City Code

Please contact Readlyn City Hall at 319-279-3411, cityhallreadlyn@rtc279.com or 307 Main Street, Readlyn, IA 50668, for a complete copy of the City Code.

Please Contact the Bremer County Building & Zoning located at the Bremer County Courthouse, 415 E. Bremer Ave, Waverly, IA or 319-352-0332, for questions on the building code or permits.

Below is a portion of the most recent Building Code:

CHAPTER 156 BUILDING CODE
156.01   Purpose156.12Flood Plain
156.02   Title156.13International Building Code
156.03   Transition Period156.14International Residential Code
156.04  Permit Fees, Exemption156.15State Plumbing Code
From Permits156.16International Mechanical Code
156.05  Board of Appeals156.17International Fire Code
156.06   Bonding and Insurance156.18Fuel Gas Code
156.07   Electrical Licenses156.19International Existing Building Code
156.08  Plumbing Licenses156.20National Electrical Code
156.09  Moved Buildings and156.21Enforcement
Temporary Buildings156.22Repealer
156.10 Unsafe Buildings156.23Severability Clause
156.11 Unsafe Appendages     156.01   PURPOSE156.24Effective Date

An ordinance regulating the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area, and maintenance of buildings and/or structures in the City of Readlyn, Iowa, to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare.

156.02 TITLE

Building Code – Except as herein after added to, deleted, modified or amended, there is hereby adopted as the Building Code of City of Readlyn, Iowa, that certain Building Code known as the,

International Building Code 2024 edition (herein after known as the IBC)

International Residential Building Code 2024 edition (herein after known as the IRC)

State adopted Uniform Plumbing Code with amendments, current edition.

International Mechanical Code 2024 edition (herein after known as the IMC)

International Fire Code 2024 edition (herein after known as the IFC)

International Fuel Gas Code 2024 (herein after known as the IFGC)

International Existing Building Code 2024 edition (herein after known as the IEBC), ALL as published by the International Code Council, Inc. in cooperation with International Conference of Building Officials of Whittier, California and the,

National Electric Code current edition (herein after known as the NEC) as published by National Fire Protection Association and as adopted by the State of Iowa.

The provisions of said Building Code shall be controlling in the construction of buildings and other structures and in all matters covered by said Building Code within the City of Readlyn, Iowa, and shall be known as the City of Readlyn Building Code. The appendices are approved for reference only unless specifically adopted.

156.03 TRANSITION PERIOD
  1. A construction project that is subject to the provisions of any rule contained in this code may comply with the requirements established either in the edition of the codes adopted herein or the requirements established in the edition of the same code previously in effect if the project is commenced no later than 120 days after the effective date of this code. For this provision to become applicable the submitter must have obtained signed contracts for the project prior to the effective date of this code and provide documentation to this effect to the Building Department.
156.04 PERMIT FEES, EXEMPTION FROM PERMIT
  1. Fees pertaining to permits and actions required by this Ordinance shall be in accordance with the schedule of fees, as determined and adopted by resolution of the City of Readlyn City Council. A copy of the schedule of fees shall be

on file in the office of the Building Official. Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a special investigation fee in an amount equal to the permit fee or $250.00, whichever is higher, shall be collected whether or not a permit is subsequently issued.

2. Work Exempt from Permit-

Exemption 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:

a. 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. Accessory structures under 120 square feet will require a site plan, tie-down plan, and zoning permit.

    b. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the

    footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.

    c. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.

    d. Sidewalks, patios, and driveways.

    e. Painting, papering, tiling (unless involving a shower), carpeting, and similar finish work. Cabinetry and countertop work requires a permit if electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work is involved.

    f. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.

    g. Swings and other playground equipment.

    h. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

    i. Replacement of storm doors, entrance doors and garage doors provided the size of the opening remains unchanged.

    Electrical:
    1. Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting.
    2. Replacement of switches, receptacles and lighting fixtures to existing branch circuits.
    3. Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location.
    4. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
    5. Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved, permanently installed receptacles.
    Gas:

    a. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.

      b. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

      c. 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 appliances.
      2. Portable ventilation appliances.
      3. Portable cooling units.
      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 coolers
      7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower 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:

      a. 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.

        b. 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.

        156.05 BOARD OF APPEALS

        In order to hear and decide appeals concerning the suitability of alternate materials and methods of construction and to hear and decide appeals of determinations made by the Building Official or designated representative concerning interpretations of the provisions of this Code, there shall be and is hereby created a Board of Appeals, consisting of eight (8) members whose place of business, residence, or work is located in the jurisdictions served by the Bremer County, Iowa Building Department, and who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction. The Building Official or designee shall be an ex-officio member and shall act as Secretary of the Board of Appeals involving this Code. The Board of Appeals shall be appointed by the Bremer County Board of Supervisors and the Mayors of Denver, Readlyn, Janesville, Waverly & Plainfield. Each jurisdiction shall appoint one member with the exception of Bremer County and Waverly, who shall appoint two (2). The present Board members shall serve the remainder of their appointed terms or until their successors are duly appointed and qualified. All successive appointments or reappointments shall be for five-year terms. The Board shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the Building Official, with a duplicate copy to the appellant. The Board shall have no authority to waive requirements of this Code.

        156.06 BONDING AND INSURANCE
        1. General Contractor Insurance. No person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of general contracting in the City of Readlyn, Iowa without first supplying Bremer County Building Department with a certificate of liability insurance with minimum liability limits of $50,000. No insurance shall be required for the following described work:
        1. Homeowners (owner/occupants) qualifying for the Homestead Tax exemption may acquire permits for their principal residence (not an apartment) and appurtenant accessory structures.
        156.07 ELECTRICAL LICENSES
        1. Licensing and Permit Acquisition. No person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of Electrical contracting in the City of Readlyn, Iowa without first supplying the Bremer County Building Department with a Certificate of Liability Insurance with minimum liability limits of $50,000, and supplying the Building Department with a copy of their electrical license and the electrical license of any and all employees employed by the contractor, firm or corporation for a wage or salary issued by the Iowa Electrical Examining Board in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 103.

        a. Electrical work performed under the provisions of this chapter must be done by a contractor meeting the licensing provisions as set forth by the Iowa Electrical Examining Board in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 103. A responsible person or an electrician licensed by the State of Iowa Electrical Examining board as a “Master A or B” may sign and obtain a permit for the contractor for which they are employed only when said responsible person or “Master A or B” has provided proof of employment or written confirmation by said licensed contractor. Any permit required by the provisions of this code may be revoked by the Building Official upon the violation of any provision of this code.

          b. A State of Iowa licensed electrical contractor shall be allowed only to secure permits for himself or herself, or for a single firm or corporation. When a State of Iowa licensed electrical contractor has secured such a permit, only the employees of such contractor when meeting the provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 103 shall perform the work for which the permit was obtained.

          c. For purposes of this section, an “employee” shall be one employed by the contractor, firm or corporation for a wage or salary. A contractor may be required by the Building Official to show positive evidence as to the employee status of workers on the job. Such evidence shall be in the form of payroll and time records, canceled checks, state of Iowa licensing or other such documents.

          d. The contractor may also be required to show the agreement or contract pertaining to the work being questioned as evidence that said contractor is, in fact, the actual contractor for such work. Failure or refusal by the contractor to make available such employee or contractual records within 24 hours from demand therefore shall be grounds for immediate revocation of any permit for the work in question.

          e. Homeowners (owner/occupants) qualifying for the homestead tax exemption may acquire permits for their principal residence (not an apartment) and appurtenant accessory structures for electrical work, not to include dwelling service upgrade, replacement or the construction of new single-family dwellings pursuant to Iowa code Chapter 103.22.

          f. Annual Permits. An industrial plant may apply for an annual permit to perform electrical work, for the maintenance and repair of electrical equipment, provided that the following requirements are satisfied:

          1. The work must be performed on the premises of the industrial plant for the exclusive use of such plant.
          2. The work must be performed by at least one Licensed Journeyman Electrician; and all other persons employed by the firm to perform electrical work must be under the direct supervision of the Journeyman Electrician, all of whom shall possess a valid license as issued by the Iowa Electrical Examining Board in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 103.
          3. The work performed under the annual permit shall not include the installation of electrical power or distribution equipment to a new structure or extension to an existing structure.
          156.08 PLUMBING LICENSES
          1. Licensing and permit acquisition.  No person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of Plumbing or HVAC contracting in the City of Readlyn, Iowa without first supplying the Bremer County Building Department with a Certificate of Liability Insurance with minimum liability limits of $50,000, and supplying the Bremer County Building Department with a copy of their Plumbing and HVAC license and the license of any and all employees employed by the contractor, firm or corporation for a wage or salary issued by the State of Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board.
          1. Permits are not transferable. Plumbing work performed under the provisions of this chapter must be done by a contractor meeting the licensing provisions as set forth by the State of Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board. A plumber licensed by the State of Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board as a “Master” may sign and obtain a permit for the contractor for which they are employed only when said “Master” has provided proof of employment by said licensed contractor. Any permit required by the provisions of this code may be revoked by the Building Official upon the violation of any provision of this code.
          2. A State of Iowa licensed plumbing contractor shall be allowed only to secure permits for himself or herself, or for a single firm or corporation. When a State of Iowa licensed plumbing contractor has secured such a permit, only the employees of such contractor shall perform the work for which the permit was obtained.
          3. For purposes of this section, an “employee” shall be one employed by the contractor, firm or corporation for a wage or salary. A contractor may be required by the Building Official to show positive evidence as to the employee status of workers on the job. Such evidence shall be in the form of payroll and time records, canceled checks, state of Iowa licensing, or other such documents.
          4. The contractor may also be required to show the agreement or contract pertaining to the work being questioned as evidence that said contractor is, in fact, the actual contractor for such work. Failure or refusal by the contractor to make available such employee or contractual records within 24 hours from demand therefore shall be grounds for immediate revocation of any permit for the work in question.
          5. Homeowners (owner/occupants) qualifying for the Homestead Tax exemption may acquire permits for their principal residence (not an apartment) and appurtenant accessory structures for plumbing work, not to include connection within the public right-of-way to the public main of sewer, water and storm lines, or any private on-site wastewater treatment system.
          156.09 MOVED BUILDINGS AND TEMPORARY BUILDINGS

          Buildings or structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this code. Temporary structures such as reviewing stands and other miscellaneous structures, sheds, canopies or fences used for the protection of the public around and in conjunction with construction work may be erected by special permits from the Building Official or issuing authority for a limited period of time. Such buildings or structures need not comply with the type of construction or fire-resistance or time periods required by this code. Temporary buildings or structures shall be completely removed upon the expiration of the time limit stated in the permit.

          156.10 UNSAFE BUILDINGS

          All buildings or structures which are structurally unsafe or not provided with adequate egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life,

          or which in relation to existing use constitute a hazard to safety, health or public welfare, by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster damage, or abandonment, as specified in this code or any other effective ordinance, are, for the purpose of this section, unsafe buildings. All such unsafe buildings are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal in accordance with procedures provided by local or state law. The Building Official is authorized to exercise emergency measures to protect the health, safety and public welfare of the community by certain procedures as follows:

          1. Inspect the building and surrounding premises to determine the extent of dilapidation, damage, obsolesce, fire hazard and risk as an attractive nuisance.
          2. Inform the owner or owner’s agent of the unsafe, dangerous or hazardous condition which causes such building to be unsafe or an attractive nuisance.
          3. Inform the owner or owner’s agent of the applicable provisions of the Building Code and demand a commitment regarding a time schedule and manner of compliance with said Code.
          4. Order the prompt boarding up of the windows, doors, and other openings of unsafe or vacant buildings to prevent unauthorized access or the perpetuation of an attractive nuisance during the time which is necessary to gain compliance with the Building Code.
          5. Order the disconnection of any electricity supply to a building or structure when it is ascertained that the equipment or any portion thereof has become hazardous or unsafe.
          6. Upon the failure of the owner or the owner’s agent to comply with the order to close, board up and secure an unsafe building within a twenty-four (24) hour time period after receiving such order, the Building Official may cause the openings boarded up and secured, or the premises barricaded and fenced, and the unsafe conditions abated, with the cost of such construction, barricading, fencing and abatement to be assessed against the property.
          156.11 UNSAFE APPENDAGES

          Parapet walls, cornices, spires, towers, tanks, statuary and other appendages or structural members which are supported by, attached to, or a part of a building and which are in a deteriorated condition or otherwise unable to sustain the design loads which are specified in this Code, are hereby designated unsafe and as such are public nuisances and shall be abated in accordance with the local or state laws governing.

          156.12 FLOOD PLAIN

          All references to construction standards in the flood plain found in the IBC & IRC shall be referred to those standards as adopted in State and local ordinances.

          156.13 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

          The I.B.C. shall be adopted in its entirety except for the following:

          1. Section 101.4.4 Property Maintenance: Delete reference to International Property Maintenance Code and insert in lieu thereof the following: 2024 International Building Code
          2. Section 105.2, Work exempt from a permit. Delete the section. Refer to Section 156.04 (2) this ordinance.
          3. Section 113, Board of Appeals – Delete section. Reference 156.05
          4. Delete Chapter 13 Energy Efficiency and insert in lieu thereof International Energy Conservation Code, as adopted by the State of Iowa and any subsequent amendments thereto.
          5. Delete Section 1608.2 and insert in lieu thereof the following:

          Ground Snow Load. The ground snow load to be used in determining the design snow load for roofs is hereby established at 35 pounds per square foot.

          Subsequent increases or decreases shall be allowed as otherwise provided in the building code, except that the minimum allowable flat roof snow load may be reduced to not less than 80 percent of the ground snow load.

          a. Wind speed and ground snow load in accordance with Risk Category according to ASCE 7 tool

          6. Delete 1809.5 Exceptions #1-3

            7. Chapter 27, Electrical – Delete chapter. Reference State adopted edition of the National Electrical Code.

            8. Chapter 29, Plumbing Systems – Delete Chapter. Reference State adopted Plumbing Code

            9. Appendix Chapters are for reference only.

            156.14    INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

            The I.R.C. shall be adopted in its entirety except for the following:

            1. Section R105.2 Work Exempt from Permit – Delete the section. Refer to Section 156.04
            2. R302.5.1 Delete Self Latching
            3. Table R302.3.6 Delete any reference to “equivalent” material and changed to “approved”
            4. Table R302.6 Delete any reference to equivalent material
            1. Section R112 Board of Appeals. Delete section. Reference 156.05

            2. Table R301.2(1), shall read as follows:

            a. Ground Snow Load — 35 PSF or in accordance of section 1608 of the International Building Code

            b. Wind Speed—109 MPH (3 second gust) or according to ASCE 7 Hazard Tool (Standard ASCE/SEI 7-22, Risk Category II)

            c. Topographic effect –No

            d. Seismic Design Category—A

            e. Subject to Weathering Damage From, Weathering of Concrete (Severe), Frost line depth (42”), Termite (slight to moderate)

            f. Winter Design Temperature — -10 degrees

            g. Ice Barrier Underlayment Required –Yes

            h. Flood Hazards—FIRM dated 03/04/08

            i. Air Freezing Index—2500

            j. Mean Annual Temp—45 degree

            3. Table R 302.1. (1) Amend by changing the fire-resistance rating of projections to 0-hours in lieu of 1-hour on the underside.

            4. Delete Section R 302.2.2 Common Walls.

            5. Delete Section R302.3& exceptions and insert a new section R302.3 to read as follows: Two Family Dwellings- Dwelling units in two family dwellings shall be separated from each other in accordance with section R302.2.1

            6. Delete Section R302.13 Fire Protection of Floors.

            7. Section R319.2.1 Delete Exception.

            8. Delete Section R318.7.5.1. and insert a new Section R318.7.5.1 to read as follows:

              Riser Height – The maximum riser height shall be 8 inches. The riser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch, except at the top or bottom riser of an interior stair where this dimension may deviate by a maximum of 1 inch. In no case shall the riser exceed the maximum height of 8 inches. The riser shall be vertical or sloped from the underside of the nosing of the tread above at an angle not more than 30 degrees from the vertical. Open risers are permitted provided that the opening between treads does not permit the passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere.

              Exception: The opening between adjacent treads is not limited on stairs with a total rise of 30 inches or less or on exterior stairs serving individual dwelling units

              9. Section R320.5 – add an exception #3 to read as follows:

                Handrails within a dwelling unit or serving an individual dwelling unit shall be permitted to be interrupted at one location in a straight stair when the rail terminates into a wall or ledge and is offset and immediately continues.

                10. Delete Sections 319.5.1, window fall protection.

                11. Delete Section R309 Automatic Sprinkler Systems

                12. Section R403.1.4.1- Delete exceptions #1& #2 and insert a new exception #1 and #2 to read as follows:

                  Detached one story accessory buildings of light frame construction may be provided with a floating slab which shall include a thickened edge of a minimum 8 inches plus slab thickness and tapered or squared from a width of 6 inches to 12 inches and have floors of Portland cement concrete not less than 4

                  inches thick and reinforced with a minimum of # 4 reinforcement bars on two-foot centers.

                  The perimeter or grade beam shall be reinforced with a minimum of two continuous #4 bars around the perimeter. The floor slab and grade beam shall be made in one continuous pour. The sub grade shall be free from all sod or other foreign material and shall be provided with a minimum 3 inches compacted aggregate backfill prior to installing the floor.

                  13. Add to R601.2 Requirements – Where alteration or removal of any load bearing wall(s), a registered design professional or other qualified person as approved by the Building Official shall submit design documentation to confirm compliance with this code.

                  14. Delete Chapter 11 Energy Efficiency and insert in lieu thereof International Energy Conservation Code as adopted by the State of Iowa and any subsequent amendments thereto.

                  15. Section P3114.3- Amend by adding a third sentence to read as follows:

                    Air admittance valves may only be used in conjunction with remodel & repair projects where in the opinion of the Building Official it would be impractical to install a vent which conforms to the venting provisions of this Code.

                    16. Adopt Appendix BE: Radon Control Methods.

                    17. Appendix Chapters are for reference purposes only.

                    156.15   STATE ADOPTED PLUMBING CODE

                    The provisions of the State adopted Uniform Plumbing Code with amendments, current edition as published by the Iowa Department of Public Health and as adopted by the State of Iowa in Iowa Administrative Code 661 Chapter 504 and any subsequent amendments thereto shall be adopted as the plumbing code for the City of Readlyn, Iowa.

                    156.16 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

                    The IMC shall be adopted in its entirety except:

                    Section 105.2 Permits not Required- Delete Section. Refer to Section 156.04

                    Section 112- Delete section. Reference 156.05

                    Appendix chapters are for reference only.

                    156.17 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE

                    The IFC shall be adopted in its entirety except:

                    Section 105- Delete section.

                    Section 112 – Delete Section – Reference 156.05

                    Appendix chapters are for reference only.

                    156.18 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE

                    The IFGC shall be adopted in its entirety except for the following:

                    Section 112, Delete section. Reference 156.05

                    Appendix Chapters are for reference only.

                    156.19 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE

                    The IEBC shall be adopted in its entirety except for the following:

                    Section 105.2 Delete Section. Refer to Section 156.05

                    Appendix Chapters are for reference only.

                    156.20 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

                    The provisions of the National Electrical Code, current edition as published by the National Fire Protection Association and as adopted by the State of Iowa in Iowa Administrative Code 661 Chapter 504 and any subsequent amendments thereto shall be adopted as the electrical code for the City of Readlyn, Iowa.

                    156.21 ENFORCEMENT

                    Violations of the provisions of this Ordinance or failure to comply with any of its requirements shall constitute a Municipal Infraction. A Municipal Infraction is a civil offense punishable by a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each violation, or if the infraction is a repeat offense a civil penalty not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for each repeat offense.

                    Nothing herein contained shall prevent the City of Readlyn, Iowa from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.

                    156.22 REPEALER

                    All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.

                    156.23 SEVERABILITY CLAUSE

                    If any section, provision or part of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.