Metal buildings in Iowa.
Carports, garages, RV covers and machine sheds for Iowa properties. Here’s what to check for permits, farm buildings, frozen ground and spring road limits before you order.
Your Iowa questions, answered.
Do you deliver anywhere in Iowa?
Yes. Our coverage includes the whole state.
Do I need a permit?
Inside city limits, check with the city. Outside cities, it depends on the county: some have zoning and building permits for rural property and some do not. Floodplain rules can apply either way. Call the county zoning office before preparing the site.
Is a farm building exempt?
Usually from county zoning, yes. Iowa law says county zoning does not apply to barns, outbuildings and other structures mainly used for farming, and the county cannot charge a fee to recognize that. Buildings in a floodplain are the exception. A garage for the house is not a farm building.
Can a truck reach my place in spring?
Maybe not right away. Iowa law lets counties and cities restrict truck weights on their roads for up to 90 days a year when thaw or wet weather would damage them, and many counties post these embargoes in spring. A loaded delivery truck may have to wait until they lift. If your only route is a county road, tell us, and check the county engineer’s road postings before you pick a date.
What snow load and frost depth should I plan for?
Where there is a building office, ask for the ground snow load and frost depth at your address. Frost depth decides how deep footings go for a slab or foundation. Tell us where snow drifts on your property.
How do delivery and installation work?
We review your building, location and site details before confirming timing. You prepare a level site and arrange required local approvals. Field lanes, gates, soft ground and overhead wires near the building spot can make delivery harder. A quote request does not reserve an installation date.
Do I need to call 811 before installation?
Yes. Contact Iowa One Call at least two working days before work starts. Tell them where the building will sit and that ground anchors will be installed. Marks are good for 25 calendar days.
Lines you own, such as power to a machine shed or a farm tile line, are not marked through 811.
How much wind should my building handle?
Ask your building office for the design wind speed if you have one. Iowa sees tornadoes and straight-line windstorms, and open farm sites take more wind than sheltered lots. Tell us how exposed the building spot is.
Useful Iowa resources
- Iowa One Call ↗
Request utility markings before site work.
- Iowa farm exemption ↗
State law on county zoning for farm buildings.
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center ↗
Check the flood zone for the building location.