Building Division
Welcome to the Building Division of Missouri Valley. We handle building permits, inspections, code enforcement and rental housing registration
223 East Erie Street
Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555
Building Official: John Harrison
Mobile: (402) 510-4372
City Hall: (712) 642-3502
Email the Building Department: CLICK HERE
Do I Need to Register a Rental Property?
YES - You must register if:
- You own a property that is occupied by someone who is not the owner
- The occupant has the right to live in the unit (rent or other agreement)
- The property is used as a long-term residence
Rental Housing Program
The City of Missouri Valley has established a rental housing inspection program to ensure that residential rental properties meet minimum safety and maintenance standards. The program is designed to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of residents through periodic and complaint-based inspections.
Registration Requirements
"Registration is required prior to occupancy or rental of the unit"
All rental property owners are required to register each rental unit with the City. Registration includes a permit and inspection and is valid for 3 years.
Registration Fees:
- Single - Family Units: $100
- Multi Family Units: $60
Inspections:
Rental inspections are conducted to identify unsafe conditions and code violations. Inspections may be performed on a complaint basis or as part of the registration process. Property owners are responsible for correcting any violations within the required timeframe.
Additional Fees
Late Registration
A property is considered unregistered if it is not registered within 30 days after notice is provided. Failure to register beyond 90 days may result in a municipal infraction.
- Failure to Register: $150 per unit
Re-Inspection Fees
If a property fails inspection, a re-inspection is required.
- First re-inspection: No charge (if corrected on time)
- Additional re-inspections: $50 per unit
- Missed Inspection Appointment: $50
Is it a Rental Property?
Most rental situations are straightforward; however, some living arrangements may require further review. The City uses guidance from Iowa Code Chapter 562A to determine whether a property is considered a rental.
A property is considered a rental if all of the following apply:
- The occupant does not own the property and has the right to live there
- The occupancy is not temporary or transient in nature
- There is an agreement (written or verbal) between the owner and occupant
- Living arrangements involving services, utilities, or other benefits may still be considered rental agreements
- Family relationships do not exempt a property from the rental program
- Vacant properties not available for rent are not required to be registered until they are offered for occupancy
Fees
Forms and Procedures
CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION
Contractors working in Missouri Valley need to be registered with the Iowa Department of Labor and have a valid Contractor Registration with the City.
PERMIT APPLICATIONS
"Applications must be completed in full. Incomplete applications will not be processed"