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Effective July 1, 2005

CHAPTER 15
NORTH LIBERTY BUILDING CODE
TABLE OF CONTENTS

15.01.010 Short title
15.01.020 International Building Codes Adopted
15.01.030 Amendments of the International Building Codes
15.01.040 Availability of the Building Codes

15.01.010 Short title
The ordinance codified in this chapter shall be known as the “North Liberty Building Code”, may be cited as such, and will be referred to as such herein in this chapter.

15.01.020 International Building Codes adopted
Except as hereafter modified, that certain Building Codes know as the International Building Code, 2003 Edition, including Appendix H titled signs and the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2003 Edition, including Appendices E titled Manufactured Housing Used As Dwellings, F titled Radon Controlled Methods, G titled Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, H titled Patio Covers and K titled Sound Transmission as published by the International Code Council in cooperation with the International Conference of Building Officials, which codes are hereby specifically incorporated by reference shall be know as the Building Code. The provisions of said Building Code shall control the design, construction, quality of materials, erection, installation, addition, alteration, repair, location, relocation, replacement, removal, demolition, use and maintenance of buildings and other structures within the incorporated limits of North Liberty, Iowa.

15.01.030 Amendments of the International Building Code and the International Residential Code.
Certain sections, and portions of sections, of the International Building Code, 2003 Edition (hereinafter IBC) and the International Residential Code for One- and Two- family dwellings, 2003 Edition (hereinafter IRC), are hereby modified as set forth below.

    A. Modify IBC by replacing the words “building official” with code official.

    B. Delete the following Sections from Chapter One of the IBC and insert in lieu thereof the following:
        101.1 Title.
        These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of North Liberty, hereinafter referred to as "this code.”
        101.4 Referenced codes.
        The other codes listed in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.7 and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.
        101.4.1 Electrical.
        The provisions of the 2002 National Electrical Code shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and appurtenances thereto.
        101.4.2 Gas.
        The provisions of the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances, and related accessories as covered in this code. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories.
        101.4.3 Mechanical.
        The provisions of the 2003 International Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy related systems.
        101.4.4 Plumbing.
        The provisions of the 2003 Uniform Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system. The provisions of the International Private Sewage Disposal Code shall apply to private sewage disposal systems.
        101.4.5 Property maintenance.
        The provisions of the 2003 International Property Maintenance Code shall apply to existing structures and premises; equipment and facilities; light, ventilation, space heating, sanitation, life and fire safety hazards; responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants; and occupancy of existing premises and structures.
        101.4.6 Fire prevention.
        The provisions of the 2003 International Fire 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.
        101.4.7 Energy.
        The provisions of the State of Iowa Energy Conservation Code shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.

103 Department of Building Safety
        103.1 Creation of enforcement agency.
        The Department of Building Safety is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the code official.
        105.2 Work exempt from permit.
        Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:
        Building:
1. 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 (18.52 m2).
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
6. Decks, sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below and which are not part of an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy, as applicable in Section 101.2, which are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3, as applicable in Section 101.2, and Group U occupancies.
13. Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
        Electrical:
Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
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 power supply, the installations of towers and antennas.
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.
        Gas:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
        Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation equipment.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any part which does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
    Plumbing:
1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. 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.
        108.3 Building permit valuations.
The applicant for a permit shall provide an estimated permit value at time of application. Permit valuations shall include total value of work, including materials and labor, for which the permit is being issued, such as electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing equipment, and permanent systems. If, in the opinion of the code official, the valuation is underestimated on the application, the code official shall use the most current Building Valuation Data Table published in Building Safety Journal to determine the permit value. Final building permit valuation shall be set by the code official.
        109.3 Required inspections.
The code official, upon notification, shall make the inspections set forth in Sections 109.3.1 through 109.3.10.
        109.3.1 Footing and foundation inspection.
Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any
required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any required forms shall be in place
prior to inspection. Materials for the foundation shall be on the job, except where concrete is ready
mixed in accordance with ASTM C 94, the concrete need not be on the job.
        109.3.2 Concrete slab and under-floor 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.
        109.3.3 Lowest floor elevation.
In flood hazard areas, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement, and prior to further
vertical construction, the elevation certification required in Section 1612.5 shall be submitted to the
code official.
        109.3.4 Frame inspection.
Framing inspections shall be made after the roof deck or sheathing, all framing, fireblocking and
bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys and vents to be concealed are complete and the rough
electrical, plumbing, heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved.
        109.3.5 Fire-resistant penetrations.
Protection of joints and penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies shall not be concealed from
view until inspected and approved.
        109.3.6 Energy efficiency inspections.
Inspections shall be made to determine compliance with Chapter 13 and shall include, but not be
limited to, inspections for: envelope insulation R and U values, fenestration U value, duct system R
value, and HVAC and water-heating equipment efficiency.
        109.3.7 Other inspections.
In addition to the inspections specified above, the code official is authorized to make or require other
inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and
other laws that are enforced by the department of building safety.
        109.3.8 Special inspections.
For special inspections, see Section 1704.
        109.3.9 Final inspection.
The final inspection shall be made after all work required by the building permit is completed.

    C. Add the following to Section 708.1:
    5. Assemblies separating dwelling units from other occupancies in the same building.

    D. Delete Section 711.3 of the IBC and insert in lieu thereof the following:
    711.3 Fire-resistance rating.
    The fire-resistance rating of floor and roof assemblies shall not be less than that required by the building type of construction. Where the floor assembly separates mixed occupancies, the assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that required by Section 302.3.2 based on the occupancies being separated. Where the floor assembly separates a single occupancy into different fire areas, the assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that required by Section 706.3.7. Floor assemblies separating dwelling units in the same building or sleeping units in occupancies in Group R-1, hotel occupancies, R-2 and I-1 shall be a minimum of 1-hour fireresistance-rated construction. Floor assemblies separating other occupancies from dwelling units in the same building or sleeping units in Group R-1 occupancies, hotel occupancies, R-2 and I-1 shall be a minimum of 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
    Exception: Dwelling unit and sleeping unit separations in buildings of Type IIB, IIIB, and VB construction shall have fire-resistance ratings of not less than 1/2 hour in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

    E. Add the following exception to Section 903.3.1.2.1 of the IBC:
    Exception: The above requirement shall not apply when all of the following conditions are provided:

• Walls above and below balconies and patios shall have a minimum one-hour fire-resistance rating in accordance with the test procedures set fourth in ASTM E 119.

• Roof assemblies above balconies and patios shall have a minimum one-hour fire-resistance rating in accordance with the test procedures set fourth in ASTM E 119.

• All openings above and below balconies and patios shall be protected with an interior sprinkler head placed within 5 feet of openings.

    F. Delete words single riser and one riser from Section 1009.11 exceptions 4 & 5 of the IBC and insert in lieu thereof the following:
    4. In Group R-3 occupancies, a change in elevation consisting of three or fewer risers at an entrance or egress door does not require handrails.
    5. Changes in room elevations of three or fewer risers within dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies do not require handrails.
 

    G. Delete Section 1209.2 of the IBC and insert in lieu thereof the following:
    1209.2 Attic spaces.
    An opening not less than 20 inches by 30 inches (559mmby 762 mm) shall be provided to any attic area having a clear height of over 30 inches (762 mm) and exceeds 30 square feet (2.8m2) of area. A 30-inch (762 mm) minimum clear headroom in the attic space shall be provided at or above the access opening. The opening shall be located in a corridor, hallway, or other readily accessible location.
    Exception: An opening is not required when the ceiling and roof construction is a noncombustible material.

    H. Delete Section 1210.1 of the IBC and insert in lieu thereof the following:
    1210.1 Floors.
In other than dwelling units, toilet and bathing room floors shall have a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent surface that extends upward onto the walls at least 4 inches (152 mm).

    I. Delete Section 1301.1 of the IBC and insert in lieu thereof the following:
    1301.1 Scope.
This chapter governs the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.
    1301.1.1 Criteria.
Buildings shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the State of Iowa Energy Conservation Code.

    J. Delete Sections 2701.1 & 2702.1 of the IBC and insert in lieu thereof the following:
    2701.1 Scope.
This chapter governs the electrical components, equipment and systems used in buildings and structures covered by this code. Electrical components, equipment, and systems shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions of the 2002 National Electrical Code.
    2702.1 Installation.
Emergency and standby power systems shall be installed in accordance with the 2002 National Electrical Code, NFPA 110, and NFPA 111.

    K. Delete Chapter 29 of the IBC and insert in lieu thereof the following:

CHAPTER 29
PLUMBING SYSTEMS
SECTION 2901
GENERAL

    2901.1 Scope.
    The provisions of the 2003 Uniform Plumbing Code shall govern the erection, installation, alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing equipment and systems. Plumbing systems and equipment shall be constructed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the 2003 Uniform Plumbing Code. Private sewage disposal systems shall conform to the Johnson County Department of Health Private Sewage Disposal Code.
L. Modify Table 4-1 of the UPC Minimum Plumbing Facilities by deleting the following sentence. (The total occupant load shall be determined by the exiting requirements) and inserting the following (The total occupant load shall be determined by multiplying the exiting requirements by 0.5)
M. Delete Section 3412.2 of the IBC and insert in lieu thereof the following:
    3410.2 Applicability.
    Structures existing prior to the effective date of this ordinance and in which there is work involving additions, alterations or changes of occupancy shall be made to conform to the requirements of this section or the provisions of Sections 3403 through 3407. The provisions in Sections 3410.2.1 through 3410.2.5 shall apply to existing occupancies that will continue to be, or are proposed to be, in Groups A, B, E, F, M, R, S and U. These provisions shall not apply to buildings with occupancies in Group H or I.
N. Modify IRC by replacing the words “building official” with code official.
O. Delete the following Sections from Chapter One of the IRC and insert in lieu thereof the following:
    R101.1 Title.
    These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings of North Liberty, and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as is this code.
    R 103 Department of Building Safety
    R103.1 Creation of enforcement agency.
    The department of building safety is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the code official.
    R105.2 Work exempt from permit.
    Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
    Building:
1. One-story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2).
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. Decks, sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
8. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one or two-family dwelling.
9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
    Electrical:
Repairs and maintenance: A permit shall not be required for minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
    Gas:
1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
3. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
    Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation appliances.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
8. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
    Plumbing:
The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.

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.
    R108.3 Building permit valuations.
    The applicant for a permit shall provide an estimated permit value at time of application. Permit valuations shall include total value of work, including materials and labor, for which the permit is being issued, such as electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing equipment, and permanent systems. If, in the opinion of the code official, the valuation is underestimated on the application, then the code official shall use the most current Building Valuation Data Table published in Building Safety Journal to determine the permit value. Final building permit valuation shall be set by the code official.
    P. Insert the following Table into Section R301.2 of the IRC;
    [B] R301.2 Climatic and geographic design criteria.
    Buildings shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of this code as limited by the provisions of this section. Additional criteria shall be established by the local jurisdiction and set forth in Table R301.2(1).
    TABLE R301.2(1) CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA

    Q. Insert the following into Section R305 exceptions;
5. Ceiling height may be reduced 6 inches for main beams and mechanical ducts provided the prescribed ceiling height is maintained in at least two-thirds (2/3) of the room.

    R. Delete Section R703.2 of the IRC and insert in lieu thereof the following;
    R703.2 Weather-resistant sheathing paper.
Asphalt-saturated felt free from holes and breaks, weighing not less than 14 pounds per 100 square feet (0.683 kg/m2) and complying with ASTM D 226 or other approved weather-resistant material shall be applied over studs or sheathing of all exterior walls as required by Table R703.4. Such felt or material shall be applied horizontally, with the upper layer lapped over the lower layer not less than 2 inches (51 mm). Where joints occur, felt shall be lapped not less than 6 inches (152 mm).

    S. Delete Section R310.1 of the IRC and insert in lieu thereof the following;
    R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue required.
    Basements and every sleeping room shall have at least one openable emergency escape and rescue opening. Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, emergency egress and rescue openings shall be required in each sleeping room, but shall not be required in adjoining areas of the basement. Where emergency escape and rescue openings are provided they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor. Where a door opening having a threshold below the adjacent ground elevation serves as an emergency escape and rescue opening and is provided with a bulkhead enclosure, the bulkhead enclosure shall comply with Section 310.3. The net clear opening dimensions required by this section shall be obtained by the normal operation of the emergency escape and rescue opening from the inside. Emergency escape and rescue openings with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Section R310.2.
    R310.1.1 Minimum opening area.
    All emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.530 m2).
    Exception: Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet (0.465 m2).
    R310.1.2 Minimum opening height.
    The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches (610 mm).
    R310.1.3 Minimum opening width.
    The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches (508 mm).
    R310.1.4 Operational constraints.
    Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools.
    R310.2 Window wells.
    The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet (0.84 square meters), with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches (914 mm). The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened. The minimum horizontal area shall have an unobstructed clearance of 7 feet above finish grade and maintained to a public way.
    Exception: The ladder or steps required by Section R310.2.1 shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 6 inches (152 mm) into the required dimensions of the window well.
    R310.2.1 Ladder and steps.
    Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully open position. Ladders or steps required by this section shall not be required to comply with Sections R311.5 and R311.6. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches (305 mm), shall project at least 3 inches (76 mm) from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on center vertically for the full height of the window well.

    T. Delete Table R703.4 of the IRC and insert in lieu thereof the following;
    TABLE R703.4 WEATHER-RESISTANT SIDING ATTACHMENT AND MINIMUM THICKNESS

15.01.40 Availability of the Building Code.
An official copy of the Building Code, including a certificate by the City Clerk as to its adoption and effective date thereof, is on file in the office of the City Clerk in the Administration Building, and shall be kept there on file. Copies shall be available at the Department of Building Safety for public inspection. Additionally the International Building Code, 2003 Edition, the International Residential Code for One- Two- Family Dwellings, 2003 Edition (unmodified) are available to the public at the North Liberty Public Library.

Effective July 1, 2005