1.   Building Permit. No buildings shall hereafter be erected, reconstructed, or structurally altered, nor shall any work be started upon same until a building permit for same has been issued by the Administrative Officer. Said permit shall state that the proposed structure complies with all provisions of the Zoning Code. A permit shall be required for all external alterations on existing buildings and structures that enlarge the perimeter or area of the building or structure or alter the number or size of windows or doors. Roofing, siding, window replacement, and other general improvements which do not alter the openings of a building or structure shall not require a permit. An exception to this is metal roofing. A permit is required if the applicant is either converting an existing roof or installing a new metal roof on a house, garage, or accessory building. The materials used must be approved by the Administrative Officer. All metal roofing except galvanized barn-tin with “wave” corrugation is allowed in commercial and industrial zoning. Exposed fasteners are allowed only if they are the same color as the metal roofing. Permits are valid for one year following issuance for one- and two-family dwellings and 18 months for multi-family, commercial, and industrial structures. Upon expiration of the permit, the applicant may purchase a one-time, three-month extension on the permit for a fee established by resolution of the City Council. Constructing or beginning construction without a permit is a violation of this Code of Ordinances, and is subject to prosecution. Minimally the offender will be required to pay twice the regular fee for a building permit.

   2.   Application Contents. Contents of building permit applications shall be established by resolution of the Council.

   3.   Posting. All building permits issued under this chapter shall be posted by the applicant in a conspicuous place on the lot site where construction is to take place.

   4.   Fees. The Administrative Officer is directed to issue permits, under the Zoning Ordinance, for the construction, reconstruction, or alteration of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings, and to charge fees for the same in such amounts as may be established from time to time by resolution of the Council. Such fees shall be credited to the General Fund of the City. Building permits shall be issued without charge, however, to:

      A.   The United States Government or any political subdivision thereof.

      B.   The State of Iowa or any political subdivision thereof.

      C.   Any religious group for the construction of a church or parochial school.