Linn County Plumbing Board recommends adopting 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code to supervisors

Linn County Building Official Luke Maloney told the Plumbing Board of Appeals on Sept. 23 that the county should move from the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code to the 2024 UPC as amended by the State of Iowa and recommended the Board of Supervisors adopt the update.

"Today, what we have is we're updating from the 2021 version of the UPC as amended by the state of Iowa to the 2024 UPC as amended," Maloney said, summarizing the staff recommendation. He listed several specific changes included in the new code cycle, saying some are technical and many are administrative.

"Some of the updates to the 2024 include new provisions for tileable shower receptors and kits, provisions for temperature actuated flow reduction devices for individual fittings ... new provisions for all gender facilities including fixture count, privacy compartments, and partitions," Maloney said. He also cited updates for hot-water recirculating systems, private well-water tanks and appliance condensate drain rules.

Maloney characterized the package as "very minimal changes" with "not a lot to worry about as far as cost implications or anything on construction," and told the board he did not anticipate public fallout or substantial feedback.

After the presentation the board moved and seconded a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to adopt the 2024 UPC as submitted to the Board of Appeals. The motion carried on the record; the transcript records two affirmative "Aye" responses, and the acting chair said, "We'll send it upstairs." The board did not record a roll-call vote with individual names on the transcript.

The next procedural step, as noted in the meeting, is for county staff to forward the Board of Appeals' recommendation to the Linn County Board of Supervisors for consideration. Maloney said staff would prepare any ordinance language and share updates with the boards before sending the recommendation upward.