Preliminary Approvals may be necessary as the first step in the development process, depending on the size, complexity or zoning of a proposed project.

Preliminary Approvals are organized below by review entity.

Plan and Zoning Commission

• Rezoning Applications
• Final Development Plans
• Right-of-Way Vacations 
• Annexations

Zoning Board of Adjustment

• Hardship Variances
• Special Use Permits 
• Special Exceptions 
• Appeal to an Administrative Decision

Design Review Board

• Certificate of Design Approval in Design Districts
• Demolition of Building in Downtown

Historic Preservation Commission

• Certificate of Appropriateness
• Local Landmark Nomination
• Demolition of a Historic Building

Staff Level Approval

• Flood Plain Development Permit

You can find applications for the appropriate approvals on our applications and forms page. 

Activities include new subdivisions and constructing related infrastructure. 

Please contact Community Planning and Economic Development staff at 563.326.7765 or [email protected] so we can help you determine what must be submitted. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

1. Complete and submit plans via E Plan.
2. Staff review and developer communication.
3. Plan and Zoning Commission considers the proposed plat and provides its recommendation to the City Council.
4. The City Council considers the proposed plat and commission recommendation, and votes on the request.
5. Upon approval, developer records the plat.
6. Developer proceeds with proposed development based on the type of project submission and review process identified in the tabs below.

Activities include work by homeowners and contractors on one or two family homes. Examples include: new construction, additions, remodels, garages, decks, pools, fireplaces, windows, siding, and roofing, as well as electrical, plumbing and mechanical upgrades.

1. Obtain Preliminary Approvals if applicable; zoning, historic, hardship variance, floodplain, etc. are involved.  Find out if preliminary approvals will be required using the property lookup on the Building and Land Development main page or by calling our Building Department at 563.326.7745.
2. Complete the appropriate permit application(s). Most work completed by a homeowner will require a general building permit. There are specific additional permit requirements for work involving electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. There are additional permit requirements for work that disturbs land, new construction and additions. Page 2 of the building permit provides detail on these requirements. For more information on what work requires a permit, click here.
3. Submit permit applications by bringing the completed building permit application form(s), plans and associated documents to the Building Department at Public Works. Payment is required at the time of plan submission; the City accepts cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.
4. Receive approval, or adjust plans as necessary to meet regulatory requirements, and obtain required permits before starting the work. Often homeowner permits can be issued at the time of submission.
5. Remember to call for the appropriate inspections as the work is completed. 

Questions may be directed to our Building Department at 563.326.7745.  

Our Building Department is located at the Davenport Public Works Center, 1200 E 46th St, Davenport, IA 52807.

Activities include new construction and redevelopment of properties that require site work.

1. Obtain the Preliminary Approvals, if applicable.
2. Submit plans for review via E Plan.
3. Project review, correspondence, approval and payment all take place within E Plan.
4. Upon approval, applicant notified of next steps, permit and inspection requirements.

Activities include interior renovations and alterations to the exterior of the building without site work.

1. Obtain the Preliminary Approvals, if applicable.
2. Submit plans for review via E Plan.
3. Project review, correspondence, approval and payment all take place within E Plan.
4. Upon approval, applicant notified of next steps, permit and inspection requirements.

New Development

Plans for sanitary sewers, storm sewers and paving associated with new development, and intended to become city-owned infrastructure, shall be submitted for review and approval along with all other necessary documents required for projects that involve site work.  See the Multi-family, Commercial, Industrial Development with Site Work tab above. 

All municipally owned services must lie within the right-of-way or have an easement dedicated with its use specified.

Existing Infrastructure (Streets, Sewers, Sidewalks, Driveway Approaches)

All repair work and new construction in the city right-of-way must be in accordance with city standard specifications.  An approved permit application, with completed bond, and inspections are required. Find links to applicable permit applications below.

• Excavation
• Sidewalk/Driveway
• Sewer Lateral Grant Program

Activities include new and replacement signs and billboards; both, freestanding or building mounted.

Refer to City Code Chapter 17.12 and the Sign Permit Application for information on regulatory and application requirements.

1. Obtain the Preliminary Approvals, if applicable.
2. Submit plans for review via E Plan.
3. Project review, correspondence, approval and payment all take place within E Plan.
4. Upon approval, applicant notified of next steps, permit and inspection requirements.

This includes new or replacement wireless communication towers and antennas on private property.

1. Obtain the Preliminary Approvals, if applicable.
2. Submit plans for review via E Plan.
3. Project review, correspondence, approval and payment all take place within E Plan.
4. Upon approval, applicant notified of next steps, permit and inspection requirements.

This includes new or replacement wireless communication towers and antennas on City Owned Property.

1. Obtain the Preliminary Approvals, if applicable.
2. Submit plans for review via E Plan.
3. Project review, correspondence, approval and payment all take place within E Plan.
4. Upon approval, applicant notified of next steps, permit and inspection requirements.