permits, licenses, and other documents in connection with the construction of buildings or structures as may be required by ordinance. (1) A certificate of occupancy or use for a building or structure constructed in accordance with the provisions of the state building code shall certify that the building or structure conforms to the requirements of the code. The certificate shall be in the form the governing body of the governmental subdivision prescribes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy inspections for state-regulated buildings.
      “Occupancy inspections are required to be conducted for all state-regulated buildings that have been newly built, remodeled, or had a change from one occupancy to another, before occupying the area. To request an occupancy inspection, contact the state fire prevention inspector for the area to schedule a time. There is an inspection fee of $150 for occupancy inspections.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lot-coverage limits administered through Iowa county zoning districts, where adopted.

    • County zoning powers apply only outside city corporate limits.
    • The statute authorizes regulation of the percentage of a lot occupied but does not state a statewide percentage.
    • Agricultural-use and floodplain exceptions in §335.2 apply.
    “the percentage of lot that may be occupied”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction of private water-supply wells statewide in Iowa, including household, livestock, commercial, processing, irrigation, recreational, industrial, monitoring, dewatering, and related wells identified by the Iowa DNR.

    • A private well construction permit is required for all water-supply wells.
    • For private water-supply wells serving fewer than 25 individuals or fewer than 15 water-service connections, permits are issued by local county health departments, except Osceola County, which lacks authority to issue private well construction permits; the Iowa DNR handles permitting there.
    • The applicant must submit an application and county application fee; each county sets its own fee.
    • The county reviews completeness and location relative to contamination sources and issues or denies the permit in writing before construction proceeds.
    • The county and DNR must be allowed to visit the proposed well site before, during, and after construction.
    • Public water-supply wells serving 25 or more individuals or having 15 or more water-service connections require a Public Water Supply Construction Permit issued by Iowa DNR Water Supply Engineering; county private-well programs cannot issue those permits.
    • Private well permits are not required for geotechnical borings without well casing or screens, Geoprobe-style boreholes without temporary or permanent casing, and cathodic-protection wells.
    • Trench dewatering does not require a private well construction permit.
    • Separate water-allocation, NPDES, floodplain, or underground-injection permits may also be required depending on the project.

    public water supply threshold: >= 25 individuals served (A public-water-supply construction permit is also required at 15 or more water-service connections.) · public water supply threshold: >= 15 water-service connections (A public-water-supply construction permit is also required when 25 or more individuals are served.) · geothermal loop depth threshold: >= 20 feet (Closed-loop and open-loop geothermal systems at or beyond this depth require a private well construction permit.)

    “Private Well Construction Permits are required for all water supply wells, and for all geothermal systems - closed-loop and open-loop - that are 20 feet or greater in depth.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Iowa counties may adopt zoning ordinances for land and structures within the county but outside the corporate limits of any city.

    • Chapter 335 applies to any Iowa county at the option of its board of supervisors.
    • The zoning power is subject to Iowa Code section 335.2: ordinances generally do not apply to agricultural land, farm houses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, or other structures primarily adapted for agricultural purposes while so used, except that ordinances may apply to structures, buildings, dams, obstructions, deposits, or excavations in or on river or stream floodplains.
    • A county may not require an application, approval, or fee for an ordinance to be deemed inapplicable to qualifying agricultural land or structures.
    • A county may not regulate, restrict, or prohibit the location of permanent buildings or temporary structures used for consumer-fireworks sales pursuant to section 10A.519 in locations zoned commercial or industrial.
    • The board of supervisors may divide the county into zoning districts, and regulations may differ among districts.
    • Regulations and restrictions require public-hearing and notice procedures under sections 335.6 and 331.305; district boundaries must identify the affected township and section and, if possible, streets or roads.
    • Energy-conservation and solar-access objectives do not require zoning in a county that did not have zoning before July 1, 1981.
    “applicable to any county [...] at the option of the board of supervisors [...] outside of the corporate limits of any city.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Iowa counties may adopt, administer, and enforce county building codes and may administer and enforce the state building code for buildings, including residential construction, in county jurisdiction outside incorporated municipalities, subject to statutory limitations.

    • A county building code may not apply within the incorporated area of a city except at the city's option.
    • A county building code may not apply within a city's two-mile limit under Iowa Code §414.23 to the extent the city has adopted a building code within that two-mile limit.
    • A county building code may not apply to farm houses or other farm buildings primarily adapted for agricultural purposes while so used or under construction for that use.
    • Administration and enforcement are conducted as prescribed by local law or ordinance.
    • The state building code applies in a governmental subdivision only after the governing body adopts an ordinance accepting it and files a certified copy with the commissioner; the ordinance fixes the effective date, which must be no more than six months after adoption.
    • A local building department may prohibit commencement of construction until a permit is issued after showing compliance with applicable state building-code provisions.
    • Thermal-efficiency energy-conservation standards apply to construction containing heated or cooled enclosed space, but the commissioner must provide appropriate exceptions where applying an energy-conservation requirement would be impractical.
    “The power to adopt, administer, and enforce the state building code shall be exercised in accordance with chapter 103A. The power to adopt by ordinance, administer, and enforce a county building code, is subject to the following restrictions: a. A county building code shall not apply within the incorporated area of a city except at the option of the city, and shall not apply within a city’s two-mile limit referred to in section 414.23, to the extent that the city has adopted a building code within the two-mile limit. b. A county building code shall not apply to farm houses or other farm buildings which are primarily adapted for use for agricultural purposes, while so used or under construction for that use.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Living in an RV — Occupancy of recreational vehicles or travel trailers on private land in unincorporated Clarke County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in unincorporated Clarke County.
  • Building in a floodplain — Development in floodplain areas of unincorporated Clarke County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Clarke County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Clarke County, Iowa

Is Clarke County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Clarke County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost.

Do you need a building permit in Clarke County, Iowa?

Clarke County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Clarke County Environmental Health / Sanitation Office (Clarke-Decatur-Ringgold Tri-County). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Clarke County, Iowa?

Land in Clarke County runs about $5,329 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Clarke County?

Clarke County gets about 37.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.8% of years.

How remote is Clarke County?

A representative private-land location has about 9,974 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,275,218 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Clarke compares in Iowa

Compare side-by-side →See all 99 Iowa counties ranked →