(A) Amendments to the International Residential Code are identified by “IRC.”
(B) The following amendments, modifications, additions and deletions to the IRC, 2018 Edition, are hereby made.
(1) Revise IRC § R101.1 by inserting “City of Urbandale” in the brackets.
(2) (a) IRC § R105.2 item number 1 to read:
One story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and the structure does not utilize a permanent foundation.
(b) Delete item numbered “2. Fences not over seven feet high.”
(3) Add Section IRC § R105.10 as follows:
No building permits shall be issued to any person or company who has fees outstanding, or who has outstanding, unresolved violations of this Code or any other laws or ordinances of the City. The Building Official may waive this restriction for just cause.
(4) (a) Permit fees mentioned in IRC § R108.2, and here in division (B)(4) shall be as set by resolution approved by City Council.
(b) Fee refunds.
The Building Official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid under this section which was erroneously paid or collected.
The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80% of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this Code.
(5) Delete IRC § R108.3 regarding valuations and replace with IBC 109.3.
(6) Delete IRC § R108.6 Work commencing before permit issuance and replace with IBC 109.4.
(7) Amend IRC § R108.4 by adding provisions as follows.
Plan Review Fees. When submittal documents are required and the Building Official determines that there are unusual or unique features requiring specialized plan review, a plan review fee shall be paid at the time of submitting the submittal documents for plan review, unless the Building Official delays requiring payment until permit issuance. The plan review fee shall be 65% of the building permit fee. This plan review fee is separate from the permit fee, and is in addition to the permit fee.
When submittal documents are incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan review or when the project involves deferred submittal items, an additional plan review fee shall be charged at the applicable rate.
Expiration of Plan Review. Applications for which no permit is issued within 180 days following the date of application shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Building Official. The Building Official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding 180 days on request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. No application shall be extended more than once. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.
(8) Amend IRC § 109.1.5 by adding the following text:
Fences: To be made after holes have been dug for all corner posts, and for additional posts as deemed necessary by the Building Inspector; and a final inspection upon completion of work.
(9) Amend IRC § R109.2 by adding the following paragraph:
Where the work requiring a building permit includes one or more prefabricated assemblies, the certificate of approval required by IBC 1703.6 may be accepted in lieu of the written approvals required by IBC §§ 110.3.1 through 110.3.7, and the frame and lath and/or wallboard inspection required by IBC § 110.3.5 where the use of prefabricated assemblies renders the obtaining of approvals or inspection impractical. All certificates of approval for this purpose and as required by IBC 1703.6 shall be made by the International Code Council, Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc., or any other approved independent inspection agency qualified to make the certification. Also all prefabricated assemblies must be certified to comply with regulations of the State Building Code.
(9.1) Amend IRC §109.4 by adding:
Method of Service: Correction notices posted at the job-site shall be deemed to be an acceptable form of notice.
(10) Add IRC § R109.5 regarding reinspections as follows:
Reinspections. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made.
This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this Code, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees may be assessed when the inspection record card is not posted or otherwise available on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access at the scheduled time for which inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans, which then requires the approval of the Building Official.
To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall request that it be scheduled in the normal manner in which inspections are scheduled, and pay the reinspection fee in accordance with this ordinance.
In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid. Only the work necessary to correct what has been noted in the inspection or reinspection report is to be done until all reinspection fees are paid and reinspections satisfactorily completed.
(11) Add IRC § R110.3.1 as follows:
Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for new one- and two-family dwellings, structures, and any other construction as determined by the Community Development Department, the permit applicant's land surveyor shall provide a certified as-built grading plan to the City showing the as-built elevations of critical locations on the site as shown on the individual grading plan (including but not limited to the rear corners, the mid-point of the side yard lines, the front lot corners where the storm water flows from the rear yard to the front yard, overflow locations, and along the proposed drainageways and easements), sanitary sewer manholes, and all storm water management facilities (including but not limited to detention areas, intakes, structures, sub-drain cleanouts, and flared end sections) are in compliance with the approved grading plan. Elevations shall be within 0.2 foot of the approved grading plan.
(12) Amend IRC § R112 by adding the following:
The Board of Appeals mentioned in § R112 of the Residential Code shall be the same Board of Appeals which serves for the Building Code (herein “Board” or “Board of Appeals”), and persons who are appointed to the Board of Appeals are hereby concurrently appointed to this Board without further action or specific citation. The Building Official shall be an ex officio member and shall act as secretary to the Board, but shall have no vote upon any matter before the Board.
The Board shall have no authority relative to interpretation of the administrative provisions of this Code, and the Board shall not be empowered to waive requirements of this Code.
The rules of procedure, powers, and obligations of the Board shall be the same as those set forth in the Building Code, including but not limited to rendering all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the Building Official.
(13) Amend IRC § R113 by adding a subsection as follows:
Any violation of any of the terms or conditions of this Code, or any failure to comply with any of its requirements, shall constitute a civil infraction or misdemeanor and shall be accordingly subject to fines or imprisonment in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Iowa. Each day a violation exists may be considered to be a new and separate infraction or misdemeanor.
(14) In IRC Table R301.2(1), fill in the table blanks regarding climatic and geographic design criteria as follows:
Ground snow load | 30 psf |
Wind speed | 115 mph |
Seismic design category | A |
Weathering | Severe |
Frost line depth | 42 inches below grade |
Termite | Moderate to heavy |
Decay | Slight to moderate |
Winter design temp | -5°F |
Ice shield underlayment required | YES* |
The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the City that is currently in effect. | |
Air freezing index | 1,833 |
Mean annual temp | 48.6°F |
*See amendment to IBS § 1507.2.8.2 and IRC § R905.2.7.1 regarding ice shield alternative | |
(15) Amend IRC § R302.1 by the following:
(a) Delete all exceptions to IRC § R302.1 and inserting in lieu thereof the following exception:
Exterior walls exception:
Accessory structures less than 10 feet from a dwelling and/or less than 3 feet from a property line shall be provided with 5/8 inch type X gypsum board or equivalent on those walls less than 10 feet from the dwelling. Any accessory structure opening(s) in wall(s) parallel to and less than ten feet from dwelling unit wall(s) shall be fire rated in accordance with this Code.
(b) Table R302.1(1) Exterior walls is hereby amended by modifying the table as follows:
Table R302.1(1) Exterior Walls | |||
Exterior Wall Element | Minimum Fire- Resistance Rating | Minimum Fire Separation Distance | |
Table R302.1(1) Exterior Walls | |||
Exterior Wall Element | Minimum Fire- Resistance Rating | Minimum Fire Separation Distance | |
Walls | (Fire resistance rated) | 1 hour with exposure from both sides per ASTME 119 or UL 263 | < 3 feet |
(Not fire-resistance rated) | 0 hours | > or = 3 feet | |
Projections | (Fire resistance rated) | 1 hour on the underside | > or = 2 feet |
(Not fire-resistance rated) | 0 hours | > or = 2 feet | |
Openings | Not allowed | N/A | < 3 feet |
25% Maximum Wall Area | 0 hours | 3 feet | |
Unlimited | 0 hours | 5 feet | |
Penetrations | All | Comply with § R302.4 | < 3 feet |
All | Non required | 3 feet | |
(16) Delete IRC §§ R302.2 and R302.3 Exceptions and replace with the following:
Exceptions:
a. Where an automatic fire sprinkler system is installed in accordance with section P2904 of the IRC, NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, or NFPA 13D, then subject to paragraph "c" below, a common 1-hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly tested in accordance with ASTME 119 or UL 263 is permitted for townhomes and two-family dwellings.
b. Where an automatic fire sprinkler system is not installed in accordance with section P2904 of the IRC, NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, or NFPA 13D, then each unit must have their own properly tested one-hour fire-resistance rated wall assembly provided at the common property line. Alternatively subject to paragraph "c" below, a common 2-hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly tested in accordance with ASTME 119 or UL 263 is permitted for townhomes and two family dwellings.
c. Plumbing, mechanical equipment, ducts and vents shall not be permitted in the cavity of the common wall. The common wall shall be rated for fire exposure from both sides and shall extend to and be tight against exterior walls and the underside of the roof sheeting. Electrical installations shall be installed in accordance with IRC Electrical Chapters 34 through 43. Penetrations of electrical outlet boxes shall be protected in accordance with Section R302.4.
(17) Amend IRC § R303.3, Bathrooms, by adding the following paragraph:
All bathrooms, except half baths (water closet and lavatory only) shall be provided with a mechanical ventilation system. The system shall discharge to the building exterior, and shall not be permitted to terminate within an attic area, crawl space or soffit. Operable windows in full bathrooms are not required.
(17.1) Amend IRC § R302.6 by requiring five-eighths inch Type X Gypsum board at all locations listed as one-half inch.
(18) Amend IRC § R311.7.5.1 by adding the following exception:
#3 The dimension of the top and bottom riser of a stair may vary up to one inch or less from the stairway riser dimension, however in no case shall the riser height exceed seven and three-quarters inches.
(19) Amend IRC § R311.7.8.4 by adding the following sentence:
Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn, or by a wall, or ceiling, or similar feature, if the handrail is offset and continued immediately for the full length of the stairs.
(20) Amend IRC §§ R403 and R404 by adding the following:
For residential occupancies, a prescriptive alternative for seasonal rooms is to construct them on a foundation consisting of a minimum six inch by six inch treated wood columns located under all load bearing points and the columns are to be supported with minimum 24 inch by 24 inch by 10 inch thick footings at least 42 inches below grade; or the foundation may be structurally designed.
(21) Amend IRC § 310.2.2 Window well sill height: by adding the following exception:
Exception.
A landing may be provided to meet the maximum sill height of forty-four (44) inches above the floor or landing provided. The landing shall be not less than thirty-six (36) inches wide, not less than twelve (12) inches out from the exterior wall, and not more than twenty-four (24) inches in height. The landing shall be permanently affixed to the floor below or the wall under the window it serves.
(22) Amend IRC § 313.1 by replacing with the following text:
Townhomes automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in townhouses.
Exceptions:
1. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required where additions or alterations are made to existing townhouses that do not have an automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed.
2. Townhouse structures that contain eight (8) or less dwelling units.
3. Townhouse structures less than eighteen thousand (18,000) square feet floor space including attached garages.
(23) Amend IRC § 313.2 by replacing with the following text:
One- and two-family dwelling automatic fire sprinkler systems.
An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings.
Exceptions:
1. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required where additions or alterations are made to existing buildings that are not already provided with an automatic residential fire sprinkler system.
2. One-and two-family dwellings containing less than eight thousand (8,000) square feet of floor space including attached garages.
(24) Amend IRC § 302.13, Exception #4 by replacing with the following:
4. Approved floor assemblies demonstrating equivalent fire performance by an approved testing company showing length and time duration for exposure to fire. It shall be defined by performance equivalent to 26 minutes using ASTM E119 standard fire endurance testing with a superimposed load simulating a maximum load condition (i.e. 100% design load).
(24.1) Delete IRC Chapter 11 and add the following sentence:
All new buildings or additions that are heated or cooled shall meet the State of Iowa requirements for energy conservation.
(25) Amend IRC § R404 Foundation and Retaining Walls: by providing the following alternative for cast-in-place concrete walls:
EIGHT FEET TALL WALLS:
Minimum reinforcement is three horizontal #4 bars with 12 inch minimum overlap, located at one foot, four feet and seven feet above the bottom of the wall. The reinforcement shall be bent around corners to provide continuous reinforcement.
TALLER WALLS TO MAXIMUM TEN FEET TALL:
Minimum reinforcement is five horizontal #4 bars with one foot overlap, located at twenty four inches on center. The minimum vertical reinforcement is #4 bars placed at twenty inches on center, or #5 bars spaced thirty inches on center. The steel shall be ASTM minimum grade 40, and the concrete must be at least 3,000 psf. The reinforcement must be placed closer to the inside of the wall, with minimum two inch clearance from the face of the wall. The reinforcement shall be bent around corners to provide continuous reinforcement. Reinforcement must be provided around window and door openings.
Foundation drainage shall be provided, and includes a minimum of twelve inches of granular fill around the drain piping.
Sill anchorage shall be one-half inch anchor bolts or equivalent anchors spaced not exceeding six feet on-center starting within one foot of the ends, or according to the manufacturer's requirements. Other Code provisions such as narrow wall bracing requirements may require more anchorage.
(26) Amend IRC § R404.4 by adding the following:
(a) Retaining walls that retain in excess of 48 inches of unbalanced fill shall be structurally designed.
(b) All retaining walls shall be set back from property lines by a minimum height to setback distance ratio of one-to-one.
(c) Guards shall be provided on retaining walls that are 30 inches or more above grade when the retaining wall is considered part of a building structure, the retaining wall is in close proximity to a finished walking surface (loading dock, sidewalk, bike path, patio, or similar), or in any location on a commercial or multifamily project where the height and location of the retaining wall create an obvious fall hazard.
(27) Amend IRC § R403 Footings to include the following adjusted footings based on soil bearing pressure:
Residential Conventional Footing Dimensions.
Assuming 2,000 pounds per square foot ("psf") is required for the footing, the following adjusted footing dimensions may be used for the soil conditions specified in the table below, unless specific engineering problems exist. The dimensions specified in this table are typically accepted dimensions for conventionally designed single-family dwelling structures of one or two stories in height, intended to be constructed on undisturbed, non-expansive soils.
Soil Bearing Pressure | Conventional Footing and Reinforcement |
2,000 psf | 8 inches X 16 inches with two #4 reinforcement bars |
1,850 psf | 9 inches X 20 inches with two #4 reinforcement bars |
1,500 psf | 10 inches X 20 inches with two #5 reinforcement bars |
1,250 psf | 11 inches X 28 inches with three #5 reinforcement bars |
1,000 psf | 12 inches X 32 inches with three #5 reinforcement bars |
(28) The following exceptions are made to Amend IRC Table R403.1:
Foundations for Stud Bearing Walls: Minimum Requirements |
Exception 1: All detached buildings under 400 square feet in area may be constructed on a 3-1/2 inch slab of concrete. |
Exception 2: All detached buildings over 400 square feet in area shall have not less than 6 inch by 6 inch footings around perimeter; if set on sloping ground, shall be a minimum of 12 inches deep by 6 inches into existing soil. |
Exception 3: All detached buildings over 1000 square feet in area shall have frost protected footings extending 42 inches below finished grade. These footings may be a well crumbed 8-inch trench. |
(29) Amend IRC § M1601.4 Installation: by replacing with the following text:
Installation. Duct installation shall comply with sections IRC §§ M1601.4.1 through M1601.4.11.
(30) Add section IRC § 1601.4.11.
Air plenum and duct separation: Air plenums and ducts located in floor and wall cavities shall be separated from unconditioned spaces by construction with sufficient insulation to meet energy code requirements. These areas include but are not limited to exterior walls, cantilevered floors, and floors above garages.
(31) Amend IRC § G2414.5.4(403.5.5) by replacing with the following text:
Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing. Arc resistant corrugated stainless steel tubing shall be listed in accordance with ANSI LC 1 (Optional Section 5.16)/CSA 6.26.
(32) Amend IRC G2415.2 (404.2)by replacing with the following text:
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 manufactures instructions and this code including electrical bonding requirements in Section G2411. 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.
(33) Amend IRC R317 by adding the following:
#8 Fences. Wood used in fences shall be treated wood, approved wood of natural resistance to decay, or adequately protected wood.
(34) Delete all IRC Appendix provisions.
(Ord. 2020-10, passed 9-22-2020)