HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Adoption of 2006 International Building Code ORDINANCE NO. 3924
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY
OF AMES, IOWA, BY REPEALING CHAPTER 5 AND CHAPTER 8
AND ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 5 AND A NEW CHAPTER 8,
THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING THE
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE AND THE INTERNATIONAL
RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2006 EDITION, AND THE 2006 EDITION OF
THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE, WITH LOCAL
MODIFICATIONS; REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES OR
PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH
CONFLICT; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED,by the City Council for the City of Ames,Iowa,that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
repealing Chapter 5 and enacting a new Chapter 5:
CHAPTER 5
BUILDING,ELECTRICAL,MECHANICAL,AND PLUMBING CODE
DIVISION I
ADOPTION AND ADMINISTRATION
"SEC.5.100. TITLE&ADOPTION.
These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of the City of Ames,hereinafter referred to as"this code."
(1) Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement,
enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance,removal and demolition of
every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
(2) Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public
health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation,
adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards
attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency
operations.
(3) Referenced codes. The codes listed in the following Sections and referenced elsewhere in this
code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such
reference. Provisions in the appendices of all referenced codes and standards shall not apply unless
specifically adopted.
(4) Adoption.
(a) The International Building Code, 2006 Edition, (IBC), except for the deletion of
Chapters 1,27 and 29 and Section 1405.12.2;and
(b) The International Residential Code, 2006 Edition, (IRC), except for the deletion of
Chapter 1, Part VII -Plumbing, and Part VIII- Electrical; and with the addition of appendix G, are hereby adopted
and designated, together with and subject to the additions, deletions and modifications hereinafter stated, plus the
ordinances pertaining to plumbing, electrical and mechanical matters, as the Building Code of the City. Copies of
the said IBC and IRC shall be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk.
(5) Buildings.The provisions of the 2006 International Building Code(IBC),as adopted and amended
in this municipal code chapter shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement,
repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location,maintenance,removal and demolition of every building or structure
or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
alteration,movement,enlargement,replacement,repair,equipment,use and occupancy,location,removal and demolition
of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above-grade in height with a
separate means of egress and their accessory structures.
(7) Accessibility.The provisions of Chapter 11 of the 2006 International Building Code,and by reference,
American National Standards Institute(ANSI) Standard A117.1-2003, entitled Accessible and Usable Buildings and
Facilities, 2003 edition, as adopted in this code, shall apply to the design and construction of all public and private
buildings intended for use by the general public, and multiple-unit dwellings with four or more units, including site
elements and features.
Exception:
a. This standard does not apply to single family dwellings or apartment buildings with less than four
individual dwelling units.
b. Any building or facility which is in compliance with the applicable requirements of State of Iowa
Code Chapter 104A.1,and Administrative Rule 661-Chapter 302 shall be considered in compliance with this code.
(8) Energy.The provisions of the State of Iowa Energy Code shall apply to all matters governing the
design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.
(9) Existing Buildings. The provisions of the 2006 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), as
adopted and amended in this code, shall be an acceptable code compliance standard for repair, alteration, change of
occupancy,addition,and relocation of existing buildings.
(10) Fire prevention.The provisions of the 2006 International Fire Code(IFC),as adopted and amended in
Chapter 8 of the Ames Municipal Code,shall apply to matters affecting or relating to structures,processes and premises
from the hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage,handling or use of structures,materials or devices;from
conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and from the
construction,extension,repair,alteration or removal of fire suppression and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure
or on the premises from occupancy or operation.
(11) Electrical.The provisions of the 2005 National Electrical Code(NEC),as adopted and amended in this
code, shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment,
appliances,fixtures,fittings and appurtenances thereto.
(12) Mechanical. The provisions of the 2006 International Mechanical Code (IMC), as adopted and
amended in this code,shall apply to the installation,alteration,repair and replacement of mechanical systems,including
equipment,appliances,fixtures,fittings and/or appurtenances,including ventilating,heating,cooling,air-conditioning
and refrigeration systems,incinerators and other energy-related systems.
Exception:one and two family dwellings shall comply with the International Residential Code.
(13) Plumbing.The provisions of the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code(UPC), except for the deletion of
Chapter 1 and 16;and with the addition of Appendix B,Appendix D,and Sections L6.1,L6.2,and L6.3 of Appendix L,
are hereby adopted and designated,together with and subject to the additions,deletions,and modifications hereinafter
stated in the amendments to this code, shall apply to the installation, alteration,repair and replacement of plumbing
systems,including equipment,appliances,fixtures,fittings and appurtenances,all aspects of a medical gas system,and
fuel gas piping.
(14) Gas.The provisions of the 2006 International Fuel Gas Code(IFGC),as adopted and amended in this
code,shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery,gas appliances and related accessories as
covered in this code.These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet
connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related
accessories.Exception:one and two family dwellings shall comply with the International Residential Code.
(15) Elevators.Standards of the State Elevator Safety Board in 875-Chapter 72 of the State of Iowa Code
are hereby adopted by reference.Design review,construction inspection,and periodic maintenance inspections are all
within the scope of authority of the Elevator Safety Board,as defined in State of Iowa Code Chapter 89A.
(16) Factory built structures. The provisions of Iowa Code Section 103A.10 (3); 661- Iowa
Administrative Code chapter 16; and the administrative rules of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development(HUD)shall be acceptable standards for new units moved into the City.A current HUD label,third party
inspection certificates, and proofs of compliance with Iowa Administrative Code Iowa Code Section 103A.26,
Certification of Manufactured Home Installers, and 661Chapter 372, Licensing of Manufactured Housing Retailers,
Manufacturers and Distributors shall be accepted in lieu of local inspection.Footings,foundation,electrical,mechanical,
and plumbing work performed in conjunction with the placement of such factory built structure are subject to permits and
inspections as provided in this chapter.Building permit fees for factory built structures shall be based upon the same
square foot construction cost valuations as similar site built structures.
SEC.5.101. APPLICABILITY.
Where,in any specific case,different sections of this code specify different materials,methods of construction or other
requirements,the most restrictive shall govern.Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific
requirement,the specific requirement shall be applicable.
(1) Other laws.The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local,state or
federal law.
(2) Application of references.References to chapter or section numbers,or to provisions not specifically
identified by number,shall be construed to refer to such chapter,section or provision of this code.
(3) Referenced codes and standards.The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be considered
part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.Where differences occur between
provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards,the provisions of this code shall apply.
(4) Partial invalidity.In the event that any part or provision of this code is held to be illegal or void,this
shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions.
(5) Existing structures.The legal occupancy of any structure existing on the date of adoption of this code
shall be permitted to continue without change,except as is specifically covered in this code,the International Fire Code,
or as is deemed necessary by the Building Official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
SEC.5.102. INSPECTION DIVISION.
The Inspection Division of the Fire Department is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the
Building Official.
1) Appointment of Building Official.The Building Official shall be appointed by the Fire Chief.
(
(1) Inspectors and other staff.In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with
the concurrence of the appointing authority,the Building Official shall have the authority to appoint the related technical
officers,inspectors,plan examiners and other employees.Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the Building
Official.
(3) Duties and powers of the Building Official.The Building Official is hereby authorized and directed
to enforce the provisions of this code.The Building Official shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code
and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions.Such interpretations,policies and
procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code.Such policies and procedures shall not have
the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.
(4) Applications and permits. The Building Official shall receive applications, review construction
documents and issue permits for the erection,and alteration,demolition and moving of buildings and structures,inspect
the premises for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this code.
(5) Notices and orders. The Building Official shall issue all necessary notices or orders to ensure
compliance with this code.
(6) Inspections.The Building Official shall make all of the required inspections,or the Building Official
shall have the authority to accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals.Reports of such inspections
shall be in writing and be certified by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the responsible individual.The
Building Official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report upon unusual technical
issues that arise,subject to the approval of the appointing authority.
(7) Identification.The Building Official shall carry proper identification when inspecting structures or
premises in the performance of duties under this code.
(8) Right of entry.Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this code,or
where the Building Official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a structure or upon a premises a condition
which is contrary to or in violation of this code which makes the structure or premises unsafe,dangerous or hazardous,
the Building Official is authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the
duties imposed by this code,provided that if such structure or premises be occupied that credentials be presented to the
occupant and entry requested. If such structure or premises is unoccupied, the Building Official shall first make a
reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the structure or premises and request
entry.If entry is refused,the Building Official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.
(9) Department records. The Building Official shall keep official records of applications received,
permits and certificates issued,fees collected,reports of inspections,and notices and orders issued.Such records shall be
retained in the official records for the period required for retention of public records.
(10) Liability. The Building Official, member of the board of appeals or employee charged with the
enforcement of this code,while acting for the jurisdiction in good faith and without malice in the discharge of the duties
required by this code or other pertinent law or ordinance,shall not thereby be rendered liable personally and is hereby
relieved from personal liability for any damage accruing to persons or property as a result of any act or by reason of an
act or omission in the discharge of official duties.Any suit instituted against an officer or employee because of an act
performed by that officer or employee in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this code shall be
defended by legal representative of the jurisdiction until the final termination of the proceedings.The Building Official or
any subordinate shall not be liable for cost in any action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the
provisions of this code.
(11) Approved materials and equipment.Materials,equipment and devices approved by the Building
Official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.
(12) Used materials and equipment.The use of used materials which meet the requirements of this code
for new materials is permitted.Used equipment and devices shall not be reused unless approved by the Building Official.
(13) Modifications. Wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this
code,the Building Official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases,upon application of the
owner or owner's representative,provided the Building Official shall first find that special individual reason makes the
strict letter of this code impractical and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and that
such modification does not lessen health, accessibility,life and fire safety, or structural requirements. The details of
action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the department of building safety.
(14) Alternative materials,design and methods of construction and equipment.The provisions ofthis
code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not
specifically prescribed by this code,provided that any such alternative has been approved.An alternative material,design
or method of construction shall be approved where the Building Official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and
complies with the intent of the provisions of this code,and that the material,method or work offered is,for the purpose
intended,at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality,strength,effectiveness,fire resistance,durability
and safety.
(15) Research reports. Supporting data, where necessary to assist in the approval of materials or
assemblies not specifically provided for in this code,shall consist of valid research reports from approved sources.
(16) Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code, or
evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of this code,or in order to substantiate claims
for alternative materials or methods, the Building Official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of
compliance to be made at no expense to the jurisdiction. Test methods shall be as specified in this code or by other
recognized test standards.In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods,the Building Official shall approve the
testing procedures. Tests shall be performed by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be retained by the
Building Official for the period required for retention of public records.
SEC.5.103. PERMITS REQUIRED-
Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct,enlarge,alter,repair,move,demolish,or change the occupancy
of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas,
mechanical or plumbing system,the installation of which is regulated by this code,or to cause any such work to be done,
shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit.It is a violation to construct,enlarge,
alter,repair,move,demolish,or change the occupancy of a building or structure,or to erect,install,enlarge,alter,repair,
remove,convert or replace any electrical,gas,mechanical or plumbing system,without having first obtained the required
permit.
(1) Contractor registration required.All persons,firms,or corporations performing work that requires a
building,electrical,mechanical,or plumbing permit must possess a valid State Division of Labor registration number and
provide proof of same to the Inspection Division prior to permit issuance.
Exception:A homeowner performing work on his/her primary place of residence is not required to obtain State Division
of Labor registration number.
(2) Contractor insurance required.All persons,firms,or corporations performing work that requires a
building,electrical,mechanical,or plumbing permit must possess current Contractor's Commercial General Liability
Insurance in an amount not less that $500,000 combined single limit, and shall provide proof of coverage to the
Inspection Division prior to permit issuance.
Exception:A homeowner performing work on his/her primary place of residence is not required to obtain Contractor's
Commercial General Liability Insurance.
(3) Contractor licenses or registration required.Permits shall not be issued to persons or companies
who are not licensed and/or registered as contractors with the City of Ames, except as specifically exempted in the
following Sections.Performance of work by licensed persons is required for electrical,mechanical,and plumbing work,
as specified in the electrical,mechanical,and plumbing licensing sections of this code.
(4) Homeowner permit required.Contractor registration shall not be required for alteration or repair
work performed on a single family dwelling or accessory structure when the person performing the alteration or repair
work is the owner of record and occupies the dwelling as their primary residence. Such persons shall be required to
obtain homeowner building,electrical,mechanical,and plumbing permits for all such work performed,in accord with all
other requirements of this code.Work authorized to be performed by such persons is limited by specific provisions in the
electrical,mechanical,and plumbing licensing sections of this code.
(5) Compliance with other codes.Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed
to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws
or ordinances of this jurisdiction. All work upon or within a building does require separate building, electrical,
mechanical and plumbing permits,unless specifically exempted in the following sections.It is the responsibility of each
building owner, contractor, and project manager to request clarification of permit requirements from the Inspection
Division before doing any work on any building.
(6) Emergency Repairs.Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency
situation, and a permit is required for the work, the permit application shall be submitted within the next working
business day to the Building Official.
(7) Application for permit.To obtain a permit,the applicant shall first file an application in writing on a
form furnished by the Inspection Division for that purpose.If the applicant is not the owner of the premises for which a
permit is sought,consent of owner shall be supplied. Such application shall:
(a) Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is made.
(b) Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street
address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work.
(c) Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposed work is intended.
(d) Be accompanied by construction documents and other information as required in Section
5.110.
(e) State the total construction cost of the proposed work for building permits.
(f) Be signed by the building owner,applicant,or the applicant's authorized agent.
(g) Give such other data and information as required by the Building Official.
(8) Action on application. The Building Official shall examine or cause to be examined applications for
permits and amendments thereto within a reasonable time after filing.If the application or the construction documents do
not conform to the requirements of pertinent laws,the Building Official shall reject such application in writing,stating the
reasons therefor.If the Building Official is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this code and
laws and ordinances applicable thereto,the Building Official shall issue a permit therefor as soon as practicable.
(9) Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to
have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing,unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit
has been issued;except that the Building Official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional
periods not exceeding 90 days each.The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
(10) Validity of permit.The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for,or an
approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction.Permits
presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not
be valid.The issuance of a permit based on construction documents and other data shall not prevent the Building Official
from requiring the correction of errors in the construction documents and other data. The Building Official is also
authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure where in violation of this code or of any other ordinances of this
jurisdiction.
(11) Expiration. Every permit issued shall expire unless the work authorized is commenced within 180
days and completed within 365 days after issuance. If the work is not completed within 365 days,the building
official will issue a permit extension. A permit extension fee,in an amount equal to one half the original permit fee,
or$25.00,whichever is greater,shall be invoiced to the permit holder. The permit holder shall be given a minimum
30 day advance written notice of impending permit expiration and imposition of extension fee.
Exception:Permit extension fees may be waived for major commercial,industrial,and other projects subject to approval
of the Building Official.
(12) Suspension or revocation.The Building Official is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued
under the provisions of this code wherever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or
incomplete information,or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.
(13) Placement of permit. The building permit or copy shall be kept on the site of the work until the
completion of the project.
SEC.5.104. BUILDING PERMITS NOT REQUIRED. IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS, NO
BUILDING PERMIT IS REQUIRED:
(1) Residential single family kitchen and bath and basement remodels when no sheetrock or lath and
plaster is removed from a single contiguous area greater than 32 square feet,and when no new plumbing or electrical
fixtures are installed in different locations than those replaced,and when no new walls,wall framing,openings,structural
alterations or wall furring on the interior face of exterior walls occurs.
(2) Residential door and window replacements when rough openings are not altered.
(3) One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds,playhouses and similar uses,
provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
(4) Fences not over 6 feet high.
(5) Retaining walls that are not more than 4 feet in height above the lowest adjacent grade,
unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I,II or IIIA liquids.
(6) Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade,and not over any basement or
story below and not part of an accessible route.
(7) Painting,papering,tiling,carpeting,cabinets,counter tops and similar finish work.
(8) Temporary motion picture,television and theater stage sets and scenery.
(9) Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24
inches deep,do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
(10) Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes,not including service
systems.
(11) Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one-and two-family dwellings.
(12) Awnings on Group R-3 and U occupancies.
(13) Nonfixed and movable fixtures,cases,racks,counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in
height.
(14) Repairs. Application or notice to the Building Official is not required for ordinary minor repairs to
structures. Except that such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the
removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support,or the removal or change of any required means of
egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs include
addition to,alteration of,replacement or relocation of any standpipe,water supply,sewer,drainage,drain leader,gas,
soil,waste,vent or similar piping,electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.
SEC.5.105. ELECTRICAL PERMITS NOT REQUIRED. IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS, NO
ELECTRICAL PERMIT IS REQUIRED:
(1) Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps and fuses, or the
connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
(2) Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical
equipment used for radio and television transmissions,but do apply to equipment and wiring for a power supply and the
installations of towers and antennas.
(3) Temporary testing systems:A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system
required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
(4) City of Ames Electric Department:The installation,alteration or repair of electrical equipment installed
by or for the Electric Department in the generation,transmission,distribution,or metering of electricity.
(5) Manufacturing processes:Work involved in the manufacturing,testing,servicing,altering or repairing
of electrical equipment.
SEC.5.106. GAS SYSTEM PERMITS NOT REQUIRED. IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS,NO GAS
SYSTEM PERMIT IS REQUIRED:
(1) Portable heating appliance.
(2) Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment
unsafe.
SEC.5.107. MECHANICAL PERMITS NOT REQUIRED. In the following situations,no mechanical permit
is required:
(1) Portable heating appliance.
(2) Portable ventilation equipment.
(3) Portable cooling unit.
(4) Steam,hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
(5) Repair or replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
(6) Portable evaporative cooler.
SEC.5.108. PLUMBING PERMITS NOT REQUIRED. In the following situations,no plumbing permit is
required:
(1) For the stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided however, that if any
concealed trap, drain pipe,water, soil,waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and
replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and
inspection made as provided in this code.
(2) For the clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes,valves or fixtures and the removal and
reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of
valves,pipes or fixtures.
SEC.5.109. PUBLIC SERVICE AGENCIES EXEMPT FROM SOME PERMITS.
A permit shall not be required for the installation,alteration or repair of generation,transmission,distribution or metering
or other related equipment that is under the ownership and control of public service agencies by established right.Such
agencies include Ames Electric Utility; Alliant Natural Gas Utility; Ames Water Department; Ames Public Works
Department; franchised telecommunications companies. Such exemption includes all equipment, lines, and facilities
specific to the energy or product produced, processed, conveyed or conducted. Such exemption does not include
permanent buildings that house or contain such systems.All buildings constructed, altered,repaired,or removed are
subject to the typical plan review,permit,inspection and approval process as described elsewhere in this code.
SEC.5.110. SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS.
Construction documents,statement of special inspections and other data shall be submitted in one or more sets with each
building permit application.In addition,one electronic copy of site plans and building plans for all new residential and
new commercial buildings (except accessory structures), and new additions to existing residential and commercial
buildings,shall be submitted to the Inspection Division in a format acceptable to the Building Official.
Construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the State
of Iowa,and the Construction Document Submittal Guidelines of the Inspection Division.Where special conditions exist,
the Building Official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design
professional.
Exception:The Building Official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and other data not
required to be prepared by a registered design professional,if it is found that the nature of the proposed work is such that
submittal and review of such construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.
(1) Information on construction documents.Construction documents shall be dimensioned and drawn
upon suitable material.Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location,nature and extent of
the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws,ordinances,
rules and regulations,as determined by the Building Official.
(2) Fire protection system shop drawings. Shop drawings for the fire protection systems) shall be
submitted to indicate conformance with this code and the construction documents and shall be approved prior to the start
of system installation.Shop drawings shall contain all information as required by the referenced installation standards in
IBC Chapter 9.
(3) Means of egress.The construction documents shall show in sufficient detail the location,construction,
size and character of all portions of the means of egress in compliance with the provisions of this code.
(4) Exterior wall envelope. Construction documents for all buildings shall describe the exterior wall
envelope in sufficient detail to determine compliance with this code.
(5) Site plan.The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied
by a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site,distances from
lot lines and, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and it shall be drawn in
accordance with an accurate boundary line survey. The Building Official is authorized to waive or modify the
requirement for a site plan when the application for permit is for alteration or repair or when otherwise warranted.
(6) Examination of documents. The Building Official shall examine or cause to be examined the
accompanying construction documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the construction indicated and
described is in accordance with the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws or ordinances.
(7) Previous approvals.This code shall not require changes in the construction documents,construction
or designated occupancy of a structure for which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued or otherwise lawfully
authorized,and the construction of which has been pursued in good faith within 180 days after the effective date of this
code and has not been abandoned.
(8) Phased approval. The Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for the construction of
foundations or any other part of a building or structure before the construction documents for the whole building or
structure have been submitted,provided that adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying
with pertinent requirements of this code.The holder of such permit for the foundation or other parts of a building or
structure shall proceed at the holder's own risk with the building operation and without assurance that a permit for the
entire structure will be granted.
(9) Design professional in responsible charge.When it is required that documents be prepared by a
registered design professional,the Building Official shall be authorized to require the owner to engage and designate on
the building permit application a registered design professional who shall act as the registered design professional in
responsible charge.If the circumstances require,the owner shall designate a substitute registered design professional in
responsible charge who shall perform the duties required of the original registered design professional in responsible
charge.The Building Official shall be notified in writing by the owner if the registered design professional in responsible
charge is changed or is unable to continue to perform the duties.The registered design professional in responsible charge
shall be responsible for reviewing and coordinating submittal documents prepared by others, including phased and
deferred submittal items,for compatibility with the design of the building.Where structural observation is required by
IBC Section 1709,the statement of special inspections shall name the individual or firms who are to perform structural
observation and describe the stages of construction at which structural observation is to occur(see also duties specified in
IBC Section 1704).
(10) Deferred submittals.For the purposes of this section,deferred submittals are defined as those portions
of the design that are not submitted at the time of the application and that are to be submitted to the Building Official
within a specified period. Deferral of any submittal items shall have the prior approval of the Building Official. The
deferred submittal items shall not be installed until the design and submittal documents have been approved by the
Building Official.
(11) Amended construction documents. Work shall be installed in accordance with the approved
construction documents, and any changes made during construction that are not in compliance with the approved
construction documents must be approved by the Building Official.
(12) Retention of construction documents.One set of approved construction documents shall be retained
by the Building Official for a period of not less than five years from date of completion of the permitted work. The
documents may be stored in electronic digital format.
SEC.5.111. TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND USES
(1) General.The Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for temporary structures and temporary
uses.Such permits shall be limited as to time of service,but shall not be permitted for more than 180 days.The Building
Official is authorized to grant extensions for demonstrated cause.
(2) Conformance. Temporary structures and uses shall conform to the structural strength, fire safety,
means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation and sanitary requirements of this code as necessary to ensure public
health, safety and general welfare.
(3) Temporary power.The Building Official is authorized to give permission to temporarily supply and
use power in part of an electric installation before such installation has been fully completed and the final certificate of
completion has been issued.The part covered by the temporary certificate shall comply with the requirements specified
for temporary lighting,heat or power in this code.
(4) Termination of approval.The Building Official is authorized to terminate such permit for a temporary
structure or use and to order the temporary structure or use to be discontinued.
SEC.5.112. FEES
(1) Payment of fees. A permit shall not be valid until the fees prescribed bylaw have beenpaid,nor shall
an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee,if any,has been paid.Exception:the City shall have the
right to invoice permit applicants for permit and inspection fees,as a customer courtesy.In such instances,permits shall
be considered valid at the time actual approval of the permit is granted by the Building Official.This courtesy may be
revoked for due cause,and cash payment subsequently required in accord with this section.
(2) Schedule of permit fees. On buildings,structures,electrical,gas,mechanical,and plumbing systems
or alterations requiring a permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid as required, in accordance with the schedules as
established by the City Council in the following referenced Ames Municipal Code Sections:
Building permit fees.
Appendix L,Ames Municipal Code
Electrical permit fees.
Appendix U,Ames Municipal Code
Mechanical permit fees.
Appendix U,Ames Municipal Code
Plumbing permit fees.
Appendix U,Ames Municipal Code
(3) Building permit valuations.The applicant for a building permit shall provide an estimated permit
value at time of application.The term`permit value'and`permit valuation' shall mean the actual cost of construction,
including all materials and labor.Permit valuations shall include total value of work,including materials and labor,for
which the permit is being issued,such as electrical,gas,mechanical,plumbing equipment and permanent systems.If,in
the opinion of the Building Official,the valuation is underestimated on the application,the permit shall be denied,unless
the applicant can show detailed estimates or signed contracts to meet the approval of the Building Official.Final building
permit valuation shall be set by the Building Official.
(4) City assessor valuations to be used.The Building Official shall use average square foot building
construction costs for typical building types and occupancies,as provided by the Ames City Assessor,when calculating
building permit fees for new residential and commercial buildings,additions,and extensive interior renovations.Such
average square foot costs are considered base construction valuations for typical buildings of good quality.Buildings of
higher quality will be valued at appropriately higher valuations.Such square foot costs are adjusted quarterly as updated
cost data is provided to the Division by the City Assessor.
(5) Appeal of building permit valuation.A request to appeal the Building Official's determination of
building permit cost valuation may be filed with the Building Official for cause. Such request must be in writing,and
must contain a factual basis for review. Such appeals will be reviewed by the Building Official and may also include
review by the City Assessor to assure consistency,accuracy,and fairness.If it is found the Building Official erred in the
determination of building cost valuation,then appropriate adjustment will be made to the permit valuation and the permit
fee charged.
(6) Work commencing before permit issuance-penalty fees. Any person who commences any work on
a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be
subject to a fee established by the Building Official that shall be in addition to the required permit fees. A penalty fee
equal to the amount of the permit fee will be added for any work that commences prior to permit approval,i.e.,the permit
fee will be doubled for such building, electrical,mechanical, or plumbing work that occurs prior to permit issuance.
Additional fees may also be charged for actual costs of inspections,project research,site visits,and meetings required to
obtain procedural code compliance prior to the point of actual permit approval. Such penalties do not preclude the
Division from also issuing separate municipal infraction citations for each violation of this section.
(7) Related fees.The payment of the fee for the construction,alteration,removal or demolition for work
done in connection to or concurrently with the work authorized by a building permit shall not relieve the applicant or
holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law.
(8) Refunds. The Building Official is authorized to establish a refund policy.Refunds shall be provided as
appropriate.Deductions from such refunds shall be for actual direct costs of services rendered in association with
the
project to date of refund request.Actual direct costs include,but may not be limited to plan reviews performed,permits
issued,and inspections made by the Inspection Division.
SEC.5.113. BUILDING INSPECTIONS
(1) Building inspections. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to
inspection by the Building Official and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection
purposes until approved.Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of
the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction.Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or
cancel the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.It shall be the duty of the
permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the Building
Official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to
allow inspection.
(2) Preliminary inspection.Before issuing a permit,the Building Official is authorized to examine or
cause to be examined buildings,structures and sites for which an application has been filed.
(3) Required inspections.The Building Official shall make the inspections set forth in the following
sections,or shall make such of the following inspections as are necessary to assure compliance with this Code.
(4) Footing and foundation inspection. Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after
excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any
required forms shall be in place prior to inspection. Materials for the foundation shall be on the job, except where
concrete is ready mixed in accordance with ASTM C 94,the concrete need not be on the job.
(5) Concrete slab,under-floor,and groundwork inspection. Concrete slab and under-floor inspections
shall be made after in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building service equipment,conduit,piping accessories
and other ancillary equipment items are in place,but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed,including
the subfloor.
(6) Lowest floor elevation. In flood hazard areas, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the
basement,and prior to further vertical construction,the elevation certification required in IBC Section 1612.5 shall be
submitted to the Building Official.
(7) Framing and rough-in inspection.Framing inspections shall be made after the roof deck or sheathing,
all framing,fireblocking and bracing are in place and pipes,chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete and the
rough electrical,plumbing,heating wires,pipes and ducts are approved.
(8) Lath and gypsum board inspection. Inspection of lath and gypsum board that is part of a fire-
resistance rated assembly or a shear assembly shall be made after lath and gypsumboard,interior and exterior,is in place,
but before any plastering is applied or gypsum board joints and fasteners are taped and finished.
(9) Fire-resistant penetrations. Protection of j oints and penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies
shall not be concealed from view until inspected and approved.
(10) Energy efficiency.Inspections shall be made to determine compliance with the State of Iowa Energy
Code.
(11) Other inspections.In addition to the inspections specified above,the Building Official is authorized to
make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and
other laws that are enforced by the Inspection Division.
(12) Special inspections.For special inspections,see IBC Section 1704.
(13) Final inspection.The final inspection shall be made after all work required by the building permit is
completed.
(14) Inspection agencies.The Building Official is authorized to accept reports of approved inspection
agencies,provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
(15) Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the building permit or their duly authorized
agent to notify the Building Official when work is ready for inspection.It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide
access to and means for inspection of such work that is required by this code.Regardless of notification by the permit
holder,the Building Official or designee is authorized to make any inspection required by this code at any time during
normal business hours throughout the duration of the project.
(16) Approval required.Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection
without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official.The Building Official,upon notification, shall make the
requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed,or notify
the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code.Any portions that do not comply
shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the Building Official.
SEC.5.114. ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS.
(1) Electrical inspections. The code official, upon notification from the permit holder or the permit
holder's agent,shall make the following inspections and such other inspections as necessary,and shall either release that
portion of the construction or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of any violations that must be corrected.The
holder of the permit shall be responsible for the scheduling of such inspections.
(2) Underground inspection. Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are
excavated and before any backfill is put in place.
(3) Rough-in inspection. Rough-in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking,
firestopping,draftstopping and bracing is in place and all electrical distribution conductors are roughed-in,and prior to
the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
(4) Final inspection.Final inspection shall be made after the building is complete,all electrical fixtures
are in place and properly connected,and the structure is ready for occupancy.
(5) Other inspections.In addition to the inspections specified above,the Building Official is authorized to
make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and
other laws that are enforced by the Inspection Division.
(6) Inspection agencies. The Building Official is authorized to accept reports of approved inspection
agencies,provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
(7) Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the building permit or their duly authorized
agent to notify the Building Official when work is ready for inspection.It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide
access to and means for inspection of such work that is required by this code.Regardless of notification by the permit
holder,the Building Official or designee is authorized to make any inspection required by this code at any time during
normal business hours throughout the duration of the project.
(8) Approval required.Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection
without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official.The Building Official,upon notification, shall make the
requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed,or notify
the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code.Any portions that do not comply
shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the Building Official.
SEC.5.115. MECHANICAL INSPECTIONS.
(1) Mechanical inspections.The Building Official,upon no
from the permit holder or the permit
holder's agent,shall make the following inspections and other such inspections as necessary,and shall either release that
portion of the construction or shall notify the permit holder or the permit holder's agent of violations that must be
corrected. The holder of the permit or the permit holder's agent shall be responsible for the scheduling of such
inspections.
(2) Underground inspection. Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are
excavated and bedded,piping installed,and before backfill is put in place.When excavated soil contains rocks,broken
concrete,frozen chunks and other rubble that would damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action,clean backfill
shall be on the job site.
(3) Rough-in inspection.Rough-in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking and
bracing are in place and all ducting and other components to be concealed are complete,and prior to the installation of
wall or ceiling membranes.
(4) Final inspection. Final inspection shall be made upon completion of the mechanical system.
Exception:Ground-source heat pump loop systems tested in accordance with Section IMC 1208.1.1 shall be permitted to
be backfilled prior to inspection.
(5) Other inspections. In addition to the inspections specified above,the Building Official is authorized
to make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code
and other laws that are enforced by the Inspection Division.
(6) Inspection agencies.The Building Official is authorized to accept reports of approved inspection
agencies,provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
(7) Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the building permit or their duly authorized
agent to notify the Building Official when work is ready for inspection.It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide
access to and means for inspection of such work that is required by this code.Regardless of notification by the permit
holder,the Building Official or designee is authorized to make any inspection required by this code at any time during
normal business hours throughout the duration of the project.
(8) Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection
without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official.The Building Official,upon notification, shall make the
requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed,or notify
the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code.Any portions that do not comply
shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized
SEC.5.116. PLUMBING INSPECTIONS.
(1) Plumbing inspections. The code official, upon notification from the permit holder or the permit
holder's agent,shall make the following inspections and such other inspections as necessary,and shall either release that
portion of the construction or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of any violations that must be corrected. The
holder of the permit shall be responsible for the scheduling of such inspections.
(2) Underground inspection. Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are
excavated and bedded,piping installed,and before any backfill is put in place.
(3) Rough-in inspection. Rough-in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking,
firestopping,draftstopping and bracing is in place and all sanitary,storm and water distribution piping is roughed-in,and
prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
(4) Final inspection.Final inspection shall be made after the building is complete,all plumbing fixtures
are in place and properly connected, and the structure is ready for occupancy.
(5) Other inspections. In addition to the inspections specified above,the Building Official is authorized
to make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code
and other laws that are enforced by the Inspection Division.
(6) Inspection agencies.The Building Official is authorized to accept reports of approved inspection
agencies,provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
(7) Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the building permit or their duly authorized
agent to notify the Building Official when work is ready for inspection.It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide
access to and means for inspection of such work that is required by this code.Regardless of notification by the permit
holder,the Building Official or designee is authorized to make any inspection required by this code at any time during
normal business hours throughout the duration of the project.
(8) Approval required.Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection
without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official.The Building Official,upon notification,shall make the
requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed,or notify
the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code.Any portions that do not comply
shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the Building Official.
SEC.5.117. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
(1) Use and occupancy. No building or structure shall be used or occupied,and no change in the existing
occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the Building Official has issued a
certificate of occupancy (C.O.) as provided herein, or until final inspection and approval has been given for those
structures or projects not required by code to receive a certificate of occupancy.Issuance of a certificate of occupancy
shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the
jurisdiction.
(2) Certificate issued. After the Building Official inspects the building or structure and finds no
violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the Inspection Division,the Building Official
shall issue a certificate of occupancy that contains the following:
(a) The building permit number.
(b) The address of the structure.
(c) The name and address of the owner.
(d) A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
(e) A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with
the requirements of this code for the occupancy and division of occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy
is classified.
(f) The name of the Building Official.
(g) The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
(h) The use and occupancy,in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.
(i) The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6 of the IBC.
0) The design occupant load.
(k) If an automatic sprinkler system is provided,whether the sprinkler system is required.
(1) Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
(3) Temporary occupancy. The Building Official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of
occupancy (T.C.O.) before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or
portions shall be occupied safely. Such T.C.O. may be issued subject to payment of a fee, and subject to cause.
Appropriate cause will generally consist of final outdoor work which cannot be completed due to adverse winter weather
conditions,only.The Building Official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is
valid.
(4) Revocation. The Building Official is authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or
completion issued under the provisions of this code wherever the certificate is issued in error,or on the basis of incorrect
information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of any
ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code. Such actions shall be executed in writing.
(5) Connection of service utilities. No person shall make connections from a utility,source of energy,
fuel or power to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which a permit is required,until released by the
Building Official.
(6) Temporary connection. The Building Official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary
connection of the building or system to the utility source of energy,fuel or power.
(7) Authority to disconnect service utilities.The Building Official shall have the authority to authorize
disconnection of utility service to the building,structure or system regulated by this code and the codes referenced in case
of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property.The Building Official shall notify the
serving utility,and wherever possible the owner and occupant of the building,structure or service system of the decision
to disconnect prior to taking such action.If not notified prior to disconnecting,the owner or occupant of the building,
structure or service system shall be notified in writing,as soon as practical thereafter.
DIVISION II
AMENDMENTS TO ADOPTED CODES
SEC.5.200. BUILDINGS.
The provisions of the 2006 International Building Code(IBC),are amended with the deletion of Chapters 1,27 and 29
and Section 1405.12.2;and the revision of the following text as stated:
(a) Section 1805 of the IBC is amended to allow for foundations and footings of buildings with
Type V wood framed construction of three stories or less to be designed to meet,at a minimum,the specifications of the
following table.
Number of Floors Supported by the Foundations* 1 2 3
Thickness of Foundation Walls(inches)Concrete 8 8 10
Thickness of Foundation Walls(inches)Concrete Block 8 8 12
Width of Footing(inches) 16 16 18
Thickness of Footing(inches) 8 8 12
Minimum Depth of Foundation Below Grade 42 42 42
*Foundations may support a roof in addition to the stipulated number of floors. Foundations
supporting roofs only shall be as required for supporting one floor. All other structures shall have
footings and foundations engineered to meet the requirements of Section 1805 of the IBC,and Chapter
4 of the IRC.All buildings shall have perimeter footings to 42"below grade,and such footings shall
be designed to withstand all forces placed upon them as per Section 1805 of the IBC and Chapter 4 of
the IRC or engineering to show equivalency.Trench footings are allowed as a continuous 8" single
pass trench for a single story wood frame structure with spans not exceeding 16 feet.The trench must
be 42 deep and have at least two(2)horizontal rods fixed in place and tied into the existing structure.
Soil bearing capacity shall be a minimum of 2000 psf.
(b) Section 1805.2.1,Exception 2 of the International Building Code is deleted and the
following inserted in lieu thereof:
(1) Area of 900 square feet or less for light-frame construction or 400 square feet or
less for other than light-frame construction.
SEC.5.201. RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.
The provisions of the 2006 International Residential Code for One-and Two-family Dwellings(IRC),are amended with
the deletion of Chapter 1, Part VII -Plumbing, and Part VIII - Electrical; with the addition of appendix G and the
revision of the following text as stated:
(a) Section R301.2.1.1 Design Criteria,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) 90
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
(b) Section R311.4.3 of the International Residential Code, Exception 1. is deleted and the
following inserted in lieu thereof:
(1) Where a stairway of three or fewer risers is located on the exterior side of a door,
other than the required exit door,a landing is not required for the exterior side of the door provided the door,other than
an exterior storm or screen door does not swing over the stairway.
(c) Section R403.1.4.1, Exception 1 of the International Residential Code is deleted and the
following inserted in lieu thereof:
(1) Protection of freestanding accessory structures with an area of 900 square feet or less,
of light-framed construction,with an eave height of 10 feet or less shall not be required.
(d) Section R404.1, Concrete Masonry Foundation Wall Support, is amended by deleting
numbered items 1 through 6 and inserting the following text,in lieu thereof:
(1) Full basement floor shall be 3.5 inch thick concrete slab poured tight against the
bottom of the foundation wall.
(2) Floor shall be blocked perpendicular to the floor joists, when parallel to the
foundation wall. Blocking shall be full depth within two joist spaces of the foundation wall, at 48 inches on center.
Exception:When ductwork is parallel to the joists in the first joist space,2x4 blocking may be installed at the bottom of
the joists.
(3) Concrete foundation walls must be reinforced with a minimum of#4 bars at 18 inches
on center,each way.
(4) Anchor bolts must be installed a minimum of 4 feet on center,continuous around the
perimeter.
(e) Section R613.2 Window Sills,of the International Residential Code,is deleted in its entirety.
(f) Section R903.5,Hail Exposure,is deleted.
(g) Section R907.3,Recovering Versus Replacement,is amended by deleting item 4.
(h) Section 1805 of the IBC is amended to allow for foundations and footings of buildings with
Type V wood framed construction of three stories or less to be designed to meet,at a minimum,the specifications of the
following table.
Number of Floors Supported by the Foundations* 1 2 3
Thickness of Foundation Walls(inches)Concrete 8 8 10
Thickness of Foundation Walls(inches)Concrete Block 8 8 12
Width of Footing(inches) 16 16 18
Thickness of Footing(inches) 8 8 12
Minimum Depth of Foundation Below Grade 42 42 42
*Foundations may support a roof in addition to the stipulated number of floors. Foundations
supporting roofs only shall be as required for supporting one floor. All other structures shall have
footings and foundations engineered to meet the requirements of Section 1805 of the IBC,and Chapter
4 of the IRC.All buildings shall have perimeter footings to 42 below grade,and such footings shall
be designed to withstand all forces placed upon them as per Section 1805 of the IBC and Chapter 4 of
the IRC or engineering to show equivalency.Trench footings are allowed as a continuous 8" single
pass trench for a single story wood frame structure with spans not exceeding 16 feet.The trench must
be 42"deep and have at least two(2)horizontal rods fixed in place and tied into the existing structure.
Soil bearing capacity shall be a minimum of 2000 psf.
(i) Section G2415.1(404.1)Prohibited Locations,of the International Residential Code is deleted
and the following text is inserted in lieu thereof:
Piping shall not be installed in or through a circulating air duct, clothes chute,chimney or gas vent,ventilating duct,
dumbwaiter or elevator shaft.
SEC.5.202. ACCESSIBILITY. Reserved.
SEC.5.203. ENERGY. Reserved.
SEC.5.204. EXISTING BUILDINGS. Reserved.
SEC.5.205. ELECTRICAL.
The provisions of the 2005 National Electrical Code(NEC),are amended as follows:
(a) The said National Electrical Code is amended by adding to Sec.250-50,Grounding Electrode
Conductor Installation,the following as Subsection(e):Grounding Where Plastic Water Pipe is Installed.When plastic
water pipe is installed,a plaque or sign shall be installed on the electrical panel to warn the electrician,and the electrician
shall then ground by means other than the water service.
(b) Section 334.10 of the said National Electric Code is amended by substituting the following for
subsections(1)through(4): `Type NM,Type NMC and Type NMS cables shall be permitted to be used in:(i)one-family
dwellings and associated accessory buildings, (ii) two-family dwellings and associated accessory buildings, (iii)
multifamily dwellings and associated accessory buildings. All other structures shall be wired using other methods as
allowed by the National Electrical Code.'
(c) All references in the aforesaid 2005 National Electric Code to the building code shall be
deemed a reference to the applicable code set out in and adopted by Chapter 5 of the Municipal Code of the City of
Ames,Iowa.
SEC.5.206. MECHANICAL. Reserved.
SEC.5.207. GAS.
The provisions of the 2006 International Fuel Gas Code(IFGC),are amended as follows:
(1) Section 404.1 Prohibited Locations,of the International Fuel Gas Code is deleted and the
following text is inserted in lieu thereof:
Piping shall not be installed in or through a circulating air duct,clothes chute,chimney or gas vent,
ventilating duct,dumbwaiter or elevator shaft.
SEC.5.208. PLUMBING.
The provisions of the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code(UPC),are amended with the deletion of Chapter 1 and 16;and with
the addition of Appendix B, Appendix D, and Sections L6.1, L6.2, and L6.3 of Appendix L, and the revision of the
following text as stated:
(1) Amend Section 408.1 UPC to state:
All water closet bowls shall be of the elongated type with open front seats except in dwelling units, motel and hotel
rooms.In nurseries,schools and other similar places where plumbing fixtures are provided for the use of children under
six(6) years of age, water closets shall be of a size and height suitable for children's use. All water closets shall be
equipped with seats as required below.
(2) Amend Section 411.2 UPC by adding subsection 411.2.4 as follows:
In all buildings,a three-inch(3")floor drain shall be located on the lowest floor level where the water meter is located.A
three-inch (3 ) floor drain shall be located in same room whenever a RPZ type backflow preventer is installed that
discharges water.A two-inch(2")or larger floor drain shall
be provided in the same room the water heater is located on the lowest floor level.
Exception:Existing water heaters and water meters unless relocated.
(3) Amend Section 412.4.2 UPC to read:
In food establishments the fixture requirements are determined by the statutes and regulations of the State of Iowa.The
following requirements apply to food establishments,bars and night clubs:
(a)Bars,taverns and nightclubs shall be provided with a three(3)compartment glass washing sink and
a drain board with hot and cold running water.The sink shall have an indirect waste to a floor sink with an air gap.
(b)A restaurant shall have either a three (3) compartment ware washing sink or an automatic dish
washing machine of commercial type,including a booster heater along with a two-compartment sink.
(c)A hand-washing sink with hot and cold running water shall be installed in each food preparation
area in restaurants and behind each bar area of bars,taverns and nightclubs.
(d)A mop/utility sink shall be required with hot and cold running water in each restaurant,bar,tavern
or nightclub,for mop and waste water.The mop/utility sink shall not be used as a hand-washing sink.
(4) Amend Section 417.0 UPC by adding:
All single family dwellings shall be provided with a two-inch(2")future vent stubbed to the basement level. Such vent
shall be capped in the floor joist area for future use and labeled or marked as such.
(5) Table 4-1 Minimum Plumbing Facilities
With prior approval,Authority Having Jurisdiction may allow use of Chapter 29 of the 2006 International Building Code.
(6) Amend Section 501.0 UPC by adding the following to the end of the Section:
No water heater shall be used for hydronic heating unless the water heater is protected by a reduced pressure backflow
preventer with a thermal expansion tank.The said water heater shall not also serve as the water heater for domestic use
but each shall be independent of each other.
(7) Section 508.4 UPC is amended to add the following to the end of the Section:
The water heater pan may also be drained by using a one and one-half(1-1/2)inch Schedule 40 PVC,rigid copper or
CPVC pipe and fitting piped to a lower level floor drain or floor sink.
(8) Section 508.5 UPC is amended to read:
The drain tube for the relief valve on the water heater may discharge to the water pan if the pan is equipped with a one
and one-half(1-1/2)inch drain.The relief valve drain tub must terminate with a minimum one and one-half(1-1/2)inch
air gap above the lip of the pan.
(9) Section 603.3.3 of the UPC is amended by adding:
The test report shall be sent to the Administrative Authority no later than ten working days after the test.
(10) Section 603.4.8 UPC the Note is reworded to read:
Water-cooled compressors, degreasers, or any other water-cooled equipment shall be protected by a listed IAPMO
reduced pressure principle backflow preventer.
(11) Section 603.4.10 UPC is reworded to read:
Potable water make up connections to boilers, sterilizers, chillers, commercial clothes washers, or water heaters for
radiant heat,shall have an IAPMO listed reduced pressure type backflow preventer.
(12) Section 603.4.12 UPC is amended by adding:
A stainless steel Watts 9Bd dual check valve backflow preventer or equivalent shall be used on all potable water lines
that have a carbonated soda fountain or dispensing machine connected.
(13) Section 603 of the UPC is amended as follows:
(a) Section 603.3.3 of the UPC is amended by adding: The test report shall be sent to the
Administrative Authority no later than ten working days after the test.
(b)Section 603 UPC is further amended by adding after the last numbered section a new section 603.10
as follows:
(i)Purpose.The purpose of these containment regulations is:
a. to protect the City of Ames Public Water Supply(PW S)from the possibility
of contamination or pollution by containing within the customer's internal distribution system(s)or the customer's private
water system(s)such contaminants or pollutants that could backflow into the PWS;and
b. to provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of containment that
will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of the PWS.
(ii) Definitions.As used in this section:
a. Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly For Containment means: A
backflow prevention assembly which is approved by the University of Southern California-Foundation for Cross-
Connection Control and Hydraulic Research.The backflow prevention assembly must also be listed by the International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials,or by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering.The approval
and listing requirements do not apply to an air gap used as an approved backflow prevention assembly for containment.
b. Auxiliary Water Supply means:Any source ofwater that is available to the
customer over which the City of Ames water utility does not have sanitary control to reduce pollution,contamination,or
other conditions that make that source of water unacceptable as a potable water supply,such as,but not limited to
1. a public or private water supply other than the City of Ames water
utility,
2. public or private wells,or
3. lakes,naturally-fed ponds,storm water basins,and flowing waters
(rivers,creeks,etc.)from which water is drawn.
C. Available to the Customer means:The water utility customer has authority
to use,or direct the use of,the auxiliary water supply by virtue of ownership,contract,or other arrangement for control.
d. Backflow means: The undesirable reversal of flow into the public water
distribution system.
e. Backflow Prevention Assembly means:An assembly or means to prevent
backflow.
1. Air Gap means:This is a physical break between the PWS and the
customer's water system.The air gap is to create an unobstructed vertical distance between the opening of any pipe or
faucet conveying water to a tank,plumbing fixture,receptor,or other assembly and the flood level of the receptacle.The
air gap shall conform to the requirements of UPC Table 6-3.
2. Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly(RP)
means:The RP consists of two independently acting check valves together with a hydraulically operating,mechanically
independent pressure differential relief valve located between the check valves. These units are located between two
tightly closing resilient-seated valves as an assembly,and equipped with properly located resilient-seated test shutoffs.
3. Double Check Valve Assembly(DC)means:The DC consists of
two internally loaded check valves,either spring loaded or internally weighted,installed as a unit between two tightly
closing resilient-seated shutoff valves with properly located resilient-seated test shutoffs.
f. Commercial/Industrial Fluid means:Any liquid,gas,or solution that is a
chemical,biological,or other substance in a form,quantity,or concentration that would constitute a hazard(health or
non-health)if introduced into the public water supply,such as,but not limited to
1. polluted or contaminated waters;
2. all types of process and used waters(waters which originated from
the public water supply but may have deteriorated in sanitary quality);
3. chemicals in fluid form;
4. plating acids and alkalis;
5. circulated cooling waters (except for those solely used for
airconditioning);
6. oils,gases,caustic and acid solutions;
7. other liquid and gaseous fluids used industrially,agriculturally,
commercially,or for other non-domestic purposes.
g. Commercial/Industrial Fluid System means:Any system used by the water
utility customer to store or utilize any commercial/industrial fluid in a manner that may constitute a hazard(health or non-
health)to the public water supply,such as,but not limited to
1. car washes,
2. microbreweries,
3. chlorinators,
4. clean-in-place systems,
5. bulk fluid storage with remote dispensing(motor oil,antifreeze,
etc.), and
6. injection molding with integral heating and cooling. However,
commercial/industrial fluid systems do not include:
1. fuel gas(propane or natural gas)systems;
2. air conditioning,cooling,refrigeration,and similar systems using
only Freon or similar refrigerants;
3. sanitary sewer,rainwater,or storm sewer lines;and
4. boilers.
h. Containment means:A method of backflow prevention which requires the
installation of a backflow prevention assembly at the water service connection.
i. Contamination means: An impairment of a potable water supply by the
introduction or admission of any foreign substance that degrades the quality of the water and creates a health hazard.
j. Cross-Connection means:An actual or potential connection between any
part of a potable water system and any other environment containing other substances in a manner that, under any
circumstances,would allow such substances to enter the potable water system.
k. Hazard, Degree of means: The rating of a cross-connection or service
connection which indicates if it has the potential to cause contamination or pollution. The term is derived from an
evaluation of the potential risk to public health and the adverse effect of the hazard upon the potable water system.
1. Hazard-Health means: A hazard upon the PWS involving any
substance that, if introduced in the potable water supply, could cause death, illness, spread disease, or have a high
probability of causing such effects.
2. Hazard-Non-health means:A hazard upon the PWS involving any
substance that generally would not be a health hazard but, if introduced into the PWS, could cause a nuisance by
introducing color,taste or odor,or would alter the quality of the PWS physically,chemically, or biologically.
1. Permanent Swimming Pool means:A pool or tub with a capacity of 1,000
gallons or more of chemically treated water that has a filtration system with a pump and rigidly supported walls/sides.
Above-ground movable pools and tubs that meet the above criteria shall be deemed"permanent swimming pools."
M. Pollution means: The presence of any foreign substance in water that
impairs,alters, or degrades its quality but does not constitute a health hazard.
n. Registered Backflow Prevention Assembly Technician(Technician)means:
A person who is registered by the State of Iowa to test or repair backflow prevention assemblies and report on the
condition of those assemblies.
o. Service Connection means: The terminal end of the pipe connected to,
directly or indirectly,the City of Ames water main;that is,the point of delivery to the customer's water system.If a meter
is installed at the end of the service connection,then the service connection shall mean the downstream end of the meter.
Service connections shall also include,but not be limited to,a temporary water service connection from a fire hydrant
and all other temporary or emergency water service connections from the public water system.
P. Thermal Expansion means: Volumetric increase of water due to heating
resulting in increased pressure in a closed system.
(iii) Administrative Authority
a. The Administrative Authority is the Ames City Council acting through such
persons or departments as the City Council shall designate.
b. The Administrative Authority shall have the right to enter,with the consent
of the customer or upon the basis of a suitable warrant issued by a court of appropriate jurisdiction, any property to
determine if the conditions for a partial or total exemption have been satisfied or if a backflow prevention assembly has
been properly installed for containment.
1. All backflow prevention assemblies shall be available for City
inspection within a short notice by the Administrative Authority. Short notice is considered to be less than 24 hours.
2. The entrance to the property to determine if the conditions for a
partial or total exemption have been satisfied will not be necessary if the customer has properly installed,tested, and
maintained an approved RP or air gap on every and all service connections serving the customer's premises.
c. The Administrative Authority may collect fees for the administration of this
program.
d. The Administrative Authority shall maintain records of containment hazard
surveys, and of the installation, testing, and repair of all backflow prevention assemblies installed for containment
purposes
(iv) Where Containment Is Required
a. An RP or air gap is required for containment for every direct or indirect
service connection unless such connection:
1. qualifies for a total or partial exemption;or
2. supplies a fire protection system.
b. A DC may be installed for containment in place of an RP or air gap when a
partial exemption is granted.
c. A partial exemption shall be granted only if all of the following conditions
precedent are met.
1. The entire facilities are within the scope and applicability of the
plumbing regulations of the City of Ames,Iowa.
2. All water uses are protected by the "isolation" provisions of
Chapter 6 of the Uniform Plumbing Code.
3. There are no auxiliary water supplies.
4. There are no solar heating systems.
5. There are no permanent swimming pools.
6. There are no commercial/industrial fluid systems.
7. The entire facilities and all pertinent circumstances and conditions
are fully accessible for inspection by representatives of the City's Water and Pollution Control Department.
d. No backflow prevention assembly is required for containment when a total
exemption is granted.
e. A total exemption shall be granted when a partial exemption has been
granted and all of the following conditions precedent are met.
1. There is only one service connection, not including services for fire
protection systems.
2. The facility is less than four stories above grade.
f. Failure of the Administrative Authority to notify a customer that they do not
qualify for an exemption and that they shall install backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall in no way
relieve a customer of the responsibility to comply with all requirements of these regulations.
g. The Director of the City of Ames Water and Pollution Control Department
may require installation of an air gap,by and at the customer's sole expense, at the service connection where records
indicate a history of threat to the public water supply system because of inappropriate handling of health hazard
substances or actual backflow into the PWS.
(v) New Service Connections
a. Plans shall be submitted to the Administrative Authority for review on all
new service connections in order to determine if a partial or total exemption shall be granted.
b. The Administrative Authority shall require the installation of the appropriate
backflow prevention assembly for containment before the initiation of water service.
(vi) Fire Protection Systems
a. A backflow prevention assembly to be used in a fire protection system shall
meet the requirements of Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM) and Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and the
requirements of the fire code and the building code of the City of Ames,in addition to the requirements of paragraph
(ii)a.Assemblies sized smaller than 2-1/2 inches which have not been tested by FM and listed by UL may be allowed if
approved by the City of Ames Fire Department Chief.
b. An RP shall be installed on all new and existing fire protection systems
which the Administrative Authority determines to have any of the following:
1. Interconnections with auxiliary supplies such as reservoirs,rivers,
ponds,wells,mills,or other industrial water systems;or
2. Use of antifreeze or other additives in the fire protection system
unless an RP is used to isolate the loop or branch containing antifreeze or other additives when a DC is installed at the
service connection;or
3. Any other facility, connection, or condition which may cause
contamination
C. A DC will be required for all other fire protection systems.The DC shall be
required on all new systems at the time of installation and on existing systems at the time that they are modified.
(vii) Portable Tanks.Portable tanks and vessels shall be filled through a properly installed
and maintained backflow prevention assembly or vacuum breaker.
(viii) Installation of Backflow Prevention Assemblies
a. All backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall be installed so
that they are accessible for testing as stated in the UPC at Section 603.3.4 thereof.The installation shall also provide the
same clearances as called for the water meter in the City of Ames Municipal Code, Section 28.205.(5).
b. No backflow prevention assembly for containment shall be installed in a
place where it would create a safety hazard such as,but not limited to,over an electrical panel or above ceiling level.
C. The required backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall be
installed in horizontal plumbing immediately following the meter or as close to that location as deemed practical by the
Administrative Authority unless approved in writing by the Administrative Authority. In any case,it shall be located
upstream of any branch piping.Installation at this point does not eliminate the responsibility of the customer to protect
the water supply system from contamination or pollution between the backflow prevention assembly and the water main,
and to protect the water supply system from contamination or pollution within the premises.
d. RPs for containment shall be installed so as to be protected from flooding.
e. RPs for containment shall not be installed in underground vaults or pits.
f. All backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall be protected from
freezing.Assemblies used for seasonal services may be removed in lieu of being protected from freezing;however,the
assemblies must be reinstalled and tested by a technician prior to the service being reactivated.
g. If hot water is used within the water system, thermal expansion shall be
provided for when installing a backflow prevention assembly for containment.
h. Provisions shall be made to convey the discharge of water from RPs to a
suitable drain.
i. If interruption of water service during testing and repair of backflow
assemblies for containment is unacceptable to the customer,another backflow prevention assembly for containment,sized
to handle the temporary water flow needed during the time of test or repair,shall be installed in parallel piping.
(ix) Removal of Backflow Prevention Assemblies
a. Approval must be obtained from the Administrative Authority before a
backflow prevention assembly for containment is removed,relocated,or replaced.
b. The use of an assembly may be discontinued and the assembly removed
from service upon presentation of sufficient evidence that the customer qualifies for an exemption.
C. An assembly may be relocated following confirmation by the Administrative
Authority that the relocation will continue to provide the required protection and satisfy installation requirements.A test
will be required following the relocation of the assembly.
d.An assembly may be removed and replaced,provided the water use is discontinued until the replacement assembly is
installed.
e. An assembly may be removed to protect it from freezing provided that
1. water use is discontinued until the assembly is reinstalled and
tested;and
2. the Administrative Authority is notified in writing within five days
of the removal.
(x) Testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies
a. Testing of backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall be
performed by a registered backflow prevention assembly technician(technician). The costs of required tests shall be
borne by the customer.
b. Backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall be tested and
inspected upon installation and at least annually thereafter.
C. Backflow prevention assemblies for containment which are in place,but
have been out of service for more than three months, shall be tested before being put back into operation. Backflow
prevention assemblies for containment used in seasonal applications shall be tested before being put into operation each
season.
d. Before being placed back into service,any backflow prevention assembly
for containment which fails a test shall be repaired or replaced. In the case when a reported value is less than the
minimum,the Director of the City of Ames Water and Pollution Control Department may approve temporary restoration
of service before repairs are completed.Backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall be retested by a technician
immediately after repair or replacement.
e. When water service has been terminated for non-compliance,the backflow
prevention assembly for containment shall be repaired or replaced and then tested prior to the resumption of water
service.
f. When warranted, the Administrative Authority may require backflow
prevention assemblies for containment to be tested at any time in addition to the annual testing requirement.Examples of
this include,but are not limited to,assemblies with a history of repeated failures or assemblies that have been subjected to
fire,flood,or other unusual environmental conditions.
g. The technician shall report the results of all inspections and tests of a
backflow prevention assembly for containment to the customer and to the Administrative Authority on the form provided
by the Administrative Authority within ten working days of the test. The technician shall immediately report to the
Administrative Authority when and where a test indicates that an assembly fails to perform and no immediate repair is
done to make the assembly function properly.
h. The Administrative Authority may periodically verify test procedures and
results.
(xi) Repair of Backflow Prevention Assemblies For Containment
a. All repairs to backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall be
performed by technicians.
b. The technician shall not change the design, material, or operational
characteristics of a backflow prevention assembly for containment during repair or maintenance and shall use only
original manufacturer replacement parts or equivalent parts approved by the University of Southern California -
Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research.
C. The repaired assembly must be tested after each repair and pass the test
before being placed back into service.
d. The technician shall report the repair of a backflow prevention assembly for
containment to the customer and to the Administrative Authority within ten working days of the repair.The report shall
include the list of materials or replacement parts used and subsequent tests.
(xii) Backflow Incidents
a. The customer shall immediately notify the Administrative Authority when
the customer becomes aware that backflow has occurred in the building,property,or private water system receiving water
service.
b. The Administrative Authority may order that water service be temporarily
shut off when backflow occurs in a customer's building,property,or private water system.Such shut off is to protect the
system from further contamination or pollution and to allow time for locating and mitigating the cause and extent of the
contamination or pollution.
(xiii) Existing Backflow Prevention Assemblies For Containment
a. All backflow prevention assemblies for containment installed prior to
November 1, 1996,that do not meet the requirements of these regulations but were approved testable assemblies for the
purpose described herein at the time of installation and that have been properly installed and maintained,shall,except for
the testing, inspection, and maintenance requirements under Section (x) and Section (xi), be excluded from the
requirements of these rules so long as the Administrative Authority is assured that they will satisfactorily protect the
PWS. Whenever the existing assembly for containment is moved from the present location,requires replacement,or
when the use of the service area protected by the assembly changes so that the Administrative Authority determines that
the customer no longer qualifies for a partial exemption,the unit shall be replaced by an approved backflow prevention
assembly for containment meeting the requirements of these regulations.
(xiv) Customer Non-compliance
a. In case of non-compliance with these regulations, the Administrative
Authority shall notify the customer to comply within ten working days. In the event of failure or upon refusal of the
customer to comply as ordered,the Administrative Authority may,after notice and reasonable opportunity for hearing,
terminate water service.Non-compliance includes,but is not limited to,the following:
1. Refusal to allow the Administrative Authority access to the
property to determine if the conditions for a partial or total exemption have been satisfied,except when an RP or air gap
is properly installed for containment and properly maintained
2. Providing inadequate backflow prevention
3. Failure to install a backflow prevention assembly for containment
which has been required by the Administrative Authority
4. Failure to test,maintain,or properly repair a backflow prevention
assembly for containment as required by the Administrative Authority
5. Failure to comply with the requirements of these regulations
6. Refusal to replace a faulty backflow prevention assembly
7. Removal of a backflow prevention assembly for containment which
has been required by the Administrative Authority except for seasonal removal as in Section(viii)f
8. Bypassing of a backflow prevention assembly for containment
which has been required by the Administrative Authority
9. Failure to report a backflow incident
10. Direct connection between the PWS and a sewer line
11. A situation which presents an immediate health hazard to the PWS
b. For conditions 7,8,9,10,and 11,the Administrative Authority will take the
following steps.
1. Make a reasonable effort to advise the customer of intent to
terminate water service.
2. Terminate water service and lock service valve.The water service
will remain inactive until correction of the violation has been approved by the Administrative Authority.
(xv) COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT There is hereby established the Containment
Committee of Adjustment.
a. The Committee shall consist of three members as follows: the Building
Official of the City or that official's designee;the Director of Water and Pollution Control or the Director's designee;and
a representative of the Plumbing and Mechanical Board of Appeals,selected from among the members of that Board by
majority vote of the Board's members.
b.The said Committee of Adjustment shall have the following powers.
1. To hear and decide appeals that allege an error in any decision or
determination made in the administration and enforcement of Section 21.501(47)(b)of the Municipal Code of the City of
Ames,Iowa
2. To authorize, in specific cases, such exemption from the
requirements of Section 21.501(47)(b)of the Municipal Code of the City of Ames,Iowa,as will not be contrary to the
laws of the State of Iowa,when due to special circumstances not of the property owner's own creation,a strict literal
interpretation of Section 21.501(47)(b)would result in undue expenses to the property owner in view of an alternative
measure agreed to by the property owner that will not be contrary to the public interest
(xvi) Presumptive Exemptions The following water uses shall generally be presumed
exempt from the containment requirements of Section 21.501(47)(b):water closets,lavatories,bath tubs,showers,water
softeners,single-faucet water treatment units,boilers,sinks,irrigation systems,clothes washers,dishwashers,pre-rinse
stations,garden hose connections,drinking fountains,urinals,carbonators/beverage dispensers,garbage disposals,ice
makers,cleaning chemical dispensers,and private fire hydrants.However,when warranted by the facts and circumstances
of a particular situation,the Administrative Authority,with notice and opportunity to be heard extended to the property
owners, may apply to the Containment Committee of Adjustment for a determination that containment measures are
required under such facts and circumstances.
(Ord.No.3433,Sec. 1;5-13-97;Ord.No.3904,3-6-07)
(14) Section 604.1 UPC is amended to add:
The following type of pipe and fittings are allowed in the interior/exterior of a building or structure:
Interior
Above concrete floor(lowest level)
(a) soft copper(Type K,L,M)
(b) rigid copper(Type K,L,M)
(c) brass
(d) cross linked polyethylene(PEX)(as approved by Chapter 14 of the Uniform Plumbing Code),
and which meets manufacturer's specifications.
Note:Whenever PEX pipe is used and water service is renewed a 14-gauge solid copper tracer wire with a blue jacket
will be installed.The tracer wire will start at the water main and terminate at a weatherproof junction box.The junction
box shall be accessible and be labeled to identify junction box"tracer wire".The tracer wire shall then continue from the
junction box and terminate at the water meter.The wire shall run from the main and be exposed at the curb box.The
junction box shall be located next to water meter remote on the exterior of the building or structure.
(e) ductile iron(four(4)inch or larger).
Below concrete floor(lowest level)
(a) soft copper(type K)
(b) PEX(as approved byChapterl4 of the Uniform Plumbing Code),and which meets
manufacturer's specifications.
Note:Whenever PEX pipe is used and water service is renewed a 14-gauge solid copper tracer wire with a blue jacket
will be installed.The tracer wire will start at the water main and terminate at a weatherproof junction box.The junction
box shall be accessible and be labeled to identify junction box"tracerwire".The tracer wire shall then continue from the
junction box and terminate at the water meter. The wire shall run from the main and be exposed at the curb box.The
junction box shall be located next to water meter remote on the exterior of the building or structure.
(c) ductile iron(four(4)inch or larger)with flanged mechanical joints.
(d) C-900 PVC DR 14(fire line).
Note:PVC C-900 shall have a 14-gauge solid copper tracer wire with a blue jacket.The tracer wire will start at the water
main and terminate at a weatherproof junction box. The junction box shall be accessible and be labeled to identify
junction box"tracer wire".
Exterior
(a) PEX(as approved byChapter14 of the Uniform Plumbing Code),and which meets
manufacturer's specifications.
(b) Soft copper(Type K)
(c) Brass
(d) Ductile iron(flanged mechanical joint)(bolts shall be teflon coated)
(e) PVC meeting AWWA C-900 standards,DR14 for fire lines and Drl8 for non-fire lines.
(0 Polyethylene,IPS 200 p.s.i. SLDR-7,PE3408
Note:Polyethylene,PEX and PVC C-900 shall have a 14-gauge solid copper tracer wire with a blue jacket.The tracer
wire will start at the water main and terminate at a weatherproof junction box.The junction box shall be accessible and be
labeled to identify junction box"tracer wire".The tracer wire shall then continue from the junction box and terminate at
the water meter.The wire shall run from the main and be exposed at the curb box.The junction box shall be located next
to water meter remote on the exterior of the building or structure.
(15) Section 604.2 UPC shall be deleted
(16) Section 604.5 UPC shall be deleted
(17) Section 604.6 UPC shall be deleted
(18) Section 606.0 UPC is amended by adding new subsections 606.0.1 through 606.0.11 as follows:
Sec. 606.0.1. Curb Stops shall be of the quarter turn ball valve type with the grip joint ends.
Sec. 606.0.2. The polyethylene to copper adaptor coupling, located at least two (2) feet from the outside
footing,shall be a Ford Meter Box Co. C26-44-G(1")or equivalent.
Sec.606.0.3. All threaded taps on the main shall be at least 24 inches apart and shall be at least 3/4 inch in size.
If more than one tap is made for a service line,the taps will be staggered on the pipe.No more than three(3)threaded
taps shall be made for a service connected to a 4-inch or larger main.Maximum threaded tap size for a 4 inch main is 3/4
inch. All taps will be made in the top half of the water main, but not more than 45" above the horizontal plane. All
services having two(2)taps or more shall be combined through a brass wye pipe connection.The maximum length of
service from the main to the wye shall be four(4)feet.The following table lists appropriate number of taps for different
service sizes.
Service Size Taps
1 inch=two%inch or one 1 inch
1'/4 inch=two 1 inch
1'/2 inch=two 1 inch
Sec.606.0.4. Service saddles allowed on four(4)inch or larger water mains when water service is'/<',1",1'/4",
and 1%2"shall be a Smith-Blair,or equivalent,#317,#357,#372,#393 or#397.The saddles shall have a stainless steel
strap with two bolts wide minimum.The bolts or nuts shall be either stainless steel or blue coated.When tapping a four
(4) inch or larger main for water services for a two (2) inch or larger water service, the Smith-Blair, or equivalent
stainless steel full wrap around saddle, #238, #239, #264, or#265 shall be used. The bolts and nuts shall be either
stainless steel or blue coated.Any water service that is larger than a two(2)inch shall require a tapping valve and sleeve
at the main or private main. The Post Indicator Valve(PIV)for fire line shall not serve as the water service valve after
the main.All tapping valve sleeves shall meet the Urban Standard Specifications as follows:
(1)Valve: Tapping valve conforming to ANSI/AWWA C509.
(2)Sleeve:
(a)Minimum 14 gauge
(b)Stainless steel,ASTM A240,Type 304
(c)Working pressure 200 psi.
(d)Must fully surround pipe
(e)Approved sleeves le CST-EX
(i)Cascade Water Works Manufacturing Company,Sty
(ii)PowerSeal Pipeline Products Corporation,Model 3490AS
(iii)JCM Industries,Inc.Model JCM 432
(iv)Approved equal
(3)Gasket:
(a)To completely surround pipe
(b)Minimum thickness 0.125 inch
(c)Material:nitrile rubber.
(4)Outlet Flange:
(a)Stainless steel,ASTM A240,Type 304
(b)ANSI B 16.1, 125 pound pattern
(5)Bolts: Stainless steel,ASTM A240,Type 304
Sec.606.0.5. In the event a curb box is set in any location where a concrete or asphalt surface is to be placed,a
sleeve shall be placed around the cap to allow for expansion and contraction.
Sec.606.0.6. Ina new subdivision the water service line shall be installed at the center of the property unless
otherwise approved by the Administrative Authority.
Sec. 606.0.7. There shall be a curb cock in every service connection to the main.It shall be located on the
property line or as close as possible thereto and in alleys within one foot of the alley line,except two(2)inch and larger,
which shall have a street valve box over the valve at the water main.The curb cock to be used for services from three-
fourths(3/a)inch to two(2)inches shall be the style known as Mueller Mark II Oriseal or Ford Ball Valve with 901 curb
cock,or equal,provided with T handle and extension rod keyed and locked to curb cock and shall be the same diameter
as the pipe served.The curb cock shall be kept in an operative condition at all times.
Sec.606.0.8. The curb cock shall be covered by a curb box of the Western pattern No.100,or equal,extending
to the curb grade.In cases where the surface of the ground is higher than the curb grade to the extent that the curb box
will not extend sufficiently to be in plain view,then the curb box shall be extended to the ground surface.Whenever a
water service is renewed the curb box shall be brought to the curb grade or present natural ground level and moved to the
property line.In placing the curb cock in position,care must be exercised to provide against settlement of the curb box,
by providing a base of brick,stone or concrete block set on solid earth for support.A support shall be placed across the
ditch and wired to the curb box near the top to keep it in a vertical position while filling the ditch.
Sec.606.0.9. A corporation cock of either a Mueller or Ford make,or its equivalent,shall be inserted in every
tap one inch or less in diameter made in the water main. The connection to the main shall be made by a regulation
corporation cock and copper service with a compression joint if the pipe is plastic SIDR-7 200 P 3408.All connections to
the water main shall be adequately looped to prevent breakage from ditch settlement.
Sec.606.0.10. A service valve shall be installed immediately following a two(2)inch or larger tap on all take
offs from the water main or private main.
Sec. 606.0.11. Where a single water service line provides service to a new duplex or is split for any other
reason,the service line shall be at least one inch in diameter.Where an existing structure is to be converted to a duplex a
1"equivalent service may be provided by a separate tap.The new service lines shall be divided by a wye at the property
line.Existing 1 services may be split inside the building so long as shut-offs are available in a common area.Separate
curb boxes shall be installed,and separate'/<inch service lines shall be run to the individual customer units.
Sec.606.0.12. Sprinkler systems used for fire protection may be permitted to be attached to the water mains by
registered plumbing contractors by direct connection without meters under the direction and supervision of the City.No
open connection can be incorporated in the system, and there shall be no valves except a post indicator valve at the
entrance to the building,which must be sealed open. One and two family residential sprinkler lines shall be metered
through the single meter.The property owner or tenant shall promptly report to the City any seal which has been broken
for the closing of the system.A detailed drawing of the sprinkler system shall be filed with the City and free access to the
building shall be granted the City for inspection purposes. No charge will be made for water used for fire purposes
through a sprinkler system.The fire line shall be a minimum four(4)inch diameter with a shut-off valve installed after
the tap into the main,the PIV shall be a minimum of forty(40)feet from the building or at the determination of the fire
inspector.
Exception:The fire line may be smaller than 4"in size if hydraulic calculations by the fire sprinkler company show that a
4"would not be required.If a 4"fire line is not required a Fire Department connection or P.I.V.may not be required if
determined by the fire inspector.
Sec. 606.0.13. The post indicator valve(PIV)must be set at 36"above final grade.The termination flange,
inside the building, shall not be more than twelve (12) inches above finished floor level and be set at a true vertical
position.If the fire line and water service are on one line,the water service shall have the take off prior to the PIV.The
take off for the water service shall be either brass,ductile iron,C-900 PVC DR 14,or copper to the curb box.The fire
line shall have a two hundred(200)pound pressure test done for a minimum of two(2)hours without losing any pressure.
The fire line shall be tested from the tap at the main to the termination flange with the PIV open and the curb box closed.
No fire line static pressure test shall be started after 1:30 p.m.,Monday through Friday.
A certified fire sprinkler installer may install the backflow device to the sprinkler system for containment. The
termination flange, inside the building, from horizontal to the vertical position or from horizontal to the horizontal
position traveling through an exterior wall or floor,shall have no smaller than%inch galvanized or equivalent all-thread
rod used between said flanges to keep fire line termination stable.The fire line located in the trench may use mega-lug
type supports,however,a concrete thrust block shall be in front of fire line traveling from horizontal to vertical prior to
the termination flange.Only PVC C-900 DR 14,and ductile iron shall be used for the fire line service.The joints shall
have bolted flanged fittings.The tapping valve,PIV,and all other fittings and pipe shall be marked to withstand 200 p.s.i.
Before requesting a Bac-T test,the fire line shall be flushed thoroughly by the plumbing contractor.The contractor shall
request,from the Inspection Division,a Bac-T test form,complete the form and return
it to the Inspection Division.Utility Maintenance Division will collect the sample for testing.If the fire line passes Bac-T
test,the Inspection Division will contact the plumbing contractor.The termination flange shall have a two(2)inch ball
valve to properly flush the fire line.
(19) Section 606.2.1 UPC is amended to add the following to the end of the section:
Soft copper water service lines,except fire line,shall be either brazed,silver soldered,or flared with a long shouldered
joint.Whenever type"K"soft copper is used for the water service,use of any joints is discouraged whenever possible.
(20) Section 608.5 UPC is amended to read as follows:
Temperature/pressure relief valves(T/P)shall be provided with a drain tube not smaller than the T/P valve outlet.The
drain tube shall be rigid copper(Type K,L,M).The drain tube shall be piped to within five feet(5)of a floor drain when
the water heater or boiler is located on the lowest floor level.The floor drain shall be located in the same room as the
water heat or boiler.The outlet of the drain tube shall be six(6)inches off the finished floor.No T/P shall discharge to
the exterior of a building.The drain tube shall have no threads or be trapped.The trip lever on the T/P must be able to be
manually opened completely without any obstacle to restrict the trip lever. When installing a T/P valve, the
manufacturer's recommendation shall be followed unless it violates this code.Any T/P drain tube installed for any water
heater or boiler shall not be elevated at any time above the discharge outlet of the T/P valve.This section shall apply to
new structures and existing structures.
(21) Section 609.1 UPC is amended to delete the last two sentences in the section and insert the following:
All water service lines shall be installed at least five feet below finish grade.If the water service cannot be buried below
frost depth at any point,the trench shall be lined with 1 ''/x"thick"Blue Board"insulation or equivalent as approved by
the Administrative Authority. Sand backfill material shall then be placed to a depth of one foot above the top of pipe,
then 1 ''/2" "Blue Board" or equivalent will be installed so that the entire trench width and length in the area needing
protection against freezing is insulated and then backfilled.The insulation shall be at least five(5)feet in depth.
(22) Section 609.5 UPC is reworded to add the following to the end of the section:
Exception: water heaters and boilers.
(23) Section 609.10 UPC is amended by adding:
Exception: Single family dwelling units.
(24) Section 610.8 (6)is amended by replacing the last sentence with:
No building water service line shall be less than one(1)inch diameter.
(25) Amend Table 6-6 UPC by changing footnote:
Replace`Building supply,three-quarter(3/4)inch nominal size minimum."With"Building supply,one(1)inch nominal
size minimum."
(26) Section610.1 UPC is reworded:
Delete the words"each water meter and"from the first sentence.
Add"Water meter sizing shall be determined by the Water Meter Division"to the end of the section.
(27) Section 701.1 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
Drainage pipe and fittings used inside a new building or an existing building for underground shall be copper(type L),
brass,ABS(schedule 40),PVC(schedule 40)or cast iron.
Exception:Galvanized maybe used on a sewage ejector system when the discharge line is three(3)inch or larger.The
galvanized shall only be piped no more than four(4)feet out of pit.
Above ground piping shall be the same as underground except that copper tube and fittings may be type M for
commercial and structures that are more than a one and two-family dwelling.A one and two-family dwelling may use
type DWV copper tube.
(28) Section 703.1 UPC is reworded to add the following at the end of the section:
No underground drainage piping or vent shall be less than two(2)inches inside diameter.
(29) Table 7-3 UPC is amended to add the following to footnote#8:
Public use shall be any building or structure that is not a dwelling unit.Fraternities and sororities are not classified by this
section as a dwelling unit.
(30) Section 704.3 UPC is reworded to delete the following from the second sentence:
"Commercial dishwashing machines"
(31) Section 704.3 UPC is reworded to add the following to the end of the section:
A commercial dishwashing machine shall be discharged by an airgap indirect waste to a properly sized floor sink.
(32) Section 705.1.6 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
No molded rubber coupling (Fernco Coupling or equivalent) shall be used on any sanitary sewer or storm sewer. A
stainless steel shielded molded rubber coupling may be used when connecting to clay pipe or PVC truss pipe on the
sanitary or storm sewer.
(33) Section 705.1.8 UPC is reworded to add the following to the end of the section:
Shielded couplings(no hub clamps)are not allowed on any exterior building sanitary sewer,or storm sewer.
(34) Section 710.9 UPC is reworded to add the following to the end of the section:
Exception:When only discharging a lavatory sink,a general sink,or a floor drain into a sewage ejector receiving tank,
dual pumps in public use occupancy will not be required.
(35) Section 715.1 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
The building sewer, beginning two (2) feet from any building or structure, shall be made of the following pipe and
fittings:
4"-Cast iron, SDR 23.5 PVC(with gaskets),copper(Type"L"),schedule 40 ABS and schedule 40 PVC
6" - Extra strength clay pipe, cast iron, PVC SDR 23.5 (with gaskets), copper (Type "L"), schedule 40 ABS and
schedule 40 PVC.
8"-PVC truss pipe,extra strength clay pipe,cast iron,SDR 35 PVC(with gaskets),copper(Type"L"),SDR 23.5 PVC
(with gaskets),schedule 40 ABS and schedule 40 PVC.
Note: Other material may be used if first approved by the Plumbing and Mechanical Board before installation.
(36) Section 715.2 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
On new buildings,the building sewer shall be connected to the public sewer main with a factory wye.
This section deals with construction and inspection for installing sanitary sewer service lines where a factory wye or
factory wye and riser do not exist. In this situation, the stub-in will begin with a tap into the sewer main as described
below.The tap may be made only in the public right-of-way or in a public easement.
The service line connection shall be made with a cast iron saddle tee such as Genoco Sealtite Model#DSBF sewer saddle
or approved equal specifically designed for this purpose.The spigot end shall fit smoothly into the wall of the sewer main
and shall not protrude more than%4 inch past the inside pipe surface.The saddle flange or collar shall be secured in place
by a stainless steel strap of at least 28 gauge and at least 2 '/2 inches in width. The saddle for PVC pipe shall be as
manufactured for the type of PVC pipe being used.
All sanitary sewer taps shall be made in the top half of the main but no more than 45'above the horizontal plane.All
taps shall be made at least 18 inches apart,at least 24 inches away from any joint.
On existing public sanitary sewer mains,a six(6)inch building sewer may be either connected to sanitary sewer main or
may be connected to an eight(8)inch or larger main with a factory wye,using stainless steel water main clamps on the
main.An eight(8)inch or larger building sewer must be connected to a manhole,or create a manhole that would meet
Des Moines Urban Standards every three hundred(300)feet.Every private sewer eight(8)inches or larger requires a
manhole.When connecting a building sewer to an existing public manhole,there are two options of connecting the sewer
to the manhole allowed by the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department.See two illustrations below.The
property owner shall retain full responsibility for operation,repair,replacement,and protection of any delivery system to
the sewer main. See Illustration in Sec.21.701(4)
Note:A four inch building sanitary sewer may discharge into a public sanitary sewer manhole with approval from the
City Engineer prior to doing work.
(37) Section 717.0 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
The minimum size of any building sewer shall be determined on the basis of the total number of fixture units drained by
such sewer,in accordance with Table 7-8.No building sewer shall be smaller than four(4)inches.The building sewer
shall not be smaller than the building drain.
In unusual circumstances,with prior approval from the plumbing inspector,a sewage ejector may discharge the building
sewer to the public sewer manhole when the public main is too shallow to allow the building sewer discharge to flow by
gravity. The pipe material to be used shall be Polyethylene(P.E.)Two(2)inch SDR 7, 3408. The 2" line shall at all
times be a minimum of five(5)feet deep or be blue-boarded.The sewage ejector shall be vented with a minimum two(2)
inch pipe.The ejector pumps shall comply with section 710.9
(38) Section 718.2 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
Building sewer pipe made of cast iron,copper,or extra strength vitrified clay shall be laid on a firm bed.Pipe consisting
of Schedule 40 PVC/ABS,PVC SDR 23.5/35 and PVC truss pipe shall be enveloped on bottom,sides and top with a
minimum of four(4)inches of either one(1)inch clean or 3/8"minus crushed rock,3/8"washed chip or"pea gravel'.
After enveloping the pipe,the remainder of the ditch may be filled once the inspection is complete.
(39) Section 718.3 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
No building drain or sewer shall be closer than two(2)feet from the building structure or footing that is not made out of
cast iron,Schedule 40 PVC,or Type"L"copper.At no point shall the building sewer be less than five(5)feet in depth
on new construction or when replacing existing sewers.If less than five(5)feet in depth,the trench shall be lined with 1
''/z"thick blue-board insulation.The insulation of the sides shall be at least five(5)feet below finished grade with a cap
over the two sides.
One(1)inch clean 3/8"minus,3/8"washed chips,and pea gravel rock shall be placed on the bottom,sides and top of
pipe whenever any type of PVC is used. Whenever cast iron is used sand may take the place of the one(1)inch rock.
Whenever possible, the building sewer shall be at a depth of nine (9) feet below street grade from the main to the
property line on new construction.Whenever possible on a duplex or single-family dwelling,the building sewer shall not
be located under a driveway.
(40) Section 719.6 UPC is amended by deleting the second paragraph.
(41) Section 801.3 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
Sinks(except hand sinks)in a bar,nightclub,tavern,or soda fountain shall drain to an approved and properly trapped and
vented floor sink through an approved airgap or airbreak. The floor sink,drain line,trap,and strainer inlet shall be at
least three(3)inch pipe size.The developed length from the fixture outlet to the floor sink shall not exceed five(5)feet.
(42) Section 807.4 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
No domestic dishwashing machine shall be directly connected to a drainage system or food waste disposer without the
use of an approved dishwasher air gap fitting on the discharge side of the dishwashing machine, or by looping the
discharge line of the dishwasher as high as possible near the flood level of the kitchen sink where the waste disposer is
connected,and will be supported or strapped.Listed air gap fittings shall be installed with the flood level(FL)marking at
or above the flood level of the sink or drainboard,whichever is higher.
(43) Section 901.0 UPC is amended by adding:
Section L 6.1 (Battery Venting), Section L 6.2(Single Bathroom Or Single Toilet Room Venting)and Section L 6.3
(Double Bathtubs,Bathtub/Shower Combinations,Shower Stalls,And Lavatories Venting)may be used as an alternate
method.
(44) Section 901.0 UPC is further amended by adding new sub-section 901.0.1
Section 901.0.1 All single family or two family dwelling units with a basement shall be provided with a two(2)inch
future vent.The future vent shall be combined with other vents or terminate through the roof.Such vent shall be capped
in the floor joist area of the basement for future use.The two(2)inch vent is for a future basement bathroom or other
approved fixtures.
(45) Section 902.2 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
Sinks(except hand sinks)in a bar,nightclub,tavern,or soda fountain shall drain to an approved and properly trapped and
vented floor sink through an approved airgap or airbreak.The floor sink,its drain line,trap,and strainer inlet shall be at
least three(3)inch pipe size.The developed length from the fixture outlet to the floor sink shall not exceed five(5)feet.
(46) Section 903.1 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
Drainage and vent pipe and fitting used inside a new building or an existing building for underground shall be copper
(Type L),brass,ABS(Schedule 40),PVC(Schedule 40)and cast iron.
Exception:Galvanized may be used on a sewage ejector system when the discharge line is three(3)inch or larger.The
galvanized shall be piped no more than four(4)feet out of pit.
Above ground piping shall be the same as underground except that copper tube and fittings may be Type M for
commercial and structures that are more than a one and two-family dwelling.One and two-family dwellings may use type
DWV copper tube.
(47) Section 903.1.1 UPC is deleted
(48) Section 903.2.1 is reworded to read as follows:
Copper tube for underground drainage and vent piping shall have a weight of not less than that of copper drainage tube
type L.
(49) Section 903.2.2 is reworded to read as follows:
Copper tube for aboveground drainage and vent piping shall have a weight of not less than that of copper drainage tube
type M.
Exception: Single family and two family dwellings may use copper tube type DWV.
(50) Section 903.3 UPC shall be deleted.
(51) Section 904.1 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
The size of vent piping shall be determined from its length and the total number of fixture units connected thereto,as set
forth in Table 7-5. The diameter of an individual vent above ground shall not be less than one and one-fourth(1 '/4)
inches, less than two (2) inches for underground, nor less than one-half('/2) the diameter of the drain to which it is
connected.
Exception:A water closet shall be vented with a vent no smaller than a two(2)inch inside diameter pipe.
Each individual building or structure shall have a main vent stack equal in size or larger than the required building sewer.
The main vent stack shall extend through the roof a minimum of twelve inches undiminished in size from the
underground building drain.
Exception:In single-family,duplexes,apartment,motel and hotel buildings four(4)stories or less,a three(3)inch main
stack vent is permitted,as long as other vents through the roof equal the cross-sectional diameter of the required building
sewer.
(52) Section 906.7 UPC is reworded to:
Change two(2)inches to three(3)inches and ten(10)inches to twelve(12)inches and remove reference to mm.
(53) Section 908.4 UPC with its sub-sections 908.4.1,908.4.2,and 908.4.3 is deleted.
(54) Section 909.0.1 is added to read as follows:
As an alternative for single family dwellings,an"air admittance valve"may be installed as follows:
(a)The air admittance valve shall be two(2)inches in size and have the ANSI/ASSE 1051 listing label
clearly visible during inspection.
(b)The stack or horizontal branch drain shall have a 1 ''/2"vent.The two(2)inch waste line shall be a
designated line with no other connections of any sort.
(c)The air admittance valve shall be readily accessible in the cabinet area,be removable,and located at
least six(6)inches above the 2 x 2 x 1 ''/2"tee for the trap.
Only kitchen or bar island sinks may be auto vented.The auto vent shall be readily accessible and shall be located above
the trap arm and in same cabinet as"P"trap.
(55) Table 10-1 UPC is amended to read as follows:
Maximum Allowable Horizontal Length Of Trap Arms
1-1/4" 5'0"
1-1/2" 6' 0"
2„ 8, 0„
3„ 12' 0„
4"and larger 13' 0"
The developed length between the trap of a water closet or similar fixture
(measured from the top of the closet flange to the inner edge of the vent)and its
vent shall not exceed six feet.
(56) Section 1101.2 UPC is reworded to add the following:
Whenever such connection or arrangement is found to exist in violation of the ordinances of this city and Chapter 21,
whereby surface water runoff,subsoil or footing drainage is discharged or diverted into the sanitary sewer system,the
inspector shall issue a written notice to the owner to cause such to be abated by ordering a connection to a public storm
main or collector line.
(57) Section 1101.3 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
Rainwater piping placed within the interior of a building to two(2)feet out of building or footings shall be cast iron,
brass,copper(Type M),Schedule 40 PVC or Schedule 40 ABS DWV.Schedule 40 PVC and ABS pipe installed within
a duct or plenums shall be insulated with an insulation having a flame-spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke
index of not more than 50.
Rainwater piping placed outside a building shall be cast iron,brass,copper(Type M),Schedule 40 PVC or Schedule 40
ABS DWV,reinforced concrete pipe(RCP),vitrified clay pipe(VCP),SDR 23.5 PVC,SDR 35 PVC,PVC truss pipe,
PVC A2000 pipe,and corrugated high-density polyethylene(P.E.)
SDR 23.5 PVC, SDR 35 PVC, schedule 40 PVC or Schedule 40 ABS, PVC truss, PVC A2000, and corrugated
polyethylene pipe outside a building shall be enveloped with four(4)inches of crushed rock,either one(1)inch clean or
3/8"minus 3/8"washed chips,or"pea gravel",on the top,bottom and sides.
The storm water sewer may be connected to the City storm main at intakes,manholes, or connected directly into the
storm main.Whenever a direct connection is made to the storm main,the connection shall be made by a clamping saddle
or a fitting with a sealant that makes the joints water and root proof.
If the storm sewer is one-half('/2) or more of the size of the storm main, a manhole shall be required at the point of
connection to the storm main.All manholes shall meet the Des Moines Urban Standards.
All direct taps into the storm main shall be installed on the top one-half('/Z)of the main.
The storm sewer shall have a cleanout installed every one hundred(100)feet and every change of direction exceeding
135°. In place of a cleanout every one hundred(100)feet, a manhole shall be placed every three hundred(300) feet
(manhole shall meet Des Moines Urban Standards).
No Fernco coupling or no-hub clamp shall be used on the storm sewer or main.
Exception:When converting to PVC truss pipe or clay pipe,a Fernco stainless steel shielded coupling shall be used on
storm sewer.
(58) Section 1101.5.2 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
The subsoil drains may be allowed to discharge to a pond, or waterway if approved by the Building Official. If not
allowed by the Building Official,the subsoil drain shall be discharged to a storm main.
Regardless,the gravity line shall have a backwater valve.
In existing buildings,if granted permission by the plumbing inspector,the perimeter tile may flow by gravity to a storm
main,intake,or manhole if there is at least ten(10)feet vertical height difference between the perimeter tile and the storm
main,intake,or manhole.
(59) Section 1101.5.3 UPC is amended to:
Replace"fifteen(15)gpm"with"17 gpm with a seventeen(17)foot head"
Add the following to the end of the section:
The sump pump line may be either Schedule 40 PVC or Schedule 80 PVC pipe.
The fittings shall be either schedule 80 PVC deep socket or schedule 40 deep socket pressure fittings.The sump pump
line may also be 1 '/2'polyethylene(PE)SDR 9,3408.The PE joints shall be made with ribbed insert fittings secured by
stainless steel clamps.The sump line shall be buried no less than five(5)feet in depth from finished grade.If this depth
cannot be maintained,the sides and top of pipe wall shall be covered with 1 ''/2"blue board insulation.The sides of the
insulation shall be at least five(5)feet in depth.When the sump line discharged
an inch hole sharm manhole,ll b drilled intake, rstorm
bottom
main that is not five(5) feet below final surface grade, a q ( a)
portion of the horizontal 90°elbow before pipe is placed in the vertical position.
If two sump lines are combined together,the sump line shall be a two(2)inch line to the storm main,intake,or manhole.
The sump pump shall have an electrical outlet within reach of the manufacturer's cord.
No foundation drain service line shall be discharged onto property,someone else's property,or into the building drain or
building sewer.No floor drain,clothes washer, or any other plumbing fixture shall be discharged into the foundation
sump pit.Every sump pit in an elevator shaft shall meet the rules and regulations of the State of Iowa Elevator Inspector.
No hydraulic elevator sump shall be discharged into a storm or sanitary sewer.
(60) Section 1102.1.2 UPC is amended to read:
The inside conductors installed above ground level shall be of seamless copper water tube,Type K,L,or M;Schedule 40
copper pipe or Schedule 40 copper alloy pipe; service weight cast-iron soil pipe or hubless cast-iron soil pipe; or
Schedule 40 ABS or Schedule 40 PVC Plastic pipe.
(61) Section 1102.3 UPC is amended by adding the following:
Rainwater piping placed underground within the interior of a building to two(2)feet out of building or footings shall be
cast iron,brass,seamless copper water tube(type K,L,or M),Schedule 40 PVC or Schedule 40 ABS DWV.
(62) Section 1102.4 UPC is amended by adding the following:
Rainwater piping placed outside a building shall be cast iron,brass,copper(Type M),Schedule 40 PVC or Schedule 40
ABS DWV,reinforced concrete pipe(RCP),vitrified clay pipe(VCP),SDR 23.5 PVC,SDR 35 PVC,PVC truss pipe,
PVC A2000 pipe,and corrugated high-density polyethylene(P.E.)
SDR 23.5 PVC, SDR 35 PVC, schedule 40 PVC or Schedule 40 ABS, PVC truss, PVC A2000, and corrugated
polyethylene pipe outside a building shall be enveloped with four(4)inches of crushed rock,either one(1)inch clean or
3/8"minus 3/8"washed chips,or"pea gravel",on the top,bottom and sides.
(63) Tables 11-1, 11-2,and 11-3 UPC are amended by adding the following note to the end of each table:
Rainfall rates for the City of Ames shall be based at three and one-half(3 ''/z)inches of rain per hour.
(64) Section 1209.5.1.1 UPC is amended to add:
Material allowed six(6)inches or higher above lowest finished floor shall be:
(1)standard weight wrought iron or steel
(2)black iron or steel
(3)corrugated stainless steel(csst)
(65) Section 1209.5.3.4 UPC is amended to add:
No corrugated stainless steel tubing(csst)shall be installed outside of a building or installed below ground in a building.
Csst shall be installed by manufacturer's recommendations unless it violates this code.
(66) Section 1212.1 UPC is amended to add:
No appliance connector shall penetrate the housing of an appliance,or be used in an exterior location.
(67) Section 1302.0 UPC is reworded to add the following at the end of the section:
Applicant must provide a certificate to the Inspection Division from an architect or engineer that the facility,as built,
meets the requirements of Chapter 13 UPC.
(68) Section D 1 of Appendix D UPC is reworded to read as follows:
The maximum rainfall rate for the City of Ames shall be based on three and one-half(3 ''/z) inches in Table D-1 for
design.
DIVISION III
CONTRACTOR AND TRADE LICENSES
SEC.5.300. BUILDING CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION AND LICENSING.
(1) Contractor registration required.All persons,firms,or corporations performing work that requires a
building permit must possess a valid State Division of Labor registration number and provide proof of same to the
Inspection Division prior to permit issuance.
(2) Contractor insurance required.
All persons,firms,or corporations performing work that requires a building permit must possess current Contractor's
Commercial General Liability insurance in not less than $500,000.00 combined single limit, and provide proof of
coverage to the Inspection Division prior to permit issuance.
SEC.5.301. DEFINITIONS.
The following definitions of terms shall be used in the interpretation of this chapter:
(1) Apprentice Electrician. An apprentice electrician is a natural person, employed by a registered
electrical contractor,who while learning the electrical trade is assisting in the installation,alteration or repair of electrical
systems at an address where a journeyman electrician or a master electrician is present and providing direct supervision
of the work being done by the apprentice.
(2) Journeyman electrician. A journeyman electrician is a natural person who through training and
experience has acquired the requisite skill and knowledge necessary for the proper installation,alteration and repair of
electrical systems and who holds a valid license as a journeyman electrician from the city.
(3) Master electrician.A master electrician is a natural person engaged in the business of electrical work,
other than a journeyman electrician engaged in the actual installation,alteration and repair of electrical work,and who is
skilled in the planning,superintending and practical installation of electrical systems and familiar with the laws,rules and
regulations of the city and the State of Iowa governing the same and who holds a valid license as a master electrician
issued by the city.
(4) Electrical Contractor.An individual firm or corporation which performs services doing electrical
installations.
SEC.5.302. ELECTRICAL REGISTRATION AND LICENSING.
Before doing any business in the city, an electrical contractor shall register with the City Inspections Department
according to the following procedure:
(1) Conditions for Registration.Registration as an electrical contractor shall enable the registrant to offer
its services for hire provided that the registrant is or employs a person who holds a valid master electrician's license
recognized by the City of Ames.Such master electricians shall work for only one electrical contractor.In the event that
the business relationship between the contractor and master electrician terminates, said contractor's registration shall
become null and void thirty days after termination.
(2) Information to be provided.An applicant for electrical contractor registration under this section shall
provide to the Inspector the following information:
(a) The complete name, complete mailing address and telephone number of the firm or
corporation.
(b) The name,position and private mailing address of a manager or general agent of the firm or of
each officer of a corporation and the registered agent for service of legal process on the corporation.
(c) The name,position and private mailing address of a person who is authorized to bind the firm
in legal agreements.
(d) If the registration is to be as an individual only,the name and mailing address,street address
and telephone number of the individual.
(e) The State Division of Labor registration number.
(f) Every registrant shall carry Contractor's Commercial General Liability insurance in not less
than$500,000.00 combined single limit and provide proof of coverage to the Building Official before registration.
Exemption: When registrant is the property owner,proof of general liability insurance coverage of$500,000 is required
in lieu of contractor's commercial liability coverage and no state registration number is required.
(g) The names of all master electricians employed by or working for the electrical contractor.
(h) The names of all journeyman electricians working for the electrical contractor.
(i) The names of all apprentice electricians employed by or working for the electrical contractor.
0) Other technical data and information pertaining to the work to be done as maybe required by
the Building Official.Every registrant shall provide accurate information on the registration application.The electrical
contractor, if an individual, shall come into the inspection office to register in person each year. When the electrical
contractor is a firm, a licensed master electrician of the electrical contractor, shall come into the inspection office to
register in person each year. Any changes in that information shall be reported to the office of the Building Official
within ten(10)days from the date the information previously supplied has become inaccurate for any reason.
(3) Inspector Shall Respond.After application for registration has been received by the Inspector,the
Inspector shall act promptly to issue the registration or to determine on what basis the registration may not be issued.The
Inspector shall so respond not later than two weeks following application.
(4) Expiration and Renewal of Registration.Registration shall expire annually on January 1 and maybe
reactivated as long as the registration information remains accurate and proof of continued liability coverage is submitted.
(5) Transfer of Registration is Prohibited.No registrant under this section shall allow their registration
by name or other identification to be transferred or assigned to or in any manner directly or indirectly used by any person,
firm or corporation other than the one to whom issued,for any purpose.
(6) Registration Suspended.The Electrical Board shall have the authority to suspend any registration
issued under this section for any of the following acts by the Registrant:
(a) Continued work after the issuance of a stop order.
(b) Initiating work in violation of the Board's decision or prior to the Board's decision.
(c) Causing or permitting the unauthorized or prohibited use of a valid registration,by another,
such as to allow the rights and privileges of registration to be applied to one not duly registered.
(d) Judgment entries of two (2)violations of any of the provisions of this chapter committed
within a period of twelve(12)consecutive months.Such suspension of registration shall be for a time not to exceed six
(6) months. After expiration of such period of time as the Board shall have designated, and after payment of any
outstanding fines and routine renewal fee, if it has become due in the interim,the suspended registration shall again
become valid and effective.
(7) Registration Revoked.The Electrical Board shall have the authority to revoke any registration issued
under this section for:
(a) Judgment entry of a violation constituting the practice of any fraud or deceit in securing a
license or a permit.
(b) Judgment entry of three(3)violations of this chapter committed within a period of twelve(12)
consecutive months. Such revocation of a registration by the Board shall be full and final cancellation of such
registration, made effective on the date of the Board's decision. Any Registrant so judged by the Board shall not,
thereafter,be allowed to be registered again in the City.
(8) Suspension or Revocation Hearing. In considering allegations under this section regarding
suspension or revocation of a registration,the Electrical Board shall proceed upon sworn information furnished it by an
official of the City, or by any person. Such information shall be in writing and shall be duly verified by the person
familiar with the allegations made.The Board shall issue an order setting the matter for hearing at a specified time and
place,and the Secretary of the Board,with the advice of the City Attorney,shall cause a copy of the Board's order,and of
the allegation,to be served upon the Registrant by registered mail at least fifteen(15)days before the date set for the
hearing.The Registrant may appear in person or by counsel at the time and place named in the order and present his/her
defense to the Board.The City Attorney shall provide counsel for the Board.If the Registrant fails or refuses to appear,
the Board may proceed to hear and determine the charge in his/her absence.If he/she admits the allegation,or if,upon
hearing,the Board finds any of the allegations to be true,it may enter an order suspending or revoking the registration.
Suspension or revocation resulting from a decision of the Board shall preclude the Registrant from securing a permit for
work controlled by that registration in the city,or from becoming so registered under alternated identification,as long as
the suspension or revocation is in effect.
SEC.5.303.ELECTRICIANS'LICENSES
(1) Expiration/Renewal of Licenses;Transferability.Licenses are not transferable.All licenses issued
prior to January 1, 1997,shall expire the 31 st day of December, 1996.Beginning January 1, 1997,licenses issued shall
be valid for no more than 3 years with a single common expiration date,such that licenses issued on or after January 1,
1997,shall all expire on the 31 st day of December, 1999,with similar 3 year licensing intervals thereafter.
(2) Application for License.
(a) Examination Required. Each applicant for a license either as a journeyman or master
electrician shall provide a completed application for such license and shall pay an administration fee to the City Clerk.
Each applicant shall take a standardized test approved by the Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals to test their
qualifications and competence for the license applied for.The Board may furnish information to the applicant of the dates
and locations at which the approved standardized tests will be offered,but it is the responsibility of the applicant to
register properly for and take the test. The Board may require the applicant to furnish documentation of the score
achieved on the standardized test.A score of 75 percent or above on the standardized test shall be required to pass.
(b) Prerequisites for Licenses.Prior to testing,applicant for a journeyman's license shall furnish
proof of 8,000 hours of apprenticeship to a licensed journeyman electrician and an applicant for a master electrician's
license shall furnish proof of two years experience as a j ourneyman electrician with a minimum of one year's experience
of the two in a supervisory capacity,or equal,as determined by the Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals.
(c) Board Action. Should the accuracy of the application or qualifications of the applicant be
questioned,the Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals shall render its judgment in the matter.Applications will
remain on file for six months.If the exam is not taken in six months,a new application will be needed.A fee will be set
for city administration costs.Test fee(charged by the testing agency)and license fee will be additional.
(3) Expediting Fee.A expediting fee shall be assessed to any applicant seeking approval of an application
except at a regularly scheduled Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals meeting.
(4) Authorization of Issuance of License.When the Board is satisfied that the applicant meets all of the
licensing qualifications and has paid all fees,it shall authorize the inspector to notify the City Clerk of the name,address
and type of license to be issued to the applicant.
(5) Issuance of License.The City Clerk upon receipt of written notice from the inspector of the applicants
to receive licenses shall issue such licenses and retain a record thereof in the City Clerk's office.The examination fee
shall not constitute payment of the license fee for the calendar year of issue.
(6) Renewal Fees.Licenses may be renewed prior to their expiration by payment to the City Clerk of a
renewal fee set by the City Council to cover administrative costs,and by presentation of a certificate documenting the
Licensee's completion of an approved continuing education course.
(a) An approved continuing education course shall be an 8-hour course covering the most current
National Electrical Code. In lieu of that course, the Board may approve an alternative 8-hour course of continuing
education covering a different subject or subjects.Prior to attending any continuing education course,the Licensee shall
apply to the Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals for prior approval of the course to receive continuing education
credit.The Licensee shall submit a copy of the course outline or any other information requested by the Board to make its
evaluation.
(b) Any license not renewed prior to December 31 of the expiring year shall not be renewed
without reapplication.
(7) Recognition of Licenses from Other Cities.The Board may without examination issue a license to
any electrician holding a license from another city recognized by the Board as having similar licensing standards.The
Board shall adopt written procedures for determining that the licensing standards are similar and shall maintain records of
those cities for which electrical licenses shall be recognized.
(8) Licenses to be shown.Licenses shall be carried at all times while engaged in electrical work in the
City of Ames.At the Inspector's request licenses must be shown.
(9) License Suspension.The Board shall have the authority to suspend the license of any electrician for
any of the following acts:
(a) Judgment entry of two(2)violations of any of the provisions of this chapter committed within
a period of twelve(12)consecutive months.Such suspension of license shall be for a time not to exceed six(6)months.
After expiration of such period of time as the Board shall have designated, and after payment of any outstanding
penalties,costs,fees and proof of compliance and routine renewal fee,if it has become due in the interim,the suspended
license shall again become valid and effective.
(10) License Revocation.The Board shall have the authority to revoke the license of any electrician for any
of the following acts:
(a) Any fraud,deceit or misrepresentation in the application or examination for an electrician's
license.
(b) Judgment entry of three (3) violations of any of the provisions of this chapter committed
within a period of twelve(12)consecutive months.
date of the Board's decision.Any licensee so judged by the Board shall not,thereafter,be allowed to be licensed again in
the City.
(11) Suspension or Revocation Hearing. In considering allegations under this section regarding
suspension or revocation of a license,the Board shall proceed upon sworn information furnished it by an official of the
City, or by any person. Such information shall be in writing and shall be duly verified by the person familiar with the
allegations made. The Board shall issue an order setting the matter for hearing at a specified time and place, and the
Secretary of the Board, with the advice of the City Attorney, shall cause a copy of the Board's order, and of the
allegations,to be served upon the licensee by registered mail at least fifteen(15)days before the date set for the hearing.
The licensee may appear in person or by counsel at the time and place named in the order and present his/her defense to
the Board.The City Attorney shall provide counsel for the Board.If the licensee fails or refuses to appear,the Board may
proceed to hear and determine the allegations in his/her absence.If he/she admits the allegations,or if,upon a hearing,
the Board finds any of the allegations to be true,it may enter an order suspending or revoking the license.Suspension or
revocation resulting from a decision of the Board shall preclude the licensee from doing any electrical work in the city as
long as the suspension or revocation is in effect.
SEC.5.304.EXEMPTIONS.
(1) No such license or registration procedure shall be required for alteration or repair work to be performed
on a single family residential structure when the person performing the alteration or repair work is the owner of the
structure,and has his or her legal residence there.The homeowner shall be automatically termed a Licensee/Registrant
for the purposes of such a project.Notwithstanding such relief from licensing/registration,all requirements for permits
for the work shall remain in force.
(2) No license or registration procedure shall be required for a mobile home dealer or the employee of a
mobile home dealer to perform electrical connections in a mobile home space or within ten feet of such space,located in
a mobile home park,all within the meaning and intent of Section 322B.3(5)Code of Iowa.The requirements for permits
and inspections remain in effect, and the mobile home dealer shall pay the permit and inspection fees
SEC.5.305. PLUMBING REGISTRATION AND LICENSING.
SEC.5.306.DEFINITIONS
The following definitions of terms shall be used in the interpretation of this chapter:
(1) Apprentice plumber.An apprentice is an employee of a registered plumbing contractor who while
learning the trade of plumbing,is assisting in the installation,alteration or repair of plumbing systems or parts thereof
under the supervision of a licensed journeyman plumber.
(2) Journeyman plumber.A journeyman plumber is a person who through training and experience has
acquired the requisite skill and knowledge necessary for the proper installation, alteration and repair of plumbing
systems,or parts thereof;and,who holds a valid license as a journeyman plumber from the City.A journeyman plumber
shall have had at least 8000 hours experience as an apprentice plumber.
(3) Master plumber. A master plumber is a person who is skilled in the planning, supervising and
practical installation of plumbing systems or parts thereof and is familiar with the laws,rules and regulations of the City
and the State of Iowa governing the same and who holds a valid license as a master plumber issued by the City,who has
had experience as a journeyman plumber.
(4) Plumbing contractor.An individual,firm,or corporation which performs services doing plumbing
installation.
(5) Plumbing inspector shall be any person to whom the City has assigned the task of inspecting plumbing
for compliance with any provisions of this chapter.
SEC.5.307.REGISTRATION.
Before doing any plumbing business in the City, a plumbing contractor shall be registered with the City Inspection
Department.The plumbing contractor must come into the Inspection Division office to register in person before doing
any work in the City of Ames.
(1) Conditions for Registration.A plumbing contractor shall have at least one licensed master plumber
and journeyman plumber employed by or working for the contractor at all times.
(2) Information to be provided.An applicant for plumbing contractor registration under this section shall
provide to the City Inspection Division the following information:
(a) The complete name,complete mailing address, street address and telephone number of the
firm or corporation.
(b) The name,position and private mailing address of a manager or general agent of the firm or of
each officer of a corporation and the registered agent for service of legal process on the corporation.
(c) The name,position and private mailing address of a person who is authorized to bind the firm
in legal agreements.
(d) If the registration is to be as an individual only,the name and mailing address,street address
and telephone number of the individual.
(e) The State Division of Labor registration number.
(f) Every registrant shall carry Contractor's Commercial General Liability insurance in not less
than $500,000.00 combined single limit and provide proof of coverage to the Building Official before registration.
Exemption:When registrant is the property owner,proof of general liability insurance coverage of$500,000 is required
in lieu of contractor's commercial liability coverage and no state registration number is required.
(g) The names of all master plumbers employed by or working for the plumbing contractor.
(h) The names of all journeyman plumbers working for the plumbing contractor.
(i) The names of all apprentice plumbers employed by or working for the plumbing contractor.
0) Other technical data and information pertaining to the work to be done as may be required by
the Building Official.Every Registrant shall provide the required information accurately and completely.Any changes in
the required information shall be reported to the office of the Building Official within ten(10)days from the date the
information previously supplied has become inaccurate for any reason.
(3) Building Official Shall Respond. After application for registration has been received by the
Inspection Division,the Building Official shall act promptly to issue the registration or to determine on what basis the
registration may not be issued.
(4) Transfer of Registration is Prohibited.No registrant under this section shall allow their registration
by name or other identification to be transferred or assigned to or in any manner directly or indirectly used by any person,
firm or corporation other than the one to whom issued,for any purpose.
(5) Registration Suspended.The Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall have the authority to suspend any
registration issued under this section for any of the following acts by the Registrant:
(a) Continued work after the issuance of a stop order.
(b) Initiating work in violation of the Board's decision or prior to the Board's decision.
(c) Causing or permitting the unauthorized or prohibited use of a valid registration,by another,
such as to allow the rights and privileges of registration to be applied to one not duly registered.
(d) Judgment entry of two(2)violations of any of the provisions of this chapter committed within
a period of twelve(12)consecutive months. Such suspension of registration shall be for a time not to exceed six(6)
months.After expiration of such period of time as the Board shall have designated,and after payment of any outstanding
penalties,costs,fees and proof of compliance and routine renewal fee,if it has become due in the interim,the suspended
registration shall again become valid and effective.
(6) Registration Revoked.The Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall have the authority to revoke any
registration issued under this section for:
(a) A violation constituting the practice of any fraud or deceit in securing(a)a license or(b)a
permit.
(b) Three(3)violations of this chapter committed within a period of twelve(12)consecutive
months. Such revocation of a registration by the Board shall be full and final cancellation of such registration,made
effective on the date of the Board's decision.Any Registrant so judged by the Board shall not,thereafter,be allowed to be
registered again in the City.
(7) Suspension or Revocation Hearing. In considering allegations under this section regarding
suspension or revocation of a registration,the Board shall proceed upon sworn information furnished it by an official of
the City,or by any person.Such information shall be in writing and shall be duly verified by the person familiar with the
allegations made. The Board shall issue an order setting the matter for hearing at a specified time and place,and the
Secretary of the Board, with the advice of the City Attorney, shall cause a copy of the Board's order, and of the
allegations, to be served upon the Registrant by registered mail at least fifteen(15) days before the date set for the
hearing.The Registrant may appear in person or by counsel at the time and place named in the order and present his/her
defense to the Board.The City Attorney shall provide counsel for the Board.If the Registrant fails or refuses to appear,
the Board may proceed to hear and determine the allegations in his/her absence.If he/she admits the allegations,or if,
upon a hearing, the Board finds any of the allegations to be true, it may enter an order suspending or revoking the
registration.Suspension or revocation resulting from a decision of the Board shall preclude the Registrant from securing
a permit for work controlled by that registration in the City.
SEC.5.308.PLUMBING LICENSES
It is the purpose of this section to provide for the examination and licensing of j ourneyman and master plumbers in order
to protect the public from hazard to life and property that might arise from improper installation of plumbing systems.
(1) Application for License Required.Each applicant for a license as a journeyman plumber shall fill out
and file,an application for license on forms furnished,submit proof of at least 8,000 hours of apprenticeship signed by a
journeyman plumber(s)worked under and plumbing contractor(s)and pay the required testing fee.Each applicant for a
license as a master plumber shall fill out and file an application for license on forms furnished, submit proof of
experience as a journeyman plumber,and pay the required testing fee.A registered apprentice who is currently working
under supervision of a City of Ames licensed journeyman plumber may take the journeyman plumbing exam prior to
having completed 8,000 hours.However,upon passing the examination,a license will not be issued until completing the
required 8,000 hours.Prior to testing the application shall be reviewed and approved by the plumbing inspector.Should
the accuracy of the application or qualifications of the applicant be questioned,the Board shall render its judgment in the
matter.
(2) Notice of Examination.When an application for a plumbing license has been filed and the applicant
has been approved to take the licensing examination,the Secretary of the Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall notify
the applicant of the place and time where the examination will be held.
(3) Authorization to Issue License. Upon passage of the licensing examination, the applicant for a
journeyman or master license shall pay a licensing fee as set by the City Council and then the license shall be issued.
(4) Licenses Not Transferable;Expiration,Renewal;Fee.Licenses are not transferable.All plumbing
licenses issued prior to January 1, 1999 shall expire on the 31st day of December, 1998. Beginning January 1, 1999,
licenses issued shall be valid for no more than three years with a single common expiration date such that licenses issued
on or after January 1, 1999 shall all expire on the 31 st day of December,2001,with similar three year licensing intervals
thereafter. Licenses may be renewed upon the payment of a reasonable fee set by the City Council to cover cost of
administration. Failure to renew a license within 30 days after December 31 shall require retesting.After that 30 day
grace period the Board shall not waive the requirements to retest.During the 30 day grace period the Secretary of the
Board may sign renewal licenses.
(5) Recognition of Licenses from Other Cities.The Building Official may,without examination,issue a
license to any plumber holding a license from another city determined by the Building Official to have licensing
standards similar to those of the City of Ames.Each candidate for such reciprocal journeyman or master license shall fill
out the application,be approved by the Building Official,and pay licensing fees before starting any work for which an
Ames journeyman or master plumbing license,or both,is required.The City of Ames shall reciprocate with any city in
the State of Iowa that has equivalent licensing standards.
(6) Licenses to be shown.Licenses shall be carried at all times while engaged in plumbing work in the
City of Ames. At the inspector's request licenses must be shown. If a license cannot be presented at an Inspector's
request,work shall stop until the license is presented.
(7) License Suspension.The Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall have the authority to suspend the
license of any plumber for any of the following acts:
(a)Judgment entry of two(2)violations of any of the provisions of this chapter committed within a period of twelve(12)
consecutive months.Such suspension of license shall be for a time not to exceed six(6)months.After expiration of such
period of time as the Board shall have designated,and after payment of any outstanding penalties,costs,fees and proof of
compliance and routine renewal fee,if it has become due in the interim,the suspended license shall again become valid
and effective.
(8) License Revocation. The Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall have the authority to revoke the
license of any plumber for any of the following acts:
(a) Any fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in the application or examination for a plumbing
license.
(b) Judgment entry of three (3) violations of any of the provisions of this chapter committed
within a period of twelve (12) consecutive months. Such revocation of a license by the Board shall be full and final
cancellation of such license,made effective on the date of the Board's decision.Any Licensee so judged by the Board
shall not,thereafter,be allowed to be registered again in the City.
(9) Suspension or Revocation Hearing. In considering allegations under this section regarding
suspension or revocation of a license,the Board shall proceed upon sworn information furnished it by an official of the
City, or by any person. Such information shall be in writing and shall be duly verified by the person familiar with the
allegations made. The Board shall issue an order setting the matter for hearing at a specified time and place,and the
Secretary of the Board, with the advice of the City Attorney, shall cause a copy of the Board's order, and of the
allegations,to be served upon the licensee by registered mail at least fifteen(15)days before the date set for the hearing.
The licensee may appear in person or by counsel at the time and place named in the order and present his/her defense to
the Board.The City Attorney shall provide counsel for the Board.If the licensee fails or refuses to appear,the Board may
proceed to hear and determine the allegations in his/her absence.If he/she admits the allegations,or if,upon a hearing,
the Board finds any of the allegations to be true,it may enter an order suspending or revoking the license.Suspension or
revocation resulting from a decision of the Board shall preclude the licensee from doing any plumbing work in the city as
long as the suspension or revocation is in effect.
(10) Any and all work for which a plumbing permit is required by Sec.21.201(1)shall be done by one
of the following: a) a licensed journeyman plumber;b)by an apprentice plumber under supervision ; or c) a person
exempt under Sec.21.304.
SEC.5.309.EXEMPTIONS.
(1) No such license or registration procedure shall be required for plumbing work to be performed on a
single family residential structure when the person performing the plumbing work is the owner of the structure,and has
his/her legal residence there.The homeowner shall be automatically termed a Licensee/Registrant for the purposes of
such a project.Notwithstanding such relief from licensing/registration,all requirements for permits for the work shall
remain in force.The homeowner may be required to show the plumbing inspector on a drawing how the plumbing work
will be done before a permit is issued.
(2) No license or registration procedure shall be required for a mobile home dealer or employee of a
mobile home dealer to perform water,gas,or utility service connections in a mobile home space or within ten feet of such
space, located in a mobile home park, all within the meaning and intent of Section 322B.3(5,) Code of Iowa. The
requirements for permits and inspections remain in effect,and the mobile home dealer shall pay the permit and inspection
fees.No homeowners or mobile home dealer will be allowed to tap a water main,sanitary or storm main or repair nor be
allowed to install a building sanitary sewer,water service,foundation drain,or a storm sewer or make repair of such.
SEC.5.310.APPRENTICES.
(1) An apprentice shall only do work for which the apprentice's employing plumbing contractor holds the
plumbing permit.
(2) No more than five(5)apprentices shall be supervised by one journeyman plumber.
(3) Each apprentice plumber shall register initially with the plumbing inspector. If registration is not
received,time required for the 8,000 hours needed to apply for a journeyman's license will not be credited towards the
required 8,000 hours during the period of time an apprentice is not registered.There shall be a registration fee paid to the
City Clerk's Office. The plumbing inspector shall issue an apprentice license to the apprentice. The license shall be
carried by the apprentice at all times and the apprentice shall present the license upon request of the plumbing inspector.
SEC.5.311. MECHANICAL REGISTRATION AND LICENSING.
SEC.5.312.REGISTRATION.
(1) Registrations
(a) Registration Required: It shall be unlawful for any person, firm,or corporation to erect,
construct,enlarge,alter,move,improve,remove,convert,or demolish any structure or appliance for which a mechanical
permit is required in the City,or cause the same to be done unless such person,firm,or corporation has been registered
with the City to perform such work.Such person,firm or corporation shall be herein termed Registrant.In extending the
rights and privileges of such registration,the City makes no statement of the technical competency of those so registered,
and no manner of license is proffered.
(b) Information to be Provided:An applicant for registration under this section shall provide to
the Inspection Division the following information:
(i)The complete name,complete mailing address,street address and telephone number of the
firm or corporation.
(ii) The name,position and private mailing address of a manager or general agent of the
firm or of each officer of a corporation and the registered agent for service of legal process on the corporation.
(iii) The name,position and private mailing address of a person who is authorized to bind
the firm in legal agreements.
(iv) If the registration is to be as an individual only,the name and mailing address,street
address and home and work telephone number of the individual.
(v) The State Division of Labor registration number.
(vi) Other pertinent information deemed necessary by the Mechanical Inspector.Every
registrant shall provide accurate information on the registration application.The Mechanical Contractor,if an individual,
or the principal manager of the Mechanical Contracting firm,shall come into the Inspection office to register in person.
Any changes in that information shall be reported to the office of the Mechanical Inspector within ten(10)days from the
date the information previously supplied has become inaccurate for any reason.Each mechanical contractor shall supply
the names of all individuals under their employment who have an Ames mechanical master license, journeyman
mechanical license,and an apprentice mechanical license.
(c) Insurance Required.Every Registrant shall carry Contractor's commercial general liability
insurance in not less than$500,000 Combined Single Limit,and provide proof of coverage to the Mechanical Inspector
before registration.
(i) State Registration.Proof of state registration is required at the time of registration
with the City. Exemption: When registrant is the property owner, proof of general liability insurance coverage of
$500,000 is required in lieu of contractors commercial liability coverage and no state registration number is required.
(d) Inspection Division Shall Respond:After application for registration has been received the
Inspections Office shall act promptly to issue the registration or to determine on what basis the registration may not be
issued.
(e) Expiration and Renewal of Registration:Registration shall expire annually on January 1,
and may be reactivated so long as the registration information remains accurate and proof of continued liability coverage
is submitted.
(f) Transfer of Registration Prohibited:No Registrant shall allow his/her registration,by name
or other identification,to be transferred,assigned or used in any manner,directly or indirectly,or for any purpose,by any
person, firm or corporation other than the one to whom it was issued by the Mechanical Inspector. In order to do
mechanical work in Ames,only an Ames licensed apprentice,journeyman,or master is allowed to do the work who is an
employee of the mechanical contractor
(g) Registration Suspended:The Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall have the authority to
suspend any registration issued under this section for any of the following acts by the Registrant:
(i) continued work after the issuance of a Stop Order.
(ii) initiating work in violation of the Board's decision or prior to the Board's decision.
(iii) causing or permitting the unauthorized or prohibited use of a valid registration,by
Registrant or another,such as to allow the rights and privileges of registration to be applied to one not duly registered.
(iv) judgment entry of two(2)violations of any of the provisions of the Mechanical Code
committed within a period of twelve(12)consecutive months.Such suspension of registration shall be for a time not to
exceed six(6)months.After expiration of such period of time as the Board shall have designated,and after payment of
any outstanding penalties,costs,fees and completion of proof of compliance,and routine renewal fee,if it has become
due in the interim,the suspended registration shall again become valid and effective.
(h) Registration Revoked: The Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall have the authority to
revoke any registration issued under this section for:
(i) a violation constituting the practice of any fraud or deceit in securing (a) a
registration for Registrant or another or(b)a permit.
(ii) judgment entry of three(3)violations of the Mechanical Code committed within a
period of twelve(12)consecutive months.Such revocation of registration by the Board shall be full and final cancellation
of such registration,made effective on the date of the Board's decision.Any Registrant so judged by the Board shall not
be allowed in the future to be registered again in the City.
(i) Suspension or Revocation Hearing:In considering allegations under this section regarding
suspension or revocation of a registration, the Plumbing and Mechanical Appeals Board shall proceed upon sworn
information furnished it by an official of the City,or by any person.Such information shall be in writing and shall be duly
verified by the person familiar with the allegation made.The Board shall issue an order setting the matter for hearing at a
specified time and place,and the Secretary of the Board,with the advice of the City Attorney,shall cause a copy of the
Board's order,and of the allegations,to be served upon the Registrant by registered mail at least fifteen(15)days before
the date set for the hearing.The Registrant may appear in person or by counsel at the time and place named in the order
and present his/her defense to the Board.The City Attorney shall provide counsel for the Board.If the Registrant fails or
refuses to appear, the Board may proceed to hear and determine the charge in his/her absence. If he/she admits the
allegations,or if,upon a hearing,the Board finds any of the allegations to be true,it may enter an order suspending or
revoking the certificate of registration.Suspension or revocation resulting from a decision of the Board shall preclude the
Registrant from securing a permit for work controlled by that registration in the city,or from becoming so registered
under altered identification,as long as the suspension or revocation is in effect.
0) Exemption for Homeowner:No registration procedure shall be required for alteration or
repair work to be performed on a single family residential structure when the person performing the alteration or repair
work is the owner of the structure,and has his/her legal residence there.The homeowner shall be automatically termed a
Registrant for the purposes of such a project.Notwithstanding such relief from registration,all requirements for permits
for the work shall remain in force.The homeowner shall be required to show the mechanical inspector or designee a
drawing of how the mechanical work will be done before a permit is issued.The mechanical inspector or designee may
waive the drawing when it is reasonable to do so.
(2) No registration shall be required for a mobile home dealer to perform water, gas or utility service
connections in a mobile home space or within ten feet of such space, located in a mobile home park, all within the
meaning and intent of Sec.322B.3(5)Code of Iowa.
SEC.5.313.MECHANICAL LICENSES.
It is the purpose of this section to provide for the examination and licensing of persons to perform work pertaining to the
installation of mechanical systems of buildings.
(1) The following definitions of terms shall be used for this section:
(a) Mechanical Apprentice. A mechanical apprentice is an employee of a person, firm or
corporation that is a Registrant under Section 104 above while learning the trade of installing mechanical systems for
buildings, under the supervision of journeyman and master. The apprentice shall apply for a mechanical apprentice
license.Only five(5)apprentices are allowed to be supervised by either a master or journeyman.The license shall be
presented by the apprentice if asked for license by the inspector.If an apprentice is not registered and does not have a
current valid license,the 6000 hours needed to test for journeyman will not count as apprenticeship hours.
(b) Mechanical Journeyman.A mechanical journeyman's license shall not be issued to any
person who has not passed the tests,with a score of 75 or more,required by the Plumbing and Mechanical Board.
(c) Mechanical Master.A mechanical master's license shall not be issued to any person who has
not passed the tests,with a score of 75 or more,required by the Plumbing and Mechanical Board.
(2) Application for License.Each applicant for a license for a mechanical journeyman shall fill out and file
an application for license on forms furnished,submit proof of at least 6000 hours of apprenticeship and pay the required
testing fee.Each applicant for a mechanical master shall fill out and fill an application for license on forms furnished,
submit proof of experience as a mechanical journeyman,and pay the required testing fee.Prior to testing for either the
journeyman or master license,the application shall be reviewed and approved by the mechanical inspector.Should the
accuracy of the application or qualifications of the applicant be questioned,the Board shall render its judgment in the
matter.A registered apprentice who has a mechanical apprentice license and is currently working under supervision of a
City of Ames mechanical journeyman or master,may take the mechanical journeyman exam prior to having completed
6000 hours. However,upon passing the examination, a license will not be issued until completing the required 6000
hours.
(3) Notice of Examination.When an application for a mechanical journeyman or mechanical master
license has been filed and the applicant has been approved to take the licensing examination, the Secretary of the
Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall notify the applicant of the place and time where the examination will be held.
(4) Authorization to Issue License.Upon passage of the licensing examination,the applicant shall pay a
licensing fee as set by the city council and a license shall be issued.
(5) Licenses Not Transferable;Expiration,Renewal;Fee.Licenses are not transferable.All mechanical
journeyman and mechanical master licenses shall expire on the 31st day of December, 2003, and every third year
thereafter.Licenses shall be valid for no more than three years with a single common expiration date.Licenses may be
renewed upon the payment of a reasonable fee set by the City Council to cover cost of administration.Failure to renew a
license within 30 days after December 31 shall require retesting.After the 30 day grace period the Board shall not waive
the requirements to retest.During the 30 day grace period the secretary of the board may sign renewal licenses.
(6) Recognition of Licenses from Other Cities.The mechanical inspector may authorize issuance of a
license without examination to any person holding a license from another city,county,or state,who has passed either the
Block or Experior exam with a minimum passing score of 75%or more.If the application is in doubt,the applicant may
appeal to the Board.If an applicant who is a holder of a license from another city has never taken the Experior or Block
test but can prove on an affidavit that he or she has a minimum of six years experience,the applicant shall be allowed to
take the mechanical master exam.Three years shall be required for the reciprocal journeyman license.Each candidate for
such reciprocal mechanical journeyman or mechanical master license shall fill out the application and be approved by
either the mechanical inspector or the Board before starting any work for which an Ames mechanical journeyman or
mechanical master license is required.
(7) Licenses to be shown.Licenses shall be carried at all times while engaged in mechanical work in the
City of Ames. At the inspector's request licenses must be shown. If a license cannot be presented at an inspector's
request,work shall stop until the license is presented.
(8) License Suspension.The Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall have the authority to suspend the
license of any mechanical journeyman or mechanical master for judgment entry of two (2) violations of any of the
provisions of this chapter committed within a period of twelve(12)consecutive months.Such suspension of license shall
be for a time not to exceed six(6)months.After expiration of such period of time as the Board shall have designated,and
after payment of any outstanding penalties,costs,fees and proof of compliance and routine renewal fee,if it has become
due in the interim,the suspended license shall again become valid and effective.
(9) License Revocation. The Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall have the authority to revoke the
license of any mechanical journeyman or mechanical master for any of the following acts:
(a) Any fraud,deceit or misrepresentation in the application or examination for a license.
(b) Judgment entry of three (3) violations of any of the provisions of this chapter committed
within a period of twelve(12) consecutive months. Such revocation of a license by the Board shall be full and final
cancellation of such license,made effective on the date of the Board's decision.Any Licensee so judged by the Board
shall not,thereafter,be allowed to be registered again in the City.
(10) Suspension or Revocation Hearing. In considering allegations under this section regarding
suspension or revocation of a license, the Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall proceed upon sworn information
furnished it by an official of the City,or by any person.Such information shall be in writing and shall be duly verified by
the person familiar with the allegations made.The Board shall issue an order setting the matter for hearing at a specified
time and place,and the Secretary of the Board,with the advice of the City Attorney,shall cause a copy of the Board's
order,and of the allegations,to be served upon the licensee by registered mail at least fifteen(15)days before the date set
for the hearing.The licensee may appear in person or by counsel at the time and place named in the order and present
his/her defense to the Board.The City Attorney shall provide counsel for the Board. If the licensee fails or refuses to
appear,the Board may proceed to hear and determine the allegations in his/her absence.If he/she admits the allegations,
or if,upon a hearing,the Board finds any of the allegations to be true,it may enter an order suspending or revoking the
license. Suspension or revocation resulting from a decision of the Board shall preclude the licensee from doing any
mechanical systems work in the city as long as the suspension or revocation is in effect.
(11) Any and all work for which a mechanical permit is required by Sec.32.105 shall be done by a licensed
mechanical journeyman or mechanical master only,or by a mechanical apprentice working under the supervision of a
mechanical journeyman or mechanical master.
DIVISION IV
UNSAFE BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT
SEC.5.400. ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
(1) Dangerous Building Defined.For the purpose of this code,any building or structure which has any or
all of the conditions or defects hereinafter described shall be deemed to be a dangerous building,provided that such
conditions or defects exist to the extent that the life, health, property or safety of the public or its occupants are
endangered:
(a) Whenever any door, aisle,passageway, stairway or other means of exit is not of sufficient
width or size or is not so arranged as to provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic.
(b) Whenever the walking surface of any aisle,passageway,stairway or other means of exit is so
warped,worn,loose,torn or otherwise unsafe as to not provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic.
(c) Whenever the stress in any materials,member or portion thereof, due to all dead and live
loads,is more than one and one half times the working stress or stresses allowed in the Building Code for new buildings
of similar structure,purpose or location.
(d) Whenever any portion thereof has been damaged by fire,earthquake,wind,flood or by any
other cause,to such an extent that the structural strength or stability thereof is materially less than it was before such
catastrophe and is less than the minimum requirements of the Building Code for new buildings of similar structure,
purpose or location.
(e) Whenever any portion or member or appurtenance thereof is likely to fail, or to become
detached or dislodged,or to collapse and thereby injure persons or damage property.
(f) Whenever any portion of a building,or any member,appurtenance or ornamentation on the
exterior thereof is not of sufficient strength or stability,or is not so anchored, attached or fastened in place so as to be
capable of resisting a wind pressure of one half of that specified in the Building Code for new buildings of similar
structure,purpose or location without exceeding the working stresses permitted in the Building Code for such buildings.
(g) Whenever any portion thereof has wracked,warped,buckled or settled to such an extent that
walls or other structural portions have materially less resistance to winds or earthquakes than is required in the case of
similar new construction.
(h) Whenever the building or structure,or any portion thereof,because of
(i) dilapidation,deterioration or decay;
(ii) faulty construction;
(iii) the removal,movement or instability of any portion of the ground necessary for the
purpose of supporting such building;
(iv) the deterioration,decay or inadequacy of its foundation;or(v)any other cause,is
likely to partially or completely collapse.
(i) Whenever, for any reason, the building or structure, or any portion thereof, is
manifestly unsafe for the purpose for which it is being used.
0) Whenever the exterior walls or other vertical structural members list,lean or buckle
to such an extent that a plumb line passing through the center of gravity does not fall inside the middle one third of the
base.
(k) Whenever the building or structure,exclusive of the foundation,shows 33 percent or more
damage or deterioration of its supporting member or members, or 50 percent damage or deterioration of its
nonsupporting members,enclosing or outside walls or coverings.
(1) Whenever the building or structure has been so damaged by fire,wind,earthquake or flood,or
has become so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become
(i) an attractive nuisance to children;
(ii) a harbor for vagrants,criminals or immoral persons;or as to
(iii) enable persons to resort thereto for the purpose of committing unlawful or immoral
acts.
(m) Whenever any building or structure has been constructed,exists or is maintained in violation
of any specific requirement or prohibition applicable to such building or structure provided by the building regulations of
this city,as specified in the Building Code or Housing Code,or of any law or ordinance of this state or city relating to the
condition,location or structure of buildings.
(n) Whenever any building or structure which, whether or not erected in accordance with all
applicable laws and ordinances, has in any nonsupporting part, member or portion less than 50 percent, or in any
supporting part,member or portion less than 66 percent of the
(i) strength,
(ii) fire-resisting qualities or characteristics,or
(iii) weather-resisting qualities or characteristics required by law in the case of a newly
constructed building of like area,height and occupancy in the same location.
(o) Whenever a building or structure,used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes,because
of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inadequate light, air or
sanitation facilities,or otherwise,is determined by the health officer to be unsanitary,unfit for human habitation or in
such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease.
(p) Whenever any building or structure, because of obsolescence, dilapidated condition,
deterioration, damage, inadequate exits, lack of sufficient fire-resistive construction, faulty electric wiring, gas
connections or heating apparatus, or other cause,is determined by the fire marshal to be a fire hazard.
(q) Whenever any building or structure is in such a condition as to constitute a public nuisance
known to the common law or in equity jurisprudence.
(r) Whenever any portion of a building or structure remains on a site after the demolition or
destruction of the building or structure or whenever any building or structure is abandoned for a period in excess of six
months so as to constitute such building or portion thereof an attractive nuisance or hazard to the public.
(2) Enforcement.
(a) Administration.The Building Official,City Sanitarian,Fire Inspector,or their designees are
authorized to conduct inspections and take any other actions to carry out and enforce the provisions of this chapter
relating to dangerous buildings.
(b) Abatement.All buildings or portions thereof which are, on inspection, determined to be
dangerous,as provided in subsection(1),above,are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair,
rehabilitation,vacation/securing against entry,demolition or removal in accordance with procedures set forth herein.
(c) Notice and Order. When the Building Official or other inspector has determined that a
building is dangerous,the Building Official shall give a notice of that determination and order of abatement directed to
the owner of record,by certified mail,and shall post a copy of the notice conspicuously on the property.
(i) Contents of Abatement Order.The order shall identify the problems found and set
forth a plan of abatement for the dangerous building. The Building Official may include in the plan the
requirement that the owner furnish to the Building Official an engineering report, structural study or other
professionally credentialed evidence for the purpose of determining an appropriate plan of abatement.The order
shall set a date for commencement and completion of the plan.
(d) Failure to Obey Abatement Order. If any order of the Building Official has not been
complied with,the Building Official may cause the person to be prosecuted or institute actions to abate the building as a
public nuisance by securing against entry,repair or demolition.
(e) Appeals.
(i) The owner may take an appeal to the Board of Appeals where it is alleged that the
Building Official erred in the determination that a building is dangerous or where the Building Official rejects or refuses
to approve the mode or manner of construction,or material to be used in the repair or abatement of a dangerous building.
(ii) Hearing.A hearing under the dangerous building provision of this code will be held
in accordance with normal Board hearing procedures.
(iii) Standards.In determining whether a building is dangerous,the Board shall consider
whether a building or structure has any or all of the conditions set forth in Sec.5.501(1)of this chapter to the extent that
the life,health,property,or safety of the public or its occupants,are endangered.In considering alternative materials and
methods of construction,the Board may approve any alternate if it finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and that
the material,method or work offered is,for the purpose intended,at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in
quality,strength,effectiveness,fire resistance,durability and safety.Also,the Board shall require that sufficient evidence
or proof be submitted to substantiate any claim that may be made regarding the use of alternates.
(iv) Failure to Obey Order.When a decision or order of the Board of Appeals becomes
final,and is not complied with,the Building Official may cause the person to be prosecuted or institute actions to abate
the building as a public nuisance by securing against entry,repair or demolition.
(v) Recovery of Cost. Estimate of the cost of the proposed work needed to abate the
nuisance shall be obtained and presented to the Board.Should the decision of the Building Official not be appealed or be
upheld by the board and funds be necessary to repair or demolish a structure,this request shall be presented to the City
Council. Said cost then may be assessed in accordance with Iowa law. This shall not prevent action from being taken
during emergency situations with City Manager approval.This shall be done in accordance with Iowa law and established
procedures.
(f) Violations. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect,
construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish; equip, use, occupy or maintain any
building or structure;cause or permit the same to be done in violation of this section.
DIVISION V
PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT
SEC.5.500. VIOLATIONS
Any violation of any provision of Chapter 5,Building Code,or any model code adopted in Chapter 5,is hereby
declared a municipal infraction,and a public nuisance.
SEC.5.501. MUNICIPAL INFRACTION CITATION.
Any violation of any provision of Chapter 5 is punishable by a penalty of$500 for a first offense,and a penalty of
$750 for a second offense,and$1,000 for each succeeding offense.
SEC.5.502. NUISANCE ABATEMENT.
Any violation of any provision of Chapter 5 may be abated as a Public Nuisance, in the manner that public nuisances
are now or may hereafter be commonly abated,in accord with provisions of the State Code of Iowa.
SEC.5.503. STOP WORK ORDERS
Any work being performed in violation of any provision of Chapter 5 may be ordered immediately stopped,in
accord with provisions of this code.
DIVISION VI
APPEAL BOARDS
SEC.5.600.BUILDING BOARD
BOARD OF APPEALS ESTABLISHED,APPOINTMENT.
(1) There is hereby established a Board to be called the Board of Appeals(herein called'the Board'),which
shall consist of five(5)members.The Board shall be composed of one architect,one consulting engineer,one general
contractor,one home builder and one member of the construction business trade.Board Members shall be appointed by
the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.This Board also shall act as the Housing Appeals Board and as the Fire
Code Appeals Board. The members of the Board shall serve without compensation. When acting as the Fire Code
Appeals Board,the Fire Chief may designate an individual knowledgeable in fire safety to render professional advice to
the Board on matters related to the Fire Code.
(2) Term of Office.The term of office of such Board shall be two(2)years;except that when the Board
shall first be created,the home builder and general contractor members shall be appointed for one year terms.Vacancies
shall be filled for any unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments.If a member fails to regularly attend
meetings, the member may be removed by action of the City Council but only after the member has been given
reasonable notice that his or her failure to regularly attend meetings may subject the member to removal from the Board.
Members may only serve two consecutive terms
(3) Quorum.The presence of three(3)voting members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.The
concurring vote of three(3)members of the Board shall be required to vary the application of any provision of this Code
or to modify any order of the Building Official. No Board member shall act in any case in which he has a personal
interest.
(4) Records of Board Proceedings.A record of all proceedings of the Board shall be kept which shall set
forth the issues or requests submitted to the Board,the reasons for the Board's Decisions,the vote of each member,the
absence of a member,and any failure of a member to vote.
(5) Procedure.The Board may adopt such procedural rules and regulations as are necessary to carry into
effect the provisions of this chapter.
(6) Appeals;Time Limits.
(a)Whenever the Building Official shall reject or refuse to approve the mode or manner of construction
proposed to be followed, or materials to be used in the erection or alteration of a building or structure, or when it is
claimed that the provisions of this Code do not apply,or that an equally good or more desirable form of construction can
be employed in any specific case, or when it is claimed that the true intent and meaning of this Code or any of the
regulations thereunder have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted,the owner of such building or structure,or the
authorized agent of the owner,may appeal from the decision of the Building Official to the Board.Notice of appeal shall
be made in writing and filed within ten(10)days after the decision is rendered by the Building Official.In case of delay,
for good cause, an extension of time to file may be granted by the Building Official. An administrative fee may
accompany such notice of appeal,which may be made on a form provided by the Building Official.The amount of such
fee shall be as set by resolution of the City Council.
(b) In case of a building or structure which, in the opinion of the Building Official, is unsafe or
dangerous,the Building Official may,in his order,limit the time for such appeal to a shorter period.
(c)Initiating work,or progressing with that portion of work,which is the particular issue on appeal,or
progressing with work which would cover the matter on appeal,may void such appeal,and may result in the Building
Official's order being affirmed by the Board.
(7) Board Decisions; Scope of Authority.
(a)The Board shall meet within thirty(30)days after notice of appeal is filed.The Board shall conduct
a hearing in order to determine the suitability of alternative methods and materials of construction and to provide for
reasonable interpretations of this code.In considering alternative materials and methods of construction,the Board may
approve any alternate if it finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and that the material,method or work offered is,
for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire
resistance, durability and safety. Also, the Board shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to
substantiate any claim that may be made regarding the use of alternates.The Board shall have no authority to waive the
requirements of this code without first providing for an alternate that meets the standards of this section.In considering
interpretations of the Code, the Board shall follow the intent, spirit and purpose of the code.The Board shall have no
authority relative to interpretation of the procedural provisions of this chapter.
(b)A decision of the Board to vary the application of any provision of this Code or to modify an order
of the Building Official shall specify in what manner such variation or modification is made,the conditions upon which it
is made,and the reasons therefor.
(8) Board Decisions; Procedure.
(a) Every decision of the Board shall be final,subject,however,to the right that any aggrieved
party may have to judicial review.The decision shall be in writing,promptly filed in the office of the Building Official,
and shall be open to the public for inspection.A true and correct copy of the decision shall be promptly sent by mail or
otherwise delivered to the appellant.Any copies shall be publicly posted in the office of the Building Official for two(2)
weeks after the filing thereof.
(b) The Board shall reach a decision without unreasonable or unnecessary delay.
(c) The Building Official shall take immediate action to comply with the written decision of
the Board.
(9) Code Amendments.
(a) Authority-The Board of Appeals shall review and make recommendation on any and all
proposed changes to this code.Recommendations shall be forwarded to the City Council for final action.
(b) Philosophy-It shall be the philosophy of the City that the local code should follow as closely
as possible the national standards as established by the International Building Code and the International Residential
Code.
(c) Procedure for Amendment
(i) Any proposed change to this chapter shall be brought to the board of appeal for
public hearing and recommendation to the City Council for final action.
(ii) Written notification of proposed changes shall be given to individuals registered with
the City prior to the public hearing before the board.
SEC.5.601.ELECTRICAL BOARD
ELECTRICAL BOARD CREATED;MEMBERSHIP,APPOINTMENT; QUORUM;
AUTHORITY
(1) Electrical Board Created.There is hereby created a Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals,of
three(3)members,at least one of whom shall be a Master Electrician and one shall be a Journeyman Electrician and the
third shall be either a Master or Journeyman electrician or shall have professional teaching experience or study in
engineering of electrical systems, appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council. Only one (1) employee,
representative,or associate per business or firm shall be on the Board at a time.Two(2)of the voting Board members
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.The electrical inspector employed by the city and one person
from the Building Code Board of Appeals shall be members ex offrcio of the Board without voting power.
(2) Records of Board Proceedings.A record of all proceedings of the Board shall be kept which shall set
forth the issues or requests submitted to the Board,the reasons for the Board's Decisions,the vote of each member,the
absence of a member,and any failure of a member to vote.
(3) Authority of Board.The Board has the responsibility and authority to:
(a) Examine the practical qualifications of applicants for the licenses and certificates required by
this chapter,and to rule on the qualifications of applicants prior to examination.
(b) Act as a Board of appeals to hear appeals from decisions of the Building Offficial when it is
claimed that the true intent of the electrical code has been incorrectly interpreted,the provisions of the code do not apply,
or an equally good or better form of construction can be allowed.
(c) Review proposed changes to this chapter and make recommendation to the city council.
(d) Adopt a test or tests to be used for licensing and approve courses of continuing education.
(e) Review and recommend to the City Council changes to local code to keep it current with the
next recently published National Electrical Code.
The Board shall have no power to waive any provision of this code. The Board shall have no authority over activity
within city right-of-ways or easements.This authority is reserved to the director of the Electric Utility.The Board shall
adopt,from time to time such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary to carry into effect the board's duties as set
out in this chapter.
SEC.5.602.DATES OF BOARD MEETINGS
The Board shall meet in the months of January,April,July and October of each year,or at such time and place as notified
by the chairperson of the board,to examine applicants for electrical licenses or other business.Additionally,the board
shall meet upon notice of the chairperson of the Board within ten (10) days of the filing of an appeal or for other
necessary business.
SEC.5.603.COMPENSATION OF BOARD.
The members of the Electrical Board shall serve without compensation.
SEC.5.604.TERM OF OFFICE OF BOARD.
The term of office of the members of the Electrical Board shall be three(3)years,except that for the three
appointees taking office on April 1, 1996,the members shall be appointed to a one year,a two year,and a three year term
respectively,determined by lot, so that the expiration dates of the Board members'terms thereafter be staggered.The
terms begin on April first of the year of appointment.No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms.
SEC.5.605.OFFICERS OF BOARD.
The Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeal shall annually select one of its members to act as chairperson,and one to
act as vice chairperson.Records of the board shall be maintained in the office of the Building Official.
SEC.5.606.APPEALS FROM INSPECTOR'S DECISION.
(1) Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Building Official affecting interpretation may request and
shall be granted a hearing on the decision provided that within 15 days after the date the person received notice of the
decision, an application is filed with the Inspection Division, setting forth a brief statement of the grounds for appeal.
Upon receipt of the request,the Building Official shall give the petitioner written notice of the date of hearing thereof at
least three days before the date set.
(2) All hearings shall be public,in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa relating to government
agency meetings.The hearing shall be held in accordance with rules adopted by the board and city council.At the hearing
the appellant and/or agent shall be given an opportunity to be heard.The inspector shall have an opportunity to show why
his/her decision should be affirmed.All interested persons shall be given an opportunity to be heard.
SEC.5.607.DECISION.
After a hearing,the board shall affirm,modify or overrule the decision of the Building Official.Every action of the board
shall be reduced to writing, stating its findings and reasoning, and signed by the chairperson. The decision shall be
promptly filed and sent to the appellant.
SEC.5.608.ENFORCEMENT OF DECISION.
The Building Official shall take immediate action to enforce the decision of the board.
SEC.5.609.CODE AMENDMENTS.
(1) Authority -the Electrical Board shall review and make recommendation on any and all proposed
changes to this code.Recommendations shall be forwarded to the City Council for final action.
(2) Philosophy- It shall be the philosophy of the City that the local code should follow as closely as
possible the national standards as established by the National Electric Code.
(3) Procedure for Amendment
(a) Any proposed change to this chapter shall initially be brought to the board of appeal for public
hearing and recommendation to the City Council for final action.
(b) Written notification of proposed changes shall be given to individuals registered with the City
prior to the public hearing before the board.
SEC.5.610.PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL BOARD
PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL BOARD CREATED;MEMBERSHIP,APPOINTMENT;
QUORUM;AUTHORITY
(1) Membership, Quorum. There is hereby created a Plumbing and Mechanical Board, of five (5)
members consisting of a journeyman plumber, a master plumber, a journeyman mechanical trade person, a master
mechanical trade person and a fifth member who shall be a journeyman or master of either trade or a person with
professional teaching experience or study in the engineering of plumbing or mechanical systems.There shall not be more
than one member employed by the same employer.A plumbing inspector for the City ofAmes shall attend and participate
in all meetings of the Board,and shall serve as secretary to the Board.
(2) Records of Board Proceedings.A record of all proceedings of the Board shall be kept which shall set
forth the issues or requests submitted to the Board,the reasons for the Board's decisions,the vote of each member,the
absence of a member,and any failure of a member to vote.
(3) Authority of Board.The Board has the responsibility and authority to:
(a) Approve areas to be administered.
(b) Act as a Board of appeals to hear appeals from decisions of the Building Official when it is
claimed that the true intent of the plumbing or mechanical code has been incorrectly interpreted,the provisions of the
code do not apply,or an equally good or better form of construction can be allowed.
(c) The Board shall review proposed changes to this chapter to the plumbing or mechanical codes
and make recommendation to the City Council.
(d) The Board shall adopt,from time to time such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary
to carry into effect the Board's duties as set out in this chapter.
(e) The Board shall have no power to waive any provision of the plumbing or mechanical code.
(f) The Board shall have no authority over activity in the City right-of-ways or easement.That
authority is reserved to the City Director of Public Works.
(g) The Board shall have no authority over the sizing of water meters.That authority is reserved
to the City Director of Water and Pollution Control.
(4) Term of Office of Board Members. The term of office of the members of the Plumbing and
Mechanical Board shall be three years.Vacancies shall be filled for any unexpired term in the same manner as original
appointments.The terms shall begin on April 1 of the year of appointment.If a member fails to regularly attend meetings,
the member may be removed by action of the City Council,but only after the member has been given reasonable notice
that his or her failure to regularly attend meetings may subject the member to removal from the Board.No member shall
serve more than two consecutive terms.
(5) Board Meetings.The Board shall meet upon notice of the chairperson of the Board within ten(10)
days of the filing of an appeal or for other necessary business.The Board shall meet at least semi-annually and shall hold
additional meetings as necessary to hear appeals or conduct other business.Special meetings may be called at any time by
the chair of the Board or the Building Official,or upon written request of two members of the Board made to the chair or
made to Building Official.
(6) Voting by the Board. The Board shall vote on any question involving an appeal of the Building
Official's decision;and,in the event of a tie vote,said decision shall be deemed affirmed.In proceedings relative to the
suspension or revocation of licenses or certificates,at least three members shall concur in such suspension or revocation.
(7) Compensation of Board.The members of the Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall serve without
compensation.
(8) Officers of Board.The Board shall annually select one of its members to act as chairperson,and one
to act as vice chairperson. Records of the Board shall be maintained in the office of the Building Official.
Sec.5.611.APPEALS FROM BUILDING OFFICIAL'S DECISION
(1) Any person aggrieved by a decision or code interpretation issued by the Plumbing Inspector may
request,and shall be granted,a prompt hearing on the decision by the Building Official.
(2) Any person aggrieved by a decision or code interpretation issued by the Building Official may request,
and shall be granted,a prompt hearing on the decision by the Board,provided that within ten days after the date ofnotice
of the decision of the Building Official,the person files an appeal in writing with the Inspection Division,setting forth a
brief statement of the grounds for appeal. Upon receipt of the request, the Building Official shall give the appellant
written notice of the date and time of hearing by the Board at least five days before the date set for hearing.
(3) All Board hearings shall be public, in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa relating to
government agency meetings.The hearing shall be held in accordance with rules adopted by the Board and City Council.
At the hearing the appellant and/or representative shall be given an opportunity to be heard.The Building Official shall
have an opportunity to show why his decision should be affirmed.All interested persons shall be given an opportunity to
be heard.
SEC.5.612.DECISION.
After a hearing, the Board shall affirm,modify, or overrule the decision of the Building Official. Every action of the
Board shall be reduced to writing,stating its findings and reasoning,and be signed by the chairperson.The decision shall
be promptly filed and sent to the appellant.The appellant shall comply with the Board's decision within 30 days of its
issuance.
SEC.5.613.ENFORCEMENT OF DECISION
The Building Official shall take appropriate action to enforce the decision of the Board.
SEC.5.614.CODE AMENDMENTS.
(1) Authority-the Plumbing and Mechanical Board shall review and make recommendation on any and
all proposed changes to this code.Recommendations shall be forwarded to the City Council for final action.
(2) Philosophy- It shall be the philosophy of the City that the local code should follow as closely as
possible the national standards as established by the Uniform Plumbing Code.
DIVISION VII
SIGNS
SEC.5.701.SHORT TITLE; SCOPE; PURPOSE.
This chapter may hereafter be known and cited as the "sign regulations."The provisions of this chapter shall govern
the construction,repair,erection, alteration,location,and maintenance of privately owned outdoor signs and outdoor
advertising and identification devices of every kind,together with their appurtenant and auxiliary devices.The sign
regulations are found and declared to be necessary and proper to the following purposes:
(1) Protecting property values within the City of Ames.
(2) To prevent the occurrence of urban blight and slum conditions.
(3) To protect the general public from damage and injury which may be caused by the faulty and
unregulated use of signs.
(4) To prevent any unreasonable appropriation of the public domain,its open spaces,streets,and ways
to private use.
(5) To restore,preserve, and promote aesthetic character in the City of Ames.
(Ord.No. 2578, Sec. 2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.702.DEFINITIONS.
(1) Awning sign:Any sign affixed directly on or attached to an awning.
(2) Canopy sign:Any sign mounted on or supported by a canopy.
(3) Ground signs:Any sign supported by one or more uprights or braces placed upon or set into the
ground.
(4) Illuminated sign:Any sign which has characters,letters, figures,designs or outline illuminated by
electric lights or luminous tubes as a part of the sign proper.
(5) Marquee signs:Any sign mounted on or supported by a marquee.
(6) Off premises: Signs not located at the site of that which is advertised or identified.
(7) On premises: Signs located at the site of that which is advertised or identified.
(8) Projecting sign:Any sign other than a wall sign which is attached to a building and extends
beyond the line of said building.
building.(9) Roof sign:Any sign erected,constructed and maintained wholly upon or over the roof of any
(10) Sign:Any advertising device or surface out-of-doors,on or off premises,which conveys
information or identification.
(11) Sign structure:An element or assemblage of elements which supports or is capable of
supporting a sign.A sign structure may be free-standing,attached to a building,an integral part of the building, or
combination thereof.
(12) Structural member:A component part of a structural system required to carry the primary
supportive stresses of the building to the ground,as opposed to members carrying little or no supportive stress other
than their own weight, and functioning as an in-fill or nonstructural enclosure.
(13) Temporary and/or portable signs:Any sign,banner,pennant,valance,to be displayed for a
limited time only, or any sign set upon the ground unsecured.A portable sign shall be defined as any sign set upon or
affixed to any device or ground with wheels or skids or framing so as to afford portability by persons or auxiliary
devices.
(14) Wall sign:A sign, impressed or painted on,or attached to a wall with the exposed face of the sign
in a plane approximately parallel to the plane of the wall.
(Ord.No.2578, Sec. 2, 12-21-76)
(15) Subdivision Development Sign:A temporary sign identifying a new or developing residential
housing subdivision by name.
(16) Developer: The legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or of any land included in a
proposed development including the holder of an option or contract to purchase,or other persons having
enforceable proprietary interests in such land.
(Ord.No. 3053,Sec. 1,6-27-89)
(17) Residential Subdivision Entrance Sign:A freestanding,on premise,permanent,ground sign
designating the name of a residential subdivision.
(Ord.No. 3255, Sec, 1, 1-11-94)
(18) Freestanding Sign:Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on,or anchored
in,the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure.
(Ord.No. 3255, Sec. 1, 1-11-94)
(19) Sign Height:The vertical distance between finished grade of the ground nearest the sign
structure and the uppermost point of the sign structure for residential subdivision entrance signs.
(Ord.No. 3194, 9-24-92;Ord.No. 3255, Sec. 1, 1-11-94)
SEC.5.703.MEASUREMENT STANDARDS.
If a sign has two(2)or more faces,the area of all faces shall be included in determining the total area of
the sign: Except that if two sign faces are placed back to back,and are at no point more than thirty(30)inches from
one another,the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one face if the two faces are of equal area,or as the area
of the larger face if the two(2)faces are of unequal area.
(Ord.No.2578, Sec.2, 12-21-76; Ord.No.3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
Sec.5.704.PERMITS,FEE REQUIRED.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to erect,alter structurally or relocate within the City of Ames
any sign as herein defined without first obtaining a permit from the building official.The City Manager shall
establish and charge reasonable fees to cover costs related to issuance of permits.All electrically illuminated signs
shall be subject to the provisions of all electrical codes adopted by the City of Ames.
(2) The City Council shall, from time to time, set a reasonable fee for sign permits.
(Ord.No. 2578,Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
SEC.5.705.SIGN ERECTORS,REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Persons erecting or installing signs for which permits are required shall be registered in accordance with
Section 5.103,except business owners may receive permits for signs placed on property that they own or lease.
(Ord.No.3194, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
SEC.5.706.APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS.
Applications for permits shall be made upon blanks provided by the building official and shall contain or
have attached thereto the following information:
(1) The name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(2) The location of building,structure, or lot where the sign is to be located.
(3) Position of signs in relation to nearby buildings or structures.
(4) Two(2)blueprints or ink drawings of the plans and specifications and method of construction and
attachment to the building or on the ground.
(5) Written consent of the owner of the building,structure,or land to which or on which the sign is to
be erected.The lease between landlord and tenant will constitute written consent.
(6) The name of the person, firm,corporation,or association which is registered with the City of Ames
to do the work of installing or erecting the sign.
(7) Such other information as the building official shall require to show full compliance with this and
all other laws and ordinances of the City of Ames which may be applicable,including the intended duration of
temporary signs.
(Ord.No. 2578, Sec. 2, 12-21-76;Ord.No.3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.707.ILLUMINATED SIGNS;APPROVED BY ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR,BUILDING
OFFICIAL.
The application for a permit for erection of a sign in which electrical wiring and connections are to be
used shall be submitted to the electrical inspector. The electrical inspector shall examine the plans and
specifications with respect to all wiring and connections to determine if the same specifications comply with
applicable electrical codes prior to submission of the application to the building official for final approval or
disapproval.
(Ord.No. 2578, Sec. 2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
SEC.5.708.PERMIT ISSUED IF APPLICATION IN ORDER.
It shall be the duty of the building official upon the filing of an application for a permit to examine such
plans and specifications and other data and the premises upon which it is proposed to erect the sign,and if it shall
appear that the provisions of the sign regulations and all other laws and ordinances of the City of Ames are complied
with,he shall then issue the permit.If the work authorized by such permit is not completed in six(6)months from the
date of its issuance, such permit shall become null and void.
In addition,where the permit is for a subdivision development sign,the sign permit shall be renewed
annually until such time as the sign must be removed.Removal is subject to approval by the City Building
Official.
(Ord.No. 2578,Sec. 2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3053, Sec, 1, 6-27-89;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.709.INSPECTION.
The building official or designees may inspect signs subject to the provisions of the sign regulations for
the purpose of determining whether the same is in compliance with the sign regulations.
(Ord.No. 2578,Sec. 2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.710.PERMIT REVOCATION.
If the building official shall fmd that any sign subject to the sign regulations is unsafe or insecure or is a
menace to the public or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of the
sign regulations,the building official shall give written notice thereof to the person in possession and control of the
premises on which the sign is located.If such person fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the
provisions of the sign regulations within thirty(30)days of such notice,such person commits a municipal infraction.
If a sign is an immediate hazard,the building official may cause it to be removed immediately.A permit for a sign is
a license revocable at any time by the city council for the City of Ames subsequent to notice to the permittee and an
opportunity for the permittee to be heard by said city council.
(Ord.No. 2578,Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3003, Sec. 7,2-23-88;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.711.CONSTRUCTION.
All signs shall be constructed in such a manner and installed with such materials so as to be considered
safe and substantial by the building official.The division of permits and inspections may require a copy of stress
sheets and calculations showing the structures as designed for dead load and wind velocity in the amount required by
the building code adopted by the City of Ames.
(Ord.No. 2578,Sec. 2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.712.MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS.
Signs shall be maintained so as to be structurally sound and in a safe condition,and shall be kept in a
state of undeteriorated appearance by means of painting,sealing or coating and repair or replacement of damaged
parts,panels or lights.
SEC.5.713.REMOVAL OF CERTAIN SIGNS.
Any sign now or hereafter existing,which for a period of six(6)months no longer advertises a bona fide
business conducted,or a product sold,or a service offered,shall be taken down and removed by the owner or owners
of the building or premises upon which it is located within thirty(30)days of written notice from the building
official.
(Ord.No.2578,Sec. 2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.714.PROHIBITIONS.
No person shall have or permit on any premises:
(1) Any permanent sign which consists of or incorporates pennants,twirler lights,pinwheels,
whirligigs or other displays or devices which are designed to be activated by atmospheric conditions so as to attract
or distract the attention of the public by virtue of their movements.
(2) A ground sign which extends to any degree over public property.
(3) Any signs which employ flashing,blinking or rotating lights,except electronic message signs that
conform to Section 5.231 and are located in a commercial or industrial zoning district.
(Ord.No.3468,Sec. 1, 10-28-97)
(4) Any off premises sign nearer than three hundred(300)feet radius to any other off premises sign.
(Ord.No.3463,Sec. 1, 10-14-97)
(5) Any off premises sign shall not exceed three hundred(300)square feet or contain more than two
(2)surfaces back to back.
(6) Any off premises sign in the following zoning districts in the City of Ames:RL,RM,RH,RLP,
FS-RL,FS-RM,F-VR,and H-M.
(Ord.No.3753, 1-13-04)
(7) Signs attached to or placed upon rocks,fences,trees or utility poles.
(Ord.No.2578,Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No.3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.715.EXEMPTIONS FROM PERMITS.
The following signs shall not require a permit;however,such signs shall be subject to the sign
regulations:
(1) Nonelectrical real estate signs not exceeding six(6)square feet in area,which advertise the sale,
rental,or lease of the premises upon which said signs are located only.
(2) Nonelectrical signs,including bulletin boards,which are not over sixteen(16)square feet in area
for public,educational,charitable,fraternal or religious institutions when the same are located on the premises of
such institution.
(3) Nonelectrical signs denoting only the name and profession/business of an occupant in a
commercial building,public institutional building,or dwelling house and not exceeding two(2)square feet in area.
(4) A nonelectrical single sign denoting the architect,engineer or contractor when placed upon work
under construction and not exceeding thirty-two(32)square feet in area.
(5) Nonelectrical memorial signs or tablets,names of buildings,and date of erection when cut into any
masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible materials.
(6) Publicly owned street name signs,traffic control signs,legal notices,railroad crossing signs,
danger and temporary warning or emergency signs;and,emblems,names,logo,and symbols on motor vehicles and
equipment being used for purposes other than the display of signs or advertising devices.
(7) Nonelectrical public service signs which give only directions"in and out"or signs which provide
only information about directing people to ancillary facilities such as parking,entrance,etc.
(8) A nonelectrical temporary sign supporting a candidacy for office or urging action on any other
matter on the ballot of a primary,general or special election,or city election.
(9) A nonelectrical temporary or portable sign.
(Ord.No.2578,Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.716.OBSTRUCTION--DOORS,WINDOWS,OR FIRE ESCAPES.
No person shall erect,locate or maintain any sign so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door,window,
or fire escape.No person shall attach any sign of any kind to a stand pipe or fire escape.
(Ord.No.2578,Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No.3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.717.SIGNS NOT TO CONSTITUTE TRAFFIC HAZARDS.
No person shall erect any sign at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and
clear vision of such intersection,or at any location where by reason of the position,shape or color it may interfere
with,obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign,signal or device.
(Ord.No.2578,Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No.3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.718.REFLECTOR LIGHTS.
Lighting shall be permitted on signs provided,however,the reflectors shall be provided with proper
lenses,concentrating the illumination on the area of the sign so as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent
property.
(Ord.No.2578,Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No.3194,Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.719.SPOTLIGHTS AND FLOODLIGHTS.
It shall be unlawful for any person to have any sign which is wholly or partially illuminated by floodlights
or spotlights that interferes with the vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(Ord.No.2578, Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No.3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.720.BEACON-TYPE LIGHTS PROHIBITED.
It shall be unlawful for a person to operate any device,or to permit a site under their use and control to be
the location of any device that is being operated,to produce a beacon-type beam of electric light,whether portable or
fixed,(except common battery powered hand held lights),the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentrated beam of
light generally skyward during any time between sunset and sunrise as a means of attracting attention to a location rather
than to illuminate any place,person or thing; except this section shall not apply to lights used in connection with the
operation of the Ames Municipal Airport.
(Ord.No.3424, Sec. 1,3-25-97)
SEC.5.721.ON PREMISES SIGNAGE.
For all signs subject to the sign regulations,in agricultural,commercial and industrial zoning districts in
the City of Ames except in the H-M District,there may be three(3)square feet of signage for each foot of street frontage.
Signs in the Planned Zoning districts are as permitted on the approved site plan.Where any side of a building abuts on an
alley,only painted on wall signs shall be permitted on the side abutting the alley.Such sign shall be calculated as part of
total permissible signage.For all signs subject to the sign regulations in residential zoning districts in the City of Ames,
only the following signs are permitted:
(1) Real estate signs not exceeding six(6)square feet in area,which advertise the sale,rental,or lease of
the premises upon which said signs are located only.
(2) Signs, including bulletin boards, which are not over sixteen (16) square feet in area for public,
educational,charitable,fraternal or religious institutions when the same are located on the premises of such institution.
(3) Signs denoting only the name and profession/business of an occupant in a commercial building,public
institutional building,or dwelling house and not exceeding two(2)square feet in area.
(4) Single sign denoting the architect,engineer or contractor when placed upon work under
construction and not exceeding thirty-two(32)square feet in area.
(5) Memorial signs or tablets,names of buildings,and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface
or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible materials.
(6) Publicly owned street name signs,traffic control signs,legal notices,railroad crossing signs,danger
and temporary warning or emergency signs;and emblems,names,logos,and symbols on motor vehicles and equipment
being used for purposes other than the display of signs or advertising devices.
(7) Public service signs which give only directions"in and out"or signs which provide only
information about directing people to ancillary facilities such as parking,entrance,etc.
(8) Temporary Sign supporting a candidacy for office or urging action on any matter on the ballot of a
primary,general or special election,or city election.
(9) Temporary or portable sign.
(10) Subdivision Development Signs.One subdivision development sign may be permitted per
preliminary plat or Conceptual Development Plan for subdivisions of 2 acres or more in area.This sign shall not exceed
96 sq.ft.in area and 12 ft.in height.It shall be located in the subdivision it identifies and no closer than 25 ft.from any
property line,no closer than 100'from any pre-existing residence and only on lots abutting collector or arterial streets.
The sign shall be the sole use of the property on which it is located.The sign shall identify the name of the subdivision
exactly as it is set out on the preliminary plat or conceptual development plan approved by the City and may include the
names of the subdivision developers,a map of the area covered by the subdivision and a description of amenities in it.
The sign shall not be installed until utility construction has begun in the subdivision and the sign shall be removed once
building permits have been issued for 50%of the lots in the subdivision.
(11) Residential Subdivision Entrance Signs.The regulations described in this section apply to
subdivision entrance signs in residential subdivisions.The location,number,size,height,materials,maintenance,and
message regulations for subdivision identification signs are as follows:
(a) Signs located on private property shall be no closer to the traveled part of a street than the
right-of-way line. Signs shall not be allowed in the street visibility triangle,as such is described by Section 29.28.
(b) It shall be unlawful to erect a subdivision entrance sign on public property,and the Council
shall grant no encroachment permits for such signs.
(c) Subdivision entrance signs shall not be permitted off-premise.
(d) Two signs shall be permitted at each subdivision entrance. Double-faced signs shall be
counted as two signs.
(e) The size of the message area(subdivision name and address)of the sign shall not exceed 20
square feet.The size of the sign structure in comparison to the size of the message area shall not exceed a ratio of 7 to 1,
unless approved as part of a Planned Unit Development.
(f) Signs shall not exceed six(6)feet in height.
(g) Materials used in the construction of subdivision entrance signs shall be low
maintenance materials and may include:metal,wood,brick,stone,and concrete.
(h) Maintenance of signs,illumination devices,and landscaping shall be the responsibility of the
property owner.Signs which,by reason of deterioration,may become unsafe or unsightly,shall be repaired or removed
by the property owner upon written notice of the City.Signs which by reason of deterioration become unsafe or unsightly,
may be removed by the City upon written notice of the City.
(Ord.No.3299, Sec. 1,9-27-94)
(i) The message on a subdivision entrance sign shall include only the name and address of the
subdivision.
(j) Signs may be illuminated internally or by reflected light subject to the following:
(i) The light source shall not be directly visible and shall be arranged to reflect away
from adjoining premises;
(ii) The light source shall not be placed so to cause confusion or hazard to traffic,or to
conflict with traffic control signs or lights;
(iii) No illumination involving movement,by reason of the lighting arrangement, the
lighting source,or other devices shall be permitted.This includes blinking,flashing,rotating,and message changing;and
(iv) The Property Owner's Association shall be responsible for the costs associated with
providing electricity to the light source.
(k) Landscaping shall be incorporated at the base of each subdivision entrance sign which
enhances the site and the surrounding area.Plant materials shall not obstruct the visibility of moving vehicles or interfere
with the maintenance of adjacent public property.Approval of a landscape plan for each residential subdivision entrance
sign by the Director of Planning and Housing is required.
(Ord.No.3255,Sec.2, 1-11-94,Ord.No.3753, 1-13-04S)(Ord.No.2578,Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No.2594,Sec. 1,4-
19-77;Ord.No. 3053, Sec. 3,6-27-89;Ord.No. 3194,Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.722.GROUND SIGNS.
All ground signs subject to sign regulations shall meet the following requirements:
(1) All letters,figures,characters or representations in cut out or irregular form maintained in
conjunction with or attached to or superimposed upon any ground sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the
sign's structure.
(2) Signs and location:
(a) It shall be unlawful to erect or permit any ground sign of a height greater than fifty(50)feet;
except,at points within 1,500 feet of the edge of any part of the right-of-way for Interstate Highway 35 a ground sign may
have a height not to exceed 100 feet measured from the base of the sign support to the top of the sign.
(Ord.No.3448, Sec. 1, 7-22-97)
(b) Off premises ground signs will be permitted to have a maximum of three hundred(300)square
feet of sign surface on a side.
(c) No ground sign shall be erected or permitted nearer the street than the property line;provided,
however, such placement is not in conflict with special building line setbacks as established from time to time by city
council.No part of said sign shall be permitted to overhang the public domain.
(d) The minimum distance between on premises ground signs on any one business location shall
be fifty(50)feet.
(3) The premises surrounding all ground signs shall be maintained by the owner thereof in a sanitary
and uncluttered condition, free and clear of all obnoxious substances,rubbish, litter,and weeds.
(Ord.No. 2578, Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No.3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.723.WALL SIGNS.
Wall signs subject to the sign regulations shall meet the following location requirements:
(1) Limitation on placement.No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any wall opening or
project beyond the ends or tops of the wall to which it is attached.
(2) Projection over public property. No wall sign shall be erected on public right of way without
approval of the City Council.
(3) Size Regulations.The size regulations of Section 5.220 notwithstanding,there shall be allowed,with
respect to each building,subject to applicable zoning regulations,one permanent wall sign that is not larger than sixty-
four(64)square feet,or which does not occupy more than ten percent(10%)of the area of the wall to which it is affixed,
whichever is smaller,for each of the building=s sides that parallel a public street,if the wall sign is not internally lighted.
(Ord.No. 3623,7-10-01)(Ord.No. 2578, Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.724.ROOF SIGN.
(1) Materials.The uprights,supports,and braces thereof shall be constructed of materials as set forth in
the uniform building code adopted by the City of Ames.
(2) Location.
(a) Height limitations.No roof sign shall have its highest point extend more than twenty(20)feet
above the roof level.
(b) Setback from roof edge.No roof sign shall be erected or maintained with a face thereof nearer
than five(5)feet to the outside wall toward the sign faces.
(c) Prohibited obstructions.No roof sign shall be placed on the roof of any building or structure in
such manner as to prevent free passage from one part of said roof to another part thereof,or interfere with openings on
said roof.
(3) Bracing,anchorage and supports.Every roof sign shall be thoroughly secured to the building by iron
or other metal anchors, bolts, supports, rods, or braces. The sign supports shall be anchored into the basic building
structure,roof joists, or roof girders.The bearing points of such sign may bear on masonry walls or intermediate steel
columns in the building or shall be supported or anchored to the structural members of the building.
(4) Off premises.Off premises roof signs shall not be permitted.
(Ord.No. 2578, Sec. 2, 12-21-76;Ord.No.3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.725.PROJECTING SIGNS.
All projecting signs subject to the sign regulations shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Support. All bracing systems shall be designed and constructed to transfer lateral forces to the
foundations.For signs on buildings,the dead and lateral loads shall be transmitted through the structural members ofthe
building to the ground in such manner as not to overstress any of the elements thereof
(2) Limitations on glass.The lettering or advertising design to be illuminated on projecting signs may be
composed of glass or other transparent or semitransparent material.Any glass forming a part of any sign shall be safety
glass or wire glass.
(3) Movable parts to be secured.Any movable parts of a projecting sign such as a cover of a
service opening shall be securely fastened by safety chains or hinges.
(4) Height limitations.The top line of the projecting sign shall not be higher than the roof or
parapet line of the building to which attached,except that when the roof line is less than fifteen(15)feet in height,the
sign may extend three(3)feet above;but under no circumstances shall the top line of a projecting sign be permitted at a
height of more than fifty(50)feet above ground level.
(5) Thickness limitations.The distance measured between the principal faces of any projecting sign shall
not exceed eighteen(18)inches.
(6) Location. The bottom line of every projecting sign shall be placed at least ten(10) feet above any
sidewalk over which it is erected.No projecting signs shall be erected in an alleyway.No projecting signs shall project
across or over any portion of public right of way.
(Ord.No.2578, Sec.2, 12-21-76; Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.726.TEMPORARY AND/OR PORTABLE SIGNS.
Temporary and/or portable signs subject to the sign regulations shall meet the following requirements:
(1) A banner shall not exceed one hundred(100)square feet in area.All other temporary and/or portable
signs shall not exceed thirty-two(32)square feet in area.
(2) Except for those temporary signs and banners affixed to city light and utility poles with the
permission of the city,no temporary or portable sign shall be displayed longer than ninety(90)consecutive days without
removal or replacement.
(Ord.No.3430,Sec.2,5-13-97)(Ord.No.2578,Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No.2785,Sec.2,9-21-81;Ord.No.3194,Sec.
1,9-24-92;Ord.No. 3291, Sec. 1, 8-23-94)
Sec.5.727.MARQUEE SIGNS.
Marquee signs subject to the sign regulations shall meet the following provisions:
(1) Signs attached to or placed upon the roof of a marquee shall be completely within the border line of the
marquee's outer edge.
(2) Signs hung from a marquee shall be completely within the border line of the marquee's outer edge and
in no instance shall the bottom of said sign be lower than seven and one-half(72)feet above the sidewalk.No hanging or
suspended sign shall exceed eighteen(18)inches in height overall.They may overhang the public right of way only by
permission of the City Council.
(Ord.No.2578, Sec. 2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
SEC.5.728.AWNING AND CANOPY SIGNS.
No portion of an awning or canopy may be lower than seven and one-half(7'/z)feet above a sidewalk.
They may overhang public right of way only by permission of the City Council.
(Ord.No. 2578, Sec. 2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1, 9-24-92;Ord.No. 3772, 6-22-04)
SEC.5.729.NONCONFORMING SIGNS.
Signs in existence on December 21, 1976, when these sign regulations became effective, may continue in existence
subject to Sections 5.209, 5.210, 5.212,and 5.213 and also subject to the following:
(1) A sign shall not be altered structurally or moved unless it be made to comply with the provisions of this
chapter, except that the changing of the movable parts of an existing sign that is designed for such changes, or the
repainting or reposting of display matter shall not be deemed a structural alteration.
(2) The lawful use of a sign existing on the effective date of these regulations,although such sign does not
conform to the provisions hereof,may continue;but if such nonconforming use is discontinued for a period of six(6)
months,any future use of such sign shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
(3) No sign which has been damaged by fire,wind,explosion,or other act of God to the extent that fifty
(50)per cent or more of the sign is destroyed,shall be restored except in conformity with the regulations of this chapter.
Any sign which has been damaged to an extent less than fifty(50)per cent,may be restored to its condition which existed
as a nonconforming use prior to its damage.
(Ord.No.2578, Sec.2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.730.SIGN APPEALS.
(1) The Board of Appeals established by this chapter shall have jurisdiction,and its appeal
procedures shall apply when it is claimed that the regulations of this chapter pertaining to signs have been incorrectly
interpreted,or an equally good or better form of construction,method of installation or type of material can be used.
(2) A sign is also subject to the zoning regulations.Appeals and applications for variances and exception to
zoning regulations applicable to a sign or signs shall be the exclusive jurisdiction of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
(Ord.No. 2578, Sec. 2, 12-21-76;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1, 9-24-92;Ord.No. 3477, Sec. 1, 3-12-98)
SEC.5.731.ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGNS.
Signs which display a message by means of electronically induced changes in points of illumination,
herein called electronic message signs, shall conform to the following:
(1) Not more than one electronic message sign shall be installed on or in relation to the
same building.
(2) An electronic message sign shall not have more than two sides on which messages can be displayed by
electronic means.
(3) No electronic message sign shall have a continuously running message or messages. That is, each
display of a message shall have a clearly discernable beginning and ending indicated by a blank or dark time on the
message display device or screen, which blank or dark time shall be not less than three tenths (0.3) of a second in
duration.
(4) The minimum time for display of a message shall be four(4)seconds,except for time and temperature
displays.
(5) A message that requires sequential changes in the image displayed on the message display device shall
be displayed in its entirety in not more than eight seconds.
(Ord.No. 3468, Sec.2, 10-28-97)
SEC.5.732.CERTAIN MOVABLE MARQUEE SIGNS PROHIBITED.
The use of a certain device,as hereinafter described,for the outdoor display of messages at locations such that the device
is visible to motorists traveling on the city streets, is prohibited.The prohibited device is described as:
(1) not constructed or installed as a permanent structure but merely set upon the ground,
(2) consisting of a framework surrounding a vertical surface that is intended for the display of messages by
such means that the message displayed can be changed by adding,removing or rearranging items that can be affixed to
the framed vertical surface of the device again and again.
(Ord.#3506, Sec. 1, 11-24-98)
DIVISION VIII
BUILDING MOVING
SEC.5.801.STRUCTURE DEFINED.
The term"structure" as used in this division means any house,building,or other structure eight(8)feet or
more in width,which is to be moved from one location to another upon,along,across,over,or near any street,avenue,
alley,highway, sidewalk, or other public ground of the city.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-1;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.802. "HOUSE MOVER" DEFINED.
The term"house mover"as used in this chapter means a person who has been issued a valid license to
move structures.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-2;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.803.LICENSE REQUIRED.
No person shall engage in the business of moving structures within the city without first obtaining a
license therefore,as hereinafter provided.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-3;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.804.APPLICATION FOR LICENSE REQUIRED.
Any person,intending to carry on the business of house mover in the city shall file in the office of the city
manager an application in writing upon forms furnished by the city,and among other things such application shall state:
(1) The name and address of the applicant.
(2) The person who will have charge of work done, qualifications and experience as such,and that the
person has knowledge of the provisions of this Code and the city ordinances relating thereto.
(3) The applicant agrees to reimburse the city or others for all costs incurred in the moving of structures
under the provisions of the license and permit issued therefore.
SEC.5.805.BOND.
The applicant must,before the license shall be issued, file with the city clerk a corporate surety bond
executed to the city in the amount of two thousand,five hundred dollars($2,500.00)with sureties approved by the city
clerk,conditioned that all work done under such license shall be done in a good,competent manner and in accordance
with the ordinances of the city relating thereto and that the applicant or a surety will pay to the city or any person injured
all damages for injuries to persons or property caused by the negligence,fault or mismanagement of said applicant,or
due to any other cause,in doing any work under said license or any permit issued for such work,and will pay to the city
any cost or expense incurred in repairing or restoring any pavement,curbs,sidewalks,electric facilities or other public
works injured and of restoring such works to its previous condition.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-5;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
SEC.5.806.INSURANCE REQUIRED.
Applicant shall procure and maintain,for the duration of the license period,insurance against claims for
injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the function for which the license
is issued.Applicant shall furnish the City of Ames with certificates of insurance evidencing the following coverages:
(1) Comprehensive General Liability with limits of no less than$1,000,000 combined single limits per
occurrence for bodily injury,personal injury and property damage.
(2) Automobile Liability with limits of no less than$1,000,000 combined single limits per occurrence for
bodily injury,personal injury and property damage.
(3) Worker's Compensation and Employee's Liability as required by the laws of the State of Iowa.The
certificate must be on file in the office of the City Clerk,City of Ames before a license shall be issued.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-6;Ord.No. 3043, Sec. 1,4-11-89;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.807.ISSUANCE OF LICENSE.
Upon approval of the application for a license,the filing and approval of the bond and certificate of
insurance set forth herein, and the payment of the license fee, the city clerk shall issue a license to the applicant as a
house mover.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-7;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.808.LICENSE FEE;EXPIRATION;TRANSFERABILITY.
A fee for a license as a house mover shall be set by the city clerk to cover costs of administration and
issuance.The license shall expire on the first day of January next ensuing after issuance therefore.The license shall not
be transferable.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-8; Ord.No.3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.809.REVOCATION OF LICENSE.
Any licensed house mover who shall,in any application for a permit,make any untrue or false statements,or who shall be
guilty of a violation of this chapter,or who shall be guilty of acts of negligence in the conduct of the business,shall upon
such finding have the license revoked by the city council.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-17;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.810.PERMIT REQUIRED.
No person shall move any structure upon,across or over any street,avenue,alley,highway, sidewalk or
public ground of the city,or raise,lower or move any structure within twenty(20)feet of any public sidewalk,without
first obtaining a permit therefore from the city manager as herein provided.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-9;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.811.APPLICATION FOR PERMIT.
All applications for a permit as herein required shall be in writing on forms furnished by the city,filed in
the office of the city manager,and among other things,shall state:
(1) The name and license number of the house mover.
(2) The present and proposed location of the structure to be moved together with the name and address of
the owner thereof.
(3) The building permit number as issued for the structure in the proposed location.
(4) A description of the structure to be moved,with the size,maximum height when loaded and ready to be
moved and the maximum width of the structure in the direction of travel.
(5) The route over which the structure is to be moved.
(6) The day and hour of the day when the structure will first be moved into the limits of the public way and
the approximate length of time the structure will be within said limits.
(7) Whether any,and what electric lines,telephone or telegraph wire,cables or guys will have to be cut or
moved or will be interfered with and the locations thereof.
(8) What railway tracks,if any,will be crossed,their location,and the day and approximate hour when
such crossing will be made.
(9) Whether any street structures will be removed or interfered with,including sidewalks,curbing, fire
hydrants,and street signs and signals.
(10) What shade trees,if any,will require trimming and the location of the property and name of property
owner thereof and whether consent for such trimming has been obtained from such owners.
(11) A description of the type of moving equipment to be used.
(12)Said application shall state that all work will be done in strict accordance with the provisions of this chapter
and under the direction and supervision of the city manager.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-10;Ord.No.3194,Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.812.PERMITS TO UNLICENSED APPLICANTS AUTHORIZED.
The city manager may issue moving permits for structures to persons,whether licensed or not,when the
maximum width of such structure along the line of travel does not exceed fourteen(14) feet, and when they may be
moved on rubber tired vehicles or trucks in such a manner as will not substantially interfere with traffic, damage any
street structure or trees,require the removal of any electric,telephone or telegraph wires,or damage any street pavements
or sidewalks.Before issuing such a permit the city manager shall designate the route to be followed and the date and time
when such moving shall take place,and shall supervise the operation of moving thereof.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-13;Ord.No. 3194,Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.813.PERMIT FEES.
The City Council shall establish and charge reasonable fees to cover the costs of issuing house moving
permits.Additionally,the city manager may charge the house mover for the costs of special services rendered by police
units,utility or street crews or any special city expense caused by the moving of a house or building.
(Code 1956,Sec.46-19;Ord.No.3194,Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.814.COMPLIANCE WITH BUILDING,ZONING,OTHER ORDINANCES.
No moving permit shall be issued unless the structure,if moved to a new location in the city,will comply
with the zoning,building code and all other ordinances of the city.
(Code 1956,Sec.46-11;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.815.OBSTRUCTING STREETS REGULATED.
No moving permit shall be issued to move any structure over the paved streets,avenues or highways of the city when the
maximum width of such structure in the direction of travel shall occupy more than two(2)feet less than the total width of
paving between curbs,and no structure shall be allowed to obstruct the free passage of any street,avenue or highway for
a greater length of time than set forth in the permit issued therefore,except in case of unavoidable delay and through no
fault or negligence on the part of the permit holder,the city manager may grant such extension of time as is reasonable.
(Code 1956,Sec.46-12;Ord.No. 3194,Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.816.MOVING OVER RAILWAY TRACKS.
No permit shall be issued for the moving of any structure across the tracks of any railway or street railway
until the mover thereof shall have given the superintendent of such railway or street railway companies not less than
twenty-four(24)hours notice before such crossing of the tracks is to be made and satisfactory arrangements for such
crossing have been made and the city manager advised in detail of such arrangements.
(Code 1956,Sec.46-14;Ord.No. 3194,Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.817.CONSENT TO MOVE WIRES,CABLES REQUIRED.
No permit shall be issued for the moving of any structure which requires the removal of electric,telephone
or telegraph wires or cables until not less than twenty-four(24)hours notice has been given of the time and place such
removal is desired and the consent of the electric department of the city and/or the telephone or telegraph company has
been secured for such removal and the city manager advised of such satisfactory arrangements.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-15;Ord.No. 3194, Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.818.ISSUANCE,CONTENTS OF PERMITS;DENIAL.
When an application has been made for a moving permit as provided herein and is approved by the city
manager,the city manager shall,after being presented with a receipt for payment of the permit fee by the house mover to
the city clerk,issue to the applicant a permit,in duplicate,numbered in consecutive order,one copy being furnished the
applicant and a record thereof retained in the manager's office. Such permit shall contain the name and address of the
person to whom issued,the route to be followed,and the time of starting and completing the moving operation within
public ways,an abstract of the information and agreements contained in the application,and such regulations,conditions,
and instructions as the city manager may deem necessary to protect public and private property and secure compliance
with the provisions of this chapter.Such permit shall not take effect,and the work shall not be commenced until the time
therein stated and shall at all times be under the supervision and control of the city manager or the manager's designee.
The city manager may deny an application for a permit when it is necessary to protect public or private property; or
public safety;or to secure compliance with this Code or the laws of the State of Iowa.
(Code 1956,Sec.46-16;Ord.No.2163,Sec.2, 10-18-66;Ord.No.3194,Sec. 1,9-24-92)
SEC.5.819.AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE PLANKING OF STREETS.
When in the judgment of the city manager it is necessary to protect streets or street improvements,the city manager may
require the house mover to properly and adequately plank such streets and all rollers,trucks or other devices used in
conveying and moving same shall run upon and rest upon such planks at all times.
(Code 1956, Sec.46-18;Ord.No. 3194,Sec. 1,9-24-92)
Section Two. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
repealing Chapter 8 and enacting a new Chapter 8:
CHAPTER 8-FIRE CODE
DIVISION I
ADOPTION
SEC.8.101. INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE ADOPTED.
The 2006 Edition of the International Fire Code(IFC)as published by the International Code Council,including
Appendix Chapters B,Fire Flow,D,Fire Apparatus Access Road,and E,Hazardous Categories,is hereby adopted by the
City of Ames,Iowa,for the purpose of prescribing regulations pertaining to conditions hazardous to life from fire and
explosives,together with the deletion,additions and modifications hereinafter stated.
(Ord.No. 3196, Sec. 1, 8-24-92; Ord.No. 3218, Sec. 1, 3-23-93; Ord.No. 3491, Sec. 1, 7-14-98)
DIVISION II
AMENDMENTS,ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
SEC.8.201. PERMITS.
Delete Section 105 of the International Fire Code relating to permits.
(Ord.No. 3196,Sec. 1, 8-24-92; Ord.No. 3491, Sec. 1, 7-14-98)
SEC.8.202. AMENDMENTS
(1) Amend Section 307.3.2,Recreational fires,by deleting the text and inserting the following in lieu
thereof:
Recreational fires are permitted in approved containers,such as chimineas. Such fires shall be located more than 15 feet
from any structure,including decks,porches,roofs,garages,sheds,and fences. The immediate area within 15 feet of the
fire shall be clear of combustible materials,such as weeds,shrubs,and furniture.
(2) Amend Section 308.3.1 by deleting the text and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated or located on combustible balconies or
within 10 feet of combustible construction. Exceptions: (1) one and two family dwellings; (2) where buildings,
balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
(3) Amend Section 503.2.4,Turning radius,by deleting the text and inserting the following in lieu
thereof
Radius.The inside turning radius of a 20 foot wide fire apparatus road shall be a minimum of 20 feet,
and the outside turning radius of such road or lane shall be a minimum of 50 feet.
(4) Amend Section 503.4,Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads,by deleting the text and inserting
the following in lieu thereof:
Where fire apparatus access roads are established and are signed or marked as required by
the fire chief,parking or obstructing in any manner of those roads shall be prohibited.
The fire chief,traffic engineer and police chief or their representatives are authorized to
enforce this subsection by the issuance of citations,or removal and impoundment of the
obstructions,or both. Exception:Attended vehicles may be stopped in a fire apparatus
access road for loading and unloading.
(5) Amend Section 509,Fire Command Center,by adding the following:
The requirements of this section shall be at the discretion of the fire chief.
(6) Amend Section 903.4,Sprinkler system monitoring and alarms,by adding the following exception:
(a) Water supply valves that are locked in the open position.
(7) Amend Section 905,Standpipe Systems,by adding the following:
The requirements of this section shall be at the discretion of the fire chief.
(8)Amend Section 907.2.9.Group R-2 by adding the following text at the end of the subsection:
Notwithstanding the exceptions noted herein,an automatic fire alarm system shall be installed throughout all interior
corridors serving sleeping units.
(9) Add the following local provision:
ZONING DISTRICTS IN WHICH STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS IN BURIED OR
UNDERGROUND TANKS IS PROHIBITED.
Installation of underground flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks is prohibited in the following zoning districts:
RL,RM,RH,RLP,UCRM,F-S,F-VR,S-HM Zoning Districts.The fire chief,or designees,will have the authority to
alter or allow installations in prohibited zones after the consideration of special features including but not limited to
topographical conditions,nature of occupancy and proximity to buildings,capacity of proposed tanks,and degree of fire
protection to be provided and available.Any installation shall be in compliance with state and local codes.This section
shall not apply to underground heating oil installations.
(10) ZONING DISTRICTS IN WHICH STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE
LIQUIDS IN OUTSIDE ABOVE GROUND TANKS IS PROHIBITED.
The limits in which the storage of flammable or combustible liquids is restricted are hereby established as follows:RL,
RM,RH,RLP,UCRM,F-S,F-VR,S-HM Zoning Districts.The fire chief,or designees,will have the authority to alter or
allow installations in prohibited zones after the consideration of special features including but not limited to
topographical conditions,nature of occupancy,proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed tanks and degree of fire
protection to be provided and available. Any installation shall be in compliance with state and local codes. This
section shall not apply to heating oil installations.
(1 1) ZONING DISTRICT RESTRICTIONS ON STORAGE OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES.
The limits in which storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted,are hereby established as follows:RL,RM,RH,RLP,
UCRM, F-S, F-VR, S-HM Zoning Districts. The fire chief, or designees, will have the authority to alter or allow
installations in prohibited zones after the consideration of special features including but not limited to topographical
conditions,nature of occupancy and proximity to buildings,capacity of proposed tanks,and degree of fire protection to
be provided and available.Any installation shall be in compliance with state and local codes.
DIVISION III
SPRINKLER SYSTEM RETROFIT
SEC.8.203. EXISTING BUILDINGS TO HAVE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.
(1) The following terms as used in this article shall have the meaning respectively ascribed to them in this
section.
Automatic Sprinkler System. An automatic sprinkler system within the meaning of this
section shall consist of piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards,that includes a suitable
water supply,and which is activated by heat or the products of combustion,to discharge water over the fire area.
Fire Chief means the Fire Chief of the Ames Fire Department or said Fire Chief s designee.
High-Rise buildings shall mean buildings having occupied floors located more than 75 feet
above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
Impaired evacuation capability occupant,for the purposes of this article,shall mean an
occupant that cannot reliably evacuate a building in a timely manner because of that occupant's physical and/or mental
limitations or disabilities.
(2) Retrofit Requirements.The following existing buildings shall be retrofitted with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 403.2 of the 2006 International Building Code and Section 903 of the 2006
International Fire Code.
(a) Existing high-rise buildings having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest
level of fire department vehicle access.
(b) Institutions.Buildings housing more than 16 persons on a twenty-four hour basis to be cared
for or provided a supervised environment because of their physical or mental condition, including hospitals, nursing
homes,and assisted living facilities.
(c) Mobility Impaired.Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units of which eight are occupied by
one or more persons who have an impaired evacuation capability. The Fire Chief, or his/her designee, shall have the
authority to determine whether a person is an occupant with an impaired evacuation capability as aforesaid, and to
conduct a timed evacuation drill to determine the extent to which an apartment building may contain occupants with such
impaired evacuation capabilities.
(d) Dormitories.A building in which sleeping accommodations are provided for more than 16
persons,who are not related by marriage or consanguinity,in one room or a series of closely associated rooms,with or
without meals,including fraternity and sorority houses,barracks,and dormitories.
(3) Each and every existing building that comes within the scope of this section shall be retrofitted as
aforesaid not later than October 1,2011.
(4) Should a facility be unable to meet the prescribed date of October 1,2011,the owners can request up to
two extensions.Requests for extension will be heard by the Building Board of Appeals.
(a) A first request for extension must be brought to the Building Board of Appeals prior to
October 1,2010.If granted an extension for three years,the implementation period would end on
October 1,2014.
(b) Should a facility be unable to meet the extended compliance date of October 1,2014,a second
request for extension must be brought to the Building Board of Appeals prior to October 1,2013.If granted an extension
for two years,the implementation period would end on October 1,2016.
(5) In order to grant an extension,the Board must find all of the following five criteria have been met:
(a) The owners have made a compelling case that they cannot be Code compliant by the
prescribed ordinance date.
(b) The owner's request for extension is based upon financial need.
(c) The owners have made substantial and unsuccessful efforts to acquire necessary funds.
(d) Complete and thorough cost estimates, construction plans, and Code compliant sprinkler
system designs have been developed.
(e) The owners have a viable plan for compliance if an extension is granted.
DIVISION IV
OPEN BURNING
SEC.8.204. OPEN BURNING.
(1) Prohibition.
The burning of garbage, refuse, leaves, landscape waste and all other combustible materials is
prohibited except as specifically permitted by the fire chief as provided in the following exceptions.
EXCEPTIONS:
(a) Landscape waste.
Landscape waste produced in clearing,grubbing and construction operations may be burned on site at such locations and
under such conditions as are granted advance written approval of the fire chief or designee.No building materials,trade
wastes,rubber tires,material left from demolition of any structure,landscape waste originating from a different location
nor any other material may be mixed with the landscape waste when burned. Gasoline shall not be used to ignite
landscape waste
(b) Open burning on public or private property.
Open burning of prairies,pastures,fields,yards and road ditches may occur at such locations and under such conditions
as are granted advance written approval of the fire chief or designee.
(c) Training Fires.
Fires set for the purpose of training of public or industrial employees in fire fighting methods are permitted at such
locations and under such conditions as are granted in advance written approval of the fire chief or designee. When
structures are to be burned as part of the training,advance written approval must also be obtained from the State of Iowa
Department of Natural Resources.
(d) Storm damaged trees.
Downed and damaged trees, limbs, and brush may be burned, immediately following severe storm events, at such
locations and under such conditions as are granted advance approval by the fire chief,public works director,and City
Manager,as part of a declared public emergency.The site authorized and designated for such burning shall not be located
in a residential area.
(2) General Conditions for Open Burning.
(a) Fire Chief may prohibit. The Fire Chief may prohibit any or all open
burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous or a nuisance.
(b) Attendance of Open Fires. Open fires shall be constantly attended by an
adult person until such fire is extinguished. This person shall have a hose connected to the water supply,or other fire-
extinguishing equipment readily available for use.
(c) Offensive Smoke and Odors. Upon receipt of a complaint regarding the
smoke or odors from open fires, the fire chief s designee shall investigate and have the discretion to have the fire
extinguished.
(Ord. No. 3196, Sec. 1, 8-24-92)
DIVISION V
BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
SEC.8.205. BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS HAS JURISDICTION.
The provisions of Section 108.1 of the IFC notwithstanding,the Ames Building Code Board of
Appeals as established and constituted under the ordinances of the City of Ames shall have jurisdiction to determine the
suitability of alternative materials and types of construction and to provide for reasonable interpretations of the provisions
the suitability of alternative materials and types of construction and to provide for reasonable interpretations of the
provisions of this Fire Code,except those relating to open burning.
The Ames Building Code Board of Appeals is authorized to grant two year extensions for the
implementation period for sprinkler systems as defined in Section 8.203.
When so acting,the Fire Chief may designate an individual knowledgeable in fire safety to render
professional advice to the Board on matters related to the Fire Code.
The Building Code Board of Appeals,when acting pursuant to this subsection,shall have authority
to review and make recommendations on any and all proposed changes to this chapter of the Code.
Recommendations shall be forwarded to the City Council for final action.
(Ord. No. 3196, Sec. 1, 8-24-92; Ord.No. 3491, Sec. 1, 7-14-98; Ord. No. 3883, 05-09-06)
DIVISION VI
PENALTY
SEC.8.206. PENALTIES FOR OFFENSES PERTAINING TO THE FIRE CODE.
A violation of any provision of Chapter 8,Fire Code, shall be a municipal infraction punishable by
a penalty of$500 for a person's first violation thereof,and a penalty of$750 for each repeat violation.
(Ord.No. 3196, Sec. 1, 8-24-92; Ord.No. 3497, Sec. 5, 8-25-98; Ord. No. 3196, Sec. 1, 8-24-92;
Ord. No. 3218, Sec. 2, 3-23-93; Ord. No. 3491, Sec. 1, 7-14-98; Ord.No. 3789, 7-27-04)
Section Three. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a municipal infraction
punishable by a penalty of$500.00 for a first violation and$750.00 for each repeat violation.
Section Four. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent
of such conflict,if any.
Section Five. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as
required by law.
Passed this 26' day of June ,2007.
Diane R.Voss,City Clerk Ann H.Campbell,Mayor
00943