The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1919-09-30
IOWA STATE HOUSING LAW

not concern us in the brief out
line.
2. Dwellings hereafter erected.
Under this head are "the provi-
sions which must be observed
when person proposes to build
new building or convert or alter to
such purposes building which Is
not a dwelling" Among the
minimum requirements for a new
dwelling are: that it shall not ex-
coed in height 11a times the
width of the widest street on
which II abuts when such street
Is measured from the building line
to the opposite street line, or in
any case not to exceed 100 feet
(this does not apply to hotels);
each house shall have yard; that
every room shall have at least one
window opening directly upon
stree. or public alley or other
public space at least 16 feet In
width, or upon yard or court OF
certain dimensions and location;
that the total window area of each
room shall be at least one-eighth
of the superficial floor area OF
each room; that all rooms shall
have a certain minimum height
and space minimum height, eight
feet three inches on first floor.
seven feet six inches on second;
minimum area 80 square feet, ex-
cept kitchenettes, which may De
40 square feet; and that due pro-
vision is made for privacy, sani-
tation, ventilation, and fire pro-
lection.
8. Alterations. Under this head
are the provisions which must De
observed when a person proposes
to alter an existing dwelling
These provisions do not allow a
reconstructed building to offend
against the standards set for new
dwellings except in such details as
are absolutely necessary. The
chief advantage of this separate
heading is that it enables one
who wishes to alter dwelling to
find the requirements of ;ha law
without searching through the en-
tire law.
A.. Maintenance. Under this
head are provisions when the
owner, and in certain cases the
occupant. must observe with re-
gard to the maintenance Of
dwelling. The owner shall see
that the water-closets, sinks, and
the like are kept in good order;
that the roof is kept so as not to
leak; and that the building IN
general is kept in safe repair. In
case Of a private house, the occu-
pant shall properly dispose of gar
bage, refuse, rubbish and other
waste matter.
Overcrowding is not permitted.
Certain animals shall not occupy
house with people, nor be kept
on the same lot unless so per-
mitted by the health officers.
Infected and uninhabitable
houses are to be vacated.
5. improvements. Under this
head are the improvements re-
ouired in the older buildings.
Every old building affected by the
act shall be made safe as regards
fire escapes, ventilation, light.
water, construction, etc. Social
workers are familiar with the
depIorable conditions in which
many people live-old shacks,
huts, dilapidated buildings, damp
cellars, dark attics and the like.
Such nuisances shall be abated.
6. Requirements and remedies.
Before new dwellings are con-
structed or old dwellings con-
verified or altered, specifications
shall be submitted to the health
officer and shall become part OF
the public records. All such
specifications must be properly
examined, and, if found satisfac-
tory. a permit issued before con-
struction proceeds. Such permits
are invalid after one year unless
the work of construction has pro-
ceeded above the foundation walls.
New dwellings shall not be occu-
pied until the issuance OF a ceru-
ficate by the health officer that
the requirements of the law have
been met.
Persons guilty OF a violation of
this act shall be deemed guilty OF
misdemeanor and dealt with &C
cordingly. Tenants may De quickly
evicted for violation of the proV1-
sions of the law.
The provisions of the law are to
be enforced in each municipality
by the health officer. The state
board of health has general super
visory responsibility and power
A brief summary such as this
can touch only the high points.
The underlying principle is that
no housing shall be permitted
which impairs the health of the
occupants or endangers the health
of the community. When any
dwelling is dangerous to the
health, safety and morals of its
occupants, that dwelling Is men.
ace to the health, safety and
morals of the entire community.
Hence, every unsanitary dwelling
is q problem to be dealt with by
the community and the state. The
community and the state have
tremendous responsibility and ur-
gent duty in connection with the
housing problem; they cannot
shift the responsibility and they