- Public Body: City of Grimes
- Organization Type: municipality
- Government Body: city-council
- Meeting Title: Thursday Jun 18, 2026 5:30 PM CDT Building Regulations Board of Appeals Meeting June 18, 2026 Agenda Posted on: June 11, 2026 4:25 PM 410 SE Main Street Room 202 Grimes , IA 50111 Board of Appeals
- Meeting Date: 2026-06-18
- City: Grimes
- County: Polk
- State: iowa
- Meeting Source URL: https://grimesia.portal.civicclerk.com/event/574/files
- Meeting Listing URL: https://grimesia.portal.civicclerk.com/
- Public Body Website: Not available
- Meeting Video URL: Not available
- Video Channel URL: Not available
The City of Grimes Board of Appeals is scheduled to review proposed updates to the city’s building regulations, including changes to the Residential Building Code and Building Code. The primary focus is updating local requirements to align with newer state requirements and construction standards, especially related to radon-resistant construction for new one- and two-family dwellings.
A major proposed change is adoption of Appendix BE from the 2024 International Residential Code, which establishes radon control methods for residential construction. The staff memo states that Iowa is requiring all one- and two-family dwellings to install at least a passive radon mitigation system beginning July 1, 2026.
The meeting also addresses cleanup and clarification of existing building regulations, including moving swimming pool provisions out of residential and building code sections into a dedicated pool and spa code section. Additional updates address construction requirements, permitting processes, safety standards, and the role of the Board of Appeals.
The Board is expected to consider recommending approval of the proposed amendments. Previous Board discussion on similar changes resulted in approval with a condition that clerical corrections be completed before City Council review.
Major Discussion and Action Items
Proposed Residential Building Code and Building Code Updates
The main agenda item is consideration of proposed amendments to City of Grimes Building Regulations Title 11-8 Residential Building Code and Title 11-11 Building Code. Staff recommends approval of the amendments.
The changes update references to the 2024 International Residential Code and modify local requirements covering residential construction, permits, safety standards, and enforcement. The proposal is intended to keep city regulations current and ensure compliance with state requirements.
Residents who are planning new residential construction, additions, remodeling projects, or related permits may be affected because updated standards could apply to future projects reviewed by the Development Services Department.
Radon Mitigation Requirements for New Homes
A key issue before the Board is adoption of Appendix BE of the 2024 International Residential Code for radon control methods. The city materials explain that passive radon mitigation systems would be required at a minimum for one- and two-family dwellings constructed on basements, crawl spaces, slabs, or combinations of those foundation types.
The requirements include preparation beneath floors, installation of soil gas barriers, installation of vent piping, sealing openings, and provisions for future fan installation if additional radon reduction is needed.
The city’s radon testing policy requires testing after air tightness testing, after radon and HVAC systems are complete, and at the lowest occupied floor level. Test results must be submitted before a final inspection is scheduled when radon-resistant construction is required.
Swimming Pool and Spa Code Provisions
The proposed amendments create dedicated swimming pool and spa regulations rather than leaving pool-related requirements within residential building code sections.
The proposed rules apply to structures intended for swimming, recreational bathing, or wading that can contain water more than 24 inches deep, including in-ground pools, above-ground pools, spas, hot tubs, and fixed-in-place wading pools.
The provisions establish permit requirements, application requirements, construction standards, and safety barriers. Pool barriers generally must be at least 48 inches above grade, have restricted openings, and include secure gates that are self-closing and self-latching.
Construction Safety and Building Standards
The proposed code revisions include numerous technical updates affecting building construction, including garage separation requirements, bathroom ventilation, foundation wall standards, slab reinforcement, exterior restoration requirements, and other construction details.
Some revisions clarify when certain safety measures apply, such as fire sprinkler requirements for townhomes and larger residential structures, and requirements for accessory structures near dwellings.
These changes are primarily relevant to builders, contractors, homeowners completing projects, and property owners seeking permits.
Board of Appeals Process and Governance Updates
The packet references changes intended to clarify the Board’s role and reduce confusion between the Board of Appeals and Board of Adjustment. Previous meeting materials state that staff proposed changing the name to “Building Regulations Board of Appeals.”
The Board also previously discussed the process for residents seeking an appeal. Staff advised applicants to submit an appeals request application to Development Services by the first day of the month to be placed on that month’s Board agenda.
Financial Matters
The staff communication states there are no budgetary considerations associated with the proposed code amendments.
The packet does not identify contracts, grants, purchases, funding requests, or other significant financial commitments related to this agenda item.
Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance
The Board is reviewing amendments to City code sections governing residential construction and building regulations. The changes incorporate updated standards from the 2024 International Residential Code and establish additional local requirements.
The proposed updates include adoption of Appendix BE for radon control, changes to residential construction requirements, and creation of swimming pool and spa regulations.
The Board’s expected action is a recommendation and approval of the proposed changes before further consideration by the City Council.
The packet includes a Board of Appeals communication explaining the reason for the proposed amendments. Staff identifies state radon requirements and cleanup of swimming pool-related provisions as the primary reasons for the update.
Supporting documents provide detailed code language, radon installation guidance, and testing procedures intended to help builders, inspectors, and property owners understand the updated requirements.
Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters
The packet does not include personnel actions, appointments, staffing changes, employment agreements, or organizational matters.
Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
No major capital projects, infrastructure investments, or facility projects are included in this meeting packet.
Operationally, the proposed changes would affect the Development Services Department’s review and enforcement of building permits, inspections, and construction requirements. The Building Official or designee would continue enforcing the residential building code requirements.
The agenda includes a public comment opportunity. Residents wishing to address the Board must sign up upon entering the meeting, be recognized by the presiding officer, and state their name and address before speaking. Comments are limited to three minutes.
The meeting is scheduled for June 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Grimes Community Center, 410 SE Main Street.
- Residents: Future homeowners and property owners completing construction projects may see updated requirements for permits, radon protection, pools, and building safety standards.
- Homebuyers and families: New residential construction will be affected by radon-resistant construction requirements intended to reduce exposure risks.
- Builders and contractors: Construction professionals will need to follow updated code requirements when designing and completing projects.
- Property owners: Pool construction, remodeling, and additions may require compliance with updated permit and safety standards.
- City operations: Development Services staff will administer updated requirements during inspections and permit reviews.
The direct impact of the proposal is a change in construction standards and permitting expectations rather than a new tax, fee program, or spending initiative.
- How will the updated building regulations affect permits already submitted before the changes take effect?
- What resources will the city provide to homeowners and contractors explaining the new radon requirements?
- How will the city verify compliance with radon testing and mitigation requirements?
- Are there anticipated changes to permit review timelines because of the updated standards?
- How will the new swimming pool and spa requirements affect existing pools compared with newly constructed pools?
- What process will residents follow if they need a building regulation appeal?
- How will the Board and City Council review any future technical corrections to the ordinance language?
- What construction projects will require the updated standards immediately after adoption?
Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps
- June 11, 2026: Agenda posted for the Board of Appeals meeting.
- June 18, 2026, 5:30 PM: Grimes Board of Appeals meeting at the Grimes Community Center, 410 SE Main Street.
- July 1, 2026: Iowa requirement for passive radon mitigation systems in one- and two-family dwellings takes effect according to the staff communication.
- Future step: If approved by the Board, the proposed amendments will proceed for further City Council consideration.
Key Takeaways
- The Grimes Board of Appeals is reviewing updates to residential and building regulations.
- The largest change is adoption of radon-resistant construction requirements for new one- and two-family dwellings.
- The city is incorporating Appendix BE of the 2024 International Residential Code for radon control.
- New radon requirements include passive mitigation systems, testing procedures, and compliance documentation.
- Swimming pool and spa regulations would move into a dedicated code section.
- Pool safety requirements include permits, barriers, gates, and construction standards.
- The proposal updates many technical construction requirements affecting builders and homeowners.
- The staff recommendation is approval of the proposed amendments.
- The packet identifies no budget impact from the proposed code changes.
- Residents may provide public comment during the June 18, 2026 meeting.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: City of Grimes
- Organization type: municipality
- Government body: city-council
- Location: Grimes, iowa
- County: Polk
- Provider: civicclerk
Keywords
City of Grimes, Grimes Board of Appeals, Building Regulations Board of Appeals, residential building code, building code updates, International Residential Code, 2024 IRC, Appendix BE, radon mitigation, radon testing, passive radon systems, Development Services, construction permits, building inspections, swimming pool code, spa regulations, residential construction, property owners, contractors, building safety, City Council, Grimes Community Center, Polk County, Iowa building regulations, code amendments
