HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 10115ORDINANCE N0. O~~
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 1985 UNIFORM BUILOING CODE WITH
AMENDMENTS BY AMENDING SECTIONS 7-46, 7-47, 7-48 AND 7-49 OF
THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH (1986), REGULATING THE
ERECTION, CONSTRUCTION, ENLARGEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR,
MOVING, REMOVAL, DEMOLITION, CONVERSION, OCCUPANCY, EQUIPMENT,
USE, HEIGHT, AREA AND MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
IN THE CITY OF FORT WORTH; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF
PERMITS AND THE COLLECTION OF FEES THEREOF, PROVIDING FOR THE
INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS, PROVIDING PENALITIES FOR THE VIOLA-
TION THEREOF; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULA-
TIVE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, PROVIDING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE, PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN PAMPHLET FORM, PROVIDING
FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; PROVIDING FOR
ENGROSSMENT AND ENROLLMENT, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH,
TEXAS•
SECTION 1.
Section 7-46 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) is
- amended to read as follows.
Sec. 7-46. 1985 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE ADOPTED.
(a) The Building Code of the City of Fort Worth is hereby revised
and amended to conform to the 1985 edition of the Uniform Building Code
of the International Conference of Building Officials, as amended here-
by, and the same as amended hereby is hereby adopted as the Building
Code of the City of Fort Worth from the effective date thereof
(b) The following provisions of the Appendix to the 1985 edition of
the Uniform Building Code, as amended hereby, are hereby specifically
adopted as part of the Building Code of the City of Fort Worth:
Chapter 1, Division 1, Life Safety Requirements for Existing Buildings
other than High-Rise Buildings, Division 2, Existing High-Rise Buildings
as amended; Chapter 7, Covered Mall Buildings, Chapter 23, Division 1,
Alternate Snow Load Design, Chapter 32, Re-roofing, Chapter 38, Basement
Pipe Inlets; Chapter 49, Patio Covers, Chapter 51, Elevators, Dumb-
waiters, and Escalators, Chapter 55, Membrane Structures; Chapter 56,
Piers and Boathouses; and Chapter 70, Excavation and Grading as amended.
(c) The 1985 edition of the Uniform Building Code Standards of the
International Conference of Building Officials, as amended hereby, is
hereby adopted as a part of the Building Code of the City of Fort Worth,
as more specifically set forth in Chapter 60 of this Code.
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(d) Three copies of the 1985 edition of the Uniform Building Code,
including the Appendix thereto, marked Exhibit "A", and three copies of
the 1985 edition of the Uniform Building Code Standards, marked
Exhibit "6", are incorporated herein by reference and shall be filed in
the office of the City Secretary for permanent record and inspection.
SECTION 2.
Section 7-47 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 7-47. Amendments.
(a) The 1985 edition of the Uniform Building Code, including the
Appendix thereto (Exhibit "A"} and the 1985 edition of the Uniform
Building Standards (Exhibit "B") are hereby amended as provided in this
Section. Three copies of such amendments are specifically incorporated
herein by reference and shall be filed in the office of the City
Secretary for permanent record and' inspection.
(b) The 1985 edition of the Uniform Building Code is hereby amended
by revising the following sections as follows•
SECTION 104
Section 104. (a) unchanged.
(b) Additions, Alterations or Repairs. Additions, alterations or
repairs may be made to any building or structure without requiring the
existing building or structure to comply with all the requirements of
this code, provided the addition, alteration or repair conforms to that
required for a new building or structure. Additions, alterations or
repairs shall not be made to an existing building or structure which
will cause the existing building or structure to be in violation of any
of the provisions of this code nor shall such additions or alterations
cause the existing structure to become unsafe. An unsafe condition shall
be deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will cause
the existing building or structure to become structurally unsafe or
overloaded; will not provide adequate egress in compliance with the
provisions of this code or will obstruct existing exits, will create a
fire hazard, will reduce required fire resistance or will otherwise
create conditions dangerous for occupancy, shall not exceed the height,
number of stories and area permitted for new buildings. Any building
plus new additions shall not exceed the height, number of stories and
area specified for new buildings. Additions or alterations shall not be
made to an existing building or structure when such existing building or
structure is not in fu11 compliance with the provisions of this code
except when such addition or alteration will result in the existing
building or structure being no more hazardous based on life safety, fire
safety and sanitation, than before such additions or alterations are
undertaken. [See also Section 911 (c) for Group H, Division 6 Occu-
pancies.]
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r ued to publish thi s ordinance i n pamphlet form for general di str ibu-
'' tion 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 8.
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, is hereby
directed to engross and enroll this ordinance by copying the caption,
penalty clause and effective date in the minutes of the City Council and
by filing the ordinance in the ordinance records of the City.
SECTION 9.
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, is hereby
directed to public the caption, penalty clause and effective date of
this ordinance for two (2) days in the official newspaper of the City of
Fort Worth, Texas, as authorized by Section 52.013, Texas Local Govern-
ment Code.
SECTION 10.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days
after its passage and publication, and it is so ordained.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
ae-
~?G-.,~~' ~ ty Att rney
Date. ~ ~ i .sue
ADOPTED
EFFECTIVE•
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Alterations or repairs to an existing building or structure which
are nonstructural and do not adversely affect any structural member or
any part of the building or structure having required fire resistance
may be made with the same materials of which the building or structure
is constructed. The installation or replacement of glass shall be as
required for new installations.
(c) Existing Installations. Except as provided in Section 610, 809,
1009, 1202 and 1210 of this code, buildings in existence at the time of
the adoption of this code may have their existing use or occupancy con-
tinued, if such use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption
of this code, provided such continued use is not dangerous to life.
Any change in the use or occupancy of any existing building or
structure shall comply with the provisions of Section 307 and 502 of
this code.
For existing buildings, See Appendix Chapter.
In addition to Appendix Chapter 1, the following sections shall
aPPIY
Sec. 502; Sec. 510 (a) & (b), Sec. 1204, Sec. 1205 (a) & (b);
Sec. 1206 (a) & (b); Sec. 1207 (a), (b) & (c), Sec. 1707 (a),
(b), (c) & (d); Sec. 2303 (a}; Sec. 2307; Sec. 2309 (a) & (b);
Sec. 2311 (a); Sec. 2403 (a); Sec. 2501 (a), (b) & (c), Sec.
2516, Sec. 2601, Sec. 2701; Sec. 2801 (a); Sec. 2907 (a), (b),
(c) & (f), Sec. 3001 (a) & (b), Sec. 3201 and Sec.3313 (a) &
(b).
(d) and (e) unchanged.
(f) Historic Buildings. Repairs, alterations and additions neces-
sary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or continued use
of a building or structure may be made without conformance to all the
requirements of this code when authorized by the building official, pro-
vided:
1. The building or structure has been designated by official
action of the legally constituted authority of this jurisdic-
tion as having special historical or architectural signifi-
cance.
2. Any unsafe conditions as described in this code are cor-
rected. The Building Official shall use Appendix Chapter 1 as
a guideline to determine unsafe conditions. Unsafe conditions
to be corrected shall include but not be limited to those
provisions specified for existing building in Appendix
Chapter 1.
3. The restored building or structure will be no more hazardous
based on life safety, fire safety and sanitation than the
existing building.
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SECTION 204
Sec. 204. The Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals
shall act on Building Code related matters commensurate with the provi-
sions of Ordinance Number 9282 of the City of Fort Worth.
cFrrrnN ~m
Sec. 301. (a) unchanged.
(b) Exempted work. A building permit shall not be required for the fol-
lowing
1. Fences not over 6 feet high.
2. Oil derricks.
3. Water tanks.
4. Painting, papering and similar work provided that the paper
meets the thickness and flame spread requirements of Chap-
ter 42.
5. Temporary motion picture, television and theatre stage sets
and scenery.
6. Collapsible window awnings in Group R, Division 3 and
Group M Occupancies.
7. All roof repairs on Group R, Division 3 and Group M Occu-
pancies.
Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and
mechanical permits will be required for the above exempted items.
Exemption for the permit requirements of this code shall not be
deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in
violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances
of this jurisdiction.
cFrTrnN ~n~
Sec. 302. (a) unchanged.
(b} Plans and Specifications. With each application for a building
permit, and when required by the Building Official for enforcement of
any provisions of this code or any other City of Fort Worth Ordinance,
two sets of plans and specifications shall be submitted. When circula-
tion of the site plan to other departments is required, a minimum of
nine copies of the site plan shall be submitted along with the plans and
specifications. The Building Official shall require plans and specifica-
tions to be prepared and designed by an engineer o'r architect 1 icensed
by the State of Texas to practice as such.
For plumbing, electrical and mechanical design sheets and calcula-
tions, the following code sections are applicable•
(1) Fort Worth Plumbing Code, Section 1.11
(2) Fort Worth Electrical Code, Section 302
(3) Fort Worth Mechanical Code, Section 302
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EXCEPTIONS- When authorized by the Building Official, plans and
specifications sealed by an architect or engineer need not be sub-
mitted for the following
(1) any private dwelling or apartments not exceeding eight units
per building for one story buildings, or apartments not
exceeding four units per building and having a maximum height
of two stories, or garages or other structures pertinent to
such buildings.
(2) private buildings which are to be used exclusively for farm,
ranch or agricultural purposes, or used exclusively for
storage of raw agricultural commodities.
(3) other buildings, except public buildings, having no more than
one story and containing no clear span between supporting
structures greater than 24 feet on the narrow side and having
a total floor area not in excess of five thousand square
feet. On unsupported spans greater than 24 feet on such
buildings, only the trusses, or other roof supporting members
need to be engineer or pre-engineered and properly sealed.
(4) a shell building in excess of five thousand square feet that
does not include interior design and layout, requires only an
engineering seal, The tenant spaces within a shell building
(after the shell is constructed) shall require an architect's
seal when the space exceeds five thousand square feet.
(5) unless exempted above, site plans for all buildings will be
sealed with either an engineer or an architect stamp unless a
drainage study is involved at which time an engineer seal is
required.
(6) Small and unimportant work,
The Building Official, when he deems necessary, may require engineering
calculations.
(c) unchanged.
SFCTTON 303
Sec. 303. (a), (b) and (c) unchanged.
(d) Expiration. Every permit issued by the building official under
the provisions of this code shall expire by limitation and become
null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit is
not commenced within 180 days from the date of such permit, or if
the building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or
abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for 180 days, or
the owner shown on the permit application is changed. Before such
work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained so to
do, and the fee thereof shall be one-half the amount required for a
new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or
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will be made in the original plans and specifications for such
work; and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has
not exceeded one year. Any permittee holding an unexpired permit
may apply for an extension of the time within which he may commence
work under that permit when he is unable to commence work with the
time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons.
The building official may extend the time for action by the permit-
tee for a period not exceeding 180 days upon written request.
CF~TTf1N Ana
Sec. 304. (a) Permit Fees. The fee for each permit shall be set
forth in Table No 3-A.
The determination of value or valuation under any other provisions
of this code shall be made by the Building Official. The value to be
used in computing the building permit fee shall be the total value of
all construction work for which the permit is issued as well as all
finished work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air
conditioning, elevators, fire extinguishing systems and any other perma-
nent equipment. A building permit issuance fee of ten (10) dollars
shall be required upon issuance of a permit.
EXCEPTION• These provisions shall apply to new construction and
additions. Separate permits shall be required for remodeling. Where
work for which a permit is required by this Code is started or com-
menced prior to obtaining said permit or permission from the
Building Official, the fees specified in Table No. 3-A shall be
doubled. The payment of such double fee shall not relieve any
person from fully complying with the requirements of this Code in
the execution of the work, nor from any other penalties prescribed
herein.
(b) Plan Review Fees. A plan review fee shall be submitted with
each application for a permit in the amount as follows•
(1) Plans requiring review without circulation $75.00
(2) Plans requiring circulation $200.00
The review fee will be credited to the cost of the building permit at
the time the building permit fee is paid.
EXCEPTION: The Building Official may waive the plan review fees on
Group R-3 and M Occupancies.
(c) unchanged.
(d) Inspection Fees. In addition to the fees charged in Table 3-A,
the following inspection fee shall be charged:
(1) Demolition and moving inspection fee, based upon total
square footage, as follows.
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1 thru 1,000 $ 40
1,001 thru 2,000 $ 80
2,001 thru 3,000 $150
3,001 thru 5,000 $225
5,001 thru 10,000 $300
10,001 thru 20,000 $400
20,001 and above $800
EXCEPTIONS•
1. Buildings ordered demolished by the City of Fort Worth.
2. No permit or permit fee shall be required for the demo-
lition of structures by the State of Texas for highway
widening purposes.
3. Those inspection fees specified in Chapter 46 for the
permanent or temporary use of public property.
(2} A fee of $50 shall be charged for a change of occupancy where
an occupancy permit is required by this code. An occupancy permit fee
shall not be required for new construction where a building fee has been
paid.
(3} For billing changes or meter changes as required by the elec-
trical code involving all commercial or industrial occupancies, an ordi-
Hance inspection by a mechanical, electrical, plumbing and building
inspector will be made where there is a necessity for one or more such
inspectors. because of the nature of the existing equipment or proposed
use to be made of the existing building or space. The fee for this
inspection is $20.00 per inspector or $80.00 maximum.
The inspections covered by this section shall include, but not be
limited to, the following•
Annual Inspection Fee
Dance Halls
Mobile Home Parks
Night Clubs
Day Care
Rest Homes
Auto Junk Yards
Inspection for Licensing
Dance Halls
Night Clubs
Day Care
Rest Homes
Auto Junk Yards
Miscellaneous Ordinance and Occupancy Inspection
A Users
Meter Changes
House Moving and Demolition Permits
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(e) Fee Refunds. 1. The Building Official may authorize the refund-
ing of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected
2. The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more
than 80 percent of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under
a permit issued in accordance with this code. Where no work has com-
menced for a period exceeding 180 days from the issuance of the permit,
one-half of the fee may be refunded provided that not less that $50
shall be retained by the Building Official.
3. The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more
than 80 percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a
permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or can-
celed before any plan reviewing is done.
The Building Official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee
paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee not
later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.
SECTION 306
Sec. 306. (a) General . In addi tion to the inspection to be made 'as
specified in Section 304, the owner or his agent shall employ a special
inspector who shall be present at all times during construction on the
following types of work
1. Concrete• On concrete work when structural design is based
on f'c in excess of 2,000 pounds.
2. Masonry• Masonry work shall have special inspection when
required in Chapter 24.
3. Welding On all structural welding.
4. Reinforced Gypsum Concrete When cast-in-place Class B rein-
forced gypsum is being mixed or deposited.
5. Special Cases On special construction or work involving
unusual hazards or requiring constant inspection.
(b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) unchanged.
SECTION 307
Sec. 307.(a) and (b) unchanged.
(c) Certificate Issued.. Upon final inspection and at the request of
the owner after he has certified that he has complied with all code pro-
visions, a Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued by the Building
Official or his deputies. The Certificate of Occupancy shall show the
following
1. The building permit number
2. Address and legal description
3. The zoning
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4. The occupancy classification, and for B2 storage, annotation
for high-piled combustible storage (B2-H)
5. The occupant load
6. The type of construction
7. The name of the Building Official
8. Owner's name and address
(d) unchanged.
(e) Posting. The Certificate of Occupancy
spicuous place on the premises and shall not
Building Official. Those premises not posting
shall be required to comply with this section
inspection agent of the City of Fort Worth. A
shall not be withheld based on non-compliance
ordinance under which it was constructed.
(f) unchanged.
shall be posted in a con-
be removed except by the
a Certificate of Occupancy
upon notification by any
Certificate of Occupancy
when a building meets the
(g) Special Provisions. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for a
period not to exceed 24 months may be issued by the Construction and
Fire Prevention Board of Appeals for a structure not in compliance with
this Code (exiting excluded), provided.
1. The location and utilities meet all other ordinances of the
city.
2. The area of the structure does not exceed 1,500 square feet.
3. The Temporary Certificate of Occupancy is issued to a specific
applicant and is not transferable.
Upon separate application, the Construction and Fire Prevention
Board of Appeals may extend the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
originally granted beyond the 24-month period of time, not exceeding a
time period of 12 months, provided the Building Official has certified
that the structure is being maintained as approved under the original
conditions of the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
The Building Official may revoke any permanent or temporary certif-
icate of occupancy for noncompliance with any provisions of the certifi-
cate or this Code. In addition, where any unsafe condition results from
the use of any utilities in noncompliance with said certificate of
occupancy or this Code, the Building Official may order in writing that
such utilities be disconnected.
(h) The issuance of any certificate of occupancy shall not be con-
strued to permit or sanction any violation of the provisions of this
code or any other ordinances, rules or regulations. The issuance of a
certificate of occupancy shall not prevent the Building Official from
thereafter requiring the correction of such violations or from revoking
the the certificate or preventing building operations from being carried
on thereunder when in violation of this code or any other ordinances,
rules or regulations.
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Blank Page for Table 3A
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SECTION 403
Baby Sitting Service.. Care of six (6) or less children for a part
of the twenty-four (24) hour day that meets the requirements of and
either licensed or registered by the State of Texas.
SFCTTON 405
Day Care Home. A place where more than six (6) non-related chil-
dren are cared for a part of the twenty-four (24) hour day that meets
the requirements of and licensed by the State of Texas. This definition
does not include the faster care program or baby sitting for six (6) or
less pre-kindergarden age children.
SFCTTON 409
Highrise Building. A highrise building is a building having floors
used for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above the lowest
level of Fire Department vehicle access.
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Sec. 503. (a), (b), (c) and (d) 1 and 2 unchanged.
(d) 3. In the one-hour occupancy separation between a Group R,
Division 3 and M Occupancy, the separation may be limited to the
installation of materials approved for one-hour fire resistive
construction on the garage side or may be reduced to 1!2 inch
gypsum board on each side of the wall separating the two occu-
pancies. A tight fitting solid wood door 1-3/8 inches in thickness
or bearing a 20-minute rating in lieu of a one-hour fire assembly
is acceptable for opening protection. Fire dampers shall not be
required in ducts piercing this separation for ducts constructed of
not less than No. 26 gauge galvanized steel.
(d) 4. Two-family dwelling units shall be separated by two one-hour
occupancy separation walls that are carried to the roof deck.
Existing two-family dwellings that are subdivided into separate
ownerships shall provide one-hour occupancy separation that extends
to the roof deck.
SFCTTON 505
Sec. 505. (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) 1 and 2 unchanged.
Sec. (e) 3. Area separation walls shall extend from the foundation
to a point at least 30 inches above the roof.
EXCEPTIONS• 1. Area separation walls may terminate at the underside
of the roof sheathing, deck or slab, provided the roof-ceiling
assembly is of at least two-hour fire-resistive construction.
2. Two-hour separation walls may terminate at the underside of
the roof sheathing, deck or slab, provided•
A. Where the roof-ceiling framing elements are parallel to the
wall, the entire span of such framing and elements supporting such
framing shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construc-
tion for a width of not less than 5 feet on each side of the wall.
B. Where roof-ceiling framing elements are perpendicular to the
wall, the entire span of such framing and elements supporting such
framing shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construc-
tion.
C. Openings in the roof shall not be located within 5 feet of the
area separation wall.
D. The entire building shall be provided with afire-retardant roof
covering as specified in Table 32-C.
3. Two-hour area separation walls may terminate at roofs of
entirely noncombustible construction.
Sec. (e) 4 and 5 unchanged.
SF~TTf1N S~6
Sec. 506. (a) and (b) unchanged.
(c) Automatic Sprinkler Systems. The areas specified in Table
No. 5-C and Section 505(b) may be tripled in one-story buildings and
doubled in buildings of more than one story if the building is provided
with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout. The area
increases permitted in this subsection may be compounded with that
specified in paragraphs 1, 2 or 3 of Subsection (a) of this section. The
increases permitted in this subsection shall not apply when automatic
sprinkler systems are installed under the following provisions:
1. Section 3802(f) for Group H, Divisions 1 and 2 Occupancies.
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Sec. 507. The maximum height and number of stories of every build-
ing shall be dependent upon the character of the occupancy and the type
of construction and shall not exceed the limits set forth in Table
No. 5-D, except as provided in this section and as specified in Sec-
tion 503(a) for mixed occupancy buildings
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Towers, spires and steeples erected as a part of a
bu i 1 di ng and not used for habitation or storage are 1 imi ted as to
height only by structural design if completely of noncombustible
materials, or may extend not to exceed 20 feet above the height
limit in Table No. 5-D if of combustible materials.
2. The height of one-story aircraft hangers shall not be limited if
the building is provided with automatic sprinkler systems through-
out as specified in Chapter 38 and is entirely surrounded by public
space, streets or yards not less in width than one and one-half
times the height of the building.
The story limits set forth in Table 5-D may be increased by one
story if the building is provided with an approved automatic
sprinkler system throughout. The increase in the number of stories
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for automatic sprinkler systems shall not apply when the automatic
sprinkler systems throughout are installed under the following pro-
visions:
1, Section 3802 (f) for Group H, Divisions 1 and 2 Occupancies. See
Chapters 6 to 12 inclusive for special occupancy provisions.
SECTION 508
Sec. 508. Where one-hour fire-resistive construction throughout is
required by this Code, an approved automatic sprinkler system, as speci-
fied in Chapter 38, may be substituted, provided such system is not
otherwise required throughout the building
EXCEPTION No. 1• Such substitution shall not waive nor reduce re-
quired fire-resistive construction for
1. Occupancy separations [Section 503(c)].
2. Exterior wall protection due to proximity of property lines
[Section 504(b}],
3. Area Separations [Section 505(e)]
4. Shaft enclasures [Section 1706].
5. Corridors except as specifically exempted in Sec. 3305 (g) and
(h).
6. Stair enclosures [Section 3309].
7, Exit passageways [Section 3312 (a)].
8. Type of construction separation [Section 1701].
9. Atriums constructed in accordance with Section 1715.
EXCEPTION No. 2• In Type II fire resistive structures which are
not required to comply with Section 1807, those assemblies required
by Table 17-A to be two-hour fire resistive may be reduced to one
hour.
SFCTTfIN 511
Sec. 511.(a), (b), (c) and (d) unchanged.
(e) Where there are State of Texas handicapped requirements that
conflict with this Code, the most restrictive standards shall prevail.
The use of ventless fans are allowed where one commode and one lavatory
meet the code and are located in an enclosure.
SECTION 610
Sec. 610. Fire Alarms. Fire Alarms shall be provided for all new
and existing Group A, Divisions 1, 2 and 2.1 Occupancies with an occu-
pant load greater than 300, and night clubs with an occupant load
greater than 200 as required by the Fire Code.
EXCEPTION Churches, when used primarily for worship.
SECTION 809
Sec. 809. Approved fire alarms shall be provided for all Group E,
Division 1 and 2 Occupancies with an occupant load of more than 50
persons and all Group E Division 3 Occupancies. In every Group E
Occupancy provided with an automatic sprinkler or detection system, the
operation of such system shall automatically activate the school fire
alarm system, which shall include an alarm mounted on the exterior of
the building.
Fire alarms shall be installed in accordance with ,t he City of Fort
Worth Fire Code.
SECTION 1109
Sec. 1109. Occupancy separations shall be as specified in Sec-
tion 503 and Table No. A-11-6.
SECTION 1110
Sec. 1110. Except where Table No. 17-A requires greater protection,
exterior walls of agricultural buildings shall be not less than 20 feet
from property line.
Openings in exterior walls of agricultural buildings which are less
than 20 feet from property lines shall be protected by fire assemblies
having afire-protection rating of not less than three-fourths hour.
SECTION 1111
Sec. 1111. Exit facilities shall be as specified in Chapter 33.
EXCEPTIONS. 1. The maximum distance of travel from any point in the
building to an exterior exit door, horizontal exit, exit passageway or
an enclosed stairway shall not exceed 300 feet.
2. One exit is required for each 15,000 square feet of floor area
and fraction thereof.
3. Exit openings shall not be less than 2 feet 6 inches by 6 feet 8
inches.
SECTION 1112
Sec. 1112. Detached sunshade structures for Group B Occupancies
shall not be enclosed and shall be of noncombustible construction.
SECTION 1202
Sec. 1202.(a) unchanged.
(b) Special Provisions. (a) Group R, Division 1, Occupancies more
than two stories in height or having more than 3000 square feet of floor
area above the first story shall not be less than one-hour fire-
resistive construction throughout except as provided in Section 1705
(b) 2.
(2) Storage or laundry rooms that are within Group R, Division 1,
Occupancies that are used in common by tenants shall be separated from
the rest of the building by not less than one-hour fire-resistive occu-
pancy separation.
(3) An approved fire alarm system shall be installed in Group R
occupancies in accordance with the City of Fort Worth Fire Code.
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(4) For Group R, Division 1, Occupancies with a Group B,
Division 1, parking garage in the basement or first floor, see Section
Section 702(a).
(5) For one- and two-family dwellings and apartment buildings, open
metal carport structures may be constructed within zero (0) feet of the
property line when the location of such is approved as required by other
City ordinances.
SECTION 1204
Sec. 1204. Stairs, exits and smoke-proof enclosures shall be as
specified in Chapter 33.
Every sleeping room below the fourth story shall have at least one
operable window or exterior door approved for emergency escape or
rescue. The units shall be operable from the inside to provide a full
clear opening without the use of separate tools,
All escape or rescue windows from sleeping rooms shall have a mini-
mum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet. The minimum net clear opening
height dimension shall be 24 inches. The minimum net clear opening width
dimension shall be 20 inches. Where windows are provided as a means of
escape or rescue they shall have a finished sill height of not more than
44 inches above the floor.
EXCEPTION 1. On the ground or grade level floor where the finished
floor is not over three feet above grade, the openable area and
widths may be one of the following alternatives provided such open-
ings are free and clear from the bedroom to the outside.
a. 5.7 square feet of openable area with a minimum dimension of not
less than 18 inches in height or width and the sill height is not
more than 18 inches above the floor.
b. 5 square feet of openable area with a minimum dimension of not
less than 22 inches in height or width and the sill height is not
more than 18 inches above the floor.
Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices may be installed on an
emergency escape or rescue windows or doors, provided
1. Such devices are equipped with approved release mechanisms
which are openable from the inside without the use of a key
or special knowledge or effort, and The building is equipped
2. with smoke detectors installed in accordance with Section
1210.
3. A permit is obtained to install approved systems.
SECTION 1210
Sec. 1210. (a) Fire-warning Systems. Every dwelling unit and every
guest room in a hotel or lodging house used for sleeping purposes shall
be provided with smoke detectors conforming to U.B.C. Standard No.
No. 43-6. In dwelling units, detectors shall be mounted on the ceiling
-15-
or wall at a point centrally located in the corridor or area giving
access to rooms used for sleeping purposes. In an efficiency dwelling
unit, hotel sleeping room and hotel suites, the detector shall be
centrally located on the ceiling of the main room or hotel sleeping
room. Where sleeping rooms are on an upper level, the detector shall be
placed at the center of the ceiling directly above the stairway. All
detectors shall be located in accordance with approved manufacturer's
instructions. When actuated, the detector shall provide an alarm in the
dwelling unit or guest room.
All existing R-1 and R-3 Occupancies shall install smoke detectors
as required for new construction and as required by the City of Fort
Worth Fire Code. The smoke detectors may be battery operated. Fire
alarm systems shall be provided in all existing R-1 Occupancies as re-
quired by the City of Fort Worth Fire Code.
In new construction, required smoke detectors shall receive their
primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a
commercial source. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting
switch other than those required for over-current protection.
A smoke detector shall be installed in the basement of dwelling
units having a stairway which opens from the basement into the dwel-
ling. Such detector shall be connected to a sounding device or other
detectors to provide an a1 arm which will be audible in the sleeping
area.
(b) unchanged.
SECTION 1701
Sec. 1701. The requirements of Part IU are for the various types of
construction and represent varying degrees of public safety and resis-
tance to fire. Every building shall be classified by the Building
Official into one of the types of construction set forth in Table
No. 17-A. Any building which does not entirely conform to a type of con-
struction set forth in Table 17-A shall be classified by the Building
Official into a type having an equal or lesser degree of fire resis-
tance.
A building or portion thereof shall not be required to conform to
the details of a type of construction higher than that type which meets
the minimum requirements based on occupancy (Part III) even though
certain features of such building actually conform to a higher type con-
struction.
Where specific materials, types of construction or fire-resistive
protection are required, such requirements shall be the minimum require-
ments, and any materials, types of construction or fire-resistive pro-
tection which will afford equal or greater public safety or resistance
to fire, as specified in this Code, may be used.
Portions of building separated as specified in Section 505(e) may
be considered a separate building for classification of types of con-
struction. When there is no such separation, the area of the entire
building shall not exceed the least area permitted for the types of con-
struction involved
-16-
Additions may be made to existing non-conforming buildings provided
that an area separation wall separates the existing non-conforming con-
struction of the same construction classification.
EXCEPTION An area separation wall will
existing building and the addition are
building does not exceed the height and
one-hour type of construction of the same
tion.
SECTION 1704
Sec. 1704. Roof Coverings shall be
tion 3202(b).
not be required if the
sprinkled and the total
area requirements for a
construction classifica-
as specified in Sec-
Fire Retardant Class C roof coverings are required on all multi-
family and townhouse units regardless of the size and height of the
units. Fire retardant Class C roofing materials are defined as any roof-
ing material which meets ASTM E-108 Fire Test Specifications for roof-
ing, and has been tested and approved by a nationally recognized testing
laboratory.
In those cases where it proves necessary to replace all or part of
an ordinary wood shingle roof, Class A, B or C shingles may be overlaid
on the wood shingles if permitted by Appendix Chapter 32.
Ordinary wood shingle or shake roofs located on Group R, Divi-
sion 1, Occupancies at the time of adoption of this ordinance shall be
required to be removed and replaced with a Class C roofing material or
covered with Class C shingles at the end of their 80~ amortization of
life expectancy or February 11, 1988, whichever is later. The 80% life
expectancy of ordinary wood shingles is 14.4 years for Number 1, 12
years for Number 2 and 9.6 years for Number 3. The time clock countdown
for such life expectancy starts on the date the building upon which the
roof is installed received final inspection from the Building Official
or his representative. All ordinary wood shake roofs located on Group R,
Division 1, Occupancies now in existence shall be required to be removed
and replaced with a Class C roofing material or covered with Class C
roofing material or covered with Class C shingles prior to February 11,
1988. Buildings which are not in compliance with this provision shall be
vacated until made to conform.
EXCEPTION• A wood shingle roof may be treated to provide a reduced
fire hazard or extend the fire retardant life of the roof. The roof
shingle coating is required to meet all testing listed in the
Uniform Building Code Standard 32-7. Tests may be accomplished by
an approved testing facility. The maximum time frame allowed to
extend fire retardant life of the roof shingles is limited to that
time frame certified by an approved testing facility.
Skylights shall be constructed as required in Chapter 34.
Penthouses shall be constructed as required in Chapter 36.
-17-
For attics, access and area, see Section 3205.
For roof damage, see Chapter 3207.
SECTION 1706
Sec. 1706. (a) General, Openings extending vertically through
floors shall be enclosed in a shaft of fire resistive construction
having the time period set forth in Table No. 17-A for "Shaft Enclos-
ures". Protection for stairways shall be as specified in Sections 3309
and 3310. See Sectian 706 for exception in Group B, Division 4, Occu-
pancies and Section 709(j) for open parking garages.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. In other than Groups H, I and R-1 Occupancies, an
enclosure will not be required for openings which serve only on
adjacent floor and are not connected with openings serving other
floors and which are not concealed within the building construc-
tion. For enclosure of stairways and ramps see Section 3309.
2. In buildings housing Group B Occupancies equipped with automatic
sprinkler systems throughout, enclosures shall not be required far
escalators where the top of the escalator opening at each story is
provided with a draft curtain and automatic fire sprinklers are
installed around the perimeter of the opening within 2 feet of the
draft curtain. The draft curtain shall enclose the perimeter of the
unenclosed opening and extend from the ceiling downward at least 12
inches on all sides. The spacing between sprinklers shall not
exceed 6 feet.
3. In type V buildings, chutes and dumbwaiter shafts with a cross-
sectional area of not more than 9 square feet may be unenclosed if
lined on the inside with lath and plaster or gypsum wallboard, with
such lining covered with not less that No. 26 galvanized sheet
metal gauge with all joints in such sheet metal locklapped. All
openings into any such enclosure shall be protected by metal or
metal-clad doors with either metal or metal-clad jambs, casings or
frames.
4. Exit enclosures shall conform to the applicable provisions of
Section 3309 and 3310.
5 . I n one- and two-story bui 1 di ngs ot'~her than Graup ~H, I and R-1
Occupancies, shafts for gas vents and ducts or piping which extend
through not more than two floors need not comply with Table
No. 17-A.
6. Gas vents and piping installed in walls of building passing
through three floors or less need not comply with Table No. 17-A.
Such shafts shall be effectively draft-stopped with approved fire-
stopping at each floor or ceiling.
7. Noncombustible pipe and conduit may be installed and maintained
within the cavity of fire-resistive walls, provided both the floor
-18-
and wall penetrations are tightly sealed with a noncombustible
material impervious to the passage of smoke.
8. In buildings with Group H, Division 6, Occupancies, a f abrica-
tion area may have mechanical, duct and piping penetrations which
extend through not more than two floors within that fabrication
area. Penetrations for tubing, piping, conduit or ducts shall be
effectively draft-stopped at the floor level. The fabrication area,
including the areas through which the ductwork and piping extend,
shall be considered a single conditioned environment.
(b), (c) and (d) unchanged.
SECTION 1709
Sec. 1709. (a) General. Parapets shall be provided on all exterior
walls of buildings.
EXCEPTIONS 1. Walls which are not required to be of fire-resistive
construction.
2 . Wal 1 s which terminate at roof s of not 1 ess than two-hour f i re-
resistive construction or roofs constructed entirely of noncom-
bustible materials.
3. Walls where, due to location on property, unprotected openings
are permitted.
4. Walls on all buildings having a floor area or not more than 1000
square feet per floor.
5. Areas where a minimum ten-foot wide public easement is dedicated
on adjacent properties for maintenance and restricting the space
from construction except for cross fences.
6. An existing residential building changing in use to a commercial
use may have anon-combustible finish roof in place of the required
parapet.
(b) unchanged.
TABLE N0. 17-A
Add Footnote Numbers 3 and 4 as follows:
3. See Sec. 1715 for atrium enclosures.
4. See Sec. 3309 for exit enclosures.
Add the reference for Footnotes 3 and 4 to "Shaft Enclosures"listed
under the Building Element column.
-19-
SECTION 1807
Special provisions for High-Rise Occupancies.
Sec. 1807.(a) Scope. This section shall apply to all occupancies
having floors used for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above
the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Such buildings shall
be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with Section 1807(c).
(b) through (e) unchanged.
(f) Central Control Station, A central control station for fire
department operations shall be provided and should be accessible from
the interior of the building and adjacent to the main lobby. A knox box
with key to the Central Control station will be provided at a location,
approved by the Fire Chief. The location of the central control station
shall be approved by the fire department. The central control station
shall have a minimum of 96 square feet with a minimum dimension of 8
feet. It shall contain:
1. the voice alarm and public address system panels
2. the fire department communications panel
3. fire detection and alarm system annunciator panels
4. annunciator visually indicating the location of the eleva-
tors and whether they are operational
5. status indicators and controls for air-handling systems
6, controls for unlocking all stairway doors simultaneously
7. sprinkler valve and water-flow detector display panels
8. standby power controls and status indicators
9. a telephone for fire department use with controlled access
to to the public telephone system
10. fire pump status indicators
11. schematic building plans indicating the typical floor plan
and detailing the building core, exit facilities, fire pro-
tection systems firefighting equipment and fire department
access.
12. work table.
All control panels in the central control section shall be permanently
identified as to function.
(g) through (k) unchanged.
(1) delete.
(m) delete 5 & 6.
SECTION 2205
Sec. 2205. Roof coverings shall be as specified in Chapter 32.
-20-
SECTION 2308
Sec. 2308.(a) unchanged.
(b) Retaining Walls. Retaining walls shall be designed to resist
the lateral pressure of the retained material in accordance with
accepted engineering practice. Walls retaining drained earth may be
designed for pressure equivalent to that exerted by a fluid weighing not
less than 30 pounds per cubic foot and having a depth equal to that of
the retained earth. Any surcharge shall be in addition to the equivalent
fluid pressure.
Retaining walls shall be designed to resist sliding or overturning
by at least 1.5 times the lateral force or overturning moment.
All retaining walls exceeding four (4) feet in height should have
an engineer's seal affixed to the plans. Retaining walls constructed of
railroad ties shall not exceed four (4) feet in height.
(c) and (d) unchanged.
SECTION 2516
Sec. 2516.(a) through (f) unchanged.
(g) Exterior Wall Coverings. 1. General. Exterior wood stud walls
shall be covered on the outside with the materials and in the manner
specified in this section or elsewhere in this Code. Studs or sheathing
shall be covered on the outside face with a weather-resistive barrier
when required by Section 1707(a). Exterior wall coverings of the minimum
thickness specified in this section are based upon a maximum stud spac-
ing of 16 inches unless otherwise specified.
2. Siding. Siding shall have a minimum thickness of 3/8-inch unless
placed over sheathing permitted by this Code.
Siding patterns known as rustic, drop siding or shiplap shall have
an average thickness in place of not less than 19/32-inch and shall have
a minimum thickness of not less than 3/8-inch. Bevel siding shall have a
minimum thickness measured at the butt section of not less than 7/16-
inch and a tip thickness of not less than 3116-inch. Siding of lesser
dimensions may be used, provided such wall covering is placed over
sheathing which conforms to the provisions specified elsewhere in this
Code.
All weatherboarding or siding shall be securely nailed to each stud
with not less than one nail, or to solid 1-inch nomial wood sheathing or
1/2-inch plywood sheathing with not less than one line of nails spaced
not more than 24 inches on center in each piece of the weatherboarding
or siding.
3. Plywood. Where plywood is used for covering the exterior of out-
side walls, it shall be of the exterior type not less than 3J8-inch
thick. Plywood panel siding shall be installed in accordance with Table
-21-
No. 25-M. Unless applied over 1-inch wood sheathing or 1/2-inch plywood
sheathing, joints shall occur over framing members and shall be pro-
tected with a continuous wood batten, approved caulking, flashing,
vertical or horizontal shiplaps; or joints shall be lapped horizontally
or otherwise made waterproof.
4. Shingles or Shakes. Wood shingles or shakes and asbestos cement
shingles may be used for exterior wall covering, provided the frame of
the structure is covered with building paper as specified in Section
1707(a). All shingles or shakes attached to sheathing other than wood
sheathing shall be secured with approved corrosion-resistant fasteners
or on furring strips attached to the studs. Wood shingles or shakes may
be applied over fiberboard shingle backer and sheathing with annular
grooved nails. This thickness of wood shingles or shakes between wood
nailing boards shall be not less than 3/8-inch. Wood shingles or shakes
and asbestos shingles or siding may be nailed directly to approved
fiberboard nailbase sheathing not less than 1/2-inch nominal thickness
with annular grooved nails. Fiberboard nailbase sheathing and shingle
backer shall comply with U.B.C. Standard No. 25-24.
The weather exposure of wood shingle or shake siding used on ex-
terior walls shall not exceed maximums set forth in Table No. 25-L.
EXCEPTION• In other than 1- and 2-family dwellings, wood shingles
and shakes shall not be used as an exterior wall covering within 7
feet of grade unless the area immediately adjacent to the building
is covered with pavement a minimum of 20 feet in width. As an
alternative, a five-foot green space followed by 15' of pavement is
permissible. All wood shingle and shakes to be used as an exterior
wall covering must be Class C Rated for roofing.
5. Particleboard. Where particleboard is used for covering the exterior
of outside walls it shall be of the Exterior Type 2-M grades conforming
to U.B.C. Standard No. 25-25, not less than 518-inch thick when applied
over approved sheathing, not less than 5/8-inch thick when applied
directly to framing spaced 16 inches on center and not less than
3/4-inch thick when applied directly to framing spaced 24 inches on
center. Panels shall be gapped 1/8-inch and nail shall be spaced not
less than 3/8-inch thick from edges and ends of sheathing.. Unless
applied over 5/8-inch net wood sheathing of 1/2-inch plywood sheathing
or 1/2-inch particleboard sheathing, joints shall occur over framing
members and shall be covered with a continuous wood batt, or joints
shall be lapped horizontally or otherwise made waterproof to the satis-
faction of the Building Official. Particleboard shall be sealed and pro-
tected with exterior quality finishes.
6. Hardboard. Where hardboard siding is used for covering the out-
side of exterior walls, it shall conform to U.B.C. Standard No. 25-26
and Table No. 25-0. Lap siding shall be installed in horizontally direct
to studs. Corner bracing shall be installed in conformance with Sec-
tion 2517(g)3. A weather-resistive barrier shall be installed under the
lap siding as required by Section 1707(a).
-22-
Square-edged nongrooved panels and shiplap grooved or nongrooved
siding shall be applied vertically to sheathed or unsheathed walls.
Siding that is grooved shall be not less than 1/4-inch thick in the
groove.
Nail size and spacing shall follow Table No. 25-0 and shall pene-
trate framing 1-112 inches. Lap siding shall overlap 1 inch minimum and
be nailed through both courses and into framing members with nails
located 112-inch be nailed 3/8 inch from the perimeter to the panel and
intermediately into studs. shiplap edge panel siding with 3/8-inch ship-
lap shall be nailed 3/8 inch from the edges on both sides of the ship-
lap. The 3/4-inch shiplap shall be nailed 3/8 inch from the edge and
penetrate through both the overlap and underlap. Top and bottom edges of
the panel shall be nailed 3/8 inch from the edge.
shiplap and lap siding shall not be force fit. Square-edged panels
shall maintain a 1/16-inch gap at joints. All joints and edges of sid-
ing shall be over framing members and shall be made resistant to weather
penetration with battens, horizontal overlaps or shiplaps to the satis-
faction of the Building Official. A 1/8-inch gap shall be provided
around all openings.
7. Nailing. All fasteners used for the attachment of siding shall
be of corrosion-resistant type.
SECTION 2903
Sec. 2903.(a) General. Excavation or fills for buildings or struc-
tures shall be so constructed that they do not endanger life or prop-
erty.
All slopes, f i 11 s and cuts shal 1 not extend beyond the 1 of 1 i ne of
that property being filled or cut.
(b) Drainage. Drainage from roofs of any commercial building or
structure shall be contained within property lines and shall not be
allowed or caused to drain to adjacent properties. Drainage from down-
spouts of any commercial building or structure shall be connected to
lateral storm sewer piping or, in the alternative, water therefrom shall
be otherwise contained and directed in accordance with accepted engi-
neering practice as approved by the Director of Transportation and
Public Works.
(c) Trench Safety. On all construction projects in which trench
excavations exceed five (5) feet, public or private, within the corpo-
rate limits of the City, or within the extraterritorial jurisdiction,
the bid documents and contracts for such projects shall contain•
(1) detailed plans and specifications for adequate trench
safety systems that meet the Occupational Safety and
Health Act standards, and
(2) a pay item for the trench safety system.
-2 3-
This requirement shall not apply to persons subject to safety stan-
dards adopted under Article 6053-1, V.C.T.S., and subject to the admin-
istrative penalty provisions of Article 6053-2, V.C.T.S.
(d) Minimum distance of swimming pools from foundations. Swimming
pools may not be closer to a building foundation than one horizontal
foot at finish grade for every vertical foot of swimming pool depth.
EXCEPTION• A foundation designed by an engineer may be placed
closer to the pool.
SECTION 3202
Sec. 3202.(a) unchanged.
(b) Roof Covering Classification. Roof coverings shall have a mini-
mum classification as specified in Table 32-C.
(c) unchanged.
SECTION 3203
Sec. 3203.(a), (b), (c) and (d) unchanged.
(e) Fire Retardant Roof Covering. Afire retardant roof covering is
any roof covering tested in accordance with IJBC Standard 32-7 with an
A,B, or C Classification,
EXCEPTION: When approved by the Building Official, non-combustible
roofing materials may be used in lieu of fire tested roof cover-
ings. Metal roofing used in lieu of fire tested coverings shall be
installed on non-combustible supports.
(f) Ordinary Roof Coverings. An ordinary roof covering is any roof
covering that is not Class A, B or C Rated,
(g) and (h) unchanged.
SECTION 3205
Sec. 3205.(a) and (b) unchanged.
(c) Ventilation. Where determined necessary by the Building
Official due to atmospheric or climatic conditions, enclosed attics and
enclosed rafter spaces formed where cei 1 i ngs are applied direct to the
underside of roof rafters shall have cross ventilation for each separate
space by ventilating openings protected against the entrance of rain and
snow. The net free ventilating area shall be not less than 1/150 of the
area of the space ventilated, except that the area may be 1/300, pro-
vided at least 50 percent of the required ventilating area is provided
by ventilators located in the upper portion of the space to be venti-
lated at least 3 feet above eave or cornice vents with the balance of
the required ventilation provided by eave or cornice vents. The openings
shall be covered with corrosion-resistant metal mesh with mesh openings
of 1/4-inch in dimension.
-24-
Where eave or cornice vents are used to provide the ventilation of
combustible attic spaces, vent openings shall not be located within 3
feet measured laterally above the window or door openings in the wall of
the story immediately below.
-25-
TABLE 32-C
TABLE 32-C FIINIMUM ROOF CLASSES
ype of
Construction
I
FR II
1-t~R I
N I
1-HR
N
&i.T. V
1-NR ~
N
Occpancy
A-1 A B - - -- - - - -
A)2-2.1 A B B - B - B B -
A-3 A B B B B 6 B 6 B
A_q A B B B B B B 6 B
B)1-2 A B B B B B B B B
B)3-4 A Q B B 6 B B B R
E A 6 B B B B B B B
H-1 A A A A B B 6 B B
H)2-3-4 A B B B B B B B B
I )1-2 A B B - 8 - B 6 -
I-3 A 6 .6 - B - - B -
a o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
R-1 A B B B B B C C C
R-3 B Ol Ol Ol Ol Ol Ol O1 0l
A = Class A roofing
B = Class B roofing
C = Class C roofing
0 = Ordinanry roof coverings
l~hen a parapet is not provided on the property line of an attached dr~elling, a Class B
roof covering shall be used Except where a pt!blic easement is dedicated as permitted by
Section 1709.(a), Exception 5.
-26-
SECTION 3206
Sec. 3206(a) through (e) unchanged.
(f) Curtain Boards. 1. General. Curtain boards shall be provided to
subdivide a vented building in accordance with the provisions of this
subsection.
2. Construction. Curtain Boards shall be sheet metal, asbestos
board, lath and plaster, gypsum wallboard or other approved materials
which provide equivalent performance that will resist the passage of
smoke. All joints and connections shall be smoke tight.
3. Location and depth. Curtain boards shall extend down from the
ceiling for a minimum depth of 6 feet but need not extend closer than 8
feet to the floor. In Group H Occupancies, the minimum depth shall be 12
feet except that it need not be closer than 8 feet to the floor, pro-
vided the curtain is not less than 6 feet in depth.
EXCEPTION• For sprinklered buildings, curtain boards are required
to be not less than four (4) feet in depth for all occupancies.
4. Spacing. The distance between curtain boards shall not exceed
250 feet and the curtained area shall be limited to 50,000 square feet.
In Group H Occupancies, the distance between curtain boards shall not
exceed 100 feet and the curtained area shall be limited to 15,000 square
feet.
SECTION 3301
Sec. 3301(a) unchanged.
(b Definitions. CORRIDOR, PUBLIC is an enclosed exit way protected
as required by Section 3305 (g) and (h). A public corridor shall be
required for any exit used by two or more tenants on a floor of a build-
ing.
CORRIDOR, PRIVATE is a corridor within a tenant space which has
exits leading to a public corridor or exit. Private corridors shall meet
the requirements of Section 3305(b), (c), (e) and (f).
SECTION 3302
Sec. 3302.(a) Determination of Occupant Load. In determining the
occupant load, all portions of a building shall be presumed to be occu-
pied at the same time.
EXCEPTION• Accessory use areas which ordinarily are used only by
persons who occupy the main areas of any occupancy shall be pro-
vided with exits as though they are completely occupied, but their
occupant load need not be included in computing the total occupant
load of the building.
-27-
The occupant load for a building shall be determined in accordance
with the following:
1. General, For areas without fixed seats, the occupant load shall
be no less than the number determined by dividing the floor area
assigned to that use by the occupant load factor set forth in
Table 33-A.
Where an intended use is not listed in Table No. 33-A the Building
Official shall establish an occupant load factor based on a listed use
which most nearly resembles the intended use..
For a building or portion thereof which has more than one use, the
occupant load shall be determined by the use which gives the largest
number of persons.
The occupant load for building or areas containing two or more
occupancies shall be determined by adding the occupant loads of the
various use areas as computed in accordance with the applicable provi-
sions of this section.
2. Fixed Seating. For areas having fixed seat and aisles, the occu-
pant load shall be determined by the number of fixed seats installed
therein. The required width of aisles serving fixed seats shall not be
used for any other purpose.
For areas having fixed benches ar pews, the occupant load shall be
not less than the number of seats based on one person for each 18 inches
of length of pew or bench.
Where booths are used in dining areas, the occupant load shall be
based on one person for each 24 inches of booth length or major portion
thereof .
Approved plans for fixed seating must be filed with the Bureau of
Fire Prevention.
3. Reviewing stands, grandstands and bleachers. The occupant load
for reviewing stands, grandstands and bleachers shall be calculated in
accordance with this section and the specific requirements contained in
Section 3323 and 3324.
4. Dance Floors. Seventy-five percent (75q) of the dance floor
shall be considered as contributing to the occupant loads when the dance
floor is used as an accessory use area.
(b) Maximum Occupant Load. The maximum occupant load for other than
an assembly use shall not exceed the capacity of exits as determined in
accordance with this chapter.
The maximum occupant load for an assembly use shall not exceed the
occupant load as determined in accordance with Section 3302(a).
-28-
EXCEPTION• The occupant load for an assembly building or portion
thereof may be increased, when approved by the Building Official,
if all the requirements of this Code are me t for such increased
number of persons.. The Building Official may required an approved
aisle, seating or fixed equipment diagram to substantiate such an
increas e, and may require that such diagram be posted.
The occupant load shall not be increased where such ,increase will
change the occupancy classification or type of construction, unless
the building is sprinklered throughout.
(c) and (d) unchanged.
SECTION 3304
Sec.. 3304.(a) through (j) unchanged.
(k) Additional Doors. When additional doors are available for human
egress purposes, they shall conform to all provisions of this chapter.
EXCEPTION. Approved revolving doors having leaves which will col-
lapse under opposing pressures may be used in exit situations, pro-
vided
1. Such doors have a minimum width of 6 feet 6 inches.
2. At least one conforming exit door is located adjacent to
each revolving door.
3. The revolving door shall not be considered to provide any
exit width.
(1) Electronic Locking Device Alternatives. 1. Small Rooms. In
rooms or areas having not more than 1500 square feet of retail or com-
mercial office floor area, an approved smoke detection system shall be
installed throughout the room or area served by the electronic latch.
Doors which are electronically latched shall swing freely when the elec-
tronic latch is released. The electronic latch shall:
(A) Automatically release upon activation of the smoke detection
system, and
(B) Automatically release upon loss of elec trical power to the
building, the electronic lat ch, the smoke detection system, or
the exit illumination system as required by Section 3313, and
(C) Automatically release upon actuation of a release button
located adjacent to each door which is electronically
latched. When pressed, the button shall immediately release
the latch The release button shall have a minimum area of 9
square inches and a minimum dimension of 3 inches. The button
shall be red and clearly state, "Push to Exit" in white
letters, and
(D) Be required to be relatched manually at the door.
-29-
EXCEPTION Latches may be relatched automatically when the
release was initiated by the push button, provided all other
release modes require manual relatching of the door.
(2) OtR~er Areas. In rooms or areas having more than 1500 square
feet of retail or commercial office floor area, the installation of
electronic latches shall comply with all of the provisions contained in
subsection 1 above and meet the following additional requirements.
(A) The entire building shall be protected throughout by an
approved automatic sprinkler system, and
(B) Any waterflow alarm or trouble signal initiated by the
sprinkler system shall cause the latch to immediately release.
SECTION 3305
Sec. 3305.(a) through (f) unchanged.
(g) Construction. Walls of corridors serving a Group R, Division 1,
or Group I Occupancy having an occupant load of 10 or more and walls of
corridors serving other occupancies having an occupant load of 30 or
more shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction and
the ceilings shall be not less than that required for a one-hour fire-
resistive floor or roof system.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. One-story buildings housing Group B, Division 4
Occupancies.
2. Corridors more than 30 feet in width where occupancies
served by such corridors have at least one exit independent from
the corridor. (See appendix Chapter 7, Part I, for covered malls.)
3. Exterior sides of exterior exit balconies.
4. In Group I, Division 3, Occupancies such as jails, prisons,
reformatories and similar building with open-barred cells forming
corridor walls, the corridors and cell doors need not be fire-re-
sistive.
5. Except for Groups H, I and R-1 Occupancies, corridors
serving only on tenant space shall be equipped with an automatic
extinguishing system. The sprinkler system, when in operation, must
sound local alarm systems and shut down the existing HVAC systems.
6. Except for groups H, I and R-1 Occupancies, corridors
shall not be required to be protected when the building is entirely
protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. The sprinkler
system must sound an alarm and shut down the existing HVAC.
When the ceiling of the entire story is an element of a one-hour
fire-resistive floor or roof system, the corridor walls may terminate at
the ceiling. When the room-side fire-resistive membrane of the corridor
wall is carried through to the underside of a fire-resistive floor or
-30-
roof above, the corridor side of the ceiling may be protected by the use
of ceiling materials as required for one-hour floor or roof system con-
struction or the corridor ceiling may be of the same construction as the
corridor walls.
Ceilings of non-combustible construction may be suspended below the
fire-resistive ceiling.
For wall and ceiling finish requirements, see Table No. 42-B.
(h) Openings. 1. Doors. When corridor walls are required to be of
one-hour fire-resistive construction by Section 3305(8), every door
opening shall be protected by a tight-fitting smoke- and draft-control
assembly of at least a solid core wooden door 1 3/8 inches in thickness
or having a fire-protection rating of not less than 20 minutes when
tested in accordance with U.B.C. Standard No. 43-2. The door and frame
shall bear an approved label or other identification showing the rating
thereof, the name of the manufacturer and the identification -of the
service conducting the inspection of materials and workmanship at the
factory during fabrication and assembly. Doors shall be maintained
self-closing or shall be automatic closing by actuation of a smoke
detector in accordance with Section 4306(b). Smoke- and draft-control
door assemblies shall be provided with a gasket so installed as to pro-
vide a seal where the door meets the stop on both sides and across the
top.
EXCEPTIONS 1. Viewports may be installed if they require a hole
not 1 arger than 1 i nch in diameter through the door, have at least
a 1/4-inch-thick glass disc and the holder is of metal which will
not melt out when subject to temperatures of 1700 degrees F.
2. Protection of openings in the interior walls of exterior exit
balconies is not required.
3. The Building Official may grant an exception to the self-closing
or the automatic closing by actuation of a smoke detector for hos-
pitals provided the building is protected with an automatic fire-
extinguishing system throughout the building and a smoke detection
system and single station smoke detectors are installed in patient
rooms.
2. Openings other than doors. Interior openings for other than
doors or ducts shall be protected by fixed, approved 1/4-inch thick
wired glass installed in steel frames. The total area of all openings,
other than doors, in any portion of an interior corridor shall not
exceed 25 percent of the area of the corridor wal 1 of the room which i t
is separating from the corridor, for duct openings, see Section 4306.
EXCEPTIONS: (1) Protection of openings in the interior walls of
exterior exit balconies is not required.
(2) In Group B, Division 2, Occupancies which were in existence and
possessed a valid Certificate of Occupancy at the time of adoption
of this Ordinance, and having less than 50 percent of a floor level
-31-
remodeled, tempered glass installed in metal or solid wood frames
may be permitted in accordance with the above provisions for wired
glass in the remodeled area when afire system is installed which
includes smoke detection in all corridors requiring protection by
Section 3305(8) and is equipped to automatically shut-down any
central HVAC unit in an area where fire is detected. The fire alarm
shall be in accordance with Appendix III-C of the Fire Code.
(i) unchanged.
(j) Gasketed solid core wood or hollow metal doors shall be pro-
vided in all interior corridors of R-1 occupancies at a spacing along
the length of the corridor not to exceed a 100-foot length of the cor-
ridor. Such doors, when held in the open position, shall be automatic
closing and shall be activated by smoke detectors.
SECTION 3306
Sec. 3306.(a)through (i) unchanged.
(j) Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on each side, and
every stairway more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not
less than one intermediate handrail for each 88 inches of width.
Intermediate handrails shall be spaced approximately equally across the
entire width of the stairway.
EXCEPTIONS• 1. Stairways 44 inches or less in width and stairways
serving one individual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3
Occupancies may have one handrail, except that such stairways open
on one or both sides shall have handrails provided on the open side
or sides.
2. Private stairways 30 inches or less in height may have
handrails on one side only.
3. Stairways having less than four risers and serving one in-
dividual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3, or serving
Group M Occupancies need not have handrails.
Handrails shall be placed not less than 30 inches nor more than 34
inches above the nosing of treads. They shall be continuous the full
length of the stairs and except for private stairways at one handrail
shall extend not less than 6 inches beyond the top and bottom risers.
Ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety ter-
minals.
The handgrip portion of handrails shall be not less than 1-114
inches nor more than 2 inches in cross-sectional dimension or the shape
shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. The handgrip portion of
handrails shall have a smooth surface with no sharp corners.
Handrails projecting from a wall shall have a space of not less
than 1-1/2 inches between the wall and the handrail.
-32-
(k) through (q} unchanged.
SECTION 3309
Sec. 3309.(a) General. Every interior stairway, ramp or escalator
shall be enclosed as specified in this section.
EXCEPTIONS• 1. In other than Group H, Group I, or Group R, Divi-
sion 1, Occupancies, an enclosure will not be required for a stair-
way, ramp or escalator serving only one adjacent floor and not
connected with corridors or stairways serving other floors. For
enclosure of escalators serving Group B Occupancies, see Chapter
Chapter 17.
2. Stairs in Group R, Division 3, Occupancies and stairs with-
in individual apartments in Group R, Division 1, Occupancies need
not be enclosed.
3. Stairs in open parking garages, as defined in Section 709,
need not be enclosed.
(b) through (f) unchanged.
SECTION 3801
Sec. 3801.(a) General. All fire-extinguishing systems required in
this Code shall be installed accordance with the requirements of this
chapter .
Persons installing any fire protection equipment under this section
shall be first required to obtain a certificate of installation from the
Bureau of Fire Prevention as set forth in the Fire Code.
Prior to installation of any system required by this section, plans
and other documents pertaining to said installation shall be submitted
to the Bureau of Fire Prevention for review in accordance with Appendix
VII-B of the Fire Code.
Fire hose threads used in connection with fire extinguishing sys-
tems shall be National Standard hose thread or as approved by the Fire
Department. ,
Pumps required by this chapter shall be installed in accordance
with Standard UBC 38-3.
In buildings used for high piled combustible storage, fire protec-
tion shall be in accordance with the Fire Code.
(b) unchanged.
(c) Definitions. CLASS I is a standpipe system with a water supply
consisting of a one-inch water fill connection at the top or the riser
to maintain piping normally wet and a Fire Department connection which
is equipped with 2-1/2 inch outlets for use by Fire Department or
trained personnel.
-33-
(d) Standards. Fire-extinguishing systems shall comply with U.B.C.
Standards Nos. 38-1 and 38-2.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems not covered by
U.B.C. Standard No. 38-1 or 38-2 shall be approved and installed in
accordance with the Fire Code.
2. Automatic sprinkler systems may be connected to the domestic
water-supply main when approved by the building official, provided
the domestic water supply is of adequate pressure, capacity and
sizing for the combined domestic and sprinkler requirements. In
such case, the sprinkler system connection shall be made between
the public water main or meter and the building shutoff valve, and
there shall not be intervening valves or connections. The Fire
Department connection may be omitted when approved by the Fire
Department.
3. Where sprinklers are installed in electrical rooms they shall be
separated form the building's main sprinkler system by a preaction
valve. This valve shall be connected to fire detection device(s) in
the electrical room. Sprinkler piping shall remain dry until the
fire detection device activates and opens the preaction valve.
Sprinkler head(s) shall be of a type to remain closed until suf-
ficient heat is present to open them. Detection device shall have a
minimum temperature rating of 165 degrees F. The sprinkler shall
have a minimum temperature rating of 212 degrees F. Sprinkler heads
in electrical rooms shall be protected with a listed guard over the
head.
SECTION 3802
Sec. 3802.(a) Where Required. An automatic fire-extinguishing sys-
tem shall be installed in the occupancies and location as set forth in
this section. For special provisions on hazardous chemicals, magnesium,
calcium carbide, or high-piled or rack storage in warehouse or specula-
tive warehouse property, see the Fire Code.
Regardless of the provisions of 3802(b) through (f), all Group R,
Division 1, Occupancies with interior corridors and three stories or
more in height and all occupancies four stories or more in height except
open parking garages, shall be sprinklered throughout the building.
(b) and (c) unchanged.
(d) Group 6, Division 2 Occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system
sha11 be installed in retail sales rooms classed as Group B, Division 2,
Occupancies where the floor area exceeds 12,000 square feet on any floor
or 24,000 square feet on all floors or in Group B, Division 2, retail
sales occupancies more than three stories in height. The area of mezza-
nines shall be included i.n determining the areas where sprinklers are
required.
Speculative buildings over 12,000 square feet which measure fifteen
(15) feet or more from the floor to the bottom of the roof structural
-34-
system shall be protected as Class IV commodities according to
Article 81 of the Fire Code.
For tire storage over six-feet high, see Fire Code Section 31.108.
For high-pile storage of aerosols over six-feet high, see Fire Code
Section 9.103.
(e) and (f} unchanged.
(g) Delete exception 1.
SECTION 3804
Sec. 3804, 4, D. Other approved fire-protection equipment.
SECTION 3805
Sec . 3805. (a) and ( b ) unchanged .
(c) Location of Class I Standpipes. There shall be a Class I stand-
pipe outlet connection at every floor level above the first story of
every required stairway and on each side of the wall adjacent to the
exit opening of a horizontal exit. Outlets at stairways shall be located
with the exit enclosure or in the case of smokeproof enclosures, within
the vestibule or exterior balcony, giving access to the stairway.
Risers and laterals of Class I standpipe systems not located within
an enclosed stairway or smokeproof enclosure shall be protected by a
degree of fire resistance equal to that required for vertical enclosures
in the building in which they are located.
EXCEPTION• In building equipped with an approved automatic sprink-
ler system, risers and laterals which are not located within an
enclosed stairway or smokeproof enclosure need not be enclosed
within fire resistive construction.
There shall be a two-way outlet above the roofline on every
standpipe when the roof has a slope of less than 4 inches in 12
inches.
EXCEPTION Standpipes located in stairways conforming to Sec-
tion 3306(0) may have the two-way outlet located at the topmost
floor landing.
In building where more than one standpipe is provided, the
standpipes shall be interconnected at the bottom.
-35-
'CHEF 38- A
~1.R ~0. 38-A - S~RiDPI~ OI~S~
b~ONSPRIN~ERED SPRINKI.ERED
EUI~DI[~G2 - SBJIIeDING3 4
Standpipe ~ dose ~ Sta'aadpipe l Divae
OCCUPANCXI Claaa dtequire~eat Class Requirement
1. Occupancies exceeding 150 ft.
in height and amore than one III Yes YII No
®tory
Z. Occupaacies 4 storie® or more ~I and IISJ b I
but less than 150 ft. is height, (as III) Yes (or III) Ado
except Group A, Div. 3
3. Croup A Occupanciem mith II ~ Ycs No Re- AIo
oceupaat loaad exceeding 1000 qu$remeat
6. Group A, Div. 2.1
Oeeupaaeies over 5000 squaare II Yea II Yea
feet is arena used for crshibitioa
S. Croups I, H, R, Div. 1, 2 Or 3
Occupancies lase than 4 stories I15 Yes PDo Re- too
in height but greater than quireaaeat
20,000 square feet per floor
Klass II standpipes need not be provided in aaeembly areas used solely for worship.
2gxcept as ot.herw~se specified in Item No. 4 of this trableD Class YI etat~dpipes need
not be provided as basements having ma automatic fire-extinguishing system
throughout such basements.
3Combiaed systems Frith their related water mupplies may be used is sprinklered
buildings.
Portions of otherwise apriaklered buildings which mrce not protected by automatic
sprinbzlers shall halve Class YI staadpiprs faatalled as required for the unaprink-
lered portions.
5In open structures v@~ere Claoa II standpipes easy be damaged by freeing, the build-
ing official s~my autborixe the use of Class I s3taadpipes e$hicta are located ae
required fox Class YI standpipes.
6liose is required for Class YI standpipes only.
,For the purpose of this table, a story height shall be considered to be ao more
than 12 feet. ~
-36-
.. . ~-
~~~lu6 N®e ®6°~
a ~'~®L~ N0. ~~®~ °° M~B~UM PL~M~°: PRtA® CLAS~IFIC10~'YONS~ -
~ncl®sed
~rcupaney Vertical ®eher
¢~ftmayas Rooms g®~
A~eaa
Og®up ~~it~ays
~ g YY YII
~ g Ya YYY
I g ga Yg ~
R a Yg IIY~
R g g8 YEI
R®1 g B IIY
~®~ BBB IgI YII~
q ~0 R~S`~'RYCTg~~`
91n r®oa~s in ~hic8~ ~rsonal liberties og in~aeea aro fforcfbly
~pestgaira~-d, Clara I ~a2eci®1 ®nly shall be used.
Oveg te~o ®to~iea shall ~ oQ Class Y I.
~Pla~e-s~~ead ~sodiaiona aye n®t applicable to iCitcP~ens and
b®thgooa~a ®~ O~oap R, ®i~iai®n 3 ®ccupaneies.
®~®~ g~lastics ~8~all c®®ply ~titb the ~equige~enta ®~cified in
SQCei®n ~91~0
SFiniab classiYicati®n fl® n®t applicably to inta~~iog galls and
railings og ~~terior esit balconbea.
-37-
SECTION 4407
Sec. 4407.(a) Protection Required. Pedestrian traffic shall be pro-
tected by a railing on the street side when the walkway extends into the
roadway, by a railing adjacent to excavations and by such other protec-
tion as set forth in Table No. 44-A. The construction of such protection
devices shall be in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
EXCEPTION• In lieu of the above requirements, the Building Official
may permit a solid fence where there is pedestrian access on the
opposite side of the street away from the construction site and
more than half the length of the block is to be used for construc-
tion purposes. Where such use is permitted, the Contractor shall
place pedestrian warning signs on each side of the barricade at
corners occupied by said barricades. The pedestrians signs shall
read as follows:
WARNING
"Pedestrians are required by law to use the opposite side of the
street."
The contractor shall also provide signs located approximately every
fifty (50) feet horizontally along such barricade that reads as
follows•
WARNING
"No Parking or Standing of Vehicles"
Where one-half or less of a block is to be used for construc-
tion purposes, pedestrian walkways shall be provided.
The contractor or person given permission to use portion of
the street shall provide a stacking lane for vehicles waiting to
load and unload behind the portion of the street for which permis-
sion of use has been granted. All gates and doors in barricades
shall swing in toward the construction site. All pedestrian walk-
ways installed in the street shall include a walking platform.
(b), (c) and (d) unchanged,
SECTION 4506
'Sec. 4506.(a) unchanged.
(b) Construction. Awnings shall have noncombustible frames but may
have combustible coverings. Every awning shall be collapsible, retract-
able or capable of being folded against the face of the supporting
building. When collapsed, retracted or folded, the design shall be such
that the awning does not block any required exit.
EXCEPTION• 1. Fixed awnings with a maximum projection of 3 feet
from the exterior wall of a building may be erected when such
-38-
awnings slope downward toward the street. The remaining require-
ments of this section shall still apply to fixed awnings
2. A fixed awning not more than 10 feet in length may be
erected over a doorway to a building when exceeding a 3-foot pro-
jection and as permitted for marquees.
(c) and (d) unchanged
CHAPTER 46
Chapter 46
SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY
SECTION 4601
Sec. 4601.(a) General. No person, firm or corporation shall use or
occupy a public street, alley or sidewalk without first complying with
the requirements of this chapter.
No person, firm or corporation shall perform any work or store any
material in or adjacent to any public street, alley or sidewalk that is
not in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 44 and 45 of this Code.
(b) Temporary encroachments may be used to permit the temporary use
of public property for other purposes besides construction. The En-
croachment Committee in these cases shall formulate a policy covering
such use. Each policy shall be approved by the City Council.
SECTION 4602
Temporary Encroachment Agreement.
Sec. 4602.(a) General. No person, firm or corporation shall perma-
nently occupy any public space or work or store materials in any public
space or perform any work in any public space that requires a permit
under this Code without first obtaining a duly executed Encroachment
Agreement with the City of Fort Worth.
(b) Encroachment Agreement. The applicant shall furnish a duly
executed agreement with the City upon forms furnished by the City. The
forms for such agreement shall be approved from time to time by the City
Attorney and City Council. Approved forms shall be kept and made avail-
able in the offices of the Building Official and City Secretary.
(c) Liability Insurance. The Encroachment Agreement shall be
accompanied by proof that the applicant has secured and paid for a
policy of public liability insurance covering all public risks related
to the proposed use and occupancy of public property as described in the
Encroachment Agreement and permits. The amount of insurance coverage
shall be at least the maximum amounts of liability which can be imposed
upon the City under State Law Each such insurance policy shall provide
that it cannot be canceled or amended without at least ten (10} days
advance written notice to the City.
-39-
(d) Plans. Each encroachment shall be accompanied by a plan showing
the location and amount of public property to be occupied, the location
of all railings, fences, canopies and construction offices, sheds and
other appurtenances, and the nature and location of all warning devices
necessary to protect pedestrian and vehicular traffic. It shall be
unlawful for vehicles to park or stand outside the barricade limits.
SECTION 4603
Temporary Occupancy.
Sec. 4603(a) Time. For temporary occupancy, the applicant shall
state the estimated length of time the area is to be occupied.
(b) Inspection Fee. In all fire zones, the applicant shall deposit
with the Building Official a sum equal to the amount of the inspection
fee for the space calculated on the estimated time in the following
manner
1. If the time does not exceed three (3) days, the fee will be
$30.00 per day up to and including the third day,
2 If the time exceeds three (3) days, the fee per day will be
six-tenths of one cent ($.006) per square foot of sidewalk
space and one and two-tenths of one-cent ($.012) per square
foot of street space used.
(c) Inspection Fee Ref und. If the length of time is underestimated,
the deposit will be retained and an additional inspection fee shall be
required, calculated as set out in Section Section 4603(b). If the
length of time is overestimated, the Building Official shall, upon
request, calculate the inspection fee based on the actual number of days
and return any overages to the applicant
(d) Approval. The Building Official is hereby authorized to execute
the Encroachment Agreement on behalf of the City for temporary use or
occupancy of public property. The Building Official shall approve and
execute such agreement when the applicant has complied with all the pro-
visions of this Code.
SECTION 4604
Special Temporary Occupancy Restrictions.
Sec. 4604.(a) The special provisions of this section shall apply to
temporary use or occupancy of public property.
(b) Storage and Use. Material or equipment may be placed or stored
on public property subject to the following conditions•
1. The Building Official and the Director of Transportation
shall determine the area of street, alley or public sidewalk
which may be used during construction periods for work space
and for storage of materials and equipment. Such area shall be
-40-
based upon the actual need of the builder, with due consideration
being given to public inconvenience. Not more than 16 feet of the
roadway of the streets adjacent to the curbs on the street sides of
buildings shall be so used, and no material or equipment shall be
stored or placed within 8-feet, 6-inclhes of the center line of any
railway track.
EXCEPTION The City Council may approve more than 16 feet of
the roadway provided an application and all other agreements
and drawings have first been filed in the office of the
Building Official.
2. Alleys adjoining a building site for which a permit has been
issued may be used for work space and for storage of materials and
equipment, provided that a clear and unobstructed roadway of not
less than 10-feet in width is maintained through such alley along
the building site, if such roadway is required for use by fire
trucks, garbage trucks or for access to public utilities or other
buildings on the alley.
3. Any portion of a public sidewalk in front of a building site for
which a permit has been issued may be used for work space and for
storage of materials and equipment, except on the walkway required
to be maintained for public use.
SECTION 4605
Special Working Restrictions.
Sec. 4605 (a) Earth and Rubbish. Earth or other waste material
taken from buildings shall not be stored either upon sidewalks or
streets, but shall be removed therefrom each day upon accumulation When
dry rubbish is being handled, same shall be wetted so as to prevent dust
and blowing debris.
(b) Demolition. No wrecked or waste materials shall be placed upon
any floor of any building during the course of demolition so as to cause
the overloading of such floor. Such materials shall be lowered to the
ground immediately upon displacement. No material shall be thrown from a
building to a sidewalk or pavement but shall be conveyed to the ground
by properly constructed chutes.
Blasting, pulling or throwing of masonry walls shall not be per-
mitted, except in emergencies, and then such work shall be permitted
under a special blasting. permit, issued by the Fire Marshal with the
approval of the Building Official.
SECTION 4606
Dangerous Demolition
Sec. 4606. The Building Official may order and cease the wrecking
or demolition of any building or structure within the City when the same
-41-
is being accomplished in a reckless or careless manner or in such a
manner so as to endanger life and property. When such work has been
ordered stopped by the Building Official, same shall not be resumed
until said official is satisfied that adequate precautions have been or
will be taken for protection for life and property. To continue such
work without the express approval of the Building Official shall consti-
tute a violation of this Ordinance, and each day that such work con-
tinues shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 4607
Permanent Occupancy.
Sec. 4607.(a) No part of a any building or structure, or any
appendage thereto, that is not in compliance with the provisions of this
chapter shall project into public property.
EXCEPTIONS 1 The projections in Chapter 45 of this Code are per-
mitted unless specifically restricted in this chapter.
2. Gratings over openings in public property which have openings
not exceeding 7/16 inch and are designed to withstand loads in
excess of 150 pounds psf may permanently occupy public property.
(b) Permanent Encroachments. All permanent encroachments into pub-
lic property not otherwise provided for by the provisions of this chap-
ter shall require City Council approval.
(c) Awnings. Any structure conforming to the definition in this
Code of an awning is to be considered a temporary occupancy and need
conform only to the provisions concerning temporary occupancies.
(d) Signs. Advertising signs projecting into public property are to
be considered a permanent occupancy of public property. All advertising
signs shall conform to the City of Fort Worth Sign Code.
EXCEPTIONS• 1. An identification sign displayed as part of a mar-
quee shall be considered a part of the marquee, provided the sign
contains no off-premise advertising, is displayed to identify or
locate the building or place of business and the height of the
message does not exceed 3 feet.
2. Signs that are covered by existing consent agreements
shall have those consent agreements become nu11 and void when a
sign is altered in size, removed and requires structural repair.
(e) Application schedule for permanent consent agreements.
-42-
TABLE 46-A - FEE SCHEDULE
APPROVED BY APPLICATION FEE
1. Building Official when in compliance 50.00
with Chapter 45 and the Sign Code.
2. City Manager when beyond the property $100 00
line and no closer than 18 inches of
the curb except as provided in 1 above
3. City Council when within 18 inches of the $200.00
curb and over and under the roadway.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS. The Building Official is hereby authorized to exe-
cute Consent Agreements on behalf of the City covering signs that do not
project more than 2 feet over public property when all requirements of
this Code and of the Sign Code have been satisfied.
SECTION 4608
Permanent Occupancy Special Requirements.
Sec. 4608.(a) Procedure. The applicant shall forward to the city
Secretary three (3) copies of the duly executed Consent Agreement,
Certification of Insurance and plans.
(b) Fees. The applicant shall pay to the Building Official the
application and inspection fees as shown in Table 46-A. `
(c) Approval. When all requirements of this chapter have been
satisfied, the City Secretary shall forward the application to the City
Council for its consideration.
(d) When City Council approval is required, the Building Official
shall issue a building permit after such approval.
SECTION 4711
Sec. 4711.(a) through (e) unchanged
(f) All interior gypsum wall board must be taped and bedded.
EXCEPTION Taping and bedding shall not be required when paneling,
battens or other materials are applied over the joints.
SECTION 5107
Sec. 5107. It shall be the responsibility of every corporation,
agency, person or group of persons owning, managing or in control of any
building having an elevator, escalator or moving walks therein to cause
the inspection of such units each year. The inspection shall be done by
a person qualified and approved by the Building Official. The person
making the inspection shall notify the ownerJmanger and the Building
-43-
Official of any discrepancies found during said inspection. The owner/
manager shall immediately make arrangements for repairs of such discrep-
ancies If such discrepancies are determined to be hazardous to life,
the operation of such equipment shall immediately stop until such equip-
ment is repaired.
SECTION 5108
Sec. 5108. Each approved inspector shall certify in writing to the
Building Official that the equipment regulated by this chapter meets the
requirements of the City of Fort Worth Building Code. The Building
Official shall keep on file, by address, all such inspections made
II. THE APPENDIX OF THE 1985 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE
(EXHIBIT "A") IS HEREBY AMENDED BY REVISING THE FOLLOWING CHAPTERS AS
FOLLOWS
APPENDIX CHAPTER 1
Amend Appendix Chapter 1, Division 1, to read as follows•
Chapter 1
LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
GENERAL
Section 110.(a) unchanged
(b} Effective Date. Within 18 months after notice is given, either
under Ordinance 9280, 9281, or this ordinance, plans for compliance
shall be submitted and approved, and within 18 months thereafter the
work shall be completed or the building shall be vacated until made to
conform
(c) Alternate Materials and
methods may be used, provided such
spirit and intent of this appendix.
Methods. Alternate materials and
materials or methods comply with the
The Building Official may modify any of the provisions of this
appendix in conformance with Section 106 of this Code
SECTION 111
Sec. 111. (a} and (b} unchanged.
(c) Corridors. Corridors of Groups A, E, H, I and R, Division 1
Occupancies, serving as an exit for an occupant load of 30 or more shall
have walls and ceilings of not less than one-hour fire-resistive con-
struction as required by this Code Existing walls surf aced with wood
lathe and plaster in good condition or 1/2 inch gypsum wallboard or
openings with fixed wired glass set in steel frames are permitted for
corridor walls and ceilings and occupancy separations when approved.
Doors opening into such corridors shall be protected by 20-minute fire
-44-
assemblies or solid wood doors not less than 1-3/4 thick. Where the
existing frame will not accommodate the 1-3/4 inch door, 1-3/8 inch
thick solid bonded wood core door or equivalent insulated steel door
shall be permitted. Doors shall be self-closing or automatic-closing by
smoke detection. Transoms and openings other than doors from corridors
to rooms shall comply with Section 3305(h) of this Code or shall be
covered with a minimum of 3/4-inch plywood or 1/2=inch gypsum wallboard
or equivalent material on the room side.
EXCEPTIONS• (1) Existing corridor walls, ceilings and opening pro-
tection not in compliance with the above may be continued when such
buildings are protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system
throughout. Each sprinkler system may be supplied from the domestic
water system if it is of adequate volume and pressure.
(2) Where an approved fire alarm system is installed, which
includes smoke detection in all common corridors serving an exit
for an occupant load of 30 or more, wall openings may be non-
protected except that doorway openings shall have self-closing
doors. The fire alarm system shall be interfaced with the HVAC
System to shut off any central HVAC unit in any area where afire
is detected and shall be installed in accordance with Appen-
dix III-C of the Fire Code.
(3) In a corridor of a Group B or E Occupancy, having been
constructed with a six (6) foot wide corridor under Ordinance
#6374, only the approved fire alarm system shall be required.
Corridor protection required by this section will not be required.
Remodeling of existing corridor wall must meet the requirements for
new construction.
(d) and (e) unchanged.
SECTION 112
Sec. 112. Interior vertical shafts, including but not limited to
stairways, elevator hoistways, service and utility shafts, shall be
enclosed by a minimum of one-hour fire-resistive construction All open-
ings into such shafts shall be protected with one-hour fire assemblies
which shall be maintained self-closing or be automatic closing by smoke
detection. All other openings shall. be fire protected in an approved
manner Existing fusible link-type automatic door closing devices may be
permitted if the fusible link rating does not exceed 135°F.
EXCEPTIONS (1) In other than Group I and Group R, Division 1 Occu-
pancies, an enclosure will not be required for openings serving
only one adjacent floor.
(2) Stairways in other than Groups H, I and Group R, Divi-
sion 1 Occupancies, need not be enclosed in a continuous vertical
shaft if each story is separated from other stories by one-hour
fire-resistive construction or approved wired glass set in steel
frames. In addition, all exit corridors shall be sprinklered and
-45-
the openings between the corridor and occupant space shall have at
least one sprinkler head above the openings on the tenant side. The
sprinkler system may be supplied from the domestic water supply if
of adequate volume and pressure.
(3) Vertical openings need not be protected if the building is
protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.
SECTION 113
Sec, 113. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided
in basements or stories not exceeding 1500 square feet in area and not
having a minimum of 20 square feet of opening entirely above the adjoin-
ing ground level in each 50 lineal feet or fraction thereof of exterior
wall on at least one side of the building. Openings shall have a mini-
mum clear dimension of 30 inches
If any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet from
required openings, the basement shall be provided with an approved auto-
matic sprinkler system throughout,
SECTION 114
Sec. 114. Standpipes. Any buildings over four stories in height
shall be provided with an approved Class I or Class III standpipe sys-
t em .
SFfTT(1N 115
Occupancy separations shall be provided as specified in Section 503
of this code When approved by the Building Official, existing wood lath
and plaster in good condition or 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard may be
acceptable where one-hour occupancy separations are required.
APPENDIX CHAPTER 1
Amend Appendix Chapter 1, Division 2 to read as follows
SECTION 120
Sec. 120. These provisions apply to existing high-rise buildings
constructed prior to the adoption of this chapter and which house
Group B, Division 2 offices or Group R, Division 1 Occupancies, each
having floors used for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above
the lowest level of fire department vehicle access
EXCEPTION Section 125(a} 14 applies to Groups A,B,E,H,I and R,
Division 1 occupancies.
SF('TT(1N 171
Sec. 121. unchanged.
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Compliance Data
Sec. 122. After adoption of this chapter, the Building Official,
upon finding non-compliance, shall duly notify the owners whose build-
ings are subject to the provisions of this chapter. Upon receipt of such
notice, the owner shall, subject to the following time limits contained
herein, take the necessary actions to comply with the provisions of this
chapter.
Plans and specifications for the necessary alterations shall be
filed with the Building Official within 18 months after the date of
owner notification. Work on the required alterations to the building
shall commence within 30 months of the date of owner notification and
such work shall be completed within five years from the date of owner
notification.
The Building Official shall grant necessary extensions of time
where it can be shown that the specified time periods are not physically
practical or pose an undue hardship. The granting of an extension of
time for compliance shall be based upon the showing of good cause and
subject to the filing of an acceptable systematic progressive plan of
correction with the Building Official.
SFCTTQN 123
Sec 123 unchanged.
Appeal
Sec. 124. Appeals of determination of the Building Official in
applying the provisions of this Code may be appealed to the Construction
and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals.
Specific Provisions and Alternates
Sec. 125. (a) Specific Provisions. The following provisions shall
apply when required by Table No. A-1-A
1. Fire Department Communication System. When it is determined by
test that portable fire department communications equipment is
ineffective, a communication system acceptable to the Fire
Department shall be installed within the existing high-rise
building to permit emergency communications between fire sup-
pression personnel.
2. Single-Station Smoke Detectors.. Single-station smoke detector
conforming to U.B.C. Standard 43-6, shall be installed within
all dwelling units or guest rooms in accordance with their
listing. Such detectors may be battery powered.
3. Manual Fire Alarm System. An approved manual fire alarm sys-
tem connected to a central, proprietary or remote station
service, or an approved manual fire alarm which will provide
-47-
an audible signal at a constantly attended location within the
building shall be provided.
4. Occupant Voice Notification System. An approved occupant
voice notification system shall be provided. such system shall
provide communication from a location acceptable to the Fire
Department and shall permit voice notification to at least all
public areas of the building.
The occupant voice notification system may be combined
with the Fire Department communication system and the public
address system, provided the combined system has been approved
and listed for such use The sounding of afire alarms system
in any given area or floor shall not prohibit voice communica-
tion to other areas or floors. Combination systems shall be
designed to permit voice notification system to override the
fire alarm signal, but the fire alarm shall not terminate in
less than three minutes,
5. Vertical Shaft Enclosures. Openings through two or more
floors except mezzanine floors, which contain a stairway,
escalator or elevator, shall be provided with vertical shaft
enclosure protection as specified herein. Such floor openings,
when not enclosed by existing shaft enclosure construction,
shall be protected by one-hour fire resistive rated shaft
enclosure construction. For floor openings which are enclosed
by existing shaft enclosure construction having fire-resistive
capabilities similar to wood lathe and plaster in good condi-
tions, 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard or 1/4-inch thick rated wire
glass is acceptable. Wired glass set in steel frame may be
permitted in existing shaft enclosure walls, but shall be
rendered inoperative and fixed in a closed position when re-
quired by the Building Official.
Openings through two or more floors for other than stair-
ways, elevators or escalators, such as openings provided for
piping, ducts, gas vents, dumbwaiters and rubbish and linen
chutes, shall be provided with vertical shaft enclosure as
specified for stairways and elevators.
EXCEPTIONS Piping, ducts, gas vents, dumbwaiters and
rubbish and linen chutes of copper or ferrous construc-
tion are permitted without a shaft enclosure, provided
the floor openings are effectively fire-stopped at each
floor level.
6. Shaft Enclosure Opening Protection. Openings other than those
provided for elevator doors in new vertical shaft shall be
equipped with approved 20-minute rated fire assemblies.
Openings other than those provided for elevator doors in
existing vertical shafts shall be equipped with approved 20-
minute rated fire assemblies, 1-3/4 inch solid wood doors or
-48-
the equivalent thereto Doors shall be either self-closing or
automatic closing.
7. Manual Shutoff of HVAC Systems. HVAC systems shall be
equipped with manual shutoff controls installed in a location
approved by the Fire Department.
8. Automatic Elevator Recall System. Elevators shall be equipped
with an approved automatic recall system as required by
Sec. 1807(h)2 of the Building Code.
9. Unlocked Stairway Doors. Exit doors into exitway stairway
enclosures shall be maintained unlocked from the stairway side
on at least every fifth level. All unlocked doors shall bear a
sign stating "ACCESS ON FLOOR THIS LEVEL".
All stairways may be locked, subject to the following condi-
tions
A. All stairway doors which are to be locked from the stair-
way side shall have the capability of being unlocked
simultaneously without unlatching upon a signal from the
central control station.
B. A telephone or other two-way communication system con-
nected to an approved emergency service which operates
continuously shall be provided at not less than every
fifth floor in each required stairway.
10. Stair Shaft Ventilation. Stair shaft enclosures which extend
to the roof shall be provided with an approved manually open-
able hatch to the exterior which has not less than 16 square
feet in area with a minimum dimension of two feet.
EXCEPTIONS (a) Stair shaft enclosures which comply with
the requirements of stairway pressurization.
(b) Pressurized stair shaft enclosures
11. Elevator Shaft Ventilation. Elevator shaft enclosures which
extend to the roof shall be vented to the outside with vents
whose area shall not be less than 3-1/2 percent of the area of
the elevator shaft, with a minimum of 3 square feet per eleva-
tor
EXCEPTION Where energy conservation or hoistway pressur-
ization requires that vents be normally closed, automatic
venting by actuation of an elevator lobby detector of
power failure may be accepted
12. Posting of Elevators. A permanent sign shall be installed
in each elevator cab adjacent to the floor status indicator
and at each elevator call station on each floor reading "IN
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FIRE EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE ELEUATOR -- USE EXIT STAIRS," or
similar verbiage approved by the Building Official.
EXCEPTION A sign may be omitted at the main entrance
floor level call station.
13. Exits. General. (a) Every floor from an existing high-rise
building shall have access to two separate means of egress,
one of which may be an existing exterior stairway not less
than 30 inches in clear width. The stairway may be constructed
with an 8-inch maximum rise and 9-inch minimum run, provided
the greater riser height and largest thread run do not exceed
the smallest by more than 3/8-inches. The adequacy of fire
escapes shall be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the
Building Official.
(b) Fire Escapes. Access to fire escapes may be any one
of the following
i) Through a room between the corridor and the fire
escape if the door to a room is operable from the
corridor side without the use of any key, special
knowledge or effort.
ii) By a door to a fire escape operable from the in-
terior without the use of any key, special knowledge
or effort.
iii} By a window operable from the interior. Such window
shall have minimum dimension of 29 inches when open
and a sill shall not be more than 30 inches above
the floor and landing.
(c) Protection of Exterior Openings. When a fire escape
is accepted as one of the required means of egress, openings
onto the fire escape landing and openings within 10 feet hori-
zontally or the landing shall be protected in a manner accept-
able to the Building Official.
14. Exit Corridor Construction and Openings Other Than Doors.
Corridors of Groups A, B, E, H, I and R, Division 1 Occu-
panci es serving as an exi t for an occupant load of 30 or more
shall have walls and ceilings of not less than one-hour fire-
resistive construction as required by the Building Code.
Openings other than exit doors shall be protected as outlined
in Item 15. Existing walls surfaced with wood lathe and
plaster in good condition or 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard are
permitted for corridor walls and ceilings and occupancy sepa-
rations when approved.
EXCEPTION. 1. Where an approved fire alarm system is in-
stalled, which includes smoke detection in all common corri-
dors serving as an exit for an occupant load of 30 or more, up
to twenty-five percent (25~) of the wall area of the room
-50-
common to the corridor may be tempered glass installed in
metal or solid wood frames. The fire alarm system shall be
interfaced with HVAC System to shut off any central HVAC in
any area where afire is detected.
2. Where a corridor of a Group B or E Occupancy, having been
constructed with a six (6) foot wide corridor under Ordinance
#6374, only the approved fire alarm system shall be required
Corridor protection required by this section will not be re-
quired. Remodeling of existing corridor walls must meet the
requirements for new construction.
15. Exit Corridor Openings. Openings in corridor walls and ceil-
ings shall be protected by not less than 1-3/8 inch solid-
bonded wood-core doors, 114-inch thick wired glass conforming
to Section 4306(1) of the Building Code, by approved fire
dampers conforming to U.B.C. Standard No. 43-7, or by equiva-
lent protection in lieu of any of these items. Transoms shall
be fixed closed and covered with materials having a fire-
resistive rating equal to 1/2-inch Type X Gypsum wallboard of
equivalent material installed on both sides of the opening
16. Exit Corridor Door Closers. Exit doors into corridors shall
be equipped with self-closing devices or shall be automatic
closing by actuation of a smoke detector.
17. Exit Corridor Dead-Ends. Corridors having a dead-end
serving an occupant load of more than 30 shall be arranged
such that dead-end conditions do not exceed 35 feet.
18. Interior Finish. The interior finish to exit corridors,
exist stairways and extensions thereof shall conform to the
provisions of Chapter 42 of the Building Code.
19. Exit Stairway Illumination. Exit stairways shall be illumi-
nated at any time the building is occupied with lights
having an intensity of not less than 1-foot candle from the
floor level Such lighting shall be equipped with an indepen-
dent alternate source of supply such as an emergency battery
pack.
20. Exit Corridor Illumination. Exit corridors shall be illumi-
nated at any time the building is occupied with lights having
an intensity of not less than 1-foot candle at the floor
level. Such lighting shall be quipped with an independent
alternate source of supply such as an emergency battery pack.
21. Exit Stairway Exit Signs. The location of exit stairways
shall be clearly indicated by illuminated exit signs Such
exit signs shall be equipped with an independent alternate
source of supply such as a battery pack, or shall be an
approved self-illuminated type.
-51-
22. Exitway Exit Signs. Illuminated exit signs shall be pro-
vided in all exitways and located in such a manner as to
clearly indicate the director of the egress. Such exit signs
shall be equipped with an independent alternate source of
supply such as a battery pack or shall be an approved self-
illuminating type.
23. Emergency Planning. See Fire Code, Sec. 10.501.
24. Posting Emergency Plans. See Fire Code, Sec. 10 501.
25. Fire Drill. See Fire Code, Sec. 10.501.
(b) Sprinkler Alternatives. The following requirements of Table
No. A-1-A are not required or may be modified as specified herein for
existing high-rise buildings of Type I, II-FR, II-one-hour, III-one-
hour, IV or V-one-hour construction covered by this chapter when an
approved automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with the
UBC Standard No. 38-1•
Item 3. Manual Fire Alarm System shall not be required.
Item 4. Occupant notification system shall not be required; how-
ever if the building is equipped with a public address
system, it shall be available for use as an occupant
voice notification system
Item 5. Vertical shaft enclosures may be of non-rated construc-
tion of required exit stairway enclosures. Vertical shaft
enclosures of openings in floors provided for elevators,
escalators and supplemental stairways shall not be re-
quired, provided such openings are protected by an
approved curtain board and water curtain system.
Item 6 Protection of openings in vertical shaft enclosures may
be non-rated but shall be not less than 1-3/4 inch solid
wood door or the equivalent thereto. closing and latching
hardware shall be provided.
Item 8 An automatic elevator recall system shall not be re-
quired.
Item 10. Stairshaft ventilation shall not be required.
Item 14. Exit corridor construction shall not be required.
Item 15. Exit door openings into exit corridors may be protected
by assemblies other than those specified in Section
106(a), provided an effective smoke barrier is main-
tained Closing and latching hardware shall be provided.
Protection of duct penetrations is not required. The
length of the existing corridor dead-ends shall not be
limited.
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TABLE A-1-A
TABLE NO A-1-A OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIOAI AND USE
GROUP R DIVISION 1
ADARTI4ENT HOTEL F
NEi 611T ZON S
ITEM RE UIRED 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Fire De artment Comanunica4lons S stern. See Section 125(a)1'. R R R R R R R R R
Stn le-station smoke detectors, See Section 1Z5(a)2. R R R R R R qR NR NR
3. iiorsval fire rarnin s stem. See Section 125 s)3. R R R R R R R R R
Occu ant voice no4tfication s stem. See Section 125(x)4. NR R R NR R R NR NR qR ~
Vertical shaft enclosure nails of onr hour fire resistance
See Section 124 a)5. R R R R R R R R R j
6. Pro4ection of openings in vertical shaft enclosures by
20-otnute-rated assemblies. See Sec4lon 125 a 6. R R R R R R R R R
7. kanual shutoff of of NYAC s tams See Section 125(x)7. R R R R R R R R R
Auta~natic elevator recall s stem See Section 125(x)8. R R R R R R R R R
Untoci:cd s4alroa doors ever fifth floor. See Section 125(0)9. R R R R R R NR R R
0. Stair shaft ventilation. See Section 125(x)10. R R R R R R R R R
1 Elevator shaft ventilation See Section 125(x)11 R R R R R R R R R
2 Costing of elevators as not intended for exiting purposes See
5ectfon 125(x)12 R R R R R R R R R
13. pintou9 of two exits from each floor, of which one oey be a
fire ester See Section 125(x)13 R R R R R R R R R
14 Exit corridor wall and openfrgs other then doors construction.
See Section 125(a)14. R R R R R R R R R
5 Protected exit cooridor door openings atth 20-minute-rated assemDlle
or I-3/4 incA solid-wood door See Section 125(e)15. R R R R R R NR FIR NR
16 Exit corridor doors equipped aith self-closing devices See Sec4lon
125(a)16. R R R R R R NR NR NR
7 Exft corridor dead ends limi4ed 40 35 ft maximum. See Section
125ta)17. R R R R R R NR NR NR
28. Interior finish controlled in exit corridors. exit stalroays and
extensions thereof See Section 125(x)18 R R R R R R R R R
19 Exit stainray illumination See Section I25{a )19 R R R R R R R R R
0. Exit corridor tllurnination See Sec4lon 125(x)20. R R R R R R NR qR qR
21 Exi4 Sta/rosy exit signs See Section 125(a)2l I R R R R R R R R R
22. Exitwa exit sf ns. See Section I25(a)22 R R R R R R R R R
23 Ezergency planning See Section 125(a)23 R R R R R R R R R
24 Posting of eanergency ins4ructions See Section 125(a)24 R R R R R R R R R
25 Fire drills NR NR N R R R NR NR NR
1-R indicates Orovlsions are required
qR indicates provisions are not required
2 Height zones are established based on a building having a floor as measured to the 4oD of the floor surface used for
human occupancy located aithin 4he ranges of heights oDove the laaest level of firQ department vehicle occess 1n
accordance with the folloafng
Height Zone No 1 R9ore than 75 ft Dut not in excess of 149 ft
Height Zone No 2 FAore than 149 ft Dut not in excess of 399 ft
Height Zone qo 3 t4ore than 399 ft
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Item 18 Interior finish in
fication but shall
tion of meters or
to the water work
required by other
jurisdiction.
APPENDIX CHAPTER 56
exitways may be reduced by one classi-
not be less than Class III. Installa-
backflow preventers for the connection
system need not be provided unless
regulations of the authority having
Adopt a New Appendix Chapter 56 as follows.
Chapter 56
PIERS AND BOATHOUSES
Sec, 5601. Permit and Applications. No person shall erect, con-
struct, enlarge, alter or move any boathouse, pier or any combination to
any body of water within the corporate limits of Fort Worth under the
jurisdiction and control of the City of Fort Worth. No person shall
cause any of said acts to be done without first having made application
and obtaining a permit for such structure.
Sec. 5602. Approval of Applications and Permits. Each application
for a permit, together with plans for a boathouse, pier or any combina-
tion thereof shall be approved by the Building Official or his autho-
rized agent. Where such structures are constructed on Lake Worth or any
body of water subject to the jurisdiction of the Park and Recreation
Department of the City of Fort Worth, the additional approval of such
department shall be obtained.
Sec . 5603. ~Dse. Boathouses shal 1 be classified as a Group M Occu-
pancy and shall not be used for Group A through Group R Occupancies,
except where permitted by the Zoning Ordinance, together with the
approval of the Park and Recreation Department for those properties and
uses in or adjacent to Lake Worth or any body of water subject to the
jurisdiction of the Park and Recreation Department of the City of Fort
Worth.
Sec. 5604. Design, Design Loads. All pier and pier platforms shall
be designed to withstand the life and dead loads specified in Chapter 23
of this Code. the minimum life load for the pier platform shall be 40
psf, Piles shall conform to Chapter 29 of this Code.
Sec. 5605. Length and width Requirements. The minimum width of any
pier shall be 4 feet. The maximum length of any pier shall not exceed
100 feet.
Sec. 5606 Construction. Piers shall meet or exceed the minimum
requirements for construction as follows
(a) 1. Wood Piles: Wood piles shall be a minimum of 6 inches in
diameter. Such piles shall be driven to a minimum depth of 24
inches below the top layer of silt Such piles shall be driven
in pairs, one on either side of the platform, and braced as
-54-
required by Paragraph (e) of this section. Such piles shall
not be spaced apart more than 10 feet center to center.
2. Metal Piles: Metal piles shall be a minimum of 3 inches in-
side diameter pipe capable of being driven to a minimum depth
of 24 inches below the top layer of slit. Such piles shall be
driven in pairs, one on either side of the platform, and
braced as required by paragraph (e} of this section. Such
piles shall not be spaced apart more than 10 feet center to
center.
3. Alternate Method: Sets of structural columns of the same
size forming a box crib may be used. Such crib shall be braced
as required in Paragraph (e) of this section and anchored as
required in Paragraph (g) of this section.
(b) Beams. Beams shall be defined as those members which connect to
piers or support the stringers. All beams when of wood shall be a
minimum nominal 2-inch material.
(c) Stringers. Stringers shall be defined as those members usually
support the decking. All stringers when of wood shall be of a
minimum 2-inch material. Pipe stringers shall be a nominal 2-1/2
inch I.D. and spaced not more than 18 inches O.C.
(d) Decking. 1. Wooden platform decking shall be of a minimum nomi-
nal 2-inch material.
2. Other materials, to include lightweight concrete or metal deck-
ing may be used when approved by the Building Official. Such deck-
ing shall meet the load requirements of Section 5605.
(e) Bracing. 1. All wooden bracing shall be of a minimum nominal
2-inch material.
2. Bracing shall be accomplished by one or more of the following
methods•
a. Cross or "X" bracing. Cross or "X" bracing may be used
on each set of pier and box cribs.
b. Beams may be used as bracing, provided the connections
give sufficient support to resist horizontal forces
equivalent to that of cross or "X" bracing.
c. Knee bracing. Knee bracing shall be used on each pier
attached to and paralleling the platform deck. Pipe knee
bracing shall be a nominal 2-1/2 inch I.D.
(f) Flotation Units. All flotation units shall adequately support
the dead and live loads of all beams, stringers and platforms. Data
shall be submitted to the Building Official showing that the buoy-
ancy of such units will support the loads imposed Where standard
-55-
55-gallon barrels are used, the allowable buoyancy support of the
dead and live loads shall be 300 pounds per barrel.
(g) Anchorage. 1. Anchorage of the platform deck to beams and piles
shall be accompanied by one or more of the following methods
a. By attaching the beams to the piers and box cribs by lag
bolts.
b. By caps Wood caps shall be a minimum nominal 4-inch
material and anchored by bolts and welded.
2. Flotation and box crib structures: Such structures shall be
anchored with solid units that will provide the following
anchorage•
a Piers less than 50 feet in length. An anchor on each
corner that will support one-fourth of the total dead
load plus one-eighth the total live load
b. Piers 50 feet or more in length Anchors at the mid-
point of the piers.
c. All piers shall be anchored to the shore line.
d. All anchors shall be of masonry, concrete or steel and
shall be securely fastened to the pier by wire rope,
cable, chain or other approved methods.
(h) Required Water Proofing. 1. All wood below 1 foot above spill-
way elevation on lakes or below 1 foot above the 50-year flood
elevations on other bodies or water shall be treated lumber.
Such treatment shall be 6 pounds of creosote or pentachloro-
phenol or other approved water proofing material per cubic
foot. Such treatment materials shall comply with the latest
Federal Specifications TT-W-571.
2. All metal, including bolts, lag bolts and fasteners, shall
be galvanized or painted with paints of similar materials
approved for immersion in water.
Sec. 5607. Construction of boathouses shall meet or exceed the re-
quirements for framing and coverage as specified in other parts of this
Code. Where concentrated loads are applied to joists or rafters, the
concentrated load, when producing moments greater than the minimum uni-
form live load, shall be used for design purposes.
Sec. 5608. Alternate Methods. Alternate methods of construction may
be used, provided that such methods meet the intent of this chapter and
such alternate methods are designed by an architect or engineer licensed
to practice in the State of Texas. Such design shall be approved by the
Building Official.
-56-
Sec. 5609 The requirements of this chapter are considered minimum
requirements for safety purposes. Any such structures that do not meet
these requirements shall be considered hazardous and shall be abated, as
provided by Section 203 of this Code. If the Tarrant County Water
Control and Improvement District Number One regulations are more re-
strictive than the City of Fort Worth regulations, the Tarrant County
Water Control and Improvement District Number One regulations apply.
APPENDIX CHAPTER 70
Revise Appendix Chapter 70 as follows:
Chapter 70
EXCAVATION AND GRADING
Sec. 7001. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to safeguard
life, limb, property and the public welfare by regulating grading on
private property.
Sec 7002. Whenever the Building Official determines that any
existing excavation or embankment or fill on private property has
become a hazard to life and limb, or endangers property, or adversely
affects the safety, use of stability of a public way or drainage
channel, the owner of the property upon which the excavation of fill is
located, or other person or agent in control of said property, upon
receipt of notice in writing form the Building Official, shall within
the period specified therein repair or eliminate such excavation or
embankment so as to eliminate the hazard and be in conformance with the
requirements of this Code.
Sec. 7003. (a) General. Unless otherwise recommended in the
approved soil engineering report, fills shall conform to the provisions
of this section..
(b) Fill location. Fill slopes shall not be constructed on natural
slopes steeper than two to one.
(c) Compaction. All fills shall be compacted to a minimum of 90 per-
cent of maximum density as determined by U.B.C. Standard No.
70-1. Field density shall be determined in accordance with U.B.C
Standard No. 70-2 or equivalent as approved by the Building
Official.
(d) Slope. The slope of fill surf acer shall be not steeper than is
safe for the intended use. Fill slopes shall be no steeper than two
horizontal to one vertical.
Sec 7004 through 7015 deleted.
U.B.C. STANDARD N0. 38-1
Amend U.B.C. Standard No. 38-1 to read as follows
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UNIFORM BUILDING CODE STANDARD N0. 38-1
INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
See Sections 1807(c), 3801(d), 3802(g) and Appendix Sections
206(b), 713(a) and 1108(b), Uniform Building Code, and Sections
10.308(d); 10.309(8), Exception 2; 79.201(e), Item No. 3(i) and (ii),
79.201 (e), Item No. 4(i), 79 203 (a), 79.204 (b), 79.301 (d) and 79.506
(c), Uniform Fire Code.
SECTION 38.101
Adoption of NFPA Standard
Sec. 38.101. Except for the limitations, deletions, modifications
or amendments set forth in Section 38.102 of this standard, the instal-
lation of sprinkler systems required by the Uniform Building Code shall
be in accordance with the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler
Systems, NFPA 13-1983 published by the National Fire Protection Associa-
tion, copyright 1983, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269, as
if set out at length herein.
SECTION 38.102
AmPnrimantc
Sec. 38.102. The National Fire Protection Association standard
adopted by Section 38.101 applies to the selection, installation, in-
spection, maintenance and testing of sprinkler systems, except as fol-
lows
1. SEC. 1-1 is amended by deleting the note.
2. SEC. 1-2 is deleted.
3. SEC. 1-3 is amended by revising the definition of "Authority
Having Jurisdiction" to read as follows"
The "authority having jurisdiction" is the building offic ial. The
definitions of "Approved" and "Listed" shall be as set forth in the
Uniform Building Code.
SEC. 1-3 is further amended by deleting the definitions of
the words "Should" and "Standard", by deleting the note fol-
lowing the definition of "Sprinkler System", and by adding
definitions for "Acceptance", "Building Official" and "Fire
Chief" to read as follows
"Acceptance" is acceptance by the authority having
jurisdiction.
"Building Official" is the officer or other designated
authority charged with the administration and enforcement of
this standard, or his duly authorized representative.
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"Fire Chief° is the Chief of the Fire Department or his
duly authorized representative.
4. SEC. 1-4 is deleted.
5. SEC. 1-7 is amended to read as follows.
1-7 Classification of Occupancies.
1-7.1 for the purpose of determining the level of protec-
tion to be provided by required sprinkler system installa-
tion, the building official shall classify the use of each
building or portion thereof as a Light Hazard, an Ordinary
Hazard, Group 1, 2 or 3 Occupancy, or an Extra Hazard,
Group 1 or 2 Occupancy, as defined in this section.
Any use not specifically mentioned or about which there is
any doubt shall be included in the classification which it
most nearly resembles based on the life and fire hazard. For
high-piled stock, see the Uniform Fire Code.
1-7.2 Light Hazard Occupancies
1-7.2 Light Hazard Occupancies are users where the quantity
or combustibility, or both, of contents i s l ow and f fires of
low rates of heat release are expected.
Light Hazard Occupancies include uses such as
Churches
Clubs
Eaves and overhangs, if combustible construction with
no combustibles beneath
Educational
Hospitals
Institutional
Libraries, except large stock rooms
Museums
Nursing or convalescent homes
Office, including data processing
Residential
Restaurant seating areas
Theatres and auditoriums excluding stages and proscen-
iums
Unused attics
1-7.3 Ordinary Hazard Occupancies.
1-7.3 Ordinary Hazard Group 1 Occupancies are uses where com-
bustibility is low, quantities of combustible are moderate,
stock piles of combustibles do not exceed 8 feet and fires
with moderate rates of heat release are expected.
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Ordinary Hazard Group 1 Occupancies include such uses as.
Automobile parking garages
Bakeries
Beverage manufacturing
Canneries
Dairy products manufacturing and processing
Electronic plants
Glass and glass products manufacturing
Laundries
Restaurant service areas
1-7.3.2 Ordinary Hazard Group 2 Occupancies are uses where
the quantity and combustibility of contents are moderate,
stock piles do not exceed 12 feet in height and fires with
moderate rates of heat release are expected.
Ordinary Hazard Group 2 Occupancies include uses such as
Cereal mills
Chemical plants -- ordinary
Cold storage warehouses
Confectionary products
Distilleries
Leather goods manufacturing
Libraries -- large stack room areas
Mercantiles
Machine shops
Metal works
Printing and publishing
Textile manufacturing
Tobacco products manufacturing
Wood product assembly
1-7.3.2 Ordinary Hazard Group 3 Occupancies are uses where
the quantity of combustibility of contents, or both, is high
and fires of high rates of heat release are expected. (Ordi-
nary Hazard Group 3 Occupancies shall be hydraulically de-
signed.)
Ordinary Hazard Group 3 Occupancies include such uses as
Exhibition halls
Feed mills
Paper and pulp mills
Paper processing plants
Piers and wharves
Repair garages
Tire manufacturing
Warehouses (having moderate to higher
content, such as paper, household
general storage, whiskey, etc.,
combustibility of
furniture, paint,
except for ware-
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houses used for high-piled storage. (See the Fire
Code).
Wood machining
1.7.4 Extra Hazard Occupancies.
1.7.4 Extra Hazard Group 1 Occupancies are uses where the
quantity and combustibility of contents is very high and
dust, lint or other materials other than flammable or com-
bustible liquids are present and rapidly developing fires
with high rates of heat release are expected. (Extra Hazard
Group 1 Occupancies shall be hydraulically designed.)
Extra Hazard Group 1 Occupancies include such uses as
Combustible hydraulic fluid use areas such as Die
casting and Metal extruding
Plywood and particle board manufacturing
Printing (using inks below 100° F flash points) rubber
reclaiming, compounding, drying, milling, vulcaniz-
ing
Saw mills
Textile picking, opening, blending, garnetting, carding,
combining of cotton, synthetics, wool shoody or bur-
lap
Upholstering with plastic foams
1-7.4 2 Extra Hazard Group 2 Occupancies are uses with mod-
erate to substantial quantities of flammable or combustible
liquids or where shielding of combustibles is extensive.
(Extra Hazard Group 2 Occupancies shall be hydraulically de-
signed.)
Extra Hazard Group 2 Occupancies include uses such as.
Asphalt saturating
Flammable liquid spraying
Flow coating
Mobile home or modular building
fished enclosure is present
interiors)
Open oil quenching
Solvent cleaning
Varnish and paint dripping
6. SEC. 1-9.2 is amended as follows
assemblies (where fin-
and has combustible
Add to SEC. 1-9.2 (a). and current mailing address
Add to SEC. 1-9.2 (u). and antifreeze system include
NFPA calculations.
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Add to SEC. 1-9.2 (z) with rod sizes, trapeze bar
dimensions and locations of
hangers on piping indicated
Change SEC. 1-9.2 (gg) "contractor" to "sprinkler
contractor"
7. SEC. 1-10 is amended by changing "Authority Having
Jurisdiction" to "Fire Chief".
8. SEC 1-11.2.2 is amended to read as follows
1-11.2.2 Leakage Prohibited. The sprinkler system in-
cluding inside piping, underground mains, lead-in piping
and common supply piping charges with water shall not
display visible leakage during or after testing.
9. SEC. 1-12 is revised by substituting the City of Fort Worth
Contractors Materials and Test Certificates.
J 10. SEC. 2-2.1.1 and 2-2.1.1(a) are amended to read as follows
2-2.1.1 Occupancy classifications shall be as set forth in
Section l-7 See Item 5 of these amendments.
(a) Table 2-2.1(A) shall be be used in determining the mini-
mum water supply requirements for pipe schedule sprinkler
systems in Light Hazard Occupancies or in Ordinary Hazard
Group 1 and Group 2 Occupancies. In Ordinary Hazard Group 3
Occupancies, Extra Hazard Occupancies and in highrise build-
ings, the sprinkler system shall be hydraulically designed.
11. SEC. 2-2.1.2.2 is amended by adding the following• "If such
pressure is adequate for operation of the hose stream."
13. SEC. 2-2.1 is amended by adding Sec. 2-2.1.13 to read as fol-
lows
Sec. 2-2.1 13. For uses which -have the potential for
fast-spreading fires due to the presence of lint, com-
bustible residue, combustible hydraulic fluids under
high pressure with ignition sources nearby and similar
factors, the minimum area of operation shall encompass
the entire area likely to be involved in such afire.
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1~1. Table 2-2.1(A} is amended to read as follov~s
Table 2-2.1(A) Water Supply Requirements for Pipe Schedule
Sprinkler Systems
~ ~ MINIMUM RESIDUAL y
PitESSUIiE tQIIdIMUM FLOW AT t3AS(~
~
OCCIiPANCY (psi) OF RISER gpm DURATI(1N IN
CLASIFICATION (See Note I) (see Note 2) MINUTE:S
Light Hazard 15 500 30
(See Note 3)
Ordinary Hazard 15 700 60
(Group 1)
Ordinary Hazard 15 850 60
(Gr~~up 2 )
Ordinary Hazard Hydraulic Design
(croup 3) Required
krarehouses Hydraulic design required. For high-
piled stock storage, see Uniform Eire
Code Standard No. a1-l.
!(i~lt~-rise Hydraulic design required.
Buildings
Extra Hazard Hydraulic design required.
iiotec: The pressure required at the base of the sprinkler riser is
the residual pressure required at the elevation of ttie high-
e:;t sprinkler plus the pressure required to reach this
elevation
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1. When greater flow or higher pressures are required by
U.B.C Standard No. 38-2, the more restrictive re-
quirement shall apply unless the building if sprink-
lered throughout whereby only the sprinkler demand
need be met when compliance with U.B.C. Section 1807
is not required.
2. The requirement may be reduced to 250 gpm in build-
ings of noncombustible construction.
14. SEC. 2-2.1.2.5 is amended to read as follows
2-2.1.2.5 The water supply shall not be less than the dura-
tion set forth in Tables 2-2.1(A) and 2-2.1(B) nor less than
set forth in Uniform Building Code Section 1807(c).
15 SEC. 2-2.1.2.11 is deleted.
16. SEC. 2-3.1.1 is amended by adding paragraph two as follows
When the sole water supply consists of a municipal waterworks
connection, the municipal water supply must exceed the calcu-
lated hydraulic pressure demand from Section 2-2.1.2 by 5 PSI
at the calculated flow demand. Flow tests must be conducted
within 12 months of the date of beginning sprinkler installa-
tions and may be required to be taken at peak hours of water
demand when deemed necessary by the Fire Chief.
17. SEC. 2-7.3 is amended by adding SEC. 2-7.3.7 as follows•
Fire Department connections shall be located on a wall
or in a yard adjacent to afire lane or public roadway
within 300 feet of a fire hydrant unless otherwise
approved by the Fire Chief. Connections shall be placed
between 18 and 48 inches above grade in a location
acceptable to the Fire Chief.
18. SEC. 2-7.6.1 is amended to read as follows Hose couplings
shal 1 be i n accordance with the requirements of the -Uniform
Building Code.
19. SEC. 3-1.1.1 is amended to read as follows:
Exception: Other material approved for specific use in
residential Automatic Sprinkler Systems may be approved for
use in non-residential systems when approved by both the
Building Official and Fire Chief and when such applications
are in light hazard occupancies and piping is protected in an
approved manner. Such systems must employ fast response
sprinkler heads listed by Underwriters Laboratories in
Section VORO or equivalent.
20. SEC. 3-3.1 is amended by changing the last paragraph to read
as follows
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21.
22.
23.
24.
See Uniform Fire Code Standard No. 81-1 for definitions of
solid-piled, paletized or rack storage.
SEC. 3-8.1 is amended to read as follows
For sprinklers in storage racks, see Uniform Fire Code
Standard No 81-1.
SEC. 3-8.7 is amended by changing Item 3 to read as follows•
(c) When a sprinkler system contains a 2 1/2 inch outlet, the
supply shall be in accordance with U.B.C. Standard No. 38-2.
SEC. 3-8.7 is further amended by substituting the phrase
"U.B.C. Standard No. 38-2" for the phrase "NFPA 14" in
Item (d).
SEC. 3-15.1.11 is amended by substituting the phrase "Uniform
Fire Code Standard No. 81-1" for the phrase "NFPA 231C."
SEC. 3-16.2.9 is amended by adding the following sentences.
Residential sprinklers shall be used in any room which
contains a sleeping area and is arranged for use by four
or less occupants. Rooms which contain sleeping areas
such as apartments or hotel/motel, or dormitories for
more than four people such as resting areas in day care
centers and schools, or in institutional occupancies
shall be protected by fast response commercial sprink-
lers bearing an Underwriters Laboratories VORO listing
or equivalent
25.
SEC. 3-16.6.2 is amended by changing the second sentence of
the second exception to read as follows
For situations involving high-piled or rack storage,
refer to Uniform Fire Code Standard No. 81-1.
26.
SEC. 3-17.4.1 is amended by adding a second paragraph as fol-
lows:
Alarm devices, such as water motor gongs,. installed out-
side of building shall be installed as close as practi-
cable to the fire department connections. Adjacent to
the alarm shall be a sign which states, "when alarm
sounds, call Fort Worth Fire Department, 911," and con-
tains the address of the property. The minimum sign
dimension shall be 9 inches
27.
SEC. 3-17.6.1 is amended to read as follows
Electrically operated alarm attachments forming part of
a central station, proprietary, remote or local station
signaling system required by Section 3-17.8 of these
-65-
amendments shall be installed in accordance with
approved nationally recognized standards.
28
SEC. 3-17.6.2 is amended to read as follows
3-17.6.2 Electrically operated alarm attachments forming
part of a local sprinkler waterflow system may be of
open-circuit type and shall comply with Uniform Fire
Code Standard No. 10-2.
29.
SEC. 3-17 is amended by adding a new Sec. 3-17.8 to read as
follows
Alarm Supervision. When serving more than 100 sprink-
lers, automatic sprinkler systems shall be supervised by
an approved central, proprietary or remote station
service or a local alarm which will give an audible sig-
nal at a constantly attended location.
30.
SEC. 4-1.1 is amended by adding anew Sec. 4-1.1.6 to read as
follows•
The authority having jurisdiction shall be consulted in
every case as to location and spacing of sprinklers for
protection of building and contents and for life safety
31.
SEC. 4-1.2 is amended by redesigning the existing Sec. 4-1.2
as Sec. 4-1.2 2 and adding anew Sec. 4-1 2.2 to read as fol-
lows
Permissible Sprinkler Omissions. Sprinklers may be
omitted in rooms or areas as provided in Section 3804 of
the Uniform Building Code.
32.
SEC. 4-1.3.5 is amended to read as follows
Standard Mill Construction refers to Type IV heavy timber
buildings in the Uniform Building Code
33.
SEC. 4-1.3.8 is amended to read as follows
High-Piled Storage. See Uniform Building Code.
34.
35.
36.
SEC. 4-2.2.2 is amended by substituting the phrase "Uniform
Fire Standard No. 81-1" for the phrase "NFPA 231 and 231C" in
the exception.
SEC. 4-2.5 is amended by substituting the phrase "Uniform
Fire Code Standard No. 81-1" for phrase "NFPA 231C, Rack
Storage of Materials."
SEC. 4-4.8.2 3 is amended to read as follows•
When floor openings are unenclosed, the floor openings
involved shall be protected by draft curtains in combi-
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nation with closely spaced sprinklers. See Uniform '
Building Code Section 1706(a). Exception 2, the floor
openings provided for escalators.
37. SEC. 4-4.8.2.4 is amended to read as follows
Stairs enclosed in shafts of combustible or noncom-
bustible construction shall have sprinklers provided at
each floor landing and beneath the first landing above
the lowest level.
38. SEC. 4-4.9 is amended as follows•
Building service chutes shall be protected in accordance
with Uniform Building Code Section 3802(b), Item No. 2.
39. SEC. 4-4.16.1 is amended by adding a new sentence to read as
follows
See Uniform Building Code Section 5208(b).
40. SEC. 4-1.17.3 is amended by deleting the note.
41. SEC. 4-4.18.1 is amended by changing the sentence "(See NFPA
96, Standard for Vapor Removal from Cooking Equipment.)" to
"(See Uniform Mechanical Code.)"
42. SEC. 4-4.19 is amended by substituting the phrase "see
Uniform Fire Code Standard No. 81-1" for the phrase "see NFPA
231C, Standard on Rack Storage of Materials" in the first
sentence.
43. SEC. 8-1 is amended by changing the first sentence to read as
follows
This chapter deals with automatic sprinkler systems designed
for life safety and fire protection in 'high-rise buildings
which are used predominantly for Light Hazard Occupancies. It
is intended to cover totally sprinklered buildings only, and
shall not apply to partially sprinklered buildings.
44. SEC. 8-2 is amended to read as follows.
8-2 Definition.
High-rise Building is a building having floors used for
human occupancy located more than 75 feet above the low-
est level of fire department vehicular access.
45. SEC. 8-5 4 is amended to read as follows
Alarm and supervisory systems in connection with the sprink-
ler system shall be installed in accordance with nationally
recognized standards.
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46. Appendix Chapter D is amended as by deleting SECTIONS D-1-1
and D-2.
U.B.C. STANDARD N0. 38-2
SECTION 38.202
Delete definition of "dry standpipe system" and substitute the follow-
ing
DRY STANDPIPE SYSTEM (Class 1) is a standpipe system with a water supply
consisting of a one-inch water fill connection at the top of the riser
to maintain piping normally wet and a Fire Department connection which
is equipped with 2-1/2 inch outlets for use by Fire Department or
trained personnel.
EXCEPTION Dry Standpipes are permitted without a water fill connec-
tion when they are located in areas subject to freezing.
SECTION 38.207(d)
Add Exception 2 to Paragraph (d) as follows
EXCEPTION 2 In buildings other than high-rise which are fully
equipped with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system which are
not equipped with occupant use hose cabinets, only the sprinkler
system demand need be provided, if the fire hose demand can be sat-
isfied by Fire Department apparatus.
SECTION 38.208
Add the following paragraph•
Fire Department connections shall be located on a wall or in a yard
adjacent to the fire lane or public roadway within 150 feet of a
fire hydrant unless otherwise approved by the Fire Department. Con-
nections shall be placed between 18 and 48 inches above grade in a
location acceptable to the Fire Chief.
SECTION 38.210
Delete and substitute the following•
Sec. 38.210. Outlet pressures shall not be permitted to exceed 150
pounds per square inch. Where greater pressures may exist an
approved automatic pressure regulating device shall be installed to
restrict pressures to not greater than 150 pounds per square inch.
The pressure regulating device shall not be externally adjustable
for varied pressures "
U.B.C. STANDARD N0. 38-3
Add anew Standard 38-3 as follows
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UNIFORM BUILDING CODE STANDARD N0. 38=3
INSTALLATION OF CENTRIFUGAL FIRE PUMPS
See Section 3801(a), Uniform Building Code, and Section 10 308(a)
Uniform Fire Code.
SECTION 38.301
ADOPTION OF NFPA STANDARDS
Sec 38.301. Except for the limitations, deletions, modifications
or amendments set forth of Section 38.302 of this standard, the instal-
lation of stationary centrifugal fire pumps for use in fire protection
systems required by the Uniform Building Code shall be in accordance
with the "Standard for the Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps, NFPA
20-1983", published by the National Fire Protection Association, copy-
right 1983, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269, as if set
out at length herein.
SECTION 38.302
AMENDMENTS
Sec. 38.302• The National Fire Protection Association Standard
adopted by Section 38.301 applies to the selection, installation,
inspection, maintenance and testing of centrifugal fire pumps except as
follows.
1. Sec. 1-2.1 is deleted.
2. Sec. 1-7.3 is amended by changing all references of "NFPA 70,
National Electrical Code" to "the City of Fort Worth Electri-
cal Code".
3. Sec. 1-7.8 is amended by
(a) revising the definition of "Authority Having
Jurisdiction to read as follows
The "authority having jurisdiction" is the Building
Official.
(b) deleting the definitions "Should" and "Standard" and
by adding definitions for "Acceptance", "Building
Official" and "Fire Chief" to read as follows•
"Acceptance" is acceptance by the Authority Having
Jurisdiction.
"Building Official" is the officer or other desig-
n ated authority charged with the administration and
enforcement of the standard or his duly authorized
representative.
-69-
"Fire Chief° is the Chief of the Fire Department or
his duly authorized representative.
(c) The definition of "Approved" and "Listed" shall be
as set forth in the Uniform Building Code.
4. Sec. 2-8.3 is amended by changing "NFPA 13" to "UBC Standard
38-1."
5. Sec. 2-9.1 is amended by changing "NFPA 24, Standard for
Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances" to
"Nationally Recognized Standards."
6. Sec. 2-9.6 is amended by changing "NFPA 24", Standard for
Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances" to
"Nationally Recognized Standards."
7. Sec. 2-10.2 is amended by changing "NFPA 13" to "UBC Standard
38-1" and by changing "NFPA 24, Standard for Private Fire
Service Mains and Their Appurtenances" to "Nationally Recog-
nized Standards"
8. Sec. 2-13 3 2 is amended by revising the text to read as fol-
lows
"Hose valve(s) shall have threads as specified in the
Uniform Building Code
9. Sec. 5-1.2 is amended by changing "NFPA 13" to "UBC Standard
38-1" and "NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe
and Hose Systems, Chapter 5, and Chapter 6" to "UBC Standards
38-2".
10. Sec. 6-1 is amended by changing "NFPA 70, National Electrical
Code" to "The City of Fort Worth Electrical Code."
11. Sec. 6-4.1 is amended by changing "NFPA 70, National Electri-
cal Code" to "The City of Fort Worth Electrical Code."
12. Sec. 6-5.3.2 is amended by changing "NFPA 70" to "City of Fort
Worth Electrical Code."
13. Sec. 7-3.6 is amended by changing "NFPA 70, National
Electrical Code" to "The City of Fort Worth Electrical Code."
14. Sec. 7-4.1 is amended by changing all references of "NFPA 70,
National Electrical Code" to the "City of Fort Worth
Electrical Code."
15. Sec. 7-4.2 is amended by changing all references of "NFPA 70,
National Electrical Code" to "The City of Fort Worth
Electrical Code."
-70-
16. Sec. 8-5.3 is amended by changing "NFPA 37 Standard for the
Installation a nd Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas
Turbines" to " The City of Fort Worth Mechanical Code."
17. Sec. 11-1.1 is amended by changing "NFPA" to "UBC".
18. Sec. 11-1.2 is amended by changing "NFPA 13" to ""UBC Standard
38-1."
19. Sec. 11-2.2 is amended by changing "Authority Having
Jurisdiction" to "Fire Chief."
20. Appendix C-1-1 is deleted.
SECTION 3.
Section 7-48 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) is
amended to read as follows
Section 7-48. Effect of conflict with other ordinances.
This article shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances
and of the Code of the City of Fort Wort'~h, Texas (1986), as amended,
except where the provisions of this ordinances are in direct conflict
with the provisions of such ordinances and such Code, in which event
conflicting provisions of such ordinances and such Code are hereby re-
pealed.
SECTION 4.
Section 7-49 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) is
amended to read as follows•
Section 7-49. Compliance required, penalty.
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge,
alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use,
occupy or maintain any building or structure in the City or cause the
same to be done contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of
this Code. Any person, firm or corporation who violates, disobeys,
omits, neglects or refuses to comply with or who resists enforcement of
any of the provisions of this Code with respect to fire safety shall be
fined not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each offense,
and with respect to all other provisions of this Code shall be fined not
more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for each offense. Each day that
a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 5.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that
the sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of this ordi-
-71-
Hance 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
this same would have been enacted by the City Council without the incor-
poration in this ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by
the City Council without the incorporation in this ordinance of such
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 all violations of the Ordinance No. 9280,
as amended, 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 litiga-
tion, 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.
Building permits heretofore issued under existing ordinances shall
be valid for the time being for which they are issued under the existing
Building Code, but, upon expiration thereof, the same shall be void.
SECTION 7.
This ordinance constitutes a digest and revision of the Building
Code of the City of Fort Worth, as provided in Section 2, Chapter XXV,
and Section 9, Chapter XXVII, of the Charter of the City of Fort Worth.
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, is hereby autho-
-72-
nnASrtR F{LE b~ --•
;~,,
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DATE REFERENCE SUBJECT ADOPTION OF 1985 UNIFORM PAGE
5/17/88 NUMBER
BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS
1
G-7579 >of___
Recommendation
It is recommended that the attached proposed ordinance be presented to City
Council for adoption of the 1985 Uniform Building Code and City amendments.
This draft proposed ordinance has been reviewed by the Construction and Fire
Prevention Board of Appeals and presented to the citizens and parties in
interest at two public hearings. Comments of citizens and parties in interest
were considered by the Construction and Fire Prevention Board.
The proposed ordinance adopts changes that will benefit the citizens of Fort
Worth. Among the changes are•
1) Retr o active replacement of wood shingles on multi-family residential and
townhouses has been changed to allow the shingles to remain until 80% of
life expectancy has been reached,
2) Relaxed parapet wall provisions making it easier to convert residential
buildings to commercial uses,
3) Contains provisions to allow electrical locking of doors on commercial
uses for security purposes while providing safety egress;
4) Provides a system for sprinklering of electrical rooms by keeping water
out of the room until an actual fire emergency occurs, and
5) Changes the retro-active requirement of corridors so that those office
buildings and schools will not have to change unreinforced glass in said
corridor walls when permitted by previous codes.
The code is also amended to align with State of Texas laws in order that
1) The Trenching Safety Act is adopted as provided by Law, and
2) Architectural and Engineers seals on plans, when required, will meet both
the Architects and Engineers Licensing Acts of the State of Texas.
DAI wq APPROVED DY
CITY COUNCIL
~~Y x~z :988
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SUBMITTED FOR Ittt
CITY MANAGER'S Dav i d I vory
DISPOSITION BY COUNCIL. K/
PROCESS BY
OFFICE BY ^ APPROVED
.n
'CLBtQTA Olt the
ORIGINATING doe Bi 1 ardi 7820 [ OTHER (DESCRIBE)
Citjj O FOrt VV'Orth~ T®XGfi
DEPARTMENT HEAD CITY SECRETARY
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION doe Bi 1 ardi 7820
TACT
O dopted Ordinance No
~~ DATE
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