Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2154

Introduced
1/31/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of SF2154 is expected to have significant implications for state laws regarding construction and renovation practices. By curbing the scope of local government regulations, the bill could potentially simplify the regulatory landscape for builders and developers, thereby promoting economic development and efficiency in construction projects. However, this may also limit the ability of local jurisdictions to address specific community needs related to safety, aesthetics, or environmental considerations in residential building designs.

Summary

Senate File 2154 seeks to regulate how governmental subdivisions in Iowa may legislate building design elements for residential structures. The bill restricts these subdivisions from adopting or enforcing any regulations that would prohibit or limit the use of building materials approved under national model codes. Moreover, it outlines that any building design standards cannot be stricter than those outlined in these model codes, which provide a framework intended to ensure uniformity and safety across various jurisdictions in the state. It is positioned as a measure to streamline building regulations and promote consistency in construction practices.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked debates regarding the appropriateness of state-level preemption over local control. Proponents argue that standardizing these regulations will benefit builders by minimizing confusion and complexity in complying with varying local laws. Conversely, critics contend that this approach undermines local authority, preventing municipalities from tailoring regulations to fit their unique environmental concerns or community standards. The ongoing discussion reflects a broader tension between state-level consistency in regulation and local autonomy in governance.

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 SF174

Similar To 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.)

IA HF490

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

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 SSB3148

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

IA SF54

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

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 SF2429

A bill for an act relating to fluid milk products annual permits, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SF 258, SSB 1044.) Effective date: 01/01/2027

IA SF2433

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

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.