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Code Status: Iowa

This page contains information about current energy codes in the state of Iowa. Information for all 50 States is also available. Iowa Code News.

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: The Iowa State Energy Code is based on the 2009 IECC, which is mandatory statewide. REScheck can be used to show compliance. (Builders may choose to comply with the 2006 IECC until April 1, 2010)
  • Commercial Code: The Iowa State Energy Code is based on the 2009 IECC (referencing ASHRAE 90.1-2007), which is mandatory statewide. COMcheck can be used to show compliance. (Builders may choose to comply with the 2006 IECC until April 1, 2010)
  • Code Change Cycle: The state energy code is reviewed on a three-year code cycle corresponding to publication of the IECC. Written requests for changes to the state energy code can be submitted to the state Building Code Bureau. All suggested code revisions are processed through the state administrative rule-making process involving publication, public comments, and public hearings. The latest code update became effective January 1, 2010.
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Regulatory

Code Change Process: The Iowa State Energy Code (661 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 303) applies to all commercial construction, whether new construction or construction work on existing buildings. These requirements also apply to all new construction of one and two family residences in ths state, but not to renovation or remodeling of one and two family residences.

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

Iowa Code Chapter 103A affords local jurisdictions discretion 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 editon of a nationally-recognized energy code in lieu of the requirements in the State Building Code).

State Code History: In 1972 the General Assembly of the state of Iowa passed House File 6, an Act to institute an Iowa building code to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. House File 6 became known as Iowa Code Chapter 103A. The first energy code was established in 1978, based on the National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards Model Code for Energy Conservation. Since that time, the Iowa building code has been updated based on the latest edition of the MEC and its successor code, the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

On October 21, 2009, the Iowa Building Code Advisory Council, after previously issuing a notice of intended action (NIA), approved the adoption of several amendments to the State Building Code, including the adoption of the 2009 IECC effective January 1, 2010 (with a three month transition period during which the previous code, the 2006 IECC, may still be used). Residential sprinkler requirements have been pushed back until January 1, 2013.

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Energy Consumption Estimates

The consumption estimates below are derived from the total end use of residential and commercial energy consumption in the United States in 2006, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 219.8 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 186.5 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 406.3 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 2,926,324
  • Total Housing Units2: 1,257,184
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 16,192
    • 1 unit: 12,608
    • 2 units: 412
    • 3 and 4 units: 315
    • 5+ units: 2,857
    • structures of 5+ units: 188

References:

  1. http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t2/tab01.xls
  2. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/housing/sthuhh1.txt
  3. http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table2/20k_t2yu200412.txt

Green Building Initiatives

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Code Funding Opportunities

There are two funding opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA): Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants and State Energy Program. Please reference the U.S. Department of Energy for Iowa's allocated amount and updated information. 

Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

Roya Stanley
Director
Iowa Office of Energy Independence
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Tel: (515) 281-0187
Email: Roya.Stanley@iowa.gov

Monica Stone
Policy and Communications Division
Iowa Office of Energy Independence
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Tel: (515) 725-0436
Email: Monica.Stone@iowa.gov

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