HomeMy WebLinkAboutA027 - August 25, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City CouncilITEM #:29
DATE:08-25-26
DEPT:FIRE
SUBJECT:ADOPTION OF UPDATED BUILDING AND FIRE CODES
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The City of Ames adopts nationally recognized codes that regulate building construction and
trade work. They are used throughout the United States and are updated at three-year
intervals to reflect the latest improvements in construction technology. The table below shows
the current adopted codes and the new versions that are being proposed:
Current Proposed
2015 International Building Code (IBC)2024 International Building Code (IBC)
2015 International Residential Code (IRC)2024 International Residential Code (IRC)
2015 International Existing Building Code
(IEBC)
2024 International Existing Building Code
(IEBC)
2015 International Fire Code (IFC)2024 International Fire Code (IFC)
2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
2020 National Electrical Code (NEC)As currently adopted by State of Iowa
2012 International Energy Conservation Code Not being updated at this time
In September 2025, the State of Iowa adopted the proposed codes listed above, with the
exception of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code. Historically, the City follows
suit with the State adopted codes so contractors from elsewhere in Iowa can operate
under the same regulations in Ames as those in effect in most of the state.
The State of Iowa prohibits local jurisdictions from enforcing plumbing, mechanical, and
electrical standards that are less restrictive than the State-adopted Code. New legislation also
prohibits jurisdictions from being more restrictive than the State Electrical Code. Therefore, at
minimum, the City must take action to adopt the same Electrical Code as the State.
Additionally, the City must adopt the same plumbing and mechanical codes as the
State, but may incorporate local amendments that are more restrictive than the State-
adopted Code. The other codes can be amended at the local level.
The first step in the code adoption process is an in-depth review by staff of each new code
and the local amendments. Staff has been reviewing the codes since September 2025 when
the State's adoption was codified. In January 2026, staff presented the most significant
changes (Attachment A) to the Ames Home Builder's Association (AHBA). A public input
session was held on February 2, where the contractors were provided an opportunity to
ask questions and seek clarification from staff. Additionally, the AHBA convened a small
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code update committee to work through any concerns they had and presented their findings to
staff.
Staff has compiled input from the outreach efforts and incorporated them into the code where
possible, including several clarification requests submitted by the AHBA. Most of the
proposed changes are considered "clean-up" where references or editions have
changed or the language has been made clearer but has not resulted in a different
mea nin g. Included with this packet is a copy of the current ordinance with track changes
enabled showing all of the proposed revisions for Chapters 5 (Attachment B - Building) and
Chapter 9 (Attachment C - Fire).
On March 2, 2026, the Building Board of Appeals (BBOA) convened to review the code
revisions and offered their recommendations regarding several items. The BBOA reviewed
four concepts that were still up for debate after staff incorporated recommendations
from the public and, specifically, the AHBA. These four items are described in detail
below and include the recommendation from the BBOA and alternatives for the
Council.
FIRE PROTECTION OF FLOORS
The 2012 IRC was published with a requirement that unfinished basements in new
construction provide fire protection for the ceiling/floor above (e.g., drywall on the ceiling). This
additional protection helps slow the spread of fire and keeps the floor from collapsing during
fire events. The protection is not required to meet the criteria for a full fire rated assembly, but
is required to cover the ceiling so that floor components above are not exposed.
This new requirement was amended out of the City's local adoption in 2013 to give
customers time to adjust to the new standard. At this time, staff does not have a reason
to continue to amend out the requirement as published in the IRC.
Feedback from the building community is that the added cost of the requirement is
unnecessary and will create additional cost/work when the basement is finished in the
future, as it would typically be necessary to remove the covering to install lighting,
wiring, ductwork, plumbing, etc.
The BBOA debated this item at length during its March 2026 meeting. The Board was unable
to come to a conclusion at that time and voted to table the discussion until April so more
research could be conducted. The Board also asked staff to try to obtain information regarding
the data that showed that the rate of failure of floors was higher when not protected and the
approximate cost to drywall the ceiling.
On April 6, the BBOA reconvened and discussed the floor protection requirement. At that time,
staff was unable to report any data related to the failure of floors when not protected. There
were too many variables to determine exact cost to meet this requirement, but it is estimated
that the cost is between $2,000 to $3,000. After much discussion, the Board voted to
recommend that the City continue to amend out the fire protection of floors
requirement.
While the Board voted to recommend amending out the fire protection of floors, staff
remains supportive of keeping the requirement as the provided protection is essential
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in limiting fire spread and protecting occupants' ability and time to escape. Staff was
able to locate a study following the BBOA meeting showing that standard 1/2-inch
drywall protects against fire for up to 30 minutes (twice as long as fully exposed wood
joists) and doubles the occupant escape time. Additionally, 5/8-inch drywall protects for
60 minutes and quadruples escape time (NFPA ASTM E119 Standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
Staff reviewed ordinances from other jurisdictions and was not able to find any that amended
out fire protection of floors. Additionally, of the new homes with basements built in 2025, only
25% had unfinished basements. Therefore, the number of homes impacted is relatively low.
Since there is scientific reasoning for the requirement that makes it safer for occupants
and responding firefighters, and there is not a precedent from other jurisdictions to
remove the requirement, staff is recommending to retain the requirement as written.
The Building Code that is being presented to Council does not amend out the requirement for
floor protection. Therefore, if the Council chooses to amend out the requirement as
published in the IRC, a motion to remove it for the second reading would be required.
STAIR RISE AND RUN
Since the early 2000s, the City's building codes have required stairs to have a maximum riser
height of 7-3/4 inches and a minimum tread depth of 10 inches. Prior to this requirement, the
maximum riser height was 8 inches and the tread depth was 9 inches. The AHBA has
requested to amend the code and return to the original dimensions of 8 inches rise and
9 inches run, which allows more flexibility in construction (a staircase would take up
less space with an 8" riser and 9" tread).
Staff was unable to identify any other jurisdictions that have made this change and has
not seen momentum at the national level for the change. The BBOA's recommendation
is to keep the local requirement the same as the International Codes.
The proposed ordinance does not amend the maximum riser height or tread depth. A motion
to amend the proposed ordinance for second reading would be required if the Council
wants to amend the maximum riser height to 8 inches and tread depth to 9 inches.
GUARDRAILS (Outdoors)
The 2024 IRC (as well as previous versions) requires guardrails to be installed when the grade
adjacent to a walking surface is more than 30 inches below the walking surface within a
horizontal distance of 36 inches from the walking surface. This requirement has not been
amended in previous years.
The AHBA has proposed to remove the 36-inch horizontal requirement for the guards.
In this case, there would be no guardrail protection for decks that have a sloped surface
adjacent to them with the immediate grade being less than 30 inches regardless of the slope.
The BBOA debated this amendment request and decided to recommend retaining the
current language requiring a guard when the walking surface was within 36 inches is 30
inches deep or more, which also is the staff recommendation.
The proposed ordinance does not amend this section. If Council wanted to amend the
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ordinance to not require guardrails when the grade changes within 36 inches, it would
need to make a motion to amend the ordinance for the second reading.
SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
The 2015 IRC required smoke alarms to be installed in the same location as required in new
construction when alterations requiring a permit occur or where one or more sleeping rooms
are added. Exempted from this are projects for exterior work or alterations to plumbing or
mechanical systems.
However, when the City adopted the 2015 IRC, the City Council amended this section to
only require smoke alarms to be installed when a new bedroom was created (instead of
any work requiring a permit). The smoke alarms were required to be located within the new
bedroom, outside the new bedroom, and on each level of the structure. In addition, these
alarms needed to be hard-wired, interconnected with battery back-up.
The 2024 IRC is nearly the same as the 2015 except that it added a requirement for
carbon monoxide alarms to be installed when fuel-fired appliances are installed or
replaced. Additionally, the State of Iowa requires smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
in all single-family homes, regardless of whether the home is existing or newly constructed.
Aside from alterations or additions, there is no mechanism to enforce the State Code.
There was much debate about this code section, specifically about the need to bring the entire
structure into compliance when a small project was being completed. The AHBA argued that
the installation of the alarms may be outside of the scope of the contractor applying for
the permit and the cost to hard-wire the alarms could be excessive.
Staff proposed an amendment that would require smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
when alterations/installations requiring a building permit occur, a fuel-fired appliance is
installed, and when a new sleeping area was added. Staff removed the requirement for
the alarms to be hard-wired. The alarms would be required throughout the structure
consistent with the 2024 IRC.
The AHBA proposed to retain the current language of the code which requires the
installation of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when a new bedroom is added. The
requirement for a hard-wired, interconnected system with battery back-up would remain.
The BBOA decided to recommend retaining the existing local amendment requiring the
structure to be brought into compliance with smoke alarms and carbon monoxide
alarms only when a permit for a new bedroom is applied for. This would be less restrictive
than the IRC, because it is removing the requirement to retrofit when any type of permit is
applied for and only requires it for a new bedroom. Additionally, the BBOA is
recommending that the ordinance be amended further to allow the newly installed
alarms to be battery operated instead of requiring them to be hard-wired.
Staff contacted other jurisdictions and were unable to find any that had amended this
provision. Those that responded stated that they enforce the code requirement as written and
have received no pushback from contractors. This means that most jurisdictions follow the
IRC and the State of Iowa requiring alarm retrofitting when any electrical or building permit is
pulled, when a new bedroom is created, and when a fuel-fired appliance is installed or
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replaced. Alarms installed in these instances can be hard-wired or battery powered but must
be interconnected.
While the concerns from contractors are valid, staff recommends installing alarms as
required in the 2024 IRC (and enforced throughout the State). This would require alarms
be installed when any building permit is required or a fuel-fired appliance is
installed/replaced. Alarms would not be triggered by the installation/alteration of plumbing,
mechanical, or electrical systems (not included fuel-fired appliances). Additionally, the staff
is recommending that battery operated alarms be allowed in addition to hard-wired.
The proposed ordinance is written in support of staff's preference requiring smoke and carbon
monoxide alarms any time work requiring a permit is conducted. The recommendation does
still allow for the alarms to be battery operated rather than the requirement in the IRC to
be hard-wired.
NEW LAWS
During the most recent legislative session, the State of Iowa adopted two laws that impact the
adoption of local codes.
The first law, HF 2800, amends the adopted electrical code. This law prohibits cities from
being less restrictive and MORE restrictive than the State Code. For many years, the City has
prohibited the use of non-metallic sheathed cable (e.g., Romex) in commercial applications.
This amendment is required to be removed as a result of the new law.
In addition to the change prohibiting cities from being more restrictive, the law reduces the
requirements by removing provisions for arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) in single-family
and two-family dwellings. It also removes ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) requirements
for sump pumps and refrigerators. A provision written in the law adds the AFCI and GFCI
requirements back in upon adoption of the 2026 NEC which is tentatively scheduled for
January 2027. This essentially makes the reduced regulations in effect for a short period of
time. The ability to be more or less restrictive than the State will not change with the adoption
of the 2026 NEC.
The second law adopted that affects Ames' local code is HF 2297, which requires the State
Building Code Commissioner to adopt a law requiring passive radon mitigation systems in all
new single-family and two-family homes. The details of the law have not yet been drafted.
Staff will update the Council once more information is available from the State.
These changes occurred after staff conducted outreach sessions. Staff reached back
out to the AHBA to understand their views of the changes and they had no major
concerns. According to them, they already install passive radon systems and intend to
continue to install electrical components that the code has recently amended out.
SUMMARY
The majority of the proposed changes are minor code clean-up changes. Staff was able to
work with local contractors to incorporate some of their proposals into the proposed
codes (Attachments E and F). Only a few sections remained at issue. The proposed
ordinance is a compilation of recommendations from the AHBA, the BBOA and staff.
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These recommendations are summarized in the table below:
Topic Current Ames
Code 2024 IRC AHBA
Proposal
BBOA
Proposal
Staff/Proposed
Ordinance
Rated Floor
Assemblies
Floor
assemblies are
not required to
be rated
Floor
assemblies in
unfinished
basements
must be rated
Amend out so
no rating is
required on
floor
assemblies
Amend out so
no rating is
required on
floor
assemblies
Do not amend.
Keep the same
as the IRC and
other
jurisdictions
Stair Rise and
Run 7 3/4" x 10"7 3/4" x 10"8" x 9"7 3/4" x 10"7 3/4" x 10"
Guardrails
Guard
required when
elevation
change within
36"
Guard
required when
elevation
change within
36"
Guard
required when
elevation
change at
guard (remove
36")
Guard
required when
elevation
change within
36"
Guard required
when elevation
change within
36"
Smoke/CO
Alarms
Hard-wired
alarms
required when
bedroom is
added
Alarms
required when
a permit is
required.
Exceptions for
non fuel-fired
appliances
and exterior
work
Alarms
required when
a new
bedroom is
added
Alarms
required when
a new
bedroom is
added
Alarms required
when a permit
is required.
Exceptions for
non fuel-fired
appliances and
exterior work
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve first reading of the ordinance amending Chapters 5 and 8 of Municipal Code,
including the adoption of the proposed 2024 International and Uniform codes, with State
and local amendments, as presented by staff.
2. Approve first reading of the attached ordinance and direct staff to present the ordinance
for second reading with language containing one or more amendments to Chapters 5
and 8 as suggested by the AHBA.
3. Approve first reading of the attached ordinance and direct staff to present the ordinance
for second reading with language containing one or more amendments to Chapters 5
and 8 as recommended by the BBOA.
4. Approve first reading of the attached ordinance and direct staff to present the ordinance
for second reading with language containing a combination of one or more amendments
from both the AHBA and BBOA.
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CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff engaged extensively with the community and the AHBA throughout the process,
producing an ordinance that reflects some, but not all, local input, maintains safety
standards, and aligns with other cities across Iowa. Therefore, it is the recommendation of
the City Manager that the City Council adopted Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A - 2024 Significant Changes Summary.pdf
Attachment B - Chapter 5 Track Changes
Attachment C - Chapter 8 Track Changes
Attachment D - Chapter 5 Draft Ordinance
Attachment E - Chapter 8 - Draft Ordinance
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ATTACHMENT B
Building Code Update – Significant Changes
Municipal Code Administrative Amendments
➢ Permit fee increase of 5%
➢ New project valuation table, updated twice a year
➢ Building permits are not required for accessory structures 200 square feet or less
2024 International Building Code
➢ New local design standards are based on ASCE 7. Varies based on the risk
category of the building
➢ New Accessibility Standard – ICC A117.1-2017
2024 International Residential Code
➢ Local design criteria changes
o 32.2 psf snow load (change from 25psf)
o 110 mph wind design speed (change from 115 mph)
o Seismic category B (change from A)
➢ Smoke/CO alarms required throughout home for any alterations requiring a
building or electrical permit, can be battery powered and wirelessly
interconnected
➢ ½ - inch drywall required on new construction basement ceilings in unfinished
basements
➢ New deck building tables for footing, beam, and joist design
2024 International Mechanical Code
➢ Adopting the National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 54 and 58 (LP), in lieu of the
International Fuel Gas Code
2024 Uniform Plumbing Code
➢ Adopted appendices A & M to calculate water supply and peak demand
2023 National Electrical Code
➢ Island receptacles are optional in dwelling units, provisions for future installation
required
➢ Local amendment restricting the use of Romex to residential occupancies only of
combustible construction (existing)
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 1
CHAPTER 5
Building, Electrical, Mechanical and
Plumbing Code
DIVISION I
Adoption and Administration
Sec. 5.100 Title and
Adoption ................................................................ ...........................................................................................
4 .............................................................................
Sec. 5.101
Applicability ......................................................................................................................................................
6
Sec. 5.102 Inspection Division
…………………………………………………………………………. ...........................................................
6
Sec. 5.103 Permits
Required ............................................................................................................................................................
7
Sec. 5.104 Building permits not
required……………………….…………………………………..…. ..............................................................
9
Sec. 5.105 Electrical permits not
required…………………………………………………………..… ................................................................
10
Sec. 5.106 Gas system permits not
required………………….……………………………………… .....................................................................
10
Sec. 5.107 Mechanical permits not
required………………………………………………………..… ....................................................................
10
Sec. 5.108 Plumbing permits not
required…………………………………………………………..… ................................................................
10
Sec. 5.109 Public service agencies exempt from some
permits…………………………………….. .....................................................................................................
10
Sec. 5.110 Submittal
Documents…………………………………………………………………....... ...............................................
11
Sec. 5.111 Temporary
Structures…………………………………………………………………........................................................
12
Sec. 5.112
Fees....................................................................................................................................................................
12
Sec. 5.113 Building
inspections………………………………………………………………………. .............................................
13
Sec. 5.114 Electrical
inspections……………………………………………………………………... ...............................................
14
9
CHAPTER 5 – Page 2
Sec. 5.115 Mechanical
inspections…………………………………………………………………... ...................................................
14
Sec. 5.116 Plumbing
inspections…………………………………………………………………….. ................................................
15
Sec. 5.117 Certificate of
Occupancy…………………………………………………………………. .....................................................
15
Sec. 5.118 Infrastructure to be
Installed .............................................................................................................................................................
16
DIVISION II
Amendments to Adopted Codes
Sec. 5.200
Buildings ...........................................................................................................................................................
17
Sec. 5.201 Residential
Buildings ...........................................................................................................................................................
18
Sec. 5.202 (Reserved)
Accessibility ......................................................................................................................................................
22
Sec. 5.203 (Reserved)
Energy ...............................................................................................................................................................
22
Sec. 5.204 (Reserved) Existing
Buildings ...........................................................................................................................................................
22
Sec. 5.205
Electrical ............................................................................................................................................................
22
Sec. 5.206
Mechanical ........................................................................................................................................................
23
Sec. 5.207 (Reserved)
Gas .....................................................................................................................................................................
26
Sec. 5.208
Plumbing ...........................................................................................................................................................
26
DIVISION III
Contractor Registration and Trade Licensing
Sec. 5.300 Contractor Registration and
Licensing ...........................................................................................................................................................
35
Sec. 5.301 City Electrical Contractor Registration and State
Licensing ...........................................................................................................................................................
35
10
CHAPTER 5 – Page 3
Sec. 5.302 State Electrician Licensing
Categories ..........................................................................................................................................................
35
Sec. 5.303 State Electrician Licensing
Required ............................................................................................................................................................
35
Sec. 5.304
Exemptions ........................................................................................................................................................
35
Sec. 5.305 City Plumbing Contractor Registration and State
Licensing ...........................................................................................................................................................
36
Sec. 5.306 State Plumbers License
Categories ..........................................................................................................................................................
36
Sec. 5.307 State Plumbers Licenses
Required ............................................................................................................................................................
36
Sec. 5.308
Exemptions ........................................................................................................................................................
36
Sec. 5.309 City Mechanical HVAC Contractor Registration and State
Licensing ...........................................................................................................................................................
36
Sec. 5.310 State HVAC Mechanical License
Categories ..........................................................................................................................................................
37
Sec. 5.311 State HVAC Mechanical Licenses
Required ............................................................................................................................................................
37
Sec. 5.312
Exemptions ........................................................................................................................................................
37
DIVISION IV
Dangerous Buildings
Sec. 5.400 Title and
Adoption ............................................................................................................................................................
38
Sec. 5.401
Definitions .........................................................................................................................................................
38
Sec. 5.402
Authority ...........................................................................................................................................................
40
Sec. 5.403 Procedure to
Remedy ..............................................................................................................................................................
41
Sec. 5.404 Abatement by Owner; Time for
Compliance ........................................................................................................................................................
41
Sec. 5.405 Appeal
Procedures .........................................................................................................................................................
41
11
CHAPTER 5 – Page 4
Sec. 5.406 Demolition or Abatement by
City ....................................................................................................................................................................
43
Sec. 5.407 Stay of Demolition or
Abatement .........................................................................................................................................................
43
Sec. 5.408 Access for Demolition or Abatemen t –
Penalties ............................................................................................................................................................
43
Sec. 5.409 Grading of Premises after
Demolition .........................................................................................................................................................
43
Sec. 5.410 Extermination Procedure before Demolition or
Abatement .........................................................................................................................................................
44
Sec. 5.411 Demolition or Abatement
Contract .............................................................................................................................................................
44
Sec. 5.412 Removal of Posted Notice and Entry on Posted Premises
Prohibited ..........................................................................................................................................................
44
Sec. 5.413 Service by Public
Utilities ..............................................................................................................................................................
44
Sec. 5.414 Summary Abatement of Imminently Dangerous
Structures ...........................................................................................................................................................
44
Sec. 5.415 Cost of Abatement; Low Income, Elderly
Persons ..............................................................................................................................................................
44
Sec. 5.416
Severability ........................................................................................................................................................
45
DIVISION V
Penalties and Enforcement
Sec. 5.500
Violations ..........................................................................................................................................................
46
Sec. 5.501 Municipal Infraction
Citation ..............................................................................................................................................................
46
Sec. 5.502 Nuisance
Abatement .........................................................................................................................................................
46
Sec. 5.503 Stop Work
Order ..................................................................................................................................................................
46
DIVISION VI
Building Board of Appeals
Sec. 5.600 Building Board of
Appeals ..............................................................................................................................................................
47
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 5
Sec. 5.601 Appeal
Application ........................................................................................................................................................
47
Sec. 5.602 Board Membership and
Appointment ......................................................................................................................................................
47
Sec. 5.603 Board
Chairperson .......................................................................................................................................................
47
Sec. 5.604 Conflict of
Interest ...............................................................................................................................................................
47
Sec. 5.605 Board
Records ..............................................................................................................................................................
47
Sec. 5.606 Member
Compensation ....................................................................................................................................................
47
Sec. 5.607 Meeting
Schedule ............................................................................................................................................................
48
Sec. 5.608 Open
Meetings ............................................................................................................................................................
48
Sec. 5.609 Board
Authority ...........................................................................................................................................................
48
Sec. 5.610 Action on Board
Decision .............................................................................................................................................................
48
Sec. 5.611 Stay of
Enforcement ......................................................................................................................................................
48
Sec. 5.612 Code
Amendments ......................................................................................................................................................
48
DIVISION VII - Reserved
DIVISION VIII
Building Moving
Sec. 5.801 Structure
Defined ..............................................................................................................................................................
50
Sec. 5.802 “House Mover”
Defined ..............................................................................................................................................................
50
Sec. 5.803 License
Required ............................................................................................................................................................
50
Sec. 5.804 Application for License
Required ............................................................................................................................................................
50
13
CHAPTER 5 – Page 6
Sec. 5.805
Bond ..................................................................................................................................................................
50
Sec. 5.806 Insurance
Required ............................................................................................................................................................
51
Sec. 5.807 Issuance of
License ..............................................................................................................................................................
51
Sec. 5.808 License Fee; Expiration;
Transferability ...................................................................................................................................................
51
Sec. 5.809 Revocation of
License ..............................................................................................................................................................
51
Sec. 5.810 Permit
Required ............................................................................................................................................................
51
Sec. 5.811 Application for
Permit ................................................................................................................................................................
51
Sec. 5.812 Permits to Unlicensed Applicants
Authorized .........................................................................................................................................................
51
Sec. 5.813 Permit
Fees....................................................................................................................................................................
52
Sec. 5.814 Compliance with Building, Zoning, Other
Ordinances .........................................................................................................................................................
52
Sec. 5.815 Obstructing Streets
Regulated ...........................................................................................................................................................
52
Sec. 5.816 Moving Over Railway
Tracks ................................................................................................................................................................
52
Sec. 5.817 Consent to Move Wires, Cables
Required ............................................................................................................................................................
52
Sec. 5.818 Issuance, Contents of Permits;
Denial ................................................................................................................................................................
52
Sec. 5.819 Authority to Require Planking of
Streets ................................................................................................................................................................
53
DIVISION IX
(REPEALED) (Ord. No. 4510. 09-12-23)
14
CHAPTER 5 – Page 7
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 conn ected 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) Buildings and Structures. The provisions of the International Building Code (IBC) 2024
Edition published by the International Code Council, Inc., except for the deletion of Chapter 1 Scope and
Administration, 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.
Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses) not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and
their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.
(5) One- and Two-Family Dwellings. The provisions of the International Residential Code
for One- and Two family Dwellings (IRC) 2024 Edition published by the International Code Council, Inc.,
except for the deletion of Chapter 1 Scope and Administration; Part VII – Plumbing; Part VIII – Electrical;
and with the addition of Appendix BO Existing Buildings and structures as adopted and amended in this
municipal code chapter, shall apply to the construction, 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.
Exceptions:
1. Live/work units complying with the requirements of Section 508.5 of the International
Building Code shall be permitted to be built as one - and two-family dwellings or townhouses. Fire
suppression required by Section 508.5 of the International Building Code when constructed under
the International Residential Code for One- and Two-family Dwellings shall conform to Section
P2904.
2. Owner-occupied lodging houses with five or fewer guestrooms shall be permitted to be
constructed in accordance with the International Residential Code for One- and Two-family
Dwellings when equipped with a fire sprinkler system in accordance with Section P2904.
(7) Energy. The provisions of the State of Iowa Building Code Sections 481.301.24 and
481.301.25 Residential Energy Code and Non-Residential Energy Code, Energy Conservation Requirements,
and Administrative Rule 661-Chapter 303 shall govern the design and construction of buildings for energy
efficiency.
(8) Existing Buildings.
The provisions of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) 2024 Edition published by the
International Code Council, Inc., except for the deletion of Chapter 1 Scope and Administration, 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.
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(9) Fire prevention. The provisions of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2024 Edition
published by the International Code Council, 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.
(10) Electrical. The provisions of the National Electrical Code, published by the National Fire
Protection Association and currently adopted by the State of Iowa, are hereby adopted in full except for
specific modifications, amendments, and deletions as adopted by the State of Iowa.
(Ord. No. 4110, 05-08-12; Ord. No. 4210, 3-3-15; Ord. No. 4336, 3-6-18; Ord. 4435, 04-13-21)
(11) Mechanical. The provisions of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2024 Edition,
published by the International Code Council is hereby adopted by reference with amendments as the City of
Ames Mechanical Code.
(Ord. No. 4447, 9-14-21)
(12) Plumbing. The provisions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2024 Edition as
published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, except for the deletion of
Chapter 1 Administration and with the addition of Appendices A and M isare hereby adopted and amended
in this code as the plumbing code of the City of Ames and shall govern plumbing work and installations in
the City of Ames. Fuel Gas piping shall comply with Chapter 12 of the UPC, 2024 Edition, unless the
provisions conflict with 661-Chapter 226, in which case 661-Chapter 226 governs.
(Ord. No. 4447, 9-14-21)
(13) Gas. Fuel gas installations shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 54, National Fuel
Gas Code, current edition as published by the National Fire Protection Association; NFPA 58 Liquified
Petroleum Gas Code, current edition, as published by the National Fire Protection Association; the provisions
of 481-Chapter 286; and Chapter 12 of the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2024 Edition, as published by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials,
(Ord. No. 4447, 9-14-21)
(14) Elevators. Design review, construction inspections, and periodic maintenance inspections
of elevators are all within the scope of authority of the Elevator Safety Board, as detailed in State of Iowa
Code Chapter 89A, Elevators, and Iowa Administrative rule 481 Chapter 371, Administration of the
Conveyance Safety Program. and such work shall comply with those standards and procedures.
(15) Factory built structures. The provisions of Iowa Code Section 103A.9 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 certificate, and
proof of compliance with Iowa Codes Section 103A.59, Manufactured or Mobile Home Installers
Certification and Iowa Administrative Rule 481 - Chapter 325, Housing Installer Certification shall be
accepted in lieu of local inspections. Footings, foundations, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work
performed in conjunction with the placement of such factory built structures are subject to permits and
inspections as provided in this chapter. Building permit fees for factory built structures 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.
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(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. The Building Official shall be appointed by the Fire Chief.
(1) Building Official or designees. Where the term Building Official appears in this Code, it
shall also be understood, within context, to include actions performed by inspectors and other members of
Inspection Division staff under the direction and authority of the Building Official.
(2) 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, 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 s ecure entry.
(9) Inspection Division 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 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
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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 t his 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 Inspection Division.
(14) Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The
provisions of this 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 report s 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 r etention
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, rem ove, 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. Each person, firm, or corporation performing work
that requires a building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permit must possess a valid State Division of
Labor registration number when required, and provide proof of same to the Inspection Division prior to
permit issuance.
Exceptions:
(a) A homeowner performing work on his/her primary place of residence.
(b) A building owner or tenant performing work on his/her building/pl ace of business.
(2) Contractor insurance required. Each person, firm, or corporation 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. For electrical, plumbing, and
HVAC contractors, possession of a State of Iowa contractor license shall serve as evidenc e of adequate
insurance coverage.
Exceptions:
(a) A homeowner performing work on his/her primary place of residence.
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(b) A building owner or tenant performing work on his/her building/place of business.
(3) Contractor licenses and registration required. Permits shall not be issued to persons or
companies who are not licensed by the State of Iowa, except as specifically exempted in this code. Permitted
electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work must be performed by licensed persons, except as specifically
exempted in other sections of this code.
(4) Homeowner permit required. Contractor license and registration is not 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 his/her primary
residence. An owner-occupant is required to obtain a homeowner building, electrical, mec hanical, or
plumbing permit for all such work performed, and the work must be inspected for compliance with this code.
The scope of work authorized by a homeowner permit 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 violation of this code. All work requires separate building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing
permits, unless specifically exempted elsewhere in this code. Each building owner, contractor, or project
manager is responsible to request clarification of permit requirements from the Inspection Division before
doing any work on any building.
(6) Emergency Repairs. Where equipment replacements or repairs must be performed in an
emergency situation, and a permit is required for the work, the permit application shall be submitted to the
Building Official within the next business day.
(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. Such application shall:
(a) Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit.
(b) Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by street address or
similar description that will identify and locate the proposed building or work.
(c) Indicate the proposed use of the building.
(d) Be accompanied by construction plans and documents as required in Section
5.110.
(e) State the total construction cost of the proposed work for building permits -
including labor and materials.
(f) Be signed by the building owner, applicant, or the applicant’s authorized agent.
(g) Provide other information as required by the Building Official.
(8) Action on application. The Building Official shall examine permit applications within a
reasonable time after filing. The Building Official may reject applications if the form or other submitted
documents do not comply with this code. If rejected, the Building Official will inf orm the applicant of the
reason. If approved, the permit shall be promptly issued.
(9) Time limitation of application. An application for a permit of any proposed work shall
be deemed to have been abandoned 365 days after the date of filing unless such application has been pursued
in good faith or a permit has been issued.
(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 authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a
structure where in violation of this code.
(11) Expiration. Every permit issued shall expire unless the work authorized is completed
within 365 days after issuance. If the work is not completed within 365 days, the building offic ial may 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, may 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.
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(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 provisions of this code .
Sec. 5.104. BUILDING PERMITS NOT REQUIRED. No building permit is required for: The
following do not require building permits but are subject to Building and Zoning Code requirements:
(1) Residential remodels that do not include new walls, wall framing, openings, structural
alterations or wall furring on the interior face of exterior walls. This does not exempt modifications or
alterations to fire rated assemblies or mitigation efforts from fire and/or water damage.
(2) Residential or commercial door and window replacements when.the existing load bearing
elements 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 200 square feet.
(4) Fences, other than swimming pool barriers.
(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.
(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.
(12) Awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the
exterior wall and do not require additional support..
(13) Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, ramps, 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 incl ude 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.
(15) Replacement of siding and shingles, or other roof/wall covering..
(
Sec. 5.105. ELECTRICAL PERMITS NOT REQUIRED. No electrical permit is required for:
(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, or for simple replacement of electrical fixtures such as wall plugs, and light fixtures.
(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) Electric utilities: The installation, alteration or repair of electrical equipment installed by
or for the City of Ames Electric Department, or other licensed or franchised electric utility company in the
generation, transmission, distribution, or metering of electricity.
(5) Manufacturing processes: Moveable process equipment which is independent of the
building structure, is subject to being moved, rearranged, and replaced by equipment manufacturers and staff
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 13
maintenance personnel. In such instances, permits and inspections are required only for the alteration of the
building’s electrical supply wiring to the point of connection to the equipment.
(6) Electrical manufacturing: Work involved in the manufacturing, testing, servicing,
altering or repairing of electrical equipment.
(7) Elevators: Work involved in the installation, repairing, remodeling or maintenance of
elevators, dumbwaiters or escalators. Except: electrical equipment for supplying current to the control panel
of elevators, dumbwaiters or escalators does require permits and inspections.
Sec. 5.106. GAS SYSTEM PERMITS NOT REQUIRED. No gas system plumbing or mechanical
permit is required:
(1) Portable heating appliances.
(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. No mechanical permit is required:
(1) Portable heating appliances.
(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 coolers.
Sec. 5.108. PLUMBING PERMITS NOT REQUIRED. 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 permi t
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 produ ced, 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, shall be submitted in one or more sets with each building permit application.
Construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professio nal where required by the statutes
of the State of Iowa. 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
code compliance.
(1) Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be dimensioned
and drawn to scale 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.
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 14
(2) Fire protection system shop drawings. Shop drawings for the fire protection system(s)
shall be submitted to indicate conformance with this code and the project construction documents and shall
be approved prior to the start of system installation. Shop drawings shall contain all information as require d
by the referenced installation standards in the 2024 IBC Chapter 9, Fire Protection Systems.
(3) Means of egress. The construction documents shall show in sufficient detail that the
location, construction, size and arrangement of all portions of the means of egress are 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 demonstrate compliance with this code.
(5) Site plan. The construction documents submitted with the permit application 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 interior
alteration or repair or when otherwise warranted.
(6) Examination of documents. The Building Official shall examine or cause to be examined
the construction plans and documents to determine whether the construction indicated and described is in
accordance with the requirements of this code.
(7) Previous approvals. This code shall not require changes in the approved construction
documents, methods, materials, or designated occupancy of a structure for which a permit has been issued,
and construction of which has been commenced within 365 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 entire
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 may proceed with construction at the holder’s risk. The City can
provide no assurance that a permit for the remainder of the structure will be granted, unless the balance of
the plans submitted are determined in compliance with this Code.
(9) Design professional in responsible charge. When it is required that documents be
prepared by a registered design professional, the owner shall engage a registered design professional for the
project. The registered design professional 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 Chapter 17, Structural Tests and
Special Inspections, the individual or firms performing the structural observations and r eporting shall be
identified.
(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. Any changes made during construction must be reviewed, inspected and
approved by the Building Official.
(12) Retention of construction documents. One set of approved construction documents shall
be retained by the Building Official in accord with the City of Ames Record Retention Policy.
Sec. 5.111. TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND USES
(1) General. The Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for temporary structures.
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 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.
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(3) Temporary power. The Building Official is authorized to approve temporary power in
part of an electric installation before such installation has been fully completed and approved. The part
approved shall comply with the applicable requirements for temporary lighting, heat or power of this co de.
(4) Termination of approval. The Building Official is authorized to terminate such permit
for a temporary structure and to order the temporary structure or use to be discontinued for due cause.
Sec. 5.112. FEES
(1) Payment of fees. A permit shall not be valid until the required fees have been paid.
Exception: the City may invoice permit applicants for permit and inspection fees, as a customer convenience.
In such instances, permits shall be considered valid immediately following permit application r eview and
approval. This customer courtesy may be revoked if payment for billed permit fees is not received within 60
days of receipt of notice to the customer. In such instance, cash payments will be subsequently required in
accord with this section.
(2) Schedule of permit fees. Fees for each permit type 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’ or ‘permit valuation’ means the actual cost of
construction, including all materials and labor for all building, electrical, gas, me chanical, plumbing
equipment and permanent building systems. If, in the opinion of the Building Official, the valuation is
underestimated on the application, the submitted permit valuation shall not be accepted unless the applicant
can show verifiable project documents, estimates, or signed contracts to substantiate the submittal. Final
building permit valuation shall be determined by the Building Official.
(4) ICC Building Valuation Data Table to be used. The Building Official shall use average
square foot building construction costs as listed in the most recent International Code Council publication of
Building Valuation Data for new residential and commercial buildings, additions, and extensive interior
renovations, in absence of more specific data. Such average square foot costs are base valuations for typical
buildings of good quality Square foot costs are adjusted biannually every February and August to reflect
changes in material and labor costs, as reported by the. International Code Council.
(5) Appeal of building permit valuation. A request to appeal the Building Official’s
determination of building permit valuation may be filed with the Building Official for cause. Such request
must be in writing, and contain a factual basis for review.. If it is found the Building Official erred in the
determination of building permit valuation, appropriate adjustment will be made to the permit valuation and
the permit fee.
(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 may 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 may be added for any work that
commences prior to permit approval, i.e., the permit fee may 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 code compliance prior
to the point of actual permit approval. Such penalties do not prevent the Division from also issuing separate
municipal infraction citations for each violation of this section.
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(7) Related fees. The payment of permit fees for construction, alteration, removal or
demolition work done in connection with the work authorized the permit shall not relieve the applicant or
holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed elsewhere in this Code.
(8) Refunds. The Building Official is authorized to establish a refund policy. Deductions from
approved refunds shall be made for the actual costs of services rendered in association with the project up to
the date of refund request. Actual 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. 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 e xposed
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 inspections of the following as
necessary to assure compliance with this Code:
(a) 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, and
before concrete is poured. For concrete foundation s, required forms shall be in place prior to
inspection. Concrete shall be on the job, except where concrete is ready mixed in accordance with
ASTM C 94.,
(5b) 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.
(6c) Lowest floor elevation. In flood hazard areas, upon placement of the lowest floor,
including the basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the finish floor elevation
certificate shall be submitted to the Building Official.
(7d) Framing and rough-in inspection. Framing and rough-in electrical, mechanical, and
plumbing inspections shall be made after the roof deck, all framing, fireblocking and bracing
are in place and all work which is to be concealed is in place.
(8e) Lath and gypsum board inspection. Inspection of lath and gypsum board that is part of
a fire-resistance rated or shear assembly shall be made after lath and gypsum board, interior and
exterior, is in place, but before any plastering is applied or gypsum board jo ints and fasteners
are taped and finished.
(9f) Fire-resistant penetrations. Protection of joints and penetrations in fire-resistance-rated
assemblies shall not be concealed from view until inspected and approved.
(10g)Energy efficiency. Inspections shall be made to determine compliance with the State of
Iowa Energy Code.(h) 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 obtain compliance with this code.(i) Special inspections. For special inspections, see IBC
Chapter 17.(j) Final inspection. The final inspection shall be made after all work
required by the building permit is completed.
(4) Inspection agencies. The Building Official is authorized to accept reports of approved
inspection agencies.
(5) Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the building permit holder or designee to notify
the Building Official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder or designee
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to provide access and means for inspection of such work. Regardless of notification by the permit holder or
designee, the Building Official is authorized to make any inspection required by this code at any time during
normal business hours throughout the duration of the project.
(6) Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each inspection
without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official. Any work that does not comply shall be
corrected and such work shall not be covered or concealed until approved by the Building Official.
Sec. 5.114. ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS.
(1) Electrical inspections. The Building Official shall make inspections of the following as
necessary to assure compliance with this Code:
i) (a) Underground inspection. Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches
are excavated and before any backfill is put in place.
ii) (b) 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.
iii) (c) 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.
(2) 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 obtain compliance with this code.
(3) Inspection agencies. The Building Official is authorized to accept reports of approved
inspection agencies.
(4) Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the electrical permit holder or designee to
notify the Building Official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder or
designee to provide access and means for inspection of such work. Regardless of notification by the permit
holder or designee, the Building Official is authorized to make any inspection required by this code at any
time during normal business hours throughout the duration of the project.
(5) Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each inspection
without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official. Any work that does not comply shal l be
corrected and such work shall not be covered or concealed until approved by the Building Official.
Sec. 5.115. MECHANICAL INSPECTIONS.
(1) Mechanical inspections. The Building Official shall make inspections of the following as
necessary to assure compliance with this Code:
i) (a) Underground inspection. Underground inspections shall be made after trenches or ditches
are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before backfill is put in place. Where 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.
ii) (b) Rough-in inspection. Rough-in inspections 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.
iii) (c) Final inspection. Final inspections shall be made upon the completion of the mechanical
system. Exception: Ground-source heat pump loop systems tested in accordance with Section
IMC 1208.1 of the IMC shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection.
(2) 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 obtain compliance with this code.
(3) Inspection agencies. The Building Official is authorized to accept reports of approved
inspection agencies.
(4) Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the mechanical permit holder or designee to
notify the Building Official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder or
designee to provide access and means for inspection of such work. Regardless of notification by the permit
holder or designee, the Building Official is authorized to make any inspection required by this code at any
time during normal business hours throughout the duration of the project.
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(5) Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each inspection
without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official. Any work that does not comply shall be
corrected and such work shall not be covered or concealed until approved by the Building Official.
Sec. 5.116. PLUMBING INSPECTIONS.
(1) Plumbing inspections. The Building Official shall make inspections of the following as
necessary to assure compliance with this Code:
i) (a) 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.
ii) (b) 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.
iii) (c) 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.
(2) 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 obtain compliance with this code.
(3) Inspection agencies. The Building Official is authorized to accept reports of approved
inspection agencies.
(4) Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the plumbing permit holder or designee to
notify the Building Official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder or
designee to provide access and means for inspection of such work. Regardless of notification by the permit
holder or designee, the Building Official is authorized to make any inspection required by this code at any
time during normal business hours throughout the duration of the project.
(5) Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each inspection
without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official. Any work that does not comply shall be
corrected and such work shall not be covered or concealed until approved 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.), or until final inspection and approval has
been given for minor projects. Issuance of a C.O. or other final approval shall not be construed as appro val
of a violation of this code.
(2) Certificate issued. After the Building Official inspects the building or structure and finds
no violations of this code, a C.O. shall be issued 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 received final
inspections and may be occupied.
(f) The signature of the Building Official.
(g) The occupancy type as defined in the IBC.
(h) The type of construction as defined in the IBC.
(i) The occupant load,
(j) If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is
required.
(k) Any special stipulations or conditions.
(3) Temporary occupancy. The Building Official is authorized to issue a temporary
certificate of occupancy (T.C.O.) before the completion of all work, if it is concluded the incomplete work
items present no hazard to occupants or the general public. A fee may be charged for issuance of a T.C.O.
(4) Revocation. The Building Official is authorized to suspend or revoke a C.O. or other
approval wherever it is found the C.O. or other approval is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect
information received, or where it is determined the project, or portion thereof, is in violation of this code.
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(5) Connection of service utilities. No person shall make connections from a utility, source
of energy, fuel or power to any building or system for which a permit is required, unless approved by the
Building Official.
(6) Temporary connection. The Building Official shall have the authority to authorize
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 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.
(Ord. 4044, 9-28-10)
Sec. 5.118. INFRASTRUCTURE TO BE INSTALLED.
(1) Except for single family and two family structures, no building permit shall be issued for
construction of a new principle building or addition to an existing principle structure unless
sidewalks, shared use paths, street lights, street paving, and dedicated rights -of-way or easements, in
satisfactory condition and consistent with the requirements of Division IV, Design and Improvements
Standards of Chapter 23, Subdivisions are adjacent to the subject property.
(2) Except for single family and two family structures, no building permit shall be issued for
substantial improvements to an existing principle building unless sidewalks, shared use paths, street lights,
street paving, and dedicated rights-of-way or easements, in satisfactory condition and consistent with the
requirements of Division IV, Design and Improvements Standards of Chapter 23, Subdivisions are adjacent
to the subject property.
(3) Requirements for infrastructure installation, financial security, and installation priority are
found in Section 22.31 of the Ames Municipal Code.
(4) Definitions: For purposes of this section, the following definition shall be used.
(a) Substantial improvement means any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation,
addition, or improvement of a principle building, the cost of which has a value of $200,000 or more. The
term does not, however, include any project for improvement of a building required to correct existing health,
sanitary, or safety code violations identified by the Building Official and that are the minimum necessary to
assure a safe living condition. The term also does not include improvements to the site or to an accessory
structure.
(Ord. 4224; 8-11-15; Ord. No. 4529, 05-28-24)
DIVISION II
AMENDMENTS TO ADOPTED CODES
Sec. 5.200. BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.
The provisions of the2024 International Building Code (IBC), are amended with the revision of the following
text as stated:
(1) Section 717.6.2 Membrane Penetrations is amended by adding the following exception:
Exception; Duct systems constructed entirely of minimum 0.0187 inch thick steel (No. 26 gauge) shall be
allowed without installation of radiation dampers.
(2) Section 903.4, Sprinkler system supervision and alarms, is amended by adding the
following exception: Water supply valves that are locked in the open position.
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(3) Section 907.2.9, Group R-2, is amended 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.
(4) Section 1011.12 Stairway to roof is amended by deleting the Exception and inserting the
following in lieu thereof:
Exception: Other than where required by Section 1011.12.1, in buildings without an occupied
occupiable roof access to the roof from the top story shall be permitted to be by a ship ’s ladder of or a
permanent ladder.
(5) Section 1011.14 Alternating Tread Devices is amended by removing “and for access to
unoccupied unoccupiable roofs” from the text.
(6) Section 1704.2.3 Statement of special inspections. Delete the first paragraph and replace
with the following: The applicant shall submit verification of a signed agreement with an approve agency
stating the required special inspections to be performed and the frequency of said inspections as a condition
for permit approval.
(7) Section 1801.2 Foundations – Concrete encased electrode. Concrete footings for new
buildings and additions shall have a minimum of a #4 reinforcing bar or bare copper conductor sized per the
Table 250.66 of the City of Ames currently adopted National Electrical Code as a grounding electrode
conductor encased in concrete for 20 feet minimum with a minimum of 2 tie wires for use as a concrete
encased electrode.
(8) Section 1809.5 Frost Protection. The first sentence is amended to read as follows: Except
where otherwise protected from frost, foundations, permanent supports of buildings and structures, and all
exterior landings shall be protected from frost by one or more of the following methods:
(9) Section 1809.5 Frost Protection is further amended by deleting Exception 2 and
inserting the following in lieu thereof: Area of 9 00 square feet or less for light -frame construction or 400
square feet or less for other than light-frame construction: and
(10) Addition of Section 1809.15 Demolition of shallow foundations. Where a structure has
been demolished or removed, all shallow foundations shall be removed in their entirety and the excavation
shall be filled and maintained with clean fill material to the existing grade. Removal shall include, but is not
limited to the removal of the entire basement including walls, floor s, footings, and foundations.
(11) Chapter 18 of the IBC is amended by deleting Table 1809.7 and inserting the following
table with footnotes in lieu of:
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.
*Spread footings shall have a minimum of 2 - #4 continuous horizontal reinforcement bars.
*Foundation walls shall have a minimum of #4 reinforcement bars 18” on center each way.
*All buildings shall have perimeter footings to 42” below finished grade.
*Trench footings are allowed as a continuous 8” pass trench for single story wood frame structures with
spans not exceeding 16 feet. The trench must be 42” below finished grade and have at least two #4 horizon
reinforcement bars. Bars must tie into abutting adjacent structures.
(12) Section 2308.7.1 Foundation plates or sills is amended by replacing “Bolts shall be
spaced not more than 6 feet on center” with “Bolts shall be spaced not more than 4 feet on center”.
Sec. 5.201. ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS.
The provisions of the 2015 2024 International Residential Code for One- and Two-family Dwellings (IRC),
are amended by revising the following text as stated:
(1) Table R301.2Climatic and Geographical Design Criteria is amended to include the following
local values:
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Ground Snow Load (lbs) 33
Wind Speed (mph) 110
Topographic Effects No
Special Wind Region No
Seismic Design Category
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
(2) Section R302.1 Exterior Walls, Fire-Resistant Construction. Add exception #6: Walls of
detached garages and accessory structures greater than or equal to 3 feet from a property line.
(3) Section R311.3.2 R318.3.2 Floor elevations at other exterior doors is amended by deleting
the exception and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
Exception:. An exterior landing or floor is not required at the exterior doorway where a stairway of not more
than three risers is located on the exterior side of the door, provided the door does not swing over the stairway.
(4) Section R309.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems is amended by deleting the text
of that section and inserting the following in lieu thereof: Automatic residential sprinkler systems shall not
be required in townhouses.
(5) Section R309.2 One- and Two-family dwellings automatic fire systems is amended by
deleting the text of that section and inserting the following in lieu thereof: Automatic residential fire sprinkler
systems shall not be required in one - and two-family dwellings.
(6) Section R310.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions is amended by deleting Exception 2 and
inserting the following in lieu thereof: “Installation, alteration, or repairs of plumbing, mechanical, or
electrical systems.”
(
(7) Section R.311.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions is amended by deleting Exception 2 and
inserting the following in lieu thereof: “Installation, alteration, or repairs of plumbing, mechanical or
electrical systems when such systems do not include a fuel-fired appliance.”
(8) Section 320.5 Continuity is amended by adding Exception 3 as follows: “Handrail is permitted
to terminate no more than three risers prior to the bottom nosing of the flight of stairs when the stairs are
open on both sides.
(9) Section R401.2 Requirements is amended by adding the following: Footings of buildings with
Type V wood framed construction of three stories or less shall be allowed to be designed to meet, at a
minimum, the prescriptive standards of the following table.
Number of floors supported by 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 footing 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 Chapter 4 of the IRC. All buildings shall have
perimeter footings to 42" below grade, and such footings shall be designed to wi thstand all forces placed
upon them as per 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.
*Spread Footings shall have two evenly spaced #4 continuous reinforcing rods. For alteration s and
additions, reinforcing rods shall be tied into the existing footings.
*Concrete foundation walls shall be reinforced with a minimum of # 4 bars at 18 inches on center
each way
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(10) Section R403.1 General is amended by adding the following text to the end of the section:
Where concrete footings are used in new one- and two-family dwellings, an approved concrete encased
electrode shall be provided in the vicinity of the panel for each residential electrical service. The electrode
shall be accessible and connected to at least twenty feet of #4 reinforcing rod by a minimum of two wire ties.
(14)
(11) Section R403.1.3.6 Isolated concrete footings. Delete this section in its entirety.
(12) Addition of Section R401.4.3 Demolition of foundations. Where a structure has been
demolished or removed, all foundations shall be removed in their entirety and the excavation shall be filled
and maintained with clean fill material to the existing grade. Removal shall include, but is not limited to the
removal of the entire basement including walls, floors, footings, and foundations.
(13) Section R403.1.4.1 Frost Protection is amended by deleting Exception 1 and inserting the
following 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.
(14) Section R403.1.6 Foundation Anchorage is amended by deleting “maximum of 6 feet
“not greater than 6 feet” and inserting in lieu thereof “maximum of 4 feet “not greater than 4 feet” and by
adding Exception 3 as follows: “Where the basic wind speed does not exceed 115 mph, the seismic design
category is A or B, and method GB in accordance with Section R602.10 is used for a braced wall line on the
interior of the dwelling, anchor bolts shall not be required for the wood sole plates of the braced wall panels.
Positive anchorage with approved fasteners shall be provided.”
(15) Section R404.1.3.2 Reinforcement for foundation walls is amended by adding the
following to the end of the section: Minimum reinforcement for concrete foundation walls shall be #4 bars
at 18” on center, each way or approved design by the registered design professional in responsible charge.
(16) Section R328.1General is amended by replacing General with BARRIER
REQUIREMENTS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, AND HOT TUBS FOR ONE- AND TWO-
FAMILY DWELLINGS, removing the text of that section and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
1. The provisions of this section shall apply to the design of barriers for residential swimming
pools, spas, and hot tubs (collectively referred to as a pool) for one - and two- family dwellings.
These design controls are intended to provide protection against potential drownings and near-
drownings by restricting access to swimming pools.
Exceptions:
1. Spas and hot tubs with a lockable safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346.
2. Swimming pools with a powered safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346.
(2) Outdoor pools. An outdoor pool, including an in-ground, above-ground or on-ground pool shall
be surrounded by a barrier which shall comply with the following items 1 -15:
a. The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade measured on the side
of the barrier which faces away from the pool. Such height shall exist around the entire perimeter
of the barrier and for a distance of 3 feet measured horizontally from the outside of the barrier.
The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches
measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the pool for surface that are not solid,
such as grass or gravel. For surfaces that are solid, such as concrete, the distance shall be 4
inches maximum. Where the top of the pool structure is above grade the barrier may be installed
on grade or shall be mounted on top of the swimming pool. Where the barrier is mounted on top
of the pool, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom
of the barrier shall be 4 inches.
b. Openings in the barrier shall not allow the passage of a 4 -inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere.
c Solid barriers which do not have openings shall not contain indentations or protrusions,
except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.
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dMesh fences, other than chain link fences, in compliance with the following number 7, shall be
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and comply with the following:
(i) The bottom of the mesh fence shall be not more than 1 inch above the deck or installed
surface or grade.
(ii) The maximum vertical clearance from the bottom of the mesh fence and the solid surface
shall not permit the fence to be lifted more than 4 inches from grade or decking.
(iii) The fence shall be designed and constructed so that it does not allow passage of a 4-inch
sphere under any mesh panel. The maximum vertical clea rance from the bottom of the
mesh fence and the solid surface shall not be more than 4 inches from grade or decking.
(iv) An attachment device shall attach each barrier section at a height not lower than 45
inches above grade.
(v) Where a hinged gate is used with a mesh fence, the gate shall comply with the following
items 11, 12, and 13.
(vi) Patio deck sleeves such as vertical post receptacles that are places inside the patio surface
shall be of a nonconductive material.
(vii) Mesh fences shall not be installed on top of onground pools.
3. eWhere the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members, and the distance between
the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the horizontal members shall be located
on the pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1 3/4 inches
in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts
shall not exceed 1 3/4 inches in width.
4. fWhere the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members, and the distance between the
tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more, spacing between vertical members shall not
exceed 4 inches. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the
cutouts shall not exceed 1 3/4 inches in width.
5. gThe maximum opening formed by a chain link fence shall be a 1 3/4 inches, unless the fence
has slats fastened at the top or the bottom which reduce the openings to not more than 1 3/4
inches.
6. hWhere the barrier is composed of diagonal members, such as a lattice fence, the maximum
opening formed by the diagonal members shall not be more than 1 3/4 inches. The angle of
diagonal members shall not be greater than 45 degrees from vertical.
7. iThere shall be a clear zone of not less than 36 inches between the exterior of the barrier and any
permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters and heaters that can be used to climb
the barrier.
8. jThe pool side of the required barrier shall not be less than 20 inches from the water’s edge.
9. kAccess gates shall comply with the requirements of items (b) 12 and (b) 13 and shall be equipped
to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian access gates shall open outward away from the
pool, and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Gates other than pedestrian
access gates, such as utility or service gates, shall remain locked when not in use.
10. lDouble gates or multiple gates shall have at least one leaf secures in place and the adjacent leaf
shall be secured with a self-latching device. The gate and barrier shall not have openings larger
than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the latch release mechanism. The self -latching device shall
comply with item (b) 13.
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11. mWhere the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches from
grade, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate at least 3 inches below
the top of the gate, and the gate and barrier shall have no opening larger than 1/2 inch within
18 inches of the release mechanism.
12. nWhere a wall of a dwelling or structure serves as part of the barrier and where doors or
windows provide direct access to the pool through that wall, one of the following conditions
shall be met:
(i) The pool shall be equipped with a safety cover in accordance with ASTM F 1346;
(ii) Doors, and operable windows having a sill height of less than 48 inches
above the indoor finished floor shall have an alarm that produces an audible
warning when the door, window or their screens are opened. The alarm shall be
listed and labeled as a water hazard entrance alarm in accordance with UL 2017.
The operable parts of the alarm deactivation switches shall be located at least 54
inches above the finished floor.
(iii) Other approved means of protection, such as self-closing doors with self-
latching devices, shall be acceptable as long as the degree of protection afforded
is not less than the protection afforded by item (i) or (ii).
13. o An onground pool wall structure or a barrier mounted on top of an onground pool wall
structure shall serve as a barrier where all of the following conditions are present:
(i) Where only the pool wall serves as the barrier, the bottom of the wall is on grade,
the topof the wall is not less than 48 inches above grade for the entire perimeter
of the pool, the wall complies with the requirements of items (b) 1-10 above and
the pool manufacturer allows the wall to serve as a barrier.
(ii) Where a barrier is mounted on top of the pool wall, the top of the barrier
is not less than 48 inches above grade for the entire p erimeter of the pool, the
wall complies with the requirements of (b) 1-10 and the pool manufacturer
allows the wall to serve as a barrier.
(iii) Ladders or steps used as means of access to the pool are capable of being
secured, locked or removed to prevent access except where the ladder or steps
are surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of (18) above.
(iv) Openings created by the securing, locking or removal of ladders and
steps do not allow the passage of a 4-inch sphere.
(v) Barriers that are mounted on top of onground pool walls are installed in
accordance with the pool manufacturer’s instructions.
3 Indoor pools shall be surrounded by a barrier that complies with Sec. 5.201 (20) a or b.
(17) Appendix BO is amended by deleting Section BO102.7Flood Hazard areas.
(18) Appendix BOis amended by deleting Section BO104.3Water Closets.
(19) Appendix BOis amended by deleting Section BO104.4 Electrical including the Exceptions.
(20) Appendix BOis amended by deleting Section BO105.5 Electrical equipment and wiring and
associated subsections.
Sec. 5.202. ACCESSIBILITY. Reserved.
Sec. 5.203. ENERGY. Reserved.
Sec. 5.204. EXISTING BUILDINGS. Reserved.
Sec. 5.205. Reserved
(Ord. No. 4435, 04-13-21)
Sec. 5.206. MECHANICAL.
The adopted provisions of the 2021 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), are amended as follows:
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 25
(1) Section 304.11 Guards. is amended by deleting the exception and inserting the following new
exception in lieu thereof: “Exception: Guards are not required where permanent fall arrest/restraint
anchorage connector devices that comply with ANSI/ASSE Z 359.1 are affixed for use during the entire
lifetime of the roof covering. The devices shall be evaluated for possible replacement when the entire roof
covering is replaced. The devices shall be placed not more than 10 feet (3048 mm) on center along hip and
ridge lines and placed not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from roof edges and the open sides of walking
surfaces.”
(2) Section 306.1 Access. is amended by deleting the last sentence and inserting the following in lieu
thereof: “An unobstructed level working space at least 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide shall be provided
on any side of equipment where service access is required. The authority having jurisdiction may approve
service reductions prior to equipment installation, provided that the manufacturer’s instructions are met.”
(3) Section 306.2 Appliances in rooms. is amended by deleting this section in its entirety and inserting
the following section in lieu thereof: “Section 306.2 Appliances in Rooms and Closets. Rooms and closets
containing appliances shall be provided with a door and an unobstructed passageway measuring not less than
36 inches wide and 80 inches high. A level service space not less than 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide
shall be present at the front service side of the appliance with the door open.”
(4) Section 306.5. Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures. is amended by adding
the following to the end of the section: “If the tenants of a multiple tenant building have, or are allowed to
have, mechanical facilities on the roof or which penetrate the roof, then roof access ladders must be provided
for use by all such tenants and their agents and contractors in a manner that does not require accessing space
under the control of another tenant.” And deleting the following exception “Exception: This section shall not
apply to Group R-3 occupancies.” Also adding the following new subsection, “306.5.3 Visual screening of
rooftop equipment. Equipment screening shall not be installed to the rooftop unit or the curb of the rooftop
unit unless specified in the mechanical equipment manufacturer's installation instructions .”
(5) Section 401.1 Scope. is amended by deleting the section in its entirety and inserting the following
section in lieu thereof: “Section 401.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern the ventilation of spaces within a
building intended to be occupied. These buildings shall meet either the requirements of ASHRAE Standard
62.1, “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality,” 2019 edition, published by the Amer ican Society of
Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, 1791 Tullie Circle N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329, or the
requirements contained in this chapter. Mechanical exhaust systems, including exhaust systems serving
clothes dryers and cooking appliances; hazardous exhaust systems; dust, stock, and refuse conveyor systems;
sub slab soil exhaust systems; smoke control systems; energy recovery ventilation systems; and other systems
specified in Section 502 shall comply with Chapter 5 of the 2024 International Mechanical Code.”
(6) Table 403.3.1.1 Minimum Ventilation Rates: is amended by adding the following footnotes:
m Related to the gym, stadium, arena (play area) category “when combustion equipment is intended
to be used on the playing surface, additional dilution ventilation and/or source control shall be provided.
n. Anywhere the term “smoking lounges” appears: “For ventilation purposes, “smoking” includes
both combustible tobacco products and accessories and electronic smoking devices and accessories.”
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 26
(7) Section 504.9.2 Duct installation. is amended by deleting the section in its entirety and inserting
the following section in lieu thereof: “504.9.2 Duct installation. Exhaust ducts shall:
a. Bbe supported at 4-foot (1219 mm) intervals and secured in place.
b. The insert end of the duct shall extend into the adjoining duct or fitting in the direction
of airflow.
c. not be joined by screws or similar fasteners that protrude into the inside of the duct.”
d.
(8) Section 506.3.13.3 Termination location. is amended by deleting the section in its entirety
and inserting the following new section in lieu thereof: “506.3.13.3 Termination location. Exhaust outlets
shall be located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally from parts of the same or contiguous buildings,
adjacent buildings and adjacent property line and shall be located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) above the
adjoining grade level. Exhaust outlets shall be located not less than 20 feet horizontally/vertically from or
not less than five (5) feet above air intake openings and operable doors and windows into any building.”
(9) Section 507.3 Type II Hoods. is amended by deleting the first sentence in its entirety and
inserting the following sentence in lieu thereof: “Type II hoods shall be installed above dishwashers capable
of heating water beyond 140 degrees Fahrenheit and appliances that produce heat or moisture and do not
produce grease or smoke as a result of the cooking process, except where the heat and moisture loads from
such appliances are incorporated into the HVAC system design or into the design of a separate removal
system.”
(10) Section 508.1.1 Makeup air temperature. is amended by deleting the section in its entirety
and inserting the following section in lieu thereof: “Section 508 .1.1 Makeup air temperature. All kitchen
makeup air systems shall be verified by a certified TAB (testing and balance) contractor t o heat and cool
makeup air to within 10 degrees of room temperature set point. The TAB contractor shall be certified by
NEBB, TABB, or other certifying organization as approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.”
(11) Section 601.5 Return air openings. is amended by adding the following two additional
requirements for return air openings:
“11. Return air openings shall be located at least 18 inches from supply air openings. Air throw shall
be directed away from return air openings to reduce short cycling of air. Exception: Factory-made concentric
duct terminations.
12. One return air opening per floor is required on a central duct return system per ACCA Manual D,
Appendix 8. Return air transfer openings are required on all bedrooms when dedicated return air openings
are not used.”
(12) Section 603 Duct Construction and Installation. is amended by adding the following new
subsection: “603.1.1 Duct location. Air plenums and ducts located in floor and wall cavities shall be
separated from unconditioned space by construction with insulation to meet energy code requirements. These
areas include but are not limited to exterior walls, cantilevered floors, and floors above garages.”
(13) Section 604.3 Coverings and linings. is amended by deleting the section in its entirety and
inserting the following new section in lieu thereof: “604.3 Coverings and linings. Duct coverings and
linings, including adhesives where used, shall have a flame spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke-
developed index of not more than 50, when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, using the
specimen preparation and mounting procedures of ASTM E2231. Duct coverings and linings shall not flame,
glow, smolder or smoke when tested in accordance with ASTM C411 at the temperature to whic h they are
exposed in service. The testing temperature shall not fall below 250ºF (121ºC). Coverings and linings shall
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 27
be listed and labeled. The use of an air gap to meet R-value requirements for duct insulation shall be
prohibited.”
(14) Section 607.6.2 Membrane Penetrations is amended by adding the following exception:
“Exception: Duct systems that originate and terminate entirely within one dwelling/sleeping unit and are
constructed entirely of minimum 0.0187-inch-thick steel (No. 26 gauge) shall be allowed without installation
of radiation dampers.”
(15) Section 607.6.2.1.3. is amended by is amended by inserting the following new subsection:
“607.6.2.1.3 Access. Access to ceiling radiation dampers must be provided with an approved means of
access that is large enough to permit inspection and maintenance of the damper and its operating parts.
Dampers equipped with fusible links andinternal operators shall be provided with either an access door that
is not less than 12 inches (305mm) square, or a removable duct section.”
(16) Section 607.6.2.1.4. is amended by inserting the following new subsection: “607.6.2.1.4
Identification of access. Access to ceiling radiation damper locations and access points shall be permanently
identified on the exterior by a label or marking acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.”
(Ord. No. 4447, 9-14-21)
Sec. 5.207. GAS. Reserved.
Sec. 5.208 PLUMBING.
The adopted provisions of the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), are amended as follows:
(1) Section 102.4.1 Building Sewers and Drains. is amended by adding the following new
section: “Section 102.4.1.1 Building Demolition. Whenever a structure or building is to be demolished,
before demolition begins the following must be completed:
(a) Building sewer capped at curb line with a manufactured plug.
(b) Foundation line capped at curb line with a manufactured plug.
(c) Water service capped or plugged at main.
(2) Section 102.0 Applicability. is amended by adding a new subsection “Section 102.9
Annexed Building. When a structure or building is on land that has been or is being annexed int o the City
of Ames and connection to the public water or sewer system is requested for that building or structure, the
City may require that its plumbing system be inspected to determine whether the system has adequate sewer
venting and backflow prevention to protect the public water system, and to determine if it is otherwise free
from hazards to those exposed or potentially exposed to that system. Based on that inspection, if it is
determined that a cross connection or other hazard exists, then the Building Official shall determine what
corrective action is needed to eliminate the hazard(s) and the owner shall complete the corrective action
before connection to City services is allowed.”
(3) Section 301.5 Alternative Engineered Design. is amended by adding the following
sentence to the end of the section: “No engineered single-stack drainage system shall be installed.”
(4) Section 309.6 Dead Legs. is amended by adding the following sentence to the end of the
section: “The authority having jurisdiction can determine the method of flushing.”.
(5) Section 312.6 Freeze Protection. is amended by adding the following at the end of the
section: “Systems requiring protection from freezing shall be buried no less than five (5) feet in depth from
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 28
finished grade. If this depth cannot be maintained, the sides and top of pipe wall shall be covered with 1 ½"
blue board insulation. The sides of the insulation shall be at least five (5) feet in depth.”
(6) Section 314.4.1 Installation of Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings. is deleted in its entirety
and a new section is inserted in lieu thereof: “Section 314.4.1 Installation of Thermoplastic Pipe and
Fittings. Trench width for thermoplastic pipe shall be limited to six times the outside diameter of the piping
at the base. Thermoplastic piping shall be bedded in not less than 4 inches (102 mm) of aggr egate bedding
material supporting the pipe. Initial backfill shall encompass the pipe. Aggregate material shall be three -
eighths (3/8) inch p-gravel or 1-inch clean class one bedding.”
(7) Section 407.3 Limitation of Hot Water Temperature for Public Lavatories. is amended
by adding the following sentence to the end of the section: “These devices shall be installed at or as close as
possible to the point of use.”
(8) Section 408.0 Showers. is amended by adding a new subsection: “Section 408.12.
Limitation of Hot Water Temperature of Pet Grooming Stations. The maximum hot water temperature
discharging from pet grooming stations shall be limited to 120ºF (49ºC). The maximum temperature shall be
regulated by one of the following means, which shall be installed at or as close as possible to the point of
use:
“(1) A limiting device conforming to ASSE 1070, ASME A112.1070, CSA B125.70, or CSA B125.3.
“(2) A water heater conforming to ASSE 1084.”
(9) Section 409.4 Limitation of Hot Water in Bathtubs and Whirlpool Bathtubs. is
amended by adding the following sentence to the end of the section: “These devices shall be installed at or
as close as possible to the point of use.”
(10) Section 410.3 Limitation of Water Temperature in Bidets. is amended by adding the
following sentence to the end of the section: “These devices shall be installed at or as close as possible to the
point of use.”
(11) Section 416.5 Drain. is amended by deleting the last sentence, which states: “Where a
drain is provided, the discharge shall be in accordance with Section 811.0.”
(12) Section 418.3 Location of Floor Drains is amended by adding the following new
subsection: “418.3(5) In all buildings, a three-inch (3") floor drain shall be located on the lowest floor level
and where the water meter is located. A three-inch (3") or larger floor drain shall be located in the same room
where a reduced pressure principal backflow prevention assembly is installed that discharges water. A two -
inch (2") or larger floor drain shall be provided in the same room the water heate r is located on the lowest
floor level.
Exception: Existing water heaters and water meters unless relocated.”
(13) Section 422.1 Fixture Count.
(1) Amend the section by deleting the first paragraph and inserting the following in lieu
thereof:
“Plumbing fixtures shall be provided in each building for the type of building occupancy
and in the minimum number shown in Table 2902.1 and its associated foot notes of the 2024 International
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 29
Building Code. Required public facilities shall be designated by a legible sign for each sex. Signs shall be
readily visible and located near the entrance to each toilet facility.”
(14) Table 422.1 Minimum Plumbing Facilities. Delete the table.
(15) Section 422.2 Separate Facilities. is amended by adding the following additional
exception: “(4) Separate facilities shall not be required where rooms having both water closets and lavatory
fixtures are designed for use by any gender and sufficient privacy for water closets is installed. Partitions or
compartment walls shall extend from no more than 1 inch from the floor to no less than 84 inches from the
floor. Urinals shall be located in an area visually separated from the remainder of the facility or each urinal
that is provided shall be located in a stall.”
(16) Section 422.0 Minimum Number of Required Fixtures. is amended by inserting the
following new subsection: “422.8 Substitution for Water Closets. “In each bathroom or toilet room, urinals
shall not be substituted for more than 67 percent of the required water closets in assembly and educational
occupancies. Urinals shall not be substituted for more than 50 percent of the required water closets in all
other occupancies. (Reprinted from the 2018 International Plumbing Code section 424.2)”
(17) Section 603.0 Cross-Connection Control. is amended by deleting the text and inserting
the following in lieu thereof: “Section 603.0 Cross-Connection shall be in compliance with Section 28.209B
of the Ames Municipal Code.”
(18) Section 604.6 Cast-Iron Fittings is deleted.
(19) Section 604.7 Malleable Iron Fittings is deleted.
(20) Section 604.10.1 Tracer Wire. is deleted and the following is inserted in lieu thereof:
“604.10.1 Tracer Wire. Plastic materials for building supply outside underground shall be installed with a
14-gauge solid copper tracer wire in a blue jacket affixed to the pipe at appropriate intervals. The tracer wire
will start with a 5-foot electrical ground stake at the water main and be terminated at a weatherproof junction
box at an approved location on the building exterior. An appropriate splice may be used at the water meter.
The junction box shall be accessible and be labeled to identify it as a tracer wire termination.”
(21) Section 609.1 Installation. is amended by deleting the last two sentences and inserting
the following: “Building supply yard piping shall be not less than 60 inches below earth cover.” The
following subsections are also added to this section: new sections 609.1.1 through 609.1.9
(22) “Section 609.1.1 New Service Location. In a new subdivision the water service line shall
be installed at the center of the property unless otherwise approved by the Administrative Authority.
Section 609.1.2 Threaded Taps on Water Mains. All threaded taps on the main shall be
at least 24 inches apart and shall be at least ¾ 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 ¾ 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
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 30
1 inch = two ¾ inch or one 1 inch
1¼ inch = two 1 inch
1½ inch = two 1 inch
Section 609.1.3 Corporation Cock Required. A corporation cock of either a Mueller or
Ford make, or its equivalent, shall be inserted in every tap one- and one-half 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.
Section 609.1.4 Service Valve Required. 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.
Section 609.1.5 Service Saddles. Service saddles allowed on four (4) inch or larger water
mains when water service is ¾", 1", 1¼", and 1½" 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 fo ur (4) inch or
larger main for water services for a two (2) inch or larger water service, the service saddle shall be a stainless-
steel full wrap around saddle. 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
(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
Section 609.1.6 Curb Stop required. There shall be a curb stop 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 v alve box over the
valve at the water main. Curb Stops shall be of the quarter turn ball valve type with the grip joint ends. The
curb stop to be used for services from three-fourths (¾) inch to two (2) inches shall be the style known as
Mueller Mark II Oriseal or Ford Ball Valve with 90° curb stop, or equal, provided with T handle and
extension rod keyed and locked to curb stop and shall be the same diameter as the pipe served. The curb stop
shall be kept in an operative condition at all times.
Section 609.1.7 Curb Box required. The curb stop 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 placi ng the
curb stop 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. 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.
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 31
Section 609.1.8 Water Services Serving Fire Sprinkler Systems. Sprinkler systems used
for fire protection may be permitted to be attached to the water mains by a licensed Plumbing Contractor.
No open connection can be incorporated in the system, and there shall be no valves except the service valve
at the main unless a post indicator valve (PIV) is required. One - and two-family residential sprinkler lines
shall be metered through the single meter. The property owner or tenant shall promptly report to the C ity 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. Water
services shall be sized to accommodate the requirements of the fire sprinkler system.
Section 609.1.9. Where required, a 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. When entering through a wall, the termination flange
shall not be more than twelve (12) inches from the wall and set in a true horizontal position. 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.
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 smalle r than ¾
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 fittings shall be mechanical joint type. The
tapping valve, PIV, and all other fittings and pipe shall be marked to withstand 200 p.s.i.
(a) If the fire line and water service are on one line, the domestic water service shall
have the take off so that the domestic service will have a curb stop and stop box at the property line. If a PIV
is required, the domestic service will branch off prior to the PIV and have a curb stop and stop box adjacent
to the PIV. The take off for the water service shall be either brass, ductile iron, C -900 PVC DR14, or copper
to the curb box.
(b)The curb stop and stop box may be installed at another location with prior approval
from the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
(23) Section 609.12 Pipe Insulation and its subsections are deleted in their entirety, and the
following section is inserted in lieu thereof: “Section 609.12 Pipe Insulation. Insulation of domestic hot
water piping shall be in accordance with the applicable energy conservation code.”
(24) Section 610.1 Size, Size of Potable Water Piping, is amended by deleting the words “each
water meter and” from the first sentence and adding “Water meter sizing shall be determined by the Water
Meter Division” to the end of the section.
(25) Table 610.4 Fixture Unit Table for Determining Water Pipe and Meter Sizes is
amended by deleting footnote 2 and inserting the following in lieu thereof: “Building supply, one (1) inch
nominal size minimum.”
(26) Section 610.8 Size of Meter and Building Supply Pipe Using Table 610.4 is amended
by adding the following exception.
“Exception: 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 ¾ inch service lines shall be
run to the individual customer units.”
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 32
(27) Section 610.8(6) Size of Meter and Building Supply Pipe Using Table 610.4 is amended
by deleting the last sentence and inserting the following in lieu thereof: “No building water service line shall
be less than one (1) inch in diameter.”
(28) Section 611.4 Sizing of Residential Softeners. is amended by adding the following to the
end of the last sentence in the section: “or as specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions.”
(29) Section 612 Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems. is amended by deleting sections 612.0
through 612.7.2.
(30) Table 702.1 Notes. Note #8. is amended by adding the following at the end of the footnote:
“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.”
(31) Table 702.1 Notes. Note #9. is amended by deleting “a maximum shower size of 36 inches
(914 mm) in width and 60 inches (1524 mm) in length” and inserting the following in lieu thereof: “showers
having only one shower head rated at a maximum of 2.5 gpm.”
(32) Section 703.1 Minimum Size, Size of Drainage Piping, is amended by adding the
following at the end of the section: “No underground drainage piping or vent shall be less than two (2) inches
inside diameter.”
(33) Section 704.3 Commercial Sinks is deleted in its entirety and the following section
inserted in lieu of: Section 704.3 Commercial Sinks. “Pot sinks, scullery sinks, dishwashing sinks,
silverware sinks, and other similar fixtures shall have an airgap indirect waste connection to a properly
trapped and vented floor sink. Commercial kitchens must have at least one floor sink with a three-inch waste
line serving the main scullery sink.”
(34) Section 715.2 Joining Methods and Materials is amended by adding the following
exception: “No molded rubber coupling sha ll be used on any sanitary sewer or storm sewer. Appropriate
stainless steel shielded molded rubber couplings may be used as connections when connecting sanitary or
storm sewers. Single band shielded couplings (no hub clamps) are not allowed on any exterio r building
sanitary sewer, or storm sewer.”
(35) Section 717.1 General, Size of Building Sewers. is amended by deleting the first
paragraph and inserting the following in lieu thereof: “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
717.1 Maximum/Minimum Fixture Unit Loading on Building Sewer Piping. No building sewer shall be
smaller than four (4) inches. The building sewer shall not be smaller than the building drain.
With prior approval from the Building Official, 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 two (2)
inch line shall at all times be a minimum of five (5) feet deep or freeze protection is required. The sewage
ejector shall be vented with a minimum two (2) inch pipe.”
(36) Section 718.2 Support. is deleted in its entirety and the following section inserted in lieu
thereof: “Section 718.2 Support. 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
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 33
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.”
(37) Section 719.6 Manholes is amended by deleting the second paragraph.
(38) Section 807.3 Domestic Dishwashing Machine. is deleted in its entirety and the following
section is inserted in lieu thereof: “Section 807.3 Domestic Dishwashing Machine. 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 without
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. 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.”
(39) Section 814.5 Point of Discharge. is deleted in its entirety and the following section is inserted
in lieu thereof: “Section 814.5 Point of Discharge. Air-conditioning condensate waste pipes shall connect
indirectly to a properly trapped fixture, floor drain, or open sight drain, or where permitted in Section 814.6,
to the drainage system through an air gap or air break to trapped and vented receptors, dry wells, leach pits,
sump pump, the tailpiece of plumbing fixtures or indirectly to the building storm sewer t hrough a roof drain.
A condensate drain shall be trapped in accordance with appliance manufacturer’s instructions or as
approved.”
(40) Section 901.1 Applicability. is amended by adding the following sentence to the end of
the section: “No engineered single-stack drainage systems shall be installed.”
(41) Section 901.2 Vents Required. is amended by adding the following at the end of the
section:
“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.”
(42) Section 906.1 Roof Termination. is amended by deleting the last sentence.
(43) Section 908.2.2 Size. is amended by deleting the second sentence in this section and
inserting the following new sentence in lieu thereof: “The wet vent shall be not less than two (2) inches (50
mm) in diameter for six (6) drainage fixture units (dfu) or less, and not less tha n three (3) inches (80 mm) in
diameter for seven (7) dfu or more.”
(44) Table 1002.2 Horizontal Lengths of Trap Arms is amended to read as follows:
Table 1002.2
Horizontal Lengths of Trap Arms
(Except for Water Closets and Similar features)1,2
Trap Arm Diameter Distance trap to vent Length Maximum
(inches) Minimum(inches) (zfeet)
1-1/4 2-1/2 5
1-1/2 3 6
2 4 8
3 6 12
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4 8 12
> 4 2 x Diameter 12
For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm
Notes:
1 Maintain ¼ inch per foot slope (20.8 mm/m).
2 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 6 feet (1829 mm).
(45) Section 1007.1 Trap Seal Protection. General. is amended by deleting “not deemed necessary
for safety or sanitation by the Authority Having Jurisdiction” and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
“floor drains or similar traps that receive a liquid discharge year-round.”
(46) Section 1014.1.3 Food Waste Disposers and Dishwashers. is amended by deleting the
second sentence and inserting the following in lieu thereof: “Commercial food waste disposers shall
discharge into the building’s drainage system in accordance with the requirements of the Authority Having
Jurisdiction.”
(47) Section 1101.6.1 Discharge is deleted in its entirety and the following section is inserted
in lieu thereof: “Section 1101.6.1 Discharge. Subsoil drains must be piped to a storm drain or to an approved
water course. Where there is no sewer or water course adjacent to the property, the subsoil drain must be
piped to the front street over the top of the curb or as approved by the Municipal Engineer. No subsoil drain
line shall be discharged onto a yard or into the building drain or sanitary sewer. No floor drain, clothes
washer, or any other plumbing fixture shall be discharged into the foundation sump pi t.
(48) Section 1101.6.2 Sump. is amended by replacing “fifteen (15) gpm” with “17 gpm with a
17-foot head” and adding 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 ½" 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,
freeze protection shall be provided. When the sump line is discharged into a storm manhole, intake, or storm
main that is not five (5) feet below final surface grade, a quarter (¼) of an inch hole shall be drille d into the
bottom 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 fixtur e shall be
discharged into the foundation sump pit.
Every sump pit in an elevator shaft shall meet the rules and regulations as required by the State of
Iowa for elevators. No hydraulic elevator sump shall be discharged into a storm or sanitary sewer.”
(49) Section 1101.6.3 Splash Blocks is deleted.
(50) Section 1101.6.5 Open Area is deleted.
(51) Sections 1205.0 through 1205.2 Authority to Render Gas Service. are deleted.
(52) Sections 1207.0 and 1207.1 Temporary Use of Gas. are deleted.
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 35
(53) Section 1208.5.3.5 Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing. is deleted in its entirety and the
following section is inserted in lieu thereof: “Section 1208.5.3.5 Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing. Only
CSST with an arc-resistant jacket or covering system listed in accordance with ANSI LC-1 (Optional Section
5.16)/CSA 6.26-2016 shall be installed, in accordance with the terms of its approval, the conditions of listing,
the manufacturer’s instructions and this code, including electrical bonding requirements in Section 1211.2.
CSST shall not be used for through-wall penetrations from the point of delivery of the gas supply to the inside
of the structure. CSST shall not be installed in locations where subject to physical damage unless protected
in an approved manner.”
(54) Section 1211.3 Arc-Resistant Jacketed CSST. is deleted
(Ord. No. 4447; 9-14-21)
(55) Section 1306.3 Report Items. Modify the section by deleting “Authority Having Jurisdiction”
and inserting “responsible facility authority” in lieu thereof.
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 36
DIVISION III
CONTRACTOR AND TRADE LICENSES
Sec. 5.300. BUILDING CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION.
(1) Contractor registration required. Each person, firm, or corporation performing work
requiring 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. For
electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors, possession of a State of Iowa contractor license shall s erve as
evidence of registration with the Division of Labor.
(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. For electrical, plumbing, and
HVAC contractors, possession of a State of Iowa contractor license shall serve as evidence of adequate
insurance coverage.
Sec. 5.301. CITY ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION AND STATE LICENSING.
Before doing any electrical work governed by this code in the City of Ames, an electrical contractor must
register with the City of Ames Inspection Division as an electrical contractor on a form provided by the
Division.
(1) Conditions for Registration. An electrical contractor must hold a valid State of Iowa license
as an electrical contractor.
(2) Information to be provided. An applicant for electrical contractor registration under this
section shall provide the following information:
(a) Copy of possession of current State license;
(b) Name, mailing address, email address, phone number of the principal of the
registered firm or corporation; and
(c) The names and State license classifications of all employees who may be working
on projects in the City of Ames.
(3) Registration not Transferable. Contractor registration is not transferable to any other
person, firm or corporation.
Sec. 5.302. STATE ELECTRICIAN LICENSE CATEGORIES.
(1) Apprentice electrician. An apprentice electrician is a person who holds an apprentice
electrician license issued by the State of Iowa.
(2) Journeyperson electrician. A journeyman electrician is a person who holds a
journeyperson electrician license issued by the State of Iowa.
(3) Master electrician. A master electrician is a person who holds a master electrician license
issued by the State of Iowa.
(4) Electrical Contractor. An electrical contractor is a person, firm or corporation that holds
an electrical contractor license issued by the State of Iowa.
Sec. 5.303. STATE ELECTRICIAN LICENSE REQUIRED.
(1) Where this code requires electrical work to be performed by a licensed person, such person
must hold and have in their immediate possession, a valid Electricians license issued by the State of Iowa
that authorizes the work being performed.
Sec. 5.304. EXEMPTIONS.
(1) No license or registration shall be required for minor repair work, including the
replacement of lamps and fuses, or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved
permanently installed receptacles, or for simple replacement of electrical fixtures such as wall plugs, and
light fixtures, in single family dwellings when the person performing the repair work is the owner of the
structure, and has his or her primary place of residence there.
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 37
(2) No license or registration 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 103A.52 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. CITY PLUMBING CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION AND STATE LICENSING.
Before doing any plumbing work governed by this code in the City of Ames, a plumbing contractor must
register with the City of Ames Inspection Division as a plumbing contractor on a form provided by the
Division.
(1) Conditions for Registration. A plumbing contractor must hold a valid State of Iowa license
as a plumbing contractor.
(2) Information to be provided. An applicant for plumbing contractor registration under this
section shall provide the following information:
(a) Copy of possession of current State license;
(b) Name, mailing address, email address, phone number of the principal of the
registered firm or corporation; and
(c) The names and State license classifications of all employees who may be working on
projects in the City of Ames.
(3) Registration not Transferable. Contractor registration is not transferable to any other
person, firm or corporation.
Sec. 5.306. STATE PLUMBERS LICENSE CATEGORIES.
(1) Apprentice plumber. An apprentice plumber is a person who holds an apprentice plumber
license issued by the State of Iowa.
(2) Journeyperson plumber. A journeyman plumber is a person who holds a journeyperson
plumber license issued by the State of Iowa.
(3) Master plumber. A master plumber is a person who holds a master plumbers license
issued by the State of Iowa.
(4) Plumbing contractor. A plumbing contractor is a person, firm or corporation that holds a
plumbing contractor license issued by the State of Iowa.
Sec. 5.307. STATE PLUMBERS LICENSES REQUIRED.
(1) Where this code requires plumbing work to be performed by a licensed person, such person
must hold and have in their immediate possession, a valid Plumbers license issued by the State of Iowa that
authorizes the work being performed.
Sec. 5.308. EXEMPTIONS.
(1) No license or registration 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 primary place of residence there.
(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 se rvice 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
103A.52 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. 5.309. CITY MECHANICAL HVAC CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION AND STATE
LICENSING.
Before doing any heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or ducted heating work governed by this code, in the
City of Ames, an HVAC contractor must register with the City of Ames Inspection Division as an HVAC
contractor on a form provided by the Division.
(1) Conditions for Registration. An HVAC contractor must hold a valid State of Iowa license
as an HVAC contractor.
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 38
(2) Information to be provided. An applicant for HVAC contractor registration under this
section shall provide the following information:
(a) Copy of possession of current State license;
(b) Name, mailing address, email address, phone number of the principal of the
registered firm or corporation; and
(c) The names and State license classifications of all employees who may be working
on projects in the City of Ames.
(3) Registration not Transferable. Contractor registration is not transferable to any other
person, firm or corporation.
Sec. 5.310. STATE HVAC MECHANICAL LICENSE CATEGORIES.
(1) HVAC Mechanical Apprentice. An HVAC mechanical apprentice is a person who holds
an HVAC mechanical apprentice license issued by the State of Iowa.
(2) HVAC Mechanical Journeyperson. An HVAC mechanical journeyperson is a person
who holds an HVAC mechanical journeyperson license issued by the State of Iowa.
(3) HVAC Mechanical Master. An HVAC mechanical master is a person who holds an
HVAC mechanical master license issued by the State of Iowa.
(4) HVAC Mechanical Contractor. An HVAC mechanical contractor is a person, firm or
corporation that holds an HVAC mechanical contractor license issued by the State of Iowa.
Sec. 5.311. STATE HVAC MECHANICAL LICENSES REQUIRED.
(1) Where this code requires mechanical work to be performed by a licensed person, such
person must hold and have in their immediate possession, a valid HVAC license issued by the State of Iowa
that authorizes the work being performed.
Sec. 5.312. EXEMPTIONS.
(1) No such license or registration procedure shall be required for mechanical work to be
performed on a single family residential structure when the person performing the mechanical work is the
owner of the structure, and has his/her primary place of residence there.
(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
103A.52 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.
(Ord. 4044, 9-28-10)
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DIVISION IV
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
Sec. 5.400. TITLE AND ADOPTION.
These regulations shall be known as the Dangerous Building Code of the City of Ames, hereinafter referred
to as “this code”.
(1) Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the use and occupancy, repair,
maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected with or
attached to such buildings or structures, including all electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire alarm and
suppression equipment and systems. Buildings and structures may be declared dangerous based upon unsafe
conditions found in any one or more of these building systems.
(2) Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum standards of structural strength
and stability, means of egress, health and sanitation, light and ventilation, necessary to safeguard the public
health, safety and general welfare from fire and other hazards, and to provide safety to fire fighters, police,
and other emergency responders during routine and emergency operations.
(3) Referenced codes. The codes adopted by reference in Section 5.100 of the City of Ames
Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Code shall be used as the minimum standards to be followed
under this chapter.
Sec. 5.401. DEFINITIONS.
The following words when used in this chapter shall have the meanings:
(1) Abatement means the repair, modification, stoppage, removal or demolition of that which
causes or constitutes a public nuisance.
(2) Building Official means the City official designated to administer and enforce the
provisions of this code, or designee.
(3) Dangerous building. For the purpose of this code, any building, shed, garage, fence, or
structure which has any or all of the conditions or defec ts 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;
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(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 foundatio n; 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.
(j) 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.
(l) 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 City of Ames Municipal Code Chapter 5, Building,
Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Code, or City of Ames Municipal Code Chapter 13, Rental 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 i n accordance
with all applicable laws and ordinances, has in any non -supporting 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 deter mined 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 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.
(4) Imminently dangerous structure is any building, shed, fence or other man-made structure
which, is in danger of imminent collapse of all or any part of such structure and is thereby an imminent
danger to the health and safety of the general public or adjacent property.
(5) Owner means any person, agent, operator, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable
interest in the property; or recorded in the official records of the state, county or municipality as holding title
to the property; or otherwise having control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any such
person, and the executor or administrator of the estate of such person if ordered to take possession of real
property by a court; or a trustee.
(6) Property means any real property, premises, structure or location on which a dangerous
building is alleged to exist.
(7) Public nuisance means any fence, wall, shed, deck, house, garage, building, structure or
any part of any of the aforesaid; or any tree, pole, smokestack; or any excavation, hole, pit basement, cellar,
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 41
sidewalk subspace, dock, wharf or landing dock; or any lot, land, yard, premises or loca tions which in its
entirety, or in any part thereof, by reason of the condition in which the same is found or permitted to be or
remain, shall or may endanger the health, safety, life, limb or property, or cause any hurt, harm,
inconvenience, discomfort, damage or injury to any one or more individuals in the City, in any one or more
of the following particulars:
(a) By reason of being a menace, threat and/or hazard to the general health and safety
of the community.
(b) By reason of being a fire hazard.
(c) By reason of being unsafe for occupancy, or use on, in, upon, about or around the
aforesaid property.
(d) Is an imminently dangerous structure.
(e) By reason of the existence of any condition set forth in Section 5.401(3)
of this code.
(8) Summary abatement means abatement of the dangerous building by the City, or a
contractor employed by the City, by removal, repair, or other acts without prior notice to the owner, agent,
or occupant of the property.
Sec. 5.402. AUTHORITY.
(1) City Officials. The Building Official, , 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.
(2) Abatement. All buildings or portions thereof which are, on inspection, determined to be
dangerous, as provided in subsection 5.401(3) above, are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be
abated by repair, rehabilitation, vacation, securing against entry, demolition or removal.
(3) Summary Abatement. Where it has been determined that a structure is imminently
dangerous the City may proceed by Summary Abatement.
(4) Failure to Obey Notice. If any person, firm, or corporation shall refuse to comply with a
notice issued by the Building Official in regard to a dangerous structure, 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, initiating repair or initiating demolition.
Sec. 5.403. PROCEDURE TO REMEDY.
Whenever the Building Official or other inspector determines that any structure is dangerous the Building
Official shall:
(1) Post Notice. Cause to be posted in a conspicuous place on the structure a notice which shall
read substantially as follows: "Danger - Unsafe or Unfit Structure."
(2) Serve Notice. Cause to be served upon the owner thereof and the occupants, if any, a
written notice which shall contain:
(a) The street address and a legal description sufficient for identification of the
premises upon which the structure is located;
(b) A statement that the Building Official has found the structure to be a dangerous
structure with a description of the conditions found to render the structure dangerous under the provisions of
Section 5.401(3);
(c) A statement that the structure must be vacated by all occupants within a
specified time, which shall be reasonable under the circumstances;
(d) A statement of the corrective action to be taken as determined by the Building
Official including a time for commencing and completing such corrective action. Corrective action may
include repair, removal, demolition, or other abatement, as determined by the Building Official. All repair or
modification or demolition work ordered shall be commenced within a reasonable time as determined by the
Building Official. When required action is repair, such work shall be completed within a reasonable time as
determined by the Building Official. Requests for time extensions shall be submitted in writing to the
Building Official.
(e) A statement that the Building Official may require the owner to obtain
structural, or other appropriate evaluations and reports to be prepared by a structural engineer or other
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CHAPTER 5 – Page 42
appropriately licensed persons for use in developing a complete and detailed corrective action plan. The
notice shall set a date for submittal of such professional evaluations and reports. If the owner is unwilling or
unable to obtain such required evaluations and reports, the Building Official may contract
with qualified persons and invoice the building owner to recover costs for such services, or assess the costs
against the property in the manner of a special assessment
(f) A statement that if the required repair, modification or demolition work is not
commenced or completed within the time specified, the City may cause the structure to be abated or
demolished and assess all costs thereof.
(g) A statement that the Building Official will report the failure of
the owner to repair, modify or demolish the structure to the Building Board of Appeals (as established
in Municipal Code Chapter 5 Division VI, hereinafter referred to as “the Board”), City Manager, and City
Council; and
(i) that the Board will conduct a public hearing on the report and may
direct the Building Official to proceed with demolition of the structure or abatement of the dangerous
condition and assessment of costs in accord with procedures set forth in this code, and
(ii) that the owner may file written objections with the Building
Official, and appear at the public hearing and be heard orally in relation to the matter at the time of
the public hearing before the Board.
(h) A statement that the owner has the right to request a hearing by the Board
to appeal the notice.
(i) A statement that any person who is the record owner of the premises, location
or structure at the time an order pursuant to this Ordinance is issued and served upon him, shall be
responsible for complying with that order, and liable for any costs incurred by the City therewith,
notwithstanding the fact that the Building Official conveys his interests in the property to another after such
order was issued and served.
(3) Form of Notice. Such notice may be in the form of an ordinance, or by certified mail, or
by personal service to the property owner as shown by the records of the city assessor and to the occupants,
if any, and shall state the time within which action is required. However, in an emergency, the city may
perform any action which may be required under this section without prior notice, as a Summary Abatement
and assess costs.
(4) File Notice. The Building Official shall file a copy of such written notice with the county
recorder.
Sec. 5.404. ABATEMENT BY OWNER; TIME FOR COMPLIANCE.
(1) Duties. The owner or occupant of a Dangerous Building who has been served notice
under Section 5.403 shall:
(a) Promptly take action to make the dangerous building as safe, secure, and free
from danger to others as is possible pending repair or demolition.
(b) Within fifteen (15) days after date of the notice file with the Building Official a
written
statement of intent to comply which includes plans detailing the repairs or demolition to be done, and
includes a completion date.
(c) Obtain approval from the Building Official of the repair or demolition plans
submitted.
(d) Within a reasonable time after filing a statement of intent and receiving
approval, commence actual repairs or modification in accord with the statement of inte nt.
(2) Time Extensions. Extensions of time may be granted as follows:
(a) The owner may request one extension of time from the Building Official for the
owner to abate the dangerous conditions by demolition or to make required repairs, provided suc h
extension is limited to a specific time period.
(b) If the owner has been granted one extension of time by the Building Official,
any additional request for an extension of time shall be taken as an appeal to the Building Board.
Sec. 5.405. APPEAL PROCEDURES.
(1) Manner. The owner or occupant of the property who has been served with a notice
pursuant to this Code that a dangerous building exists and that it must be abated or repaired as set forth in
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the Building Official’s notice may make a written request to the Building Official for a hearing before the
Building Board. This request shall be made within fifteen (15) days after the date of such notice.
(2) Grounds. A request for a hearing shall be based on one or more of the following grou nds:
(a) That the Building Official erred in the determination that a building is
dangerous; or
(b) where the Building Official rejects or refuses to approve the mode or manner of
construction and/or material to be used in the repair or abatement of the building; or
(c) where it is asserted that the true intent of this code has been incorrectly
interpreted; or
(d) where it is asserted that the provision of this code do not fully apply; or
(e) that specific proposed alternative actions will remove or eliminate the condition
such that it no longer endangers the health, safety, life, limb or property, or causes any hurt, harm,
inconvenience, discomfort, damage or injury to any one or more individuals in the City; or
(f) additional time for compliance is sought and one extension of time has already
been granted by the Building Official.
(3) Date. The Building Official shall, within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such a written
request, set a date for a hearing by the Board. The hearing shall be held as soon as practicable following
receipt by the Building Official of the written request and at least seven (7) days notice of the hearing shall
be given to the individual who made the written request for the hearing.
(4) Authority of Board. The hearing shall be heard and conducted by the Board. When
acting on a dangerous building appeal, the Board may uphold the notice as issued, or amend or modify the
notice, or extend the time for compliance with the notice by such time limit as the majority of the Board may
determine, all in accord with the scope of authority as follows:
(a) 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. 5.401(3) of this code
to the extent that the life, health, property, or safety of the public or its occupants, are endangered
(b) In considering alternative methods of compliance, the Board may approve
any alternate if it finds that the proposal 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; and that application of such alternative will
eliminate or remove all of the conditions identified as dangerous, as set forth in Sec. 5.401(3) of this
code.
(c) In considering alternative methods of compliance, the Board may require
that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claim that may be made regarding
the use of alternative methods or materials.
(d) The Board shall have no authority to waive the requirements of this code.
(e) In considering interpretations of the Code, the Board shall follow the intent,
spirit and purpose of the code.
(f) The Board shall have no authority relative to interpretation of the
procedural provisions of this code.
(g) 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 therefore.
(h) The Board may find that the Building Official erred in the determination
that a dangerous building exists. To make this finding, the Board must conclude the building has none
of the conditions or defects described in Section 5. 401(3) of this Code, to the extent that the life,
health, property or safety of the public or the building occup ants are endangered.
(i) When an owner has applied for an extension of time, the Board may grant one
extension of time to comply with an order to repair or modify or demolish a structure when the owner
affirmatively shows the financial ability to perform the work; and the work cannot practicably be
completed within the time provided. Such extension shall be for a reasonable period of time generally not
to exceed ninety (90) days for repairs or modifications and generally not to exceed sixty (60) days for
demolition, except when extraordinary circumstances can be shown, the Board may exceed these general
time periods.
(5) No Defense. It shall not be a defense to the determination that a dangerous building exists
that the structure is boarded up or otherwise enclosed.
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Sec. 5.406 DEMOLITION OR ABATEMENT BY CITY.
(1) When the owner fails to commence or complete the required repairs, removal or demolition
within the specified time period and does not timely appeal, the Building Official shall report the owner's
failure to the Board, City Manager, and City Council.
(2) The Board shall then hold a hearing and may, by majority vote of approval, authorize the
Building Official to demolish the structure, or may take other abatement action as deemed appropriate,
including the granting of a stay pursuant to Section 5.407.
(3) Following Board action, the Building Official shall file a certified copy of the Board’s
decision with the county recorder, and shall issue a notice of intent to demolis h or abate to the owner of the
structure.
Sec. 5.407. STAY OF DEMOLITION OR ABATEMENT.
(1) The owner may request a delay in the demolition or abatement of a structure at the time of
hearing on the Building Official’s recommendation for Board action appro ving demolition or abatement.
Such request shall be made in writing. The Board may grant such request when in its opinion it is practical,
economical and structurally possible to rehabilitate the structure to comply with this code, and the owner
complies with the following conditions.
(2) No stay granted shall be effective, however, unless and until such person signs a written
agreement with the city wherein the owner agrees:
(a) To make all of the necessary repairs consistent with the approved plans within a time
limit to be determined by the Board; and
(b) To grant the city the right to award a contract and to enter in and upon such premises
for the purposes of demolishing same upon the failure of the person to complete all required repairs within
the agreed time limit; and
(c) To reimburse the City for its actual costs incurred in inspection and administration
expenses until the structure is brought into compliance with the original notice, through repair or demolition;
and
(d) To file with the city a corporate surety performance bond, a cashier’s check, a certified
check drawn on an Ames bank or credit union, a letter of credit from an Ames bank or credit union, or other
surety approvable by the City, in an amount sufficient to pay the estimated cost of demolition or abatement
as determined by the Building Official, and to assure payment of the reimbursement of costs to the City. The
surety shall be conditioned upon performance of the repairs within the agreed time period, together with any
subsequent written time extensions thereto, and conditioned upon payment of the City’s reimbursement as
same shall become due. Upon such owner’s failure to make all of the repairs in a manner acceptable to the
city within the agreed time period, together with written extensions thereto, the Building Official may proceed
to demolish or abate the structure.
(3) The proceeds of the surety given pursuant to this Section shall be applied by the City first
against any unpaid reimbursement and then against the assessment for demolition.
Sec. 5.408. ACCESS FOR DEMOLITION OR ABATEMENT – PENALTIES.
The owner of the structure who has received notice of the intent of the Building Official to demolish or abate,
shall give entry and free access to the property to the Building Official and all other persons acting on behalf
of the City. Any owner who refuses, impedes, interferes with or hinders or obstructs entry by such agent
pursuant to a notice shall be subject to enforcement actions which may include arrest and prosecution for
Interference with Official Acts, or other civil or criminal charges.
Sec. 5.409. GRADING OF PREMISES AFTER DEMOLITION.
Whenever the premises is demolished, whether carried out by the owner or by the Building Official, such
demolition shall include the filling of the excavation on which the demolished structure was located in such
manner as to eliminate all potential danger to the public health, safety, or welfare arising from such
excavation. This includes, but is not limited to the removal of the entire basement including walls, floor,
footings, and foundations; cisterns or wells; accessory buildings and structures; abandoned utility services:
water, sewer, gas, and electric.
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Sec. 5.410. EXTERMINATION PROCEDURE BEFORE DEMOLITION OR ABATEMENT.
Demolition or abatement shall be preceded by an inspection of the premises by the Building Official to
determine whether or not extermination procedures are necessary. If the premises are found to be infested,
appropriate extermination to prevent the spread of rats, insects, or other vermin to adjoining or other areas or
properties shall be instituted before demolition, as appropriate. The costs for such actions shall be included
in the final assessment against the property and/or the owner.
Sec. 5.411. DEMOLITION OR ABATEMENT CONTRACT.
The Building Official shall commence demolition as follows:
(1) Pursuant to the Board’s decision to proceed with demolition or abatement, the City shall
award a contract in accordance with the City’s purchasing policies, for that work.
(2) A contract for demolition ordered by the Building Official or other designated City official
in response to an emergency condition shall be approved by the City Manager.
Sec. 5.412. REMOVAL OF POSTED NOTICE AND ENTRY ON POSTED PREMISES
PROHIBITED.
(1) No person shall deface, cover, obliterate, or remove the notice posted pursuant to this
Code from any structure which has been so posted by the Building Official as unsafe or unfit. The Building
Official shall remove such posted notice when the defect or defects which caused the posted notice have been
eliminated, or when the demolition or removal of the structure is commenced.
(2) No such structure shall again be occupied or used until such posted notice is removed by
the Building Official. No persons shall enter a posted building except with the express permission of the
Building Official. This provision shall not apply to emergency fire, medical or police personnel responses.
Sec. 5.413. SERVICE BY PUBLIC UTILITIES.
(1) It is unlawful for any public utility corporation or company to furnish gas or electrical
service to any structure which has been posted as unsafe or unfit after the Building Official has notified the
public utility of the posting, and the date by which se rvices shall be discontinued. The utility service shall
not be restored to a posted structure until notice, authorizing the restoration of such service is received from
the Building Official by the utility corporation or company. The Building Official ma y authorize temporary
or limited restoration of service to be used in connection with the renovation, repair or remodeling of the
structure to enable compliance with the provisions of this title.
Sec. 5.414. SUMMARY ABATEMENT OF IMMINENTLY DANGEROUS STRUCTURES.
(1) Whenever a complaint is made to the Building Official or the Building Official otherwise
becomes aware of the existence of an imminently dangerous structure the Building Official shall promptly
inspect such structure. Should the Building Official find that an imminently dangerous structure exists, and
that the public health, safety or welfare may be in immediate danger, then summary abatement may
commence and the Building Official may promptly cause the structure or any portion of it, to be demolished,
removed or abated.
(2) When a summary abatement is used, notice to the owner, agent or occupant of the property
is not required prior to abatement. Following summary abatement, the Building Official shall cause written
notice to be served promptly to the owner describing the action taken to abate the imminently dangerous
structure.
Sec. 5.415. COST OF ABATEMENT; LOW INCOME, ELDERLY PERSONS.
(1) Policy. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this code, the cost of abating a dangerous
building may be waived for low income and elderly persons, if upon application it appears to the Building
Official that the conditions set forth in subsection (2) are met.
(2) Eligibility. To be eligible for waiver of abatement costs a person must be classified as “low
income”, defined as having household income of not more than 50% of the Story County
median income.
(3) Other eligibility requirements. Additionally, all persons wishing to qualify for waiver or
nuisance abatement costs must:
(a) Furnish proof of the income requirements as set forth above in the manner and form
designated by the Building Official; and
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(b) Must own, or be in the process of purchasing the property from which the nuisance is
abated; and
(c) The property from which the nuisance is abated must be their primary residence.
(4) Official Notice. The abatement of the dangerous building in question must have been
required by the Building Official and the person requesting the waiver of co sts must have been officially
notified by the Building Official to remove the same.
(5) Application. Applications for waiver of abatement costs shall be filed with the Building
Official on forms supplied by the City. All information required to be given on such form shall be supplied
and verified by the applicant.
(6) Amount. The Building Official shall have authority to waive up to $1,000 per calendar
year, for any one parcel of real property or any one person. Requests for waiver in excess of that gr anted by
the Building Official shall be subject to approval of the City Council.
Sec. 5.416. SEVERABILITY.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this code is for any reason held to be invalid
or unconstitutional by the final decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect
the validity of the remaining portions of this code. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this
code and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, despite the fact that any one
or more section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion would be declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
(Ord. 3986; 03-03-09)
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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 ma nner 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 stopp ed,
in accord with provisions of this code.
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DIVISION VI
MEANS OF APPEAL
Sec. 5.600. BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
There is established a Building Board of Appeals to hear appeals of persons in matters of building
construction, safety and code compliance within the scope of the building, electrical, mechanical, and
plumbing codes as adopted by the City of Ames.
Sec. 5.601. APPEAL APPLICATION.
Any person directly affected by a decision of the Building Official or a notice or order issued under this code
shall have the right to appeal. That appeal shall be heard by the Building Board of Appeals. An appeal shall
be made in writing and be filed no later than twenty (20) days after the date of the notice or order. An
application for appeal shall be based on a claim that:
(1) the true intent of this Code or the rules legally adopted hereunder have been incorrectly
interpreted, or
(2) the provisions of this Code do not fully apply, or
(3) the requirements of this Code are adequately satisfied by other means, and the specific
proposed alternative action will increase the degree of general code compliance of the specific system or the
building and premises, or
(4) there are specific fixed conditions that make strict compliance with this Code
impracticable, or
(5) required actions cannot be completed within the time limit specified by the Building
Official
Sec. 5.602. BOARD MEMBERSHIP AND APPOINTMENT.
(1) The Board shall consist of seven members who are qualified by experience and training to
pass on matters pertaining to building construction and who are not employees of the City of Ames. The
Building Official shall be an ex-officio member but shall have no vote on any matter before the Board.
(2) Board members shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approva l of the City Council.
The term of office shall be for three (3) years, except for the terms of office for the Board when initially
established. The Mayor may prescribe a shorter than a full term of appointment in order to stagger terms. No
member who has served two (2) full consecutive terms is eligible for reappointment.
(3) Membership shall consist of:
1 licensed architect
1 professional engineer
1 general contractor
1 homebuilder
1 licensed journeyperson or master electrician, or electrical contractor
1 licensed journeyperson or master plumber, or plumbing contractor
1 licensed master hvac technician, or mechanical contractor
Sec. 5.603. BOARD CHAIRPERSON.
The Board shall annually elect one of its members to serve as chairperson.
Sec. 5.604. CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
A member shall not hear an appeal in which the member or immediate family member has a personal,
professional or financial interest.
Sec. 5.605. BOARD RECORDS.
The Building Official shall designate a qualified person to serve as secretary to the Board. The secretary shall
file a detailed record of all proceedings in the offices of the Inspection Division and the City Clerk.
Sec. 5.606. MEMBER COMPENSATION.
Members shall receive no compensation.
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Sec. 5.607. MEETING SCHEDULE.
The Board shall meet upon notice from the Building Official within 20 days of the filing of an appeal, or at
stated periodic dates. An appellant may waive a timely hearing by filing a written waiver explaining the
cause for seeking a delay.
Sec. 5.608. OPEN MEETINGS.
The Board shall adopt and make available to the public, procedures under which hearings will be conducted.
Sec. 5.609. BOARD AUTHORITY.
The Board has authority to affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the Building Official.
Sec. 5.610. ACTION ON BOARD DECISION.
The Building Official shall take prompt action in accordance with the decision of the Board.
Sec. 5.611. STAY OF ENFORCEMENT.
Appeal of a notice and order (other than an Imminent Danger notice) shall stay enforcement of the notice and
order until the appeal is heard by the Board.
Sec. 5.612. CODE AMENDMENTS.
(1) Authority - The Board of Appeals may recommend revisions to this Code.
(2) General - The model codes adopted in this chapter shall be retained in their entirety, unless
compelling factual evidence indicates that deviation from them is necessary to accomplish the objective of
the codes. Local geographic and climatic conditions, for example, require local modification of structural
design parameters, and are included in this code.
(3) Process - Proposed revisions are subject to public hearing and action at the Board level,
followed by Council discussion, public hearing, and action.
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DIVISION VII – Reserved
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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 negli gence, 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 Ci ty 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.
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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 li censed 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
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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 t han 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 r ailway 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 satisfact ory
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.
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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)
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DIVISION IX
(REPEALED) (Ord. No. 4510. 09-12-23)
63
Sup 2017-3 Rev. 07-01-17 8-5
CHAPTER 8
FIRE CODE
DIVISION I
ADOPTION
Sec. 8.101. INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE ADOPTED.
The 2024 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; E, Hazard Categories; H - HMMP and HMIS
Instructions , and I - Fire Protection Systems - Noncompliant Conditions; is hereby adopted by the City of Ames,
Iowa, for the purpose of prescribing regulations pertaini ng to conditions hazardous to life from fire and explosives,
together with the deletion, additions and modifications hereinafter stated.
DIVISION II
AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
Sec. 8.201. PERMITS.
Delete Section 105 of the International Fire Code relating to permits, except, add the following text:
105.5 Required operational permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue operational permits for the
operations set forth in Sections 105.5.2 through 105.5.53.
105.5.34 Mobile food preparation vehicles. An operational permit is required for mobile food preparation
vehicles equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease -laden vapors.
105.5.36 Open burning. An operational permit is required for the kindling or maintaining of an open fi re or a
fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground. Instructions and stipulations of the
permit shall be complied with.
Exception: Recreational fires.
105.6 Required construction permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue construction permits for
work as set forth in Sections 105.6.1 through 105.6.25.
[A] 105.6.1 Automatic fire-extinguishing systems. A construction permit is required for installation of or
modification to an automatic fire-extinguishing system, other than an automatic sprinkler system.
Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not
require a permit.
[A] 105.6.2 Automatic sprinkler systems. A construction permit is required for installation of o r modification
to an automatic sprinkler system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to
be a modification and does not require a permit.
[A] 105.6.7 Fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. A construction per mit is required for
installation of or modification to fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. Maintenance
performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a
construction permit.
[A] 105.6.8 Fire pumps and related equipment. A construction permit is required for installation of or
modification to fire pumps and related fuel tanks, jockey pumps, controllers and generators. Maintenance
performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a
construction permit.
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Sec. 8.202. AMENDMENTS
(1) Amend 103.1 Creation of agency. By deleting the text and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
The Ames Fire Department is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the fire code
official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of
this code.
(2) Amend Section 104.2.4.1 Individual Cases, by deleting the text and inserting the following in
lieu thereof: Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the fire
chief shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided the fire chief 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, life and fire safety
requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the fire
department.
(3) Amend Section 307 Opening Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces by
deleting the text and inserting the following in lieu thereof: 307.1 General. A person shall not kindle or maintain or
authorize to be kindled or maintained any open burning unless conducted and approved in a ccordance with Sections
307.1.1 through 307.5.
307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. The burning of garbage, refuse, and all other combustible materials is prohibited
except as specifically permitted by the fire chief as provided in the following exceptions.
Exception:
1. 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.
The burning of landscape waste shall be limited to areas located at least one-fourth mile from any building inhabited
by other than the landowner or tenant conducting the open burning. 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.
2. Open burning on public or private property. Prescribed burning for the purpose of reducing the impact of wildland
fire, including prairies, pastures, fields, yards and road ditches, may occur at such locations and under such
conditions as are granted advance written approval when authorized by the fire code official.
3. Training Fires. Fires set for the purpose of training of public or industrial employees in firefighting 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.
4. Storm damaged trees. Downed and damaged trees, limbs, and brush may be burned, immediately fol lowing 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.
307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105.5 prior
to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prev ention or control of
disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the
owner of the land on which the fire is to be kindled.
307.2.1 Authorization. Where required by state or local law or regulations, open burning shall only be permitted
with prior approval from the state or local air and water quality management a uthority, provided that all conditions
specified in the authorization are followed.
307.3 Extinguishment authority. Where open burning creates or adds to a hazardous situation, upon receipt of a
complaint regarding the smoke or odors from open fires, or a required permit for open burning has not been
obtained, the fire chief’s or their designee is authorized to order the extinguishment of the open burning operation.
307.4 Location. The location for open burning shall be not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) fro m any structure, and
provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of any structure.
Exceptions:
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1. Fires in approved containers that are not less than 15 feet (4572 mm) from a structure.
2. The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet (7620 mm) where the pile size is 3 feet (914
mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height.
307.4.1 Bonfires. Bonfires are prohibited. Any uncontained fire where the pile size is greater than 3 fee t in diameter
and/or greater than 2 feet in height shall be considered a bonfire.
307.4.2 Recreational fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or
combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be
eliminated prior to ignition.
307.4.3 Portable outdoor fireplaces. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material.
Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one- and two-family dwellings.
307.5 Attendance. Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be
constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Not fewer than one portable fire extinguisher complying with
Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand,
water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
(4) Delete Section 311.5 Placards.
(5) 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.
(6) Amend Section 503.3 by inserting the following: 503.3.1 Marking Specifications.
503.3.1.1 Dimensions. The “No Parking Fire Lane” sign shall be 12 inches wide and 18 inches high.
503.3.1.2 Characteristics. The signs are to be all-season durable with red lettering on a white background.
503.3.1.3 Where Required. No Parking Fire Lane” signs are required in areas that meet the following criteria:
1. Fire department access roadways less than 28 feet wide – Signs shall be posted on both sides.
2. Fire department access roadways between 28 feet wide and 34 feet wide – Signs shall be posted on one side only.
3. Fire department access roadways exceeding 34 feet wide – No Fire Lane restriction signage requirement.
503.3.1.4 Installation. The NO PARKING signs shall be installed as follows:
1. One at the beginning of the restriction (one arrow pointing towards the restriction zone).
2. One at the end of the restriction (one arrow pointing back into restricted zone).
3. One at least every 200 ft. within the restricted area (double arrow pointing in each direction, to indicate the
continuing restriction).
4. Spaced evenly within the restriction (for straight curbs/zones). For example, if the parking restriction zone is 400
ft. long, only one double arrow sign is required at a distance of 200 ft. from the beginning of the restriction. If the
restriction zone is 450 ft. long, two double arrow signs are required; spaced 150 ft. evenly from each other and from
the beginning/ending signs.
5. Spaced so that at least one readable sign is visible in front of a parked vehicle from any point along the restriction
(for curved curbs/zones and areas that may present visual obstacles).
6. Set at an angle of no fewer than 30 degrees and no more than 45 degrees with the lane of traffic flow visible to
approaching traffic.
503.3.1.5 Painting of Curbs or Streets. Fire lanes shall be painted with curb markings in addition to approved
signage.
(7) 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 issua nce 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.
(8) Delete Section 503.4.1 Traffic Calming Devices.
(9) Amend Section 506.1, Where required, by deleting the text and inserting the following in lieu
thereof: Knox® brand key boxes are required for ne w buildings equipped with monitored fire alarms, sprinkler
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systems, or as otherwise ordered by the fire code official. Key boxes sh all be installed in an approved location and
shall contain keys to gain necessary access for life -saving or fire-fighting purposes.
(10) Amend Section 904.4.1, Sprinkler system supervision and alarms, by adding the following
exception: Post indicator valves that are locked in the open position.
(11) Amend Section 903.4.3, Alarms, by deleting the existing text and inserting the following text:
An approved audible/visual device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved locatio n, shall be
connected to every automatic sprinkler system. Additional notification devices may be required on the interior of
the building. Such sprinkler water -flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a
single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a fire alarm system is installed, activation
of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
(12) Amend Section to 907.2.9.4, Group R-2,
Notwithstanding the exceptions noted herein, an automatic fire alarm system shall be installed throughout all interior
corridors serving sleeping units.
(13) Amend Chapter 11, Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings, by adding the
following:
1108.1 Compliance with the provisions of this Chapter shall be completed within a time schedule approved by the
fire chief. The fire chief has approved an Ames City Council recommende d completion date of July 1, 2020 for
Section 1103.7.6, Group R-2, which states that a fire alarm system, in accordance with the City of Ames adopted
fire code, shall be installed in existing Group R -2 occupancies more than three stories in height or with more than 16
dwelling or sleeping units.
(14) Add the following local provision:
The Fire Department is hereby authorized to perform periodic life safety inspections of Supervised Transitional
Homes, as defined by Section 29 of the Ames Municipal Code. Fire Department personnel shall i nitially inspect
applicable homes upon permit request and triennially thereafter, for compliance with basic life safety requirements
including but not limited to operable windows, means of egress, egress widows/emergency escape openings, fire
protection systems, smoke detectors, and portable fire extinguishers, for the duration of the use.
(15) 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, FS-RL, FS-RM, F-PRD, S-SMD and 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 provid ed and available. Any installation
shall be in compliance with state and local codes. This section shall not apply to underground heating oil
installations.
(16) Add the following local provision:
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, FS-RL, FS-RM, F-PRD, S-SMD and 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.
(17) Add the following local provision:
ZONING DISTRICT RESTRICTIONS ON STORAGE OF MORE THAN 100LBS LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM
GASES.
The limits in which storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted, are hereby established as follows: RL, RM, RH,
RLP, UCRM, FS-RL, FS-RM, F-PRD, S-SMD and S-HM Zoning Districts. The fire chief, or designees, will have
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the authority to alter or allow installations in prohibited zones after the cons ideration 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. 8.301 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 t he lowest level of
fire department vehicle access.
(2) Retrofit Requirements. The following existing buildings shall be retrofitte d with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 403.2 of the 2003 International Building Code and Section 903 of the
2003 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) 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 Ap peals prior to
October 1, 2010. If granted an extension for three years, the implementation period would end on October 1, 20 14.
(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
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FIRE PERFORMANCE ART
Sec. 8.401 Fire performance art.
(1) General. The term "Fire performance art" is defined as any act (fire juggling, fire eating, etc.) in a public or
private place, which utilizes fire for entertainment purposes, outside of a protective housing or in ways in which it
travels through the air (by one person or multiple persons). These acts do not include pyrotechnics or other open
flame devices as regulated by other code sections or permits.
(2) Permits. An operational permit in accordance with the edition of the International Fire Code currently adopted
by the City of Ames must be obtained from the fire code official prior to the date of the fire performance art taking
place.
(3) Space Considerations. A ten (10) foot distance must be maintained between the fire-involved item and any
member of an audience, any combustible decoration/construction, and any combustible item within the immediate
performance area. A minimum ten (10) foot ceiling height is required.
(4) Extinguishing Agents. At minimum, one (1) 2A-10BC multipurpose fire extinguisher is required for every five
(5) performers at each performance. Additional fire extinguishers may be required by the fire code official based
upon the unique circumstances of the performance and occupancy.
(a) One (1) wet towel for each active fire performer must be provided and readily available to extinguish
the fire implement. The towel must be white in color to differentiate its use from other colors that may be used to
clean up flammable or combustible liquid spills. Towels used for cl eaning up flammable or combustible liquid spills
must be stored in an approved metal container with a tight-fitting lid.
(b) One (1) listed fire blanket must be provided and readily available for every five (5) performers.
(5) Personal Safety. A five (5) gallon open-topped bucket of water must be provided and readily available for each
fire performance area.
(a) Spotter. There must be one (1) trained spotter for each performance. The spotter must be positioned
between the active fire performer and the audience. Spotters must be trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers.
The spotter may be a performer who is not engaged in the current performance. The fire code official may require
additional spotters based on the unique circumstances of the performance and occupancy.
(6) Fuels. Approved common fuels used for fire performance art include: denatured alcohol; lamp oil (odorless and
smokeless); kerosene (for outdoor performances only); stove fuel; "Shell Sol T" brand fuel; "Allume Feu" brand
fuel; "Fire Water" brand fuel. Gasoline is prohibited under all circumstances.
(a) Fuel Quantities and Storage. All fuels must be stored in their original container(s) with the caps in
place when not in use. The maximum quantity of fuel on site must be no more than one (1) US gallon per performer.
(7) Wicks. Wick material must consist of cotton wrapped in Kevlar to prevent the breakdown of the cotton as it
burns. All synthetic wick material must be avoided.
(8) Clothing. It is recommended that the clothing worn by the performers be made of fire resistive materials such as
natural fibers or Nomex/PBI.
(9) Smoking. Smoking is prohibited within fifty (50) feet of the performance area and fuel storage. No smoking
signs must be posted accordingly.
(10) Insurance policy required; Amount. Before an operational permit is issued for a fire performance art, insurance
is required for all special events. The applicant is required to furnish the City of Ames with a certificate of
insurance, written by a company authorized to transact business in the state of Iowa, evidencing the following
coverage:
Comprehensive General Liability Insurance with limits no less than $500,000 combined single limit per
occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage.
The policy shall name the City of Ames as an Additional Insured and require 30 -days written notice of
cancellation. The coverage shall be as broad as the ISO Form Number CG0001 covering commercial
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general liability on an occurrence basis only.
DIVISION V
BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
Sec. 8.501. BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS HAS JURISDICTION.
The provisions of Section 108.1 of the IFC notwithstanding, the Ames Building 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 of this Fire Code,
except those relating to open burning.
The Ames Building Board of Appeals is authorized to grant two year extensions for the implementation period for
sprinkler systems as defined in Section 8.301.
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 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. Recommenda tions shall be
forwarded to the City Council for final action.
DIVISION VI
PENALTY
Sec. 8.601 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 $750
for a person’s first violation thereof, and a penalty of $1000 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; Ord. No. 3924, 06-26-07;Ord. No.
4045, 9-28-10; Ord. No. 4310, 6-13-17).
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ORDINANCE NO. ______
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE
OF THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING
CHAPTER 5 THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
UPDATING BUILDING AND TRADE CODES
REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS
OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF
SUCH CONFLICT; 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 amending Chapter 5 as follows:
“***
Sec. 5.100. TITLE & ADOPTION.
***
(4) Buildings and Structures. The provisions of the International Building
Code (IBC) 2015 2024 Edition published by the International Code Council, Inc., except
for the deletion of Chapter 1 Scope and Administration, 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.
***
(5) One- and Two-Family Dwellings. The provisions of the International
Residential Code for One- and Two family Dwellings (IRC) 2024 Edition published by the
International Code Council, Inc., except for the deletion of J-Chapter 1 Scope and
Administration; Part VII – Plumbing; Part VIII – Electrical; and with the addition of
Appendix BO Existing Buildings and structures as adopted and amended in this
municipal code chapter, shall apply to the construction, 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.
Exceptions:
1. Live/work units complying with the requirements of Section 419 508.5 of the
International Building Code shall be permitted to be built as one- and two-family
dwellings or townhouses. Fire suppression required by Section 419.5 508.5 of the
International Building Code when constructed under the International Residential Code
for One- and Two-family Dwellings shall conform to Section P2904.
2. Owner-occupied lodging houses with five or fewer guestrooms shall be
permitted to be constructed in accordance with the International Residential Code for
One- and Two-family Dwellings when equipped with a fire sprinkler system in
accordance with Section P2904.
***
(6) Accessibility. The provisions of Chapter 11 of the International Building
Code 2015 Edition, published by the International Code Council, Inc., and by reference,
ICC A117.1-2009 published by the International Code Council, Inc., entitled Accessible
71
and Usable Buildings and Facilities, 2009 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 one- and two-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 103A.7, and Administrative Rule 661-
Chapter 302 shall be considered in compliance with this code.
(7) Energy. The provisions of the State of Iowa Building Code Sections
481.301.24 and 481.301.25 Residential Energy Code and Non-Residential Energy Code
103A.8A, Energy Conservation Requirements, and Administrative Rule 661-Chapter 303
shall govern the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.
(8) Existing Buildings.
The provisions of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) 2015 2024 Edition
published by the International Code Council, Inc., except for the deletion of Chapter 1
Scope and Administration, 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.
(9) Fire prevention. The provisions of the International Fire Code (IFC)
2015 2024 Edition published by the International Code Council, 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.
(10) Electrical. The National Electrical Code, 2020 edition, published by the National
Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts, is hereby
adopted and amended in this code as the electrical code of the City of Ames and shall
govern electrical work and installations in the City of Ames, except for such specific,
higher standards and requirements as have been or may from time to time be enacted
by the City of Ames. The provisions of the National Electrical Code, published by the
National Fire Protection Association and currently adopted by the State of Iowa, are
hereby adopted in full except for specific modifications, amendments, and deletions as
adopted by the State of Iowa.
(11) Mechanical. The provisions of the International Mechanical Code (IMC)
2021 2024 Edition, published by the International Code Council, 4051 West Flossmoor
Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478, are is hereby adopted by reference with
amendments as the City of Ames Mechanical Code.
(12) Plumbing. The provisions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC),
Sections 101 and 102 and Chapters 2 through 17 of the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021
2024 Edition as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical
Officials, 4755 E. Philadelphia Street, Ontario, California 91761-2816, except for the
deletion of Chapter 1 Administration and with the addition of Appendices A and M is are
hereby adopted by reference with amendments as the City of Ames Plumbing Code. and
amended in this code as the plumbing code of the City of Ames and shall govern
plumbing work and installations in the City of Ames. Fuel Gas piping shall comply with
72
Chapter 12 of the UPC, 2024 Edition, unless the provisions conflict with 661-Chapter
226, in which case 661-Chapter 226 governs.
(13) Gas. Fuel gas piping installations shall comply with the requirements of
NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, current edition as published by the National Fire
Protection Association; NFPA 58 Liquified Petroleum Gas Code, current edition, as
published by the National Fire Protection Association; the provisions of 481-Chapter 286;
and Chapter 12 of the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 2024 Edition, as published by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. 4755 E. Philadelphia
Street, Ontario, California 91761-2816 and adopted by the City of Ames with
amendments, unless the provisions conflict with the Iowa Administrative code (IAC) 661-
Chapter 226, Liquified Petroleum Gas. Where Chapter 12(2021UPC) conflicts with 661 -
chapter 226(IAC), the provisions of Chapter 226 shall be followed
(14) Elevators. Design review, construction inspections, and periodic
maintenance inspections of elevators are all within the scope of authority of the Elevator
Safety Board, as detailed in State of Iowa Code Chapter 89A, Elevators, and Iowa
Administrative rule 481 Chapter 371, Administration of the Conveyance Safety Program
875 - Chapter 72, and such work shall comply with those standards and procedures.
(15) Factory built structures. The provisions of Iowa Code Section 103A.910
(3) 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 certificate, and proof of compliance with Iowa
Codes Section 103A.59, Certification of Manufactured or Mobile Home Installers
Certification Home Installers, and Iowa Administrative Rule 661 481 - Chapter 372 325,
Licensing of Manufactured Housing Retailers, Manufacturers and Distributors Housing
Installer Certification shall be accepted in lieu of local inspections. Footings, foundations,
electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work performed in conjunction with the placement
of such factory built structures are subject to permits and inspections as provided in this
chapter. Building permit fees for factory built structures 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. 5.102. INSPECTION DIVISION.
***
(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.
***
Sec. 5.103. PERMITS REQUIRED.
***
(3) Contractor licenses and registration required. Permits shall not be
issued to persons or companies who are not licensed by the State of Iowa and
registered with the City of Ames, except as specifically exempted in this code. Permitted
electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work must be performed by licensed persons,
except as specifically exempted in other sections of this code.
***
(9) Time limitation of application. An application for a permit of any
proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 365 days after the date of
filing unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been
73
issued. If no work occurs on a permitted project within 365 days after issuance, the
project shall be viewed as abandoned, and a new permit must be issued to restart the
project. Except, the Building Official may grant one or more 90 day extensions for
unusual circumstances, upon receipt of a written request.
***
Sec. 5.104. BUILDING PERMITS NOT REQUIRED. No building permit is required
for: The following do not require building permits but are subject to Building and
Zoning Code requirements:
(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. Residential
remodels that do not include new walls, wall framing, openings, structural alterations or
wall furring on the interior face of exterior walls. This does not exempt modifications or
alterations to fire rated assemblies or mitigation efforts from fire and/or water damage.
(2) Residential or commercial door and window replacements when rough
openings are not enlarged in width. the existing load bearing elements 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 120 200 square
feet.
(4) Fences, other than swimming pool barriers.
***
(6) Sidewalks and driveways.
***
(12) Awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54
inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
(13) Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, ramps, counters and
partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.
***
(15) Replacement of siding and shingles, or other roof/wall covering.
(16) Replacement of shingles or other roof covering.
***
Sec. 5.110. SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS.
Construction documents, shall be submitted in one or more sets with each building
permit application. Construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design
professional where required by the statutes of the State of Iowa. Where special
conditions exist, the Building Official is authorized to require additional construction
documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.
***
(2) Fire protection system shop drawings. Shop drawings for the fire
protection system(s) shall be submitted to indicate conformance with this code and the
project 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 the 2012 2024 IBC Chapter 9, Fire Protection Systems.
***
Sec. 5.112. FEES
***
(3) Building permit valuations. The applicant for a building permit shall
provide an estimated permit value at time of application. The term ‘permit value’ or
74
‘permit valuation’ means the actual cost of construction, including all materials and labor
for all building, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing equipment and permanent
building systems. If, in the opinion of the Building Official, the valuation is
underestimated on the application, the submitted permit valuation shall not be accepted
unless the applicant can show verifiable project documents, estimates, or signed
contracts to substantiate the submittal. Final building permit valuation shall be
determined by the Building Official.
(4) City assessor valuations to be used. ICC Building Valuation Data
Table to be used. The Building Official shall use average square foot building
construction costs as provided by the Ames City Assessor when calculating building
permit fees listed in the most recent International Code Council publication of Building
Valuation Data for new residential and commercial buildings, additions, and extensive
interior renovations, in absence of more specific data. Such average square foot costs
are base valuations for typical buildings of good quality. Buildings of higher quality will be
valued at appropriately higher valuations. Square foot costs are adjusted periodically
biannually every February and August to reflect changes in material and labor costs, as
reported by the Ames City Assessor International Code Council.
(5) Appeal of building permit valuation. A request to appeal the Building
Official’s determination of building permit valuation may be filed with the Building Official
for cause. Such request must be in writing, and 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 permit valuation, appropriate adjustment will be
made to the permit valuation and the permit fee.
***
Sec. 5.115. MECHANICAL INSPECTIONS.
(1) Mechanical inspections. The Building Official shall make inspections of
the following as necessary to assure compliance with this Code:.
(2a) Underground inspection. Underground inspections shall be made
after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and
before backfill is put in place. When Where 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.
(3b) Rough-in inspection. Rough-in inspections 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.
(4c) 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 of the 2024 IMC
shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection.
***
Sec. 5.118. INFRASTRUCTURE TO BE INSTALLED.
(1) Except for single family and two family structures, no building permit shall
be issued for construction of a new principle building or addition to an existing principle
structure unless sidewalks, shared use paths, street lights, street paving, and dedicated
rights-of-way or easements, in satisfactory condition and consistent with the
requirements of Division IV, Design and Improvements Standards of Chapter 23,
Subdivisions are adjacent to the subject property. Applications for building permits
75
consistent with a site development plan approved prior to August 15, 2015 are exempt
from this requirement.
(2) Except for single family and two family structures, no building permit shall
be issued for substantial improvements to an existing principle building for complete
applications submitted after November 1, 2015 unless sidewalks, shared use paths,
street lights, street paving, and dedicated rights-of-way or easements, in satisfactory
condition and consistent with the requirements of Division IV, Design and Improvements
Standards of Chapter 23, Subdivisions are adjacent to the subject property.
***
Sec. 5.200. BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.
The provisions of the 2015 2024 International Building Code (IBC), are amended with
the revision of the following text as stated:
(1) The IBC is amended by adding Climatic and Geographical Design Criteria
to include the following local values in conjunction with Chapter 16 Structural Design:
Ground Snow Load (lbs) 25
Wind Speed (mph) 115
Topographic Effects No
Special Wind Region No
Wind Borne Debris Zone No
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
***
(4) Section 903.4.2, Alarms is amended by deleting the existing text and
inserting the following text: An approved audible/visual device, located on the exterior of
the building in an approved location, shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler
system. Additional notification devices may be required on the interior of the building.
Such sprinkler water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to
the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a
fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate
the building fire alarm system.
***
(6) Section 1009.2 Continuity and components. The first sentence is
amended to read: Each required accessible means of egress shall be continuous to a
public way, shall be hard-surfaced, and shall consist of one or more of the following
components.
(74) Section 1011.12 Stairway to roof is amended by deleting the Exception
and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
Exception: Other than where required by Section 1011.12.1, in buildings
without an occupied occupiable roof access to the roof from the top story shall be
permitted to be by a ship’s ladder of or a permanent ladder.
(85) Section 1011.14 Alternating Tread Devices is amended by removing
“and for access to unoccupied unoccupiable roofs” from the text.
76
(9) Section 1028.5 Access to a public way is amended to read: The exit
discharge shall provide a direct, hard-surfaced, and unobstructed access to a public
way.
***
(117) Section 1801.32 Foundations – Concrete encased electrode.
Concrete footings for new buildings and additions shall have a minimum of a #4
reinforcing bar or bare copper conductor sized per the Table 250.66 of the City of Ames
currently adopted National Electrical Code as a grounding electrode conductor encased
in concrete for 20 feet minimum with a minimum of 2 tie wires for use as a concrete
encased electrode.
***
(1410) Addition of Section 1809.1415 Demolition of shallow foundations.
Where a structure has been demolished or removed, all shallow foundations shall be
removed in their entirety and the excavation shall be filled and maintained with clean fill
material to the existing grade. Removal shall include, but is not limited to the removal of
the entire basement including walls, floors, footings, and foundations.
***
(1612) Section 2308.3.1 2308.7.1 Foundation plates or sills is amended by
replacing “and not spaced more than 6 feet apart” with “and spaced not more than 4 feet
apart” “Bolts shall be spaced not more than 6 feet on center” with “Bolts shall be spaced
not more than 4 feet on center”.
Sec. 5.201. ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS.
The provisions of the 2015 2024 International Residential Code for One- and Two-family
Dwellings (IRC), are amended by revising the following text as stated:
(1) Table R301.2(1), Climatic and Geographical Design Criteria is amended
to include the following local values:
Ground Snow Load (lbs.) 25 33
Wind Speed (mph) 115 110
Topographic Effects No
Special Wind Region No
Wind Borne Debris Zone No
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
***
(3) Section R302.13 Fire protection of floors is deleted in its entirety.
(43) Section R311.3.2 R318.3.2 Floor elevations for at other exterior doors
is amended by deleting the exception and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
Exception: A top landing is not required where a stairway of not more than three risers
is located on the exterior side of the door, provided the door does not swing over the
stairway. An exterior landing or floor is not required at the exterior doorway where a
77
stairway of not more than three risers is located on the exterior side of the door, provided
the door does not swing over the stairway.
(5) Section R311.7.8.2 Continuity is amended by adding Exception 3:
(3) Handrails may be interrupted at the point of transition from handrail to
guardrail on
stairways open on both sides at the bottom of a flight of stairs.
(64) Section R313.1 R309.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems is
amended by deleting the text of that section and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
Automatic residential sprinkler systems shall not be required in townhouses.
(75) Section R313.2 R309.2 One- and Two-family dwellings automatic fire
systems is amended by deleting the text of that section and inserting the following in
lieu thereof: Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems shall not be required in one- and
two-family dwellings.
(86) Section R314.2.2 R310.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions is
amended by deleting “When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur,
or”. by deleting Exception 2 and inserting the following in lieu thereof: “Installation,
alteration, or repairs of plumbing, mechanical, or electrical systems.”
(9) Section R314.6 Power source is amended by deleting Exceptions 1 and 2
and adding Battery operated smoke alarms installed in accordance with Section 314.2.2
shall be allowed for existing sleeping areas.
(10) Section R315.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions. The first sentence
is amended to read: When one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in an
existing dwelling that has an attached garage or within which a fuel-burning appliance
exists, carbon monoxide alarms shall be required outside each separate sleeping area
and in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on every story of the dwelling. Carbon
monoxide alarms shall be hard-wired, interconnected, and shall have battery backup.
(11) Section R315.5 Power source is amended by deleting Exceptions 1 and
2.
(7) Section R.311.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions is amended by
deleting Exception 2 and inserting the following in lieu thereof: “Installation, alteration, or
repairs of plumbing, mechanical or electrical systems when such systems do not include
a fuel-fired appliance.”
(8) Section 320.5 Continuity is amended by adding Exception 3 as follows:
“Handrail is permitted to terminate no more than three risers prior to the bottom nosing of
the flight of stairs when the stairs are open on both sides.
***
(14) Section R403.1 General is amended by adding the following text: An
Iowa licensed architect or engineer shall determine footing size and structural design for
residential structures supported by post and beam construction and having a common
roof with the house.
***
(1612) Addition of Section R401.4.3 Demolition of foundations. Where a
structure has been demolished or removed, all foundations shall be removed in their
entirety and the excavation shall be filled and maintained with clean fill material to the
existing grade. Removal shall include, but is not limited to the removal of the entire
basement including walls, floors, footings, and foundations.
***
(1814) Section R403.1.6 Foundation Anchorage is amended by deleting
“maximum of 6 feet” “not greater than 6 feet” and inserting in lieu thereof “maximum of 4
feet “not greater than 4 feet” and by adding Exception 3 as follows: “Where the basic
wind speed does not exceed 115 mph, the seismic design category is A or B, and
78
method GB in accordance with Section R602.10 is used for a braced wall line on the
interior of the dwelling, anchor bolts shall not be required for the wood sole plates of the
braced wall panels. Positive anchorage with approved fasteners shall be provided.”.
***
(2016) Section R326.1 R328.1 General is amended by replacing General with
BARRIER REQUIREMENTS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, AND HOT TUBS FOR
ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, removing the text of that section and inserting
the following in lieu thereof:
***
(b2) Outdoor pools. An outdoor pool, including an in-ground, above-ground or on-
ground pool shall be surrounded by a barrier which shall comply with the
following items 1-15 (a-o):
***
4. (d) Mesh fences, other than chain link fences, in compliance with the
following number 7 letter (g), shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions and comply with the following:
***
11. (k) Access gates shall comply with the requirements of items (b) 12
and (b) 13 (2)(l) and (2)(m) and shall be equipped to accommodate a
locking device. Pedestrian access gates shall open outward away from
the pool, and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Gates
other than pedestrian access gates, such as utility or service gates, shall
remain locked when not in use.
12. (l) Double gates or multiple gates shall have at least one leaf secures
in place and the adjacent leaf shall be secured with a self-latching device.
The gate and barrier shall not have openings larger than 1/2 inch within
18 inches of the latch release mechanism. The self-latching device shall
comply with item (b) 13 (2)(m).
***
13. (o) An onground pool wall structure or a barrier mounted on top of an
onground pool wall structure shall serve as a barrier where all of the
following conditions are present:
(i) Where only the pool wall serves as the barrier, the bottom of
the wall is on grade, the topof the wall is not less than 48 inches
above grade for the entire perimeter of the pool, the wall
complies with the requirements of items (b) 1-10 (2)(a-j) above
and the pool manufacturer allows the wall to serve as a barrier.
(ii) Where a barrier is mounted on top of the pool wall, the top of
the barrier is not less than 48 inches above grade for the entire
perimeter of the pool, the wall complies with the requirements of
(b) 1-10 (2)(a-j) and the pool manufacturer allows the wall to
serve as a barrier.
(iii) Ladders or steps used as means of access to the pool are
capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access
except where the ladder or steps are surrounded by a barrier that
meets the requirements of (18) (14) above.
(iv) Openings created by the securing, locking or removal of
ladders and steps do not allow the passage of a 4-inch sphere.
79
(v) Barriers that are mounted on top of onground pool walls are
installed in accordance with the pool manufacturer’s instructions.
(c3) Indoor pools shall be surrounded by a barrier that complies with Sec. 5.201
(1820) a or b.
(2117) Appendix J BO is amended by deleting Section AJ102.5 BO102.7 Flood
Hazard areas.
(2218) Appendix J BO is amended by deleting Section AJ301.2 BO104.3 Water
Closets.
(2319) Appendix J BO is amended by deleting Section AJ301.3 BO104.4
Electrical including the Exceptions.
(2420) Appendix J BO is amended by deleting Section AJ501.5 BO105.5
Electrical equipment and wiring and associated subsections.
***
Sec. 5.205. ELECTRICAL. RESERVED
The provisions of the National Electrical Code (NEC), 2020 edition, are hereby amended
as follows:
(1) Delete section 210.8(A) and insert in lieu thereof the following new section:
210.8(A) Dwelling Units.
All 125-volt receptacles installed in locations specified in 210.8(A)(1) through
210.8(A)(11) shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
(1) Bathrooms
(2) Garages and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below
grade level not intended to be habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas
or similar use
(3) Outdoors
Exception to (3): Receptacles that are not readily accessible and are supplied by a
branch circuit dedicated to electrical snow-melting, deicing, or pipeline and vessel
heating equipment shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with 426.28 or
427.22, as applicable.
(4) Crawl spaces – at or below grade level
(5) Basements
Exception to (5): A receptacle supplying only a permanently installed fire alarm or
burglar alarm system shall not be required to have ground-fault circuit-interrupter
protection.
Informational Note: See 760.41B and 760.121(B) for power supply requirements
for fire alarm
systems.
Receptacles installed under the exception to 210.8(A)(5) shall not be considered
as meeting the requirements of 210.52(G)
(6) Kitchens – where the receptacles are installed to serve the countertop
surfaces
(7) Sinks – where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) from the top inside
edge of the bowl of the sink.
(8) Boathouses
(9) Bathtubs or shower stalls – where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft)
of the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall
(10) Laundry areas
80
Exception to (1) through (3), (5) through (8), and (10): Listed locking support and
mounting receptacles utilized in combination with compatible attachment fittings
installed for the purpose of serving a ceiling luminaire or ceiling fan shall not be required
to be ground-fault circuit-interrupter protected. If a general-purpose convenience
receptacle is integral to the ceiling luminaire or ceiling fan, GFCI protection shall be
provided.
(11) Indoor damp and wet locations
(2) Delete section 210.8(F).
(3) Section 334.10, Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable, Uses Permitted, is amended
by deleting Subsection (3) therefrom and inserting in lieu thereof a new
Subsection (3): All other structures shall be wired using other methods as
allowed by the NEC.
(4) Section 5.205(1) and Section 5.205(2) shall expire and become null and void after
January 1, 2022, unless thereafter amended or appealed.
Sec. 5.206. MECHANICAL.
The adopted provisions of the 2021 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), are
amended as follows:
(1) Section 101.2 Scope. is amended by deleting the words ‘by the International Fuel
Gas Code’ in the last sentence and inserting the following in lieu thereof: ‘by Chapter 12
of the UPC as stated in Section 5.100(13) of this Chapter’.
(2) Section 101.2 Scope. is amended by deleting the following: “Exception: Detached
one- and two- family dwellings and townhomes not more than three stories above grade
plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more
than three stories above grade plane in height shall comply with this code or the
International Residential Code.”
***
(64) Section 306.5. Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures. is
amended by adding the following to the end of the section: “If the tenants of a multiple
tenant building have, or are allowed to have, mechanical facilities on the roof or which
penetrate the roof, then roof access ladders must be provided for use by all such tenants
and their agents and contractors in a manner that does not require accessing space
under the control of another tenant.” And deleting the following exception “Exception:
This section shall not apply to Group R-3 occupancies.” Also adding the following new
subsection, “306.5.3 Visual screening of rooftop equipment. Equipment screening
shall not be installed to the rooftop unit or the curb of the rooftop unit unless specified in
the mechanical equipment manufacturer's installation instructions.”
(7) Section 306.5.3 Visual screening of rooftop equipment. is amended by adding
the following new subsection: “Section 306.5.3 Visual screening of rooftop
equipment. Equipment screening shall not be installed to the rooftop unit or the curb of
the rooftop unit unless specified in the mechanical equipment manufacturer’s installation
instructions.”
(85) Section 401.1 Scope. is amended by deleting the section in its entirety and
inserting the following section in lieu thereof: “Section 401.1 Scope. This chapter shall
govern the ventilation of spaces within a building intended to be occupied. These
buildings shall meet either the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.1, “Ventilation for
Acceptable Indoor Air Quality,” 2019 edition, published by the American Society of
81
Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, 1791 Tullie Circle N.E., Atlanta,
GA 30329, or the requirements contained in this chapter. Mechanical exhaust systems,
including exhaust systems serving clothes dryers and cooking appliances; hazardous
exhaust systems; dust, stock, and refuse conveyor systems; sub slab soil exhaust
systems; smoke control systems; energy recovery ventilation systems; and other
systems specified in Section 502 shall comply with Chapter 5 of the 2021 2024
International Mechanical Code.”
(96) Table 403.3.1.1 Minimum Ventilation Rates: is amended by adding the following
footnotes:
im. For gym, stadium, arena (play area) categories of the sports and amusement
occupancy classification, Related to the gym, stadium, arena (play area) category “when
combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface, additional dilution
ventilation and/or source control shall be provided.
jn. Anywhere the term “smoking lounges” appears: “For ventilation purposes,
“smoking” includes both combustible tobacco products and accessories and electronic
smoking devices and accessories.
(107) Section 504.9.2 Duct installation. is amended by deleting the section in its
entirety and inserting the following section in lieu thereof: “504.89.2 Duct installation.
Exhaust ducts shall:
a. bBe supported at 4-foot (1219 mm) intervals and secured in place.
b. The insert end of the duct shall extend into the adjoining duct or fitting in the
direction of airflow. Ducts shall
c. nNot be joined by screws or similar fasteners that protrude into the inside of
the duct.”
***
(1815) Section 607.6.2.1.3. is amended by is amended by adding inserting the following
new subsection: “607.6.2.1.3 Access. Access to ceiling radiation dampers shall must
be provided with an approved means of access that is large enough to permit inspection
and maintenance of the damper and its operating parts. Dampers equipped with fusible
links, and-internal operators for both shall be provided with either an access door that is
not less than 12 inches (305mm) square, or a removable duct section.”
(1916) Section 607.6.2.1.4. is amended by inserting the following new subsection:
“607.6.2.1.4 Identification of access. Access to ceiling radiation damper locations and
access points shall be permanently identified on the exterior by a label or marking
acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.”
***
Sec. 5.208 PLUMBING.
The adopted provisions of the 2021 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), are amended
as follows:
(1) Section 102.4.1 Building Sewers and Drains. is amended by adding the
following new section: “Section 102.4.1.1 Building Demolition. Whenever a structure
or building is to be demolished, before demolition begins the following must be
completed:
(a) Building sewer capped at curb line with a manufactured plug.
(b) Foundation line capped at curb line with a manufactured plug.
(c) Water service capped or plugged at main.
(d) Plumbing inspector sign-off on demolition sheet given to contractor
before demolition permit is issued.”
82
***
(7) Section 402.5 Setting. is amended by adding the following sentence to the
end of the section that begins “Exception:”: “Sanitary napkin receptors are not
dispensers and shall not be within the clear space of the water closet.”
***
(9) Section 408.3.2 Temperature Limiting.
Amend this section by adding the following to the end of (3): “and installed at or as
close as possible to the point of use.”
Amend this section by adding the following to the end of (5): “may be used
downstream of other allowed device. TAFR valves are not intended to be installed in
place of devices complying with ASSE 1016, ASSE 1017, ASSE 1066, ASSE 1069, or
ASSE 1070.”
(108) Section 408.0 Showers. is amended by adding a new subsection: “Section
408.1112 Shampoo Bowls and Grooming Stations. Limitation of Hot Water
Temperature of Hair Shampoo Bowls and Pet Grooming Stations. The maximum hot
water temperature discharging from hair shampoo bowls and pet grooming stations shall
be limited to 120ºF (49ºC). The maximum temperature shall be regulated by one of the
following means, which shall be installed at or as close as possible to the point of use:
“(1) A limiting device conforming to ASSE 1070, ASME A112.1070, CSA B125.70,
or CSA B125.3.
“(2) A water heater conforming to ASSE 1084.”
***
(1513) Section 422.1 Fixture Count. (1) Amend the section by deleting the first
paragraph and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
“Plumbing fixtures shall be provided in each building for the type of
building occupancy and in the minimum number shown in Table 2902.1 and its
associated foot notes of the 2021 2024 International Building Code. Required public
facilities shall be designated by a legible sign for each sex. Signs shall be readily visible
and located near the entrance to each toilet facility.”
(2) Amend the section by deleting the second paragraph and inserting
the following in lieu thereof:
“The minimum number of fixtures shall be calculated at 50 percent male
and 50 percent female based on the total occupant load. Where information submitted
indicates a difference in the distribution of the sexes, such information shall be used to
determine the number of fixtures for each sex. Once the occupancy load and occupancy
are determined, Table 2902.1 of the 2021 International Building Code shall be applied to
determine the minimum number of plumbing fixtures required. When gender-neutral
restrooms are provided, the total number of fixtures provided must be the sum of men’s
and women’s fixtures as figured, and urinals in gender-neutral restrooms shall not be
substituted for more than 67 percent of men’s water closets in assembly and educational
occupancies or 50 percent of men’s water closets in all other occupancies. Where
gender-neutral fixtures are provided in addition to separate men’s and women’s facilities,
those gender-neutral fixtures shall be included in determining the number of fixtures
provided in an occupancy. Where applying the fixture ratios in Table 2902.1 results in
fractional numbers, such numbers shall be rounded to the next whole number. For
multiple occupancies, fractional numbers shall be first summed and then rounded to the
next whole number.”
(16) Section 422.1.1 Family or Assisted-Use Toilet and Bathing Facilities. is
amended by adding the following sentence to the end of the section: “Required family or
83
assisted-use fixtures are permitted to be included in the number of required fixtures for
either the male or female occupants in assembly and mercantile occupancies.”
***
(1916) Section 422.0 Minimum Number of Required Fixtures. is amended by
inserting the following new subsection: “422.68 Substitution for Water Closets. “In
each bathroom or toilet room, urinals shall not be substituted for more than 67 percent of
the required water closets in assembly and educational occupancies. Urinals shall not be
substituted for more than 50 percent of the required water closets in all other
occupancies. (Reprinted from the 2018 International Plumbing Code section 424.2)”
***
(2421) Section 609.1 Installation. is amended by adding deleting the last two
sentences and inserting the following: “Building supply yard piping shall be not less than
60 inches below earth cover.” The following subsections are also added to this section:
new sections 609.1.1 through 609.1.9
***
(2523) Section 609.12 Pipe Insulation and its subsections are. is deleted in its
their entirety and the following section is inserted in lieu thereof: “Section 609.12 Pipe
Insulation. Insulation of domestic hot water piping shall be in accordance with the
applicable energy conservation code.”
***
(2927) Section 610.8(6) Size of Meter and Building Supply Pipe Using Table
610.4 is amended by deleting the last sentence and inserting the following in lieu
thereof: “No building water service line shall be less than one (1) inch in diameter.”
***
(45) Section 906.7 Frost or Snow Closure. is amended by deleting “two (2)
inches (50.8mm)” in the first sentence and inserting “three (3) inches (76.2 mm)” in lieu
thereof.
***
(47) Section 1101.6.1 Discharge is deleted in its entirety and the following section
is inserted in lieu thereof: “Section 1101.6.1 Discharge. Subsoil drains must be piped to
a storm drain or to an approved water course. Where there is no sewer or water course
adjacent to the property, the subsoil drain must be piped to the front street over the top
of the curb or as approved by the Municipal Engineer. No subsoil drain line shall be
discharged onto a yard or into the building drain or sanitary sewer. No floor drain,
clothes washer, or any other plumbing fixture shall be discharged into the foundation
sump pit.
***
(5553) Section 1208.6.4.5 1208.5.3.5 Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing. is
deleted in its entirety and the following section is inserted in lieu thereof: “Section
1208.6.4.5 1208.5.3.5 Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing. Only CSST with an arc-
resistant jacket or covering system listed in accordance with ANSI LC-1 (Optional
Section 5.16)/CSA 6.26-2016 shall be installed, in accordance with the terms of its
approval, the conditions of listing, the manufacturer’s instructions and this code,
including electrical bonding requirements in Section 1211.2. CSST shall not be used for
through-wall penetrations from the point of delivery of the gas supply to the inside of the
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structure. CSST shall not be installed in locations where subject to physical damage
unless protected in an approved manner.”
***
(55) Section 1306.3 Report Items. Modify the section by deleting “Authority
Having Jurisdiction” and inserting “responsible facility authority” in lieu thereof.
Sec. 5.300. BUILDING CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION.
(1) Contractor registration required. Each person, firm, or corporation
performing work requiring a building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing, or sign permit
must possess a valid State Division of Labor registration number and provide proof of
same to the Inspection Division prior to permit issuance. For electrical, plumbing, and
HVAC contractors, possession of a State of Iowa contractor license shall serve as
evidence of registration with the Division of Labor.
***
Sec. 5.402. AUTHORITY.
(1) City Officials. 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.
***”
Section Two. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Three. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its
passage and publication as required by law.
Passed this day of , .
_____________________________ ___________________________
John A. Haila, Mayor
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
Passed on:
I, Renee Hall, City Clerk of the City of Ames, Iowa, hereby certify that the
above and foregoing is a true copy of Ordinance No. ______________, passed by the
City Council of said City at the meeting held on ______________________and signed
by the Mayor on ___________________________, and published in the Ames Tribune
on ___________________________.
________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
85
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE
OF THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING
CHAPTER 8 THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
UPDATING THE FIRE CODE REPEALING ANY AND
ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT; 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 amending Chapter 8 as follows:
“CHAPTER 8 FIRE CODE
DIVISION I ADOPTION
Sec. 8.101. INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE ADOPTED.
The 2015 2024 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, Hazard Categories; H - HMMP and HMIS Instructions , and I - Fire
Protection Systems - Noncompliant Conditions; 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.
DIVISION II AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS
Sec. 8.201. PERMITS.
Delete Section 105.5 of the International Fire Code relating to permits, except, add the
following text:
Section 105.7.1 Automatic fire-extinguishing systems. A construction permit is
required for installation of or modification to an automatic fire-extinguishing system.
Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification
and does not require a permit.
Section 105.7.6 Fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. A
construction permit is required for installations of or modification to fire alarm and
detection systems and related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with
this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.
105.5 Required operational permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue
operational permits for the operations set forth in Sections 105.5.34 and 105.5.36.
105.5.34 Mobile food preparation vehicles. An operational permit is required for
mobile food preparation vehicles equipped with appliances that produce smoke or
grease-laden vapors.
105.5.36 Open burning. An operational permit is required for the kindling or maintaining
of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground.
Instructions and stipulations of the permit shall be complied with.
Exception: Recreational fires.
105.6 Required construction permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue
construction permits for work as set forth in Sections 105.6.1,105.6.2, 105.6.7,
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and105.6.8.
[A] 105.6.1 Automatic fire-extinguishing systems. A construction permit is required
for installation of or modification to an automatic fire-extinguishing system, other than an
automatic sprinkler system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not
considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
[A] 105.6.2 Automatic sprinkler systems. A construction permit is required for
installation of or modification to an automatic sprinkler system. Maintenance performed
in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require
a permit.
[A] 105.6.7 Fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. A construction
permit is required for installation of or modification to fire alarm and detection systems
and related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not
considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.
[A] 105.6.8 Fire pumps and related equipment. A construction permit is required for
installation of or modification to fire pumps and related fuel tanks, jockey pumps,
controllers and generators. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not
considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.
Sec. 8.202. AMENDMENTS.
(1) Amend Section 103.1 Creation of agency. By deleting the text and inserting
the following in lieu thereof: The Ames Fire Department is hereby created and the official
in charge thereof shall be known as the fire code official. The function of the agency
shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this
code.
(12) Amend Section 104.8 104.2.4.1 Modifications Individual Cases, by
deleting the text and inserting the following in lieu thereof: Whenever there are practical
difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the fire chief shall have the
authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided the fire chief 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, life and fire safety requirements. The details of
action granting modifications shall be recorded an and entered in the files of the fire
department.
(2) Amend Section 307.4.3 Portable Outdoor Fireplaces, by deleting the
exception and inserting the following in lieu thereof: Recreational fires are permitted in
approved containers, such as chimineas, contained fire pit/ring, screened devices. 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.
(3) Amend Section 308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices, 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: Such devices are permitted in (1) one and two
family dwellings; and (2) where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an
automatic sprinkler system.
(3) Amend Section 307 Opening Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable
Outdoor Fireplaces by deleting the text and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
307.1 General. A person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or
maintained any open burning unless conducted and approved in accordance with
Sections 307.1.1 through 307.5.
307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. The burning of garbage, refuse, and all other
87
combustible materials is prohibited except as specifically permitted by the fire chief as
provided in the following exceptions.
Exception:
1. 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. The burning of landscape waste shall be limited to areas located at
least one-fourth mile from any building inhabited by other than the landowner or
tenant conducting the open burning. 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.
2. Open burning on public or private property. Prescribed burning for the
purpose of reducing the impact of wildland fire, including prairies, pastures,
fields, yards and road ditches, may occur at such locations and under such
conditions as are granted advance written approval when authorized by the fire
code official.
3. Training Fires. Fires set for the purpose of training of public or
industrial employees in firefighting 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.
4. 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.
307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in
accordance with Section 105.5 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range
or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire.
Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner
of the land on which the fire is to be kindled.
307.2.1 Authorization. Where required by state or local law or regulations, open
burning shall only be permitted with prior approval from the state or local air and water
quality management authority, provided that all conditions specified in the authorization
are followed.
307.3 Extinguishment authority. Where open burning creates or adds to a hazardous
situation, upon receipt of a complaint regarding the smoke or odors from open fires, or a
required permit for open burning has not been obtained, the fire chief’s or their designee
is authorized to order the extinguishment of the open burning operation.
307.4 Location. The location for open burning shall be not less than 50 feet (15 240
mm) from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading
to within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of any structure.
Exceptions:
1. Fires in approved containers that are not less than 15 feet (4572 mm)
from a structure.
2. The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet (7620
mm) where the pile size is 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610
mm) or less in height.
88
307.4.1 Bonfires. Bonfires are prohibited. Any uncontained fire where the pile size is
greater than 3 feet in diameter and/or greater than 2 feet in height shall be considered a
bonfire.
307.4.2 Recreational fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet
(7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to
spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
307.4.3 Portable outdoor fireplaces. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet
(3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material.
Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one- and two-family dwellings.
307.5 Attendance. Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable
outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Not fewer
than one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A
rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water
barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
(4) Delete Section 311.5 Placards.
***
(6) Amend Section 503.3 by inserting the following:
503.3.1 Marking Specifications.
503.3.1.1 Dimensions. The “No Parking Fire Lane” sign shall be 12 inches wide and 18
inches high.
503.3.1.2 Characteristics. The signs are to be all-season durable with red lettering on a
white background.
503.3.1.3 Where Required. No Parking Fire Lane” signs are required in areas that meet
the following criteria:
1. Fire department access roadways less than 28 feet wide – Signs shall
be posted on both sides.
2. Fire department access roadways between 28 feet wide and 34 feet
wide – Signs shall be posted on one side only.
3. Fire department access roadways exceeding 34 feet wide – No Fire
Lane restriction signage requirement.
503.3.1.4 Installation. The NO PARKING signs shall be installed as follows:
1. One at the beginning of the restriction (one arrow pointing towards the
restriction zone).
2. One at the end of the restriction (one arrow pointing back into restricted
zone).
3. One at least every 200 ft. within the restricted area (double arrow
pointing in each direction, to indicate the continuing restriction).
4. Spaced evenly within the restriction (for straight curbs/zones). For
example, if the parking restriction zone is 400 ft. long, only one double arrow sign
is required at a distance of 200 ft. from the beginning of the restriction. If the
restriction zone is 450 ft. long, two double arrow signs are required; spaced 150
ft. evenly from each other and from the beginning/ending signs.
5. Spaced so that at least one readable sign is visible in front of a parked
vehicle from any point along the restriction (for curved curbs/zones and areas
that may present visual obstacles).
6. Set at an angle of no fewer than 30 degrees and no more than 45
degrees with the lane of traffic flow visible to approaching traffic.
503.3.1.5 Painting of Curbs or Streets. Fire lanes shall be painted with curb markings
in addition to approved signage.
***
89
(8) Delete Section 503.4.1 Traffic Calming Devices.
***
(710) Amend Section 903.4 904.4.1, Sprinkler system supervision and
alarms, by adding the following exception: Post indicator valves that are locked in the
open position.
(811) Amend Section 903.4.2 903.4.3, Alarms, by deleting the existing text and
inserting the following text:
***
(912) Amend Section 907.2.9 907.2.9.4, 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.
(1013) Amend Chapter 11, Construction Requirements for Existing
Buildings, by adding the following to the end of this chapter: Compliance with the
provisions of this Chapter shall be completed within a time schedule approved by the fire
chief. The fire chief has approved an Ames City Council recommended completion date
of July 1, 2020 for Section 1103.7.6, Group R-2, which states that a fire alarm system, in
accordance with the City of Ames adopted fire code, shall be installed in existing Group
R-2 occupancies more than three stories in height or with more than 16 dwelling or
sleeping units. 1108.1 Compliance with the provisions of this Chapter shall be completed
within a time schedule approved by the fire chief. The fire chief has approved an Ames
City Council recommended completion date of July 1, 2020 for Section 1103.7.6, Group
R-2, which states that a fire alarm system, in accordance with the City of Ames adopted
fire code, shall be installed in existing Group R-2 occupancies more than three stories in
height or with more than 16 dwelling or sleeping units.
***
DIVISION IV
OPEN BURNING FIRE PERFORMANCE ART
Sec. 8.401 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 firefighting
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
90
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.
Sec. 8.401. FIRE PERFORMANCE ART.
(1) General. The term "Fire performance art" is defined as any act (fire juggling,
fire eating, etc.) in a public or private place, which utilizes fire for entertainment
purposes, outside of a protective housing or in ways in which it travels through the air
(by one person or multiple persons). These acts do not include pyrotechnics or other
open flame devices as regulated by other code sections or permits.
(2) Permits. An operational permit in accordance with the edition of the
International Fire Code currently adopted by the City of Ames must be obtained from the
fire code official prior to the date of the fire performance art taking place.
(3) Space Considerations. A ten (10) foot distance must be maintained between
the fire-involved item and any member of an audience, any combustible
decoration/construction, and any combustible item within the immediate performance
area. A minimum ten (10) foot ceiling height is required.
(4) Extinguishing Agents. At minimum, one (1) 2A-10BC multipurpose fire
extinguisher is required for every five (5) performers at each performance. Additional fire
extinguishers may be required by the fire code official based upon the unique
circumstances of the performance and occupancy.
(a) One (1) wet towel for each active fire performer must be provided and
readily available to extinguish the fire implement. The towel must be white in
color to differentiate its use from other colors that may be used to clean up
flammable or combustible liquid spills. Towels used for cleaning up flammable or
combustible liquid spills must be stored in an approved metal container with a
tight-fitting lid.
(b) One (1) listed fire blanket must be provided and readily available for
every five (5) performers.
(5) Personal Safety. A five (5) gallon open-topped bucket of water must be
provided and readily available for each fire performance area.
(a) Spotter. There must be one (1) trained spotter for each performance.
The spotter must be positioned between the active fire performer and the
audience. Spotters must be trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers. The
spotter may be a performer who is not engaged in the current performance. The
91
fire code official may require additional spotters based on the unique
circumstances of the performance and occupancy.
(6) Fuels. Approved common fuels used for fire performance art include:
denatured alcohol; lamp oil (odorless and smokeless); kerosene (for outdoor
performances only); stove fuel; "Shell Sol T" brand fuel; "Allume Feu" brand fuel; "Fire
Water" brand fuel. Gasoline is prohibited under all circumstances.
(a) Fuel Quantities and Storage. All fuels must be stored in their original
container(s) with the caps in place when not in use. The maximum quantity of
fuel on site must be no more than one (1) US gallon per performer.
(7) Wicks. Wick material must consist of cotton wrapped in Kevlar to prevent the
breakdown of the cotton as it burns. All synthetic wick material must be avoided.
(8) Clothing. It is recommended that the clothing worn by the performers be
made of fire resistive materials such as natural fibers or Nomex/PBI.
(9) Smoking. Smoking is prohibited within fifty (50) feet of the performance area
and fuel storage. No smoking signs must be posted accordingly.
(10) Insurance policy required; Amount. Before an operational permit is issued
for a fire performance art, insurance is required for all special events. The applicant is
required to furnish the City of Ames with a certificate of insurance, written by a company
authorized to transact business in the state of Iowa, evidencing the following coverage:
Comprehensive General Liability Insurance with limits no less than $500,000
combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and
property damage.
The policy shall name the City of Ames as an Additional Insured and require 30-
days written notice of cancellation. The coverage shall be as broad as the ISO
Form Number CG0001 covering commercial general liability on an occurrence
basis only.
***
Sec. 8.601. 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 $750 for a person’s first violation thereof, and a penalty
of $750 $1,000 for each repeat violation.
***
”
Section Two. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Three. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its
passage and publication as required by law.
Passed this day of , .
_____________________________ ___________________________
John A. Haila, Mayor
92
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
Passed on:
I, Renee Hall, City Clerk of the City of Ames, Iowa, hereby certify that the
above and foregoing is a true copy of Ordinance No. ______________, passed by the
City Council of said City at the meeting held on ______________________and signed
by the Mayor on ___________________________, and published in the Ames Tribune
on ___________________________.
________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
93