Chapter 156: Housing Code
In the August 2026 draft recodification (Building and Property Regulations), from page 325. Current 156 Housing Code.
Comparison with a draft: not adopted. The archive holds no public hearing, ordinance or vote adopting the recodified Code through the October 20, 2026 meeting packet. Until one is adopted, every page here compares the consolidated code with a draft that can still change: the revised draft with the October 6 changes is not in the archive.
A comparison with the August 2026 draft recodification prepared by Iowa Codification for the City. The draft has not been adopted and can still change; the current code (unofficial compilation) governs until a recodified Code is adopted. Matches between sections are made by machine from the texts and are reviewed where uncertain.
The city's explanation
“The outdated reference to the December 17, 1979 - HUD Housing Quality Standards has been removed. The final Code instead ties the City's Housing Code directly to the requirements of Chapter 155.”
7 unchanged, 12 wording changed, 1 split · 4 notable changes.
Section by section
§ 156.01 Short Title→ § 156.01 Short Title · Unchanged · compare the texts
§ 156.02 Purpose→ § 156.02 Purpose · Unchanged · compare the texts
§ 156.03 Definitions→ § 156.03 Definitions · Wording changed wording changed (94% same words) · compare the texts
§ 156.04 Scope Of Provisions→ § 156.04 Scope Of Provision · Unchanged · compare the texts
§ 156.05 Compliance With State Law→ § 156.05 Compliance With State Law · Wording changed largely rewritten (17% same words) · compare the texts match not yet reviewed: matched by catchline only; 17% of the words agree
- Text removed: …The City, in compliance with the requirements of
the Code of Iowa, as amended, hereby adopts the December 17 1979 version of the Housing Quality Standards promulgated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (24 C.F.R. Section 882.109[a] through [1]) as the adopted model Housing Code for the City, as amended. The City has integrated the Housing Quality Standard in Sections 156.01-156.20 of this chapter, which provisions, …Chapter 155. …
§ 156.06 Administration And Enforcement Official→ § 156.06 Administration And Enforcement Official · Unchanged · compare the texts
§ 156.07 Inspections→ § 156.07 Inspection · Wording changed minor wording (99% same words) · compare the texts
§ 156.08 Access By Owner Or Operator For Maintenance→ § 156.08 Access By Owner Or Operator For Maintenance · Unchanged · compare the texts
§ 156.09 Emergency Orders→ § 156.09 Emergency Orders · Wording changed minor wording (100% same words) · compare the texts
§ 156.10 Placarding Of Structures; Condemnation Referrals→ § 156.10 Placarding Of Structures; Condemnation Referrals · Wording changed minor wording (97% same words) · compare the texts
§ 156.11 Fees→ § 156.11 Fees · Wording changed minor wording (98% same words) · compare the texts
§ 156.12 Rules And Regulations→ § 156.12 Rules And Regulations · Unchanged · compare the texts
§ 156.13 Appeals Board; Variances And Appeals→ § 156.13 Appeals Board; Variances And Appeals · Wording changed minor wording (100% same words) · compare the texts
§ 156.14 Notice Of Violation→ § 156.14 Notice Of Violation · Unchanged · compare the texts
§ 156.15 Designation And Registration Of Designated Agent→ § 156.15 Designation And Registration Of Designated Agent · Wording changed minor wording (98% same words) · compare the texts
§ 156.16 Certificate Of Structure Compliance And Rental Permit→ § 156.16 Certificate Of Structure Compliance And Rental Permit · Wording changed minor wording (100% same words) · compare the texts
§ 156.17 Minimum Structure Standards For All Dwellings→ § 156.17 Minimum Structure Standards For All Dwellings · Wording changed minor wording (100% same words) · compare the texts
§ 156.18 Minimum Structure Standards For All Rental Housing→ § 156.18 Minimum Structure Standards For All Rental Housing · Wording changed minor wording (100% same words) · compare the texts
§ 156.19 Responsibilities Of Owners→ § 156.19 Responsibilities Of Owners · Wording changed largely rewritten (28% same words) · compare the texts
- Text removed: …in Chapter 10 of the International Building Code.
(1) Every foundation, roof, floor, wall, ceiling, stair, step, elevator, handrail, guardrail, porch, sidewalk, and appurtenance thereto shall be maintained in a safe and sound condition and shall be capable of supporting the loads that normal use may cause to be placed thereon. (2) Every structure shall be maintained in compliance with Section 661 Chapter 5 of the Iowa Administrative Code (State F…B. Fire drills shall be conducted once per… - Text removed: …and sororities as approved by the Fire Department.
C. Doors. Every door, door hinge, door latch, door lock, or any associated door hardware shall be maintained in good and functional condition, and every door, when closed, shall fit well within its frame. D. Windows. Every window, existing storm window, window latch, window lock, aperture covering, and any associated hardware shall be maintained in good and functional condition and shall fit well …2. Plumbing System. Every supplied plumbing fixture, water… - Text removed: …replaced shall comply with the International Building Code.
5. Chimneys and Flue Piping. Every chimney and all flue piping shall be adequately supported, maintained, clean, and in a good state of repair. 6. Exterior Surfaces. All exterior surfaces of a dwelling and its accessory structures, fences, porches, and similar appurtenances which are subject to decay or deterioration shall be protected from the elements and against decay or deterioration by proper……
§ 156.20 Responsibilities Of Occupants→ § 156.20 Responsibilities Of Occupants; § 156.21 Title 24 Of The Code Of Federal Regulations; Section 882.109(A) – (1); Housing Quality Standards · Split minor wording (99% same words) · compare the texts
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Data last updated October 22, 2026. Built from the archive's documents; see how the data is built.