Ramps in Iowa: where the state building code applies

Iowa homeowners planning a ramp often hear two different answers about permits from neighbors in different towns, and both can be right. Iowa's state building code applies in some places and not others, and the statute says exactly where.

Renters have their own answer in the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Here is what both laws say, plus what Iowa's rain and snow mean for a ramp and the door products that pair with one.

Where Iowa's state building code reaches a house

Chapter 103A of the Iowa Code creates the state building code, and Iowa Code 103A.10(2) lists where it applies:

• "a. To all buildings and structures owned by the state or an agency of the state."
• "b. In each governmental subdivision where the governing body has enacted an ordinance accepting the application of the code."
• "c. To all newly constructed buildings and structures the construction of which is paid for in whole or in part with moneys appropriated by the state but which are not wholly owned by the state."
• "d. In each city with a population of more than fifteen thousand that has not adopted a local building code that is substantially in accord with standards developed by a nationally recognized building code organization."

A "governmental subdivision" in this chapter means any city, county, or a combination of the two. For a privately owned home, that leaves three possibilities: your city or county has adopted its own building code; it has accepted the state code by ordinance; or, in a smaller community or rural area, neither applies. Which one describes your address decides whether a ramp needs a permit and what standards it must meet. We could not confirm a statewide rule on residential ramps, so ask your city or county building office before building.

Iowa's accessibility rules have a narrower reach. Under Iowa Code 103A.7(2)(e), the state's rules on "the accessibility and use by persons with disabilities and elderly persons" cover "buildings, structures, and facilities which are constructed and intended for use by the general public," and "shall only apply to those buildings, structures, and facilities subject to chapter 104A." A ramp at your own house is a different project from a ramp at a public building.

If you rent in Iowa

The Iowa Civil Rights Act counts as discrimination "A refusal to permit, at the expense of the person with a disability, reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by the person if the modifications are necessary to afford the person full enjoyment of the premises" (Iowa Code 216.8A(3)(c)(1)). It continues: "it is not discrimination for a landlord, in the case of a rental and where reasonable to do so, to condition permission for a modification on the renter's agreement to restore the interior of the premises to the condition that existed before the modification, reasonable wear and tear excepted." The restoration language speaks of the interior, so ask your landlord in writing what they expect for an exterior ramp.

Floods, drifting snow and Iowa entries

NOAA's Iowa State Climate Summary describes flooding as "a severe hazard" and notes that from 1955 to 1997 Iowa "was ranked first in state losses due to flooding." In June 2008, 83 of the state's 99 counties were declared disaster areas after record river flooding. The frequency of 2-inch extreme rain events has increased, and for most of the state more than 40% of the year's precipitation falls on the ten wettest days.

Winter adds snow, more than 40 inches a year in the north, and wind strong enough to drift it. A ramp in Iowa should drain fast, keep its grip when wet or icy, and leave space along the sides to push snow clear. Where drifting is common, a door opener that gets someone inside quickly is worth as much as the ramp.

Door and threshold products for Iowa homes and churches

• The Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp handles thresholds up to 4 in high, gives 36 in of usable width at every height, carries 850 lb and assembles without tools from puzzle-edged pieces.
• The Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener holds the door open for an adjustable 5 to 30 seconds and needs at least 1 1/4 in between door and ceiling. A remote comes standard, handheld or mounted on a wheelchair.
• For a busy church or community entrance, the Large Wireless Wall Push Pad (FL) has a thick metal plate with the accessibility logo, and Open Sesame says it is very tamper-proof. It runs on a 9V battery.
• The 36 in Vertical Push Pad (FW) stands 36 in tall so one wireless switch can serve where an upper and a lower switch would normally be needed.

Need a full modular ramp? The ramp fit check asks about the rise, turns and landings and returns a quote.

Iowa assistive technology help

Iowa's program under the federal Assistive Technology Act, reached through iowaat.org, is led by the University of Iowa's Center for Disabilities and Development. The AT3 Center lists device loans, demonstrations, reuse and financial loans, with a separate contact for the financial loan program.

Delivery and setup in Iowa

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. We ship to the lower 48 states and DC, with free shipping on orders over $500 ($15 under $500), and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days; some brands differ. See the Iowa shipping page.

Questions about ramps in Iowa

Does Iowa's state building code apply to my home ramp?

Only in some places. Iowa Code 103A.10 applies the state code where a city or county has accepted it by ordinance, and in cities of more than fifteen thousand people without their own nationally recognized code, besides state-owned and state-funded buildings. Your city or county building office can tell you which rules, if any, cover a ramp at your address.

Do Iowa's accessibility rules apply to private houses?

Iowa Code 103A.7(2)(e) aims the state's accessibility rules at buildings, structures and facilities constructed and intended for use by the general public, and says they apply only to those subject to chapter 104A. A ramp at a church or public building is a different project from one at a private home, where local building rules are what count.

Can my Iowa landlord refuse a ramp I pay for?

Iowa Code 216.8A(3)(c)(1) says refusing reasonable modifications, at the expense of the person with a disability, is discrimination when they are necessary for full enjoyment of the premises. A landlord may, where reasonable, require the renter to restore the interior afterward, reasonable wear and tear excepted. Get the details of any agreement in writing.

How should an Iowa ramp handle floods and snow?

Plan for water and drifts. NOAA reports that more than 40% of Iowa's yearly precipitation falls on the ten wettest days and that northern Iowa averages more than 40 inches of snow. Choose a slip-resistant surface, make sure landings drain, and leave room at the sides to clear snow from the full run.

Shop doorway solutions in the ramps and door openers collection. For a porch ramp, start with the ramp fit check; for the whole home, the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Iowa Code 103A.10, effect and application of the state building code
• Iowa Code 103A.7, state building code rules
• Iowa Code 103A.3, definitions
• Iowa Code 216.8A, housing discrimination
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Iowa (2022)
• Iowa assistive technology program (iowaat.org)
• AT3 Center: Iowa
• Harmar Rubber Threshold Ramp (Faith Mobility product page)
• Open Sesame Residential Automatic Door Opener (Faith Mobility product page)
• Open Sesame Large Wireless Wall Push Pad (FL) (Faith Mobility product page)
• Open Sesame 36 in Vertical Push Pad (FW) (Faith Mobility product page)