Pella, Iowa Building Codes

Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Pella, IA has adopted the 2015 International Codes, with amendments, including the 2015 IRC and IBC. Pella, IA Muni. Codes § 157.01 (IRC adoption), § 157.02 (IRC amendments), § 158.01 (IBC adoption) and § 158.02 (IBC amendments).

Helpful resources for Pella, 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.

Pella 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(Pella, IA 158.01 ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE.)

...That a certain document, three (3) copies of which are on file in the office of the Planning and Zoning Department, being marked and designated as the International Building Code (IBC), 2015 edition as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the Building Code of the City of Pella, Iowa, for regulating and governing the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, location, removal and demolition of buildings and structures; by providing the standards for supplied utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to ensure that structures are safe, sanitary and fit for occupation and use; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said Building Code on file in the office of the Planning and Zoning Department as hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this chapter, with the additions, insertions, deletions, and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 158.02 of this chapter....

Drip Edge

Drip Edge: yes

Ice Barrier

Are ice barriers required for Pella ? Undetermined
Government Officials
Last Name First Name Title E-mail Phone Note
Parker Jared Code Enforcement Officer jparker@cityofpella.com 641/628-0043 Ext. 4

Comments

Delete Code Section: IRC 313.1 Replace with the following language:

313.1 Townhomes automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in townhouses.

Exceptions 
1.   An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required where additions or alterations are made to existing townhouses that do not have an automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed. 
2.   Townhouse structures that contain eight (8) or less dwelling units. 
3.   Townhouse structures less than eighteen thousand (18,000) square feet floor space, exclusive of any garages.

Delete Code Section: IRC 313.2 Replace with the following language:
313.2 One- and two-family dwelling automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings.

Exceptions 
1.   An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required where additions or alterations are made to existing buildings that are not already provided with an automatic residential fire sprinkler system. 
2.   One-and two-family dwellings containing less than eight thousand (8,000) square feet of floor space, excluding attached garages and other unenclosed areas.

Pella, IA Muni. Code § 157.02.

Commercial Building Code

Pella 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(Pella, IA Municipal Code)

...Adoption not found...

Existing Buildings

Pella, IA did not adopt the IEBC, therefore Chapter 34 of the IBC would apply.

Other Building Codes

Pella, IA also adopted the following codes:

2015 International Property Maintenance Code. Pella, IA Muni. Codes § 156.01 (adoption) and § 156.02 (amendments).

2008 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). Pella IA Muni. Codes § 159.01 (adoption) and § 159.02 (amendments).