Iowa

Residential

Iowa’s mandatory residential code is the 2009 IECC. A city may choose not to adopt a building code. However, the energy code applies statewide regardless of local adoption.

During the 2008 legislative session, a bill was passed that increased the scope of the state energy code, which now applies to all building construction projects intended for human occupancy -- except for renovation and remodeling of one and two family residences.

Commercial

Iowa’s mandatory commercial code is the 2009 IECC which references ASHRAE 90.1-2007.

Buildings that exceed 100,000 cubic feet of conditioned space are required to meet the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 or more stringent standard and must be reviewed and approved by a licensed architect or engineer.

 

Iowa follows a triennial code review cycle. The most recent code update was January 2010, corresponding with the publication of the IECC.  Written requests for changes to the state energy code may be submitted to the Iowa Building Code Bureau. All suggested code revisions are processed through the state administrative rule-making process including publication, public comments, and public hearings. 

The State Building Code Commissioner, in conjunction with the State's Building Code Advisory Council, adopts rules and hold public hearings on proposed rules. Rules and amendments must be formulated in accordance with Iowa Code sections 103A.7, 103A.11, and 103A.14(3) and submitted for approval as required by Iowa Code Chapter 17A.

Residential

Iowa law requires cities over 15,000 in population to adopt and enforce either a nationally recognized model building code or the state building code. Local jurisdictions are not required to enforce the new expanded scope of the state energy code (see above) unless they already have an enforcement mechanism in place.

For one- and two-family dwellings, the local utility company must obtain a written statement/certification from the builder or homeowner attesting to their compliance with the state energy code.

No special inspections are required to demonstrate energy compliance except those done in conjunction with customary local department building inspections.

REScheck may be used to show compliance

Commercial

Commercial construction that falls within the jurisdiction of the State Building Code is generally subject to plan review and inspection by the State Building Code Bureau.

COMcheck may be used to demonstrate compliance.

 

Amendments were adopted that updated various provisions (Chapter 300, 301, and 303) of the State Building Code in early 2008. Rule changes went into effect on January 1st, 2009. Some of the changes include stricter enforcement of two provisions in the Iowa State Building Code - energy reviews and life cycle cost analysis. 

Iowa Code Chapter 103A allows local jurisdictions to adopt other building codes -- or no building code at all. However, it also establishes that certain portions of the State of Iowa Building Code, including energy conservation requirements, apply to construction statewide (local jurisdictions are allowed to adopt the latest edition of a nationally-recognized energy code in lieu of the requirements in the State Building Code).

Thirty-four Iowa Mayors have signed The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement (see below) which provides climate milestones.