Building permits are required for any dimensional exterior change on existing structures, garages, decks, storage buildings and all new structures. If you are unsure of the need of a building permit, contact the LPA office.

Construction Inspection is now required (2008) on all new homes, additions, accessory structures such as decks, enclosed porches, or detached garages within 6 feet of a residence. The current list of inspectors qualified to do inspection at Lake Panorama is available at the office. The LPA does not recommend inspectors.

All building plans requesting variances or deviating from design requirements must submit plans to the LPA office before the 1st Monday of the Month in order to assure consideration during the month, as they will be referred to the Planning and Building Committee, before a permit can be issued.

Survey, showing elevations by licensed surveyor, under the laws of the State of Iowa and a signed certificate for the same is required for a new home permit and additions. Lot pins must be located and match survey documents.

Site plan, to scale, showing lot measurements and position of structure on lot with distances to all lot lines must be submitted with the application. Overhang is included in set back requirements. Water, electrical, cablevision and telephone must be added to the site plan following installation and prior to final inspection.

Construction Documents approved by an approved building inspector, complete detailed set, to scale, showing exterior elevations, floor plans, foundation plans, building cross sections and mechanical and electrical details must all be shown at a minimum scale of 1/8 th inch to 1 foot scale complete with dimensions and details. These plans must be approved by a qualified inspector before a permit will be issued.

Design Requirements, Minimum 42" frost footings, minimum 3 roof planes, minimum roof pitch of 6/12, minimum roof overhang of 12" excluding gutters, minimum 8' interior wall height and exterior to be specified. Incorporating a steel transport frame as part of the floor system will not be permitted.

Silt fence and other Erosion Control practices, must be installed as per Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS), whenever a possibility of run-off exists and must be done according to a required erosion control plan that will be part of the building permit or land disturbing permit as required. Drives must be rocked before construction. Any possibility of silt movement from site must be planned for.

Riprapping, must be in place and approved.

Sewage permit, must be obtained from the Guthrie County Sanitarian following your perk test. (641-747-8320)

County building permit, must be obtained from the Guthrie County Assessor. (641-747-3319)

Electricity, for temporary service, contact Guthrie County REC. (641-747-2206)

Telephone and Cablevision, Panora Coop Telephone Association (641-755-2424) or Prairie Telephone Co. (800-522-1957) Natural gas, Mid-American Energy Company (800-622-1003)

Fence Plans Must abide by the architectural guidelines and require a permit. A detailed guideline is available from the office. Applications for variances must go to the building codes committee.

Water, service to your lot line is provided by LPA. From curb stop to the structure will be installed you your contractor. Copper or schedule 40 plastic should be ¾" pipe a minimum of 5 foot deep. A ¾" gate valve must be installed inside in a horizontal position to enable meter placement. A pressure regulator is required. Yard hydrants must be connected to the house meter.

Soil testing, is recommended due to possible shifting of soil strata. A soil engineer should do testing, following excavation, prior to digging of placement of footings.

Square footage minimums, All lot classifications must have a minimum square footage of 1200 on the main floor and above.

Setback requirements, 50' from lake (1045 elevation), 35' from the front lot pins, 10' from side lots and 20' from rear lots lines.

6 months completion, all building exteriors must be completed within 6 months of permit issuance.

Permanent or Cantilever docks require permits. These must meet regulations. A DNR permit must be applied for as well.