HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 25386-03-2022 ORDINANCE NO. 25386-03-2022
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE FORT WORTH EXISTING BUILDING CODE,BY
ADOPTING THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE, WITH
LOCAL AMENDMENTS; AMENDING SECTIONS 7-431,7-432,7-433,AND 7-434 OF
THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH(2015);REGULATING THE REPAIR,
ALTERATION, CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY ADDITION AND RELOCATION OF
EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES IN THE CITY OF FORT WORTH;
DEFINING CERTAIN TERMS;PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND
THE COLLECTION OF FEES THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR THE INSPECTION OF
BUILDINGS; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A
SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY CLAUSE; PROVIDING THAT
THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE;PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN
PAMPHLET FORM; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL
NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
That Article XI, Existing Building Code, Section 7-431 of the Code of the City of
Fort Worth (2015) is amended to read as follows:
See. 7-431. THE 2021 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL EXISTING
BUILDING CODE ADOPTED.
(a) The Existing Building Code of the City of Fort Worth is hereby revised and amended
to conform,with certain exceptions as specified below,to the 2021 edition of the International
Existing Building Code of the International Code Council (ICC), and the same as amended is
hereby adopted as the City's Existing Building Code.
(b) One(1)copy of the 2021 edition of the International Existing Building Code,marked
Exhibit "A", is incorporated herein by reference and shall be filed in the Office of the City
Secretary for permanent record and inspection.
(c)The provisions of the Building Code,Residential Code,Electrical Code,Mechanical
Code,Fire Code,and Plumbing Code,as adopted elsewhere,shall be used as part of this code for
any provision, requirement or method that does not exist in this code.
(d) Any Errata corrections published by the International Code Council for the 2021
International Existing Building Code,as they are discovered,are considered as part of this code.
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SECTION 2.
That Section 7-432 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015) is added to read as
follows:
Sec. 7-432. Amendments
The 2021 edition of the International Existing Building Code is hereby amended to read
as follows:
*IEBC Chapter 1; Chapter 1, "Part I — Scope and Application" and "Part 2 —
Administration and Enforcement"are hereby deleted and Part 1-Scope and Application
and Part 2 -Administrative and Enforcement provisions of this Code shall be governed
by the Fort Worth Building Administrative Code.
(b)The remaining sections of the 2021 International Existing Building Code are hereby
amended as follows:
CHAPTER 2—DEFINITIONS
IEBC SECTION 202
GENERAL DEFINITIONS
*IEBC Section 202; definitions are changed and new definitions are added to read as
follows:
BUILDING CODE. Building Code shall mean the International Building Code as adopted by
this jurisdiction.
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY. Any of the following shall be considered as a change of
occupancy where the current International Building Code requires a greater degree of safety,
accessibility,structural strength,fire protection,means of egress,ventilation or sanitation than is
existing in the current building or structure:
1. Any change in the occupancy classification of a building or structure.
2. Any change in the purpose of, or a change in the level of activity within, a building or
structure.
3. A change of use.
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
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CHANGE OF USE. A change in the use of a building or a portion of a building, within the
same group classification, or from one zoning use category to another, for which there is a
change in application of the code requirements.
ELECTRICAL CODE. Electrical Code shall mean the National Electrical Code as adopted by
this jurisdiction. For the purpose of this code, all references to NFPA 70 shall be assumed to
mean the Electrical Code as defined herein.
ENERGY CODE. Energy Code shall mean the International Energy Conservation Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
FIRE PREVENTION CODE(FIRE CODE). Fire Prevention Code,or Fire Code,shall mean
the International Fire Code as adopted by this jurisdiction.
EXISTING BUILDING. A building or space constructed under a code edition which is at least
two code adoption cycles preceding the currently adopted Fort Worth Building Code (prior to
April 1, 2011), or
A building or space that had its most recent permit application submitted to and approved by the
authority having jurisdiction under a code edition which is at least two code adoption cycles
preceding the currently adopted Fort Worth Building Code (prior to April 1, 2011), or
A building or space that is undergoing a change of occupancy or purpose_
EXISTING STRUCTURE.A structure constructed under a code edition which is at least two
code adoption cycles preceding the currently adopted Fort Worth Building Code(prior to April 1,
2011), or
A structure that had its most recent permit application submitted to and approved by the authority
having jurisdiction under a code edition which is at least two code adoption cycles preceding the
currently adopted Fort Worth Building Code (prior to April 1, 2011), or
A structure that is undergoing a change of occupancy or purpose.
FORT WORTH BUILDING ADMINISTRATIVE CODE. The Fort Worth Administrative
code containing the administrative,organizational,and enforcement rules and regulations for the
Fort Worth Building,Residential,Plumbing,Fuel Gas,Mechanical,Electrical,Sign and Existing
Building codes.
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:
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Includes the water supply and distribution pipes, plumbing fixtures and traps, supports and
appurtenances; water-treating or water-using equipment; soil, waste and vent pipes; sanitary
drains, storm sewers and building sewers to an approved point of disposal, in addition to their
respective connections, devices and appurtenances within a structure or premise.
RESIDENTIAL CODE. Residential Code shall mean the International Residential Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
TECHNICAL CODES. The Fort Worth Building, Residential, Plumbing, Fuel Gas,
Mechanical, Electrical, Sign, and Existing Building codes which regulate the construction,
alteration,relocation,enlargement,replacement,repair,equipment,use and occupancy,location,
maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances
connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
CHAPTER 3—PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS
SECTION 306
ACCESSIBILITY FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
*IEBC Section 306.1; add exception to read as follows:
306.1 Scope. The provisions of Section 306.1 through 306.7.16 apply to maintenance and
repair, change of occupancy, additions and alterations to existing building, including those
identified as historic buildings.
Exceptions: Buildings regulated under State Law and built in accordance with State
registered plans, including any variances or waivers granted by the State,shall be deemed to
be in compliance with the requirements of this section.
CHAPTER 4—REPAIRS
SECTION 401
REPAIRS
*IEBC Section 401.3; change to read asfollows:
401.3 Flood hazard areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7, Article
VIII,Floodplain Provisions of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction
of buildings, structures and portions of buildings and structures, including substantial
improvements, and restorations of substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be
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designed and constructed to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with
the provisions specified by the Department of Transportation and Public Works.
SECTION 405
STRUCTURAL
*IEBC Section 405.2.6; change to read asfollows:
405.2.6 Flood hazard areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7,Article
VIII,Floodplain Provisions of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction
of buildings, structures and portions of buildings and structures, including substantial
improvements, and restorations of substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be
designed and constructed to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with
the provisions specified by the Department of Transportation and Public Works.
SECTION 406
ELECTRICAL
*IEBC Section 607.1; add a code reference to read as follows:
406.1 Material. Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair shall be
allowed to be repaired or replaced with like material, in accordance with the requirements of
NFPA 70.
CHAPTER 5—PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD
IEBC SECTION 502
ADDITIONS
*IEBC Section 502.3; change to read as.follows:
502.3 Flood hazard areas.—Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7, Article
VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction of buildings,structures
and portions of buildings and structures, including substantial improvements,and restorations of
substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions specified by the
Department of Transportation and Public Works.
SECTION 503
ALTERATIONS
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*IEBC Section 503.2; change to read as follows:
503.2 Flood hazard areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7, Article
VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances, all new construction of buildings, structures
and portions of buildings and structures, including substantial improvements,and restorations of
substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions specified by the
Department of Transportation and Public Works.
SECTION 504
FIRE ESCAPES
*IEBC Section 504.1.2; change to read asfollows:
504.1.2 Existing fire escapes. Existing fire escapes shall continue to be accepted as a
component in the means of egress in existing buildings only. Existing fire escapes shall be
permitted to be repaired or replaced.
*IEBC Section 504.1.3; deleted.•
SECTION 507
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
*IEBC Section 507.3; change to read as follows:
507.3 Flood hazard areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7, Article
VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction of buildings, structures
and portions of buildings and structures, including substantial improvements,and restorations of
substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions specified by the
Department of Transportation and Public Works.
CHAPTER 7—ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1
SECTION 701
GENERAL
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*IEBC Section 701.3; delete and replace with the following
701.3 Flood hazard areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7, Article
VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction of buildings,structures
and portions of buildings and structures, including substantial improvements,and restorations of
substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions specified by the
Department of Transportation and Public Works.
SECTION 702
BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
*IEBC Section 702.4; add exception #2 to read as follows:
702.4 Window opening control devices on replacement windows. In Group R-2 or R-3
buildings containing dwelling units and one-and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated
by the International Residential Code,window opening control devices complying with ASTM
F2090 shall be installed where an existing window is replaced and where all of the following
apply to the replacement window:
1. The window is operable.
2. One of the following applies:
2.1. The window replacement includes replacement of the sash and frame.
2.2. The window replacement includes the sash only where the existing frame
remains.
3. One of the following applies:
3.1. In Group R-2 or R-3 buildings containing dwelling units,the bottom of the clear
opening of the window opening is at a height less than 36 inches(915 mm)above
the finished floor.
3.2. In one-and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by the International
Residential Code,the bottom of the clear opening of the window opening is at a
height less than 24 inches (610 mm) above the finished floor.
4. The window will permit openings that will allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter(102 mm)
sphere when the window is in its largest opened position.
5. The vertical distance from the bottom of the clear opening of the window opening to the
finished grade or other surface below, on the exterior of the building, is greater than 72
inches (1829 mm).
Exception:
1. Operable windows where the bottom of the clear opening of the window opening is
located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the finished grade or other surface
below, on the exterior of the room, space or building, and that are provided with
window fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F2006.
2. Operable windows with openings that are provided with window fall prevention
devices that comply with ASTM F2090_
*IEBC Section 702.7; change to read asfollows:
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702.7 Materials and methods. New work shall comply with the materials and methods
requirements in the International Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code,
International Mechanical Code,International Plumbing Code and National Electrical Code...
(remainder of section unchanged)
SECTION 705
REROOFING
*IEBC Sections 705.6 and 705.7; added to read as follows:
705.6 Maintain existing provisions. When reroofing, or repairing existing roofing, the
installer is required to insure the following items are maintained:
1. Existing roof drains and drainage systems are maintained clear an unobstructed.
When in the opinion of the Building Official the existing drainage system appears
inadequate,the system shall be re-evaluated and when necessary required to comply
with the provisions for new construction.
2. Fire-retardant requirements are maintained.
705.7 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.
CHAPTER 8—ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2
SECTION 802
BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
*IEBC Section 802.5.1; change to read ase ollows:
802.5.1 Minimum Requirements. Every portion of open-sided walking surfaces,
including mezzanines,equipment platforms,aisles,stairs,ramps,and landings,that is more
than 30 inches(762 mm)above the floor or grade below and is not provided with guards,or
those in which the exiting guards are judged to be in danger of collapsing, shall be provided
with guards.
SECTION 803
FIRE PROTECTION
*IEBC Section 803.1; add a sentence at the end to read asfollows:
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For the purpose of fire sprinkler protection and fire alarm requirements included in this section,
the work area shall be extended to include at least the entire tenant space or spaces bounded by
walls capable of resisting the passage of smoke containing the subject work area,and if the work
area includes a corridor,hallway, or other exit access,then such corridor,hallway,or other exit
access shall be protected in its entirety on that particular floor level.
*IEBC Section 803.2; change to read asfollows:
803.2 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in
accordance with the requirements of Chapter 11 of the Fort Worth Fire Code.
*IEBC Section 803.2.1 through 803.2.6; delete
*IEBC Section 803.3; change to read as follows:
803.3 Standpipes. Standpipes shall be required as specified in Chapter 11 of the Fort Worth
Fire Code.
Exceptions: {deleted}
*IEBC Section 803.4; change to read as follows:
803.4 Fire alarm and detection. Fire alarm systems shall be required as specified in
Chapter 11 of the Fort Worth Fire Code.
*IEBC Sections 803.4.1 through 803.4.2; delete
SECTION 804
MEANS OF EGRESS
*IEBC Section 804.2; delete Exception # I and change to read as follows:
804.2 General. The means of egress shall comply with the requirements of this section.
Exceptions:
1. Means of egress conforming to the requirements of the building code under
which the building was constructed shall be considered compliant means of
egress if, in the opinion of the code official, they do not constitute a distinct
hazard to life.
*IEBC Section 804.4.1.2; changed to read asefollows:
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804.4.1.2 Fire escapes required. For other than Group I-2,where more than one
exit is required an existing fire escape complying with section 804.4.1.2.1 shall be
accepted as providing one of the required means of egress.
*IEBC Section 804.4.1.2.1; delete exception #3 and change to read as ollows:
804.4.1.2.1 Fire escape access and details. Fire escapes shall comply with all of
the following requirements:
1. (unchanged)
2. Access to fire escapes shall be through a door... (remainder unchanged)
3. Delete
4. (remainder unchanged)
5. In all building of Group E occupancy up to and including the 12,h grade,
buildings of Group I occupancy,boarding houses,and childcare centers,
ladders of any type are prohibited on fire escapes used as a required
means of egress.
*IEBC Section 804.4.1.2.2 and 804.4.1.2.3; delete
*IEBC Section 804.6.2; changed to read as follows:
804.6.2 Transoms. In all building of Group E, . . . (Remainder of section to remain
unchanged)
CHAPTER 9—ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3
SECTION 904
FIRE PROTECTION
*IEBC Section 904.1; changed to read as follows:
904.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in—as
required in Chapter 11 of the Fort Worth Fire Code.
*IEBC Sections 904.1.1, through 904.1.7; Delete
*IEBC Section 904.2; changed to read as follows:
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904.2 Fire alarm and detection systems. Fire alarm and detections shall be provided as
specified in Chapter 11 of the Fort Worth Fire Code.
*IEBC Sections 904.2.1 and 904.2.2; Delete
CHAPTER 10—CHANGE OF USE
SECTION 1001
GENERAL
*IEBC Section 1001.2.2.1; changed to read as follows:
1001.2.2.1 Partial change of occupancy classification. Where the occupancy
classification or group of a portion of an existing building is changed, sections 1007,
1008, 1009 and 1011 shall apply.
*IEBC Section 1004.1; changed to read as follows:
1004.1 General. Fire protection requirements of Section 1011 shall apply where a
building or portions thereof undergo a change of occupancy classification, a change to another
group within an occupancy classification group,or where there is a change of occupancy within a
space where there is a different fire protection system threshold requirement in Chapter 9 of the
International Building Code.
SECTION 1008
MECHANICAL
*IEBC Section 1009.1; changed to read as follows:
1009.1 Mechanical Requirements. Where the occupancy of an existing building or part of
an existing building is changed to a use which includes areas for Food or Beverage Preparations
and/or Services, Beauty or Nail Salons, Commercial Laundry or Dry-cleaning,Animal Care or
Sales,Assembly Occupancies, where there occupancy classification is changed from an F or S
occupancy to any other occupancy category, or where a shell building is changed to any
occupancy the new occupancy shall comply with the ventilation requirements of the International
Mechanical Code.
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SECTION 1011
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
*IEBC Section 1011.1; add exception to read as follows:
Exception: Changes from a B to an M occupancy classification shall not be
considered a change in occupancy where all of the following exist:
1. Two remote exits are provided;
2. Food preparation does not take place; and
3. The total gross square footage of the space is less than 5,000 feet.
*IEBC Section 1011.2.1; changed to read as follows:
1011.2.1 Fire sprinkler system. Where a change in occupancy classification occurs or
where there is a change of occupancy within a space where there is a different fire protection
system threshold requirement in Chapter 9 of the International Building Code that requires
an automatic fire sprinkler system to be provided based on the new occupancy in accordance
with Chapter 9 of the International Building Code. The installation of the automatic sprinkler
system shall be required within the area of the change of occupancy and areas of the building
not separated horizontally and vertically from the change of occupancy by one or more of the
following:
1. Rated horizontal assemblies.
2. Fire barrier.
3. Fire wall.
Exceptions:
1. An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in a one- or two-family
dwelling constructed in accordance with the International Residential Code.
2. Automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in a townhouse constructed in
accordance with the International Residential Code.
3. The townhouse shall be separated from adjoining units in accordance with
Section R302.2 of the International Residential Code.
*IEBC Section 1012.2.1; changed to read as follows:
1012.2.1 Fire sprinkler system. Where a change in occupancy classification or group
occurs that requires an automatic fire sprinkler system to be provided based on the new
occupancy's increased hazard to life safety or fire risk and in accordance with Chapter 9 of
the International Fire Code, such system shall be provided in accordance with the
requirements of Section 903 of the International Fire Code.
*IEBC Section 1012.2.2; changed to read as follows:
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1012.2.2 Fire alarm and detection system. Where a change in occupancy purpose
occurs that requires a fire alarm and detection system to be provided based on the new
occupancy's increased hazard to life safety or fire risk and in accordance with Chapter 9 of
the International Fire Code, such system shall be provided throughout the area where the
change of occupancy occurs in accordance with the requirements of Section 907 of the
International Fire Code.
*IEBC Section 1012.8.2;Add item # 7 to the list o�features to read as follows.-
7. At least one accessible family or assisted use toilet room shall be provided in
accordance with Chapter 11 of the International Building Code.
CHAPTER 11 -ADDITIONS
SECTION 1103
STRUCTURAL
*IEBC Section 1003.S; changed to read asefollows:
1103.5 Flood Hazard Areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7,Article
VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction of buildings,structures
and portions of buildings and structures,including substantial improvements,and restorations of
substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions specified by the
Department of Transportation and Public Works.
CHAPTER 12—HISTORIC BUILDINGS
*IEBC Section 1201.4; changed to read as ollows:
1201.4 Flood Hazard Areas. Within flood hazard areas as established in Chapter 7,Article
VIII of the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances,all new construction of buildings, structures
and portions of buildings and structures,including substantial improvements,and restorations of
substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the
effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions specified by the
Department of Transportation and Public Works.
CHAPTER 13 —RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS
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SECTION 1301
GENERAL
*IEBC Section 1301.1; changed to read asfollows:
1301.1 Scope. Movement and demolition of buildings and structures shall comply with
Chapter 7, Article VII of the City Code and with the provisions of this code. Before a
moving permit is issued, the following steps must be completed:
1. Obtain an Ordinance Inspection on the structure to be moved. (See City Code
Section 7-244)
Exception: Independent School Districts (ISD) do not need the Ordinance
Inspection for portable classroom buildings within their existing stock when
being moved from one ISD property to another ISD property for ISD use.
2. Obtain a Building Permit for installation of the structure at its proposed final site
location.
SECTION 1302
REQUIREMENTS
*IEBC Section 1302; delete
CHAPTER 14 - PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS
SECTION 1401
GENERAL
*IEBC Section 07 1401.2; Delete
*IEBC Section 1401.3.2; add Exception and changed to read as follows:
[B] 1401.3.2 Compliance with other codes. Buildings that are evaluated in accordance
with this section shall comply with the International Fire Code, International Plumbing
Code, International Mechanical Code and the National Electrical Code.
Exception: Fresh air ventilation requirements listed within the International
Mechanical Code shall apply only where the occupancy of an existing building or part of
an existing building is changed to a use which includes areas for Food or Beverage
Services,Beauty or Nail Salons, Commercial Laundry or Dry-cleaning,Animal Care or
Sales,Assembly Occupancies, or where there occupancy classification is changed from
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an F or S occupancy to any other occupancy category.
*IEBC Section 1301.3.3; changed to read as follows:
[B] 1401.3.3 Compliance with flood hazard provisions. In flood hazard areas,
buildings that are evaluated in accordance with this section shall be designed and constructed
to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads in accordance with the provisions
specified by the Department of Transportation and Public Works if the work covered by this
section constitutes substantial improvement.
CHAPTER 15—CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS
*IEBC Section jBJ 1401.1; changed to read as follows.
[BG] 1501.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 33 of the International Building Code
shall govern safety during construction that is under the jurisdiction of this code and the
protection of adjacent public and private properties.
*IEBC Section 1501.2 through 1509; delete
SECTION 3.
Section 7-433 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 7-433. Effect of conflict with other ordinances.
This article shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the Code of the City of
Fort Worth,Texas(2015),affecting Building Code provisions,as amended,and shall not repeal
any of the provisions of such ordinances, except in those instances where provisions of such
ordinances are in direct conflict with the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 4.
Section 7-434 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015) is added to read as follows:
Sec. 7-434. Penalty for violation.
Any person,firm,or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine not to
exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for all violations involving fire safety, or public
health and sanitation and shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for all
other violations of this ordinance. Each day or any portion thereof during which any violation of
this ordinance occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense and upon conviction
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thereof shall be punishable as herein provided.
SECTION 5.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections,paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and, if any phrase, clause,
sentence, paragraph, or section of this ordinance shall be declared void, ineffective, or
unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such
voidness, ineffectiveness, or unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases,
clauses, sentences,paragraphs, and sections of this ordinance, since the same would have been
enacted by the City Council without the incorporation in this ordinance of any such void,
ineffective, or unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section.
SECTION 6.
All rights and remedies of the City of Fort Worth,Texas are expressly saved as to any and
all violations of the previous Building Code,or any other ordinances affecting construction and
fire safety,which have accrued at the time of the effective date of this ordinance: and,as to such
accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal,whether pending in court or
not, under such ordinances, same shall not be affected by this ordinance but may be prosecuted
until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 7.
A copy of the 2021 International Existing Building Code, together with the local
amendments contained in this ordinance, shall be filed in the office of the City Secretary for
permanent record and inspection.
SECTION 8.
The Department of Planning and Development of the City of Fort Worth,Texas,is hereby
authorized to publish this ordinance in pamphlet form for general distribution among the public,
and the operative provisions of this ordinance as so published shall be admissible in evidence in
all courts without further proof than the production thereof,as provided in Chapter XXV,Section
3, of the Charter of the City of Fort Worth, Texas.
SECTION 9.
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, is hereby directed to publish the caption and
Sections 1,4, 7, 9 and 10 of this ordinance for two(2)days in the official newspaper of the City
of Fort Worth,Texas as authorized by Section 2,Chapter XXV of the Charter of the City of Fort
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Worth, Texas and by Section 52.013 (a)of the Texas Local Government Code.
SECTION 10.
This ordinance shall take effect upon April 1, 2021.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
""Mlt«44'rl ci U190kyw
By: Jannette S.Goodall(Mar 17,202215:49 CDT)
Sr.Assistant City Attorney City Secretary
Adopted:March 8, 2022
Effective:April 1, 2022
CAS
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City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 03/08/22 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 22-0141
LOG NAME: 06ADOPT AND AMEND 2021 I-CODES
SUBJECT
(ALL)Adopt Ordinances Adopting and Amending the 2021 Editions of the International Building Code, International Residential Code,
International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Existing Building Code and the Fort Worth
Building Administrative Code and Adopt Ordinance Adopting and Amending the 2021 International Fire Code
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached seven ordinances which include the following:
1.Adoption of the 2021 International Building Code with local amendments as the Building Code of the City of Fort Worth;
2.Adoption of the 2021 International Residential Code with local amendments as the Residential Code of the City of Fort Worth;
3.Adoption of the 2021 International Mechanical Code with local amendments as the Mechanical Code of the City of Fort Worth;
4.Adoption of the 2021 International Plumbing Code and the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code with local amendments as the Plumbing Code of
the City of Fort Worth;
5.Adoption of the 2021 International Existing Building Code with local amendments as the Existing Building Code of the City of Fort Worth;
6.Adoption of the Fort Worth Building Administrative Code;and
7.Adoption of the 2021 International Fire Code and local amendments.
DISCUSSION:
The Fire and Development Services Departments have worked to consolidate and coordinate the amendments in their respective Fire and
Building Codes into a single action before the City Council.The City of Fort Worth has adopted model codes from the International Code Council
(ICC),with local amendments,as the construction codes for the City since 2004.These model codes are reviewed and updated annually through a
national code adoption process. Every three years these changes are codified and published for local adoption. Fort Worth has historically
adopted newly published Codes every six years, most recently adopting the 2015 Codes in 2016.The 2021 edition of ICC codes are the latest
published version offered for adoption. Development Services staff recommends adopting the 2021 International Codes as the construction
codes for the City of Fort Worth.The City will retain the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code.
Construction codes change with the development of new products,materials,construction methods,technology and as a result of evaluations of
natural and man-made disasters.Adoption of current codes has a positive impact on the City's ISO rating.
The City of Fort Worth local amendments are based on the amendments recommended for regional adoption by the North Central Texas Council
of Governments and our local practices.A committee was formed to review the City's local amendments including representatives from the
Development Advisory Committee,the Construction Fire Prevention Board of Appeals,the AIA,the Fort Worth Builders Association,and TEXO
the Association of General Contractors.The Fort Worth Builders Association,the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors,the Development
Advisory Committee and the Construction Fire Prevention Board of Appeals have been briefed on the proposed amendments.The Construction
and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals recommended approval of the adoption of the Codes on February 10,2022.
The construction code ordinances will have an effective date of April 1,2022.
The attached ordinance for the Fire Department reflects transition of the Fort Worth Fire Code to the 2021 International Fire Code(IFC)with Local
Amendments.All local amendments recommended for the 2021 IFC have been reviewed by the Fire and Development Services Departments and
have met the approval of the Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals for recommended adoption at their public hearing on February
10, 2022.
This action impacts ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.
This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION I CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that approval of these recommendations will have no material effect on City funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office b . Dana Burghdoff 8018
Originating Business Unit Head: D.J. Harrell 8032
Additional Information Contact: Allison Gray 8030