Chapter 155: Building Codes

§ 155.03 Amendments To The International Building Code And The International Residential Code

The text in force on May 21, 2019, and every version since 2010.

Unofficial compilation built from the City's published 2010 Code chapters and the text of adopted ordinances. Effective dates are inferred from adoption records; scanned chapters were OCR'd. The City of Tiffin's adopted Code of Ordinances governs. Not legal advice.

Back to today

155.03 AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE AND THE INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

Certain sections, and portions of sections, of the International Building Code, 2018 Edition (hereinafter IBC) and the International Residential Code for One-and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018 Edition (hereinafter IRC), are modified as set forth in this section.

1. Delete the following Sections from Chapter One of the IBC and IRC and insert in lieu thereof the following:

101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of Tiffin, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

101.4 Referenced codes.

The other codes listed in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.7 and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

101.4.1 Electrical.

The provisions of the Electrical Code adopted by the State of Iowa Electrical Board shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and appurtenances thereto.

101.4.2 Gas.

The provisions of the Iowa State Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances, and related accessories as covered in this code. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories.

101.4.3 Mechanical.

The provisions of the Iowa State Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs, and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators, and other energy-related systems.

101.4.4 Plumbing.

The provisions of the Iowa State Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair, and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system. The provisions of the International Private Sewage Disposal Code shall apply to private sewage disposal systems.

101.4.5 Property maintenance.

The provisions of the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code shall apply to existing structures and premises; equipment and facilities; light, ventilation, space heating, sanitation, life and fire safety hazards; responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants; and occupancy of existing premises and structures.

101.4.6 Fire prevention.

The provisions of the 2018 International Fire Code and as amended in this Chapter shall apply to matters affecting or relating to structures, processes and premises from the hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; from conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and from the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.

101.4.7 Energy.

The provisions of the State of Iowa Energy Conservation Code shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency. 105.1 Required.

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

105.1.1 Issuance of permits.

No permit shall be issued to an individual who does not have a valid license to perform such work.

105.1.2 Licenses required.

a) State of Iowa electrical contractor license with a class A master electrician for all electrical work defined by the State of Iowa contractor licensing program.

b) State of Iowa master license for hydronic, mechanical, medical gas and plumbing work defined by State of Iowa contractor licensing program.

c) National Institute for certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III for any person designing water based fire protection system.

d) National Institute for certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III for any person designing fire alarm system.

e) City of Tiffin sewer & water installer license.

110.3 Required inspections.

The building official, upon notification, shall make the inspections set forth in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.10.

110.3.1 Footing and foundation inspection.

Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any required forms shall be in place prior to inspection. Materials for the foundation shall be on the job, except where concrete is ready mixed in accordance with ASTM C 94, the concrete need not be on the job.

110.3.2 Concrete slab and under-floor inspection.

Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be made after in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories and other ancillary equipment items are in place, but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed, including the subfloor.

110.3.3 Lowest floor elevation.

In flood hazard areas, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation certification required in Section 1612.5 shall be submitted to the building official.

110.3.4 Frame inspection.

Framing inspections shall be made after the roof deck or sheathing, all framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved. 110.3.5 Fire-resistant penetrations.

Protection of joints and penetrations in fire resistance-rated assemblies shall not be concealed from view until inspected and approved.

110.3.6 Other inspections.

In addition to the inspections specified above, the building official is authorized to make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other laws that are enforced by the Department of Building Safety.

110.3.7 Special inspections.

For special inspections, see Section 1704.

110.3.8 Final inspection.

The final inspection shall be made after all work required by the building permit is completed.

Delete the following Sections from Chapter One of the IRC and insert in lieu thereof the following:

R101.1 Title.

These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code for One-and Two-Family Dwellings of Tiffin, and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as is “this code”.

R105.1 Required.

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

R105.1.1 Issuance of permits.

No permit shall be issued to an individual who does not have a valid license to perform such work, except for state’s exemption for a homeowner that qualifies for a Homestead Tax Exemption.

R105.1.2 Licenses required.

a) State of Iowa electrical contractor license with a class A master electrician for all electrical work defined by the State of Iowa contractor licensing program.

b) State of Iowa master license for hydronic, mechanical, medical gas and plumbing work defined by State of Iowa contractor licensing program.

c) National Institute for certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III for any person designing water based fire protection system.

d) National Institute for certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III for any person designing fire alarm system.

e) City of Tiffin sewer & water installer license.

R105.2 Work exempt from permit.

Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2).

2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.

3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.

4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.

5. Sidewalks and driveways.

6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.

8. Swings and other playground equipment.

9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

10. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.

11. Reapplication of shingles and roof sheathing provided less than 50% of the sheathing is replaced and other structural alterations are not required.

12. Reapplication of siding.

13. Window replacement provided window opening sizes are not altered and conforming rescue and escape windows are present in all sleeping rooms.

Electrical: Repairs and maintenance: A permit shall not be required for minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

Gas:

1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.

2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

3. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Mechanical:

1. Portable heating appliances.

2. Portable ventilation appliances.

3. Portable cooling units.

4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.

5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

6. Portable evaporative coolers.

7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.

8. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Plumbing:

1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.

2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

R105.5 Amend Sections 105.5 and 105.5R by adding the following sentence to the end of the section:

In no case shall the permit be effective unless the work covered by the permit has a documented inspection every 180 days minimum and is completed within 24 months of the date on which the original permit was issued.

8. Modify the following Sections from Chapter Three of the IRC and inserting the following:

R301.2 Climatic and geographic design criteria.

Buildings shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of this code as limited by the provisions of this section. Additional criteria shall be established by the local jurisdiction and set forth in Table R301.2 (1).

<table> <tr> <th rowspan="2">Ground Snow Load</th> <th rowspan="2">Wind Speed MPH</th> <th rowspan="2">Seismic Design Category</th> <th colspan="5">Subject To Damage From</th> <th rowspan="2">Ice Shield Underlayment Required</th> <th rowspan="2">Flood Hazards</th> <th rowspan="2">Air Freezing Index</th> <th rowspan="2">Mean Annual Temp</th> </tr> <tr> <th>Frost Line Depth</th> <th>Weathering</th> <th>Termite</th> <th>Decay</th> <th>Winter Design Temp</th> </tr> <tr> <td>25</td> <td>115</td> <td>A</td> <td>Severe</td> <td>42"</td> <td>M – H</td> <td>S – M</td> <td>-5° F</td> <td>Yes</td> <td>2/16/07</td> <td>2000</td> <td>50 F</td> </tr> </table>

Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria

MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIA

<table> <tr> <th>Elevation</th> <th>Latitude</th> <th>Winter Heating</th> <th>Summer Cooling</th> <th>Altitude Correction Factor</th> <th>Indoor Design Temperature</th> <th>Design Temperature Cooling</th> <th>Heating Temperature Difference</th> </tr> <tr> <td>661'</td> <td>41</td> <td>-6</td> <td>89</td> <td>N/A</td> <td>72</td> <td>75</td> <td>78</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Cooling Temperature Differences</td> <td>Wind Velocity Heating</td> <td>Wind Velocity Cooling</td> <td>Coincident Wet Bulb</td> <td>Daily Range</td> <td>Winter Humidity</td> <td>Summer Humidity</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>14</td> <td>25</td> <td>10</td> <td>76</td> <td>M</td> <td>39 gr/lb diff</td> <td>53 gr/lb diff</td> <td></td> </tr> </table> R302.5.1. Opening protection. Openings from a private garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted. Other openings between the garage and the residence shall be equipped with solid wood doors not less than 1 3/8 inches (35mm) in thickness, solid or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 1 3/8 inches (35mm) thick, or 20-minute fire-rated doors.

R302.2.13: Delete Section R302.13 of the IRC in its entirety.

R312.2: Delete Section R312.2 of the IRC in its entirety.

R313: Delete Section R313 of the IRC in its entirety.

R314.4 Amend Section R314.4 in the IRC by adding an exception as follows:

Exception: Interconnection of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where alterations or repairs do not result in removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space, or basement available that could provide access for interconnection with removal of the interior finish.

R404.1.3.2: Amend Section R404.1.3.2 by adding table R404.1.2.10. (see below)

<table> <tr> <th>Wall</th> <th>Vertical Reinforcement Bar Size and Spacing</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Less than 6 feet</td> <td>NSR</td> </tr> <tr> <td>6ft-8ft</td> <td>#4 @ 32” o.c.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>9ft-10ft</td> <td>#4 @ 10” o.c. #5 @16” o.c. #6 @22” o.c.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Greater than 10ft</td> <td>Design Required</td> </tr> </table>

Table 404.1.2.10 Minimum Vertical Reinforcement for 8 inch Thick Concrete Wall

1015.8: Delete Section 1015.8 of the IBC in its entirety R317.1 Location required.

Chapter 11: Delete Chapter 11 of the IRC in its entirety and insert in lieu thereof the following: Chapter 11 Energy Efficiency, Section N1101. Energy efficiency for the design and construction of buildings regulated by this code shall be as required by chapter 661-303 of the Iowa Administrative Code.

Chapter 11: Delete Chapter 11 of the IBC in its entirety and insert in lieu thereof the following: Chapter 11 Accessibility, Section 1101. Buildings or portions of buildings shall be accessible to persons with disabilities as required by 661-302 of the Iowa Administrative Code.

Part V: Mechanical, Chapter 12 through 23 of the IRC: Delete Part V Mechanical, Chapters 12 through 23 of the International Residential Code in its entirety. Mechanical systems shall comply with the Iowa State Mechanical Code. Administrative Provisions in chapter 1 of this code as amended.

Chapter 13: Delete Chapter 13 of the IBC in its entirety and insert in lieu thereof the following: Chapter 13 Energy Efficiency, Section N1101. Energy efficiency for the design and construction of buildings regulated by this code shall be as required by chapter 661-303 of the Iowa Administrative Code.

Section 1402.6 and 1402.7: Delete Sections 1402.6 and 1402.7 of the IBC and insert the following: 1403.6 Flood –Resistant Construction. See Floodplain Management Ordinance within the City of Tiffin Code of Ordinance. Section 1612: Delete Section 1612 of the IBC and insert in lieu thereof the following: 1612 Flood Resistant Construction: See Flood plain Management Ordinance within the City of Tiffin Code of Ordinance.

Section G2406.2 (303.3) of the IRC. Prohibited locations of the IRC. Modify by deleting exceptions 3 and 4.

Part VII Plumbing, Chapters 25 through 33 inclusive of the IRC. Delete Party VII Plumbing Chapters 25 through 33 inclusive of the IRC and Insert the following: Part VII Plumbing, Chapter 25, Section 2501 GENERAL., P2501.1 Scope. Plumbing systems shall comply with the Iowa State Plumbing Code. Administrative Provisions. The Plumbing Code shall be administered in accordance with administrative provisions in chapter 1 of this code as amended.

Chapter 27 of the IBC. Delete Sections 2701 General Code of IBC and insert the following: Section 2701 GENERAL, Sections 2701.1 Scope. Electrical systems shall comply with the Iowa State Electrical Code. Section 2701.2 Administrative Provisions. The Electrical Code shall be administered in accordance with administrative provisions in chapter 1 of this code as amended and Appendix K as amended.

Chapter 28 of the IBC. Delete chapter 28 of the IBC and insert the following: Chapter 28 Mechanical Systems. Section 2801.1 Scope. Mechanical systems shall comply with the Iowa State Mechanical Code. Administrative Provisions in chapter 1 of this code as amended.

Chapter 29 of the IBC Delete Chapter 29 of the IBC and insert the following: Chapter 29 Plumbing Systems Section 2901.1 Scope. Plumbing systems shall comply with the Iowa State Plumbing Code. Administrative Provisions. The Plumbing Code shall be administered in accordance with administrative provisions in chapter 1 of this code as amended.

Part VIII Electrical: Chapters 37 through 43 inclusive of the IRC. Delete Part VIII Electrical Chapters 34-43 inclusive of the IRC and insert the following: Part VIII electrical, Chapter 34. Section E3401 GENERAL. E3401.1 Applicability. Electrical systems shall comply with the Iowa State Electrical Code.

Appendix K of the IBC. Section K103.2 of the IBC. Work exempt from permit. Delete Section K103.2 in the IBC and insert in lieu thereof the following: Section K103.2 Work exempt from permit. See section 105.2 in both the IRC and IBC.

Section K106.5 of the IBC. Add a new Section K106. 5 as follows Section K106. 5 Energy Connections; An electrical system or equipment regulated by this code for which a permit is required shall not be connected to a source of energy or power until approved by the building official.

Section K106.6 of the IBC. Add a new Section K106. 6 as follows: Section K106. 6 Temporary Energy Connections. The building official may authorize the temporary connection of the electrical system or equipment to the source of energy or power for the purpose of testing the equipment, or for use under a temporary certificate of occupancy.

Appendix J of the IRC. Section AJ102.4 of the IRC. Delete Section AJ102.4 of the IRC and insert in lieu thereof the following: AJ102.4 Replacement windows and doors. Regardless of the category of work, where an existing window or door, including the sash and glazed portion, or safety glazing is replaced, the replacement window, door or safety glazing shall comply with the requirements of Sections AJ102.4.1 through AJ102.4.3, as applicable.

Section AJ102.4.1 of the IRC. Delete Section AJ102.4.1 of the IRC and insert in lieu thereof the following: AJ102.4.1 Energy efficiency. Replacement windows or doors shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 11.

Section AJ102.4.4 of the IRC. Delete Section AJ102.4.4 of the IRC entirely.

Ord. 2019-458, adopted May 7, 2019; in effect on publication (May 21, 2019) · source page

Consolidated from the ordinance; not confirmed by a later text of the code.

In the 2026 draft (a comparison with a draft, not adopted): § 155.05, § 155.07 — split, wording changed · compare

History

FromToSourceHowDocument
Feb 28, 2013May 21, 2019 Ord. 2013-322 section added · text p. 3
May 21, 2019today Ord. 2019-458 section replaced · text p. 2

Compare versions

Dates: an Iowa ordinance takes effect when it is published after adoption. Where the clerk's certificate records the publication date it is used; otherwise the adoption date stands in for it. "Not yet consolidated" means the ordinance amends this section but its new text has not been checked into this compilation yet: read the ordinance.

Back to the chapter

Data last updated October 22, 2026. Built from the archive's documents; see how the data is built.