Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Ames, IA has adopted the 2015 International Codes, with amendments, including the 2015 IRC (for One and Two Family Dwellings) and IBC. Ames, IA Muni. Codes § 5.100 (adoptions) and § 5.200 (amendments).

Helpful resources for Ames, Iowa include the following.

• PLRB, Ordinance and Law Coverage Discussion for Iowa

Residential Building Code

Iowa adopted a model state residential code but it is not in force unless adopted locally.See PLRB, Iowa Building Codes for more information on state level codes.

Ames adopted the 2015 IRC, locally. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the model code here.

You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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Drip Edge

Drip Edge: yes

Ice Barrier

Are ice barriers required for Ames ? Yes
Citation: § 5.201
Municipal Code https://www.cityofames.org/home/showdocument?id=281#page=18
Comments:

Table R301.2(1), Climatic and Geographical Design Criteria is amended to include the following local values:

Ground Snow Load (lbs) 25

Wind Speed (mph) 115

Topographic Effects No

Special Wind Region No

Wind Borne Debris Zone No

Seismic Design Category A

Weathering Severe

Frost Line Depth (inches) 42

Termite Moderate to Heavy

Winter Design Temp (F.) – 5 

Ice Shield Underlayment Required Yes

Flood Hazards See FEMA Maps

Air Freezing Index 1896

Mean Annual Temperature (F.) 48.2

Government Officials

Comments

Ames, IA has adopted the 2015 IRC with the deletion of Chapter 1 and the addition of appendix J. Ames, IA Muni. Code § 5.100.

(6) Section R313.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems is amended by deleting the text of that section and inserting the following in lieu thereof: Automatic residential sprinkler systems shall not be required in townhouses. (7) Section R313.2 One- and Two-family dwellings automatic fire systems is amended by deleting the text of that section and inserting the following in lieu thereof: Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems shall not be required in one- and two-family dwellings. 

Existing Buildings

Existing buildings, meaning buildings that were built in accordance to code at the time of construction, typically merit extra consideration in a current updated code.

Ames, IA has adopted the 2015 IRC including appendix J. Ames, IA Muni. Code § 5.100.

Commercial Building Code

Ames adopted the 2015 IBC, locally. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the code here.You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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Comments

Ames, IA has adopted the 2015 IBC with the deletion of Chapter 1. Ames, IA Muni. Code § 5.100.

Existing Buildings

Ames, IA has adopted the 2015 IEBC. Ames, IA Muni. Code § 5.100 (adoption).

Other Building Codes