Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Des Moines, IA has adopted the 2015 International Codes, with amendments, including the 2015 IRC and IBC. Des Moines, IA Muni. Codes § 26-300 (adoptions), § 26-310 through § 26-322 (IRC amendments) and § 26-325 through § 26-344 (IBC amendments).

Helpful resources for Des Moines, 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.

Des Moines 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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2015 IRC with Iowa amendments(Des Moines, IA Sec. 26-300. - Adoption of International Codes.)

...Moines. (b) The provisions of the International Residential Code, 2018 edition published by the International Code Council, 500 New Jersey Avenue NW, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C., 20001, except for Part VI — Fuel Gas, Part VII — Plumbing and Part VIII — Electrical;...

Drip Edge

Drip Edge: yes

Ice Barrier

Are ice barriers required for Des Moines ? Yes
Citation: § 26-300
Municipal Code https://library.municode.com/ia/des_moines/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=MUCO_CH26BUBURE_ARTIIIBUCO_DIV1GE_S26-300ADINCO
Comments:

Ice Dam Protection: Amend section R905.1.2 by adding the following exceptions:

Exceptions: (1) Detached accessory structures not containing conditioned floor area. (2) The building is constructed with the following components:

a. A raised heel truss or similar design, and b. A minimum of R-38 attic insulation extends across the top plate to a point aligning with the exterior sheathing, and c. The plans for the alternative design described in this section are submitted and approved at the time the building permit is issued.

Des Moines, IA Muni. Code § 26-321.

The following climatic and geographic design criteria shall be applied in the application of the International Residential Code to structures in the City of Des Moines.

Ground Snow Load	Wind Design				Seismic Design Category	Subject To Damage From:				Winter Design Temp	Ice Shield Underlayment Required	FloodHazard	Air Freezing Index	Mean Annual Temperature
	Wind Speed	Topographic Effects	Special Wind Region	Wind-borne Debris Zone		Weathering	Frost Line Depth	Termite	Decay

30 psf	115 mph	None	No	No	A	Severe	42"	Moderate to Heavy	Slight to Moderate	0°F	Yes	Mar-1984	1833	48.6°F

Government Officials

Comments

Des Moines, IA has adopted the 2015 IRC including appendices G, H, J, K, and M. Des Moines, IA Muni. Code § 26-300.

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.

Des Moines, IA has adopted the 2015 IRC including appendix J. Des Moines, IA Muni. Code § 26-300.

Commercial Building Code

Des Moines 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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2015 IBC with Iowa amendments(Des Moines, IA Sec. 26-300. - Adoption of International Codes.)

...Moines. (b) The provisions of the International Residential Code, 2018 edition published by the International Code Council, 500 New Jersey Avenue NW, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C., 20001, except for Part VI — Fuel Gas, Part VII — Plumbing and Part VIII — Electrical;...

Existing Buildings

Des Moines, IA has adopted the 2015 IEBC. Des Moines, IA Muni. Codes § 26-300 (adoption) and § 26-345 (amendments).

Other Building Codes