10 adopted codes · 41 cities tracked
Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) — Building & Construction Division
International Building Code (IBC)
Statewide mandatory — all commercial construction
International Residential Code (IRC)
Statewide mandatory — one/two-family dwellings
International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
Statewide mandatory — existing building alterations
International Fire Code (IFC)
Statewide mandatory — fire prevention and safety
International Mechanical Code (IMC)
Statewide mandatory — mechanical systems
International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Statewide mandatory — factory-built structures plumbing
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
Statewide mandatory — energy efficiency
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
Statewide mandatory — pools and spas
National Electrical Code (NEC/NFPA 70)
Statewide mandatory — electrical systems
NFPA 13 - Sprinkler Systems
Statewide mandatory — fire sprinkler systems
NFPA 13D - Dwelling Fire Sprinklers
Statewide mandatory — one/two-family dwelling sprinklers
NFPA 72 - Fire Alarm Code
Statewide mandatory — fire alarm and signaling
ICC A117.1 - Accessibility
Statewide mandatory — accessible buildings and facilities
ICC 500 - Storm Shelters
Statewide — storm shelter design and construction
ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Federal — accessibility requirements
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
ISPSC 2024 adopted statewide — DIAL
Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 13 2022 Fire Sprinkler adopted statewide — DIAL
Iowa has a mandatory statewide building code enforced by DIAL (Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing). The state adopted the 2024 ICC codes as the primary basis. Local jurisdictions with population over 15,000 may adopt more stringent local amendments but cannot weaken the state code. Iowa is in Tornado Alley — storm shelter requirements per ICC 500 are important. The state spans Climate Zones 5A (southern) and 6A (northern). Design wind speeds generally range from 105-120 mph. Snow loads range from 20-40 psf. Iowa is in Seismic Design Category A (low seismic risk). Ice barrier underlayment is required across most of the state due to cold winters.