Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF43

Introduced
1/11/23  
Introduced
1/11/23  

Caption

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

Impact

The enactment of SF43 would have significant implications for state laws concerning building regulations. By mandating adherence to national model codes, local governments may no longer impose regulations that exceed these standards, potentially impacting aesthetic choices in residential construction. This could lead to more uniform building practices across the state, which advocates argue would simplify the process for builders operating in multiple areas. However, it limits local governments' ability to tailor regulations that meet the unique needs of their communities, especially regarding local aesthetics and safety standards.

Summary

Senate File 43 aims to regulate building design elements by restricting the authority of governmental subdivisions in Iowa. This legislation specifies that governmental subdivisions are not permitted to adopt or enforce any regulations that would govern building design elements in a manner that contravenes recently published national model codes. This prohibition is intended to streamline construction practices and reduce variability in building regulations across different jurisdictions within the state. It outlines specific scenarios in which governmental entities may establish requirements, primarily concerning historic districts or safety-related matters.

Contention

Critics of the bill may argue that it undermines local control by restricting municipalities from enforcing regulations that reflect the preferences and needs of their constituents. Some concerns include the potential loss of community character, particularly in areas with distinct architectural styles or historical significance. Furthermore, the bill does not prevent property owners from establishing private restrictions or covenants, but its emphasis on adhering strictly to national codes could result in a homogenization of residential designs that fails to consider local contexts.

Companion Bills

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.

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 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 SSB1182

A bill for an act relating to county and city regulation of accessory dwelling units.(See SF 592.)

IA SSB3152

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

IA SSB3028

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the department of management, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See SF 2141, SF 2473.)

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 SSB3070

A bill for an act relating to county and city regulation of accessory dwelling units.(See SF 2369.)

IA SSB3193

A bill for an act relating to the taxation and regulation of alternative nicotine products and vapor products, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2480.)

IA SSB3009

A bill for an act relating to duties of certain political subdivisions, including duties of fence viewers, stewardship of certain cemeteries, and provision of fire protection and emergency medical services, and including transition and effective date provisions.(See SF 2431, SF 2500.)

IA SF592

A bill for an act relating to county and city regulation of accessory dwelling units. (Formerly SSB 1182.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

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.