HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 22522-12-2016 ORDINANCE NUMBER 22522-12-2016
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE FORT WORTH EXISTING BUILDING CODE,BY
ADOPTING THE 2015 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE, WITH
LOCAL AMENDMENTS;AMENDING SECTIONS 7-431,7-432,7-433,AND 7-434 OF
THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH(2015);REGULATING THE REPAIR,
ALTERATION, CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY ADDITION AND RELOCATION OF
EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES IN THE CITY OF FORT WORTH;
DEFINING CERTAIN TERMS;PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND
THE COLLECTION OF FEES THEREOF;PROVIDING FOR THE INSPECTION OF
BUILDINGS; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A
SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY CLAUSE; PROVIDING THAT
THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE;PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN
PAMPHLET FORM; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL
NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF FORT WORTH,TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
That Section 7-431 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015) is amended to read
as follows:
Sec. 7-431. THE 2015 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL EXISTING
BUILDING CODE ADOPTED.
(a) The Existing Building Code of the City of Fort Worth is hereby revised and amended
to conform,with certain exceptions as specified below, to the 2015 edition of the International
Existing Building Code of the International Code Council (ICC), and the same as amended is
hereby adopted as the City's Existing Building Code.
(b) One(1)copy of the 2015 edition of the International Existing Building Code,marked
Exhibit "A", is incorporated herein by reference and shall be filed in the Office of the City
Secretary for permanent record and inspection.
(c)The provisions of the Building Code,Residential Code,Electrical Code,Mechanical
Code,Fire Code,and Plumbing Code,as adopted elsewhere,shall be used as part of this code for
any provision, requirement or method that does not exist in this code.
(d) Any Errata corrections published by the International Code Council for the 2015
International Existing Building Code,as they are discovered,are considered as part of this code.
Ordinance No.22522-12-2016
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SECTION 2.
That Section 7-432 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015)is added to read as
follows:
Sec. 7-432. Amendments
The 2015 edition of the International Existing Building Code is hereby amended to read
as follows:
(a) Chapter 1 "SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION" of the 2015 International Existing
Building Code is hereby deleted and replaced with the Fort Worth Building Administrative Code;
(b)The remaining sections of the 2015 International Existing Building Code are hereby
amended as follows:
CHAPTER 2—DEFINITIONS
IEBC SECTION 202
GENERAL DEFINITIONS
*IEBC Section 202; definitions are changed and new definitions are added to read as
,follows.-
BUILDING CODE. Building Code shall mean the International Building Code as adopted by
this jurisdiction.
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY. A change in the purpose or level of activity within a building
that involves a change in application of the requirements of this code. The definition shall also
apply to the usage of the surrounding site and access to and from the building,structure or site,as
necessary to achieve the purpose of this code, and to obtain compliance with other codes and
ordinances of this jurisdiction.
ELECTRICAL CODE. Electrical Code shall mean the National Electrical Code as adopted by
this jurisdiction. For the purpose of this code, all references to NFPA 70 shall be assumed to
mean the Electrical Code as defined herein.
ENERGY CODE. Energy Code shall mean the International Energy Conservation Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
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FIRE PREVENTION CODE(FIRE CODE). Fire Prevention Code,or Fire Code,shall mean
the International Fire Code as adopted by this jurisdiction.
EXISTING BUILDING. A building,structure or space constructed under a code edition which
is at least two code adoption cycles preceding the currently adopted Fort Worth Building Code
(prior to April 20, 2004), or
A building, structure or space that had its' most recent permit application submitted to and
approved by the authority having jurisdiction under a code edition which is at least two code
adoption cycles preceding the currently adopted Fort Worth Building Code (prior to April 20,
2004), or
A building, structure or space that is undergoing a change of occupancy or purpose.
FORT WORTH BUILDING ADMINISTRATIVE CODE. The Fort Worth Administrative
code containing the administrative,organizational,and enforcement rules and regulations for the
Fort Worth Building,Residential,Plumbing,Fuel Gas,Mechanical,Electrical,Sign and Existing
Building codes.
FLOOD HAZARD AREA. The greater of the following two areas:
1. The area within a flood plain subject to a 1-percent or greater chance of flooding
in any year.
2. The area designated as a flood hazard area on a community's flood hazard map,
or otherwise legally designated.
PLUMBING CODE. Plumbing Code shall mean the International Plumbing Code and the
International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by this jurisdiction. The term"Plumbing Code"applies
to both codes as one combined code.
PLUMBING SYSTEM. For the purpose of using this code, as adopted, shall mean:
Includes the water supply and distribution pipes, plumbing fixtures and traps, supports and
appurtenances; water-treating or water-using equipment; soil, waste and vent pipes; sanitary
drains, storm sewers and building sewers to an approved point of disposal, in addition to their
respective connections, devices and appurtenances within a structure or premise.
RESIDENTIAL CODE. Residential Code shall mean the International Residential Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
TECHNICAL CODES. The Fort Worth Building, Residential, Plumbing, Fuel Gas,
Mechanical, Electrical, Sign, and Existing Building codes which regulate the construction,
alteration,relocation,enlargement,replacement,repair,equipment,use and occupancy,location,
maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances
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connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
CHAPTER 4—PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHODS
IEBC SECTION 402
ADDITIONS
*IEBC Section 402.2; change to read as follows:
402.2 Flood hazard areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7, Article
VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction of buildings,structures
and portions of buildings and structures,including substantial improvements,and restorations of
substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions specified by the
Department of Transportation and Public Works.
SECTION 403
ALTERATIONS
*IEBC Section 403.2; change to read as follows:
403.2 Flood hazard areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7, Article
VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction of buildings, structures
and portions of buildings and structures,including substantial improvements,and restorations of
substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions specified by the
Department of Transportation and Public Works.
SECTION 404
REPAIRS
*IEBC Section 404.5; change to read as follows:
404.5 Flood hazard areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7, Article
VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction of buildings, structures
and portions of buildings and structures,including substantial improvements,and restorations of
substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions specified by the
Department of Transportation and Public Works.
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SECTION 405
FIRE ESCAPES
*IEBC Section 405.1.2; change to read as follows:
405.1.2 Existing fire escapes. Existing fire escapes shall continue to be accepted as a
component in the means of egress in existing buildings only. Existing fire escapes shall be
permitted to be repaired or replaced.
*IEBC Section 405.1.3; deleted:
SECTION 410
ACCESSIBILITY FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
*IEBC Section 410.1; add exception to read as follows:
410.1 Scope. The provisions of Section 410.1 through 410.9 apply to maintenance,change
of occupancy,additions and alterations to existing building,including those identified as historic
buildings.
Exceptions: Buildings regulated under State Law and built in accordance with State
registered plans,including any variances or waivers granted by the State,shall be deemed to
be in compliance with the requirements of this section.
*IEBC section 410.4.2; add item # 7 to read as follows:
7. At least one accessible family or assisted use toilet room shall be provided in
accordance with Chapter 11 of the International Building Code.
CHAPTER 6 -REPAIRS
SECTION 606
STRUCTURAL
*IEBC Section 601.3; delete and replace with the followiLig:
601.3 Flood hazard areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7,
Article VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction of buildings,
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structures and portions of buildings and structures,including substantial improvements,and
restorations of substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and
constructed to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the
provisions specified by the Department of Transportation and Public Works.
*IEBC Section 606.2.4; delete and replace with the following:
606.2.4 Flood hazard areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7,
Article VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction of buildings,
structures and portions of buildings and structures,including substantial improvements,and
restorations of substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and
constructed to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the
provisions specified by the Department of Transportation and Public Works.
SECTION 607
ELECTRICAL
*IEBC Section 607.1;add a code reference to read as follows:
607.1 Material. Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair shall be
allowed to be repaired or replaced with like material,in accordance with the requirements of
NFPA 70.
CHAPTER 7 —ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1
SECTION 701
GENERAL
*IEBC Section 701.3; delete and replace with the following:
701.3 Flood hazard areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7, Article
VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances, all new construction of buildings, structures
and portions of buildings and structures,including substantial improvements,and restorations of
substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions specified by the
Department of Transportation and Public Works.
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SECTION 702
BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
*IEBC Section 702.6; change to read as follows:
702.6 Materials and methods. All new work shall comply with the materials and methods
requirements in the International Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code,
International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code and National Electrical Code...
(remainder of section unchanged)
SECTION 705
ACCESSIBILITY
*IEBC section 705.1;Add Exception number 5 to read as follows:
1. Buildings regulated under State Law and built in accordance with State registered
plans, including any variances or waivers granted by the State, shall be deemed to be
in compliance with the requirements of this section. When associated with a Change
of Use, accessible features shall be provided in accordance with this Code or as
approved by the State.
CHAPTER 8 —ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2
SECTION 803
BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
*IEBC Section 803.5.1; change to read as follows:
803.5.1 Minimum Requirements. Every Portion of open-sided walking surfaces,
including mezzanines, equipment platforms,aisles, stairs,ramps,and landings that is more
than 30 inches(762 mm)above the floor or grade below and is not provided with guards,or
those in which the exiting guards are judged to be in danger of collapsing,shall be provided
with guards.
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SECTION 804
FIRE PROTECTION
*IEBC Section 804.1; add a sentence at the end to read as follows:
For the purpose of fire sprinkler protection and fire alarm requirements included in this section,
the work area shall be extended to include at least the entire tenant space or spaces bounded by
walls capable of resisting the passage of smoke containing the subject work area,and if the work
area includes a corridor,hallway, or other exit access,then such corridor,hallway,or other exit
access shall be protected in its entirety on that particular floor level.
*IEBC Section 804.2; change to read as follows:
804.2 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in
accordance with the requirements of-Chapter 11 of the Fort Worth Fire Code_
*IEBC Section 804.2.1 through 804.2.5; delete
*IEBC Section 804.3; change to read as follows:
804.3 Standpipes. Standpipes shall be required as specified in Chapter 11 of the Fort
Worth Fire Code.
Exceptions: {deleted}
*IEBC Section 804.4; change to read as follows:
804.4 Fire alarm and detection. Fire alarm systems shall be required as specified in
Chapter 11 of the Fort Worth Fire Code.
*IEBC Sections 804.4.1 through 804.4.3; delete
SECTION 805
MEANS OF EGRESS
*IEBC Section 805.2; delete Exception number I and change to read as follows:
805.2 General. The means of egress shall comply with the requirements of this section.
Exceptions:
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1_ Means of egress conforming to the requirements of the building code under
which the building was constructed shall be considered compliant means of
egress if, in the opinion of the code official, they do not constitute a distinct
hazard to life.
*IEBC Section 805.3.1.2; changed to read as follows:
805.3.1.2 Fire escapes required. For other than Group I-2,where more than one
exit is required an existing fire escape complying with section
805.3.1.2.1 shall be accepted as providing one of the required means of egress.
*IEBC Section 805.3.1.2.1; delete exception number 3 and change to read as follows:
805.3.1.2.1 Fire escape access and details. Fire escapes shall comply with all of
the following requirements:
1. (unchanged)
2. Access to ffew fire escapes shall be through a door . . . (remainder
unchanged)
3. Delete
4 3. . . . {remainder unchanged}
4. In all building of Group E occupancy up to and including the 12th
grade,buildings of Group I occupancy,-boarding-houses, and childcare
centers, ladders of any type are prohibited on fire escapes used as a
required means of egress.
*IEBC Section 805.3.1.2.2 and 805.3.1.2.3; delete
*IEBC Section 805.5.2; changed to read as follows:
805.5.2 Transoms. In all building of Group E. . . . {Remainder of section to remain
unchanged)
*IEBC Section 806.1; add an exception to read as follows:
Exception: Components of projects regulated under State Law and built in
accordance with State registered plans,including any variances or waivers granted by
the State, shall be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this section.
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CHAPTER 9 —ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3
SECTION 904
FIRE PROTECTION
*IEBC Section 904.1; changed to read as follows:
904.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in
as required in Chapter 11 of the Fort Worth Fire Code.
*IEBC Sections 904.1.1, 904.1.2; and 904.1.3;Delete
*IEBC Section 904.2; changed to read as follows:
904.2 Fire alarm and detection systems. Fire alarm and detections shall be provided as
specified in Chapter 11 of the Fort Worth Fire Code.
*IEBC Sections 904.2.1 and 904.2.2;Delete
CHAPTER 10—CHANGE OF USE
SECTION 1001
GENERAL
*IEBC Section 1001.2.2.1; changed to read as follows:
1001.2.2.1 Partial change of occupancy classification. Where the occupancy
classification or group of a portion of an existing building is changed, sections 1008,
1009, 1010 and 1012 shall apply.
*IEBC Section 1004.1; changed to read as follows:
1004.1 General. Fire protection requirements of Section 1012 shall apply where a
building or portions thereof undergo a change of occupancy classification, a change to another
group within an occupancy classification group,or where there is a change of occupancy within a
space where there is a different fire protection system threshold requirement in Chapter 9 of the
International Building Code.
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SECTION 1009
MECHANICAL
*IEBC Section 1009.1; changed to read as follows:
1009.1 Mechanical Requirements. Where the occupancy of an existing building or part of
an existing building is changed to a use which includes areas for Food or Beverage Preparations
and/or Services, Beauty or Nail Salons, Commercial Laundry or Dry-cleaning,Animal Care or
Sales,Assembly Occupancies,where there occupancy classification is changed from an F or S
occupancy to any other occupancy category, or where a shell building is changed to any
occupancy the new occupancy shall comply with the ventilation requirements of the International
Mechanical Code.
SECTION 1012
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
*IEBC Section 1012.1; add exception to read as follows:
Exception: Changes from a B to an M occupancy classification shall not be
considered a change in occupancy where all of the following exist:
1. Two remote exits are provided;
2. Food preparation does not take place; and
3. The total gross square footage of the space is less than 5,000 feet.
*IEBC Section 1012.2.1; changed to read as follows:
1012.2.1 Fire sprinkler system.Where a change in occupancy classification or group
occurs that requires an automatic fire sprinkler system to be provided based on the new
occupancy's increased hazard to life safety or fire risk and in accordance with Chapter 9
of the International Fire Code, such system shall be provided in accordance with the
requirements of Section 903 of the International Fire Code.
*IEBC Section 1012.2.2; changed to read as follows:
1012.2.2 Fire alarm and detection system. Where a change in occupancy occurs that
requires a fire alarm and detection system to be provided based on the new occupancy's
increased hazard to life safety or fire risk and in accordance with Chapter 9 of the
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International Fire Code, such system shall be provided throughout the area where the change
of occupancy occurs in accordance with the requirements of Section 907 of the International
Fire Code.
*IEBC Section 1012.8.2;Add item number 7 to the list o�features to read as follows:
7. At least one accessible family or assisted use toilet room shall be provided in
accordance with Chapter 11 of the International Building Code.
CHAPTER 11 -ADDITIONS
SECTION 1103
STRUCTURAL
*IEBC Section 1003.5; changed to read as follows:
1103.5 Flood Hazard Areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7,Article
VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction of buildings, structures
and portions of buildings and structures,including substantial improvements,and restorations of
substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions specified by the
Department of Transportation and Public Works.
CHAPTER 13 —RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS
SECTION 1301
GENERAL
*IEBC Section 1301.1; changed to read as follows:
1301.1 Scope.Movement and demolition of buildings and structures shall comply with
Chapter 7, Article VII of the City Code and with the provisions of this code. Before a
moving permit is issued, the following steps must be completed:
1. Obtain an Ordinance Inspection on the structure to be moved. (See City Code
Section 7-244)
Exception: Independent School Districts do not need the Ordinance Inspection
for portable classroom buildings within their existing stock when being moved
from one ISD property to another ISD property for ISD use.
2. Obtain a Building Permit for installation of the structure at its proposed final site
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location.
SECTION 1302
REQUIREMENTS
*IEBC Section 1302; delete
CHAPTER 14 -PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS
SECTION 1401
GENERAL
*IEBC Section[BJ 1401.2;Delete
*IEBC Section 1401.3.2; add Exception and changed to read as follows:
[B] 1401.3.2 Compliance with other codes. Buildings that are evaluated in accordance
with this section shall comply with the International Fire Code, International Plumbing
Code, International Mechanical Code and the National Electrical Code.
Exception: Fresh air ventilation requirements listed within the International
Mechanical Code shall apply only where the occupancy of an existing building or part of
an existing building is changed to a use which includes areas for Food or Beverage
Services, Beauty or Nail Salons, Commercial Laundry or Dry-cleaning,Animal Care or
Sales,Assembly Occupancies, or where there occupancy classification is changed from
an F or S occupancy to any other occupancy category.
*IEBC Section 1301.3.3; changed to read as follows:
[B] 1401.3.3 Compliance with flood hazard provisions. In flood hazard areas,
buildings that are evaluated in accordance with this section shall be designed and constructed
to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions
specified by the Department of Transportation and Public Works if the work covered by this
section constitutes substantial improvement.
CHAPTER 15—CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS
*IEBC Section LB] 1401.1; changed to read as follows.
[BG] 1501.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 33 of the International Building Code
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shall govern safety during construction that is under the jurisdiction of this code and the
protection of adjacent public and private properties.
*IEBC Section 1501.2 through 1509; delete
SECTION 3.
Section 7-433 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 7-433. Effect of conflict with other ordinances.
This article shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the Code of the City of
Fort Worth,Texas(2015),affecting Building Code provisions,as amended,and shall not repeal
any of the provisions of such ordinances, except in those instances where provisions of such
ordinances are in direct conflict with the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 4.
Section 7-434 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 7-434. Penalty for violation.
Any person,firm,or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine not to
exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for all violations involving fire safety, or public
health and sanitation and shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for all
other violations of this ordinance. Each day or any portion thereof during which any violation of
this ordinance occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense and upon conviction
thereof shall be punishable as herein provided.
SECTION 5.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections,paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and, if any phrase, clause,
sentence, paragraph, or section of this ordinance shall be declared void, ineffective, or
unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such
voidness, ineffectiveness, or 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 void,
ineffective, or unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence,paragraph, or section.
SECTION 6.
All rights and remedies of the City of Fort Worth,Texas are expressly saved as to any and
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all violations of the previous Building Code, or any other ordinances affecting construction and
fire safety,which have accrued at the time of the 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 but may be prosecuted
until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 7.
A copy of the 2015 International Existing Building Code, together with the local
amendments contained in this ordinance, shall be filed in the office of the City Secretary for
permanent record and inspection.
SECTION 8.
The Department of Planning and Development of the City of Fort Worth,Texas,is hereby
authorized to publish this ordinance in 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,as provided in Chapter XXV,Section
3, of the Charter of the City of Fort Worth, Texas.
SECTION 9.
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth,is hereby directed to publish the caption and
Sections 1,4, 7, 9 and 10 of this ordinance for two(2)days in the official newspaper of the City
of Fort Worth,Texas as authorized by Section 2,Chapter XXV of the Charter of the City of Fort
Worth, Texas and by Section 52.013 (a) of the Texas Local Government Code.
SECTION 10.
This ordinance shall take effect upon January 1, 2017.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
al'A
Melinda Ramos l ary J. Kay r
Sr. Assistant City Attorney City Secreta
Adopted: December 6, 2016
Effective: January 1, 2017
Published:va-ewb� ig,xi�
Ordinance No.22522-12-2016
Page 15 of 15
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
COUNCIL ACTION: Approved on 12/6/2016 - Ordinance No. 22517-12-2016, 22518-12-2016,
22519-12-2016, 22520-12-2016, 22521-12-2016, 22522-12-2016, 22523-12-2016 & 22524-12-
2016
DATE: Tuesday, December 6, 2016 REFERENCE NO.: G-18892
LOG NAME: 06ADOPT AND AMEND 2015 I-CODES
SUBJECT:
Adopt Ordinances Adopting and Amending the 2015 Editions of the International Building Code,
International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International
Fuel Gas Code, International Existing Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code and the Fort
Worth Building Administrative Code and Adopt Ordinance Adopting the 2015 International Fire Code with
Local Amendments (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached eight ordinances which include the following:
1. Adoption of the 2015 International Building Code with local amendments as the Building Code of the
City of Fort Worth;
2. Adoption of the 2015 International Residential Code with local amendments as the Residential Code of
the City of Fort Worth;
3. Adoption of the 2015 International Mechanical Code with local amendments as the Mechanical Code of
the City of Fort Worth;
4. Adoption of the 2015 International Plumbing Code and the 2015 International Fuel Gas Code with local
amendments as the Plumbing Code of the City of Fort Worth;
5. Adoption of the 2015 International Existing Building Code with local amendments as the Existing
Building Code of the City of Fort Worth;
6. Adoption of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with local amendments as the Energy
Code of the City of Fort Worth;
7. Adoption of the Fort Worth Building Administrative Code; and
8. Adoption of the 2015 Internal Fire Code and local amendments.
DISCUSSION:
The Fire and Planning and Development Departments have worked to consolidate and coordinate the
amendments in their respective Fire and Building Codes into a single action before the City Council. The
City of Fort Worth has adopted model codes from the International Code Council (ICC), with local
amendments, as the construction codes for the City since 2004. These model codes are reviewed and
updated annually through a national code adoption process. Every three years these changes are
Logname: 06ADOPT AND AMEND 2015 I-CODES Page 1 of 3
codified and published for local adoption. Fort Worth has historically adopted newly published Codes
every six years, most recently adopting the 2009 Codes in 2011. The 2015 edition of ICC codes are the
latest published version offered for adoption. The State of Texas has adopted the 2015 International
Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as the energy code for the State. Planning and Development staff
recommends adopting the 2015 International Codes as the construction codes for the City of Fort Worth.
Construction codes change with the development of new products, materials, construction methods,
technology and as a result of evaluations of natural and man-made disasters. Adoption of current codes
has a positive impact on the City's ISO rating.
The City of Fort Worth local amendments are based on the amendments recommended for regional
adoption by the North Central Texas Council of Governments and our local practices. A committee was
formed to review the City's local amendments including representatives from the Development Advisory
Committee, the Construction Fire Prevention Board of Appeals, the AIA, the Fort Worth Builders
Association, FWISD and TEXO the Association of General Contractors. The Development Advisory
Committee and the Construction Board of Appeals have been briefed on the proposed amendments. The
Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals recommended approval of the adoption of the Codes
on November 11, 2016.
The construction code ordinances will have an effective date of January 1, 2017 for all provisions except
Section 423 of the International Building Code which will be effective April 1, 2017.
The attached ordinance for the Fire Department reflects transition of the Fort Worth Fire Code to the 2015
International Fire Code (IFC) with Local Amendments. All local amendments recommended for the 2015
IFC have been reviewed by the Fire and Planning & Development Departments and have met the
approval of the Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals for recommended adoption at their
public hearing on November 11, 2016.
This action impacts ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.
This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that approval of these recommendations will have no material effect on
City funds.
FUND IDENTIFIERS (FIDs):
TO
�nd Department Account: Project Program ctivity Budget Reference # moun
ID ID Year (Chartfield 2)
FROM
r_61 Department ccoun Project Program ctivity Budget Reference #
ID ID Year (Chartfield 2)
CERTIFICATIONS:
Logname: 06ADOPT AND AMEND 2015 I-CODES Page 2 of 3
Fernando Costa (6122)
Originating Department Head: Randle Harwood (6101)
Additional Information Contact: Allison Gray (8030)
Logname: 06ADOPT AND AMEND 2015 I-CODES Page 3 of 3
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Existing INTERNATIONAL
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Please see City
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