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Elkhart, Iowa Building Codes

Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Elkhart, IA has adopted the 2015 International Codes, with amendments, including the 2015 IRC (for One and Two Family Dwellings) and IBC. Elkhart, IA Muni. Codes § 155.03 #7 (IRC adoption and amendments) and § 155.03 #1 (IBC adoption and amendments).

Helpful resources for Elkhart, Iowa include the following.

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.

Elkhart 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 Elkhart ? Yes
Citation: § 155.03
Municipal Code https://elkhartiowa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Elkhart-Code-of-Ordinances.pdf#page=277
Comments:

TABLE R301.2(l) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria

Ground Snow Load: 30 PSF

Wind Speed MPH: 90

Seismic Design Category: A

Subject to Damage From: Weathering – Severe, Frost Line Depth – 42", Termite – Moderate-Heavy, Decay – Slight-Moderate

Winter Design Temp: -5° F

Ice Barrier Required: Yes

Flood Hazards: NFIP Adoption – 1982

Air Freezing Index: 1833

Mean Annual Temp: 48.6° F

Comments

Elkhart, IA has adopted the 2015 IRC deleting appendices F, L and P. Elkhart, IA Muni. Code § 155.03.

Commercial Building Code

Elkhart 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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Existing Buildings

Elkhart, IA has adopted the 2015 IEBC. Elkhart, IA Muni. Code § 155.03 #10.

Other Building Codes

Elkhart, IA also adopted the following codes:

2015 International Mechanical Code. Elkhart, IA Muni. Code § 155.03 #2.

2015 International Plumbing Code. Elkhart, IA Muni. Code § 155.03 #3.

State of Iowa Section 661 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 504, including the  2008 National Electrical Code. Elkhart, IA Muni. Code § 155.03 #4.

2015 International Fire Code. Elkhart, IA Muni. Code § 155.03 #5.

2015 International Property Mantenance Code. Elkhart, IA Muni. Code § 155.03 #6.