Item 4N
P&DSD
LANNING EVELOPMENT ERVICES EPARTMENT
BID
UILDING NSPECTIONS IVISION
1400MS,S250,S,TX76092
AIN TREET UITE OUTHLAKE
www.cityofsouthlake.com
M E M O R A N D U M
February 4, 2008
TO:
Shana Yelverton, City Manager
FROM:
Paul Ward, CBO, Building Official
SUBJECT
: Ordinance No. 936, 1st Reading, adopt the 2006 International Mechanical Code.
(if approved at first reading, the public hearing will be held March 4, 2008)
Purpose:
The purpose of Ordinance No. 936 is to update the Fuel Gas Code of the
City to the 2006 Edition.
Applicability:
The Mechanical Code applies to the installation of all permanently
installed mechanical systems for heating, ventilation and air conditioning
of buildings or spaces and their related accessories, in the City of
Southlake
Methodology:
Since 1967, the North Central Texas Council of Governments has actively
promoted the standardization of model construction codes in an effort to
simplify the construction process, advance the safety of building systems,
promote common code interpretation, facilitate the mobility of contractors,
and reduce training and construction costs.
The Regional Codes Coordinating Committee (RCCC) and its four
Advisory Boards comprised of local public and private code professionals
continually review the latest editions of the model construction codes and
recommend uniform amendments for the North Central Texas region.
The City of Southlake has representatives sitting on the various
committees participating in the regional recommendation process.
BBA
On January 24, 2008 the Building Board of Appeals met to consider the
proposed ordinances adopting the 2006 I Codes. Charles Bloomberg,
Page 1 of 12
Plans Examiner and David Barnes, Fire Marshal explained the changes in
the I Codes from 2003 to 2006. Mr. Bloomberg explained the most
significant changes; 1) Residential sprinkling to include non-living space
equaling 6,000 square feet or greater (garages and unfinished bonus
rooms). 2) New fee for unauthorized cover up during construction. 3)
Plumbing AAV (Air Admittance Valve) must be approved prior to
installation and must be marked on plans.
Discussion: Board members and Staff discussed general code
compliance.
A motion was made to recommend adoption of 2006 I Codes with local
amendments. Motion Passed unanimously.
SPIN:
On January 28, 2008, staff held a citywide SPIN meeting in Southlake
Town Hall to present the 8 ordinances in the current 2006 code package.
Explanation was given of the impact, focusing primarily on residential
construction. Questions were asked about specific applications, but no
specific objections were aired.
Action Requested
: Conduct a public hearing and make a recommendation on Ordinance No.
936, adopting the 2006 International Mechanical Code and certain local
amendments.
Attachments:
Attachment A- International Codes Update Memo.
Attachment B- Proposed Ordinance 936, 2006 International Mechanical
Code.
Page 2 of 12
M E M O R A N D U M
Date: January 29, 2008
TO: Paul Ward, Chief Building Official
FROM: Chuck Bloomberg, Plans Examiner
SUBJECT: International Codes Update
The City of Southlake has adopted the International Code Council’s construction codes as
our local building codes with regional and local amendments. The codes are continually
updated on the national level and are published every three years. The current codes, the
2006 edition have been reviewed by the Regional Code Coordinating Committee and
Executive Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments and recommended
for adoption by area cities.
Highlights of the proposed ordinances you may wish to include in the Council Memo are as
follows:
2006 International Building Code. This code regulates all buildings not covered by the
IRC. The administrative chapter includes our permits for grading or “earth disturbance.” The
fee section is similar to the IRC ordinance. Again the NCTCOG recommendations are
followed except for some items that are more clarification than actual code changes. We
follow the NCTCOG choice for group B cities as far as fire sprinkler options, protecting
buildings greater than 6000 square feet as we have since 1994 with some modifications.
2006 International Fire Code. This code establishes regulations affecting or relating to
structures, processes, premises and safeguards regarding: (1.) The hazard of fire and
explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; (2.)
Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or
premises; (3.) Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation;
(4.) Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire
suppression or alarm systems. Amendments include NCTCOG recommendations and Fire
Services recommendations.
2006 International Energy Conservation Code. This is the code mandated by state law
with specific language that we may not amend it in any way less restrictive than the original
code adopted in 2001. The law established the Energy Systems Laboratory at Texas A & M
University as the judge as to what is or is not less restrictive. ESL worked closely with
NCTCOG in making recommendations for this edition of the code.
Attachment A
International Codes Update Memo
Page 3 of 12
2006 ICC Electrical Code Administrative Provisions. This code adopts the 2008
National Electrical Code by reference as written without amendments and also gives the
administrative provisions consistent with the other
International Codes.
• 2006 International Plumbing Code. This code regulates plumbing systems including
water and sewage and storm sewer piping systems and their fixtures. The Plumbing
ordinance limits amendments to those recommended by NCTCOG.
• 2006 International Fuel Gas Code. This code regulates gas piping, fuel burning
appliances and their vents. Again amendments are limited to the NCTCOG
recommendations.
• 2006 International Mechanical Code. This code regulates Heating, Air Conditioning and
mechanical ventilation systems. The NCTCOG amendments have been recommended for
the IMC.
• 2006 International Residential Code. This code regulates one and two-family dwellings
and townhouses not over three stories high and their accessory structures. The IRC is
unique in that one book covers all construction for dwellings including building, electrical,
plumbing, energy conservation, plumbing, heating and air conditioning and fuel gas piping.
Other than in the administrative chapter and appendix chapters the amendments are as
recommended by NCTCOG. In section 108.8 an unauthorized cover up fee was added to
help get final inspections on swimming pools prior to filling them. The energy code
provisions were revised by ICC and therefore had to be amended to remain in compliance
with state law. The residential sprinkler requirements were changed as recommended by
Fire Services.
Attachment A
International Codes Update Memo
Page 4 of 12
2006 International Mechanical Code
ORDINANCE NO. 936
February 11, 2008
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE,
2006 EDITION; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF LOCAL
AMENDMENTS THERETO; PROVIDING FOR RECORDING OF SUCH CODE
AS A PUBLIC RECORD; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE
CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR
PUBLICATION IN PAMPHLET FORM; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS,
The City of Southlake, Texas is a home rule city acting under its charter
adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution and Chapter
9 of the Local Government Code; and
WHEREAS,
City Council of the City of Southlake deems it necessary to adopt this
ordinance governing requirements for the installation and maintenance of Heating, Air
Conditioning and other Mechanical systems including requirements for materials, in order to
protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Southlake.
beginning in the spring of 2007, NCTCOG’s Regional Codes Coordinating
WHEREAS,
Committee (RCCC) and its four advisory boards conducted 20 open review meetings over an 8-
month period to review the 2006 editions of the International Codes and to develop regional
amendments. Their review and recommendations were completed and endorsed by NCTCOG’s
Executive Board in October 2007. Now NCTCOG encourages jurisdictions in North Central
Texas to adopt the 2006 International Mechanical Code along with its respective regional
amendments with an effective date of April 1, 2008:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS:
SECTION 1
That the International Mechanical Code, 2006 Edition, published by The International
Code Council, Inc., is hereby adopted as the Mechanical Code of the City of Southlake, except
for mechanical systems otherwise regulated under the International Residential Code for One-
and Two- Family Dwellings as adopted. A true and correct copy of this Code is attached to this
ordinance as Exhibit "A."
Page 5 of 12
SECTION 2
That the 2006 International Mechanical Code, as adopted herein, is hereby amended as
provided in Exhibit “B” incorporated herein and attached hereto for all purposes of this
ordinance. The City of Southlake may from time to time determine that additional local
modifications to the 2006 International Mechanical Code are necessary and appropriate to meet
the unique construction needs of the City of Southlake. To effectuate these modifications, the
City council shall enact individual ordinances amending this ordinance fully setting forth the
change to be made in the code. The amendments shall be consolidated as Exhibit "B" to this
ordinance.
SECTION 3
The material contained in Exhibits "A" and “B” to this ordinance shall not be included in
the formal municipal codification of ordinances, but shall be maintained as a public record in the
office of the City Secretary and will be available for public inspection and copying during
regular business hours.
SECTION 4
This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the City of
Southlake, Texas, except where the provisions of this ordinance are in direct conflict with the
provisions of such ordinances, in which event the conflicting provisions of such ordinances are
hereby repealed.
SECTION 5
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases, clauses,
sentences, paragraphs and sections of this ordinance are severable, and if any phrase, clause,
sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid
judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not
affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this
ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City council without the incorporation
in this ordinance of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section.
SECTION 6
Any person, firm or corporation who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to
comply with or who resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
fined not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) all violations involving zoning, fire
safety or public health and sanitation, including dumping or refuse, and shall be fined not more
than five hundred dollars ($500) for all other violations of this ordinance each day that a
violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 7
All rights and remedies of theCity of Southlake are expressly saved as to any and all
violations of the provisionsof any ordinances affecting the installation and maintenance of
heating, air conditioning and other mechanical systems which have accrued at the time of the
Attachment B
Proposed Ordinance 936 International Mechanical Code Page 6 of 12
effective date of this ordinance; and, as to such accrued violations and all pending litigation, both
civil and criminal, whether pending in court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be
affected by this ordinance buy may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 8
The City Secretary of the City of Southlake is hereby authorized to publish this ordinance
in book or pamphlet form for general distribution among the public, and the operative provisions
of this ordinance as so published shall be admissible in evidence in all courts without further
proof than the production thereof.
SECTION 9
The CitySecretary of the City of Southlake is hereby directed to publish in the official
newspaper the City of Southlake, the caption, penalty clause, publication clause and effective
date of this ordinance one time within ten days after passage of this ordinance, as required by
Section 3.13 of the Charter of the City of Southlake.
SECTION 10
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication
as required by law, but not sooner than February 1, 2008, and it is so ordained.
Passed And Approved On First Reading On This Day Of , 2008.
_ ATTEST:_
MAYOR CITY SECRETARY
Passed And Approved On Second Reading On This Day Of , 2008.
_ ATTEST:_
MAYOR CITY SECRETARY
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
City Attorney
Date: EFFECTIVE:
Attachment B
Proposed Ordinance 936 International Mechanical Code Page 7 of 12
EXHIBIT “B”
Amendments to the
2006 International Mechanical Code
The following sections, paragraphs, and sentences of the 2006 International Mechanical
Code are hereby amended as follows: (Standard type is text from the IMC. Underlined
type is text inserted. Lined through type is deleted text from the IMC.) A double asterisk
at the beginning of a section identifies an amendment carried over from the 2003 edition
of the code and a triple asterisk identifies a new amendment with the 2006 edition of the
code. After each code amendment a reason is given in parentheses. The reason is not
a part of the code, but is given to aid in understanding the code.
**Section 102.8; change to read as follows:
102.8 Referenced codes and standards.
The codes and standards referenced herein
shall be those that are listed in Chapter 15 and such codes, when specifically adopted,
and standards shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the
prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions
of this code and the referenced standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.
Whenever amendments have been adopted to the referenced codes and standards,
each reference to said code and standard shall be considered to reference the
amendments as well. Any reference to NFPA 70 or the ICC Electrical Code shall mean
the Electrical Code as adopted.
(Reason: Legal wording to recognize locally adopted codes and amendments adopted with referenced
codes.)
**Section 304.6; delete.
(Reason: This provision does not reflect standard practice in this area. Consistent with regional
amendment to IFGC 305.5.)
**Section 304.9; change to read as follows:
304.9 Clearances from grade.
Equipment and appliances installed at grade level shall
be supported on a level concrete slab or other approved material extending above
adjoining grade a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) or shall be suspended a minimum of 6
inches (152 mm) above adjoining grade.
(Reason: Consistent with current local practice. Consistent with regional amendment to IFGC
305.7.)
Attachment B
Proposed Ordinance 936 International Mechanical Code Page 8 of 12
**Section 306.3; change to read as follows:
306.3 Appliances in attics.
Attics containing appliances requiring access shall be
provided . . . {bulk of paragraph unchanged} . . . side of the appliance. The clear access
opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by 762
mm), or larger where such dimensions are not large enough to allow removal of the
largest appliance. As a minimum, for access to the attic space, provide one of the
following:
1. A permanent stair.
2. A pull down stair.
3. An access door from an upper floor level.
4. Access Panel may be used in lieu of items 1, 2, and 3 with prior approval of
the code official due to building conditions.
Exceptions:
… {remainder of section unchanged}
(Reason: To provide a safe means of accessibility to appliances in attics. Consistent with
regional amendment to IFGC 306.3.)
**Section 306.5; change to read as follows:
306.5Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures.
Where
equipment and appliances requiring access are installed on roofs or elevated structures
at a an aggregate height exceeding 16 feet (4877 mm), such access shall be provided
by a permanent approved means of access., the extent of which shall be from
Permanent exterior ladders providing roof access need not extend closer than 8 feet
(2438 mm) to the finish grade or floor level below and shall extend to the equipment and
appliance’s level service space. Such access shall . . . {bulk of section to read the
same}. . . on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-
percent slope).
A receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment and appliance
location in accordance with the Electrical Code.
(Reason: To assure safe access to roof appliances. To provide access to electricity for
maintenance of equipment. Consistent with IFGC amendments.)
**Add Sections 306.6 and 306.1 to read as follows:
306.6 Water heaters above ground or floor.
When the mezzanine or platform in
which a water heater is installed is more than eight (8) feet (2438 mm) above the
ground or floor level, it shall be made accessible by a stairway or permanent ladder
fastened to the building.
Exception:
A max 10 gallon water heater (or larger with approval) is capable of
being accessed through a lay-in ceiling and a water heater is installed is not
Attachment B
Proposed Ordinance 936 International Mechanical Code Page 9 of 12
more than ten (10) feet (3048 mm) above the ground or floor level and may be
reached with a portable ladder.
306.6.1
Whenever the mezzanine or platform is not adequately lighted or access
to a receptacle outlet is not obtainable from the main level, lighting and a
receptacle outlet shall be provided in accordance with Section 306.3.1.
(Reason: To provide safe access to water heaters and to provide lighting and receptacle for
maintenance of equipment. Consistent with regional amendments to IFGC 306.7 and IPC
502.5.)
***Section 307.2.2; change to read as follows:
307.2.2 Drain pipe materials and sizes.
Components of the condensate disposal
system shall be cast iron, galvanized steel, copper, cross-linked polyethylene,
polybutylene, polyethylene, ABS, CPVC or schedule 80 PVC pipe or tubing when
exposed to ultra violet light. All components shall be selected for the pressure, and
temperature, and exposure rating of the installation. {Remainder unchanged}
(Reason: To provide greater flexibility of materials when exposed to ultra violet light. )
***Section 307.2.3; amend # 2 to read as follows:
2. A separate overflow drain line shall be connected to the drain pan provided with
the equipment. Such overflow drain shall discharge to a conspicuous point of
disposal to alert occupants in the event of a stoppage of the primary drain. The
overflow drain line shall connect to the drain pan at a higher level than the
primary drain connection. However, the conspicuous point shall not create a
hazard such as dripping over a walking surface or other areas so as to create a
nuisance.
(Reason: Greater specificity in prohibited locations for condensate discharge. Consistent with
regional amendment to IPC 314.2.1.)
**Section 403.2.1; add an item #4 to read as follows:
4. Toilet rooms within private dwellings that contain only a water closet, lavatory or
combination thereof may be ventilated with an approved mechanical recirculating
fan or similar device designed to remove odors from the air.
(Reason: Consistent with common local practice. Consistent with regional amendment to IRC
R303.3.)
**Table 403.3, footnote g: change to read as follows:
g. Transfer air permitted in accordance with Section 403.2.2. Toilet rooms within
private dwellings that contain only a water closet, lavatory or combination thereof
Attachment B
Proposed Ordinance 936 International Mechanical Code Page 10 of 12
may be ventilated with an approved mechanical recirculating fan or similar device
designed to remove odors from the air.
(Reason: Consistent with common local practice.)
**Section 501.2; add a third exception to read as follows:
Exceptions:
1. {existing exception unchanged}
2. {existing exception unchanged}
3. Toilet room exhaust ducts may terminate in a warehouse or shop area when
infiltration of outside air is present
(Reason: Provide a more reasonable alternative in areas where a large volume of outside air is
present.)
**Section 504.6; add a sentence to read as follows:
The size of duct shall not be reduced along its developed length nor at the point of
termination.
(Reason: To clarify size requirement. Consistent with regional amendment to IFGC 614.6.)
**Section 504.6.1; change to read as follows:
504.6.1 Maximum length.
The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall
not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm) from the dryer location to the outlet terminal. The
maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2½ feet (762 mm) for each 45 degree
(0.79 rad) bend and 5 feet (1524 mm) for each 90 degree (1.6 rad) bend.
Exceptions:
1. Where the make and model of the clothes dryer to be installed is known and
the manufacturer’s installation instructions for such dryer are provided to the
code official, the maximum length of the exhaust duct, including any transition
duct, shall be permitted to be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer’s
installation instructions, and provided that a 4 inch by 6 inch sign red in color with
white letters is permanently affixed to the structure stating the following:
Warning: Dryer must be approved for vent length not to exceed
40 feet total developed length (TDL.)
Duct Size: (Number)
Total Developed Length: (Number)
2. Where the first 9 feet of vent are 4” diameter pipe with not over two 90º
bends and the pipe size is then increased to 5” diameter, it may extend
horizontally as far as 28.5 feet to the termination outdoors.
Attachment B
Proposed Ordinance 936 International Mechanical Code Page 11 of 12
(Reason: Engineered dryer vent equivalent considering velocity and pressure drop.To be
consistent with regional practice. Dryer technology has improved and they should be
capable of handling this. Consistent with regional amendment to IFGC 614.6.1.)
**Section 506.3.10; change to delete second exception as follows:
506.3.10 Grease duct enclosure.
A grease duct serving a Type I hood that penetrates
a ceiling, wall or floor shall be enclosed from the point of penetration to the outlet
terminal. A duct shall penetrate exterior walls only at locations where unprotected
openings are permitted by the International Building Code. Ducts shall be enclosed in
accordance with the International Building Code requirements for shaft construction.
The duct enclosure shall be sealed around the duct at the point of penetration and
vented to the outside of the building through the use of weather-protected openings.
Clearance from the duct to the interior surface of enclosures of combustible construction
shall be not less than 18 inches (457 mm). Clearance from the duct to the interior
surface of enclosures of noncombustible construction or gypsum wallboard attached to
noncombustible structures shall be not less than 6 inches (152 mm).The duct enclosure
shall serve a single grease exhaust duct system and shall not contain any other ducts,
piping, wiring or systems.
Exceptions:
1. The shaft enclosure provisions of this section shall not be required where a
duct penetration is protected with a through-penetration firestop system classified
in accordance with ASTM E 814 and having an "F" and "T" rating equal to the
fire-resistance rating of the assembly being penetrated and where the surface of
the duct is continuously covered on all sides from the point at which the duct
penetrates a ceiling, wall or floor to the outlet terminal with a classified and
labeled material, system, method of construction or product specifically evaluated
for such purpose, in accordance with a nationally recognized standard for such
enclosure materials. Exposed duct wrap systems shall be protected where
subject to physical damage.
2. A duct enclosure shall not be required for a grease duct that penetrates only a
nonfire-resistance-rated roof/ceiling assembly.
(Reason: Consistent with common local practice.)
***Section 607.5.1; change to read as follows:
607.5.1 Fire Walls.
Ducts and air transfer openings permitted in fire walls in
accordance with Section 705.11 of the International Building Code shall be protected
with approved fire dampers installed in accordance with their listing For hazardous
exhaust systems see Section 510.1-510.9 IMC.
(Reason: For clarification.)
END OF AMENDMENTS
Attachment B
Proposed Ordinance 936 International Mechanical Code Page 12 of 12