Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

West Des Moines, IA has adopted the 2015 International Codes, with amendments, including the 2015 IRC and IBC. West Des Moines, IA Muni. Codes § 8-2A-1 (adoption) and § 8-2A-2 through § 8-2A-34 (amendments).

Helpful resources for West 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.

West 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(West Des Moines, IA 8-2A-1: ADOPTION OF BUILDING CODES:)

...8-2A-1: ADOPTION OF Building codeS:This article shall consist of the 2015 edition of the International Building code (IBC), and the 2015 edition of...

2015 IRC with Iowa amendments(West Des Moines, IA 8-2A-1: ADOPTION OF BUILDING CODES:)

...8-2A-1: ADOPTION OF BUILDING CODES: This Article shall consist of the 2021 Edition of the International Building Code (IBC) and the 2021 Edition of the International Residential Code (IRC), as published by the International Code Council (ICC), and together known commonly as the Building Code, with provisions that include the 2021 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and the 2021 Edition of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC), as published by ICC, and including the State mandated 2021 Edition of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2012 Edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), as published by the ICC, and including the State mandated 2021 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), and including the State mandated 2020 Edition of the National Electric Code (NEC), as published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and which volumes are incorporated herein by this reference as fully as though set forth herein in their entirety, excepting only such portions as are hereinafter stated to be deleted therefrom; and such additional or amended provisions as are hereinafter set forth....

Drip Edge

Drip Edge: yes

Ice Barrier

Are ice barriers required for West Des Moines ? Yes
Citation: § 8-2A-11
Municipal Code https://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=568&chapter_id=35638#s1234068
Comments:

The climatic and geographic design criteria utilized in Chapter 16 of the IBC and Table R301.2(1) of the IRC shall be as follows:

Ground Snow Load:	30 lb.
Roof Snow Load:	24 lb.
Wind Speed:	105/115/120 mph. based on building risk category
Seismic Zone:	A
Weathering:	Severe
Frost line depth:	42 inches
Termite Condition:	Moderate to Heavy
Winter Design Temp:	-5 degrees
Ice Barrier Required:	Yes
Flood Hazard:	National Flood Insurance Program adopted 11-01-79
100 year rainfall rate:	3.4 inches per hour
Air freezing index:	1833
Mean annual tempera-  ture:	48.6 degrees

Government Officials

Comments

Amend Section 101.2.1 of the IBC, and Section R102.5 of the IRC, Appendices, by adding the following:

The appendices may be utilized to determine basic guidelines or acceptable solutions towards meeting the intent of code requirements (determination to be made by the Building Official). West Des Moines, IA Muni. Code § 8-2A-3.

For information regarding automatic fire sprinkler systems see West Des Moines, IA Muni. Code § 8-2A-13.

Commercial Building Code

West 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(West Des Moines, IA Municipal Code)

...Adoption not found...

2015 IBC with Iowa amendments(West Des Moines, IA 8-2A-1: ADOPTION OF BUILDING CODES:)

...8-2A-1: ADOPTION OF Building CodeS:This article shall consist of the 2015 edition of the International Building Code (IBC), and the 2015 edition of...

Comments

Amend Section 101.2.1 of the IBC, and Section R102.5 of the IRC, Appendices, by adding the following:

The appendices may be utilized to determine basic guidelines or acceptable solutions towards meeting the intent of code requirements (determination to be made by the Building Official). West Des Moines, IA Muni. Code § 8-2A-3.

Existing Buildings

West Des Moines, IA did not adopt the IEBC, therefore Chapter 34 of the IBC would apply.

Other Building Codes