Iowa Landscape Architect seal requirements: proper sizing, signing and sealing of documents

Iowa Landscape Architect seal

Board

Landscape Architectural Examining Board

Seal requirements

Iowa Code § 544B.12; 481 IAC 1084.1(7)

Legend

“Professional Landscape Architect, State of Iowa”

Diameter

"The diameter of the outside circle shall be approximately 1¾ inches."

Expiration date

Not on the seal itself, but in the information block that must accompany it: the prescribed sample carries a "License Expires:" field alongside the seal panel. The seal description in 1084.1(7)(b) lists only the name, the legend and the Iowa license number.(481 IAC 1084.1(7)(b), (d))

Signature date

Iowa Code § 544B.12 requires that all landscape architectural plans and specifications "shall be dated and bear the legible seal" of the landscape architect. The rule's prescribed information block has lines for the printed name, the signature and the pages covered, but no date line — the dating obligation comes from the statute.(Iowa Code § 544B.12; 481 IAC 1084.1(7)(d))

City on seal

Neither the statutory seal contents nor the prescribed seal description and information block calls for a city, address or place of business.(Iowa Code § 544B.12; 481 IAC 1084.1(7)(b), (d))

• "Every professional landscape architect shall have a seal which shall contain the name of the landscape architect and the words 'Professional Landscape Architect, State of Iowa', and such other words or figures as the board may deem necessary. All landscape architectural plans and specifications, prepared by such professional landscape architect or under the supervision of such professional landscape architect, shall be dated and bear the legible seal of such professional landscape architect."(Iowa Code § 544B.12)
• "Each professional landscape architect will procure a seal with which to identify all technical submissions issued by the professional landscape architect for use in Iowa as provided in Iowa Code section 544B.12."(481 IAC 1084.1(7)(a))
• "Description of seal. The diameter of the outside circle shall be approximately 1¾ inches. The seal will include the name of the professional landscape architect and the words 'Professional Landscape Architect, State of Iowa.' The professional landscape architect's Iowa license number will be included. The seal shall substantially conform to the sample shown below." The required contents are therefore the licensee's name, that legend and the Iowa license number, inside an outside circle of approximately 1¾ inches.(481 IAC 1084.1(7)(b))
• The rule prescribes no layout for the seal. Subparagraph (b) closes by referring to "the sample shown below", but no sample is reproduced: in the official publication the text runs straight from (b) to (c), and the page carrying (b) contains no image and no drawing. The same omission appears in ARC 9157C, the adopted rulemaking that enacted this text effective 6/4/25. Nothing in the current rule dictates where the name, the legend or the license number sit, whether the border is single or double, or what other devices the seal may carry.(481 IAC 1084.1(7)(b); ARC 9157C, IAB 4/30/25)
• "A legible rubber stamp, an electronic image or other facsimile of the seal may be used."(481 IAC 1084.1(7)(c))
• Each technical submission to a client or public agency (the "official copy") must contain an information block on its first page or an attached cover sheet, with a seal applied by the professional landscape architect in responsible charge and an information block for each professional consultant contributing to the submission. The seal and original signature are applied only to a final technical submission, and each official copy must be stapled, bound or otherwise attached so as to establish the complete extent of the submission.(481 IAC 1084.1(7)(d))
• The information block must substantially conform to the sample, which is reproduced in the rule and contains the certification "I hereby certify that the portion of this technical submission described below was prepared by me or under my direct supervision and responsible charge. I am a duly licensed professional landscape architect under the laws of the state of Iowa", plus lines for printed or typed name or secure electronic signature, signature, "Pages or sheets covered by this seal", and a "License Expires:" field beside the seal panel.(481 IAC 1084.1(7)(d))
• Information block entries must be typed or legibly printed in permanent ink, or be a digital signature under Iowa Code chapter 554D. An electronic signature meets the rule if protected by a security procedure as defined in Iowa Code § 554D.103(14), such as digital signature technology; the licensee must ensure the procedure verifies the signer's identity and detects post-signature changes. The seal implies responsibility for the entire technical submission unless the area of responsibility is clearly identified in the accompanying information.(481 IAC 1084.1(7)(e))
• The professional landscape architect who signed the original submission is responsible for forwarding copies of all changes and amendments, which become part of the official copy, to the public official charged with enforcement of the state, county or municipal building code.(481 IAC 1084.1(7)(f))
• The professional landscape architect is responsible for custody and proper use of the seal; improper use is grounds for disciplinary action. The seal on any technical submission is prima facie evidence that the submission was prepared by or under the responsible control of the individual named on the seal.(481 IAC 1084.1(7)(g), (h))
• A professional landscape architect must not sign or seal drawings, specifications, reports or other professional work over which the landscape architect lacks direct professional knowledge and direct supervisory control; consultants' portions may be sealed only where the landscape architect has reviewed and coordinated that portion and intends to be responsible for its adequacy.(481 IAC 1084.1(6)(b))
• The landscape architect's seal may not be used as a substitute for the seal of a licensed architect, professional engineer or professional land surveyor where their seal is required.(Iowa Code § 544B.12)

Iowa landscape architect seal questions