Solar & Battery Regulation & Incentive Programs

Building Energy Code

Program Overview


Category:
Regulatory Policy
Program Type:
Building Energy Code
Implementing Sector:
State
State:
Iowa
Eligible Storage Technologies:
Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Website:
http://bcapcodes.org/code-status/state/iowa/
Residential Code:
2012 IECC with amendments mandatory statewide. Can use REScheck to show compliance.
Commercial Code:
2012 IECC with amendments mandatory statewide; ASHRAE 90.1-2007. Can use COMcheck to show compliance.
Code Change Cycle:
The state energy code is reviewed on a three-year code cycle corresponding to publication of the IECC. Written requests for changes to the state energy code can be submitted to the state Building Code Bureau. All suggested code revisions are processed through the state administrative rule-making process involving publication, public comments, and public hearings. The latest code update was on June 1, 2014.
Applicable Sectors:
Commercial, Residential
Last Updated:
06/12/2020

Summary

Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP websites.

In 2006 Iowa enacted H.F. 2361, requiring the State Building Commissioner to adopt energy conservation requirements based on a nationally recognized building energy code. The State Building Code Commissioner, in conjunction with the State's Building Code Advisory Council, adopts rules and holds public hearings on the proposed rules.

Effective June 1, 2014, the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) was adopted as the code for commercial and residential buildings with some amendments. Residential additions and renovations are exempt from the 2012 IECC.