HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 19602-03-2011ORDINANCE NO. 19602-03-2011
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FORT WORTH RESIDENTIAL CODE, BY
ADOPTING THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, WITH LOCAL
AMENDMENTS; AMENDING SECTIONS 7-61, 7-62, 7-63 AND 7-64 OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF FORT WORTH (1986); REGULATING THE ERECTION,
CONSTRUCTION, ENLARGEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, MOVING, REMOVAL,
DEMOLITION, CONVERSION, OCCUPANCY, EQUIPMENT, DESIGN, QUALITY OF
MATERIALS, USE, HEIGHT, AREA AND MAINTENANCE OF RESIDENTIAL
(DETACHED ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY, AND TOWNHOME) BUILDINGS AND
STRUCTURES IN THE CITY OF FORT WORTH; DEFINING CERTAIN TERMS;
PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND THE COLLECTION OF FEES
THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR THE INSPECTION BUILDINGS; PROVIDING FOR A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING
FOR A PENALTY CLAUSE; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE
CUMULATIVE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN PAMPHLET FORM;
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
That Section 7-61 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) is hereby amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 7-61. THE 2009 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE
ADOPTED.
(a) The Residential Code of the City of Fort Worth is hereby revised and amended to
conform, with certain exceptions as specified below, to the 2009 edition of the International
Residential Code of the International Code Council (ICC), and the same as amended is hereby
adopted as the City's Residential Code.
(b) The following provisions of the Appendix to the 2009 International Residential Code
are hereby specifically adopted as amended as part of the Residential Code of the City of Fort
Worth:
Appendix Chapter G, Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
Appendix Chapter J, Existing Buildings and Structures
Appendix Chapter K, Sound Insulation Requirements for Noise Sensitive Uses near
Airports (local amendment)
Appendix Chapter R, Energy Sustainability (local amendment)
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Appendix Chapter S, 2003 IRC Energy Code provisions (local amendment)
Appendix Chapter T, Docks, Piers and Boathouses (local amendment)
(c) The provisions of the Building Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code and Energy
Code, as adopted elsewhere, shall be used as part of this code for any provision, requirement or
method that does not exist in this code. The Electrical Code, as adopted elsewhere, shall be used
as the Electrical provisions, replacing Chapters 34 through 43 of this code.
(d) One (1) copy of the 2009 edition of the International Residential Code, marked as
Exhibit "A", is incorporated herein by reference and shall be filed in the Office of the City
Secretary for permanent record and inspection.
(e) Any Errata corrections published by the International Code Council for the 2009
International Residential Code, as they are discovered, are considered as part of this code.
SECTION 2.
That Section 7-62 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) is hereby amended to
read as follows:
Sec.7-62. Amendments.
The 2009 edition of the International Residential Code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
*IRC Chapter 1: Chapter 1. "Part I -Scope and Application " and "Part II -
Administration and Enforcement" is deleted and replaced with the followin~•
Chapter 1
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
PART I -SCOPE AND APPLICATION
SECTION R101
GENERAL
R101.1 Title. These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code ~rae-
of the City of Fort Worth, and shall be cited as such and will be referred to
herein as "this code."
R101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code
. shall apply to;
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a. The construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use
and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family
dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a
separate means of egress and their accessory structures. The provisions shall also appl ty o usage
of the surrounding site and access to and from the building structure or site as necessarv to
achieve the purpose of this code, and to obtain compliance with other codes and ordinances of
this jurisdiction.
Exceptions: 1. Live/work units complying with the requirements of Section 419 of the
International Building Code shall be permitted to be built as one- and two-family dwellings
or townhouses. Fire suppression required by Section 419.5 of the International Building
Code when constructed under the International Residential Code for One--and Two family
Dwellings shall conform to Section 903.3.1.3 of the International Building Code or Section
P2904 of this code.
2. Townhouses are permitted to have a private individual fourth level roof deck in
compliance with the following
i. Except for required wards and the minimum required penthouse necessary to
enclose the access stair, the deck shall be unenclosed and unroofed
ii. The minimum re uq fired penthouse necessarv to enclose the access stair shall not
include any other occupiable space.
iii. The open deck shall not exceed 400 square feet.
iv. The Quard shall be constructed of metal. The decking shall be constructed of
water resistant construction, and the structural design plans of the building and
deck shall be stamped by an en ig'neer.
When each unit of the townhouse building _s provided with an automatic sprinkler
system, the fourth level roof deck maybe as listed above and the following_
i. with an automatic sprinkler svstem in accordance with Section 903 3 1 1 or
903.3.1.2 with 903.3.1.2.1 of the Buildin Code:
- the 400 square foot area maybe covered but open on the sides• and
- part of the 400 square feet area may be an enclosed storage room not to
exceed 20 square feet.
ii. with an automatic sprinkler svstem in accordance with 903 3 1 2 (without
903.3.1.2.1) or 903.3.1.3 of the Building Code or Section P2904 of this code the
provisions of "i" above apply except that the canopy must be entirely non-
combustible.
3. When permitted by the Building Code other uses may be constructed in accordance
with this code.
b. The plumbing and plumbing systems outside this jurisdiction if the same are connected to
the city water or sewage s sums.
Exception• Work located primaril iY n a public way public utility towers and poles
mechanical equipment not specificallyregulated in this code and hydraulic flood control
stnich~re~
c. This code is not intended to apply to that work done by the pier employees of the City
or other companies furnishing water in the laving of water mains and services and city sewer
mains and services that are considered as public utilities, nor to the installation of gas distributing
mains and services in the streets, alleys and easements by employees of the has distributing
company
R101.3 Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to
safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength,
means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and
safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to
provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
R101.4 Classification. When referencing other codes, and as used in this code Residential
structures covered by this code shall be considered to be Group R-3 residential uses with Group
U accessory uses, unless a more appropriate occupancy group is assigned by the building_official
SECTION R102
APPLICABILITY
R102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific
requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different
sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements,
the most restrictive shall govern.
R102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any
provisions of local, state or federal law.
R102.3 Application of references. References to chapter or section numbers, or to
provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter,
section or provision of this code.
R102.4 Referenced codes and standards. The codes, when specifically adopted, and
standards referenced in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the
prescribed extent of each such reference. Whenever amendments have been adopted to the
referenced codes and standards, each reference to said code and standard shall be considered to
reference the amendments as well.
Anv reference made to NFPA 70 or the Electrical Code shall mean the Electrical Code as
adopted. Anv reference made to the International Property Maintenance Code shall mean the
provisions of this code, the Fire Code and the Minimum Building Standards Code that apply to
existing structures and premises• equipment and facilities light ventilation space heating,
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sanitation, life and fire safety hazards. responsibilities of owners operators and occupants. and
occupancy of existing_premises and structures.
Where differences occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards,
the provisions of this code shall apply.
Exception: Where enforcement of a code provision would violate the conditions of the
listing of the equipment or appliance, the conditions of the listing and manufacturer's
instructions shall apply.
R102.4.1 Rehabilitation Code. Chapter 34 of the Building Code shall be considered as
the Fort Worth Rehab Code. Any code amendment designed of provide assistance in the
rehabilitation of buildings shall be designated as (RHZ
R102.4.2 State Law. Amendments based on State Law maybe placed in this ordinance
as a tool for information and enforcement purposes and will be identified with its
corresponding State Law house bill or senate bill number (SL - HB # or SB #) Unless State
Law allows, local variances to such provisions are not permitted.
R102.5 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically
referenced in the adopting ordinance. The followingLAppendices are specifically adopted.
Ap pendix Chap ter G, Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
Ap pendix Chap ter J, Existing Buildings and Structures
Ap pendix Cha pter K, Sound Insulation Requirements for Noise Sensitive Uses near
Airports (local amendment
Ap pendix Chapter R, Ener~y Sustainability (local amendment
Ap pendix Chap ter S, 2003 Energyprovisions (local amendment
Ap pendix Chap ter T, Docks, Piers and Boathouses (local amendment
R102.6 Partial invalidity. In the event that any part or provision of this code is held to be
illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or
provisions.
R102.7 Existing structures. The legal occupancy of any structure existing on the date of
adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically
covered in this code, the International Property Maintenance Code or the International Fire
Code, or as is deemed necessary by the building official for the general safety and welfare of the
occupants and the public.
R102.7.1 Additions, alterations or repairs. Additions, alterations or repairs to any
structure shall conform to the requirements for a new structure without requiring the existing
structure to comply with all of the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated.
Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing structure to become unsafe or
adversely affect the performance of the building.
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R102.7.2 Annexation. Upon annexation, all existing structures and buildings are subject
to inspection for compliance with the provisions of Appendix Chapter J or as an unsafe
building of Section R115 of this code the Minimum Building Standards Code and the Fire
Code, except as specifically deleted by such annexation ordinance.
PART II -ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION R103
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
R103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The department of Planning and Development
b~,:,,,:,,,. ~~~ *~~ is hereby created aS Specified in the City Code and shall be referred to as "the
department." ~~,, *,,o c~~,.:,,, ... c,,.,,.ge +t,~,.~~1,,,, ~o ,.,,,,..,., ~ ~~, ,. •,a• ~~~1 Any
reference to the "Department of Building Safety" shall mean the Department of Planning and
Development.
Primary enforcement of the provisions of this code shall rest with the Department of
Planning and Development as specified under the duties and powers of the building official.
The_ provisions of this code maybe enforced by other code enforcement divisions of this city
but interpretation authority shall be retained by the building official.
R103.2 Appointment. The building official shall be appointed as specified in the City Code
R103.3. Deputies. In accordance with prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with
the concurrence of the appointing authority, the building official shall have the authority to
appoint a deputy building official, the related technical officers, inspectors, plan examiners and
other employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the building official.
For the purpose of this code the re larly authorized deputy officials shall be per Part as
follows:
Part V, Mechanical -Chief Mechanical Inspector
Part VI, Fuel Gas -Chief Plumbing Inspector
Part VII, Plumbing -Chief Plumbing Inspector
Part VIII, Electrical -Chief Electrical Inspector
For all other parts, the Assistant Building Official(s) shall be the deputy official.
R103.3.1 Restriction of plumbing employees. An official or employee connected with
the plumbing inspection enforcement of this code shall not be engaged in or directly or
indirectly connected with the furnishing of labor, materials or appliances for the construction
alteration or maintenance of a building; and such officer or employee shall not enga e in any
work that conflicts with official duties or with the interests of the department.
Further no official or employee shall be permitted to work for or be connected with any
master plumber plumbing manufacturer or wholesale plumbing and supply company or do
any plumbing work while employed as a plumbing inspector by the city_
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R103.3.2 Restriction of mechanical employees. An official or employee connected
with the mechanical inspection enforcement of this code shall not be engaged in or directly
or indirectly connected with the furnishing of labor, materials or appliances for the
construction, alteration or maintenance of a building; and such officer or employee shall not
eng~e in any work that conflicts with official duties or with the interests of the department.
Further no official or employee shall be permitted to work for, or be connected with, any
mechanical contractor, HVAC manufacturer or wholesale supply company, or do any
mechanical work while employed as a mechanical inspector by the city
R103.3.3 Restriction of electrical employees. An official or employee connected with
the electrical inspection enforcement of this code shall not be engaged in or directly or
indirectly connected with the furnishing of labor, materials or appliances for the construction,
alteration or maintenance of a building; and such officer or employee shall not engage in any
work that conflicts with official duties or with the interests of the department.
Further no official or employee shall be permitted to work for, or be connected with, any
electrical contractor, electrical manufacturer or wholesale supply company, or do any
electrical work while employed as an electrical inspector by the cites
SECTION R104
DUTIES AND POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL
R104.1 General. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the
provisions of this code. The building official shall have the authority to render interpretations of
this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions.
Such interpretations, policies and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose
of this code. Such policies and procedures shall not have the effect of waiving requirements
specifically provided for in this code.
R104.1.1 Other interpretations. Any provision or local amendment marked in this
code as fFl shall be under the primary interpretation authority of the Fire Chief. Any
provisions marked in the Fire Code or local amendment as [B], f El, f EB], [FG] f M] or [Pl
shall be under the primary interpretation authority of the building of icial.
R104.2 Applications and permits. The building official shall receive applications, review
construction documents and issue permits for the erection, and alteration, demolition and
moving of buildings and structures, inspect the premises for which such permits have been
issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this code.
R104.3 Notices and orders. The building official shall issue all necessary notices or orders
to ensure compliance with this code.
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R104.4 Inspections. The building official is authorized to make all of the required
inspections, or the building official shall have the authority to accept reports of inspection by
approved agencies or individuals. Reports of such inspections shall be in writing and be
certified by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the responsible individual. The
building official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report upon
unusual technical issues that arise, subject to the approval of the appointing authority.
R104.5 Identification. The building official shall carry proper identification when
inspecting structures or premises in the performance of duties under this code.
R104.6 Right of entry. Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions
of this code, or where the building official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a
structure or upon a premises a condition which is contrary to or in violation of this code which
makes the structure or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official or designee
is authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the
duties imposed by this code, provided that if such structure or premises be occupied that
credentials be presented to the occupant and entry requested. If such structure or premises be
unoccupied, the building official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other
person having charge or control of the structure or premises and request entry. If entry is refused,
the building official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry.
An application for a Hermit shall be considered as permission from an authorized
representative to inspect the premises.
When the code official shall have first obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy
provided by law to secure entry, no owner, occupant, or person having charge care or control of
any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made as herein provided to
promptly permit entry therein by the code official for the purpose of inspection and examination
pursuant to this code.
It shall be unlawful for any person to hinder or interfere with the code official deput.~or any
of the inspectors in the discharge of their duties under this code.
R104.7 Department records. The bu~k~g--s~~-l department shall keep official records of
applications received, permits and certificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections, and
notices and orders issued. Such records shall be retained in the official records for the period
required for retention of public records.
R104.8 Liability. The building official, member of the board of appeals or employee charged
with the enforcement of this code, while acting for the jurisdiction in good faith and without
malice in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent law or ordinance,
shall not thereby be rendered liable personally and is hereby relieved from personal liability for
any damage accruing to persons or property as a result of any act or by reason of an act or
omission in the discharge of official duties. Any suit instituted against an officer or employee
because of an act performed by that officer or employee in the lawful discharge of duties and
under the provisions of this code shall be defended by legal representative of the jurisdiction
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until the final termination of the proceedings. The building official or any subordinate shall not
be liable for cost in any action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions
of this code. AnYjud~nent resulting therefrom shall be assumed by this jurisdiction.
R104.8.1 The liability exemption and defense protection provided in this section are not
extended to Third Part~panies, or their emplo e~~ents or assignees.
R104.8.2. This code shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibilitYof
any person owning, operatingi or controlling any building_or structure for anv dama eg s to
persons or property caused by defects nor shall the code enforcement agency or its parent
jurisdiction be held as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspections authorized by
this code or anv permits or certificates issued under this code.
R104.9 Approved materials and equipment. Materials, equipment and devices approved
by the building official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.
R104.9.1 Used materials and equipment. Used materials, equipment and devices shall
not be reused unless approved by the building official.
R104.10 Modifications. Wherever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the
provisions of this code, the building official shall have the authority to grant modifications for
individual cases, provided the building official shall first find that special individual reason
makes the strict letter of this code impractical and the modification is in compliance with the
intent and purpose of this code and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire
safety requirements or structural. The details of any action granting modifications shall be
recorded and entered in the files of the department „~~.,,;'a;„R ~~~ *-~
R104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The
provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit
any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any
such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction
shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and
complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work
offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code.
Compliance with the specific performance-based provisions of the adopted International Codes
in lieu of specific requirements of this code shall also be permitted as an alternate.
R104.11.1 Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the
provisions of this code, or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the
requirements of this code, or in order to substantiate claims for alternative materials or
methods, the building official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of
compliance to be made at no expense to this jurisdiction. Test methods shall be as specified
in this code or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted
test methods, the building official shall approve the testing procedures. Tests shall be
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performed by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be retained by the building
official for the period required for retention of public records.
R104.12 Cooperation of other officials and officers. The building o('acial mawrequest, and
shall receive, the assistance and cooperation of other officials of this jurisdiction so far as is
required in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent law or ordinance.
SECTION R105
PERMITS
R105.1 Required. Any owner1 er authorized agent, individual or contractor who intends to
construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or
structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas,
mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause
any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the
required permit. A separate permit shall be required for each building or structure unless
otherwise authorized by the building official.
R105.1.1 Blasting. Blasting or the use of explosives shall be permitted only in special
circumstances. Such work will require an additional special blasting_permit issued b.
Fire Chief with the approval of the building of acial.
R105.1.2 Bars, grilles, grates. Bars, grilles, gates or similar devices installed on
windows, doors or window wells shall require a permit. (See Fire Code Section 1030.7.)
R105.1.3 Glass replacement. Replacement of glass in existing frame shall comply with
Section AJ103. Replacement of a window frame or sash shall require a permit and comply
with the applicable provisions of the Energy.Code, the Minimum Building Standards Code
and this code.
R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall
not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the
provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be
required for the following:
Building:
1. (deleted)
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high and open wire fences without slats up to 8 feet
(2438 mm) high. In addition, both hei is may have barbed wire when installed in
accordance with City Code, added above the 6 and 8 feet dimension.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of
the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge. (Retaining walls placed
in succession shall be considered one wall if, upon drawing a line from the bottom of the
footing of the lower wall at a 45 degree angle up and towards the higher wall the line
intersects the higher wall or any material retained by the wall at anoint.)
4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons
(18 925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. (deleted)
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets replacement, counter tops replacement, and
similar finish work.
7. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a single Group R-3 occupancy that ~e iess
*'~°„ ''^ ~-'°''°° '~' nmm' a°°„, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 925 Ll and are installed
entirely above ound.
8. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a detached one- and two-family
dwellings.
9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches
(1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Groups R-3
and U occupancies.
10. (deleted)
11. Platforms, walks and decks not more than 6 inches above grade and not over any
basement or story below.
12. Roof repairs on Group R-3 and their accessory structures. For the purpose of this section
roof repairs shall include the repair and replacement of the material above but not
including, the decking material, lathing boards or sheathing boards.
13. Demolition of a structure by the State of Texas for hi way widening,.pu^pr oses.
14. Freestanding satellite dishes not exceeding one meter in diameter that do not exceed 12
feet in height.
Unless otherwise exempted, separate electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits will be
required for the above-exempted items.
Exception: When an umbrella Building Permit is issued for new construction or addition
to one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes, under this code or as an R-3 under the
Building Code, and which contain a fireplace under that Building Permit separate fireplace
permits shall not be required.
Electrical:
1• z'°t"'~ ~~='~ ~: `~ y'=::b ~.~..._~~+~~~°cnzpc^~rarTu@cviut~i=•'~trr~g: Portable motors or other
portable appliances energized by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end
to be connected to an approved receptacle when that cord or cable is permitted by this
code.
2. Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets thereof.
3. Replacement or repair of'~--~„°'' ~:r°~~~* overcurrent devices of the required capacity in
the same location.
4. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25
volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
5. Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps
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6. Taping~oints.
7. Removal of electrical wiring.
8. Low-energy power, control and signal circuits of Classes II and III as defined in the
Electrical Code.
9. Electrical maintenance work that is performed by an individual properly authorized to do
such work.
Gas:
1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approval of equipment or an
~pliance or make such equipment or appliance unsafe.
3. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and or not
interconnected to a power grid.
Mechanical:
1. Any portable heating appliances.
2. Portable ventilation appliances and equ~ment.
3. Portable cooling units.
4. Steam, hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment or
~pliance regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approval of equipment or an
~liance or make such equipment or appliance unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative coolers.
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant
or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
8. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not
interconnected to a power grid.
9. When an umbrella Building Permit is issued for new construction or additions to one- and
two-family dwellings and townhomes, under this code, or as an R-3 under the Building
Code, and which contain a fireplace under that Building Permit separate fireplace
permits shall not be required.
Plumbing:
1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if
any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it
becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be
considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided
in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages in drains, soil, waste and vent piping or the repairing of leaks
in pipes, valves or fixtures~e.
3. Removal and reinstallation of exposed traps; replacement of valves nipples to sinks and
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lavatories; replacement of plumbing fixtures, water closets, ag rba e dis op sa1s,
dishwashers, clothes washers and similar appliances, provided that in all cases such
repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or
fixtures.
Exception: Replacement of water heaters and shower pans shall require a permit.
4. In a manufactured home or recreational vehicle park, 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 connection of any such trap to an appropriate inlet fitting
provided in the building sewer by the permittee constructing such sewer.
N~~erson shall do plumbing, fuel gas, electrical or mechanical work with or without a
permit, in violation of the State of Texas laws governing such trades.
R105.2.1 Emergency repairs. Where equipment replacements and repairs must be
performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted with the next
working business day to the building official.
R105.2.2 Repairs. Application or notice to the building official is not required for
ordinary repairs to structures, replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable
electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles. Such repairs shall not
include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of
any structural beam or load-bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means
of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; nor shall
ordinary repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any water
supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring
or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.
R105.2.3 Public service agencies. A permit shall not be required for *'~° :r°*°"~*~°''
crazzc~rr-vr-c2~t'1~~9~~~0", ~'vr~arrcrivtrcrvrr-6~~ccrnx~-vrvrrrcncmtctc
~qu~t work located primarily in a public way public utility towers and poles and
hydraulic floor control structures that is under the ownership and control of public service
agencies or government agency by established right and not specifically regulated in this
code.
R105.3 Application for Permit. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an
application therefor in writing on a form furnished by the department ^~~.,,:'a:^^ ~^~ *'~ for that
purpose. Such application shall:
1. Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is
made.
2. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street
address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the
proposed building or work.
14
3. Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposed work is intended.
4. Be accompanied by construction documents and other information as required in
Section R106.1.
5. State the valuation of the proposed work.
6. Be signed by the applicant or the applicant's authorized agent.
7. Give such other data and information as required by the building official.
When permits are restricted to licensed and/or registered individuals as required by this or
other codes and ordinances, permits shall only be issued to those such individuals as specified in
this code and those other codes or ordinances.
R105.3.1 Action on application. The building official shall examine or cause to be
examined applications for permits and amendments thereto within a reasonable time after
filing. If the application or the construction documents do not conform to the requirements
of pertinent laws, the building official shall reject such application in writing, stating the
reasons therefor. If the building official is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the
requirements of this code and laws and ordinances applicable thereto, the building official
shall issue a permit therefor as soon as practicable.
R105.3.2
Expiration of plan review. Applications for which no permit is issued within 180 days
following the date of application shall expire b~limitation, and construction documents and
other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by
the buildingofficial.
If the applicant submits a request for extension before the expiration date, showing that
circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from bein tg aken,
the building of acial may extend the time for a period not exceeding 180 days. No application
shall be extended more than once.
If the applicant submits a request for extension after but within 90 days of the ex iration
date, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee. The application shall
be subject to any new adopted laws, ordinances and regulations that became effective since
the on i~pplication date.
R105.3.3 Group R, Division 3 and accessory structures. Permits for the remodel or
addition to Group R, Division 3 Occupancies or their accessory structures, shall only be
issued to individuals or contractors registered in accordance with Section R117 of this code.
Exception: The property owner, where the work that requires a permit is being
performed by the owner only, need not be registered.
15
R105.4 Validity of permit. The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be
a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other
ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the
provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. The issuance of
a permit based on construction documents and other data shall not prevent the building official
from requiring the correction of errors in the construction documents and other data. The
building official is also authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure where in violation
of this code or of any other ordinances of this jurisdiction. See Section R113.1.2.
R105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site
authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work
authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after
the time the work is commenced. T'~°''°•"-''~~ ~~°~°' ~ "*~^'~~°a *^ •-'- '~* -~*:,,,. ^
::?:: °. 83~rt21}Si6i~S-91--ttttYe~Hr-~3P1~9 E~S~A~vr +~-cnisirT~~Elrcr`'TG~C~i~rtii~c~Ec2~1 1. 11 1.
avl~MV~l.v,s 111 Y111~l11s N114 JNUl111lAV1V VUUn
When work has commenced but has been suspended or abandoned for more than 180 days
before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained to do so and the fee
therefor shall be one half the amount required for a new permit for such work provided no
changes have been made or will be made in the on 'nal plans and specifications for such work
and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year
When work has not commenced an~permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for
an extension of the time. The building of acial may extend the time for action by the permittee for
a period not exceeding 180 days on written request b~he permittee showing that circumstances
beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken No permit shall be
extended more than once. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration the permittee
shall pay a new full permit fee and comply with all codes and ordinances applicable at that time
R105.6 Suspension or revocation. The building official is authorized to suspend or revoke a
permit issued under the provisions of this code wherever the permit is issued in error or on the
basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in violation of any ordinance or
regulation or any of the provisions of this code.
R105.8 Responsibility. It shall be the duty of every person who performs work for the
installation or repair of building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, for
which this code is applicable, to comply with this code.
R105.9 Preliminary inspection. Before issuing a permit, the building official is authorized
to examine or cause to be examined buildings, structures and sites for which an application has
been filed.
16
SECTION R106
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
R106.1 Submittal documents. Submittal documents consisting of construction documents,
and other data shall be submitted in two or more sets with each application for a permit. The
construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by
the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. Where special conditions
exist, the building official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be
prepared by a registered design professional.
Exception: The building official is authorized to waive the submission of construction
documents and other data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it
is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of construction
documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.
The building official may require plans computations and specifications to be prepared and
designed b awn engineer or architect licensed by the State of Texas to practice as such even if not
required by state law.
Retaining walls for which a permit is required shall require the submittal of plans that are
prepared by an engineer licensed by the State of Texas to practice as such.
SL - HB 264/20091 Buildings _regulated under this code that contain a new or existin
residential component must provide engineered foundation plans as follows:
1. All new construction, when containing a residential com op nent•
2. Anv new outward addition exceedin Sg_00 sq.ft. in foundation area when the existing
or the new area contains a residential component• and
3. Anv new upward additions, such as addin or expanding a 2"d floor when the
existing or new area contains a residential component and the foundation is to be or
is required to be, upgraded. If the existing foundation is adequate an engineer review
is not required.
Residential component will include living quarters sleeping~uarters etc as might occur in a
"mother-in-law" accessory building. Anon-residential addition such as a garage that ties into
the residential dwelling would need to comply if over 500 sq ft Such plans shall be designed by
a professional engineered registered in the State of Texas.
Lake Worth docks, piers or boathouses. The following provisions apply for permit
submittal for docks, piers or boathouses on Lake Worth. See also Appendix T of this code
(a) Persons seekin~to construct a Dock, Pier or Boathouse or Walkway must submit to two
(2) complete sets of the project plans for the Structure, which shall include but not limited
to the anchoring system, and any Walkways or Bridges that will attach to the proposed
Struchire_
17
(b) When an existing Structure will be used as part of the newly proposed Structure the
project plans must include a complete description of the existing Structure.
(c) The project plans must include a description of the site that shows the location of the
primary lot, the extension of property lines out into the water area and a key plan either
included on the site plan or on a separate sheet to show the location on or to the body of
water.
(d) If the prescriptive methods described in Section T3606 are not followed or an en ineered
design is required by the building official then the project plans must be signed and
sealed by an RPE and contain a statement that the proposed Structure complies with the
specifications set forth in this code.
(e) Each project plan set must also include a copy of the manufacturer's certified plans for
any components that will be part of the structure such as lifts deckin railing or awning
systems.
(fl The project plans and manufacturer's certified plans must be based upon the actual
conditions at the site of the proposed Structure.
106.1.1 Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be
dimensioned and drawn upon suitable material. Electronic media documents are permitted to
be submitted when approved by the building official. Construction documents shall be of
sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in
detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules
and regulations, as determined by the building official.
Where required by the building official, all braced wall lines, shall be identified on the
construction documents and all pertinent information including, but not limited to, bracing
methods, location and length of braced wall panels, foundation requirements of braced wall
panels at top and bottom shall be provided.
Plans and specifications shall be drawn to scale.
106.1.1.1 Braced wall lines. Any structure regulated by this code shall submit a Braced
Wall Line plan in accordance with the adopted policy_
Exceptions: 1. Structures not exceeding 500 sq.ft.
2. Structures that are designed by an engineer licensed to practice in the State of
Texas where the plans include the framing (wall floor and ceiling_joists and roof
rafters), as well as, wall bracing method.
R106.1.1.2 Energy Certificate. Either as an insert on the plans or as a separate
attachment, a representation of the Energy Certificate required by Section N1101 9 shall be
depicted with the information inserted as follows:
18
(Builder Name if desired
Residential Energy Efficiency
Certificate
This energy certificate shall be posted as
required by City ordinance. This residential
unit was built in accordance with the 2009 Fort
Worth Energy Code with the following energy
compliance materials.
Insulation:
Wall:
Roof/Attic/Ceiling:
Floor:
Ducts:
Windows:
U-factor
SHGC
Doors: U-factor
Heating:
Cooling:
Water Heater:
Other:
Where necessary, the certificate may be expanded to include other items In order to
allow mass production of labels for Master Home plans no address is required to be
specified. However, a builder may desire to add an address line or a house model number
Posting of the certificate shall be as specified in Section N1101.9.
R106.1.1.3 Sill Hei~ht/Window fall protection. The method for compliance with the
window sill/fall protection requirements of Sections R310 R612.2 and R612 3 shall be noted
on the plans.
R106.1.1.4 Pool Entrapment. All permits for residential pools must submit an
entrapment compliance form as provided by the Building Official.
R106.1.2 Manufacturer's installation
instructions, as required by this code, shall
inspection.
instruction. Manufacturer's installation
be available on the job site at the time of
R106.2 Site plan or plot plan. The construction documents submitted with the application
for permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new
construction and existing structures on the site and distances from lot lines. In the case of
demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the location and size of
existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site or plot. The building official is
19
authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan when the application for permit is
for alteration or repair or when otherwise warranted.
R106.3 Examination of documents. The building official shall examine or cause to be
examined the construction documents for Eede compliance with the requirements of this code
and other pertinent laws or ordinances.
Such plans may be reviewed by other departments of this jurisdiction to verif~pliance
with any applicable laws under their jurisdiction. If the building official finds that the work
described in an application for a permit and the plans, specifications and other data filed
therewith conform to the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and
that the fees specified in Section R108 have been paid, the building official shall issue a permit
therefor to the applicant.
Exception: When plan review is performed by a Third Party Organization as
specified in Section R116, the buildingofficial, at his discretion, may only review what
he deems necessary to insure a quality control of the review already performed.
R106.3.1 Approval of construction documents. When the building official issues a
permit, the construction documents shall be approved in writing or by stamp, which states
"APPROVED~~~~~'~-~-EoR rnn~ rn~,rnr r n ~rr~ » One set of construction
documents so reviewed shall be retained by the building official. The other set shall be
returned to the applicant, shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by
the building official or a duly authorized representative.
R106.3.2 Previous approvals. This code shall not require changes in the construction
documents, construction or designated occupancy of a structure for which a lawful permit has
been heretofore issued or otherwise lawfully authorized, and the construction of which has
been pursued in good faith within 180 days after the effective date of this code and has not
been abandoned.
R106.3.3 Phased approval. The building official is authorized to issue a permit for the
construction of foundations or any other part of a building or structure before the
construction documents for the whole building or structure have been submitted, provided
that adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with pertinent
requirements of this code. The holder of such permit for the foundation or other parts of a
building or structure shall proceed at the holder's own risk with the building operation and
without assurance that a permit for the entire structure will be granted.
R106.4 Amended construction documents. Work shall be installed in accordance with the
approved construction documents, and any changes made during construction that are not in
compliance with the approved construction documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an
amended set of construction documents.
20
R106.5 Retention of construction documents. One set of approved construction documents
shall be retained by the building official for a period of not less than 90 ~9 days from date of
completion of the permitted work, or as required by state or local laws.
R106.6 Residential master plans. All Master Plans on file with the department will be
considered obsolete with the adoption of this code. Unless picked up by the owner within 90
days after the effective date of this code, those plans may be disposed of. Home builders may
submit new master plans in preparation of the effective date of this code.
When Master Plans are registered with the building official for use with an expedited permit
issuance program, the applicant shall pay a nonrefundable registration fee per plan as specified in
Section R118, Table No. 1-B.
SECTION R107
TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND USES
R107.1 General. The building official is authorized to issue a permit for temporary
structures and temporary uses in accordance with Section 108 of the Building_Code. Such
permits shall be limited as to time of service, but shall not be permitted for more than 180 days.
The building official is authorized to grant extensions for demonstrated cause.
R107.2 Conformance. Temporary structures and uses shall conform to the structural
strength, fire safety, means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation, energy and sanitary
requirements of this code, as deemed appropriate by the building official and Fire Chief, as
necessary to ensure the public health, safety and general welfare.
R107.3 Temporary power. The building official is authorized to give permission to
temporarily supply and use power in part of an electric installation before such installation has
been fully completed and the final certificate of completion has been issued. The part covered
by the temporary certificate shall comply with the requirements specified for temporary lighting,
heat or power in NFPA 70.
R107.4 Termination of approval. The building official is authorized to terminate such
permit for a temporary structure or use and to order the temporary structure or use to be
discontinued.
21
SECTION R108
FEES
R108.1 Payment of fees. A permit shall not be valid until the fees prescribed by law have
been paid. Nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee, if any, has
been paid.
R108.2 Schedule of permit fees. On buildings, structures, electrical, gas, mechanical and
plumbing systems or alterations requiring a permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid as
required, in accordance with Section R118, Table 1-B and the schedule as established by the
Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Codes ° „'~°~"'° R «*'~°ri~<~
R108.3 Building permit valuations. The applicant for a permit shall provide an estimated
permit value at time of application. Building permit valuation shall include total value of the
work for which a permit is being issued, such as electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing equipment
and other permanent systems, including materials and labor. If, in the opinion of the building
official the valuation is underestimated on the application the permit shall be denied unless the
applicant can show detailed estimates to meet the approval of the building official. Final
building permit valuation shall be set by the building official.
Exception: When other than new construction or addition, individual permit fees shall
be required per trade. The building permit fee will be based upon the valuation as
determined by the building o fficial for that work only. The fee for other trade permits will be
subject to the appropriate codes.
R108.4 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or
demolition for work done in connection with or concurrently with the work authorized by a
building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other
fees that are prescribed by law.
R108.5 Fee refunds. The building official is authorized to establish a refund policy. The
building official may authorize refundin of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneouslypaid
or collected.
The buildin~offcial may authorize the refunding of fees paid as specified in the Building,
Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Codes.
R108.6 ,
Investigation fees: Work without a permit.
R108.6.1 Investigation. Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this code
has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a special investigation shall be
made before a permit maybe issued for such work.
22
R108.6.2 Fee. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected
whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to
the amount of the permit fee required by this code. The payment of such investigation fee
shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code nor from
any penalty prescribed by law.
Use of the third party plan review or inspection option, will not reduce or lower the
investigation fee required by this section.
The applicant may appeal the amount of an investigation fee to the city council by filing a
written appeal showing the reasons why the fee should be lowered. The city council may,
upon a finding that the investigation fee is unreasonable based upon the facts presented,
reduce the investigation fee, but in no case may the fee be reduced to less than the actual
investigation costs incurred by the city.
R108.7 Reinspection fees. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or
reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or
when corrections called for are not made.
This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is
reiected for failure to comply with the requirements of this code, but as controlling the
practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees may be assessed when the inspection record card is not posted or
otherwise available on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the
inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested or for
deviating from plans requirin tg he approval of the code official.
To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall file an application therefor in writin on a
form furnished for that purpose and pay the reinspection fee in accordance with Section
Rl 18, Table 1-B or as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the jurisdiction.
In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the
work will be performed until the required fees have been paid.
Exception: The fee will not be required for those applicants meeting exception 3
Section 109.2.1 of the Building_Code.
R108.8 Administrative Hold. Any administrative discrepancy including but not limited to
delinquency in payments, returned checks, failure to pay for reinspection investigation or
registration fees, and failure to keep registration, insurance or bond up-to-date may result in a
hold being placed on issuance of permits and performance of inspections of existing_permits until
the administrative discrepancy is corrected. For the purpose of this section the term "up-to-
date" shall mean that whenever any of these items are required by this or any other ordinance to
23
obtain a permit covered by this code, it shall be maintained current and in effect until the permit
is finaled.
SECTION R109
INSPECTIONS
R1091
General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection
by the building official and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for
inspection purposes until approved.
Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of
the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to
give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the
jurisdiction shall not be valid. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to
remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the building official nor the
jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material
required to allow inspection.
Exception: When approved by the building_official the inspection process as required
by this code may be performed by an approved Third Party Organization as specified in
Section R 1 1 fi.
A survey of the lot made required by the building official to verify that the structure is
located in accordance with the ap rp owed lans.
R109.1.1 Inspection Record Card. Work requiring a permit shall not be commenced
until the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder shall have posted or otherwise made
available an inspection record card such as to allow the building official to conveniently
make the reauired entries thereon re arding inspection of the work This card shall be
maintained available by the permit holder until final approval has been granted by the
building official.
R109.2 Preliminar ins ection. Before issuin a ermit the buildin o icial is authorized
to examine or cause to be examined buildings structures and sites for which an application has
been filed.
R109.3 Required Inspections. The building official upon notification shall make the
inspections set forth in Sections R109.3.1 through R109.3.9.
R109.3.1 Underground inspection. Underground inspection of electrical mechanical
plumbing and gas systems shall be made in accordance with the Electrical Mechanical and
Plumbing Codes. Such inspections shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and
bedded, piping installed, and before any backffill is put in place.
24
R~1 109.3.2 Footing, pier and foundation inspection. Inspection of the footing,
iep rand foundation shall be made after poles or piers are set or trenches or basement areas
are excavated and any required forms erected and any required reinforcing steel is in place
and supported prior to the placing of concrete. The foundation inspection shall include
excavations for thickened slabs intended for the support of bearing walls, partitions,
structural supports, or equipment and special requirements for wood foundations.
R109.3.2.1 Termite protection and drainage slope. In conjunction with the
inspection of Section R109.3.2, the foundation height shall be evaluated to insure
compliance with the provisions of Sections R401.3, R403.1.1 and Figure 403.1.1. If the
foundation height is not sufficient to provide compliance with the required edge
exposure, or high enou~,h to allow the proper of finish grade to meet the drainage
provisions, it shall be turned down.
R109.3.3 Concrete slab or under-floor inspection. Concrete slab and under-floor
inspections shall be made after in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building service
equipment, conduit Wiping accessories and other ancillar ~ equ~ment items are in place but
before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed including the subfloor.
R'~-109.3.4 Plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems inspection.
Rough inspection of plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems shall be made prior to
covering or concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed, and prior to
framing inspection. When approved by the buildingofficial, such inspections may be made
at the same time as the framing inspection.
Exception: Back-filling of ground-source heat pump loop systems tested in
accordance with Section M2105.1 prior to inspection shall be permitted.
R~1:3-109.3.5 Floodplain inspections. For construction in areas prone to flooding as
established by Table R301.2(1), upon placement of the lowest floor, including basement, and
prior to further vertical construction, the building official may sl~l require submission of
documentation, prepared and sealed by a registered design professional, of the elevation of
the lowest floor, including basement, required in Section R322.
R' n~109.3.6 Frame and masonry inspection. Inspection of framing and ~
construction shall be made after the roof deck or sheathing, rnase~y, all framing,
firestopping, drafstopping and bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys and vents to be
concealed are complete and after the rough plumbing, mechanical and electrical rough
inspections are approved. Inspection of masonry shall be made after installation except that
brick ties shall be made as part of the framing inspection.
R109.3.6.1 Emergency escape and window sill height/fall protection. The framing
inspection shall include confirmin compliance with the window sill height and fall
protection provisions of Sections R310, R612.2 and R612.3.
25
R109.3.7 Energy efficiency inspections. Inspections shall be made to determine
compliance with Chapter 11 and shall include, but not be limited to, inspections for:
envelope insulation R- and U-values, fenestration U-value, duct system R-value, and HVAC
and water-heating equipment efficiency. (See IRC Energy Inspection Check List as provided
b. tie department.)
R' "~~-109.3.8 Other inspections. In addition to the called inspections above, the
building official may make or require any other inspections to ascertain compliance with this
code and other laws enforced by the building official.
R4~~109.3.9 Final inspection. Final inspection shall be made after the permitted
work is complete and prior to occupancy.
After approval of a final inspection, the applicant or tenant shall have 60 days in which to
obtain a certificate of occupancy, when one is required. Where no such action to obtain a
certificate of occupancy is taken within 60 days, an Ordinance Inspection with the
appropriate fees will be required to continue any action.
R489:~109.4 Inspection agencies. The building official is authorized to accept reports of
approved inspection agencies, provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to
qualifications and reliability.
R~-109.5 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their duly
authorized agent to notify the building official that such work is ready for inspection. It shall be
the duty of the person requesting inspections required by this code to provide access to and
means for inspections of such work. The person doing the work authorized by the permit shall
make sure that the work will stand tests prescribed elsewhere in this code, beforeig wing the
above notification.
When the work is within a residence where access is dependent upon the occupant being
home, it shall be the duty of the person doing the work to make arrangements for inspections.
Failure to make arrangements within a timely manner or the inability for the inspector to do the
inspections at the arranged times will result in reinspection fees being assessed to the person
doing the work.
Exception: If the reinspection fee was fora "Final Inspection" for a residence where
access is dependent upon the occupant, after the fee has been paid by the person doing
the work additional arrangements for the final inspection and penalties for not receiving
such inspection shall fall on the occupant.
This shall not relieve the person doing the work from having to correct improper
work and such accompanying_penalties should the work fail reinspection.
R~4-109.6 Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in
each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official. The
26
building official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate
the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or notify the permit holder or an
agent of the permit holder wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do
not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized
by the building official.
R109.6.1 Covered work. Any work covered or concealed without inspection shall be
considered to constitute an unsafe structure and subject to the corrective provisions of
Section R115. Such consideration as an unsafe structure shall exist every day until the work
is inspected and approved as being in compliance with this code Inspections will not be
performed until a valid active permit is obtained in accordance with this code
SECTION R110
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
R110.1 Use and occupancy. No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no
change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall
be made, until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor as provided
herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation
of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to
give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the
jurisdiction shall not be valid.
Exceptions: 1. F~..t;~^„~o ,.~ ^ „Y., ,.~..,,.^ ~„~ ,. oa ~ ,.,. ~~ ~....... :~..
h ` ll1 V 1
2. One- and Two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by this code and their
associated accessory ~~3~ buildings or structures.
3. Community Homes, as defined in the Zoning Code.
R110.2 Change in use. Changes in the character or use of an existing structure shall not be
made except as follows:
1. When the new use is regulated by this code, such buildings and structures are brought
into compliance with this code as for new construction• and
2. When the new use is regulated by the Building Code such buildings and structures are
brought into compliance as specified in Chapter 34 n~t~ens-Savo-and~~ of the
International Building Code; and,
3. When the change involves a change in character onl the applicable provisions that
apply to the new character shall apply.
R110.3 Certificate Issued. After the building official inspects the building or structure and
finds no violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the
department ^~ ~.„:~,a;,,,, ~~~°*~•, and clearances have been obtained from all other applicable
27
agencies, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy which shall contain the
following:
1. The building permit number.
2. The address, legal description and zoning of theme location.
3. The name and address of the business or property owner.
4. A description of that portion of the structure or property for which the certificate is
issued.
5. A statement that the described portion of the structure or property has been inspected for
compliance with the requirements of this code for the occupancy and division of
occupancy and the use for which the posed occupancy is classified.
6. The name of the building official and the issuing individual.
7. rrt,o oa;~;,,., „~~i,o ,.,,ao , ~ao.. ,~.t,;,.t, ~t,o .. ,,,,.;* .t oa
8.
9. Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
10. The desi occupant load.
11. The use and occupancy classification.
12. The type of construction as defined in the Building Code•
For existing uses required to obtain a certificate of occupancy to comply with Section 4607
of the Building Code, the building o~cial may issue a certificate where evidence is provided
showing the building complied with the ordinances in effect at the time of construction or last
occupancy. The building- official, at his discretion, may accept documents, including but not
limited to, old permits, old certificate of occupancies, affidavits, tax records and business records
a~ evidence-
8110.4 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary
certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit,
provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The building official shall set a
time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.
8110.5 Revocation. The building official Thal-1 is authorized to, in writing, suspend or revoke
a certificate of occupancy issued under the provisions of this code, or other applicable provision,
wherever the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or
where it is determined that the building1 er structure or propert~or portion thereof is in violation
of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.
In addition, where any unsafe condition results from the use of any utilities in noncompliance
with said certificate of occupancy or this code, the building official may order in writing that
such utilities be disconnected.
The certificate of occupancy shall remain the property of the City of Fort Worth and shall be
surrendered upon request.
8110.6 Posting. The certificate of occupancy shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the
premises and shall not be removed except by the building official.
28
SECTION Rlll
SERVICE UTILITIES
Rlll.l Connection of service utilities. No person shall make connections from a utility,
source of energy, fuel or power to any building or system that is regulated by this code for which
a permit is required, until approved by the building official.
R111.2 Temporary connection. The building official shall have the authority to authorize
and approve the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility, source of energy,
fuel or power.
R111.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities. The building official shall have the
authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or system
regulated by this code and the referenced codes and standards set forth in Section R102.4 in case
of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or when such
utility connection has been made without the approval required by Section R111.1 or R111.2.
The building official shall notify the serving utility, and wherever possible the owner and
occupant of the building, structure or service system of the decision to disconnect prior to taking
such action. If not notified prior to disconnecting, the owner or occupant of the building,
structure or service system shall be notified in writing, as soon as practical thereafter.
SECTION R112
CONSTRUCTION AND FIRE PREVENTION BOARD OF APPEALS
R112.1 General. Applications for appeals shall be made to the Construction and Fire
Prevention Board of Appeals as authorized and provided for in the Building Code. All
references to the "Board" shall be deemed to refer to the Construction and Fire Prevention Board
of Appeals.
SECTION R113
VIOLATIONS
R113.1 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect,
construct, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, demolish or occupy any building, structure or
equipment regulated by this code, or cause same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of
any of the provisions of this code.
R113.1.1 Unsafe buildings. Failure to correct an unsafe building as provided for in
Sections R109.6.1 or R115 shall constitute a violation of this code.
R113.1.2 Occupancy violations. Whenever any site building structure or equipment
therein regulated by this code or any other code is being used contrary to the provisions of
29
this code or anv other code, the building official may order such use discontinued and the
structure, or portion thereof, vacated by notice served on anv person causing such use to be
continued.
Such person shall discontinue the use within the time prescribed by the buildingofficial
after receipt of such notice to make the site building structure or portion thereof or
equipment comply with the requirements of this code.
R113.1.3 Failure to comply with notice. Failure to comply with a notice shall be
considered a violation of this code.
R113.2 Notice of violation. The building official is authorized to serve a notice of violation
or order on the person responsible for the erection, construction, alteration, extension, repair,
moving, removal, demolition or occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the
provisions of this code, or in violation of a detail statement or a plan approved thereunder, or in
violation of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code. Such order shall
direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.
Exception: Citations for violations of this code may be issued without requiring the
issuance of a notice. When a notice is issued, it is not necessary to reissue a notice prior to
issuance of anv further citations for the same violation, at the same or at different locations
R113.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with in the time
prescribed by such notice, the building official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the
jurisdiction to institute the appropriate proceedings at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate
such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the
building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made
pursuant hereto.
R113.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to
comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a
building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the
building official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be
subject to penalties as prescribed by law.
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
prescribed by law.
SECTION R114
STOP WORK ORDER
R114.1 Authority. Whenever the building official finds any work regulated by this code
being performed in a manner either contrary to the provisions of this code or dangerous or
unsafe, the building official is authorized to issue a stop work order.
30
R~1~1= 114.2 Notice to owner. Upon notice from the building official that work on any
building or structure is being prosecuted contrary to the provisions of this code or in an unsafe
and dangerous manner, such work shall be immediately stopped. The stop work order shall be in
writing and shall be given to the owner of the property involved,. or to the owner's agent, or to
the person doing the work and shall state the conditions under which work will be permitted to
resume.
xp
R~-14:114.3 Unlawful continuance. Any person who shall continue any work h~
*'~°~ after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is
directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to penalties as
prescribed bylaw.
SECTION R115
UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT
R115.1 Conditions. Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe,
insanitary or deficient because of inadequate means ogress facilities, inadequate li t and
ventilation, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or to the
public welfare, or that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be
deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe
as the building official deems necessary and as provided for in this section.
A vacant structure that is not secured against entry shall be deemed unsafe. Materials used to
secure a structure, which deteriorate or increase in susceptibility to fire hazard over time, shall be
replaced or treated to eliminate the increase of the hazard.
R115.1.1 Unsafe buildings. Any use of buildings or structures constituting a hazard to
safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation,
obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or abandonment is, for the purpose of this
section, an unsafe use. Parapet walls, cornices, spires, towers, tanks, statuary and other
appendages or structural members that are supported by, attached to, or a part of a building
and that are in deteriorated condition or otherwise unable to sustain the design loads that are
specified in this code are hereby designated as unsafe building appendages.
All such unsafe buildings, structures or appendages are hereby declared to be public
nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in accordance
with the procedures set forth in this code or such alternate procedures as may have been or as
may be adopted by this jurisdiction. As an alternative, the building official, or other
employee or official of this jurisdiction as designated by the governing body, may institute
any other appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct or abate the violation.
R115.1.2 Covered work. Any work covered or concealed without inspection shall be
considered to constitute an unsafe structure. Such consideration as an unsafe structure shall
31
exist every day until the work is inspected and approved as being in compliance with this
code. Inspections will not be performed until a valid active permit is obtained in accordance
with this code.
R115.1.3 Dangerous Demolition. The building off cial may order the cessation of the
wrecking or demolition of any building or structure within the City when the same is being
accomplished in a reckless or careless manner or in such a manner so as to endanger life and
property. When such work has been ordered stopped by the building o fficial same shall not
be resumed until said official is satisfied that adequate precautions have been or will be taken
for protection for life and property. To continue such work without the expressed approval
of the building official shall constitute a violation of this ordinance and each day that such
work continues shall constitute a separate offense. (Also, see Section 3303 of the Building
Code.
R115.1.4 Dangerous excavation, embankment or fill. See Section 1801.3 of the
Building Code•
R115.2 Record. The building official shall cause a report to be filed on an unsafe condition.
The report shall state the occupancy of the structure and the nature of the unsafe condition.
R115.3 Notice. If an unsafe condition is found, the building_offcial shall serve on the
owner, agent or person in control of the structure, a written notice that describes the condition
deemed unsafe and specified the required repairs or improvements to be made to abate the unsafe
condition, or that requires the unsafe structure to be demolished within a stipulated time
R115.4 Method of service. Such notice shall be deemed properly served if delivered in
accordance with the standard method accepted bathe jurisdiction.
R115.5 Restoration. The structure or equipment determined to be unsafe by the building
off cial is permitted to be restored to a safe condition.
SECTION R116
THIRD PARTY PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION
R116.1 When approved by the building o fficial Third Party Organizations maybe permitted
to_perform the plan review and/or field inspection provisions of this code. When authorized to
perform services, the Third Part~ganization shall comply with the provisions of the Building
Code.
32
SECTION R117
INDIVIDUAL OR CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY
DWELLINGS AND TOWNHOUSES (GROUP R, DIVISION 3 OCCUPANCIES) OR
THEIR ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
R117.1 General. Each individual or business shall list its principals and an official in its
employ, who will be designated as controlling officer. The controlling officer shall be
responsible for all permits obtained by him or any employee of his business. Each registered
business shall notify the City of Fort Worth, in writing of its permanent business address and the
residential address of its designated official.
R117.2 Fees. A nonrefundable registration fee as specified in Table No 1-B shall be paid
and it shall be valid for a one year period from the date ofpayment.
R117.3 Individual or contractor identification.
1. Each job site in which a permit is issued to a registered individual or contractor shall be
identified with a sign located in the front yard or on the structure front so as to be visible to the
street. The sign may not be larger than two (2) feet by two 2) feet and no smaller than one and
one-half (I -1 /2 feet by one and one-half (1-1 /2) feet and must display the individual or
contractor's business name and the registration number. The registration number shall be no
smaller than two and one-half (2-1/2) inches high.
2. Signs must be posted not more than three days before construction begins must remain
posted during construction and must be removed not more than three days after the final
inspection is approved b the cites
3. Signs on projects without a permit and signs put up for longer periods than what is
justified by item 2 above will be considered advertising and must comply with the appropriate
codes and ordinances.
R117.4 Work performed by employees All work performed under a permit to a registered
individual or contractor must be performed by persons in their direct employ For the pu orp se of
this section, the term "direct employ" shall include individuals receivin are lar paycheck as
payment for performance of duties, as well as, subcontractors for which under the provisions of
this section, the registered individual or contractor is takin res onsibility for their work
performance. It shall not allow for homeowners to obtain a permit without registration but hire
others to do the work.
Individuals or Contractors using their registration to permit jobs for other non-re isgi tered
individuals will be considered, as well as those non-registered individuals to be in violation of
this code.
R117.5 Revocation of registration. Registration maybe revoked by the building official for
due cause. The Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals may hear revocation appeals
b~pplicants desiring reinstatement.
33
SECTION R118 -FEE TABLE
TABLE NO. 1-B
1. CFPBOA Application Fee
(1st item per address) . $125.00
(Each additional item per address) 30.00
2. Permit Application Fee 22.00
3. Demolition and Moving Fees
Square Footage 1 through 1,000 67.00
1,001 through 2,000 136.00
2,001 through 3,000 254.00
3,001 through 5,000 381.00
5,001 through 10,000 510.00
10,001 through 20,000 682.00
20,001 and above 1364.00
4. Change of Occupancy Permit Fee . 72.00
5. Ordinance Inspection Fee (per inspector) 30.00
6. Inspection (Orange) Card Replacement 22.00
7. Record Change Fee (per record or permit) 22.00
8. Plan Review Deposit*
those requiring circulation .(40.00) 220.00
those without circulation .(20.00) 85.00
9. Residential Master Plan Registration 60.00
10. Vendor Certificate of Occupancy for Temporary Vendors 60.00
11. Sidewalk Cafes (valid for one year) 150.00
*Deposit is not required for additions and remodels to existing Group R-3 Occupancies, and for additions, remodels or new construction of their
accessory structures. Where the plan review is preformed under the third party option, the deposit shall be the amount in Q.
Other Inspections and Fees:
1. Inspections outside of normal business hours (minimum of two hours)
2. Reinspection fee
3. Inspections for which no fee is specifically indicated
(minimum charge -one-half hour)
4. Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions
to plans (minimum charge -one-half hour)
for 3`d party Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing & Energy
5. Inspections outside of city limits (commercial)
(residential)
' Or $33.00 per hour, whichever is greater.
$38.00 per hour
$27.50
$38.00 per hour
$38.00 per hour
$16.50
$49.50' per inspector
$66.00 total
34
Part II -Definitions
IRC SECTION R202
*IRC Section R202; definitions are deleted, changed and new definitions are added to
read as follows:
ADDITION. An extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure. For use
in Chapter 11, Ener~y Efficiency, the definition shall also mean "An extension or increase in the
conditioned space floor area or height of a building_or structure."
ATTIC. The space between the ceiling beams of the top story and the roof rafters. The
installation of decking, other than the minimum decking required for equipment access and
maintenance, shall be considered another floor.
ATTIC, HABITABLE. (deleted)
BASEMENT. That portion of a building A stow that is not a
story above grade plane (see "Story above grade lp ane").
BUILDING CODE. Building Code shall mean the International Building Code as adopted by
this jurisdiction.
BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the
administration and enforcement of this code, or duly authorized representative. For the purpose
of this code, the re ug larly authorized deputy shall be as listed in R103.3.
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.
EGRESS COURT. A court or yard which provides access to a public way for one or more
exits.
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.
35
FIRE RETARDANT TREATED WOOD. Pressure-treated lumber and plywood in
accordance with Sections 2303.2, 2303.2.1 2303.2.2 2303.2.3 and 2303 2 4 of the Buildin
Code that exhibit reduced surface burning characteristics and resist propagation of fire.
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.)
MECHANICAL CODE. Mechanical Code shall mean the International Mechanical Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
OCCUPIED ROOF. Uncovered roof or roof deck, designed to be occupied for uses other than
mechanical equipment or building services, including but not limited to swimming pools, dining,
amusement, gardens and parking. Such areas shall be considered as another level in which an
occupancy exists.
PLUMBING.
For the purpose of using ~~~L~re€e~s-te~e,~st~}lutte~s~xtce
na ,.'.,,u,..:.,,~.. r°m~'~+°a i... Chapters 25 through 33, as adopted, shall mean:
The practice, materials and fixtures utilized in the installation, maintenance,
extension and alteration of all piping, fixtures, plumbing appliances and plumbing
appurtenances, within or adjacent to any structure, in connection with sanitary drainage
or storm drainage facilities; venting systems, and public or private water supply systems.
For the purpose of complying with the Texas State Plumbing License Law, shall mean:
All piping, fixtures, appurtenances, and appliances, including disposal systems,
drain or waste pipes, or any combination of these that:
supply, recirculate, drain, or eliminate water, gas, medical gasses and vacuum,
liquids, and sewage for all personal or domestic purposes in and about buildings where
persons live, work, or assemble; connect the building on its outside with the source of
water, gas, or other liquid supply, or combinations of these, on the premises, or the water
main on public property; and carry waste water or sewage from or within a building to
the sewer service lateral on public property or the disposal or septic terminal that holds
private or domestic sewage.
The installation, repair, service, maintenance, alteration, or renovation of all
piping, fixtures, appurtenances, and appliances on premises where persons live, work, or
assemble that supply gas, medical gasses and vacuum, water, liquids, or any combination
of these, or dispose of waste water or sewage.
36
PLUMBING CODE. Plumbing Code shall mean the International Plumbing Code and the
International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by this jurisdiction. The term "Plumbing Code" applies
to both codes as one combined code.
PLUMBING SYSTEM.
For the purpose of using this code, as adopted shall mean:
Includes the water supply and distribution pipes, plumbing fixtures and traps,
supports and appurtenances; water-treating or water-using equipment; soil, waste and
vent pipes; sanitary drains, storm sewers and building sewers to an approved point of
disposal, in addition to their respective connections devices and appurtenances within a
structure or rp emise.
RESIDENTIAL CODE. Residential Code shall mean the International Residential Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE. Any story having its finished floor surface entirely above
rade lane ~ ~~.,,~ „ ~..,~°,Y.°„~ ~i.,,n i.° ;a° °a .,... ,,,,,. ,.a,. _,..
g P ~ ° "°r ~~~ = V11~ ~_ ~ or in which
.,~ the finished surface of the floor next above ±l:c'c~~e::e::t :::ect~ c ~' *~ ~ ~~ '
11;~ V 1 V V l I.11~L011~ YY11TC
is: V
1. i~ More than 6 feet (1829 mm) above grade plane; or
7 it n~„«° +1.,,., ~ ~ °~ /1 o7n ..,,,..,\ „L,,.~.,. ~L.,. ~.-;~1,°rl ~...,,,,.,.7 1°.,°1 ~ « ,...,.«,. ~L...., cn ~~_~~_~
r 11 11 ~ J V =11V 1111
3. i~ More than 12 feet (3658 mm) above the finished ground level at any point.
TOWNHOUSE. Asingle-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of three or more attached
units individually separated by propert lines in which each unit extends from foundation to roof
and with a yard or public way on at least two sides.
WALL, RETAINING. A wall yet l~terull, ~ °~*°-' ~* *~° *°~, that resists lateral soil load and
other imposed loads.
37
Part III -Building Planning and Construction
IRC TABLE R301.2(1)
*Table R301.2(1); dill in as follows:
GROUND WIND DESIGN SEISMIC
SNOW Speeds Topographic DESIGN
LOAD (m h) Effects k CATEGORYf
90 mph
S lb/ft2 (3-sec-gust)/ NO A
76 fastest
mph
SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM
Weatherin a Frost line
depthb
Termite`
moderate 6" very heavy
ICE
WINTER BARRIER FLOOD AIR MEAN
DESIGN UNDER- HAZARDSg FREEZING ANNUAL
TEMPe LAYMENT INDEX` TEMP
REQUIREDh
local
22° F NO code 69°F 64.9°F
IRC TABLE R301.5
*IRC Table R301. S; delete the rows "Attics with limited storagee'g " "Habitable attics
and attics served with fixed stairs ", and ootnote
IRC SECTION R302
*IRC SectionR302.1; amended to read as follows:
38
R302.1 Exterior walls. Construction, projections, openings and penetrations of exterior
walls of dwellings and accessory buildings shall comply with Table R302.1.
Exceptions:
1. Walls, projections, openings or penetrations in walls perpendicular to the line used to
determined the fire separation distance.
2. Walls of dwellings and accessory structures located on the same lot.
3. One-story detached accessory structures used as ''T'ea tool sheds and storage
sheds, playhouses and similar structuresiprovided the floor area does not exceed 200
square feet (18.58 m2), are not required to provide wall
protection based on location on the lot. Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not
extend over the lot line.
4. Dwellings, detached garages, tool sheds, storage sheds and other accessory buildings
te-a-~1'~'- located within 2 feet (610 mm) of a lot line are permitted to have roof
eave projections not exceeding 4 inches (102 mm). Projections beyond the exterior
wall shall not extend over the lot line.
5. Foundation vents installed in compliance with this code are permitted.
6. Open metal carnort structures may be constructed within zero (0) feet of the property
line without fire-resistive or opening_protection when the location of such is approved
as required by other City ordinances.
*IRC Section R302.2; changed to read as follows:
R302.2 Townhouses. Each townhouse shall be considered a separate building and shall be
separated by two independent 1-hour fire-resistance-rated wall assemblies meeting the
requirements of Section R302.1 for exterior walls. (See Figure R302.2(aL
Exception: A common 2-hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly or 1-hour fire-
resistance-rated wall assembly when equ~ped with a fire sprinkler system tested in
accordance with ASTM E 119 or UL 263 is permitted for townhouses if such walls do not
contain plumbing or mechanical equipment, ducts or vents in the cavity of the common wall.
The wall shall be rated for fire exposure from both sides and shall extend to and be tight
against exterior walls and the underside of the roof sheathing. Electrical installations shall be
installed in accordance with Chapters 34 through 43. Penetrations of electrical outlet boxes
shall be in accordance with Section R302.4. (See Figures R302.2(b) and R302.2(cZ
*IRC Section R302.2.4; amend exception S to read as follows
5. Townhouses separated by a common fire-resistance-rated wall as provided in
Section R302.2.
39
Figure R302.2(a)
Townhouse Separation
Two 1-hour walls
Qin~enson of void space
is unslxclie:d. t7pposr~g
gypsum may touch each
talker,
`Cwt9 independent 1-hour Errs resistant.
walls. Gypsum xnt~t lie installed an each
side of each wall.
1'lutulaiug car mechanical equipment., ducts
gar vents are pt•rnutted provided no penetration
occurs into the rind space between the walls.
Notes:
For Separation Continuity, See Section R302.2.1.
For Parapets, See Section R302.2.2.
For Penetrations, See Sections R302.4 and R302.5.
40
Figure R302.2(b)
Townhouse Separation
Single 2-hour Wall (1-hour if fire sprinklered)
:'~ ~crnman ?-hour fire-resistance-ratz~ welt
(1-hour it"bre sprinktered both sides).
Plumbing car rnecharsical equipment, ducts
+~r venta~ are NOT pzni~itted ~~~ithin the wall cawity-
Notes:
For Separation Continuity, See Section R302.2.1.
For Parapets, See Section R302.2.2.
For Penetrations, See Sections R302.4 and R302.5.
41
Figure R302.2(c)
Townhouse Separation
Multiple Walls
~eparatc ~~aila. l`ic~t rewired.
to he ftrc: a~atzd. Studs n`cd to
be snug against the fire rated
wall, or install ~kpboard on the
backside tc~ pre4ent spread cif
fre througJt the tivall car ft~or ro
floc}r. Plumbing ctr mcchattical
equigtrtem. ducts or vents are
Permitted within the_waii cavit}
A cc~mrnon 2-hcur tire-resistance-rated ~~all
(1-hour if ire si-rinklered both sides}.
i~lumbing ur mechanical egttiEsrnent, ducts
of vents ate NC)~` ~ertnitted withia~ the w~alt cavity.
Notes:
For Separation Continuity, See Section 8302.21.
For Parapets, See Section 8302.2.2.
For Penetrations, See Sections 8302.4 and 8302.5.
42
*IRC Section 302.3; add an exception 3 and 4 to read as follows:
3. Newly constructed two-family dwelling units that are also divided by a property line
through the structure shall be separated as required for townhouses.
4. (RH) Existing two-family dwelling units divided by a property line with a replat shall
comply with this code or with the following:
a. All penetrations in the existing demising wall will be fire-caulked and sealed to
prevent and/or reduce penetration of fire.
b. All holes shall be appropriately repaired, patched and sealed.
c. The dividing wall must be continued through the attic space to the underside of
the roof deck with no less than 5/8" Type-X gypsum board each side.
*IRC Section 302.5.2; changed to read as ollows:
R302.5.2 Duct penetration. Ducts in the garage ... {text unchanged} ... materials shall
have no openings into the garage and shall be protected as required by Section R302.11, Item 4.
*IRC Section 302.5.3: changed to read as follows:
R302.5.3 Other penetrations. Penetrations through the separation required in Section
~ R302.6 shall be protected as required by Section R302.11, Item 4.
TABLE 302.6
Table 302.6; amended the provision "From all habitable rooms above the~gara e"and
add a footnote "a " to read as follows:
From all habitable rooms above the garage Not less than 5/8-inch type X gypsum board or
equivalent a
a. Not less than %z-inch gypsum board or equivalent when the dwelling unit is provided with a fire sprinkler system
and sprinkler head coverage is provided in the garase.
*IRC Section 302.7; changed to read as ollows:
R302.7 Under-stair protection. Enclosed accessible space under stairs shall have walls,
under-stair surface and any soffits protected on the enclosed side with 5/8-inch (15.8 mm) fire-
rated "- ~~~'~ "''.~ mm' gypsum board or one-hour fire-resistive construction.
Exception: Not less than %z-inch gypsum board or equivalent when the dwellin unit is
provided with a fire sprinkler system, and sprinkler head coverage is provided in the enclosed
accessible space.
43
IRC SECTION R303
*IRC Section R303.1; add exception 4 to read as. ollows:
4. Media rooms maybe windowless rooms when in compliance with all of the following_
a. The room is marked as a Media Room on the permit set of plans.
b. The room size complies Section R304 for habitable rooms.
c. The permit submittal contains documentation from the HVAC contractor explaining
compliance with the air exchange provisions of exception 1 above• or it is noted on
the plans that the room has a ducted return from that room.
d. The electrical contractor will be required to install li ting in this room in compliance
with exception 2 above.
e. The room is designed with no closet that would add probability to the usage of this
room as a sleeping room. Minimum shelving or storagesace as needed to install
electronic equipment or storage media material is acceptable provided the design does
not render itself to use as a sleeping room closet.
f. A smoke detector is installed in this room and interconnected with the other smoke
detectors.
*IRC Section R303.3, exception; changed to read as ollows:
Exception: The glazed areas shall not be required where artificial light and a
mechanical ventilation system, complying with one of the following, are provided.
1. The minimum ventilation rates shall be 50 cubic feet per minute (24 L/s) for
intermittent ventilation or 20 cubic feet per minute (10 L/s) for continuous ventilation.
Ventilation air from the space shall be exhausted directly to the outside. For the purpose
of this exception, to the outside shall mean through the wall or roof deck using approved
products installed in accordance with manufacturer's installation instructions. Or in lieu
of the exterior, bathroom vents may terminate within 6" of an attic eave vent
2. Bathrooms that contain only a water closet, lavatory or water closet and a lavatory
may be ventilated with an approved mechanical recirculating fan or similar device
designed to remove odors from the air.
*IRC Section 303.7; add exception 4 to read as follows:
4. Required glazed openin s may face into a patio cover when in compliance with
Section R325.
44
*IRC Section R303.8; change to read as follows:
R303.8 Required heating. xxn,o., *t,o :..,,+or ao~:~ *o.~.,,o,-.,~,,..o :., rr.,t~to n zn, ~i, ~ • i, ,
•. iav11 ~IIV 11 {.VI llVJl I
bAe~e~ Every dwelling unit shall be provided with heating facilities capable of
maintaining a minimum room temperature of 68°F (20°C) at a point 3 feet (914 mm) above the
floor and 2 feet (610 mm) from exterior walls in all habitable rooms at the design temperature.
The installation of one or more portable space heaters shall not be used to achieve compliance
with this section.
IRC SECTION R310
*IRC Section R310: add an exception 2 to read as follows:
Exceptions: 1. Basements used only to house mechanical equipment and not exceeding
total floor area of 200 square feet (18.58 m 2).
2. The emer~ency escape and rescue opening is not required in buildings provided
throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 or
13 R.
IRC SECTION R311
*IRC Section R311.1; added to read as follows:
R311.1 Fire separation distance. Exterior stairways and ramps shall have a minimum of 3
feet fire separation distance as defined in this code, measured from the outside edge of the stair
orOr ramp.
[F] IRC SECTION R313
*IRC Section R313; deleted.
IRC SECTION R315
*IRC Section R315.2; add exceptions 1. 2 and 3 to read as ollows:
Exceptions:
1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing
or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a
porch or deck.
2. Alteration or repair of electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems.
3. Installation or replacement of non-fuel-fired plumbing or mechanical equipment;
however, installation or replacement of fuel-fired plumbing or mechanical equipment
shall not be exempted.
45
IRC SECTION R317
*IRC Section R317.1; change item 3 to read as ollows:
3. Sills and sleepers on a concrete or masonry slab that is in direct contact with the ground
unless separated from such slab by an impervious moisture barrier, except that all exterior
wall bottom plates shall be of naturally durable orpreservative-treated wood.
*IRC Section R317.6; added to read as, ollows:
R317.6 Weather exposure. All wood or other products exposed to the weather shall be
painted or treated with an approved treatment, or shall posses a natural or inherent protection
method.
IRC SECTION R318
*IRC Section R318.1; changed and an exception added to read as follows:
R318.1 Subterranean termite control. In areas favorable to damage from termites as
indicated by Table R301.2(1), methods of protection shall be one of the following methods or a
combination of these methods, or provided with other industry accepted methods of termite
protection.
{Items 1 through 6 unchanged}
Exception: When chemicals or other methods of protection are undesirable to the
owner/buyer provided an exposed exterior surface in compliance with Figure R401.3 is
provided.
IRC SECTION R322
*IRC Section R322.1; changed to read as follows:
R322.1 General. Buildings and structures, when permitted to be constructed in whole or in
part in flood hazard areas (including A or V Zones) as established ~r T~'~'° p2~' ''"~ by other
~plicable regulations shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions
specified by the Department of Transportation and Public Works or, when permitted as
contained in this section.
IRC SECTION R324
*IRC Section R324; added to read as follows:
R324 Wood retaining walls. Wood retainingwalls exceeding four (4) feet in hei t shall be
constructed of new wood properly treated for such use. Measurement shall be from the bottom
46
of the footing to the top of the wall. See Section R105.2, item #3 under Building for retaining
walls in succession.
IRC SECTION R325
*IRC Section R32S; added to read as follows:
IRC SECTION R325
PATIO COVERS
R325.1 Scope. Patio covers shall conform to the requirements of this section.
R325.2 Definition.
Patio covers. One-story structures not exceeding 12 feet (3657 mm) in height. Enclosure
walls shall be permitted to be of any configuration, provided the open or glazed area of the
longer wall and one additional wall is equal to at least 65 percent of the area below a minimum
of 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) of each wall, measured from the floor. Openings shall be permitted
to be enclosed with (1) insect screening, (2) approved translucent or transparent plastic not more
than 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) in thickness, (3) glass conforming to the provisions of Section R308, or
(4) any combination of the foregoing.
R325.3 Permitted uses. Patio covers shall be permitted to be detached from or attached to
dwelling units. Patio covers shall be used only for recreational, outdoor living purposes and not
as carports, garages, storage rooms or habitable rooms.
R325.4 Light and Ventilation/Emergency Egress. Exterior openings required for light and
ventilation shall be permitted to open into a patio structure conforming to Section R325.2,
provided that the patio structure shall be unenclosed if such openings are serving as emergency
egress or rescue openings from sleeping rooms. Where such exterior openings serve as an exit
from the dwelling unit, the patio structure, unless unenclosed, shall be provided with exits
confirming to the provisions of Section R311.
IRC SECTION R401
*IRC Section 401.3; changed to read as follows:
R401.3 Drainage. Surface drainage shall be diverted to a storm sewer conveyance or other
approved point of collection that does not create a hazard. Lots shall be graded to drain surface
water away from the foundation ~a-lls. The grade shall fall a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm)
within the first 10 feet (3048 mm). See Figure R401.3. See also Sections R405.1 and R801.3.
Exception: {unchanged}
47
IRC FIGURE R401.3
*IRC Figure No. 401.3; added as follows:
Figure R401.3
Drainage and Termite Protection
Minimum foundation
exposure = 6" "~ ~_
•, •.
.Q,•.~.
s',~+•~
,~..~~.
Minimum slope must be 1:20 (6" in 30`), ~"` ,_ -~
for a distance of 10' when passible.
Minimum foundation
Exp4sUre = 4" '^~
;a.~r
•~r•"•~'
Minimum slope must be 1:20 (~" in 10'), `~ . ~~ ~ ~' "A
•Q
for a distance of 10' when possible. :.-'~. `- .
*IRC Section R401.6; added to read as follows:
R401.5 Minimum distance of swimming pools from foundations. Swimming pools may
not be closer to a building foundation than one horizontal foot at finish grade for every vertical
foot of swimming pool depth.
Exceptions•
1. Systems designed by an engineer registered in the State of Texas.
2. Swimming pools 5 feet or greater from the foundation.
For dazing within 60" horizontal distance of the water's edge see Section R308 4 item 6
48
IRC SECTION R403
*IRC Section R403.1.1; add a sentence and a second para~ph to read as oolows:
Before using Table R403.1 for any value above 1,500 psf, a report establishing the load-bearing
value of the soil shall be submitted.
Unless in soils considered inadequate, as determined by the Building Official, for structures
of standard construction in which en ing Bering design is not used, Figure No. R403.1.1 may be
accepted as an alternate foundation design for the occupancies and conditions specified. See also
Sections R403.1.8 and R403.3.
IRC FIGURE R403.1.1
*IRC Figure No. 403.1.1; added as follows:
49
H I • I , !
cam+! u I . . t•
ri 4-4
0 a 3r..:_'.� _.
w ro
10" min
•
Ot a
8" min I
•, .
BRICK BUILDING
9 4" concrete slab w/6"x6" 10/10 guage
W.N.M. or 93 rebar 18" o.c. both ways
4" min sand
optional stirrups optional stirrups
#4 rebar (two top & bottom)
with min 2" of cover
FRAME BUILDING
4" concrete slab w/6"x6" 10/10 guage
W.W.M. or f3 rebar 18" o.c. both ways
t10" min
7.0
4" min sand i.j '•�• ;9.
o
q
optional stirrups )-tto
mm
#4.rebar (one top & bottom) f4 rebar (two top & bottom) j•'��.;• m m
with min 2" of cover with min 2" of cover '•Io
I-
0I8" min
1
I'I'£OI I 'UN 311119L4 jai
STORAGE BUILDING
"" �'u•':.=a 4" concrete slab w/6"x6" 10/10 guage ..
a :tr..;';�" "" A • W.W.M. or #3 rebar 18" o.c. both ways .'`� mom'
4 ..
"ao k... 'o
Concrete or filled masonry
piers, S' o.c. max spacing
#4 rebar (one top 6 bottom)
with rain-2" of cover
16" wits, (pi)
ADDITIONS
Existing----�'.r
foundation
6"min
#5 rebar, 6' o.c. with one
located within 12" of each
end, inverted into bored
hole and packed.
4•44•*:
G
wi
a
CO
#4 rebar with min
2" of cover
.�v7�U •.'.�r Q,• .ear, � • %\�r�t���!
1.75 eq.fe. min — • ty;. a
•
•
f• Y t P a •a• • . e V
16" min
ISOLATED FOOTINGS
Natural resistant wood
or treated wood piers, f
8' o.c. max spacing
1.75 sq.ft.min
NOTE: When approved by the Building Official, figures til through #8 may be used for the following:
8"
min
rt^
r'.t
•
16" min
1. Groups K and U Occupancies not exceeding two (2) stories in height and of light framing construction; and,
2. Groups B, E, F, H and S Occupancies not exceeding either one (1) story in height, two thousand (2000) square feet in area,
or a Unit Live Load of fifty (50) pounds per square foot.
I'I'£ot,2i 'ON a2If OLL DUI
*IRC Section R403.1.6; change exception 1 to read as follows:
1. Foundation anchorage, spaced as required to provide equivalent anchorage to 'p-
inch-diameter (12.7 mm) anchor bolts, when approved by the building official.
IRC SECTION R602
*IRC Section R602.6.1; change to read as follows:
R602.6.1 Drilling and notching of top plate. When piping or ductwork is placed in or
partly in an exterior wall or interior load-bearing wall ...{bulk of section unchanged} .. .
having a minimum length of 1 %2 inches (38 mm) at each side or equivalent. The metal tie
must extend a minimum of 6 inches past the opening. See Figure R602.6.1. See also
Section P2603.2.1.
Exceptions: 1_When the entire side of the wall with the notch or cut is covered
by wood structural panel sheathing. However, piping and duct protection as required
in other provisions will still be required.
2. When using a double tomplate, a 3 inch wide metal tie with four nails on each
side for each plate, a total of eight nails per side, may be used.
IRC SECTION R612
*IRC Section R612: add exception 5 to read as follows:
5. (RH) In the original portion of a historical contributing structure, when creating or
installing new windows, or when adjusting the window dimensions of an existing
window, the window sill may be as approved by the Historical Cultural and
Landmark Commission during their approval process when determined to be
appropriate to maintain the historical significance.
IRC SECTION R703
*IRC Section R703.1.3; added to read as follows:
R703.1.3 Weather exposure. All wood or other products exposed to the weather shall
be painted or treated with an approved treatment, or shall posses a natural or inherent
protection method.
*IRC Section R703.7.4.1; add a second para~ph to read as ollows:
52
For 2.67 square feet (0.25 m2) of wall area, the following dimensions shall be adhered
to:
1. When ties are placed on studs 16" o.c., they shall be spaced no further apart than
approximately 24" vertically starting approximately 12" from the foundation.
2. When ties are placed on studs 24" o.c., they shall be spaced no further apart than
approximately 16" vertically starting~proximately 8" from the foundation.
*IRC Section R703.7.4.2; add a second paragraph to read as follows:
When using ties that will flex when pushed (sheet metal ties), Spot bedding of cement
mortar shall be installed on all such ties.
IRC SECTION R802
*IRC Section R802.5.1; add an exception to read as follows:
Exception: In lieu of bracing to a bearing wall, purlins may be braced to a double
floor joists using the spans permitted by Table R502.3.1(1), Dead Load = 10 psf, for 12
o.c. spacing. If this double floor is not elevated above the ceiling below, but is installed
such that the bottom edge is in contact with the ceiling material, the double joists must
comply with the above span provisions, and also be one depth size, nominal 2", larger
than the other ceiling joists.
IRC FIGURE 802.5.1(a)
*IRC Figure 802.5.1 L); added as follows:
FIGURE R802.5.1(a)
Rafter ties are limited to the lower 1/3 of height (H~ / HR < 1/3),
measured from top of support walls.
For cathedral ceilings where there is no tie in the lower 1/3,
the ridge shall be supported by a wall or the ridge board shall be
girder supported on each end. See Section R802.3.1.
53
IRC SECTION R902
*IRC Section 902.1; changed and exception 3 added to read as follows:
R902.1 Roofmg covering materials. Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth
in Sections R904 and R905. Class A, B or C roofing shall be installed ~„ ~~°~° a°°~~°*°a
~ep~e. Classes A, B and C roofing required by this section to be listed shall be
tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E 108.
Exceptions:
1. Class A roof assemblies include those with coverings of brick, masonry and exposed
concrete roof deck.
2. Class A roof assemblies also include ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, metal
sheets and shingles, clay or concrete roof tile, or slate installed on noncombustible
decks.
3. Non-classified roof coverings shall be permitted on one-story detached buildings of
U occupancies having not more than 200 sq.ft. of projected roof area. When
exceeding 200 sq.ft. of projected roof area, one-story detached buildings of U
occupancies may use non-rated non-combustible coverings.
IRC SECTION R903
*IRC Section R903: delete Sections R903. S, R903.5.1, R903.5.2 and Figure R903. S.
IRC SECTION R907
*IRC Section 907.1; add a sentence to read as ollows:
All individual replacement shingiles or shakes shall comply with Section R902.1.
*IRC Section 907.3; delete condition 4.
4. ,
*IRC Sections R907.7, R907.8 and R907.9; added to read as ollows:
R907.7 Maintain existing provisions. When reroofing, or repairing existing roofing,
the installer is required to insure the following items are maintained:
54
1. Existing roof drains and drainage systems are maintained clear an unobstructed.
When in the opinion of the Building Official the existing drainage s sY tem
appears inadequate, the system shall be re-evaluated and when necessary
required to comely with the provisions for new construction.
2. Fire-retardant requirements are maintained.
R907.8 Attic space. Construction of a sloped or flat roof over an existing roof in a
manner that creates an attic or a concealed space shall require the removal of any existing
roofing material, composed of tar, asphalt or roof insulation, from the newly created attic
space.
R907.9 Inspections. When a permit is reauired, a final inspection and approval shall be
obtained from the Building Official when the re-roofing or installation of new roof is
complete.
Part IV -Enemy Conservation
IRC SECTION N1101
IRC Section NI101.1.1. N1101.1.2 and N1101.1.3: added to read as follows:
N1101.1.1 Historic buildings. Any building or structure that is listed in the State or
National Register of Historic Places; designated as a historic property, or identified by the
Historic Officer as could be designated, under local or state designation law or survey;
certified as a contributing resource with a National Register listed or locally designated
historic district; or with an opinion or certification that the property is eligible to be listed on
the National or State Registers of Historic Places either individually or as a contributing
building to a historic district by the State Historic Preservation Officer or the Keeper of the
National Register of Historic Places, are exempt from the following items, unless judged by
the Building Official as a life safety hazard.
Exempted provisions are as follows:
1. Exterior envelope inclusive of vestibules in the exterior envelope.
2. Interior envelope, separating interior conditioned space from interior non-
conditioned space, when considered historically significant.
3. Placement, design or installation of light fixtures considered to contribute to the
historical significance or ambiance. However, non-historical fixtures shall comply.
4. Any other item determined to be historically significant.
N1101.1.2 Change in space conditioning. Any nonconditioned space that is
altered to become conditioned space shall be required to be brought into full compliance
with this code.
55
N1101.1.3 Life Safety. Amendments made to this chapter that are determined to be
appropriate to support safety, health or environmental requirements will be identified
with the notation "(life safety)."
*IRC Section NI101.2.2, NI101.2.3 and N1101.2.4: added to read as follows:
N1101.2.2 Climate designation. For the purposes of this code, the Climate Zone
shall be:
Climate Zone 3A (Moist) and Warm-Humid.
Very Heavy Termite Infestation
N1101.2.3 Alternative compliance. A building certified by a national, state, or
local accredited energy efficiency program and determined by the Energy Systems
Laboratory to be in compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of this chapter
may, at the option of the building official, be considered in compliance. The United
States Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Program certification of energy
code equivalency shall be considered in compliance.
N1101.2.4 Former tradeoffs. Compliance methods permitted by this code or
former codes may include a variety of above code options. Such above code options
may have been used to allow another design parameter to be reduced. In order to insure
that such above code upgrades are not later remodeled away, unless it can be shown that
the total building after remodel complies with code, all replacement material, equipment
and/or systems shall meet the most restrictive requirement of:
1. having an equivalent reduction of energy usage as the replaced material, equipment
and/or system; or,
2. comply with the prescriptive provisions of this code.
*IRC Section N1101.3.1; added to read as follows:
N1101.3.1 Maintenance information. Maintenance instructions shall be furnished
for equipment and systems that require preventive maintenance. Required regular
maintenance actions shall be clearly stated and incorporated on a readily accessible
label. The label shall include the title or publication number for the operation and
maintenance manual for that particular model and type of product.
*IRC Section NI101.7.1; deleted and replaced to read as follows:
56
N1101.7.1 Protection of exposed foundation insulation. Because of "very heavy"
termite classification, designs employing exterior insulation of basements or slabs shall
not be utilized.
*IRC Section N1101.9.1; added to read as follows:
N1101.9.1 Alternate certificate locations. In lieu of locating at the electrical panel,
the certificate maybe inserted in a clear plastic slip cover when the slip cover is firmly
attached or adhered in one of the following accessible locations:
a. The inside of the door of an HVAC closet.
b. The inside of the door of an electric water heater closet.
c. The inside of a kitchen pantry door, kitchen cabinet door, or an inside wall of
either.
IRC SECTION N1102
*IRC Section N1102.1; add the ollowing exception:
Exception: Any glazing facing within 45 degrees of true north need not meet
the SHGC.
*IRC N1102.2.1.1; added to read as follows:
N1102.2.1.1 Attic equiument. Where equipment installed in the attic is required a
working area and access pathway in accordance with this or other codes, as applicable,
the insulation under such walkway or platform shall not be reduced unless compensated
for througl~an approved method such as the usa eg of a performance (computer energy
review compliance report.
IRC N1102.2.12; added to read as. ollows:
N1102.2.12 Insulation installed in walls. Insulation batts installed in walls shall be
encapsulated on all sides with framing lumber, gypsum, sheathing, wood structural panel
sheathing or other equivalent material to prevent sagging and/or potential draft entry points.
*IRC Section N1102.4.2.1; add a second para~ph to read as follows:
Approved parties for testing must already be certified by another prop~-am such as Energy
Star or HERS, or must obtain independent certification from a recognized source such as
Texas A&M Energy Systems Laboratory or Texas Home Energy Rating Organization
(HERO), or as approved by the Building Official.
57
IRC SECTION N1103
*IRC Section N1103.2.2; add a second paragraph to read as,~ollows:
Approved parties for testing must already be certified by another program such as Energy
Star or HERS, or must obtain independent certification from a recognized source such as
Texas A&M Ener~~ Systems Laboratory or Texas Home Energ. Rating Organization
(HERO), or as approved by the Building Official.
IRC SECTION N1105
*IRC N1105; added to read as follows:
SECTION N1105
ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY
N1105.1 General. Voluntary provisions for above code compliance are provided in
Appendix R.
Part V -Mechanical
IRC SECTION M1304
*IRC Section M1304.2; added to read as, ollows:
M1304.2 Minimum burial depth. Underground fuel piping systems shall be installed
a minimum depth of 18 inches (458 mm) below grade.
IRC SECTION M1305
*IRC Section 1305.1.3; changed to read as follows:
M1305.1.3 Appliances in attics. Attics containing appliances shall be provided .. .
{bulk of paragraph unchanged} ...where access is required. 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.
3. An access door from an upper floor level.
4. An access panel, only when the equipment can be reached from the panel
58
opening and only with poor approval of the code official.
Exceptions:
1. The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance
can be 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/"
plywood.
Water heaters shall not be installed in residential attics.
Exception: Tankless water heaters.
*IRC Section M1305.1.3.1; add a sentence to read as follows:
Low voltage wiring of 50 Volts or less shall be installed in a manner to prevent physical
dama~e•
*IRC Section M1305.1.4.3; add a sentence to read as, ollows:
Low voltage wiring of 50 Volts or less shall be installed in a manner to revent
physical damage.
*IRC Section M1305.1. S: added to read as follows:
M1305.1.5 Water heaters above ground or floor. When the mezzanine or platform in
which a water heater exceeding a capacity of 10 gallons is installed is more than ei hg_t (8)
feet (2438 mm) above the ground or floor level, it shall be made accessible by a stairway or
permanent ladder fastened to the building
Exception: A maximum 10 gallon water heater (or larger with approval) is capable
of being accessed throu a lay-in ceiling and is installed not more than ten (10, feet
(3049 mm) above the ground or floor level and may be reached with a portable ladder.
M1305.1.5.1 Whenever the mezzanine or platform is not adequately li ted or
access to a receptacle outlet is not obtainable from the main level li ting and a
receptacle outlet shall be provided in accordance with Section M1305.1.3.1.
59
IRC SECTION M1307
*IRC Section M1307.3.1; delete.
IRC SECTION M1411
*IRC Section M1411.3.2; changed to read as ollows:
M1411.3.2 Drain pipe materials and sizes. Components of the condensate disposal
system shall be cast iron, galvanized steel, copper, cross-linked polyeth.l~ ~°'•~'~~~*~•'°~°,
polyethylene, ABS, CPVC or PVC (schedule 80 PVC when exposed to ultra violet li t)
pipe or tubing. All components shall be selected for the pressure, a~ temperature and
exposure rating of the installation. Joints and connections shall be made in accordance with
the materials specified in Chapter 30. Condensate waste and drain line size shall be not less
than the discharge size of the pan but not less than 3/-inch (19 mm) internal diameter and
shall not . .. {bulk of paragraph unchanged} ... in accordance with ~~ °rru°~~~-' ~°*'~°''
Table 314.2.2 of the International Plumbing. All horizontal sections of drain piping
shall be installed in uniform alignment at a uniform slope.
IRC SECTION M1502
*IRC Section MI502.4.1; add a sentence to read as follows:
The size of duct shall not be reduced along its developed length nor at the point of
termination.
*IRC Section M1502.4.4.1; changed to read as follows:
M1502.4.4.1 Specified length. The maximum length of the exhaust duct shall be 35 ~5
feet (10668 ~8 mm) from the connection to the transition duct from the dryer to the outlet
terminal. Where fittings are used, the maximum length of the exhaust duct shall be reduced
in accordance with Table M1502.4.4.1.
*IRC Section 1502.4.5; changed to read as follows:
M1502.4.5 Length identification. Where the exhaust duct is concealed within the
building construction and the len his approved to exceed the maximum length specified in
Section M1502.4.4.1, the equivalent length of the exhaust duct shall be identified on a
permanent label or tag. The label or tag shall be located within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the
exhaust duct connection.
60
IRC SECTION M1507
*IRC Section M1507.2; add an exception to read as.follows:
Exception: 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.
IRC SECTION M2005
*IRC Section M2005.1; changed to read as follows:
M2005.1 General. Water heaters shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's installation instructions and the requirements of this code. Water heaters=
other than tankless water heaters, shall not be installed in an attic. Access to water heaters
shall conform to the requirements of Section M1305:~-3. Gas-fired water heaters shall .. .
{remainder of paragraph unchanged}.
*IRC Section 2005.2; changed to read as follows:
M2005.2 Prohibited locations. Fuel-fired water heaters shall not be installed in a
room used as a storage closet. Water heaters located in a bedroom or bathroom shall be
installed in a sealed enclosure so that combustion air will not be taken from the living space.
Access to such enclosure maybe from the bedroom or bathroom when through a solid door,
weather-stripped in accordance with the exterior door air leakage requirements of the
International Energy Conservation Code and equipped with an approved self-closing
device. Installation of direct-vent water heaters within an enclosure is not required.
*IRC Section 2005.2.1; changed to read as follows:
M2005.2.1 Water heater access. Access to tankless water heaters that are located in
an attic or any water heater located in an underfloor crawl space is permitted to be through a
closet located in a sleeping room or bathroom where ventilation of those spaces is in
accordance with this code.
Part VI -Fuel Gas
IRC SECTION G2404
*IRC Section G2404.11; added to read as follows:
61
G2404.11 Location. Except as otherwise provided in this Code or other applicable
ordinances, no fuel gas system or parts thereof shall be located in any lot other than the lot
which is the site of the building, structure, or premises served by such facilities.
No subdivision, sale, or transfer of ownership of existing property shall be made in such
manner that the area, clearance, and access requirements of this Code are decreased.
IRC SECTION G2408
*IRC Section G2408.3: delete.
IRC SECTION G2412
*IRC Section 2412. S; add a second paragraph to read as follows:
Both ends of each section of medium pressure corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST shall
identify its operating_gas pressure with an approved tag. The tags are to be composed of
aluminum or stainless steel and the following wording shall be stamped into the tai
"WARNING
1 /2 to 5 psi gas pressure
Do Not Remove"
IRC SECTION G2413
*IRC Section G2413.3 (614.6.1); add an exception to read as. ollows:
Exception: Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) shall be a minimum of
1 /2"
IRC SECTION G2415
*IRC Section G241 S. S: add a second para~ ph to read as ollows:
Piping other than black or galvanized steel shall not be installed within 1 '/z inches of the
roof deck where roofing nails can penetrate unless protected by shield plates
*IRC Section G241 S. 7; changed to read as follows:
G2415.7 (404.7) Above-ground piping outdoors. All aboveground piping installed
outdoors shall be elevated not less ...{remainder ofsection unchanged} ...shall be sealed.
62
*IRC Section G2415.9; changed to read as follows:
G2415.10 (404.10) Minimum burial depth. Underground piping systems shall be
installed a minimum depth of ~ 18 inches (3s9-5 458 mm) below grad ,
,. ;~ eo,.~;,,., ran i c i n i
*IRC Section G2415.10.1: delete.
IRC SECTION G2417
*IRC Section G2417.1; changed to read as follows:
G2417.1 (406.1) General. Prior to acceptance and initial operation, all piping
installations shall be inspected and pressure tested to determine that the materials, design,
fabrication, and instillation practices comply with the requirements of this code. The permit
holder shall make the applicable tests prescribed in Sections 2417 1 1 through 2417 1 5 to
determine compliance with the provisions of this code. The permit holder shall give
reasonable advance notice to the buildin,~o fficial when the piping system is read
testing. The equipment, material, power and labor necessary for the inspections and test
shall be furnished by the permit holder and the permit holder shall be responsible for
determining that the work will withstand the test pressure prescribed in the followin tg ests
*IRC Section G2417.1.3; delete.
*IRC Section G2417.4, G2417.4.1 and G2417.4.2: changed to read as follows
G2417.4 (406.4) Test pressure measurement. Test pressure shall be measured with a
diaphra~n gauge designed and calibrated to
read, record or indicate a pressure loss caused by leakage during the pressure test period.
The source of pressure shall be isolated before the pressure tests are made. "~°
~e-ale-4s-~~e~eat~~~~t~es es~esr.~e- Gauges shall be calibrated per
manufacturer's recommendation or at a minimum of one (1) time per year to insure
accuracy.
G2417.4.1 (406.4.1) Test pressure. {no change}.
G2417.4.2 (406.4.2) Test duration. Test duration shall be held for a length of time
satisfactory to the code official, but not less than 15 ~A minutes.
63
*IRC Section 2417.4.3; added to read as. ollows:
G2417.4.3 (406.4.3) Mixed gas piping svstems. Welded and non-welded gas piping
systems shall not be mixed without the installation of cut-off devices so that each s.. stem
can be isolated and tested separately as required in this section.
Existing mixed piping svstems lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of this
code may remain. Any retesting of such a mixed system shall be at the lower testing
pressure required for the piping involved. Such a system shall be so labeled with the
operating pressure in a manner as required by the Code Official.
*IRC Sections G2417.7 through G2417.7.4; deleted and replaced to read as ollows:
G2417.7 (406.7) Purging requirements. The purging of piping shall be in accordance with
Sections G2417.7.1 through G2417.7.3.
G2417.7.1 (406.7.1) Piping systems required to be purged outdoors. The purging of
piping systems shall be in accordance with the provisions of Sections G2417.7.1.1 through
G2417.7.1.4 where the piping system meets either of the following:
1. The design operating gas pressure is greater than 2 psig.
2. The piping being purged contains one or more sections of pipe or tubing greater than 2
inches in nominal size and exceeding the lengths in Table 2417.7.1.1.
G2417.7.1.1 (406.7.1.1) Removal from service. Where existing gas piping is opened, the
section that is opened shall be isolated from the gas supply and the line pressure vented in
accordance with Section G2417.7.1.3. Where gas piping meeting the criteria of Table
G2417.7.1.1 is removed from service, the residual fuel gas in the piping shall be displaced with
an inert gas.
Table G2417.7.1.1 (406.7.1.1)
Size and Len th of Pi in
Nominal Pipe
Size (inches) Length of
Pi in (feet)
2 '/Z > 50
3 > 30
4 >15
6 >10
8 or larger Any length
For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 ft = 304.8 mm.
G2417.7.1.2 (406.7.1.2) Placing in operation. Where gas piping containing air and
meeting the criteria of Table G2417.7.1.1 is placed in operation, the air in the piping shall first
64
be displaced with an inert gas. The inert gas shall then be displaced with fuel gas in accordance
with Section G2417.7.1.3.
G2417.7.1.3 (406.7.1.3) Outdoor discharge of purged gases. The open end of a piping
system being pressured vented or purged shall discharge directly to an outdoor location.
Purging operations shall comply with all of the following requirements:
1. The point of discharge shall be controlled with a shutoff valve.
2. The point of discharge shall be located at least 10 feet from sources of ignition, at least
10 feet from building openings and at least 25 feet from mechanical air intake openings.
3. During discharge, the open point of discharge shall be continuously attended and
monitored with a combustible gas indicator that complies with Section G2417.7.1.4.
4. Purging operations introducing fuel gas shall be stopped when 90% fuel gas by volume
is detected within the pipe.
5. Persons not involved in the purging operations shall be evacuated from all areas within
10 feet of the point of discharge.
G2417.7.1.4 (406.7.1.4) Combustible gas indicator. The combustible gas indicator used
during purging operations shall be listed and shall be calibrated in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions and recommended schedule. The combustible gas indicator used
for pipe discharge monitoring shall numerically display a volume scale from 0% to 100% with a
resolution of not greater than 1 % increments.
G2417.7.2 (406.7.2) Piping systems allowed to be purged indoors or outdoors. The
purging of piping systems shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section G2417.7.2.1
where the piping system meets both of the following:
1. The design operating gas pressure is 2 psig or less.
2. The piping being purged is constructed entirely from pipe or tubing of 2 inch nominal
size or smaller, or larger size pipe or tubing with lengths shorter than specified in Table
G2417.7.1.1.
G2417.7.2.1 (406.7.2.1) Purging procedure. The piping system shall be purged in
accordance with one or more of the following:
1. The piping shall be purged with fuel gas and shall discharge to the outdoors.
2. The piping shall be purged with fuel gas and shall discharge to the indoors or outdoors
through an appliance burner not located in a combustion chamber. Such burner shall be
provided with a continuous source of ignition.
3. The piping shall be purged with fuel gas and shall discharge to the indoors or outdoors
through a burner that has a continuous source of ignition and that is designed for such
purpose.
4. The piping shall be purged with fuel gas that is discharged to the indoors or outdoors,
and the point of discharge shall be monitored with a listed combustible gas detector in
accordance with G2417.7.2.2. Purging shall be stopped when fuel gas is detected.
5. The piping shall he purged by the gas supplier in accordance with written procedures.
65
G2417.7.2.2 (406.7.2.2) Combustible gas detector. The combustible gas detector used
during purging operations shall be listed and shall be calibrated or tested in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions and recommended schedule. The combustible gas detector used for
pipe discharge monitoring shall indicate the presence of fuel gas.
G2417.7.3 (406.7.3) Purging appliances and equipment. After the piping system has
been placed in operation, appliances and equipment shall be purged before being placed into
operation.
IRC SECTION G2420
*IRC Section G2420.1.4; added to read as, ollows:
G2420.1.4 (409.1.4) Valves in CSST installations. Shutoff valves installed with
corrugated stainless steel (CSSTZpiping systems shall be supported with an approved
termination fitting or equivalent support, suitable for the size of the valves, of adequate
stren hand quality, and located at intervals so as to prevent or damp out excessive
vibration but in no case greater than 12-inches from the center of the valve. Supports shall
be installed so as not to interfere with the free expansion and contraction of the system's
piping fittings, and valves between anchors. All valves and supports shall be designed and
installed so they will not be disengaged by movement of the supporting_piping.
IRC SECTION G2421
*IRC Section G2421.1 (410.1); add a second paragraph and exception to read as
ollows:
Access to regulators shall comply with the requirements for access to appliances as
~ecified in Section M1305.
Exception: A passageway or level service space is not required when the regulator
is capable of being serviced and removed through the required attic opening.
IRC SECTION G2439
*IRC Section G2439.5.1; changed to read as,follows:
G2439.5 (614.6) Domestic clothes dryer exhaust ducts. Exhaust ducts for domestic
clothes dryers shall conform to the requirements of Sections ~'''^~T G2439.5.1 through
~''^~T G2439.5.7. The size of duct shall not be reduced along its developed len h nor
at the point of termination.
66
*IRC Section G2439.5.6; changed to read as ollows:
G2439.5.6 (614.6.6) Length identification. Where the exhaust duct is concealed within
the building construction and the length is approved to exceed the maximum length
specified in Section G2439.5.5.1, the equivalent length of the exhaust duct shall be
identified on a permanent label or tag. The label or tag shall be located within 6 feet (1829
mm) of the exhaust duct connection.
IRC SECTION G2445
*IRC Section G2445.2; changed to read as follows:
G2445.2 (621.2) Prohibited use. One or more unvented room heaters shall not be used
as the sole source of comfort heating in a dwelling unit.
Exception: Existing approved unvented heaters may continue to be used in
dwelling units, in accordance with the code provisions in effect when installed, when
approved by the building official unless an unsafe condition is determined to exist as
described in Section R115.
IRC SECTION G2448
*IRC Section G2448.1.1; changed to read as follows:
G2448.1.1 (624.1.1) Installation requirements. The requirements for water heaters
relative to access, sizing, relief valves, drain pans and scald protection shall be in accordance
with the this code. Water heaters, other than tankless water heaters, shall not be installed in
attics.
Part VII -Plumbing Code
IRC SECTION P2503
*IRC Section P2503.8.1 and P2503.8.2; changed to read as follows:
P2503.8.1 31( 2.10.1) Inspections. Annual inspections shall be made of all backflow
prevention assemblies to determine whether they are operable. In the absence of local
provisions, the owner is responsible to ensure that testing, is performed.
P2503.8.2 31( 2.10.2) Testing. Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers, double
check valve assemblies, reduced pressure detector fire protection backflow prevention
assemblies, double detector check valve assemblies, hose connection backflow preventers,
67
spillproof vacuum breakers and pressure vacuum breaker assemblies shall be tested at the
time of installation, immediately after repairs or relocation and at least annually. The testing
procedure shall be performed in accordance with applicable local provisions. In the absence
of local provisions, the owner is responsible to ensure that testing is done in accordance with
one of the standards listed in the Plumbing Code Section 312.
IRC SECTION P2602
*IRC Section P2602.3; added to read as ollows:
P2602.3 (308.1) Location. Except as otherwise provided in this Code or other
applicable ordinances, no plumbing system, drainage system, building sewer, private
sewage disposal system or parts thereof, shall be located in any lot other than the lot which
is the site of the building, structure, or premises served by such facilities.
No subdivision, sale, or transfer of ownership of existing_property shall be made in such
manner that the area, clearance, and access requirements of this Code are decreased.
IRC SECTION P2603
*IRC Section P2603.2.2; added to read as follows:
P2603.2.2 (305.9)Protection of components of plumbing system. Components of a
plumbing system installed within 3 feet along alleyways, drivewayparking ~ara~es or
other locations in a manner in which they would be exposed to damage shall be recessed
into the wall or otherwise protected in an approved manner.
*IRC Section P2603.6; changed to read as, ollows:
P2603.6 Freezing. In localities having a winter design temperature of 32 degrees (0°
C) or lower as shown in Table R301.2(1) of this code, a water, soil or waste pipe shall not
be installed outside of a building, in exterior walls, in attics or crawl spaces, or in any other
place subjected to freezing temperatures unless adequate provision is made to protect such
pipes from freezing by insulation (3/4" wall in attics or under floor and 'h" wall in exterior
walls or heat or both. Water service shall be installed not less than 12 inches (305 mm)
deep and not less than 6 inches (152 mm) below the frost line.
*IRC Section P2603.6.1: changed to read as follows:
P2603.6.1 (305.6.1) Sewer depth. ac~clc~cirmisrE6isrcc~~e-~rrPC'~t~e-~c~icg^c
°~~* °~ ~°-~*~° *~-~'- °°~„°°*~°~. Building sewers shall be a minimum of 12 inches (304 mm)
below grade.
68
IRC SECTION P2706
*IRC Section P2706.1.1: added to read as
P2706.1.1 (805.1) Condensate waste. When the condensate waste from air conditioning
coils discharges by direct connection to a lavatory tailpiece or to an approved accessible
inlet on a bathtub overflow, the connection shall be located in the area controlled by the
same person controlling the air-conditioned space.
*IRC Section P2706.2; changed to read as follows:
P2706.2 (802.4) Standpipes. Stand~pes shall be individually trapped. Standpipes shall
extend a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) and a maximum of 42 inches (1067 mm) above
the trap weir. Access shall be provided to all standpipe traps and drains for rodding.
Standpipes serving automatic clothes washers shall have their traps above the floor level.
No standpipe shall be installed below the ground.
IRC SECTION P2709
*IRC Section P2709.1 (417.5); add an exception to read as follows:
Exception: Showers designed to comply with ICC/ANSI A117.1 need not have a
threshold.
*IRC Section P2709.2 (417.5.2 ;than e the second paraL~raph to read as follows:
The lining material shall extend not less than 3 inches (76 mm) beyond or around the
rough jambs and not less than 3 inches (76 mm) above finish thresholds and shall extend
outward over the threshold and fastened to the outside of the threshold jamb. Sheet-applied
load bearing, bonded waterproof membranes shall be applied in accordance with the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
*IRC P2724.1 (501.8); add a sentence to read as follows:
Temperature controls of a water heater shall not be used as the temperature control for
tempered water.
IRC SECTION P2801
*IRC Section P2801.6; add an exception to read as follows:
69
Exception: Elevation of the ignition source is not required for water heaters that
are listed as flammable vapor resistant and for installation without elevation.
*IRC Section P2801.7; add to read as follows:
P2801.7 (606.1) Cold water line valve. The cold water branch line from the main
water supply line to each water storage tank or water heater shall be provided with a valve
as specified in Section P2903.9.2.
IRC SECTION P2803
*IRC Section P2803.6.1; changed to read as follows:
P2803.6.1 (504.6.1) Requirements for discharge piping. The discharge piping serving
a pressure-relief valve, temperature relief valve or combination valve shall:
1. Not be directly connected to the drainage system.
2. When the drain pipe is run exposed in an area outside of the room where the water
heater is located, in a manner that would make it subject to damage, the drain shall
discharge through an air gap located in the same room as the water heater.
3. Not be smaller than the diameter of the outlet of the valve served and shall discharge
full size to the point of disposal ate.
4. Serve a single relief device and shall not connect to piping serving any other relief
device or equipment.
Exception: Multiple relief devices of a single tenant maybe installed to a single
T & P discharge pipin system when approved by the code official and permitted by
the manufacture's installation instructions and installed with those instructions.
Relief devices of multiple tenants manly share the same discharge system when
approved by the code official and the discharge point is in a common area under the
building owner's control.
5. Discharge to the floor drain, *^ *~° r ~- *~° ~ ~~*°r ~°~*°r ^ ~*^r~~-° *~~~-, to an
indirect waste receptor or to the outdoors. The point of disposal shall not be in
another tenant area. Where discharging to the outdoors in areas subject to freezing,
discharge piping shall be first piped to an indirect waste receptor throu an air
located in a conditioned area. The discharg~~e shall not discharge into the pan
re~c uired in Section P2801.5.
6. Discharge in a manner that does not cause personal injury or structural damage.
7. Discharge to a termination point that is readily observable by the building occupants.
8. Not be trapped.
9. Be installed so as to flow by gravity.
10. Not terminate more than 6 inches (152 mm) above the floor drain or waste receptor.
When dischar~in~ outside the buildingpoint of discharge shall be with the end
of the pipe not more than two (2) feet (610 mm) nor less than six (6) inches (,152
70
mm) above the ground or the floor level of the area receiving the discharge and
pointing downward.
11. Not have a threaded connection at the end of the piping.
12. Not have valves or tee fittings.
13. Be constructed of those materials listed in Section P2904.5 or materials tested, rated
and approved for such use in accordance with ASME Al 12.4.1.
IRC SECTION P2901
*IRC Section P2901.1 (608.8); add the ollowing sentence:
Systems using rainwater harvesting, Reclaimed Water, Gray Water or Industrial Reclaimed
Water systems shall comply with Plumbing Code Appendix H, Water Recovery.
IRC SECTION P2902
*IRC Section P2902.3; changed to read as follows:
P2902.3 (608.1) Backflow protection. A means of protection against backflow shall be
provided in accordance with applicable local regulations and Sections P2902.3.1 through
P2902.3.6. Backflow prevention applications shall conform to Table P2902.3, except as
specifically stated in Sections P2902.4 through P2902.5.5.
IRC SECTION P2903
*IRC Section P2902.5.3; changed to read as ollows:
P2902.5.3 (608.16.5) Lawn Irrigation systems. The potable water supply to lawn
irrigation systems shall be protected against backflow by an atmospheric-type vacuum
breaker, apressure-type vacuum breaker, adouble-check assembly or a reduced pressure
principle backflow preventer. A valve shall ... {remainder of section unchanged} .. .
backflow preventer.
*IRC Section P2903.2.1; added to read as follows:
P2903.2.1 (604.4.1) State maximum flow rate. Where the State mandated
maximum flow rate is more restrictive than those of this section, the State flow rate shall
take precedence.
*IRC Section P2903.9.2; change to read as follows:
P2903.9.2 (606.1) Water heater or hot water storage tank valve. A readily
71
accessible full-open valve shall be installed in the cold-water supply pipe to each water
heater or hot water stora eg tank at or near the water heater or hot water storage tank. The
valve shall be accessible on the same floor, located near the equipment and only serving the
hot water storage tank or water heater. The valve shall not interfere or cause a disruption of
the cold water supply to the remainder of the cold water system.
IRC SECTION P3001
*IRC Section P3001.4; added to read as ollows:
P3001.4 (701.10) Abandoned building sewers and private disposal systems. All
abandoned building sewers and private sewer disposal systems shall be plugged or capped
in an approved manner. All abandoned treatment tanks and seepage pits shall have the
contents pumped and discarded in an approved manner. The top or entire tank shall be
removed and the remaining,_portion of the tank or excavation shall be filled immediately
after connection to a public sewer system or after abandonment of a private sewage disposal
system. The permittee shall be responsible for the filling of the tank.
IRC SECTION P3005
*IRC Section P3005.2.6; changed to read as follows:
P3005.2.6 (708.3.4) Upper terminal '~°°° ^~ °*°°'~. Each horizontal drain shall be
provided with a cleanout at its upper terminal " °'°°~^«* ~'~~" ''° „r^<.;a°a °+ *'~°''°°° ^~
Exception: cleanouts maybe omitted on a horizontal drain less that five (5) feet
(1524 mm in length unless such line is serving sinks or urinals.
*IRC Section P3005.2.7.1; added to read a_ follows:
P3005.2.7.1 (708.3.2) Building sewer cleanouts. Building sewers shall be provided
with cleanouts located not more than 100 feet (30 480 mmLpart measured from the
upstream entrance of the cleanout.
IRC TABLE P3005.4.1
*IRC Table P3005.4.1 (710.1(1)); add a footnote "c "for 3 "diameter pipe to read
as ollows:
72
Not more than three (3) water closets shall be permitted on anv 3 inch diameter horizontal
branch or drain.
IRC TABLE P3005.4.2
*IRC Table P3005.4.2 (710.1(2)); add a footnote "c" for 3 " diameter ~e to read
as ollows:
Not more than three (3) water closets shall be permitted on anv 3 inch diameter horizontal
branch or drain.
IRC SECTION P3103
*IRC Section P3103.1; changed to read as follows:
P3103.1 (904.1) Roof extension. Open vent pipes that extend through a roof shall be
terminated at least 6 inches (152 mm) above the roof e~~e~e~-(T~~~~*~.
„*~^~~~*°a ~ ~~'°*~°~, ..,~.;^'' ° °~*°r, except that where a roof is to be used
for any purpose other than weather protection, the vent extension shall be run at least 7 feet
(2134 mm) above the roof.
IRC SECTION P3111
*IRC Section P3111.1; changed to read as ollows:
P3111.1 (912.1) Type of fixture. A combination waste and vent system shall not serve
fixtures other than floor drains, standpipes, °~~'-~ .,.,a'.,.,,,*^ri°~ and indirect waste receptors.
A combination waste and vent system shall not receive the discharge of a food waste
grinder.
Part VIII -Electrical Code
IRC CHAPTER 33 THROUGH 43
*IRC Chapters 33 through 43; delete and replace with the ollowing
The Electrical Code, as adopted elsewhere, shall serve as the Electrical provisions of this
code. All references to NFPA 70 shall mean the Electrical Code as adopted.
73
Appendix
IRC APPENDIX SECTION AG101
*IRC Appendix Section AG101.1; add a second, third and fourth paragraph to read
as ollows:
The~urpose of this section is to provide a hi er de egr e of protection a ag inst potential
drowning, especially among children, through the use of safety barriers. It is not intended as
a substitute for adult supervision of children in pool areas or adult responsibility
supervision of access to such areas.
The city recommends that all persons be taught how to swim.
The provisions of this section may be enforced by other code enforcement divisions of
this city but interpretation authority shall be retained by the Building Official.
IRC APPENDIX SECTION AG102
*IRC Appendix Section AG102.1; amend the definition of "Barrier " to read as
ollows:
BARRIER. A permanent fence, wall, building wall or combination thereof which
completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.
IRC APPENDIX SECTION AG105
*IRC Appendix Section AG10S.2, item #4; add an exception to read as ollows:
Exception: When horizontal members are part of a fence that is at least 6 feet
(1830 mm in height, the horizontal members need not be on the pool side of the
harri er_
*IRC Appendix Section AG lOS.2, item #9; delete.
*IRCAppendix Section AG IOS.2.1; added to read as ollows:
AG 105.2.1 Exceptions.
1. The side of an outdoor swimming pool facing a private golf course or other
restricted access area where the erection of barriers is prohibited by deed
restrictions need not have the required barrier on that side.
74
2. Natural topographical barriers such as lakes, rivers, retaining walls, impenetrable
hedges, and inaccessible inclines maybe substituted as part of the barrier.
*IRC Appendix Section AG 105.3; delete.
IRC APPENDIX J
*IRC Appendix J,• delete and replace to read as follows:
APPENDIX J
Existing Buildings and Structures
SECTION AJ101 -GENERAL
AJ101.1 (3401.1) Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration,
repair, addition and change of occupancy of existing structures as well as prescribe
retroactive provisions. Regardless of the date of construction, buildings and structures shall
be maintained in accordance with the provisions required at the date of construction, except
that buildings shall, as a minimum, comply with the provisions expressed in this appendix.
Exception: When permitted by the code official, buildings and structures may be
allowed to use provisions of more modern codes in lieu of maintaining the provisions
required at the date of construction.
AJ101.2 (3401.2) Maintenance. Buildings and structures, and parts thereof, shall be
maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards which are required by
this code shall be maintained in conformance with the code edition under which installed.
The owner or the owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of
buildings and structures. To determine compliance with this subsection, the building official
shall have the authority to require a building or structure to be reinspected. The
requirements of this chapter shall not provide the basis for removal or abrogation of fire
protection and safety systems and devices in existing structures.
AJ101.3 (3401.3) Compliance with other codes. Alterations, repairs, additions and
changes of occupancy to existing structures shall comply with the provisions for alterations,
repairs, additions and changes of occupancy in this and any other code adopted by this
jurisdiction.
75
SECTION AJ102 -ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS OR REPAIRS
AJ102.1 (3403, 3404, 3405) Existing buildings or structures. Additions, alterations or
repairs to any building or structure shall comply with the requirements of this code for new
construction. Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure
which will cause the existing building or structure to be in violation of any provisions of this
code. Portions of the structure not altered and not affected by the alteration are not required
to comply with the code requirements for a new structure.
Exception: For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas established by other
city ordinances, any additions, alterations or repairs that constitute substantial
improvement of the existing structure, as defined in the Building Code Section 1612.2,
shall comply with the flood design requirements for new construction and all aspects of
the existing structure shall be brought into compliance with the requirements for new
construction for flood design as determined by the Director of Transportation and Public
Works.
AJ102.2 (3403, 3404, 3405) Structural. Additions or alterations to an existing structure
shall not increase the force in any structural element by more than 5 percent, unless the
increased forces on the element are still in compliance with the code for new structures, nor
shall the strength of any structural element be decreased to less than that required by this
code for new structures. Where repairs are made to structural elements of an existing
building, and uncovered structural elements are found to be unsound or otherwise
structurally deficient, such elements shall be made to conform to the requirements for new
structures.
AJ102.2.1 Existing live load. Where an existing structure heretofore is altered or
repaired, the minimum design loads for the structure shall be the loads applicable at the
time of erection, provided that the public safety is not endangered thereby.
AJ102.2.2 Live load reduction. If the approved live load is less than required by
this code, the areas designed for the reduced live load shall be posted in with the
approved load. Placards shall be of an approved design.
AJ102.3 Nonstructural. Alterations or repairs to an existing building or structure that
are non-structural and do not adversely affect any structural member or any part of the
building or structure having required fire resistance are permitted to be made with the same
materials of which the building or structure is constructed.
AJ102.4 (3404, 3408.3) Stairways. An alteration or the replacement of an existing
stairway in an existing structure shall not be required to comply with the requirements of a
new stairway as outlined in Section R314, where, in the opinion of the Building Official, the
existing space and construction will not allow a reduction in pitch or slope nor will it create
a hazardous situation.
76
SECTION AJ103 -GLASS REPLACEMENT
AJ103.1 (3407) Conformance. The installation or replacement of glass shall be as
required for new installations, except that Mass only replacements in existing sash and frame
need not meet the new standards of Chapter 11, provided it does not reduce the current
energ~g.
AJ103.2 Replacement fenestration. Regardless of the category of work, when all of an
existing fenestration unit, including frame, sash and glazed portion is replaced, the
replacement fenestration shall comply with the requirements of Section Nl 102.3.6.
SECTION AJ104 -HISTORIC BUILDINGS
AJ104.1 (3409) Historic Buildings. The provisions of this code relating to the
construction, repair, alteration, addition, restoration and movement of structures, and change
of occupancy shall not be mandatory for historic buildings where such buildings are judged
by the building official to not constitute a distinct life safety hazard.
For Energy provisions, see Section N1101.1.1.
SECTION AJ105 -MOVED STRUCTURES
AJ105.1 (3410) Conformance. Structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall
comply with the provisions of this code for new structures.
SECTION AJ106 -ALL STRUCTURES
AJ106 (4601.1) Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to all existing
buildings lawfully constructed prior to the adoption of this code. The provisions are
applicable at any time a building is found to be non-compliant, whether work is being
performed or not. These provisions may be enforced by other code enforcement divisions
of this city but interpretation authority shall be retained by the building official.
AJ106.1 (4607) Certificate of Occupancy. All uses shall require a certificate of
occupancy as required by Section R110.1.
AJ106.2 (4603.6) Fire Alarms/Smoke Detectors. Regardless of the date of
occupancy, approved fire alarms/smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with the
ordinance under which they were constructed, or in accordance with Section R314, and
when applicable Section AJ 108, whichever is more restrictive.
AJ106.3 (4603.4) Fire-suppression systems. Fire suppressions systems shall be
installed as required by the Fire Code Chapter 46.
AJ106.4 (4608) Swimming Pool Barriers. Compliance shall be as listed below:
77
1. For pools constructed on or after October 1, 1993 for use with Group R, Division 3
Occupancies, see the appropriate provisions in the code in effect when the pool was
constructed as follows:
a. 12-4-98 to 7-1-01, see 1997 UBC, Appendix Chapter 4 with amendments -Ord
13625.
b. 7-1-01 to present, see IBC Chapter 31 and IRC Appendix Chapter G with
amendments, as adopted at the time of construction.
2. For pools owned, controlled, or maintained by the owner of a multiunit rental
complex or by a property owners association, see the appropriate state law, Chapter
214, Local Government Code, Subchapter C, "Swimming Pool Enclosures", and
Subtitle A, Title 9, Health and Safety Code, Chapter 757, "Pool Yard Enclosures".
Primary enforcement authority is by the Health Department.
3. For public pools, see the appropriate state law, Texas Department of Health
Standards for Public Swimming Pool/Spa, Sections 265.181 through 265.207.
Primary enforcement authority is by the Health Department.
4. For all other pools not covered by items 1, 2 or 3 above, regardless of date of
installation, see Chapter 31 of the Building Code.
AJ107 (4609) Minimum Building Standards Code. As provided for in Section 7-67,
and as further detailed in Sections 7-87, 7-88, 7-89, 7-90 and 7-91 of the City Code, which
is more specifically known as the Minimum Building Standards Code, those provisions
setting minimum standards that relate to Building Code items for buildings and structures
shall be considered as part of this code.
Enforcement of these sections may be performed by other departments or divisions of
the City of Fort Worth. However, as provisions of this code, final interpretation, appeals of
interpretation, requests for variances, etc. shall be handled as described in this code.
SECTION AJ108 -RENTED OR LEASED RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES
[F] AJ108.1 Rented or leased residential occupancies. For purposes of this section,
the term dwelling unit shall include the following:
1. All one-family, two-family, and multi-family dwellings, including manufactured
homes.
2. All one-family, two-family and multi-family dwellings where one or more rooms are
rented for use as permanent residence under a single lease.
[F] AJ108.1.1 Smoke detectors. All dwelling units which are currently rented,
leased or sub-leased, or are hereafter rented, leased, or sub-leased shall be provided with
smoke detectors for the occupants which meet the requirements of the ordinance under
which construction or Section R314, whichever is more restrictive. Those occupancies
which are leased for the first time or to a new lessee shall have smoke detectors installed
78
prior to occupancy by the lessee. The smoke detector purchase and installation shall be
the sole responsibility of the landlord.
[F] AJ108.1.2 Duty to inspect and repair. Upon commencement of a tenant's
possession of a dwelling unit containing a smoke detector, the landlord shall have a duty
to test the smoke detector to verify that it is in working order. Upon installation of a
smoke detector by a landlord after commencement of the tenant's possession of a
dwelling unit, the landlord shall have a duty to test the smoke detector to verify that it is
in good working order. Documentation verifying compliance with this provision shall be
submitted to the fire code official upon request.
[F] AJ108.1.3 Notice of malfunction. During the term of the rental agreement or
any renewal or extension thereof, the landlord shall have a duty to inspect and repair a
smoke detector only if the tenant has given notice to the landlord of malfunction or has
made a request to the landlord for inspection or repair. The notice to the landlord need
not be in writing unless written notice is required in the rental agreement. The landlord
shall comply with the tenant's request for inspection and repair within a reasonable time,
considering the availability of material, labor and utilities.
[F] AJ108.1.4 Cause of malfunction. A landlord shall not have a duty to repair a
smoke detector if the damage or malfunction is caused by the tenant or the tenant's
family, guest or invitee during the term of the rental agreement or any renewal or
extension period of the rental agreement. Provided, however, a landlord shall have a
duty to repair or replace a smoke detector covered by this subsection if the tenant pays in
advance for the reasonable cost of repair or replacement, including labor, materials,
taxes, and overhead.
[F] AJ108.1.5 Testing. A landlord shall have satisfied the duty to inspect or repair a
damaged or malfunctioning smoke detector if, after a test of the smoke detector, the test
indicates that the smoke detector is in good working order.
[F] AJ108.1.6 Battery replacement. After commencement of possession by the
tenant of a dwelling unit, the landlord shall have no duty to provide replacement
batteries for a battery operated smoke detector which was in good working order
according to a test of the smoke detector at the time of commencement of possession by
the tenant.
[F] AJ108.1.7 Offense. A person commits an offense if, as landlord of a dwelling
unit, that person:
1. Fails to install a smoke detector in compliance with this section; or
2. Fails to test or repair a smoke detector in compliance with this section; or
3. Allows a dwelling unit to be occupied without obtaining documentation signed by
both the landlord (or his authorized representative) and the tenant verifying
compliance with this section. This documentation shall be furnished to the fire chief
on request.
79
IRC APPENDIX K
IRC Appendix K; added to read as follows:
APPENDIX K
SOUND INSULATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NOISE
SENSITIVE USES NEAR AIRPORTS
SECTION AK101
GENERAL
AK101.1 Scope. The regulations and requirements shall apply to all new residential
buildings and new noise-sensitive non-residential buildings, as defined herein, that are
located wholly or partially within the boundaries of the 65 DNL or greater noise contours as
designated in Figure AK 1 O l .1(1).
The term "new" shall apply to new detached buildings built after the effective date of
this ordinance, and shall include later additions or modifications to those same buildings.
The term shall also include a Change of Occupancy in existing buildings from anon-
protected occupancy to one of the protected occupancies listed herein.
Buildings in existence prior to the effective date, and additions to or modifications of
those same buildings, shall not be required to comply, except when a Change of Occupancy
from anon-protected occupancy to one of the protected uses is involved.
SECTION AK102
DEFINITIONS
AK102.1 General. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this
chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.
Aircraft noise - is generally expressed in terms of it's A-weighted sound level, in units
called "decibels." Strictly speaking, the decibel unit should be abbreviated only by "dB";
however, for clarity "dBA" and "dB(A)" are often used to highlight the fact that the sound
level measurement has been A-weighted.
Noise exposure - in areas around airports is expressed in terms of the Day-Night Average
Sound Level, which is abbreviated by "DNL" in text and "Ld„" in equations.
NOISE-SENSITIVE NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS -
1. Nursing homes and hospitals, generally classified as Group I; and
2. Child day care centers, Adult day care centers and schools, generally classified as
Group E and Group I-4.
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RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES: Single-family, Two-family, Townhouse, Multi-family,
and Assisted Living uses, generally classified as Group R, whether in a single occupancy or
mixed occupancy.
Sound insulation properties - of building construction materials are described by Sound
Transmission Loss (TL) or Sound Transmission Class (STC). The higher the TL or STC
value, the less sound will be transmitted through the building material.
SECTION AK103
PURPOSE
AK103.1 General. All buildings and structures with protective uses, as applicable
under this chapter, shall be required to have minimum sound insulation standards and
requirements to protect the persons within designated noise sensitive buildings from
excessive exterior noise through regulation of design, construction and modification of such
buildings. After proper sound insulation measures are taken, the interior sound level,
attributable to exterior sources, shall not exceed 45 dB.
With the request for a building permit application, or Change of Use permit application,
submitted plans shall show evidence of compliance with the sound insulation requirements.
Compliance shall consist of submittal of an acoustical analysis report as follows:
1. In accordance with the prescriptive requirements of Section AK104 or the default
ratings of Section AK105; or
2. Any qualified design prepared under by a person experienced in the field of
acoustical engineering or a registered architect.
SECTION AK104
BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
AK104.1 General. Compliance with the following prescriptive provisions shall be
deemed to be in compliance with this chapter.
AK104.2 Building requirements for construction in the 65 dB zone.
1. Exterior Walls.
Walls that form the exterior envelope may be as listed below and shall be
constructed as follows:
a. Wood walls with studs at least 4 inches in nominal depth. Exterior finish shall
be stucco, minimum 7/8-inch thickness, brick veneer, masonry, or any siding
81
material allowed by this code. Wood, metal or cementitious fiber siding shall be
installed over %2-inch solid sheathing.
Wall insulation shall be at least R-13 glass fiber, or mineral wool or equal and
shall be installed continuously throughout the stud space. Foam insulation, as
permitted by this code, shall be accepted provided it solidifies to a spongy state
and not solid or rigid.
Interior wall finish shall be at least %2" gypsum wallboard
b. Masonry or concrete load bearing walls. Masonry walls with a surface weight of
less than 40 pounds per square foot will require an interior supporting studwall
that is finished as required by Item a above.
c. Or, it is permitted to use any wall designated in Section AK105 with a default
STC value of 25* or greater.
2. Exterior Windows
Windows in the exterior envelope shall be constructed as follows:
a. All openable windows in the exterior walls shall have a laboratory sound
transmission class rating of at least STC 30 dB and shall have air infiltration rate
of no more than 0.5 cubic feet per minute when tested according to ASTM E-
283; or, shall be double thenmopane windows meeting the requirements of the
Energy Code.
b. All fixed windows in the exterior walls shall be at least '/-inch thick and shall be
set in non-hardening glazing materials; or, shall be double thermopane windows
meeting the requirements of the Energy Code.
c. Or, it is permitted to use any window designated in Section AK105 with a
default STC value of 25* or greater.
d. The total area of glazing in rooms used for sleeping shall not exceed 20 percent
of the floor area.
3. Exterior Doors
a. Exterior hinged doors shall be as follows:
1. a door and edge seal assembly that has a laboratory sound transmission class
rating of at least STC 30 dB; or
2. a door, other than a hollow core wood door, that complies with the Energy
Code; or,
3. any door installed with a storm door; or,
4. doors installed as part of a vestibule.
b. Sliding glass doors shall have glass that has a laboratory sound transmission
class rating of at least STC 30 dB; or, shall be a sliding glass door that complies
with the Energy Code.
82
c. Access doors from a garage to a room within a dwelling shall have a laboratory
sound transmission rating of at least STC 30 dB; or, shall comply with the
Energy Code as a door in the exterior envelope.
d. Or, it is permitted to use any door designated in Section AK105 with a default
STC value of 25* or greater.
v. View windows in doors and sidelights shall comply with item 2 above, unless
used in a door as listed in 3a above.
4. Roof/Ceiling Construction
a. Roof rafters shall have a minimum slope of 4:12 and shall be covered on their
top surface with %2-inch solid sheathing and any roof covering allowed by this
code. An accessible attic space shall be provided above rooms on the uppermost
level of Group R buildings.
b. Commercial type flat roofs are permitted if insulated as required by the Energy
Code and a separate lay-in ceiling is added below with an airspace between the
two.
c. Cathedral ceilings are discouraged but, if installed, must have enough space to
install the insulation of Item d below, with a minimum of 6" air space between
the insulation and the roof deck.
d. Attic insulation shall be Batt or blown-in glass fiber or mineral wool with a
minimum R-30 rating applied between the ceiling joists.
e. Attic ventilation, when installed, shall be:
1. Gable vents or other attic vents that penetrate the attic enclosure shall be
fitted with a 'h" plywood panel, with 1 " semi-rigid insulation attached to the
surface facing the vent, so that the panel is at least six inches larger than the
vent opening on all sides and is attached to prevent direct line-of--site
perpendicular to the vent. The new panel shall also be positioned so that the
amount of ventilation is not reduced. Or,
2. Eave vents that are located under the roof overhang.
f. Ceilings shall be finished with gypsum board or plaster that is at least 5/8-inch
thick;
or,
'h" gypsum board on resilient channels (RC) installed 16" o.c. perpendicular to
the joists. Gypsum screws into the RC shall not be long enough to penetrate the
wood stud by more than '/" if occurring over the stud location;
or,
a lay-in ceiling with an airspace.
g. Skylights shall penetrate the ceiling by means of a completely enclosed light well
that extends from the roof opening to the ceiling opening. A secondary openable
glazing panel shall be mounted at the ceiling line and shall be glazed with at least
3/16-inch plastic, tempered or laminated glass. The weather-side skylight shall
be any type that is permitted by this code. The total size of skylights shall be no
more than 20 percent of the roof area of the room.
83
5. Floors
The floor of the lowest occupied rooms shall be slab on fill, below grade or over a
fully enclosed basement or crawlspace. All door and window openings in the fully
enclosed basement shall be tightly fitted. All crawlspace vents must be fitted with a
%" plywood panel, with 1" semi-rigid insulation attached to the surface facing the
vent, so that the panel is at least six inches larger than the vent opening on all sides
and is attached to prevent direct line-of--site perpendicular to the vent. The new panel
shall also be positioned so that the amount of ventilation is not reduced.
6. Ventilation
a. A ventilation system shall be provided that will provide at least the minimum air
circulation and fresh air supply requirements of the Mechanical Code, in each
room without opening any windows, door or other opening to the exterior.
Openable windows or doors will not be counted for compliance with the fresh air
provisions. Fresh air must be brought in through the HVAC system.
b. Window and/or through-the-wall ventilation or air-conditioning units shall not be
used.
c. All vent ducts connecting the interior space to the outdoors shall contain at least
a ten-foot length of internal sound-absorbing duct lining. Each duct shall be
provided with aninety-degree (right angle) bend in the duct such that there is no
direct line-of--sight through the duct from the venting cross-section to the room-
opening cross-section. Residential bathroom vents discharging at an eave vent
need only to have two ninety-degree (right angle) bends.
d. Kitchen cooktop vent hoods shall be the non-ducted recirculating type with no
ducted connection to the exterior.
7. Fireplaces
Each fireplace constructed of masonry units shall be fitted with a spark arrestor, a
damper as required by code and shall have glass doors across the front of the firebox.
8. Wall and Ceiling Openings
Openings in the exterior that degrades its ability to achieve an interior rating of 45
dB or less when all doors and windows are closed are prohibited. Any access panels,
pet doors, mail delivery drops, air conditioning, or other openings must be designed
to maintain the 45 dB or less standard in the room to which they provide access.
At the penetration of exterior walls by pipes, ducts, or conduits, the space between
the wall and pipes, ducts, or conduits shall be caulked at the pipe duct or conduit or
filled with mortar to the wall.
*STC ratings may overstate the actual attenuation provided by as much as 3 dB, therefore, 25 STC rating
in lieu of 20 is mandated.
84
AK104.3 Building requirements for construction in the 70 dB zone.
1. Exterior Walls
Walls that form the exterior envelope may be as listed below and shall be
constructed as follows:
a. Wood walls with studs at least 4 inches in nominal depth. Exterior finish shall
be stucco, minimum 7/8-inch thickness, brick veneer, masonry, or any siding
material allowed by this code. Wood, metal or cementitious fiber siding shall be
installed over %2-inch solid sheathing.
Wall insulation shall be at least R-13 glass fiber, or mineral wool or equal and
shall be installed continuously throughout the stud space. Foam insulation, as
permitted by this code, shall be accepted provided it solidifies to a spongy state
and not solid or rigid.
Interior wall finish shall be at least 5/8-inch gypsum wallboard or plaster;
or,
%" gypsum wallboard installed on resilient channels (RC) installed 16" o.c.
perpendicular to the studs. Gypsum screws into the RC shall not be long enough
to penetrate the wood stud by more than `/" if occurring over the stud location.
b. Masonry or concrete load bearing walls. Masonry walls with a surface weight of
less than 40 pounds per square foot will require an interior supporting studwall
that is finished as required by Item a above.
c. Or, it is permitted to use any wall designated in Section AK105 with a default
STC value of 30* or greater. When using door/window openings with a default
STC value of less than 30 STC but not less than 25 STC, the STC of the wall
shall be downrated by 20%.
2. Exterior Windows
Windows in the exterior envelope shall be constructed as follows:
a. All openable windows in the exterior walls shall have a laboratory sound
transmission class rating of at least STC 35 dB and shall have air infiltration rate
of no more than 0.5 cubic feet per minute when tested according to ASTM E-
283.
b. All fixed windows in the exterior walls of rooms shall:
1. Have a laboratory sound transmission class rating of at least STC 35 db, or
2. Be 5/8-inch laminated glass with a laboratory sound transmission class rating
of at least STC 35 db and shall be set in non-hardening glazing materials, or
3. Be glass block at least 3-1/2 inches thick.
c. Or, it is permitted to use any window designated in Section AK105 with a
default STC value of 30* or greater.
d. The total area of glazing in rooms used for sleeping shall not exceed 20 percent
of the floor area.
85
3. Exterior Doors
a. Exterior hinged doors shall be as follows:
1. a door and edge seal assembly that has a laboratory sound transmission class
rating of at least STC 35 dB; or
2. a door, other than a hollow core wood door, that complies with the Energy
Code and installed with a storm door; or,
3. doors installed as part of a vestibule.
b. Sliding glass doors shall have glass that has a laboratory sound transmission
class rating of at least STC 35 dB.
c. Access doors from a garage to a room within a dwelling shall have a laboratory
sound transmission rating of at least STC 30 dB; or, shall comply with the
Energy Code as a door in the exterior envelope.
d. Or, it is permitted to use any door designated in Section AK105 with a default
STC value of 30* or greater.
e. View windows in doors and sidelights shall comply with item 2 above, unless
used in a door as listed in 3a above.
4. Roof/Ceiling Construction
a. Roof rafters shall have a minimum slope of 4:12 and shall be covered on their
top surface with %2-inch solid sheathing and any roof covering allowed by this
code. An accessible attic space shall be provided above rooms on the uppermost
level of Group R buildings.
a. Commercial type flat roofs are permitted if insulated as required by the Energy
Code and a separate lay-in ceiling is added below with an airspace between the
two.
b. Cathedral ceilings are discouraged but, if installed, must have '/o" solid decking
above, enough space to install the insulation of Item d below, with a minimum of
6" air space between the insulation and the roof deck.
c. Attic insulation shall be batt or blown-in glass fiber or mineral wool with a
minimum R-30 rating applied between the ceiling joists.
e. Attic ventilation, when installed, shall be:
1. Gable vents or other attic vents that penetrate the attic enclosure shall be
fitted with a %2" plywood panel, with 1" semi-rigid insulation attached to the
surface facing the vent, so that the panel is at least six inches larger than the
vent opening on all sides and is attached to prevent direct line-of--site
perpendicular to the vent. The new panel shall also be positioned so that the
amount of ventilation is not reduced. Or,
2. Eave vents that are located under the roof overhang.
f. Ceilings shall be finished with gypsum board or plaster that is at least 5/8-inch
thick. Ceiling materials shall be mounted on resilient channels;
or,
a lay-in ceiling with an airspace.
g. Skylights shall penetrate the ceiling by means of a completely enclosed light well
that extends from the roof opening to the ceiling opening. A secondary openable
glazing panel shall be mounted at the ceiling line or at a point that provides at
least a 4-inch space between the skylight glazing and the secondary glazing and
86
shall be glazed with at least 3/16-inch plastic or laminated glass. The weather-
side skylight shall be any type that is permitted by this code. The total size of
skylights shall be no more than 20 percent of the roof area of the room.
5. Floors
The floor of the lowest occupied rooms shall be slab on fill, below grade or over a
fully enclosed basement or crawlspace. All door and window openings in the fully
enclosed basement shall be tightly fitted. All crawlspace vents must be fitted with a
''/2" plywood panel, with 1" semi-rigid insulation attached to the surface facing the
vent, so that the panel is at least six inches larger than the vent opening on all sides
and is attached to prevent direct line-of--site perpendicular to the vent. The new panel
shall also be positioned so that the amount of ventilation is not reduced.
6. Ventilation
a. A ventilation system shall be provided that will provide at least the minimum air
circulation and fresh air supply requirements of the Mechanical Code, in each
room without opening any windows, door or other opening to the exterior.
Openable windows or doors will not be counted for compliance with the fresh air
provisions. Fresh air must be brought in through the HVAC system.
b. Window and/or through-the-wall ventilation or air-conditioning units shall not be
used.
c. All vent ducts connecting the interior space to the outdoors shall contain at least
a ten-foot length of internal sound-absorbing duct lining. Each duct shall be
provided with aninety-degree (right angle) bend in the duct such that there is no
direct line-of--sight through the duct from the venting cross-section to the room-
opening cross-section. Residential bathroom vents discharging at an eave vent
need only to have two ninety-degree (right angle) bends.
d. Kitchen cooktop vent hoods shall be the non-ducted recirculating type with no
ducted connection to the exterior.
7. Fireplaces
Each fireplace constructed of masonry units shall be fitted with a spark arrestor, a
damper as required by code and shall have glass doors across the front of the firebox.
8. Wall and Ceiling Openings
Openings in the exterior that degrades its ability to achieve an interior rating of 45
dB or less when all doors and windows are closed are prohibited. Any access panels,
pet doors, mail delivery drops, air conditioning, or other openings must be designed
to maintain the 45 dB or less standard in the room to which they provide access.
At the penetration of exterior walls by pipes, ducts, or conduits, the space between
the wall and pipes, ducts, or conduits shall be caulked at the pipe duct or conduit or
filled with mortar to the wall.
*STC ratings may overstate the actual attenuation provided by as much as 3 dB, therefore, 30 STC rating
in lieu of 25 is mandated.
87
AK104.4 Building requirements for construction in the 75 dB or greater areas.
1. Exterior Walls
Walls that form the exterior envelope may be as listed below and shall be
constructed as follows:
a. Wood walls with studs at least 4 inches in nominal depth. Exterior finish shall
be stucco, minimum 7/8-inch thickness, brick veneer, masonry, or any siding
material allowed by this code. Wood, metal or cementitious fiber siding shall be
installed over 3/4-inch solid sheathing.
Wall insulation shall be at least R-13 glass fiber, or mineral wool or equal and
shall be installed continuously throughout the stud space. Foam insulation, as
permitted by this code, shall be accepted provided it solidifies to a spongy state
and not solid or rigid.
Interior wall finish shall be at least 5/8-inch gypsum wallboard installed on
resilient channels (RC) installed 16" o.c. perpendicular to the studs. Gypsum
screws into the RC shall not be long enough to penetrate the wood stud by more
than '/" if occurring over the stud location.
b. Masonry or concrete load bearing walls. Masonry walls with a surface weight of
less than 40 pounds per square foot will require an interior supporting studwall
that is finished as required by Item a above.
c. Or, it is permitted to use any wall designated in Section AK105 with a default
STC value of 35* or greater. When using door/window openings with a default
STC value of less than 35 STC but not less than 30 STC, the STC of the wall
shall be downrated by 20%.
2. Exterior Windows
Windows in the exterior envelope shall be constructed as follows:
a. All openable windows in the exterior walls shall have a laboratory sound
transmission class rating of at least STC 40 dB and shall have air infiltration rate
of no more than 0.5 cubic feet per minute when tested according to ASTM E-
283.
b. All fixed windows in the exterior walls of rooms shall:
1. Have a laboratory sound transmission class rating of at least STC 40 db, or
2. Be 5/8-inch laminated glass with a laboratory sound transmission class rating
of at least STC 40 db and shall be set in non-hardening glazing materials, or
3. Be glass block at least 3-1/2 inches thick.
c. Or, it is permitted to use any window designated in Section AK105 with a
default STC value of 35* or greater.
d. The total area of windows and doors in rooms used for sleeping shall not exceed
20 percent of the floor area.
88
3. Exterior Doors
a. Exterior hinged doors shall be as follows:
1. a door and edge seal assembly that has a laboratory sound transmission class
rating of at least STC 40 dB; or
2. a solid-core wood or insulated metal door at least one (1) inch thick separated
by an airspace of at least four (4) inches from another door, which can be a
storm door. Both doors shall be tightly fitted and weather-stripped; or,
3. doors installed as part of a vestibule.
b. Sliding glass doors shall have glass that has a laboratory sound transmission
class rating of at least STC 40 dB;
or,
a double sliding glass door, separated by a minimum four-inch airspace. Each
door shall comply with the air leakage rate of the Energy Code. Glass shall be at
least three-sixteenths (3/16) inch thick but not equal in thickness between the two
doors, and tempered or laminated.
c. Access doors from a garage to a room within a dwelling shall have a laboratory
sound transmission rating of at least STC 30 dB; or, shall comply with the
Energy Code as a door in the exterior envelope.
d. Or, it is permitted to use any door designated in Section AK105 with a default
STC value of 35* or greater.
e. View windows in doors and sidelights shall comply with item 2 above, unless
used in a door as listed in 3a above.
f. The joint between the wall opening and the door frame shall be continuously
filled with glass fiber insulation and the exterior cover trim shall be continuously
caulked to seal the joint.
4. Roof/Ceiling Construction
a. Roof rafters shall have a minimum slope of 4:12 and shall be covered on their
top surface with '/2-inch solid sheathing and any roof covering allowed by this
code. An accessible attic space shall be provided above rooms on the uppermost
level of Group R buildings.
b. Commercial type flat roofs are permitted if insulated as required by the Energy
Code and a separate lay-in ceiling is added below with an airspace between the
two.
c. Cathedral ceilings are discouraged but, if installed, must have 1" solid decking
above, have enough space to install the insulation of Item d below, with a
minimum of 6" air space between the insulation and the roof deck. Structural
information shall be provided confirming adequate support of the decking.
d. Attic insulation shall be batt or blown-in glass fiber or mineral wool with a
minimum R-30 rating applied between the ceiling joists.
e. Attic ventilation, when installed, shall be:
1. Gable vents or other attic vents that penetrate the attic enclosure shall be
fitted with a %2" plywood panel, with 1 " semi-rigid insulation attached to the
surface facing the vent, so that the panel is at least six inches larger than the
vent opening on all sides and is attached to prevent direct line-of--site
89
perpendicular to the vent. The new panel shall also be positioned so that the
amount of ventilation is not reduced. Or,
2. Eave vents that are located under the roof overhang.
f. Ceilings shall be finished with gypsum board or plaster that is at least 5/8-inch
thick. Ceiling materials shall be mounted on resilient channels;
or,
a lay-in ceiling with an airspace.
g. Skylights shall penetrate the ceiling by means of a completely enclosed light well
that extends from the roof opening to the ceiling opening. A secondary openable
glazing panel shall be mounted at the ceiling line or at a point that provides at
least a 4-inch space between the skylight glazing and the secondary glazing and
shall be glazed with at least 3/16-inch plastic or laminated glass. The weather-
side skylight shall be any type that is permitted by this code. The total size of
skylights shall be no more than 20 percent of the roof area of the room.
5. Floors
The floor of the lowest occupied rooms shall be slab on fill, below grade or over a
fully enclosed basement or crawlspace. All door and window openings in the fully
enclosed basement shall be tightly fitted. All crawlspace vents must be fitted with a
%2" plywood panel, with 1" semi-rigid insulation attached to the surface facing the
vent, so that the panel is at least six inches larger than the vent opening on all sides
and is attached to prevent direct line-of--site perpendicular to the vent. The new panel
shall also be positioned so that the amount of ventilation is not reduced.
6. Ventilation
a. A ventilation system shall be provided that will provide at least the minimum air
circulation and fresh air supply requirements of the Mechanical Code, in each
room without opening any windows, door or other opening to the exterior.
Openable windows or doors will not be counted for compliance with the fresh air
provisions. Fresh air must be brought in through the HVAC system.
b. Window and/or through-the-wall ventilation or air-conditioning units shall not be
used.
c. All vent ducts connecting the interior space to the outdoors shall contain at least
a ten-foot length of internal sound-absorbing duct lining. Each duct shall be
provided with aninety-degree (right angle) bend in the duct such that there is no
direct line-of--sight through the duct from the venting cross-section to the room-
opening cross-section. Residential bathroom vents discharging at an eave vent
need only to have two ninety-degree (right angle) bends.
d. Kitchen cooktop vent hoods shall be the non-ducted recirculating type with no
ducted connection to the exterior.
7. Fireplaces
Each fireplace constructed of masonry units shall be fitted with a spark arrestor, a
damper as required by code and shall have glass doors across the front of the firebox.
90
8. Wall and Ceiling Openings
Openings in the exterior that degrades its ability to achieve an interior rating of 45
dB or less when all doors and windows are closed are prohibited. Any access panels,
pet doors, mail delivery drops, air conditioning, or other openings must be designed
to maintain the 45 dB or less standard in the room to which they provide access.
At the penetration of exterior walls by pipes, ducts, or conduits, the space between
the wall and pipes, ducts, or conduits shall be caulked at the pipe duct or conduit or
filled with mortar to the wall.
*STC ratings may overstate the actual attenuation provided by as much as 3 dB, therefore, 35 STC rating
in lieu of 30 is mandated.
91
SECTION AK104.5
Sound Waves
AK104.5 General. The following are examples of compliance issues and methods.
Airplanes, jets and helicopters (aircraft) approach structures from different angles. It is not
always from overhead. Low flying aircraft, as well as, take offs and landings will create
sound waves that approach structures from all sides.
...,. _ ..
_~
~~.".
~~
0~~
Sound waves are just that, waves. They travel out in a circular method from the producing
object. They enter through openings and in a case like an attic, reverberate within the
cavity. When the entry of such waves cannot be prevented such as with the installation of
attic ventilation, dampening devices are needed to prevent the reverberation.
92
Figure 2-2 d'ssplays the three different major paths for noise transmission into a dwelling;
air infiltration khrough gaps and cracks, secondary elements such as windows and doors,
and primary building elements such as walls and the roof,
~~
Roo£
' Open
Ventllator
[~~ ~ Window THREE MAJOR PATHS
__ FOR NOISE TRANSMISSION:
GAPS AND CRACKS
Wall WINDOWS AND DOORS
Door
WALLS AND ROOF
Crack
Figure 2-2. Sound Transmission Paths Into Dwelling Interiors
Low-frequency sound Is most efficiently transmitted through solid structural elements such
as walls, roofs, doors, and windows. High frequencies travel best through the air gaps.
Within these broad categories, different building materials have different responses based
on the frequency of the incident sound and varying abilities to insulate against sound.
93
• Ducts to the outside, whether intake or exhaust, and all ducts in the attic or
crawl space can be lined with 1-inch acoustical internal lining material,andhave
at least one 90-degree (right angle) elbows (turns) thereby breaking the line-
of-sight to the outside as shown in Figure 3-6. It must be noted that there is
concern than this fibrous acoustical lining material will affect air quality.
installing a duct sound attenuator (silencer) is an alternative to this technique;
there are silencers available that do not contain fibrous lining. These measures
ensure that the ventilation system is nat bringing additional aircraft noise into
the house.
MENIMUM OF 2
90' EL80W5
~ ~,~~ s
4x10 DN
EXTERIOR WAl_C ~~ _~,~ ~- IN-LINE EXHAUST FAN
PLAN
ROOF
BAFFI_E,BOX (~ I O~P6RAF~ #) ~I r'-1Fl.EX[9LE CONPNEC750NS 5
II ~ ATTIC 5PACE 9x10
SECT I ON ~ GRl~LEcIL.ING
Figure 3-6. Controlling Noise Entering Through Ducts in Attic Space
94
EXIST}NG ROOF
INTERIOR ~~~ ~ EXTERIOR
80X
5/S" PLYWOOD
CONSTnUCTION , PAINTt' .
(PROVIDE FRAMtNG•AS THROUGH -THE -
_REQl1(RED} WALL. VENTILATOR
„ ~ AT AT71G ~51ZE ~ SHAPE
2 FfBE,RGLASS LINING VA1tY)
iN5lOE EQUAL TO OWENS• •
CORNING 703
INScCT SCREcN
12' MM
Figure 3-5. Built-in-place Gable Baffle
Attic Insulation
When considering the upgrade of thermal insulation to reduce noise levels it is Important to
understand what the insulation will do. Thermal insulation materials wi{I act to absorb
sound that is reverberating in the attic or in the space between flat panels. It does not
prevent noise from entering the space. That is, it has no appreciable acoustic "insulating"
properties but acts as an absorbent instead.
95
GENERIC DETAILS FOR SOUND INSULATION
PRE5CRIPTlVE BUILDING STANDARDS
NEW I/4"
GALVANIZED
HARDWARE
CLOTH -~
EXISTING OR NEW
GABLE VENT
EXISTING OR
NEw WALL
CONSTRUCTION
2-SiMPSON A-34 @
EACH SIDE
I/2" CDX PLYWOOD
AT 3 SIDES
I" APPROVED SEMI-
RIGID INSULATION
TYPICAL. SECURc
WITH PIN TYPE
rASTENERS TO
PLYWOOD BACK
AND SIDE PANEL.
ATTIC BAE~ ~E F~~R CAB! E TENT
NOT TO SCALE
NCITE
I. Ar TER t ABRICATION BAFFLE SHAT L BE SECURELY
ATTACHED IN POSITION.
2. NEW BAFFLE SHALL BE AT LEAST AS WIDE AS
THE cXISTING VENT OPENING,
OPEN TOP
AT TiC
96
Roof vents
When using roof vents, whether a ridge vent or a single vent, a trough should be constructed and hung from the
joists. The trough should be as wide as possible to cover the area of the vent. For ridge vents, it is preferable that it
extend from joists to joists, leaving enough room around the edges for the required amount of venting. For single
vents, the trough should be installed at the appropriate angle to match the roof slope.
The trough should be as long as the roof vent, perhaps a few inches longer, and capped on the ends.
The inside of the trough should be lined with 1" approved semi-rigid sound insulation.
SECTION AK104.6
COMPLIANCE TABLES
AK104.6 For allowable compliance tables of walls, windows, doors, roof/ceiling and floors,
see the Compliance Packet, as approved by the building official.
97
Figure AK101.1(1)
98
IRC APPENDIX R
*IRC Appendix R; added to read as follows:
APPENDIX R
ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY
The voluntary provisions of this chapter may be used in conjunction with new construction and
additions.
Residential
Those projects desiring to be recognized as above code per the Fort Worth Energy Sustainability
Program, may use the following point system.
Rating desired Score Approx. % above code
1. Bronze 50 unknown
2. Silver 65 unknown
3. Gold 80 unknown
4. Platinum 95 unknown
O tions Points
1. Obtain LEED for Homes certification based on the latest version
Certified 75
Silver 90
Gold 120
Platinum 150
In order to qualify for this item, LEED application documents must be
submitted along with the permit, and final certification must be obtained
and submitted within 2 years after job completion. The building purchaser
must be made aware that certification is pending for final approval.
Item 3 does not apply when this option is used.
2. Obtain Green Building certification, using the 2008 National Green
Building Standard, ICC 700-2008.
Bronze 75
Silver 90
Gold 120
Emerald 150
In order to qualify for this item, the approval, inspection and certification
must be performed by an a proved Project Team. Certification paperwork
99
and team identification must be submitted with the permit and final
certification must be submitted within 2 years after job completion. The
building purchaser must be made aware that certification is pending for
final approval.
Item 3 does not apply when this option is used.
Mandatory
When using this rating system, except for items 1 and 2 above, this
provision is mandatory:
3. Limit the conditioned floor area of each dwelling unit, to one of the
following options as follows:
a. 0 <_ 1,000 square feet (93 m2) 15
b. 1,000 <_ 1,500 square feet (139 m2) 10
c. 1,500 < 2,000 square feet (186 m2) 5
d. 2,000 < 2,500 square feet (232 m2) 0
e. > 2,500 square feet -5,
also, for every 5,000 square feet, or fraction thereof, over 3,000. -5 points
(These are penalty points that must be made up with other options.)
When the building contains more than one dwelling unit, the worst case unit
is used for this calculation for the entire structure. When doing an addition,
the entire dwelling unit is used in this calculation.
Plans
4. Permit plans include the following cut drawings and/or design notes for
the following items:
Thermal Envelope
All penetrations in the thermal envelope, including but not limited to,
electrical boxes, air duct grills, light fixtures, ceiling fans, (with ceiling 3
items such as light fixtures and ceiling fans specifically identified on the
plans) are noted as fully sealed around the edges and through the
electrical cord entry points.
(All such items must be sealed around the exterior in the space between
the item and the gypboard. Electrical boxes must have the wiring entry
hole sealed with approved material. Utility penetrations through the
envelope, including but not limited to, the exterior wall, top and bottom
plates, floor and ceilings must be sealed. Seals must also be installed
around electrical wiring through studs to separate opposite facing
electrical boxes in an envelope wall such as the wall separating the
100
garage and the conditioned space.)
Floors
a. Insulation installed to maintain permanent contact with the
underside of the subfloor decking, enveloping any attached
ductwork within the thermal envelope without compression or air 2
gaps in the insulation.
b. Batt and loose insulation is held in place by permanent attachments
or systems in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Crawl space
Where insulated, insulation details noting wall insulation is permanently 2
attached to the walls. Exposed earth in unvented crawlspaces is covered
with continuous vapor retarder with overlapping joints that are taped or
masticed.
Windows and doors 2
Caulking, gasketing, adhesive flashing tape, foam sealant, or weather
stripping is installed forming a complete air barrier.
Band and rim joists 2
Band and rim joists are insulated and air sealed.
Between foundation and sill plate bottom plate
Sill sealer or other material that will expand and contract is installed 2
between foundation and sill plate. Caulk or the equivalent is installed to
seal the bottom plate of exterior walls.
Attic access (except conditioned attics)
Attic access, knee wall door, or drop-down stair is covered with
insulation and gasketed. Knee wall door is an insulated unit or is 2
covered with insulation. Attic access doors are considered exterior
envelope doors. Attic access hatches shall be encapsulated with an
insulated cover.
Recessed lighting
Recessed light fixtures that penetrate the thermal envelope are noted on 2
the plans and are airtight, IC-rated, and sealed with gasket, caulk, or
foam.
Eave vents
Where ceiling/attic assemblies or designs have eave vents, baffles or 2
other means are implemented to minimize air movement into or under
the insulation.
101
Ducts.
Ducts are sealed with tape complying with UL 181, mastic, gaskets, or 2
an approved system.
Skylight and knee walls
Skylight shafts and knee walls are insulated to the same level as the 2
exterior walls.
Tubs and showers
Walls behind tubs and showers shall be sealed as other walls with 2
gypboard or equivalent as the remainder of the dwelling unit.
Common walls between dwelling units shall be sealed to prevent air
exchanges through the wall. This includes sealing opposing electrical 2
outlets in which air might flow through.
Note on plans indicating where the Energy Certification will be 2
installed.
5. Calculations for heating and cooling equipment sizing in accordance
with ACCA Manual J is submitted with Energy Report 3
6. HVAC duct system is sized, designed, and installed in accordance with
ACCA Manual D. Sizing calculations must be submitted with Energy 5
Report.
Heat Island
7. For buildings with one- ortwo-family, provide canopy coverage that, at
maturity as determined by the Tree Ordinance, will provide shading for 10
a minimum of 20% of the area on the same lot within 25' of the
structure. Shading over the roof top does not count.
For buildings with more than two-family dwellings, provide canopy
coverage that, at maturity as determined by the Tree Ordinance, will 15
provide shading for a minimum of 25% of the area on the same lot
within 50' of the structure. Shading over the roof top does not count.
Envelope
8. Exceed the provisions of this code by 15%.
Options:
a. Use an approved program, the latest version based on 2009 IECC, 25
report designating a score of 15% above code; or,
b. Obtain Energy Star rating, inspection and certification 25
(This option cannot be used in conjunction with options 9 or 10)
102
9. Implement energy efficiency features to achieve energy cost
performance that exceeds this code. A documented analysis using
software in accordance with Section 405 of the International Energy
Conservation Code.
a. by 15% 30
b. by 30% 60
c. by 50% 100
d. by 60% 120
(This option cannot be used in conjunction with options 8 or 10)
10. Reduce total building thermal envelop UA as follows:
a. by 10% 15
b. by 20% 30
For the purpose of this point system, the following shall be considered
as compliant:
10% 20%
Fenestration U-factor 0.45 0.40
Skylight U-factor 0.58 0.52
Ceiling R-value 33 36
Frame Wall R-value 14 16
Mass Wall R-value 8/9* 9/10*
Floor R-value 24** 27**
Basement Wall R-value 3 4
Crawl Space R-value 8 9
* -see Table N1102.1, footnote k
* * -see Table N 1102.1, footnote g
The glazed fenestration and opaque door exemptions of Sections
N1102.3.3 and N1102.3.4 are still permitted.
(This option cannot be used in conjunction with options 8 or 9)
11. Exterior wall is a minimum 2 x 8 studs or double stud wall with 10
minimum of R-19 insulation.
12. Enhanced Fenestration (windows and doors) is installed to meet the
following ratings: 10
U-factor of 0.35 or less and SHGC of 0.25 or less (both required)
The glazed fenestration and opaque door exemptions of Sections
N1102.3.3 and N1102.3.4 are still permitted.
13. Glazing on walls that face less than 45 degrees of East and West
compass points is limited to less that 5% of the total Envelope wall 5
surface. Must be both walls.
14. All windows facing South, and within 45 degrees of south, have a
Projection Factor of .40 or larger. 5
(See equation 5-1 of the IECC for Projection Factor.)
15. A minimum of 90% of the roof surface is constructed of any one or
combination of the following: 5
103
a. products that are in accordance with the Energy Star cool roof
certification.
b. a green (landscaped) roof system
c. a solar reflective roof is installed that achieves a 3-year aged criteria
of 0.50 or better. Documentation showing testing in accordance
with ASTM C 1549-04 and ASTM E 1918-1997 must be submitted.
16. Roofing material is installed with a minimum 0.75 inch (19 mm)
continuous air space offset from the roof deck from eave to ridge. 5
17. Radiant barrier is installed in attic, under roof decking or over attic
insulation 5
18. Attic ventilation is installed that provides air flow from lower attic
(eaves) to and out upper attic (ridge vents or equivalent) 5
19. Batt insulation installed in attic walls is encapsulated with gypboard on 5
the attic side.
20. Building tightness is blower door tested to insure that air leakage is less
than seven air changes per hour (ACH) at a pressure of 33.5 psf (50 Pa) 5
in accordance with Section N1102.4.2.1.
This provision cannot not be used with item 8b, Ener y Star.
Mechanical
21. Limit HVAC flex duct to only be used as last 5' of duct length. 35
22. All HVAC duct is installed within the Envelope or within a conditioned
attic. 5
23. HVAC system only uses ducts. Wall cavities are not used as return air. 5
(Section Nl 103.2.3)
24. Except for bathrooms, kitchens, closets, pantries, and laundry rooms,
return ducts or transfer grilles are installed in every room with a door. 5
25. Electric resistant heating is not used except for supplemental heating 15
associated with heat pumps.
26. Install 7-da programmable thermostat 5
Plumbing
27. Install water heaters, tank or tankless, in locations such that no hot water 5
pipe run to fixture exceeds 40'
28. Insulate all hot water piping, including under slab, with minimum of R- 5
4. Insulation maybe removed for the portion that penetrates the slab if
another approved pipe wrapping is preferred by the installer/designer.
29. Solar Water heating system is installed for all or any portion of hot 5
water sup ly.
30. Except for outside hose bibs using as short of pipe as needed, water
piping is not installed in Envelope walls. 5
104
Electrical
31. Builder installs a minimum of 50% of the light bulbs in the light fixtures
with high-efficacy lamps. Bulbs must be present at Final Inspection. 5
32. Each unit is served by an individual electrical meter, either utility meter 5
or sub-meter.
Other
33. Fireplace systems do not have continuously burning pilot lights. 5
Any Energy related item from other nationally recognized Sustainability or As
Green building program that is considered applicable and assigned a point determined
grade as determined by the Building Official. by
Building
Official
105
IRC APPENDIX S
*IRC Appendix S; added to read as, ollows:
APPENDIX CHAPTER S
2003 ENERGY CODE PROVISIONS
AS101. General. The Energy provisions, Chapter 11, of the 2003 International Residential
Code shall remain in effect until January 1, 2012 as adopted by ordinances #15959, 17522-04-
2007, 17681-08-2007 and 18459-02-2009, and as further printed as follows:
Ener
IRC SECTION N1101
*IRC Section N1101.1; add a second exception to read as. ollows:
Exceptions: 1. Provided that they are ... {existing exception unchanged}.. .
2. Residences designated as historical, that are not under oink a Change of
Occupancy, need not comply with the Envelope provisions of this chapter.
*IRC Section N1101.2; changed to read as follows:
N1101.2 Compliance. Compliance with this chapter shall be demonstrated by meeting
the requirements of the applicable sections and tables of this chapter. Where applicable,
provisions are based on the climate zone where the building is located. The climate zone for all
structures in this jurisdiction ~=~'~°r° *'~°'~~~~'a~„~- ~~'^°~*°a shall be based on zone assignments in
Table N1101.2 for Tarrant County, Texas (Tarranta -Zone 5~ *'~° °^~•„*~~ ~^a °*~*° ~^ .~,~.;°'' *'~°
~,„:'a;.,,. ~~ '~ei~se~t~Eted. Alternatively, the climate zone shall be permitted to be
determined by the heating degree days assigned by the building official.
*IRC Section N1101.2.1; change to read as follows:
N1101.2.1 Detached one- and two-family dwellings. Compliance shall be
demonstrated by either one of the following:
1. Meeting the requirements of this chapter for buildings with a glazing area that does
not exceed 15 percent of the gross area of exterior walls; or
2. Meeting the requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code for
detached one- and two-family dwellings.
3. Meeting the requirements for detached one- and two-family dwellings with a lg azing
area that is greater than 15 percent but not to exceed 25 percent of the gross area of
exterior walls, as described in Section N1102.1.
106
*IRC Section N1101.3.4; added to read as follows:
N1101.3.4 Exterior basement or slab insulation. When susceptibility to termite
damage is classified as "very heavy" according to Table R301.2(1 , desi ng s emplo i~ng exterior
insulation of basements or slabs shall not be utilized.
*IRC Section N1102.1; change to read as follows:
N1102.1 Thermal performance criteria. The minimum required insulation R-value or
the area-weighted average maximum required fenestration U-factor (other than opaque doors
which are governed by Section N1102.1.3) for each element in the building thermal envelope
(fenestration, roof/ceiling, opaque wall, floor, slab edge, crawl space wall and basement wall)
shall be in accordance with the criteria in Table N1102.1 or N1102.1(a).
Detached one- and two-family dwellings with greater than 15-percent glazing area;
townhouses with greater than 25-percent glazing area; and any residential building in climates
with heating degree days equal to or greater than 13,000; shall determine compliance using the
building envelope requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code.
Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings may exceed 15-percent
lg azing, when using Table N1102.1(a), as follows:
1. When using the prescriptive method of this chapter, the lg azing area may be
increased to more than 15 percent but not exceeding 20 percent of the gross area of
exterior walls when the air conditioning equipment of Table N1103.1 is upgraded from
10 SEER to 12 SEER or hi er;
2. When using the prescriptive method of this chapter, the dazing area maw
increased to more than 20 percent but not exceeding 25 percent of the gross area of
exterior walls when the air conditioning equipment of Table N1103.1 is up~aded from
10 SEER to 14 SEER or hi er.
107
*IRC Table N1102.1(a); added to read as follows:
TABLE N1102.1(a)
SIMPLIFIED PRESCRIPTIVE BUILDING
ENVELOPE THERMAL COMPONENT CRITERIA
MINIMUM REQUIRED THERMAL PERFORMANCE
(U-FACTOR AND R-VALUE)
MAXIMUM MINIMUM INSULATION R-VALUE [(hr*ft2*°F)/Btu]
GLAZING Ceilings Ceiling
U-FACTOR open to Joist/Roof Crawl
ft2 °
[Btu/(hr* * F)] Attic
Space Rafter
Assemblyb
Walls
Floors Basement
Walls Slab
perimeter space
walls
0.65 R-38 R-226 R-13 R-19 R-0 R-0 R-7a
a. Crawl space insulation is only required for structures with uninsulated floors.
b. In order to install the required 1" ventilation clearance of R806.3 and the R-22 without compressing the
insulation, which would lower the R- value, it maybe necessary to use a specialized compressed R-22 insulation
or enlarge the joist/rafter member one size. Use of the ceiling joist/roof rafter assembly (cathedral ceiling) is
limited to no more than one third of the total ceiling area.
*IRC Section N1102.1.6; change the exception to read as~ollows:
Exception: Slab perimeter insulation is not required for unheated slabs in areas
of very heavy termite infestation probability as shown in Figure R301.2(6). ~>
2~'cEcgti~-ijr-u3c'la~ viiiiaiir~e~~~El16g~EA~plr'm"r"rc ~l,~ll l,o rlo,Y,..,~,~t,-~~orl 1.., !mil ,
. ~
*IRC Section N1102.2: add an exceptions to read as follows:
Exceptions
1. Anv lg azin fg acing within 45 degrees of true north:
2. Anv glazing facing within 45 degrees of true south which is shaded along its
full width bya permanent overhang with a projection factor of 0.3 or e
3. Anv fenestration with permanently attached screens where the screens have a
rated shading coefficient of 0.6 or less.
108
IRC SECTION N1103
*IRC Section 1103.3; add a second paragraph after the exception to read as ollows:
A vapor retarder having a maximum permeance of 0.05 perm [2.87 ngLs ~ m2' Pad] in
accordance with ASTM E 96, or aluminum foil having a minimum thickness of 2 mils (0.051
mm), shall be installed on the exterior of insulation on cooling supply ducts that pass through
nonconditioned spaces conducive to condensation.
IRC TABLE N1103.5
*IRC Table N1103. S; amend the table and footnote "b " to read as ollows:
Coolin s stems
Fluid Tem Ran a (°F) Insulation Thickness
Inchesb
40-55 :~ .5
Chilled water, refrigerant or brine Below 40 1.25
a. {unchanged}
b. For piping lengths in excess of five (5) feet (1524 mm) exposed to outdoor air, increase
thickness by 0.5 inch 13 mm .
AS102. Alternate provisions. As an alternative to the energ. provisions of the 2003
International Residential Code Chapter 11, usage of the 2003 International Energy Conservation
Code, as adopted under City Ordinance #15952, maybe permitted until January 1, 2012.
109
IRC APPENDIX T
*IRC Appendix T• Chapter 36 of the Building Code Docks Piers and Boathouses is
added to this code as an Appendix to read as follows:
APPENDIX CHAPTER T
DOCKS, PIERS AND BOATHOUSES
T3601 General. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to any body of water within the
corporate limits of Fort Worth that is under the jurisdiction and control of the City of Fort Worth.
In the absence of other provisions, this chapter may be used on bodies of water not under the
control of the City of Fort Worth.
This chapter and the "Docks, Piers and Boat House" standards, adopted elsewhere, may be
more stringent than other provisions of this code and other codes.
T3601.1 Variances/Water Department Release. Lake Worth is owned by the City of
Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Water Department has the charge for the safety of the water, as
well as, safe usage of the water system. As such, some provisions in this chapter shall be
designated as a regulation from the Water Department and will be identified as (WD). Any
such section identified with (WD) cannot be granted a variance by the Construction and Fire
Prevention Board without first obtaining a release from the Director of the Water
Department.
T3602 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter,
have the meanings shown herein.
DEAD LOAD. The permanent inert weight of materials of construction incorporated into the
structure, including fixed or permanent attachments, such as bumpers, railings, winch stands,
roof structures, etc.
As further defined in Chapter 16 of the Building Code, the weight of materials of construction
incorporated into the building, including but not limited to walls, floors, roofs, ceilings,
stairways, built-in partitions, finishes, cladding and other similarly incorporated architectural and
structural items, and fixed service equipment including the weight of cranes. All dead loads are
considered permanent loads.
DECKING. The surface material that forms the floor of the structure.
As further defined in Chapter 16 of the Building Code, an exterior floor supported on at least two
opposing sides by an adjacent structure, and/or posts, piers or other independent supports.
DOCK, PIER, OR BOAT HOUSE (or any combination). A structure extending from the shore
into the water to permit the landing and mooring of vessels. The term "dock", "pier" or "boat
110
house" includes the anchoring system and any walkways or bridges that will attach to the
structure itself.
HUNT ABSORPTION TEST. A test documenting the rate at which flotation material absorbs
liquid, as well as the quantity of liquid absorbed.
LAKEFRONT PROPERTY LINE. The property line that borders the regulated water area.
(For Lake Worth, "as shown on the final plat of record or survey for the property".)
LAKE WORTH MANAGEMENT OFFICE (LWMO). That group in the Water Department
responsible for review and approval for all improvements to structures at or in Lake Worth, and
who shall administer the requirements of that department.
LIVE LOAD. Any moving or variable superimposed load on the structure.
As further defined in Chapter 16 of the Building Code, those loads produced by the use and
occupancy of the building or other structure and do not include construction or environmental
loads such as wind load, snow load, rain load, earthquake load, flood load or dead load.
LOADS. Forces or other actions that result from the weight of building materials, occupants
and their possessions, environmental effect, differential movement and restrained dimensional
changes. Permanent loads are those loads in which variations over time are rare or of small
magnitude, such as dead loads. All other loads are variable loads.
REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER (RPE). A professional engineer currently
registered with the State of Texas as a professional engineer.
STRUCTURAL DEAD LOAD. The weight of the structure and its ability to support itself.
STRUCTURE. When used in this Chapter shall be inclusive of entire dock, pier or boat house,
including the walkway, anchoring system, cables, floats, electrical, plumbing and any other
related components or materials installed in conjunction with the construction, maintenance, or
use of the dock.
WALKWAY (or BRIDGE). A passage that provides access from the land or a boat dock,
marina, or other floating facility.
T3603 Permit Required. No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, or move any dock,
pier, boathouse or combination to any body of water within the corporate limits of Fort Worth,
that is under the jurisdiction and control of the City of Fort Worth, without complying with the
provisions of this chapter.
Each application for a permit, together with plans for a dock, pier, boathouse, or any
combination thereof shall be submitted as specified in Chapter 1 of this code and as may be
specified in other City codes.
Where such structures are constructed on Lake Worth or any body of water subject to the
jurisdiction of another department of the City of Fort Worth, the additional approval of such
department shall be obtained.
Submittal of a permit application is not permission to begin work. Construction is not
permitted to begin until a permit is ISSUED.
T3604 Use. Docks, piers and boathouses for private use shall normally be classified as a
Group U Occupancy. Other occupancies may be allowed when the use is permitted by the
Zoning Ordinance, together with the approval of any other appropriate department of the City of
Fort Worth, and the construction complies with this code for said use.
T3605 Design and Design Loads.
T3605.1 General. When designed by an RPE, the RPE shall apply the appropriate loads
when doing calculations. Such factors shall include, but not be limited to:
a. dead load
b. live load
c. roof load
d. wind load and wave action; which should be considered as simultaneously applied
e. when intended to have boats attached to the structure for storage, the effects of such
estimated loads, such as wind and wave, on the boat that are transferred to the structure
shall also be considered.
f. when intended to have boats lifted out of the water, the effects of such estimated loads,
such as wind on the boat and dead load of the boat, that are transferred to the structure
shall also be included.
g. surface areas at and above the water line, when authorized, including walls, screens,
tarps, etc.
h. except as allowed for in Section T3605.3, flotation devices shall be designed to withstand
the same dead load and live load as a fixed structure.
T3605.2 All Occupancies. Regardless of the occupancy category assigned, all structures
shall comply with the following provisions:
a. Piles shall conform to Chapter 18 of the Building Code.
b. All docks, piers and boathouses shall be designed to withstand the loads as specified in
Chapter 16 of the Building Code, based upon the Occupancy classification as assigned by
the Building Official.
Exception: Private residential structures, classified as a Group U, may use the design
loads as specified in Section T3605.3.
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c. (WD) Structures shall be able to withstand a minimum of two-foot high wave action at
normal water levels. (For Lake Worth, up to 594 ft. above sea level.) Floating docks
must be designed with anchorage footing and piers to remain in place without floating off
at the high water levels (For Lake Worth, this will be 601 ft. above sea level.)
d. (WD) Cables and chains used in anchoring systems shall be designed with a minimum
working load safety factor of 3.0 for cable and 2.0 for chains.
e. (WD) Walkways and bridges shall have a maximum slope under dead load of a 4:1 ratio
to any direction at the lowest expected water level. (For Lake Worth, 591 ft. above sea
level.)
T3605.3 Group U Occupancies. When private structures associated with residential uses
are assigned a Group U Occupancy classification, the design provisions provided in Section
T3605.3.1 through T3605.3.2, maybe used in lieu of Chapter 16 of the Building Code.
T3605.3.1 Flotation devices shall be designed to support the dead load plus 30-pounds
per square foot (PSF) live load applied to deck area.
T3605.3.2 Structural frame shall be designed to support 40 pounds per square foot (PSF)
live load applied to the full surface area of the deck.
T3606 Dock and Pier Construction. When not designed by an RPE, the proposed design
shall incorporate the following minimum provisions:
T3606.1 Piles. Wood piles shall be a minimum of six (6) inches in diameter. Metal piles
shall be a minimum of three (3) inches inside diameter pipe. Such piles shall be driven to a
minimum depth of twenty-four (24) inches below the top layer of silt. Such piles shall be
driven in pairs, one on either side of the platform, and braced as required by section 3606.6.
Such piles shall not be spaced apart more than ten (10) feet center to center.
T3606.2 Box cribs. Sets of structural columns of the same size forming a box crib may
be used. Such crib shall be braced as required in Section 3606.6 and anchored as required in
Section T3607.
T3606.3 Beams. Beams shall be defined as those members which connect to piles to
support the stringers. All beams when of wood shall be a minimum 2-inch material.
T3606.4 Stringers. Stringers shall be defined as those members usually supporting the
decking. All stringers when of wood shall be of a minimum 2-inch material. Pipe stringers
shall be a nominal 2-1/2-inch LD. and spaced not more than eighteen (18) inches O.C.
T3606.5 Decking.
T3606.5.1 Wooden platform decking shall be of a minimum nominal 2-inch material.
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T3606.5.2 Other materials, to include lightweight concrete or metal decking may be
used when approved by the Building Official. Such decking shall meet the load
requirements of Section T3605.
T3606.6 Bracing.
T3606.6.1 All wooden bracing shall be of a minimum nominal 2-inch material.
T3606.6.2 Bracing shall be accomplished by one or more of the following methods:
a. Cross or "X" bracing. Cross or "X" bracing may be used on each set of piles
and box cribs.
b. Beams. Beams may be used as bracing, provided the connections give sufficient
support to resist horizontal forces equivalent to that of cross or "X" bracing.
c. Knee bracing. Knee bracing may be used on each pile attached to and
paralleling the platform deck. Pipe knee bracing shall be a nominal 2-1/2 inch
I.D.
T3606.7 Attachment of deck. Attachment of the platform deck to beams and piles shall
be accomplished by one or more of the following methods:
a. By attaching the beams to the piles and box cribs by lag bolts.
b. By caps: Wood caps shall be a minimum nominal 4-inch material and anchored by
bolts and welded.
T3607 Anchorage of Floatation and box crib structures. Such structures shall be
anchored with solid units that will provide the following anchorage:
a. Docks and piers less than fifty (50) feet in length: An anchor on each corner that will
support one-fourth of the total dead load plus one-eighth the total live load.
b. Docks and piers fifty (50) feet or more in length: Anchors at the midpoint of the piers.
c. All docks and piers shall be anchored to the shore line.
d. All anchors shall be of masonry, concrete, or steel and shall be securely fastened to the
dock or pier by ~~ cable, chain, or other approved methods.
T3608 Required Water Proofing.
T3608.1 All wood below one (1) foot above spillway elevation on lakes (for Lake
Worth, 595 feet) or below one (1) foot above the 50-year flood elevations on other bodies of
water shall be treated lumber. Creosote is not allowed.
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T3608.2 All metal, including bolts, lag bolts, and fasteners, shall be galvanized or
painted with paints of similar materials approved for immersion in water.
T3609 Floatation Material. All flotation units shall adequately support the dead and live
loads of all beams, stringers, and platforms. Data shall be submitted to and approved by the
Building Official showing that the buoyancy of such units will support the loads imposed.
Only flotation units made of materials which will not affect the water quality in any way may
be used. Flotation units shall be constructed of material that has never been used in any manner
for storage of toxic or hazardous material. Proof that the flotation units meet the requirements
must be provided to and approved by the Building Official.
(a) (WD) Flotation material shall be extruded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, or a
copolymer of polyethylene and polystyrene and shall have a minimum density of 0.9
pounds per cubic foot, and be of consistent quality throughout the float. Beads shall be
firmly fused together, and there shall be no voids inside the encasement. Flotation
material shall have a water rate absorption of less than 3.0 pounds per cubic foot over
seven (7) days when tested by the Hunt Absorption Test. Other flotation material maybe
considered if it meets all of the requirements set forth in this chapter.
(b) (WD) Flotation material shall be encased in solid polyethylene or a polyurethane type
coating, both of which shall be watertight and have a nominal thickness of 0.125 inches.
(c) (WD) Drums made of plastic, whether new or recycled, or metal shall not be used for
encasements or floats.
(d) (WD) Materials which are considered unacceptable for this purpose include but are not
limited to standard steel 55 gallon drums, any metal which may corrode in the aqueous
environment, and any material which may release toxic or hazardous material into the
lake proper.
(e) (WD) All flats shall be warranted for a minimum of eight (8) years against sinking,
becoming waterlogged, cracking, peeling, fragmenting, or losing beads, and shall not be
prone to damage by animals.
(f) (WD) Floats that are punctured, exposing the foam to erosion or deterioration, shall be
replaced immediately.
T3610 Boathouse construction. Construction of boathouses or other structures shall meet
or exceed the requirements for framing and coverage as specified in other parts of this code.
When, in the opinion of the Building Official, the load of the intended use exceeds the capability
of the minimum construction design specified, plans and specification may be required to be
designed by a Registered Professional Engineer (RPE).
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T3611 (WD) Prohibited uses.
T3611.1 (WD) Toilet facilities. No toilet facilities of any type shall be allowed on any
Structure built past the Lakefront Property Line.
T3611.2 (WD) Fuel pumping. Fuel pumping facilities exceeding 55 gallons are not allowed
on structures that extend past the Lakefront Property Line.
T3612 (WD) Safety devices.
T3612.1 (WD) Photocell light. Any Structure that extends more than 100 feet from the
Lakefront Property Line shall be equipped with a white photocell light of no less than 200
lumens that operates continually from dusk to dawn. Such lighting shall be provided with a cover
on the top of the light to minimize light dispersion upward and toward the shore. The LWMO
may require that lighting be placed on structures less than 100 feet from the shoreline when in
LWMO decides it is warranted to enhance boating safety. It is the Dock owner's responsibility to
ensure that all required lighting is properly maintained and operational at all times.
T3612.2 (WD) Water supply. A potable water supply can be plumbed to the first floor
(lower deck) provided that backflow prevention devices are installed and inspected in accordance
with 12.5, Article V, Division 3, Cross Connection Control of the City Code and the Plumbing
Code as adopted by the City Council.
T3613 Hazardous structures. For unsafe or hazardous structures, see Section 115.
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SECTION 3.
Section 7-63 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) is hereby amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 7-63. 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 (1986), affecting Residential Code provisions, as amended, and shall not
repeal any of the provisions of such ordinances, except in those instances where provisions of
such ordinances are in direct conflict with the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 4.
Section 7-64 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) is hereby amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 7-64. Penalty for violation.
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine not to
exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for all violations involving fire safety, or public
health and sanitation and shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for all
other violations of this ordinance. Each day or any portion thereof during which any violation
of this ordinance occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense and upon conviction
thereof shall be punishable as herein provided.
SECTION 5.
This article shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the Code of the City of
Fort Worth, Texas (1986), affecting Residential 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
117
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 Building Code, or any other ordinances affecting construction and
fire safety, which have accrued at the time of the effective date of this ordinance: and, as to such
accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending in court or
not, under such ordinances, same shall not be affected by this ordinance but may be prosecuted
until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 9.
A copy of the 2009 International Residential 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 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
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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 April 1, 2011, except that the energy provisions of
Chapter 11 shall take effect on January 1, 2012.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
City Attorney
Adopted: March 22, 2011
Effective: April 1, 2011 and January 1, 2012
119
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
~:~.y-~.
C0t1NCIL ACTION: Approved on 3!22/2011 -Ord. Na 19601-03-2011, 19602-03-2011,
19603-03-2011, 19604-03-2011, 19605-03-2011, 19606-03-2011
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DATE: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 REFERENCE NO.: G-17249
LOG NAME: 0620091CODES
SUBJECT:
Adopt and Amend the 2009 Editions of the International Building Code, International Residential Code,
International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, Intemational Fuel Gas Code and
International Energy Conservation Code and Adopt a Corresponding Amendment to the Minimum Building
Standards Code
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
Adopt the attached six ordinances which include the following:
1. Adoption of the 2009 International Building Code with local amendments, as the Building Code of the
City of Fort Worth;
2. Adoption of the 2009 International Residential Code with local amendments, as the Residential Code of
the City of Fort Worth;
3. Adoption of the 2009 International Mechanical Code with local amendments, as the Mechanical Code
of the City of Fort Worth;
4. Adoption of the 2009 International Plumbing Code and the 2009 International Fuel Gas Code with local
amendments, as the Plumbing Code of the City of Fort Worth;
5. Adoption of the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code with local amendments, as the Energy
Code of the City of Fort Worth; and
6. Adopt an amendment to the Minimum Building Standards Code concerning sleeping room escape and
smoke detectors to match the above ordinances. This ordinance has been reviewed by the Code
Compliance staff and approved to be processed with this MSC.
DISCUSSION:
Construction codes are constantly changing with the development of new products, materials, construction
methods, and after-action evaluations of disasters. 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. These model codes are reviewed and updated annually through a national code adoption process.
Every three years these changes are codified and published for local adoption. The 2009 edition of ICC
codes are the latest published version offered for adoption by the Planning and Development Department
and the Fire Department.
Logname: 062009ICODES Page 1 of 2
During the code review staff endeavored to identify code provisions that would most affect industry, such
as Residential Wind Bracing, State of Texas Foundation Requirements, and Window Sill Height. To further
the dialogue with the industry, notifications were distributed and meetings were held with impacted
stakeholder groups, including the Development Advisory Committee and the Greater Fort Worth Builders
Association.
The State of Texas has adopted the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as the energy
code for the state. As such, adoption and implementation by the City of Fort Worth is required by April 1,
2011, for commercial construction and January 1, 2012, for home construction. Staff proposes to follow
the State's effective dates.
The ordinances will have an effective date of April 1, 2011 for all provisions except home energy code
requirements which will be effective January 1, 2012.
FISCAL INFORMATION /CERTIFICATION:
The Financial Management Services Director certifies that this action will have no material effect on City
funds.
FUND CENTERS:
TO Fund/Account/Centers
FROM Fund/Account/Centers
CERTIFICATIONS:
Submitted for City Manager's Office bv:
Originating Department Head:
Additional Information Contact:
Fernando Costa (6122)
Randle Harwood (6101)
AI Godwin (7825)
David Hall (7844)
Logname: 062009ICODES
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