Building Inspection

According to the City of Waterloo an “Occupancy Permit” is required before a person or family moves into a rental unit within the city limits of Waterloo. This rental must have passed inspection and have been issued a “conditional” permit before an “Occupancy Permit” can be issued.

The owner/agent of the unit must obtain the “Occupancy Permit” before the unit can be occupied.

There is a $75.00 fee for each “Occupancy Permit” issued by the city, which is valid as long as the person(s) listed on the permit continue(s) to occupy the premises. If there is a change in the number of people residing in the residence, this information needs to be provided to the City so the “Occupancy Permit” can be updated.

The “Occupancy Permit” must be applied for in person at Waterloo City Hall.

The City can refuse, deny or revoke the issuance of an occupancy permit for several reasons including, but not limited to the following:

1. The housing unit having been inspected and found to be in violation of the minimum health and safety standards.
2. Failure of the tenant to obtain documentation from owner regarding authority to occupy housing unit.
3. Housing unit too small for number of occupants listed or residing therein.

Further more; an “Occupancy Permit” shall be invalid if the occupancy is not commenced within six (6) months after the issuance of the permit or if the occupancy is terminated.

The owner or the owner’s agent must come to City Hall, pay for the inspection and set a date to have the unit inspected. The fee is for up to two (2) inspections, additional inspections: The cost of the inspection, which is conducted by the Building Inspector/Code Administrator, is $75.00 this must be paid in advance to the date of the inspection. This amount includes the cost of the Inspection, Occupancy Permit and up to two inspections, if needed. Additional inspection will be charged $50.00 each.

Before a rental unit can be legally occupied, all violations/deficiencies found must be corrected (unless a conditional permit is issued) and a reinspection conducted. Once the rental unit is found to meet the requirements, a “Certificate of Inspection and Compliance” is issued. At that point an owner/agent can receive a” Occupancy Permit” and the unit may be rented.

The Code Administrator will be enforcing the  Property Maintenance Code throughout the community. The Code does provide for penalty provisions to ensure that compliance is achieved. Any owner or occupier of any premises violating the code shall be subject to a fine of up to $750.00 per day. Each day the violation exists constitutes a separate offense.