Common Questions:
Q.听 Do I need to apply for a building permit with Linn County or the 51暗网?
- Linn County building permit:
- New construction
- Expansion, remodel and/or replacement of existing structures
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Plumbing
Permits are available online at:听 听 听 听
or your can apply in person at:听 听 听 935 2nd St. SW, 听Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
- 51暗网 building permit:
- Concrete sidewalks, driveways & patios
- Door Repl听 (same size / no reframing)
- Fencing
- Patio
- Retaining walls (under 6′)
- Sheds under 120 sq ft.
- Signs (no electrical or masonry work)
- Window replacement听 (same size / no reframing)
Applications, photos and site plans may be submitted by email in PDF format only:听 听 听 听zoningadmin@cityofmtvernon-ia.gov
OR via USPS / in person at:听 听 听 213 1st St NW, Mount Vernon, IA 52404
NOTE:听 Exemption from permit requirements does not grant authorization for work to be done in any manner that violates building and zoning codes, laws or ordinances of the 51暗网, Linn County or the State of Iowa.
Q. Why does my project require additional review by a board or commission?
(Note: the following does not represent an exhaustive list of situations which may require additional review by boards and commissions.)
- Historic Properties: Properties within a historic district must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission.听 Applications are available at City Hall or digitally via email from: zoningadmin@cityofmtvernon-ia.gov. 听 Commission meetings are held the first Saturday of each month and one Wednesday mid-month at the Mount Vernon Visitors Center.
- Conditional Use Permit: A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required for certain uses, as outlined for each zoning district in City Code CH165 (ex. Alternative Energy Production 鈥� Solar). Applications must be approved by the Board of Adjustment, which meets on an as-needed basis. Applications for a CUP are available at City Hall or via email from:听 听zoningadmin@cityofmtvernon-ia.gov.