Iowa Code Title III. Public Services and Regulation [Chs. 80-122C] § 105.4. Plumbing installation code--rules

1. a. The board shall establish by rule a plumbing installation code governing the installation of plumbing in this state. Consistent with fire safety rules and standards promulgated by the department, the board shall adopt the most current version of the uniform plumbing code and the international mechanical code, as the state plumbing code and the state mechanical code, to govern the installation of plumbing and mechanical systems in this state. The board shall adopt the current version of each code within six months of its being released. The board may adopt amendments to each code by rule. The board shall work in consultation with the department to ensure that proposed amendments do not conflict with the fire safety rules and standards promulgated by the department. The state plumbing code and the state mechanical code shall be applicable to all buildings and structures owned by the state or an agency of the state and in each local jurisdiction.

b. Except as provided in paragraph “c”, a local jurisdiction is not required to adopt by ordinance the state plumbing code or the state mechanical code. However, a local jurisdiction that adopts by ordinance the state plumbing code or the state mechanical code may adopt standards that are more restrictive. A local jurisdiction that adopts standards that are more restrictive than the state plumbing code or the state mechanical code shall promptly provide copies of those standards to the board. The board shall maintain on its internet site the text of all local jurisdiction standards that differ from the applicable statewide code. Local jurisdictions shall not be required to conduct inspections or take any other enforcement action under the state plumbing code and state mechanical code regardless of whether the local jurisdiction has adopted by ordinance the state plumbing code or the state mechanical code.

c. A local jurisdiction with a population of more than fifteen thousand that has not adopted by ordinance the state plumbing code and state mechanical code shall have until December 31, 2016, to do so. Cities that have adopted a plumbing code or mechanical code as of April 26, 2013, shall have until December 31, 2016, to adopt the state plumbing code or the state mechanical code in lieu thereof.