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ORDINANCE N0.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FORT WORTH PLUMBING CODE, CODI-
FIED AS CHAPTER 26 OF THE CODE OF .THE CITY OF FORT WORTH
{1986), AS AMENDED, BY ADOPTING THE 1985 UNIFORM PLUMBING
CODE, WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS; REGULATING THE ERECTION, CON-
STRUCTION, ENLARGEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, MOVING,
REMOVAL, DEMOLITION, CONVERSION, EQUIPMENT, USE AND MAIN-
TENANCE OF PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS FOR BUILDINGS AND
STRUCTURES IN THE CITY OF FORT WORTH; CREATING AN ADMINIS-
TRATION OFFICE AND BOARD OF PLUMBERS AND PRESCRIBING THEIR
DUTIES; DEFINING CERTAIN TERMS, ESTABLISHING MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INSTALLATION, ALTERATION OR REPAIR OF
PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE
OF PERMITS AND THE COLLECTION OF FEES THEREFOR, PROVIDING
FOR THE INSPECTION OF PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS;
PROVIDING. THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL
ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING
FOR A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN PAMPHLET FORM; PROVIDING FOR
PUBLICATION TN 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.
That Section 26-1 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986),
as amended, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 26-1. Code - Adopted; exceptions.
(a) The plumbing code of the city is hereby revised
and amended to conform, with certain exceptions as speci-
fied below, to the 1985 Uniform Plumbing Code of the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical
Officials, and the same as amended is hereby adopted as
the city's plumbing code. Three (3) copies of the 1985
Uniform Plumbing Code, marked Exhibit "A", are incorpo-
rated herein by reference and shall be filed in the office
of the City Secretary for permanent record and inspection.
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(b) The IAPMO installation standards contained in the
1985 Uniform Plumbing Code (Exhibit "A") are not adopted
as a part of the city's plumbing code but are to be used
only as a reference source in conjunction with the city's
plumbing code.
SECTION 2.
That Section 26-2 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986),
as amended, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 26-2. Same - Amendments.
(a) The 1985 Uniform Plumbing Code is hereby amended
by revising Part I "ADMINISTRATION" to read as follows:
Part I
ADMINISTRATION
This ordinance shall be known as the Fort Worth
Plumbing Code, may be cited as such and will be referred
to in this ordinance as "this code."
Section 1.0 - Application ana1~ Scope
This code shall apply to all piping, fixtures,
fittings or appliances installed, constructed, erected,
altered or added to or built upon and within the boun-
daries of the city and outside the boundaries of the city
if the same are connected to the city water or sewage
systems, except for which permits have already been issued
by the plumbing inspector prior to the effective date of
this code.
This code is not intended to apply to that work done
by the proper employees of the City or other companies
furnishing water in the laying of water mains and services
and city sewer mains and services, or to the installation
of gas distributing mains and services in the streets and
alleys by employees of the gas distributing company.
Section 1.1 - Existing Installations
Any plumbing system lawfully installed prior to the
effective date of* this Code may have its existing use,
maintenance or repair continued if the use, maintenance or
repair is in accordance with the original design and loca-
tion and no hazard to the public health, safety or welfare
has been created by such system.
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EXCEPTION N0. 1. The following chapters, sections and
appendices of this Code shall be applicable to all
plumbing installations within the City of Fort Worth,
regardless of when they were installed:
§319, §320, §501, §704, §1001, §1002, §1003, §1007,
§1101, §1213, §1307, §1309, §1316, §1317, §1318,
Chapter 9 and Appendix "C".
EXCEPTION N0. 2. All residential living units and all
hotels and motels, regardless of when constructed,
shall be provided with hot and cold water to all
plumbing fixtures designed for hot and cold water.
Section 1.2 - Administrative Authority
Whenever the term "admi.nistrative authority" is used
in this Code, it shall be construed to mean the Chief
Plumbing Inspector or his authorized representative.
The Chief Plumbing Inspector shall have at least
seven years of successful experience as a licensed master
or journeyman plumber, at least three (3) years of which
shall have been in a responsible supervisory capacity, and
shall have completed a high school training or its equiva-
lent. He shall be physically capable of performing the
duties of his office and shall hold and keep in force a
plumbing inspector's license issued by the State Board of
Plumbing Examiners.
The Chief Plumbing Inspector shall not be permitted
to work for, or be connected or associated with any master
plumber, plumbing manufacturer or wholesale plumbing and
supply company, or to do any plumbing work while employed
as a plumbing inspector for the City.
Section 1.3 - Assistants
Whenever the term "assistants' is used in this Code,
it shall be construed to mean the Assistant Plumbing
Inspectors.
Each assistant plumbing inspector shall have had at
least seven years of successful experience as a licensed
master or journeyman plumber, at least one (1) year of
which shall have been in a supervisory capacity, and shall
have completed a high school training o m its equivalent.
He shall be physically capable of performing the duties of
his office and shall hold and keep in force a plumbing
inspector's license issued by the State Board of Plumbing
Examiners.
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No assistant plumbing inspector shall be permitted to
work for, or be connected with, any master plumber, plumb-
ing manufacturer or wholesale plumbing and supply company,
or to do any plumbing work while employed as a plumbing
inspector by the City.
Section 1.4 - Department Having Jurisdiction
Unless otherwise provided for by law, the office of
the Administrative Authority shall be part of the
Development Department.
Section 1.5 - Duties of tae Aamministrative Authority
The Administrative Authority shall maintain public
office hours necessary to efficiently administer the pro-
visions of this Code and amendments thereto and shall
perform the following duties:
(1) Require submission of, examine and check plans
and specifications, drawings, descriptions, andjor dia-
grams necessary to show clearly the character, kind and
extent of work covered by applications for a permit and
upon approval thereof shall issue the permit applied for.
(2) Keep a permanent, accurate account of fees for
permits issued and other monies collected and received as
provided by this Code, the names of persons upon whose
account the same were paid, the date and amount thereof,
together with the location or premises to which they re-
late.
(3) Administer and enforce the provisions of this
Code in a manner consistent with the intent thereof and
shall inspect all plumbing and drainage work authorized by
any permit to assure compliance with provisions of this
Code or amendments thereto, approving or condemning said
work in whole or part as conditions require.
(4) Issue upon request a Certificate of Approval for
any work approved by him.
' (5) Condemn and reject all work done or being done or
materials used or being used which do not in all aspects
comply with the provisions of this Code and amendments
thereto.
(6) Order changes in workmanship and/or materials
essential to obtain compliance with all provisions of this
Code.
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(7) Investig ate any construction or work regulated by
this Code and issue such notices and orders as provided in
Section 1.7.
($) Keep a complete record of all the essential
transactions of his office.
(9) Transfer all fees collected by him to the proper
authority provided by law to receive such funds.
(10) Maintain an official register of the name,
address, telephone and license number issued by the Texas
State Board of Plumbing Examiners for each Master Plumber
doing business in Fort Worth, Texas, and see that vehicles
used commercially in carrying on the business of plumbing
in accordance with this Code have the name of the plumbing
contractor and the license number issued by the Texas
State Board of Plumbing Examiners to the master plumber
doing the work affixed or painted on both sides of the
vehicle so as to be in f ull view at all times and in
letters not less than two and one-half inches high.
Section 1.6 - Right of Entry; Arrest
The Administrative Authority and Assistants shall
carry proper credentials of their respective office, upon
exhibition of which they shall 'nave the right of entry,
during usual business hours, to inspect any and all build-
ings and premises in the performance of their duties.
The Administrative Authority shall have the right and
power to cause the arrest of any person or persons who
violate the requirements of this Code.
Section 1.7 - Dangerous and Onsanitary Plumbing
(a) Any portion of a plumbing system found by the
Administrative Authority to be unsanitary or in violation
of this Code, as defined herein, is hereby declared to be
a nuisance.
(b) Whenever brought to the attention of the City
department having jurisdiction that any unsanitary condi-
tions exist or that any construction work regulated by
this Code is dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary, a nuisance or
a menace to life, health or property or otherwise in vio-
lation of this Code, the said department shall request an
appropriate investigation by the Administrative Authority
who, upon determining such information to be fact, shall
order any person, firm or corporation using or maintaining
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any such condition or responsible for the use or mainte-
nance thereof or to repair, alter, change, remove or
demolish same as he may consider necessary for the proper
protection of life, health ar property and in the case of
any piping or appliances may order any person, firm or
corporation supplying the respective utility to such
piping or appliance to discontinue supplying that utility
thereto until such piping or appliance is made safe to
life, health or property.
(c) Refusal, failure or neglect to comply with any
such notice or order shall be considered a violation of
this Code.
(d) When any plumbing system is maintained in viola-
tion of this Code and in violation of any notice issued
pursuant to the provisions of this section or where a
nuisance exits in any building or on a lot on which a
building is situated, the Administrative Authority shall
institute an appropriate action or proceeding in any court
or competent jurisdiction to prevent, restrain, correct or
abate the violation of nuisance.
Section 1.8 - Violations and Penalties
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the
provisions of this Code shall be deemed guilty of a misde-
meanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by
a fine not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for
all violations involving fire safety or public health and
sanitation and shall be fined not more than Two Hundred
Dollars ($200.00) for all other violations of this ordi-
nance. Each day or any portion thereof during which any
violation of this Code occurs or continues shall be deemed
a separate offense and upon conviction thereof shall be
punishable as herein provided.
Section 1.9 - Permit Required
(a) No plumbing or drainage work shall be commenced
on any building or premises within the City, or outside
the City if the plumbing system is connected or is to be
connected to either the City water or sewage systems,
until a permit to do such work shall have been first
obtained, either directly or indirectly, from the
Administrative Authority, or from a substitute authority
designated in writing from the City.
(b) A separate permit shall be obtained for each
building or structure.
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(c) No person shall allow any other person to do or
cause to be done any work under a permit secured by a per-
mittee except persons in his employ.
(d) No water well shall be drilled, constructed or
placed in operation unless a permit to do so has been
applied for from the Administrative Authority. When making
application, the owner, engineer or well drilling contrac-
tor shall submit a plat of the property showing the loca-
tion of any buildings, sanitary sewers or septic tank
systems and shall furnish plans and specifications of the
well, pump storage basins and other appurtenances. Such
plans and specifications shall be approved by the City
Environmental Health Manager, Department of Public Health,
before the permit is issued.
Section 1.10 -,,Work Not Requiring Permit
No permit shall be required for the following repair
work: Replacement of exposed traps; replacement of plumb-
ing fixtures; replacement of garbage disposals, dish-
washers, clothes washers and similar appliances provided
there is no change of plumbing piping; replacement of
nipples to sinks and lavatories; replacement of valves;
and the clearing of stoppages and the stopping of leaks in
drains, soil, waste and vent piping. Permits shall be
required for the replacement of concealed traps, the
replacement of plumbing piping with new materials, the
rearrangements of any plumbing, replacement of water
heaters and the replacement of shower pans.
No person, where a permit is not required, shall do
plumbing work in violation of the State of Texas Plumbing
License Law, Art. 6243-101, Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann..
Section 1.11 - To Whom Permits May Be Issued
(a) No permit shall be issued to any person to do or
cause to be done any work regulated by this Code, except
to a person holding a valid, unexpired and unrevoked State
of Texas Master Plumber's License, and who has on file
with the City a registration form as required in Sec-
tion 1.17 of this ordinance, except as otherwise herein-
after provided in this section.
(b) Any permit required by this Code may be issued to
any person not having a State of Texas Master Plumbers
License and not registered with the City, for the follow-
ing acts, work and conduct:
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(1) Plumbing work done by a property owner in a
building owned or occupied by him as his homestead.
The term "work done by a property owner" shall be
construed to mean work actually done personally by
the owner.
(2) Plumbing work done by anyone who is regular-
ly employed as or acting as a maintenance man or
maintenance employee, incidental to and in connection
with~the business in which he is employed or engaged
and who does not engage in the occupation of a
plumber for the general public; construction, instal-
lation and maintenance work done upon the premises or
equipment of a railroad by an employee thereof who
does not engage in the occupation of a plumber for
the general public, and plumbing work done by persons
engaged by any public service company in the laying,
maintenance and operation of its service mains or
lines and the installation., alteration, adjustment,
repair, removal and renovation of all types of appur-
tenances, equipment and appliances.
(c) A permit required by this Code may be issued to
a person not having a State of Texas Master Plumbers
License for the following acts, work and conduct provided
said person has on file with the City a valid registration
form as required in Section 1,17 of this Codes
(1) Appliance installation and service work done
by anyone who is an appliance dealer or is employed
by an appliance dealer, and acting as an appliance
installation man or appliance service man in connect-
ing appliances to existing piping installations;
provided, however, that all work and service named or
referred to in this section shall be subject to in-
spection and approval by the plumbing inspector in
accordance with the terms of this Code.
(2) Licensed Landscape Irrigators, when licensed
under Article 8751, Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann., may be
issued permits for installation of lawn irrigation
systems.
Section 1.12 - Application for Permit
Any person legally entitled to apply for and receive
a permit shall make application on forms provided for that
purpose. He shall give a description of the character of
the work proposed to be done, the location, ownership,
occupancy and use of the premises in connection therewith.
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The Administrative Authority shall require plans, specifi-
cations or drawings and such other information as he may
deem necessary, except of installations with less than
forty (40) fixtures.
Plans and specifications prepared by or under the
direction of a registered professional engineer of the
State of Texas, and bearing his seal, shall be required
for any installation with one hundred (100) or more fix-
tures.
If the Administrative Authority determines that the
plans, specifications, drawings, descriptions or informa-
tion furnished by the applicant are in compliance with
this Code, he shall then issue the permit applied for upon
payment of all fees for sewer service connection and the
required permit fee.
A special exception may be granted on existing con-
struction by the Administrative Authority, in writing,
when plumbing cannot be installed in accordance with all
of the provisions of this Code, if in his judgment the
conditions require it. Additions or alterations shall be
of a character that will make the existing plumbing system
in the building as a whole conform to the intent of the
requirements of this Code. Application for a special
exception shall be made in writing and, if required by the
Administrative Authority, shall be accompanied by a sketch
showing work to be done.
Section 1.13 - Cost of Permit
Every applicant for a permit to do work regulated by
this Cade shall state in writing on the application form
provided for that purpose, the character of work proposed
to be done and the amount and kind in connection there-
with, together with such information pertinent thereto as
may be required.
Such applicant shall pay for each permit issued a fee
in accordance with the following schedule, and at the rate
provided for each classification shown therein.
EXCEPTION: Where the fees for new construction and
additions to structures have been collected on a
building permit, additional fees are not required,
but the permit application shall be filed before the
work is commenced by the person doing the work.
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Any person who shall commence any plumbing work for
which a permit is required by this Code without first
having obtained a permit therefor shall, if subsequently
permitted to obtain a permit, pay double the permit fee
fixed by this section for such work; provided, however,
that this provision shall not apply to emergency work when
it shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Administra-
tive Authority that such work was urgently necessary and
that it was not practical to obtain a permit therefor
before the commencement of the work. In all cases, a per-
mit must be obtained as soon as it is practical to do so,
and if there be an unreasonable delay in obtaining such
permit, a double fee as herein provided shall be charged.
The double permit fee required by the fee schedule
shall be charged for work for which an inspection has been
requested and no permit has been obtained.
For the purpose of this section, a sanitary plumbing
outlet on or to which a plumbing fixture or appliance may
be set'or attached, or any plumbing fixture or appliance
to which a water connection may be made, shall be con-
strued to be a fixture. Fees for reconnection and retest-
ing of existing plumbing systems in relocated buildings
shall be based on the number of plumbing fixtures, gas
systems, water heaters, etc., involved.
When the interceptor traps or house trailer site
traps are installed at the same time as a building sewer
on any lot, no sewer permit shall be required for the con-
nection of any such trap to an appropriate inlet fitting
provided in the building sewer by the permittee construct-
ing such sewer.
SCHEDULE OF FEES
Permit Issuance Fee .. ..............................$10.00
First Fixture or Appliance .......................... 5.00
Additional Fixtures of Appliances ................... 2.00
Sewer - First 120 feet............ .. ..... ...... 5.00
Each Additional 100 Feet or Portion Thereof 5.00
Gas Service .. ...................................... 5.00
Each Lawn Sprinkler System .......................... 20.00
Water Service ....................................... 5.00
Grease Trap ......................................... 5.00
Sand Trap .... ...................................... 10.00
Each Roof Drain ... ................................. 5.00
Temporary Gas Service ............................... 5.00
Backflow Preventer .................................. 5.00
Reinspection After First Turndown ................... 5.00
Second Inspection After First Turndown .............. 10.00
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Third Inspection After First Turndown ............... 25.00
Floor Drain ......................................... 2.00
Mobile Homes or Mobile Units
Each Mobile Home Space or Mobile Unit Space....... 15.00
Each Sewer Vent ................................... 10.00
Locked Door ..... ................................... 5.00
Inspection Manhole .................................. 15.00
Re-permit Fee
10~ of cost of original permit per building but
not less than ..................................... 15.00
Where permit fees are being invoiced monthly and the
account is past-due, a fee of $15.00 or ten percent (10~)
of the invoice total, whichever is more, shall be
assessed. The above assessed fee shall be paid before
additional permits will be issued or additional inspec-
tions performed.
Section 1.14 - Withholding of Permits; Validity of
Permits
The Administrative Authority is authorized to with-
hold permits to any person for the reasons set forth
herein upon written notice to such person. The determina-
tion of the Administrative Authority may be appealed to
the Board of Plumbers as provided in Section 2.4 below.
The Administrative Authority is authorized to with-
hold the issuance of plumbing permits to any person
until such time as the plumbing for which a permit was
previously issued has been completed or is being performed
in an efficient manner in a reasonable length of time. The
Administrative Authority may also withhold the issuance of
plumbing permits to any person who is delinquent in the
payment of plumbing permit fees owed the City of Fort
Worth or who has performed previous jobs which remain in
violation of this Code.
The Administrative Authority shall have the right to
declare a plumbing permit null and void if there has been
a misrepresentation of facts in obtaining the permit or if
any work is being performed thereunder in violation of the
provisions of this Code.
The issuance or granting of a permit or the approval
of plans and specifications shall not be deemed or con-
strued to be a permit for, or an approval of, any viola-
tion of any of the provisions of this Code. No permit
presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the pro-
visions of this Code shall be valid, except insofar as the
work or use which it authorizes is lawful.
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Every permit issued by the Administrative Authority
under the provisions of this Code shall expire by limita-
tion and become null and void, if the work authorized by
such permit is not commenced within six (6) months from
the date of issuance of such permit, or if the work autho-
rized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time
after the work is commenced for a period of six (6)
months. Before such work may be continued, a new permit
shall be first obtained.
Section 1.15 - All Work to be Inspected
All plumbing and drainage systems requiring permits
shall be inspected by the Administrative Authority to
insure compliance with all the requirements of this Code.
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Section 1.16 - Notification
The person doing the work authorized by the permit
shall notify the Administrative Authority orally or in
writing that said work is ready for inspection. Failure to
request the proper inspection within a reasonable time
shall be a violation of this Code.
The person doing the work authorized by the permit
shall make sure that the work will stand the tests pre-
scribed elsewhere in this Code, before giving the above
notification.
Section 1.17 - Business Registration
Any firm, business or organization consisting of an
individual or individuals licensed as plumbers by the
State of Texas who are conducting business in the City of
Fort Worth shall register with the City of Fort Worth on
forms provided by the Department of Development. Such
business registration shall be renewed annually effective
January 1 of each year. The fees for the initial registea-
tion and the renewal shall be as follows:
Initial registration $100.00
Annual renewal $ 50.00
(b) The 1985 Uniform Plumbing Code is hereby amended
by adding Part II "BOARD OF PLUMBERS" to read as follows:
PART II. BOARD OF PLUMBERS
Section 2.1 - Board of Plumbers - Created; Composition;
Appointment of Members; Terms of Office; Compensation
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There is hereby created and established a Board of
Plumbers. The Board of Plumbers shall consist of nine mem-
bers to, be appointed as follows:
Place #1. A Master Plumber licensed by the State of Texas
and having ten years of active continuous ex-
perience in the plumbing field.
Place #2. A Master Plumber licensed by the State of Texas
and having ten years of active continuous
experience in the plumbing field.
Place #3. A Journeyman Plumber licensed by the State of
texas and having five years of active continuous
experience in the plumbing field.
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Place #4. A journeyman Plumber licensed by the State of
Texas and having five years of active continuous
experience in the plumbing field.
Place #5. A Mechanical Contractor whose firm is licensed
by the City of Fort Worth.
Place #6. A Mechanical Engineer licensed by the State of
Texas and who regularly designs plumbing instal-
lations.
Place #7. A Landscape Irrigator licensed by the State of
Texas.
Place #8. A citizen who is not connected with the con-
struction industry in any way.
Place #9. A citizen who is not connected with the con-
struction industry in any way.
The nine members shall be appointed by the City
Manager with the advice and consent of the City Council.
Members shall serve two-year terms. Members appointed to
odd-numbered places shall serve terms which expire
October 1 of the odd numbered years and members appointed
to even-numbered places shall serve terms which expire
October 1 of the even numbered years. No member shall
serve more than three consecutive two-year terms and the
term of current members shall be counted toward the limit
of terms to be served for purposes of this ordinance. The
members shall serve until their successors are appointed.
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All members shall serve without compensation, except
for reimbursement for authorized expenses attendant to the
performance of their duties.
The City Environmental Health Manager of the
Department of Public Health, the Director of the Water
Department, the Administrative Authority, and the Building
Official, or their authorized representatives, shall serve
as ex-officio members. As ex-officio members, they shall
have the right to make and second motions but shall not
have the power to vote. The Administrative Authority shall
serve as Secretary to the Board.
Section 2.2 - Same - Successors; Removal From Office
Should any one of the nine members of the Board of
Plumbers die, become unable to act for any reason, resign
or be removed for cause, as hereinafter provided, the City
Manager shall appoint a successor to fill the unexpired
term or to serve until a new member can be duly appointed.
The Gity Council may remove any member of the Board
of Plumbers during the term of which he may be appointed.
The action of the City Council in such matters shall be
f final.
Section 2.3 - Saffie - Chairm4an; Secretary; Quorum; Office
Supplies; power and Duties Generally
It shall be the duty of the Board of Plumbers to meet
as soon after their appointment as is practicable and
organize by selecting one of their members as chairman and
another as vice-chairman. Regular meetings of the Board
thereafter shall be scheduled on a monthly basis, except
that meetings may be cancelled when there is no business
to come before the Board. The secretary shall keep a full
record of the proceedings of the Board. The secretary
shall maintain a complete record and minutes of the
actions of the Board.
Five members of the Board shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business.
Miscellaneous office supplies shall be furnished to
the Board by the Building Inspection Division. From time
to time, as may be deemed proper, the Board shall submit
written suggestions and recommendations for the improve-
ment of the plumbing ordinances of the City to the City
Council.
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It shall also be the duty of the Board to hear any
written complaints made by any plumber, citizen or other-
wise, that may have a bearing upon the efficient enforce-
ment of the plumbing ordinances, and the Board shall take
such action thereon as may be deemed proper and within its
authority, provided that the same shall not be inconsis-
tent with any laws of the State or this Code or other
ordinances of the City.
Section 2.4 - Appeal to Plumbing Board Froze Decisions of
the Adffiinistrative Authority or the Building O€ficial
(a) Any person, firm, company or corporation
aggrieved by any decision of the Administrative Authority
or Building Official under this Code may appeal such deci-
sion or order to the Board of Plumbers as set out herein.
(b) The Board of Plumbers is hereby authorized to
make reasonable interpretations or rulings on matters
arising out of this Code. The Board shall have the power
to approve alternate and new materials, methods, devices,
etc., in accordance with the intent and purpose of this
Code.
(c) Fee. An application shall be=filed and a fee of
twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) shall be paid on an appeal to
the Board of Plumbers for any reason.
(d) The appeal procedures shall be as follows:
(1) Time. Every appeal must be filed in writing
within thirty (30) days from date of the
decision or order appealed from and shall
be filed in duplicate with the Building
Official. Such appeal shall contain appro-
priate reference to the decision or order
appealed from as well as the grounds of the
appeal. It shall be the duty of the
Building Official, or his agent, to notify
the Chairman of the Board of the appeal
filed.
(2) Record. The Secretary shall transmit to the
Board all relevant records and data upon
which the appeal was taken.
(3) Stay of Proceedings. An appeal shall stay
all proceedings in 'connection with the
decision or order appealed from unless and
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until it can be shown to the Board after
notice of appeal has been filed that a stay
would cause hazard to life or property. In
such case, proceedings pursuant to the
decision or order of the Administrative
Authority or Building Official shall not be
stayed except by order of the Board or by a
restraining order issued by a court of
record of competent jurisdiction.
(4} Hearings. The Board shall fix a reasonable
time for the hearing of an appeal, giving
notice in writing to the parties in
interest and shall reach its decision with-
in a reasonable time thereafter. Parties
may appear before the Board in person, by
agents or by attorney. The Board may re-
quire additional data and tests necessary
for adequate decisions of the appeal.
(5) Authority. The Board shall have the power
in all causes appealed to it from decisions
or orders of the Administrative Authority
or Building Official to reverse, affirm or
modify in whole or in part the decision or
order appealed from. No decision of the
Board shall vary or be inconsistent with
the terms, provisions or intent of this
Code. The decision of the Board shall be
final.
(6) Enforcement. The Administrative Authority,
or his agent, shall enforce and execute all
legal decisions and orders of the Board.
Section 2.5 - Periodic Review of Ordinance Provisions.
It shall be the duty of the Board to make an annual
review of the provisions of this ordinance, and to recom-
mend any necessary changes and/or improvements to the City
Council. This review shall include consideration of sug-
gestions from plumbers or the public at large which shall
be obtained by means of open hearings as well as through
the regular channels.
{c) The 1985 Uniform Plumbing Code is hereby amended
by revising the "INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS" as follows:
-16-
lows:
Section 401, Materials, is revised to read as fol-
Section 401 - Materials
(a) Drainage piping shall be cast iron, galvanized
steel, galvanized wrought iron, lead, copper, brass, ABS,
PVC, extra strength vitrified clay pipe, or other approved
materials having a smooth and uniform bore, except that:
(1) No galvanized wrought iron or galvanized
steel pipe shall be used underground and
shall be kept at least six (6) inches
(152.4 mm) above ground.
(2) ABS and PVC DWV piping installations shall
be limited to those buildings whose struc-
tural system is of combustible construc-
tion.
(3) No vitrified clay pipe or fittings shall be
used above ground or where pressurized by a
pump or ejector. They shall be kept at
least twelve (12) inches (.3m) below
ground.
(b) Drainage fittings shall be of cast iron, malle-
able iron, lead, brass, copper, ABS, PVC, vitrified clay
or other approved materials having a smooth interior
waterway of the same diameter as the piping served and all
such fittings shall conform to the type of pipe used.
(1) Fittings on screwed pipe shall be of the
recessed drainage type. Burred ends shall
be reamed to the full bore of the pipe.
(2) The threads of drainage fittings shall be
tapped so as to allow one fourth (1/4) inch
per foot (20.9 mm/m) grade.
lows:
Section 503, Materials, is revised to read as fol-
Section 503 - Materials
(a) Vent pipe shall be cast iron, galvanized steel,
galvanized wrought iron, lead, copper, brass, ABS, PVC or
other approved materials, except that:
-17-
(1) No galvanized wrought iron or galvanized
steel pipe shall be used underground and
shall be kept at least six (6) inches above
ground.
(2) ABS and PVC piping installations shall be
limited to those buildings whose structural
system is of combustible construction.
(b) Vent fittings shall be cast iron, galvanized
malleable iron or galvanized steel, lead, copper, brass,
ABS, PVC, or other approved materials, except that no
galvanized malleable iron or galvanized steel fittings
shall be used underground and shall be kept at least six
(6) inches (152.4mm) above ground. ,~
(c) Changes in direction of vent piping shall be made
by the appropriate use of approved fittings and no such
pipe shall be strained or bent. Burred ends shall be
reamed to the full bore of the pipe.
Section 615, Combination Waste and Vent System is
revised to read as follows:
Section 615 - Combination Waste and Vent System
(a) Fixtures may be installed in a combination waste
and vent system. When this wet vented system is used, the
following conditions shall be met:
(1) The outlet of such fitting shall not be
below the water seal of the trap.
(2) The distance from the trap to waste outlet ,
opening shall not exceed the developed
lengths indicated in Table 6-2 for the
respective line sizes. The oversizing of
lines to gain length of run shall not be
permitted.
(3) Water closets shall be limited to three
feet (3') from vent or vented line.
(4) No fixture shall have more than a
three-foot (3') tailpiece.
(5) Slope shall not be greater than 1/4" per
foot.
-18-
TABLE 6-2. DISTANCE OF FIXTURE TRAP FROM VENT
Size of Fixture Drain Inches Distance Trap to Vent
1 - 1/2 3 ft. 6 in.
2 6 ft. 0 in.
3 8 ft. 0 in.
4 10 ft. 0 in.
(b) Batteries of three or more water closets and/or
urinals on the same floor level shall be vented by a sys-
tem of loop venting. The loop vent shall consist of a full
size vertical stack taken off in front of the first fix-
ture and extending twelve inches above the overflow level
of the highest fixture on that floor, and returning hori-
zontally full size to main vent stack at the end of the
battery, or vents may continue separately through the roof
full size thus forming a circuit vent system. When more
than ten (10) water closets and/or urinals in a battery
are vented in this manner, there shall be an additional
full size relief vent for each group of ten fixtures (or
part thereof) above the initial ten fixtures, spaced even-
ly along the battery of fixtures.
(c) The combination waste serving over six fixture
units shall not be less than three inches in size through
the highest waste fitting.
(d) See Appendix "E" for mobile home parks.
Section 708, Industrial Interceptors (Clarifiers) and
Separators, is revised to rear] as follows:
Section 708 - Industrial Interceptors (Clarifiers) and
Separators
Industrial interceptors (clarifiers) and separators
shall comply with current industrial waste ordinance.. A
test manhole shall be provided in protected area outside
of building.
Section 709, S>aughter Houses, Packing Establish-
ments, etc., is revised to read as follows:
Section 709 - Slaughter Houses, Packing Establishments,
etc.
Slaughter houses, packing establishments, etc., shall
comply with current industrial waste ordinance. A test
manhole shall be provided in a protected area outside of
building.
-19-
Section 710, Minimum Requirements for Auto Wash RacIF,
is revised to read as follows:
Section 710 - Minimum Requirements for Auto Wash Rack
Every private or public wash rack and/or slab used
for cleaning machinery or machine parts shall be adequate-
ly protected against storm or surface water and shall
drain or discharge into an interceptor (clarifier) of an
approved design. A sampling well shall be provided in a
protected area outside of the building.
Section 712, Grease Interceptors for Commercial
Kitchens, is revised to read as follows:
Section 712 - Grease Interceptors for Commercial Kitchens
When grease interceptors with more than one hundred
pound grease retention capacity are required, they shall
be sized by use of Appendix "H" 1985 Uniform Plumbing
Code. A sampling well shall be provided in a protected
area outside of building.
Section 1003, Cross-Connection Control, is revised to
read as follows:
Section 1003 - Cross-Connection Control
No person shall install any water operated equipment
or mechanism, or use any water treating chemical or sub-
stance, if it is found that such equipment, mechanism,
chemical or substance may cause pollution of the domestic
water supply. Such equipment or mechanism may be permitted
only when equipped with an approved backflow prevention
device.
Approval of Devices. Before any device is installed
for the prevention of backflow or back siphonage, it shall
have first been approved by the Administrative Authority.
Devices shall be tested in conformity with recognized
standards or other standards acceptable to the
Administative Authority which are consistent with the
intent of this Code.
All devices installed in a potable water supply sys-
tem for protection against backflow shall be maintained in
good working condition by the person or persons having
control of such devices. The Administrative Authority or
other department having jurisdiction may inspect such
devices and, if found to be defective or inoperative,
shall require the repair or replacement thereof. No device
-20-
shall be removed from use or relocated or other device
substituted, without the approval of the Administrative
Authority.
(a) Water closet flushometer valves shall be with
equipped an approved vacuum breaker. Each such device
shall be installed on the discharge side of the flushome-
ter valve with the critical level at least six (6) inches
(152.4 mm) above the overflow rim of the bowl.
(b) Water closet and urinal tanks shall be equipped
with an approved ballcock. The ballcock shall be installed
with the critical level at least one (1) inch (25.4 mm)
above the full opening of the overflow pipe. In cases
where the ballcock has no =hush tube, the bottom of the
water supply inlet shall be installed one (1) inch
(25.4 mm) above the f ull opening of the overflow pipe.
Water closets having any portion of the tank below the
flood level rim of the closet bowl shall have the ballcock
installed in a separate and isolated compartment of the
tank, or shall be provided with a sheathed ballcock, or
other equivalent protection shall be provided.
(c) Urinal Flushometer Valves. Urinals, when served
by a flushometer valve, shall be equipped with an approved
vacuum, breaker installed on the discharge side of the
flushometer. The critical level shall be not less than six
(6) inches (152.4 mm} above the highest part of the fix-
ture.
(d) Over rim supplies to plumbing fixtures shall be
at least one (1) inch (25.4 mm) above the flood level rim
of the fixture..
(e) Direct connections between potable water piping
and sewer connected wastes shall not exist under any con-
dition with or without backflow protection. Where potable
water is discharged to the drainage system, it shall be by
means of an approved air gap of two (2) pipe diameters of
the supply inlet, but in no case shall the gap be less
than one (1) inch (25.4 mm). Connection may be made to the
inlet side of a fixture trap provided that an approved
vacuum breaker is installed not less than six (6) inches
(152.4 mm) above the flood level rim of such trapped fix-
ture, so that at no time will any such device be subjected
to any back pressure.
-21-
(f) No potable water piping shall be installed or
maintained within any piping or device conveying sewage,
wastes or other materials hazardous to health and safety.
(g) Inlets to tanks, vats, sumps, swimming pools and
other receptors when protected by an approved vacuum
breaker shall have such device installed on the discharge
side of the last valve with the critical level not less
than six (6) inches (152.4 mm) above the overflow rim of
such equipment. Water supply iinlets not protected by
vacuum breakers shall be installed not less than two (2)
pipe diameters, but in no case less than one (1) inch
(25.4 mm) above the overflow rim of such tank, vat or
similar equipment.
(h) Lawn sprinklering systems shall be equipped with
an approved vacuum breaker installed on the ,discharge side
of each of the last valves. The vacuum breaker shall be
installed at least six (6) inches above the surrounding
ground and above a sufficient number of heads so at no
time will the vacuum be subjected to back pressure of
drainage. Alternately an approved factory assembled
backflow preventer with test cocks may be installed.
(i) Fixture inlets and outlets with hose attachments
which may constitute a cross-connection shall be protected
by an approved non-removable type backflow prevention
device or by an approved vacuum breaker installed at least
six (6) inches (152.4 mm) above the highest point of usage
and located on the discharge side of the last valve.
Fixtures with integral vacuum breakers manufactured as a
unit may be installed in accordance with their approval
requirements. Hose bibbs other than above, and lawn
hydrants shall be protected by an approved non-removable
type backflow prevention device.
(j) Medical, therapeutic, surgical, mortuary or
similar equipment shall have all water outlets protected
by approved vacuum breakers on the discharge side of the
last valves and installed not less than five and one-half
(5-1/2) feet ( 1 .7 m) above the floor, and at no time less
than thirty-six (36) inches (.9 m) above any fixture or
equipment served, unless such vacuum breaker is an
integral part of the fixture or equipment having an
approval as a unit, and provided the "unit" vacuum breaker
will not be subjected to back pressures under any
condition.
-22-
(k) Water cooled compressors, degreasers or any other
water cooled equipment shall be protected by an approved
vacuum breaker installed ahead of the equipment on the
discharge side of the last valve and at least six (6)
inches (152.4 mm) above the highest point reached by any
water passing through or discharging from such equipment.
Equipment subject to continuous flows for periods of
more than twelve (12) hours shall be provided with an
approved "pressure type" vacuum breaker installed at least
twelve (12) inches (.3 m) above the highest point reached
by any water passing through or discharging from such
equipment.
EXCEPTION: When in the opinion of the Adminis-
trative Authority no hazard to the potable water
supply system is evident, special approval may
be obtained to omit the vacuum breakers.
(1) Aspirators shall not be directly connected to a
sewer connected waste pipe, but may be connected to the
inlet side of a trap and shall be equipped with an
approved vacuum breaker installed at least six (6) inches
(152.4 mm) above the aspirator unit. The discharge pipe
from the aspirator unit shall be designed for free flow
and shall discharge through an approved airgap.
(m) Vacuum breakers for hot water over 160°F (71°C)
shall be of approved type designed to operate at tempera-
tures of one hundred sixty (160) degrees F (71°C) or more
without rendering any portion of the device inoperative.
(n) Steam and steam boiler connections shall be pro-
tected by an approved backflow prevention device as set
forth in subsection (o) of this section.
(o) Non-potable water piping. In cases where it is
impractical to correct individual cross-connections on the
domestic water line, the line supplying such outlets shall
be considered a non-potable water line. No drinking or
domestic water outlets shall be connected to the non-
potable water line. Backflow or back-siphonage from the
non-potable water line into the domestic water line shall
be prevented by the installation of a gravity tank or by a
tank having a pump for desired non-potable water. The
domestic water inlets to the non-potable water tank shall
-23-
have an approved airgap as required elsewhere in this
chapter. Where it is impractical to install tanks, as set
forth above, an approved pressure type backflow or back-
siphonage prevention device shall be installed as follows:
within the lin
vacuum breaker
vention device
Where reverse flow
e can occur, an approved pressure type
unit or other approved backflow pre-
shall be installed in the supply line.
due only to gravity or a vacuum
Each pressure type vacuum breaker unit shall be
installed at a height of at least twelve (12) inches
(.3 m) above the highest tank, equipment or point of
usage of the non-potable water. Other approved back-
flow prevention devices shall be installed in a
manner satisfactory to the Administrative Authority,
but in no case less than twelve (12) inches (.3 m)
above the surrounding ground or floor.
Where backflow can occur due to steam boilers, pumps,
etc., creating a higher pressure in the non-potable
water line, an approved backflow prevention device
shall be installed in the supply line. Such backflow
prevention device shall be installed at least twelve
(12) inches (.3 m) above the surround ground or
floor.
Whenever possible, all portions of the non-potable
water line shall be exposed and all exposed portions
shall be properly identified in a manner satisfactory
to the Administrative Authority. Each outlet on the
non-potable water line which may be used for drinking
or domestic purposes shall be posted: DANGER - UNSAFE
WATER.
(p) Vacuum breakers shall be located outside any
enclosure or hooded area containing fumes that are toxic
or poisonous.
lows:
Sections 1004, Materials, is revised to read as fol-
Section 1004 - Materials
(a) Water pipe and fittings shall be brass, copper,
cast iron, galvanized mallable iron, galvanized wrought
iron, galvanized steel or other approved materials.
-24-
Asbestos, cement, CPVC, PB, PE or PVC water pipe manufac-
tured to recognized standards may be used for cold water
distribution systems outside of a building. CPVC and PB
water pipe and tubing may be used for hot and cold water
distribution system within a building. All materials used
in the water supply system, except valves and similar
devices shall be of like material except where otherwise
approved by the Administrative Authority.
(1) Solder and flux must contain less than 0.2~
lead, and
(2) Pipe and pipe fittings may contain no more than
8.0~ lead.
(b) Cast iron fittings up to and including two {2)
inches (50.8 mm) in size, when used in connection with
potable water piping shall be galvanized.
(c) All malleable iron water fittings shall be gal-
vanized.
(d) Piping and tubing which has previously been used
for any purpose other than for potable water systems shall
not be used.
(e) Approved plastic materials may be used in water
service piping, provided that where metal water service
piping is used for electrical grounding purposes replace-
ment piping, therefore, shall be of like materials.
EXCEPTION: Where a grounding system, acceptable to
the Administrative Authority, is installed, inspected
and approved, metallic pipe may be replaced with
non-metallic pipe.
Section 1010, Water Pipe Insulation, is revises to
read as follows:
Section 1010 - Water Pipe Insulation
(a) All water pipe run in crawl spaces below floors,
in attics, in garages and similar unheated spaces, except
that piping run within interior partitions or horizontally
between ceiling and floor construction of multiple story
buildings, shall be insulated with one-inch (1") thick
glass fiber insulation with fire resistant kraft paper
aluminum-foil laminate or glass cloth jacket, and fittings
shall be insulated with cement of flexible glass fiber
material to a like thickness and covered with a glass
cloth jacket. Alternately, other insulating materials
-25-
having finished surface with maximum flamespread rating of
25 under ASTM 84 E may be used in thickness less than
one-inch (1") thick glass fiber.
(b) All water pipe outside of buildings, exposed to
the weather, shall be similarly insulated, and an approved
waterproof jacket shall be applied.
(c) Water piping in outside walls of buildings except
solid masonry walls shall be similarly insulated as in
Paragraph (a} above except insulation thickness shall be
one-half inch (1/2") glass fiber or equal.
(d} Water pipe installed within a concealed space
used as return air plenum shall be insulated with insula-
tion having flamespread rating of 25 and smoke developed
rating of not more than 50.
lows:
Section 1202, Definitions, is revised to read as fol-
Section 1202 - Definitions
Far the purposes of this Code, certain terms,
phrases, words and their derivatives shall be interpreted
as set forth in this section provided, however, that when-
ever the words "Gas meters" appear, they shall be con-
strued to also mean valves and those devices required for
the regulation of pressure and the measurement of natural
gas being dispensed for any building, structure or prem-
ises.
Whenever the words "LPG Facilities" appear, they
shall be construed to mean tanks, containers, container
valves, regulating equipment, meters and/or appurtenances
for the storage and supply of liquified petroleum gas for
any building, structure or premises.
(a) Appliance Fuel Connector: An assembly of listed
semi-rigid or flexible tubing and fittings to carry
fuel between a fuel piping outlet and a fuel burning
appliance.
(b) Approved: As to materials, workmanship and types of
construction means approved by the Administrative
Authority as the result of investigation, inspection
or test conducted by them or by reason of accepted
principles or tests by other recognized testing
agency or authority.
(c) Fuel Gas: Natural, manufactured, liquified petroleum
or a mixture of these.
-26-
(d) Gas Piping: Any installation of pipe, valves or fit-
tings that is used to convey fuel gas, installed on
any premises or in any building, but shall not in-
clude:
(1) Any portion of the service piping.
(2) Any approved piping connection six (6) feet
(1.8 m) or less in length between an existing
gas outlet and a gas appliance in the same room
with the outlet.
(3) Any gas piping supplying gas from the main to
the measuring point, provided such piping is
installed according to law and rules of the
Railroad .Commission of Texas.
(e) Gas Piping System: Any arrangement of gas piping
supplied by one (1) meter and each arrangement of gas
piping serving a building, structure or premises,
whether individually metered or not.
(f) Gas Otility: The duly enfranchised public utility
supplying the gas from its street mains.
i
(g) Service Piping: The piping equipment between the
street gas main and the gas measuring point.
Section 1211, Gas Meter Locations, is revised to read
as follows:
Section 1211 - Gas Meter Locations
(a) All gas meters shall be located at the building
on the site being served. Where it is impractical to do
so, the Administrative Authority may approve an alternate
location. In approving an alternative location the
Administrative Authority shall take into account the re-
quired gas supply and accessibility to the gas main. Any
person aggrieved by the decision of the Administrative
Authority may appeal such decision to the Board of
Plumbers. All meters set at approved locations shall be
protected from moving machinery and equipment.
(b) Where more than one (1) meter is set on a partic-
ular premises, they shall all be set at one (1) location,
except where this is impractical. In multiple meter in-
stallations, each separate gas piping system shall be
identified by the permittee in a manner satisfactory to
the serving gas supplier serving the gas.
-27-
(c) All gas meters shall be preceded by a main supply
shut-off valve and shall be so placed as to be at all
times readily accessible for inspection, reading, testing
and shutting off the gas supply. All service or piping or
main supply shut-off valves must be outside of the build-
ing and readily accessible.
(d) In order that gas may be supplied, the gas piping
inlet shall be located with respect to the proposed meter
location in accordance with the local serving gas supplier
instructions.
(e) Access to enclosed gas meters, except those
located in an approved vault supplied by the serving gas
supplier, shall be through an opening or door not less in
size than twenty-two (22) inches (558.8 mm) by twenty-four
(24) inches (609.6 mm), but in no event smaller than that
specified by the local serving gas supplier.
(f) Gas meters shall not be located under a show
window or under interior stairways or in engine, boiler,
heater or electric meter rooms. Where not prohibited by
other regulation, gas meters may be located in the open
under exterior stairways.
(g) The initial installation and any future mainte-
nance of the service piping shall be the responsibility of
the serving gas supplier. When service piping is in need
of repair or replacement, the serving gas supplier shall
do so without charge to the customer except as approved by
the City Council through the gas rate structure. However,
where the existing gas service piping enters directly
under the house beneath the surface of the ground, the
owner shall at his. own expense have a riser installed out-
side the building and connect the same to existing house
piping.
Section 1212, Material for Gas Piping, is revised to
read as follows:
Section 1212 - Material for Gas Piping
(a) All pipe used for the installation, extension,
alteration or repair of any gas piping shall be standard
weight wrought iron or steel (galvanized or black), yellow
brass (containing no more than seventy-five percent (75~)
copper) or internally tinned or equivalently treated of
iron pipe size. Approved Polyethelene pipe may be used in
exterior buried piping systems.
-28-
(b) All such pipe shall be either new or shall pre-
viously have been used for no other purpose than conveying
gas; it shall be in good condition and free from internal
obstructions. Burred ends shall be reamed to the full bore
of the pipe .
(c) All fittings used in connection with the above
piping shall be of malleable iron, yellow brass (contain-
ing not more than seventy-five percent (75~) copper) or
approved plastic fittings.
(d) All valves and appurtenances used in connection
with the above piping shall be of a type designed and
approved for use with fuel gas.
Section 1213, Installation of Gas Piping, is revised
to read as follows:
Sec. 1213. Installation of Gas Piping.
(a) All joints in the piping system, unless welded,
shall be screwed joints, having approved standard
threads. Such screwed joints shall be made up with
approved pipe joint material, insoluble in the presence of
fuel gas and applied to the male threads only.
(b) No gas piping shall be installed in or on the
ground under any building or structure and all exposed gas
piping shall be kept at least six (6) inches (152.4 mm)
above grade of structure.
Concealed unprotected gas piping may be installed
above grade in approved recesses or channels.
EXCEPTION: When necessary due to structural condi-
tions, approved type gas piping may be installed in
other locations, when permission has first been
obtained from the Administrative Authority.
(c) Where water vapor is present in the fuel gas
served, accessible drip pipes shall be provided at points
where condensation will tend to collect.
(d) Ferrous gas piping installed underground in
exterior locations shall be protected from corrosion by
approved coatings or wrapping materials. All horizontal
metallic piping shall have at least twelve (12) inches
(.3 m) of earth cover or other equivalent protection.
Polyethelene gas piping shall have at least eighteen (18)
inches (0.5 m) of earth cover or other equivalent protec-
-29-
tion. Risers shall be metallic and shall be wrapped to a
point at least six (6) inches (152.4 mm) above grade. All
gas pipe two inches (2") and smaller in the ground shall
be polyethelene.
(e) All gas pipe protective coatings shall be
approved types, machine applied, and conform to recognized
standards. Field wrapping shall provide equivalent protec-
tion and is restricted to those short sections and fit-
tings necessarily stripped for threading or welding. Zinc
coatings (galvanizing) shall not be deemed adequate pro-
tection for piping below ground. Ferrous metals in exposed
exterior locations shall be protected from corrosion in a
manner satisfactory to the Administrative Authority.
(f) All gas piping shall be adequately supported by
metal straps or hooks at intervals not to exceed those
shown in Table 12-2. Gas piping installed below grade
shall be effectively supported at all points on undis-
turbed or well compacted soil or sand.
(g) Gas piping supplyinq more than one (1) building
on any one premises shall be equipped with separate shut-
off vales to each building, so arranged that the gas
supply can be turned on or off to any individual or sepa-
rate building. Such shut=off valve shall be located out-
side the building it supplies and shall be readily
accessible at all times. Buildings accessory to single-
family residences are exempt from the requirements of this
subsection.
(h) Where unions are necessary, right and left
nipples and couplings shall be used. Ground joint unions
may be used at exposed fixture, appliance or equipment
connections and in exposed exterior locations immediately
on the discharge side of a building shut-off valve. Heavy
duty flanged type unions may be used in special cases,
when first approved by the Administrative Authority.
Bushings shall not be used in concealed locations.
(i) When air, oxygen or other special supplementary
gas under pressure is introduced with the regularly sup-
plied gas, either directly into the gas piping system or
at burners, a device approved by the Administrative
Authority and the serving gas supplier shall be installed
to prevent backflow of such special gas into the gas
piping system or serving gas supplier's meter. This device
shall be located between the source of the special gas and
the serving gas supplier's meter and shall be on the gas
line leading to the appliance using the special gas. This
-30-
device may be either a spring loaded or diaphragm type
check valve and shall be capable of withstanding any pres-
sure which may be imposed on it.
(j) When liquified petroleum or other stand-by gas is
interconnected with the regular gas piping system, an
approved three-way two-port valve or other adequate safe-
guard acceptable to the Administrative Authority and the
serving gas supplier shall be installed to prevent back-
flow into either supply system.
(k) Valves used in connection with gas piping shall
be approved types.
(1) All gas outlets located in a barbecue or fire-
place shall be controlled by an approved operating valve
located in the same room and outside the hearth, but not
more than four (4) feet (1.2 m) from such outlets. When
piping on the discharge side -of any such control valve is
standard weight brass or galvanized steel, such piping may
be embedded in our surrounded by not less than two (2)
inches (50.8 mm) of concrete or masonry.
(m) An accessible shut-off valve of a type set forth
in subsection (k) of this section shall be installed in
the fuel supply piping outside of each appliance and ahead
of the union connection thereto, and in addition to any
valve on the appliance. Shut-off valves shall be within
three (3) feet (.9 m) of the appliance.
Shut-off valves may be located immediately adjacent
to and inside or under an appliance when placed in an
accessible and protected location and when such appliance
may be removed without removal of the valve.
Shut-off valves may be accessibly located inside wall
heaters and wall furnaces listed for recessed installation
where necessary maintenance can be performed without re-
moval of the shut-off valve.
(n) A number 18 copper tracer wire or other approved
material shall be installed with and attached to under-
ground non-metallic gas piping and shall terminate above
grade at one end.
(o) Changes in direction of gas piping shall be made
by appropriate use of fittings, except PE gas pipe and
tubing may be bent to a radius of not less than twenty
(20) times the nominal pipe or tubing diameter.
-31-
(d) Appendix A, "SIZING WATER SYSTEMS°', of the 1985
Uniform Plumbing Code, is hereby deleted.
(e) Appendix B, °'COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT SYSTEMS°',
of the 1985 Uniform Plumbing Code, is hereby deleted.
(f) Appendix I, "PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS", of
the 1985 Uniform Plumbing Code, is hereby deleted.
SECTION 3.
That Section 26-3 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986),
as amended., is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 26-3 - Effect of Conflict with Other Ordinances.
This chapter shall be cumulative of all provisions of
ordinances and of the Code of the City of Fort Worth,
Texas (1986), as amended, except where the provisions of
this chapter 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
repealed.
' SECTION 4.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council
that the sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of
this ordinance are severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence,
paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared unconstitu-
tional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent
jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the
remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of
this ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City
Council without the incorporation in this ordinance of any such
unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section.
SECTION 5.
All rights and remedies of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, are
expressly saved as to any and all violations of the provisions of
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Chapter 26 of the Code, or any other ordinances affecting plumbing
which have accrued at the time of the effective date of this ordi-
nance; and, as to such accrued violations and all pending litiga-
tion, both civil and criminal, whether pending in court or not,
under such ordinan ces, same shall not be affected by this ordinance
but may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 6.
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, is hereby
authorized to publish this ordinance in pamphlet form for general
distribution among the public, and the operative provisions of this
ordinance as so published shall be admissible in evidence in all
courts without further proof than the production thereof, as pro-
vided in Chapter XXV, Section 3, of the Charter of the City of Fort
Worth, Texas.
SECTION 7.
Three (3) copies of the 1985 Uniform Plumbing Code, together "
with the local amendments contained in this ordinance, shall be
filed in the office of the City Secretary for permanent record and
inspection.
SECTION 8.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions
of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon
conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed One
Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for all violations involving fire
safety or public health and sanitation and shall be fined not more
than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for all other violations of this
-33-
ordinance. Each day or any portion thereof during which any viola-
tion of this ordinance occurs or continues shall be deemed a sepa-
rate offense and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable as
herein provided.
SECTION 9.
The -City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth is hereby directed
to engross and enroll this ordinance by copying the caption and
Sections 1, 7, 8, 10 and 11 of this ordinance in the minutes of the
City Council and by filing the ordinance in the ordinance records of
the City.
SECTION 10. 4
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, is hereby
directed to publish the caption and Sections 1, 7, 8, 10 and 11 of
this ordinance for two (2) days in the official newspaper of the
City of Fort Worth, Texas, as authorized by Art. 1176b-1, Revised
Civil Statutes of Texas.
SECTION 11.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and
after its passage and publication as required by law, and it is so
ordained.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
}~5s~-~ City Attorney
Date : 7"~ ~l '"'87
ADOPTED:
EFFECTIVE.
-34-
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d4:DATE REFERENCE SUBJECT ADOPTION OF THE 1985 EDITION PAGE
7/28/87 NUMBER OF THE UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE WITH 1
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LOCAL AP1ENDMENTS _
! or____
RECOP1MENDATION
It is recommended that the 1985 Uniform Plumbing Code, with local amendments be
adopted as the Fort Worth Plumbing Code.
The Plumbing Code of the City of Fort Worth (Chapter 26 of the City Code)
regulates the installation of all plumbing wastes, water, gas lines, sprinkler
systems, and fixtures in the homes and businesses in the City of Fort Worth.
The P1 umbi ng Code i s modeled f ran the Uniform P1 umbi ng Code published by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). The
current Plumbing Code adopted the 1982 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, with
local amendments. The Uniform Plumbing Code is updated every three (3) years,
and the Board of Plumbers with the City Staff reviews each new edition.
The Board of Plumbers has recently completed a review of the 1985 Uniform
Plumbing Code and has determined that certain amendments are necessary t o adapt
the Code to 1 ocal soi 1 and weather conditions and other 1 ocal requirements and
practice.
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DEPARTMENT HEAD• ~ CITY SECRETARY
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Adopted Ordnance N0,
CONTACT L~ P DATE