HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 22518-12-2016 ORDINANCE NO. 22518-12-2016
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FORT WORTH MECHANICAL CODE, BY
ADOPTING THE 2015 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE, WITH LOCAL
AMENDMENTS;AMENDING SECTIONS 7-166,7-167,7-168 AND 7-169 OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH (2015); REGULATING THE ERECTION,
CONSTRUCTION,ENLARGEMENT,ALTERATION, REPAIR,MOVING, REMOVAL,
DEMOLITION, CONVERSION, EQUIPMENT, DESIGN, QUALITY OF MATERIALS,
USE AND MAINTENANCE OF HEATING,COMFORT COOLING AND VENTILATING
SYSTEMS IN THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS; DEFINING CERTAIN TERMS;
ESTABLISHING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INSTALLATION,
ALTERATION OR REPAIR OF MECHANICAL SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR THE
ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND THE COLLECTION OF FEES THEREOF; PROVIDING
FOR THE INSPECTION OF SUCH SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY
CLAUSE; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE;
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN PAMPHLET FORM; PROVIDING FOR
PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT WORTH,TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
That Section 7-166 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth(2015)is hereby amended to read
as follows:
Sec. 7-166. THE 2015 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL
CODE ADOPTED.
(a) The Mechanical Code of the City Of Fort Worth is hereby revised and amended to
conform,with certain exceptions as specified below, to the 2015 International Mechanical Code of
the International Code Council (ICC), and the same as amended is hereby adopted as the City's
Mechanical Code. One(1)copy of the 2015 International Mechanical Code marked Exhibit"A",is
incorporated herein by reference and shall be filed in the Office of the City Secretary for permanent
record and inspection.
(b) The mechanical provisions of the International Residential Code,as adopted elsewhere,
shall be used as the mechanical provisions for buildings and structures applicable to that code except
as provided for in that code.
(c) Any Errata corrections published by the International Code Council for the 2015
International Mechanical Code, as they are discovered, are considered as part of this code.
Ordinance No.22518-12-2016
Page 1 of 13
SECTION 2.
That Section 7-167 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015) is hereby amended as
follows:
Sec. 7-167. Amendments.
The 2015 edition of the International Mechanical Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 1 —SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
*IMC Chapter 1; "SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION" is hereby deleted and replaced
with the Fort Worth Building Administrative Code;
CHAPTER 2 -DEFINITIONS
IMC SECTION 202
DEFINITIONS
*IMC Section 202;definitions are changed and new definitions are added to read as follows:
BUILDING CODE. Building Code shall mean the International Building Code as adopted by this
jurisdiction.
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY. A change in the purpose or level of activity within a building that
involves a change in application of the requirements of this code. The definition shall also apply to
the usage of the surrounding site and access to and from the building, structure or site, as necessary
to achieve the purpose of this code,and to obtain compliance with other codes and ordinances of this
jurisdiction.
ELECTRICAL CODE. Electrical Code shall mean the National Electrical Code as adopted by this
jurisdiction. For the purpose of this code, all references to NFPA 70 and the ICC Electrical Code
shall be assumed to mean the Electrical Code as defined herein.
ENERGY CODE. Energy Code shall mean the International Energy Code as adopted by this
jurisdiction.
FIRE PREVENTION CODE(FIRE CODE). Fire Prevention Code,or Fire Code,shall mean the
International Fire Code as adopted by this jurisdiction.
Ordinance No.22518-12-2016
Page 2 of 13
FORT WORTH BUILDING ADMINISTRATIVE CODE. The Fort Worth Administrative code
containing the administrative, organizational, and enforcement rules and regulations for the Fort
Worth Building, Residential, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Mechanical, Electrical, Sign and Existing
Building codes.
FUEL GAS CODE. Fuel Gas code shall mean the International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by this
jurisdiction and shall be considered as part of the Plumbing Code. (See Plumbing Code.)
HAZARDOUS LOCATION. As used in this code, any location considered to be a fire hazard for
flammable vapors,dust,combustible fibers or other highly combustible substances. The location is
not necessarily categorized in the International Building Code as a high-hazard use group
classification.
MECHANICAL CODE. Mechanical Code shall mean the International Mechanical Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
PLUMBING CODE. Plumbing Code shall mean the International Plumbing Code and the
International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by this jurisdiction. The term "Plumbing Code" applies to
both codes as one combined code.
RESIDENTIAL CODE. Residential Code shall mean the International Residential Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
TECHNICAL CODES. The Fort Worth Building,Residential,Plumbing,Fuel Gas,Mechanical,
Electrical, Sign and Existing Building codes which regulate the construction,alteration,relocation,
enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal
and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such
buildings or structures.
CHAPTER 3 —GENERAL REGULATIONS
IMC SECTION 303
EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCE LOCATION
*IMC Section 303.1; add a second paragraph to read as follows:
Access to equipment and appliances shall be provided through areas under the control of the
tenant,room or dwelling unit served,or provided in common areas accessible without going through
private tenant spaces,rooms or dwelling units. The location shall not be such that permission from
one occupant must be obtained before another occupant can provide service to their equipment or
appliances.
Ordinance No.22518-12-2016
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IMC SECTION 304
INSTALLATION
*IMC Section 304.7; delete.
IMC SECTION 306
ACCESS AND SERVICE SPACE
*IMC Section 306.3; changed to read as follows:
306.3 Appliances in attics. Attics containing appliances shall be provided . . . {bulk of
paragraph unchanged} . . . front side of the appliance. The clear access opening dimensions shall
be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches(508 mm by 762 mm),or larger where such dimensions are
not large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance. As a minimum,access to the attic space
shall be provided by one of the following:
1. A permanent stair.
2. A pull down stair with a minimum 300 lb. (136 kg) capacity.
3. An access door from an upper floor level.
4. An access panel, only when the equipment is within 24" of the panel opening.
Exceptions:
1. The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance is
capable of being serviced and removed through the required opening.
2. Where the passageway is unobstructed and not less than 6 feet(1829 mm)high and 22
inches (559 mm)wide for its entire length,the passageway shall be not greater than 50 feet
(15 250 mm) in length.
Solid flooring as specified for the passageway of this section shall be flooring that complies with
the provisions as required for a floor or shall not be less than one layer of 3/4"plywood.
Water heaters shall not be installed in residential attics.
Exception: Tankless water heaters.
*IMC Section 306.3.1; add a sentence to read as follows:
Low voltage wiring of 50 Volts or less shall be installed in a manner to prevent physical damage.
*IMC Section 306.4.1; add a sentence to read as follows:
Ordinance No.22518-12-2016
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Low voltage wiring of 50 Volts or less shall be installed in a manner to prevent physical damage.
*IMC Section 306.5; changed to read as follows:
306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures. Where equipment requiring
access or appliances are located on an elevated structure or the roof of a building such that personnel
will have to climb higher than 16 feet (4877 mm) above grade to access such equipment or
appliance, an interior or exterior means of access shall be provided. Permanent exterior ladders
providing roof access need not extend closer than 12 feet(3 65 8 mm)to the finish grade or floor level
below and shall extend to the equipment or appliances' level service space. Such access shall not
require climbing over obstructions greater than 30 inches (762 mm) in height or walking on roofs
having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal(33-percent slope). Where access
involves climbing over parapet walls, the height shall be measured to the top of the parapet wall.
Where an equipment or appliance has a serviceable area located at a height exceeding 16 feet
(4877 mm)above the access level,a permanent approved means of access and a catwalk or working
deck shall be provided on at least one side. Such permanent exterior ladder need not extend closer
than 12 feet (2438 mm) to the access level below.
{Remainder of section unchanged)
*IMC Section 306.5.1; change to read as follows:
306.5.1 Sloped Roofs. Where appliances,equipment,fans or other components that require
service are installed on a roof having a slope of 3 units vertical in 12 units horizontal(25-percent
slope)or greater and having an edge more than 30 inches(762 mm)above grade at such edge,a
catwalk at least 16 inches in width with substantial cleats spaced not more than 16 inches apart
shall be provided from the roof access to a level platform at the appliance. The level platform
shall be provided on each side of the appliance to which access is required for service,repair or
maintenance.The platform shall be not less than 30 inches(762 mm)in any dimension and shall
be provided with guards. The guards shall extend not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the
platform, shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a 21-inch-diameter (533 mm)
sphere and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards specified in the International
Building Code.
*IMC Section 306.5.2; add a sentence to read as follows:
Low voltage wiring of 50 Volts or less shall be installed in a manner to prevent physical damage.
Ordinance No.22518-12-2016
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IMC SECTION 307
CONDENSATE DISPOSAL
*IMC Section 307.2.1; change to read as follows:
307.2.1 Condensate disposal. Condensate from all cooling coils and evaporators shall be
conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved place of disposal. Such piping shall maintain a
minimum horizontal slope in the direction of discharge of not less than one-eight unit vertical in 12
units horizontal(1-percent slope). Condensate shall not discharge into a walking surface such as a
street, alley, or other areas so as to cause a nuisance. Rooftop units may be piped to discharge into
roof drains when such drains do not discharge onto a walking surface as listed above.
*IMC Section 307.2.2; change to read and add a second pararph to read as follows:
307.2.2 Drain pipe materials and sizes. Components of the condensate disposal system shall
be cast iron,galvanized steel,copper,cross-linked polyethylene,polyethylene,ABS,CPVC,PVC,or
polypropylene pipe or tubing. Components shall be selected for the pressure, temperature and
exposure rating of the installation. Joints and connections shall be made in accordance with the
applicable provisions of Chapter 7 of the International Plumbing Code relative to the material type.
Condensate waste and drain line size shall be not less than the discharge size of the pan but not less
than 3/4-inch(19 mm)internal diameter and shall not decrease in size from the drain pan connection
to the place of condensate disposal. Where the drain pipes from more than one unit are manifolded
together for condensate drainage,the pipe or tubing shall be sized in accordance with Table 307.2.2.
All horizontal sections of drain piping shall be installed in uniform alignment at a uniform slope.
*IMC Section 307.2.3, item number 2; add a sentence to read as follows:
The conspicuous point of disposal shall not create a hazard such as dripping over a walking
surface or other areas so as to create a nuisance.
*IMC Section 307.2.3, Add item number 5; to read as follows:
5. A listed and labeled water detecting device shall be provided that will shut off up-
flow equipment in the event the primary drain is blocked. The device shall be
installed on all up flow equipment above the first floor and shall be installed beneath
and on the floor of the up-flow equipment it serves.
Ordinance No.22518-12-2016
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CHAPTER 4—VENTILATION
IMC SECTION 403
MECHANICAL VENTILATION
*IMC Section 403.2; add an exception number2 to read as follows:
1. Where the design professional demonstrates that an engineered ventilation system
is designed in accordance with ASHRAE 62.1, the minimum required rate of
outdoor air shall be permitted to be as specified in such engineered system design.
*IMC Section 403.2.1; amend number I and add number 5 to read as follows:
1. Ventilation air shall not be recirculated from one dwelling unit to another or to
dissimilar occupancies. See also Table 403.3, footnote b. When dissimilar
occupancies produce odors or smells that may infiltrate neighboring tenant spaces
through wall or ceiling openings,during positive or negative pressures, efforts shall
be taken to seal such openings and/or provide supply air in a method that would
prevent such infiltration_
2. (unchanged)
3. {unchanged)
4. (unchanged)
5. Toilet rooms within private dwellings that contain only a water closet, lavatory or
combination thereof may be ventilated with an approved mechanical recirculating fan
or similar device designed to remove odors from the air.
CHAPTER 5—EXHAUST SYSTEMS
IMC SECTION 501
GENERAL
*IMC Section 501.3; add a fourth exception to read as follows:
Exceptions:
1. {unchanged}
2. {unchanged}
3. {unchanged)
4. Toilet room exhaust ducts may terminate in a warehouse or shop area when
Ordinance No.22518-12-2016
Page 7 of 13
infiltration of outside air is present.
IMC SECTION 504
CLOTHES DRYER EXHAUST
*IMC Section 504.5; changed to read as follows:
504.5 Dryer exhaust power ventilators. Domestic dryer exhaust duct ventilators shall be
listed and labeled to UL 705 for use in dryer exhaust duct systems. The dryer exhaust duct power
ventilator(DEDPV) shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and
interlocked to prevent the clothes dryer from being energized if the DEDPV fails to operate as
intended.
*IMC Section 504.8.1; changed to read as follows:
504.8.1 Material and Size. Exhaust ducts shall have a smooth interior finish and shall
be construed of metal a minimum of 0.016-inch (0.4 mm) thick. The exhaust duct size shall
be 4" (102 mm)nominal in diameter. The size of duct shall not be reduced along its
developed length nor at the point of termination.
*IMC Section 504.8.2; changed to read as follows:
504.8.2 Duct Installation. Exhaust ducts shall be support at 4-foot (1219 mm) intervals
and secured in place. The insert end of the duct shall extend into the adjoining duct or fitting
in the direction of airflow. Ducts shall not be joined with screws or similar fasteners that
protrude the inside of the duct.
IMC SECTION 506
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOOD VENTILATION
SYSTEM DUCTS AND EXHAUST EQUIPMENT
*IMC Section 506.3.2.5; first par�aph changed and third par�aph added to read as
.follows:
506.3.2.5 Grease duct test. Prior to the use or concealment of any portion of a grease duct
system,a leakage test shall be performed. Ducts shall be considered to be concealed where installed
in shafts or covered by coatings or wraps that prevent the ductwork from being visually inspected on
all sides. The permit holder shall be responsible to provide the necessary equipment and perform the
grease duct leakage test. A light test or-smoke test shall be performed to determine that all welded
and brazed joints are liquid tight.
Ordinance No.22518-12-2016
Page 8 of 13
{Second paragraph unchanged)
A smoke test shall be performed through the use of a commercial smoke machine intended for
the purpose,smoke emitting cartridges,or smoke candles. For smoke candles and cartridges,the top
and bottom of the duct shall be sealed with a suitable material. The bottom seal shall have a sealable
opening to permit the insertion of the smoke cartridge or candle and low volume low pressure fan or
other approved pressurization device. Duct pressurization shall not exceed the rating of the ducts.
Smoke candle duration shall be 30 seconds for each 1000 cubic feet of duct. Smoke emitting
cartridges shall provide twice the volume of smoke of the duct being tested.
IMC SECTION 510
HAZARDOUS EXHAUST SYSTEMS
*Section 510.2.1.1; added to read as follows:
510.2.1.1 Woodworking (or cabinet) shop. Where more than three fixed or table
mounted pieces of dust producing equipment exists, each fixed or table mounted piece shall
be connected to a dust collection system, in accordance with this section and Section 511,
and interconnected such that the dust collection is automatically activated whenever the
equipment is on.
CHAPTER 6—DUCT SYSTEMS
IMC SECTION 607
DUCT AND TRANSFER OPENINGS
*IMC Section 607.1; add a sentence to read as follows:
For outdoor air intakes and exhaust openings,dampers shall also comply with the Energy Code.
*IMC Section 607.2.2; changed to read as follows:
607.2.2 Hazardous exhaust ducts. Hazardous exhaust duct systems shall extend directly to
the exterior of the building and shall not extend into or through ducts and plenums. Fire dampers
are not required at penetration of fire-rated elements for hazardous exhaust duct systems.
Penetration of fire-rated elements shall comply with Section 510 and the Building Code.
Ordinance No.22518-12-2016
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*IMC Section 607.5.5.2; added to read as follows:
607.5.5.2 Installation requirements. Exhaust systems for Group B and R kitchen,
clothes dryer, bathroom and toilet room exhausts shall comply with the following:
1. Kitchen systems, clothes dryer systems, and bathroom and toilet room systems may
share the same shaft but not the same duct. When multiple ducts are in the same
shaft, each system shall have its own fan providing continuous upward flow.
2. Dryer ducts shall have a cleanout located near the shaft penetration to permit cleaning
of the 22" subduct. The subduct shall be considered in the calculation of allowable
duct length reduction.
3. Kitchen ducts shall be provided with some method for preventing grease buildup and
cleaning of the duct.
4. A secondary power source is required for the fan under both Section 504.10 and
513.11.
SECTION 3.
That Section 7-168 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth(2015),as amended,is hereby amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 7-168 Effect of Conflict with Other Ordinances.
This article shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the Code of the City of Fort
Worth,Texas(2015),affecting Mechanical Code provisions,as amended,and shall not repeal any of
the provisions of such ordinances,except in those instances where provisions of such ordinances are
in direct conflict with the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 4.
That Section 7-169 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015), as amended, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 7-169 Penalty for violation.
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine not to
exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for all violations involving fire safety, or public health
and sanitation and shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for all other
violations of this ordinance. Each day or any portion thereof during which any violation of this
ordinance occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense and upon conviction thereof shall
be punishable as herein provided.
Ordinance No.22518-12-2016
Page 10 of 13
SECTION 5.
This article shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the Code of the City of Fort
Worth,Texas(2015),affecting Mechanical Code provisions,as amended,and shall not repeal any of
the provisions of such ordinances,except in those instances where provisions of such ordinances are
in direct conflict with the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 6.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and,if any phrase, clause,sentence,
paragraph, or section of this ordinance shall be declared void,ineffective,or unconstitutional by the
valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such voidness, ineffectiveness, or
unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases,clauses,sentences,paragraphs,and
sections of this ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without the
incorporation in this ordinance of any such void, ineffective, or unconstitutional phrase, clause,
sentence, paragraph, or section.
SECTION 7.
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine not to
exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for all violations involving fire safety, or public health
and sanitation and shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for all other
violations of this ordinance. Each day or any portion thereof during which any violation of this
ordinance occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense and upon conviction thereof shall
be punishable as herein provided.
SECTION 8.
All rights and remedies of the City of Fort Worth,Texas are expressly saved as to any and all
violations of the previous Mechanical Code,or any other ordinances affecting construction and fire
safety,which have accrued at the time of the effective date of this ordinance: and,as to such accrued
violations and all pending litigation,both civil and criminal,whether pending in court or not,under
such ordinances, same shall not be affected by this ordinance but may be prosecuted until final
disposition by the courts.
SECTION 9.
A copy of the 2015 International Mechanical 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.
Ordinance No.22518-12-2016
Page 11 of 13
SECTION 10.
The Department of Planning and Development of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, is hereby
authorized to publish this ordinance in pamphlet form for general distribution among the public,and
the operative provisions of this ordinance as so published shall be admissible in evidence in all
courts without further proof than the production thereof, as provided in Chapter XXV, Section 3,of
the Charter of the City of Fort Worth, Texas.
SECTION 11.
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, is hereby directed to publish the caption and
Sections 1, 7, 9, 11 and 12 of this ordinance for two (2)days in the official newspaper of the City of
Fort Worth, Texas as authorized by Section 2, Chapter XXV of the Charter of the City of Fort
Worth, Texas and by Section 52.013 (a) of the Texas Local Government Code.
SECTION 12.
This ordinance shall take effect upon January 1, 2017.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
B
Melinda Ramos Mary J. Ka s
Sr. Assistant City Attorney City Secreta
Adopted: December 6, 2016
Effective: January 1", 2,017
Published: DeTe1'1 X 4- 1W G'7
Ordinance No. 22518-12-2016
Page 12 of 13
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
COUNCIL ACTION: Approved on 12/6/2016 - Ordinance No. 22517-12-2016, 22518-12-2016,
22519-12-2016, 22520-12-2016, 22521-12-2016, 22522-12-2016, 22523-12-2016 & 22524-12-
2016
DATE: Tuesday, December 6, 2016 REFERENCE NO.: G-18892
LOG NAME: 06ADOPT AND AMEND 2015 I-CODES
SUBJECT:
Adopt Ordinances Adopting and Amending the 2015 Editions of the International Building Code,
International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International
Fuel Gas Code, International Existing Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code and the Fort
Worth Building Administrative Code and Adopt Ordinance Adopting the 2015 International Fire Code with
Local Amendments (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached eight ordinances which include the following:
1. Adoption of the 2015 International Building Code with local amendments as the Building Code of the
City of Fort Worth;
2. Adoption of the 2015 International Residential Code with local amendments as the Residential Code of
the City of Fort Worth;
3. Adoption of the 2015 International Mechanical Code with local amendments as the Mechanical Code of
the City of Fort Worth;
4. Adoption of the 2015 International Plumbing Code and the 2015 International Fuel Gas Code with local
amendments as the Plumbing Code of the City of Fort Worth;
5. Adoption of the 2015 International Existing Building Code with local amendments as the Existing
Building Code of the City of Fort Worth;
6. Adoption of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with local amendments as the Energy
Code of the City of Fort Worth;
7. Adoption of the Fort Worth Building Administrative Code; and
8. Adoption of the 2015 Internal Fire Code and local amendments.
DISCUSSION:
The Fire and Planning and Development Departments have worked to consolidate and coordinate the
amendments in their respective Fire and Building Codes into a single action before the City Council. The
City of Fort Worth has adopted model codes from the International Code Council (ICC), with local
amendments, as the construction codes for the City since 2004. These model codes are reviewed and
updated annually through a national code adoption process. Every three years these changes are
Logname: 06ADOPT AND AMEND 2015 I-CODES Page 1 of 3
codified and published for local adoption. Fort Worth has historically adopted newly published Codes
every six years, most recently adopting the 2009 Codes in 2011. The 2015 edition of ICC codes are the
latest published version offered for adoption. The State of Texas has adopted the 2015 International
Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as the energy code for the State. Planning and Development staff
recommends adopting the 2015 International Codes as the construction codes for the City of Fort Worth.
Construction codes change with the development of new products, materials, construction methods,
technology and as a result of evaluations of natural and man-made disasters. Adoption of current codes
has a positive impact on the City's ISO rating.
The City of Fort Worth local amendments are based on the amendments recommended for regional
adoption by the North Central Texas Council of Governments and our local practices. A committee was
formed to review the City's local amendments including representatives from the Development Advisory
Committee, the Construction Fire Prevention Board of Appeals, the AIA, the Fort Worth Builders
Association, FWISD and TEXO the Association of General Contractors. The Development Advisory
Committee and the Construction Board of Appeals have been briefed on the proposed amendments. The
Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals recommended approval of the adoption of the Codes
on November 11, 2016.
The construction code ordinances will have an effective date of January 1, 2017 for all provisions except
Section 423 of the International Building Code which will be effective April 1, 2017.
The attached ordinance for the Fire Department reflects transition of the Fort Worth Fire Code to the 2015
International Fire Code (IFC) with Local Amendments. All local amendments recommended for the 2015
IFC have been reviewed by the Fire and Planning & Development Departments and have met the
approval of the Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals for recommended adoption at their
public hearing on November 11, 2016.
This action impacts ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.
This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that approval of these recommendations will have no material effect on
City funds.
FUND IDENTIFIERS (FIDs):
TO
�nd Department Account: Project Program ctivity Budget Reference # moun
ID ID Year (Chartfield 2)
FROM
r_61 Department ccoun Project Program ctivity Budget Reference #
ID ID Year (Chartfield 2)
CERTIFICATIONS:
Logname: 06ADOPT AND AMEND 2015 I-CODES Page 2 of 3
Fernando Costa (6122)
Originating Department Head: Randle Harwood (6101)
Additional Information Contact: Allison Gray (8030)
Logname: 06ADOPT AND AMEND 2015 I-CODES Page 3 of 3
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