Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF174

Introduced
1/31/23  
Refer
6/5/23  
Introduced
1/31/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to building design element regulation by governmental subdivisions, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SF 43; See SF 2154.)

Impact

If passed, SF174 would limit the ability of local governments to impose restrictions on the types of building materials or design elements that can be used in residential buildings. For instance, a governmental subdivision would not be able to prohibit a building product that is approved under a national model code or establish a building standard more stringent than those codes. This could lead to conflicts between local needs and broader regulatory frameworks, impacting local aesthetics and safety preferences.

Summary

Senate File 174 (SF174) is a legislative bill focused on the regulation of building design elements by governmental subdivisions in Iowa. The bill aims to standardize building regulations by prohibiting local governments from adopting or enforcing rules that are more stringent than those established by national model codes. The intent behind the bill is to ensure that building practices remain consistent across jurisdictions, which proponents argue will simplify compliance for builders and promote economic efficiency in the residential construction sector. This standardization is particularly directed at the materials and product usage in residential structures.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding the bill is the balance between local control and state-wide standardization. Supporters assert that this bill can remove unnecessary regulatory barriers that hinder development and construction, while opponents warn that it may strip communities of their ability to address specific local concerns and adapt regulations to the unique needs of their residents. Critics argue that certain design restrictions might be necessary for maintaining local character or addressing community safety measures that national codes do not sufficiently cover.

Companion Bills

IA SF43

Similar To A bill for an act relating to building design element regulation by governmental subdivisions, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 174, SF 2154.)

IA HF490

Similar To A bill for an act relating to building design element regulation by governmental subdivisions, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF2154

Similar To A bill for an act relating to building design element regulation by governmental subdivisions, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SF 174, SF 43.)

Previously Filed As

IA SSB3166

A bill for an act concerning administrative rules relating to the uniform rules on agency procedure and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2463.)

IA HF2744

A bill for an act concerning administrative rules relating to the uniform rules on agency procedure and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 760.)

IA SSB3148

A bill for an act relating to the national electrical code, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2433.)

IA SF2463

A bill for an act concerning the executive branch rulemaking process, including the uniform rules on agency procedure and review and regulatory readoption of rules, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 3166.) Effective date: 04/16/2026, 07/01/2026.

IA SF639

A bill for an act creating a specialty business court, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SF 570, SSB 1203.) Effective date: 09/01/2026

IA SF54

A bill for an act regulating litigation financing contracts, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See SF 586, SF 2419.)

IA SF625

A bill for an act relating to gambling regulation, including enforcement, license fees, tax rates, and the use of associated revenue, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SF 613, SSB 1157.)

IA HF919

A bill for an act relating to children's specialty hospital designations for certain nonprofit organizations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 268.) Effective date: 05/01/2025.

IA SF2433

A bill for an act relating to the national electrical code, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3148.)

IA SF387

A bill for an act relating to alcoholic beverages, including license authorizations and fee determinations, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1089; See SF 610.)

Similar Bills

IL HB2999

LOCAL ZONING-MANUFACTURED HOME

AZ HB2322

Condominiums; commercial structures; residential structures

CA SB908

Residential windows: retrofitting: residential window replacement projects: California Building Code compliance.

CA SB365

Fire insurance: reporting on cancellation and nonrenewal.

IA SSB3152

A bill for an act relating to county zoning ordinances governing residential buildings.(See SF 2442.)

IA SF2442

A bill for an act relating to county zoning ordinances governing residential buildings.(Formerly SSB 3152.)

CA AB2038

Residential property insurance: cancellations and nonrenewals.

RI H5828

Requires that beginning January l, 2027, all contractors supervising structural remodeling or building new residential structures with one to four (4) family dwelling units be licensed by the contractors' registration and licensing board.