IA

Iowa Construction Compliance Requirements

Everything general contractors need to know about lien law, prevailing wage, insurance, and OSHA compliance in Iowa.

Mechanics Lien Law

Iowa requires subcontractors to file a Preliminary Notice within 30 days of first furnishing under Iowa Code 572. Mechanics liens must be filed within 90 days of last furnishing (2 years for general contractors). Iowa lien law provides strong protections for those who properly file notice.

Key Deadlines

30 days: Preliminary Notice filing deadline for subcontractors
90 days: Subcontractor mechanics lien filing deadline
2 years: General contractor lien filing deadline

Prevailing Wage Requirements

Iowa repealed its state prevailing wage law in 2017. Federal Davis-Bacon applies to federally funded projects only. No state certified payroll or prevailing wage requirements on state-funded projects.

Insurance Requirements

Workers compensation required for all employers with 1+ employees. Minimum $1M general liability typical. Iowa Workers Compensation Commissioner administers the program.

OSHA & Safety Compliance

Iowa operates a state OSHA plan through Iowa OSHA (IOSHA) under the Iowa Division of Labor. Covers both public and private sector. Standards generally mirror federal OSHA.

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Last reviewed: April 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for state-specific legal questions.