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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: 2006 IECC mandatory statewide. Can use REScheck to show compliance.
  • Commercial Code: 2006 IECC, referencing ASHRAE 90.1-2004. Can use COMcheck to show compliance.
  • 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 was on January 1, 2007.
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Regulatory

Code Change Process: 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.

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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 2005, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 238.6 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 185.2 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 423.8 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
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Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

 

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