Bolthole Index

Franklin County, Iowa

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Franklin County, Iowa

51Index Score / 100
#65 of 99 in Iowa

Unincorporated Franklin County, Iowa requires both a county building permit and a zoning permit for covered construction, and the Planning and Zoning Department approves building permits and site plans12. County zoning applies outside incorporated city limits3. Septic permits come from the county Environmental Health Department, which may need to issue one before a new structure gets its building permit4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new structures in areas under Franklin County zoning, approved by Planning and Zoning1
Zoning permit
Required before covered construction or land use in unincorporated Franklin County2
Zoning
County zoning applies outside incorporated city limits, with district-specific rules35
Building permit fees
Based on project value: $25 up to $7,500 and $325 above $500,000; agricultural use listed at $06
R-1 lots and setbacks
At least 21,780 square feet with private septic; 25-foot front and rear yards, 10-foot sides78
Septic
County Environmental Health handles private septic review and permitting910
RV / tiny home
Long-term occupancy rules were not confirmed; ask the county zoning office before relying on either use3
Owner-builder
Own-property work is exempt from state contractor registration, not from permits or inspections1112
Manufactured home
A county cannot reject one solely because it is manufactured, but ordinary dwelling standards still apply13
Septic soils
Only 18.2% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field14

Who to call

Zoning

Franklin County Environmental Health, Sanitation and Zoning

County zoning, building-permit and site-plan questions for unincorporated Franklin County

641-456-4090

dtilkes@co.franklin.ia.us

1600 Central Ave. E Hampton, Iowa 50441

Septic permits

Franklin County Environmental Health Department

Private septic and well permits, septic site review and construction inspections

641-456-4090

dtilkes@co.franklin.ia.us

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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

Yes. In areas under Franklin County zoning, new structures and covered construction need a building permit, and the County Planning and Zoning Department approves building permits and site plans1. A zoning permit is separately required before covered construction, alteration, enlargement, movement, use or land use begins2. The county can issue a stop-work order where construction has begun without a building permit1. Building permit fees scale with project value, from $25 for work up to $7,500 to $325 above $500,000, and agricultural-use building permits are listed at $06. The available county material does not establish adoption of a county building code, routine building inspections or certificates of occupancy, so ask the county zoning office what applies to your project15. Iowa's state building code is not a universal residential code for every private project16. An owner working on the owner's own property is exempt from state contractor registration, but that does not waive zoning or building permits12.

Who handles Franklin County building and zoning permits?

Start with Franklin County Environmental Health, Sanitation and Zoning at 1600 Central Ave. E, Hampton, Iowa 50441, or call 641-456-409017. The county identifies this combined department as the contact for zoning, while its zoning page says the Planning and Zoning function approves building permits and site plans1715. For a zoning permit, the application must be written, use the county's standard form and be filed with the Zoning Administrator18. The plot plan must show the lot size, foundation dimensions, proposed front, side and rear yard depths, accessory buildings and the floodplain delineation; the County Engineer and Soil Conservation Director must approve that floodplain delineation18. The Zoning Administrator issues the permit after finding compliance and receiving the required fee18. The county publishes an application labeled “Application for Zoning Certificate (Building Permit)” on its zoning applications page17.

Does Franklin County, Iowa have zoning?

Yes. Franklin County zoning applies outside incorporated city limits, so a parcel inside a city needs a separate check with that city rather than the county answer here32. The county ordinance uses district classifications and official zoning maps maintained by the Zoning Administrator, which means allowed uses and dimensional standards depend on the parcel's mapped district5. Agricultural exemptions and floodplain provisions can change how the ordinance applies to a particular project2. Iowa law generally exempts qualifying agricultural land and structures primarily adapted to agricultural purposes from county zoning, except that county regulation may still apply in river or stream floodplains19. Do not assume a rural address is automatically exempt: ask the zoning office to identify the district, confirm whether the proposed use is allowed, and determine whether any agricultural exemption applies175. Dimensions differ by district. In the R-1 Single-Family Residential District, the minimum lot is 21,780 square feet (or more if the County Sanitarian requires it) when a private septic system is used, front and rear yards are 25 feet, side yards are 10 feet (25 feet next to a road), and buildings may not exceed 35 feet7820. The RE resort district requires 10 acres21. We could not confirm a minimum dwelling size, so ask the zoning office for the parcel's district standards17.

How do septic permits work in Franklin County?

Franklin County Environmental Health handles private septic permitting, site review and construction inspections, and the county provides an online septic-permit application922. For development subject to county zoning, the County Sanitarian conducts a site evaluation and gives preliminary approval before the zoning permit may issue10. The county also says a new structure may need a septic-system permit in order to receive its building permit23. Iowa law requires county boards of health to regulate private sewage disposal facilities to standards at least as stringent as state standards, while the Iowa Department of Natural Resources retains concurrent authority24. Soil suitability deserves early attention because only 18.2% of Franklin County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field14. For an existing rural home, qualifying ownership transfers require a certified septic inspection under state law, subject to statutory exceptions25. Call 641-456-4090 before finalizing a site plan or purchase contract22.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Franklin County?

Franklin County has zoning, but the available county material does not establish a complete rule for living in an RV, temporary camping or occupying a tiny home on private land3. Ask Franklin County Environmental Health, Sanitation and Zoning how the proposed structure and occupancy are classified in the parcel's district before buying land or moving a unit onto it175. A manufactured home has clearer state protection: Franklin County cannot disallow a proposed residence solely because it is manufactured, but the home must meet the same permanent-foundation, setback and minimum-square-footage standards that apply to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot13. That manufactured-home protection does not answer whether a towable tiny house or recreational vehicle qualifies as a dwelling13. Beginning in 2026, Iowa also requires counties to allow an accessory dwelling unit on a qualifying single-family lot, subject to building rules, size limits and other listed conditions26.

Building a home in Franklin County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside incorporated city limits and ask the county zoning office for its mapped district and allowed uses25.
  2. Ask Environmental Health for an early septic site evaluation, because preliminary septic approval may be needed before the zoning permit can issue1022.
  3. Prepare the county zoning application and a plot plan showing the required lot, foundation, yard, accessory-building and floodplain information18.
  4. Apply for the county building permit through Planning and Zoning, and confirm whether inspections or a certificate of occupancy also apply, because those local rules were not confirmed115.
  5. If access connects to an Iowa primary highway, obtain Iowa DOT approval before work begins27.
  6. Build the septic system through the county process and complete the required county review before covering the work22.
  7. If you are your own builder, remember that Iowa's own-property contractor-registration exemption does not cancel zoning, septic or other project approvals12.

What should you check before buying land in Franklin County?

Start with zoning and wastewater feasibility: confirm the parcel's district and allowed use, then arrange septic review before treating a homesite as buildable510. Only 18.2% of Franklin County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so a site evaluation can materially change the usable building area and project budget14. The terrain is broadly gentle, with 99.6% of land at a slope of 15% or less, but gentle ground does not eliminate drainage, floodplain or septic constraints2818. Ask Environmental Health about a private well permit and water testing because the county office issues well permits, while the complete well requirements were not confirmed22. Verify legal access too; a driveway onto an Iowa primary highway needs approval before construction begins27. For carrying costs, the county's effective property-tax rate is about 1.3%, with a median annual bill near $1,5972930.

Watch-outs

  • Franklin County requires both a building permit and a zoning permit for covered construction; the separate inspection and certificate-of-occupancy rules were not confirmed, so ask Environmental Health, Sanitation and Zoning before construction1217.
  • Franklin County's RV-living, temporary-camping, tiny-home, general setback and minimum-home-size rules were not confirmed; get a parcel-specific answer from the zoning office before relying on any of those uses317.
  • Only 18.2% of Franklin County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so arrange the county site evaluation early1410.

Sources

  1. Franklin County Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  2. Franklin County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 70 Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. Franklin County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 70 Zoning Regulations (2026 county census)
  4. Franklin County Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  5. Franklin County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 70 Zoning Regulations (2024), quoted and re-checked
  6. Chapter 70 - 2024 Code: Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  7. franklincountyia.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. Franklin County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 70 Zoning Regulations (2024), quoted and re-checked
  9. Environmental Health, Sanitation, and Zoning (2026 county census)
  10. Environmental Health, Sanitation, and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  11. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 91C — Construction Contractors (2026 county census)
  12. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 91C — Construction Contractors (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Iowa Code §335.30, Manufactured and modular homes (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. 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
  15. Franklin County Planning and Zoning (2026 county census)
  16. Building Code Plan Review (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Franklin County Environmental Health, Sanitation and Zoning (franklincountyia.gov)
  18. Franklin County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 70 Zoning Regulations (2024), quoted and re-checked
  19. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 335 — County Zoning (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Franklin County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 70 Zoning Regulations (2024), quoted and re-checked
  21. Chapter 70 Zoning Regulations, 2024 Code, quoted and re-checked
  22. Franklin County Environmental Health Department (franklincountyia.gov)
  23. Environmental Health, Sanitation, and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  24. Iowa Code §455B.172, Jurisdiction of department and local boards (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Iowa Code §455B.172, Jurisdiction of department and local boards (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. legis.iowa.gov (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Access Management (Iowa statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 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

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Franklin County has countywide zoning.

RuleFranklin CountyCerro Gordo CountyButler CountyWright CountyHardin CountyFloyd CountyHancock County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimited
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. Health Dept.County Dept. of Public HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Public HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. Health Office

County locator

Franklin County in Iowa

51
County map
Franklin County highlighted among the Iowa counties · colored by Index score

How Franklin County scores

Seclusion62100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency27100% ev.
Admin Boringness48100% ev.
Durability53100% ev.
Property Autonomy51100% ev.
Carry Cost57100% 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 →

$160kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$10,718Land / acre
36.3"Annual rain
12.6% of yrsSevere drought
3.3 / yr (+3.1)Mid-century 100°F days
15.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.81" (+9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.77×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,600Home insurance / yr
4.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.96%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
12,130People within 30 min
1,677,559People within 2 hr
15,184Radius comparison (15 mi)
17People / sq mi
0.3%Federal land
99.6%Land at 15% slope or less
18.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
67,554 acWorkable land screen
2.5%Wooded land
36.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
46.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Franklin 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.

Alexander · Coulter · Geneva · Hampton · Hansell · Latimer · Popejoy · Sheffield

Answers from the rulebook for Franklin County

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

Franklin County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New structures and covered construction in areas regulated by Franklin County zoning.

    • The County Planning and Zoning Department approves building permits and site plans.
    • A zoning permit is separately required before covered construction, alteration, enlargement, movement, use, or land use.
    • A new structure may also require a septic system permit.
    “Situations where a stop work order may be used include, but are not limited to, incidences where construction has begun without a Building Permit or where proper documentation has not been filed.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations administered by Franklin County in areas under county zoning jurisdiction.

    • A zoning permit is required before covered buildings or land uses may proceed.
    • Municipal zoning rules may separately apply within incorporated municipalities.
    “No building or part thereof shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, converted, altered, enlarged, extended, razed, moved, or used, and no land shall be used except in conformity with the regulations herein prescribed for the district in which such building or land may be situated and until a Zoning Permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator as provided herein.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County zoning district classifications and official zoning maps.

    • The official district maps are maintained in the Zoning Administrator's office.
    • The chapter identifies ten classifications, including the F-C Floodplain Conservation overlay district.

    number of zoning classifications: 10 district classifications

    “In order to carry out the purpose and intent of these regulations, the County is hereby divided into 10 Zoning District classifications as follows:”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential and other zoning districts covered by Chapter 70.

    • R-1 minimum lot area is 10,000 square feet with approved common sewer, or 21,780 square feet or more as determined necessary for on-site sewage.
    • R-2 minimum lot sizes vary by dwelling type and sewer service.
    • RE resort district minimum lot area is 10 acres, with separate privately owned lake residential rules.

    R-1 common-sewer minimum lot area: >= 10000 square feet (private on-site sewage requires 21,780 square feet or larger as determined necessary by County Sanitarian) · R-1 private-sewage minimum lot area: >= 21780 square feet (may be larger as determined necessary by County Sanitarian) · RE minimum lot area: >= 10 acres (privately owned lake residential has separate rules)

    “The minimum lot area shall be 10,000 square feet if serviced by a common sewer system approved by the State Department of Water, Air, and Waste Management. If a private on-site sewage system is used, the minimum lot size shall be 21,780 square feet or such larger size as may be determined necessary for an on-site sewage system by the County Sanitarian.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — R-1 Single-Family Residential District.
      “The minimum lot area shall be 10,000 square feet if serviced by a common sewer system approved by the State Department of Water, Air, and Waste Management. If a private on-site sewage system is used, the minimum lot size shall be 21,780 square feet or such larger size as may be determined necessary for an on-site sewage system by the County Sanitarian.”
    • Specified — R-1 and R-2 residential zoning districts.
      “The minimum lot area shall be 10,000 square feet if serviced by a common sewer system approved by the State Department of Water, Air, and Waste Management. If a private on-site sewage system is used, the minimum lot size shall be 21,780 square feet or such larger size as may be determined necessary for an on-site sewage system by the County Sanitarian.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R-1 Single-Family Residential District.

    • Side-yard setback is 10 feet, except 25 feet when abutting a street or road.
    • An accessory building may be in the rear yard only if at least five feet from any property line.
    • Airport height zoning may impose a lower height requirement.

    front yard depth: 25 feet · side yard width: 10 feet (25 feet when abutting a street or road) · rear yard depth: 25 feet (accessory building in rear yard must be at least five feet from any property line)

    “A. Front yard depth - 25 feet. B. Side yard width - 10 feet, except that a side yard abutting a street or road shall be 25 feet. C. Rear yard depth - 25 feet. An accessory building may be located in a rear yard but shall be at least five feet from any property line.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lot-coverage limits where specified by Chapter 70 district rules.

    • The opened ordinance provides district-specific dimensional controls; no single countywide percentage was identified.

    I-2 principal and accessory building coverage: <= 50 percent of lot

    “The principal and accessory buildings may not occupy more than 50 percent of the lot.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building-height limits under Chapter 70 zoning districts.

    • Airport height limitations prevail where applicable.
    • Requirements vary by district.

    R-1 maximum building height: <= 35 feet (lower airport height requirement prevails) · R-2 maximum building height: <= 45 feet (lower airport height requirement prevails) · RE maximum building height: <= 50 feet (airport approach, clear-zone, or restricted-airspace rules may prevail)

    “Buildings and structures in the “R-1”Single-Family Residential District shall not exceed 35 feet in height. If said buildings or structures are to be located in an area regulated by airport height zoning, any lower height requirement of that airport height regulation shall prevail.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — R-1 Single-Family Residential District.
      “Buildings and structures in the “R-1”Single-Family Residential District shall not exceed 35 feet in height. If said buildings or structures are to be located in an area regulated by airport height zoning, any lower height requirement of that airport height regulation shall prevail.”
    • Specified — R-1, R-2, Commercial, Light Industrial, and Planned Unit Development districts under Chapter 70.
      “Buildings and structures in the “R-1”Single-Family Residential District shall not exceed 35 feet in height. If said buildings or structures are to be located in an area regulated by airport height zoning, any lower height requirement of that airport height regulation shall prevail.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    On-site wastewater treatment and septic permitting in Franklin County.

    • The county works with the local Board of Health on environmental-health topics.
    “Issue on site wastewater treatment permits (septic system permits)”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New structures requiring on-site wastewater treatment in Franklin County.

    • The County page states that a new structure may need a septic system permit; the requirement is therefore conditional on the project and wastewater arrangement.
    • The Environmental Health Department issues septic system permits.
    “In order to get a building permit for a new structure, you may need to get a Septic System Permit from the Environmental Health Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — On-site wastewater treatment systems and new structures requiring a septic system permit.
      “In order to get a building permit for a new structure, you may need to get a Septic System Permit from the Environmental Health Department.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Ornamental or agricultural-purpose windmills and wind generators under Chapter 70.

    • Ornamental windmills 12 feet or less, or windmills used in pumping water on land being used for an agricultural purpose, are exempt from the cited site-plan section.
    • Windmills or wind generators greater than 12 feet require a site plan with structure height, property dimensions, structure location, utility-line information, and surrounding structures.

    ornamental windmill height exemption threshold: <= 12 feet (Or windmills used in pumping water on land used for an agricultural purpose)

    “Except to the extent required to implement Section 335.2 of the Code of Iowa, no provisions adopted under this chapter applies to land, farmhouses, farm barns, farm outbuildings, or other buildings or structures which are primarily adopted, by reason of nature and area, for use for agricultural purposes, while so used. However, the provisions of this chapter may apply to any structure, building, dam, obstruction, deposit, or excavation in or on any floodplains of any river or stream.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision applications subject to Franklin County zoning administration.

    • The 2024 fee table includes preliminary plat review, final plat review, and waiver fees.
    • The reviewed Chapter 70 material does not provide the complete subdivision standards or exemptions.

    preliminary plat review fee: 225 USD (fee table states current fees per Board of Supervisors Resolution 2014-16) · final plat review fee: 275 USD (fee table states current fees per Board of Supervisors Resolution 2014-16) · waiver fee: 50 USD (fee table states current fees per Board of Supervisors Resolution 2014-16)

    “Subdivision Preliminary Plat Review $225.00 Final Plat Review $275.00 Waiver $50.00”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    County zoning-permit applications involving land subject to floodplain delineation.

    • A zoning-permit plot plan must include floodplain delineation.
    • The floodplain delineation must be approved by the County Engineer and Soil Conservation Director.
    • The county zoning page links a Flood FIRM Boundary Atlas identified as effective December 18, 2012.
    “The floodplain delineation shall be approved by the County Engineer and Soil Conservation Director.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development requiring a county zoning permit where the lot is in or may implicate a floodplain.
      “The floodplain delineation shall be approved by the County Engineer and Soil Conservation Director.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    The Franklin County Chapter 70 fee schedule for zoning board, planning commission, subdivision, building permit, agricultural-use, and floodplain-development-permit applications.

    • The zoning ordinance states that each Zoning Permit application must include a fee according to the Fee Schedule most recently approved by the Board.
    • The published table is identified as current fees per Board of Supervisors Resolution 2014-16.
    • Building permit fees vary by project value: $25 for $0.00-$7,500.00; $50 for $7,501.00-$25,000.00; $75 for $25,001.00-$50,000.00; $100 for $50,001.00-$100,000.00; $125 for $100,101.00-$250,000.00; $225 for $250,001.00-$500,000.00; and $325 for $500,001.00 and up.
    • Agricultural Use building permits are listed at $0.00.
    • Floodplain development permit fees vary by project value: $50 for $0.00-$25,000.00; $75 for $25,001.00-$50,000.00; $100 for $50,001.00-$100,000.00; $125 for $100,001.00-$250,000.00; $225 for $250,001.00-$500,000.00; and $325 for $500,001.00 and up.
    • The table also lists Zoning Board of Adjustment fees of $200.00 for appeals, variances, and conditional uses; Planning Commission fees of $250.00 for zoning changes and text amendments; subdivision fees of $225.00 for preliminary plat review, $275.00 for final plat review, and $50.00 for waivers.
    • For WECS applications, applications are filed with the County Planning and Zoning Department, and a Conditional Use Permit application is required for each individual wind turbine along with the applicable fee.

    zoning board appeal fee: 200 USD · zoning board variance fee: 200 USD · zoning board conditional use fee: 200 USD · planning commission zoning change fee: 250 USD · planning commission text amendment fee: 250 USD · preliminary plat review fee: 225 USD · final plat review fee: 275 USD · subdivision waiver fee: 50 USD · building permit fee for project value $0.00-$7,500.00: 25 USD · building permit fee for project value $7,501.00-$25,000.00: 50 USD · building permit fee for project value $25,001.00-$50,000.00: 75 USD · building permit fee for project value $50,001.00-$100,000.00: 100 USD · building permit fee for project value $100,101.00-$250,000.00: 125 USD · building permit fee for project value $250,001.00-$500,000.00: 225 USD · building permit fee for project value $500,001.00 and up: 325 USD · agricultural use building permit fee: 0 USD · floodplain development permit fee for project value $0.00-$25,000.00: 50 USD · floodplain development permit fee for project value $25,001.00-$50,000.00: 75 USD · floodplain development permit fee for project value $50,001.00-$100,000.00: 100 USD · floodplain development permit fee for project value $100,001.00-$250,000.00: 125 USD · floodplain development permit fee for project value $250,001.00-$500,000.00: 225 USD · floodplain development permit fee for project value $500,001.00 and up: 325 USD

    “C. Application Fees. The table below outlines the fee schedule for WECS project applications. Current Fees per Board of Supervisors Resolution 2014-16”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Zoning, variance, conditional-use, zoning-change, text-amendment, and subdivision applications under Chapter 70.
      “Current Fees per Board of Supervisors Resolution 2014-16 Zoning Board of Adjustment Appeal $200.00 Variance $200.00 Conditional Use $200.00 Planning Commission Zoning Change $250.00 Text Amendment $250.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning-permit applications and zoning administration.

    • Applications must be written, use county standard forms, and be filed with the Zoning Administrator.
    • A plot plan must show lot size, foundation dimensions, proposed front, side, and rear yard depths, accessory buildings, and floodplain delineation.
    • Floodplain delineation must be approved by the County Engineer and Soil Conservation Director.
    • The required fee is set by the most recently approved Board fee schedule.
    • A refusal may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment.
    “Each application for a Zoning Permit shall be in writing, on the standard forms of the County, and filed in the office of the Zoning Administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County zoning-permit process and county review of building permits/site plans.
      “Each application for a Zoning Permit shall be in writing, on the standard forms of the County, and filed in the office of the Zoning Administrator.”

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.”
  • 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.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum dwelling-size standards imposed by county zoning regulations on manufactured homes in Iowa.

    • County zoning under chapter 335 is optional and applies only where the county board of supervisors has adopted it.
    • The local standard must be the same standard applicable to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot.
    • The cited provision does not supply a statewide numeric minimum square-footage value.
    “However, a zoning ordinance or regulation shall require that a manufactured home be located and installed according to the same standards, including but not limited to a permanent foundation system, set-back, and minimum square footage, which would apply to a site-built, single family dwelling on the same lot, and shall require that the home is assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Placement and residential occupancy of manufactured homes under county zoning statewide in Iowa

    • A county may not disallow the proposed residential structure solely because it is a manufactured home.
    • The home must be located and installed under the same standards applicable to a site-built single-family dwelling on the same lot, including permanent foundation, setback, and minimum square footage standards.
    • The home must be assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.
    • A county may not require an incompatible perimeter foundation system and may not require more than one permanent foundation system.
    • Outside a manufactured home community or mobile home park, requirements may ensure visual compatibility of the permanent foundation system with surrounding residential structures.
    • Recorded restrictive covenants are not abrogated.
    • Counties may regulate transportation, water, sewerage, and other land development; the statute also bars width standards greater than twenty-four feet and certain design standards when federal standards are met.

    maximum mandated width standard: <= 24 feet (if the housing otherwise complies with 42 U.S.C. §5403)

    “A county shall not adopt or enforce zoning regulations or other ordinances which disallow the plans and specifications of a proposed residential structure solely because the proposed structure is a manufactured home. However, a zoning ordinance or regulation shall require that a manufactured home be located and installed according to the same standards, including but not limited to a permanent foundation system, set-back, and minimum square footage, which would apply to a site-built, single family dwelling on the same lot, and shall require that the home is assessed and taxed as a site-built dwelling.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    City regulation of accessory dwelling units statewide in Iowa, within a zoning district where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use

    • At least one accessory dwelling unit must be allowed on the same lot as a single-family residence.
    • The accessory dwelling unit must comply with applicable building regulations under chapter 103A.
    • The unit may not exceed 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the size of the single-family residence, whichever is larger; unfinished basements are excluded from the size calculation.
    • Historic-building-code restrictions, deed restrictions, and common-interest-community rules may limit or prohibit construction or use.
    • A manufactured or mobile home used as the accessory dwelling unit must be converted to real property by placement on a permanent foundation and assessed for real-estate taxes under section 435.26.
    • A historic-preservation area may regulate the unit to the extent the city or commission determines it incongruous and records its reasons.
    • Effective July 1, 2026.

    maximum accessory dwelling unit size: 1,000 square feet or 50% of the single-family residence, whichever is larger (unfinished basements excluded from the size calculation)

    “A city shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use, in accordance with the following conditions:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — County regulation of accessory dwelling units statewide in Iowa, within a zoning district where a single-family residence is an allowed principal use
      “A county shall allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a single family residence within a zoning district where a single family residence is an allowed principal use, in accordance with the following conditions:”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage disposal systems serving buildings with one through four dwelling units, before qualifying ownership transfers statewide.

    • Inspection is required before transfer of ownership, including seller-financed real estate contracts.
    • The county recorder may not record the deed or conveyance document without a certified inspector report, unless weather or temporary physical conditions prevent inspection and the buyer executes a binding acknowledgment.
    • The requirement applies to sale, exchange, real estate contract, or other purchase of real estate and improvements.
    • Exceptions include specified court-ordered, foreclosure-related, fiduciary, family, demolition, recently installed system, partition, tax-sale, low-consideration, and qualifying family-entity transfers.
    • The septic tank must be opened and pumped at inspection, unless evidence shows it was properly pumped within three years before inspection by a licensed commercial septic tank cleaner.
    • A failing system must be renovated; a properly treating system without an unsanitary condition need not meet current construction standards.
    • Only a department-certified inspector may conduct the inspection.
    • An inspection is valid for two years for ownership transfers during that period.

    dwelling units: 1-4 · inspection validity: 2 years (for ownership transfers during that period) · prior septic pumping evidence: <= 3 years (must be by a department-licensed commercial septic tank cleaner) · civil penalty for fraudulent report: 5000 USD (and certification suspension for one year)

    “If a building where a person resides, congregates, or is employed is served by a private sewage disposal system, the sewage disposal system serving the building shall be inspected prior to any transfer of ownership of the building.”
  • 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 — RV occupancy on private land in Franklin County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Franklin County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Franklin County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Franklin County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Required water or sewer connections for development in Franklin County.
2 more unanswered
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals

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 Franklin County, Iowa

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

Franklin County scores 51/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 12,130 people within a 30-minute drive. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (36.3″/yr rainfall).

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

Franklin County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Franklin County Environmental Health Department / Franklin County Board of Health. 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 Franklin County, Iowa?

Land in Franklin County runs about $10,718 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Franklin County?

Franklin County gets about 36.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 12.6% of years.

How remote is Franklin County?

A representative private-land location has about 12,130 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,677,559 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 Franklin compares in Iowa

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