HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 14647ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FORT WORTH MECHANICAL CODE, BY
ADOPTING THE 2000 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE, WITH LOCAL
AMENDMENTS; AMENDING SECTIONS 7-166, 7-167, 7-I6$ AND 7-169 OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH (1986); REGULATING THE ERECTION,
CONSTRUCTION, ENLARGEMENT, AL'.CERATION, REPAIR, MOVING, REMOVAL,
DEMOLITION, CONVERSION, EQUIl'MENT, DESIGN, QUALITY OF MATERIALS, USE
AND MAINTENANCE OF HEATING, GCMFORT ,,COOLING. AND VENTILATING
SYSTEMS IN THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS; DEFINING CERTAIN TERMS;
ESTABLISHING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INSTALLATION, ALTERATION
Olt REPAIR. OF MECHANICAL SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF
PERMITS AND THE COLLECTION OF FEES THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR THE.
INSPECTION OF SUCH SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERA.BILITY 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 PROVID:CI~tG AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF TIIE CITY OF
FOI2T'~'VOI2.7CH, TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
That Section 7-166 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) is hereby amended to
read as follotivs:
Sec. 7-166. THE 2000 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL
CODE ADOPTED.
(a) The Mechanical Code of the City Of Fort Worth is hereby revised and amended to
conform, with certain exceptions as specified below, to the 2000 International Mechanical Code
of the International Code Council (ICC), and the same as amended is hereby adopted as the
City's Mechanical Cade. One (1) copy of the 2000 International Mechanical Code marked '
Exhibit "A", is incorporated herein by reference and shall be filed in the Office of .the City
Secretary for permanent record and inspection.
(b) The mechanical provisions of the International Residential Code, as adopted
elsewhere, shall be used as the mechanical provisions for buildings and structures applicable to
that code except as provided for in that code.
(c) Any Errata corrections published by the International Code Council for the 2000
International Mechanical Code, as they are discovered, are considered as part of this code.
SECTION 2.
That Section 7-167 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) is hereby amended as follows:
Sec.7-16'l. Amendments.
(a) Chapter 1 "ADMINISTRATION" of the 2000 International Mechanical Code is
hereby deleted and replaced with following:
PART I - .ADMYNISTRATIVE f ,
Chapter A
TITLIE, SCOPE AMID GENERAL
SECTIOPd A01 -GENERAL
A01.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the "Fort Worth Mechanical Code,"
may be cited as such, and will herein be referred to as "this code.".
A01.2 Scope. (a) The provisions of this code shall apply to the design, installation,
maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical systems that are permanently installed'and
.utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related processes within buildings.
This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and
appliances specifically addressed in this code. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and
equipment, fiiel gas-fired appliances and fuel gas=fired appliance venting systems shall be
,.regulated by the Fuel Gas Code, a part of the Fort Worth Plumbing Code.
Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
(b) This code is not intended to apply tv the installation of gas distributing mains and
services in the. streets, alleys and easements by employees of the gas distributing company.
A01.3 Intent. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life
or limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design,
construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation, and maintenance or use of
mechanical equipment and systems.
The purpose of this code is not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular
class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by the terms of
this code.
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A01.4 Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is
for any reason held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this code.
SECTION A02 -APPLICABILITY
A02.1 General. The provisions of this code shall apply to all matters affecting or xelating
to struehires and premises, as set forth in Section A01. Where, in any specific case, different
sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements,
the most restrictive shall govern. ~ _ •
A02.2 Exisfing installations. Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter,
mechanical systems and equipment lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of this code
may have their use, maintenance or repair continued if the use, maintenance or xepair is in
accordance with the original design, if no hazard to life, health or property has been created.by
such mechanical system and equipment, and if the mechanical system and equipxnent.are
maintained in good repair. ,
Exception: A kitchen exhaust system with a Type I hood for collecting and
removing grease and smoke, and a fire extinguishing system shall be installed at or above
all existing cooking equipment in commercial food processing establishments as required
by Chapter 5 of this code. ~ ~ ~ _
A02.3 Maintenance. Mechanical systems, both existing and new, and parts"thereof shall
be maintained in proper operating condition in accordance with the original design-and in a safe
and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards which are required by this code shall be
maintained in compliance with the code edition under which installed. ~ The owner or the owner's
designated agent shall be responsible for, maintenance of mechanical systems. To determine
compliance with this provision, the code official shall have the authority to require a mechanical
system to be reinspected.
A02.4 Additions, alterations or repairs. Additions, alterations; renovations or repairs
to any mechanical system shall conform to that required for a new mechanical system without
requiring the existing mechanical system to comply with all the requirements of this code.
Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing system to become unsafe, hazardous
or overloaded.
Minor additions, alterations, renovations and repairs to existing mechanical systems shall
be permitted in the same manner and arrangement as was in the existing system, provided that
such repairs or replacement are not hazardous and are approved.
A02.5 Change in occupancy. It shall be unlawful to make any change in the occupancy
of any structure that will subject the structure to any special provision of this code applicable to
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the new occupancy without approval of the code official. The code official shall certify that such
structure meets the intent of the provisions of law governing building construction for the ~, "?
proposed new occupancy and that such change of occupancy does not result in any hazard to the
"public health, safety or welfare.
~~~, ~ No change shall be made in the txse or occupancy of any building that would place•the
building in a different division of the same group of occupancy or in a different group of
occupancies, unless such building is made to comply with the requirements ofthis code for such
division or group of occupancy. Subject to the approval of the code official,-the use or
occupancy of existing buildings shall be~pprmitted to be changed and the building is allowed to
be occupied for purposes in other groups without conforming to all the requirements ofthis code
for those groups, provided the new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and fue risk,
than the existing use. •
A02.6 Historic buildings. The provisions ofthis code relating to the construction,
alteration, repair, enlargement, restoration, relocation or moving of buildings or structures•shall
not be mandatory for existing buildings ar structures identified and classified by the state or local
jurisdiction as historic buildings when such buildings or structures are judged by the code official
to be safe and in the public interest of health, safety and welfare regarding^any•proposed
construction, alteration, repair, enlargement, restoration; relocation or moving of buildings.
Exception: Buildings undergoing a change of occupancy.
A02.7 Moved buildings. Except as determined by Section A02.2, mechanical systems
that are a part of buildings or structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall comply with
the provisions ofthis code for new installations.
A02.8 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced herein
shall be those that are listed in Chapter la and such codes, when specifically adopted, and
•~:~~ standards shall be considered part of the requirements ofthis code to the prescribed extent of
each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions, of this code and the referenced
standards, the provisions ofthis code shall apply. 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. Any reference to NFPA 70 or the ICC Electrical Code shall
mean the Electrical Code as adopted.
A02.9 Requirements not covered by code. Any requirements necessary fox the strength,
stability or proper operation of an existing or proposed mechanical system, or for the public
safety, health and general welfare, not specifically covered by this code, shall be determined by
the code official.
A02.10 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
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standards that relate to Mechanical Code items far 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. Hotivever, as provisions of this code, final interpretation, appeals of
interpretatian, requests for variances, etc. shall be handled as described in this code.
SECTION A03 -APPROVAL ~~;,,~
A03.1 Modifications. Whenever there are pract}cal difficulties involved in carrying out
the provisions of this code, the code official shall have the authority to grant modifications for
individual cases, provided the code official shall first find that special individual reason makes
fhe strict letter of this code impractical and the. modification is inconformity with the intent and
purpose of this code and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety:. .
requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the
files of the inspection department.
A03.2 Alternate materials, methods and equipment. The provisions of this code are
not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any method of construction
not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved by
the code official. .'
The code official may approve any alternate, provided that the proposed design is
satisfactory and complies with 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 in
quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.
A03.3 Required testing. 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 alternate materials or methods;
the code official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at
no expense to the jurisdiction. ~ ,
A03.3.1 Test methods. Test methods shall be' as specified in this code or by other
recognized test standards. Tit the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the code
official shall approve the testing procedures.
A03.3.2 Testing agency. All tests shall be performed by an approved agency.
A03.3.3 Test reports. Reports of tests shall be retained by the code official for the
period required for retention of public records.
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• A03.4 Material and equipment reuse. Materials, equipment and devices shall not be
reused unless such elements have been reconditioned, tested, placed in good and proper working
. condition, and approved.
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~; SECTION A04 -VIOLATIONS
-~;, ~ A04.7. Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person,~firm or corporation to erect,
a,• constnict, alter, repair, remove, demolish or utilize any mechanical system or equipment, ar k~
cause same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this code. }
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A04.2 Violation penalties. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the
nor and u on conviction ~ ,
~~r: provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a rrr~isdemea p
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. ~ ~ .;
A04.3 Stop tivork orders. Upon notice from the. code official, work bn-any mechanical
system that is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe
manner shall immediately cease. Such work shall not resume until authorized by the code
official to proceed. Such.notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the
property; or to the owner's agent, or to the person doing the work or causing such work to be
done. Where an emergency exists, the code official shall not.be required to give a written notice
prior to stopping the work.
A04.4 Abatement of violation. The imposition of the penalties herein prescribed shall
not preclude the legal officer of the jurisdiction from instituting appropriate action to prevent
unlawful construction or to restrain,, correct or abate a violation, or to prevent illegal occupancy
of a building, structure or premises, or to stop an illegal act; conduct,~business or utilization of
the mechanical system on or about any premises.
A04.S Unsafe mechanical systems or equipment. Any mechanical system or
equipment regulated by this code that is unsafe or that constitutes a fire or health hazard,
insanitary condition, or is otherwise dangerous to human life is hereby declared unsafe. ~ Use of a
mechanical system or equipment regnlated by this code constituting a hazard to safety, health or
public welfare by reason of improper installation, inadequate maintenance, dilapidation,
obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or abandonment is hereby declared an unsafe use.
Any such unsafe equipment is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and shall be abated by
repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal.
When any mechanical system or equipment is maintained in violation of this code, and in
violation of any notice issued pursuant to the provisions of this section, the code official may
institute any appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct or~abate the violation,
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A04.5.1 Authority to condemn:. Whenever the code official determines that any
mechanical system or equipment, or portion thereof, regulated by this code has become
hazardous to life, health or property or has become insanitary, or is otherwise dangerous to
human life, the code official shall order in writing that such system or equipment either be
removed or restored to a safe condition. A time limit for compliance with such order shall be
specified in the written notice. No person shall use or maintain a defective mechanical
system after receiving such notice.
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A04.5.2 Authority to order disconnection of utilities. The code official shall have
the authority to order disconnection of any plumbing,, energy source or utility service supplied
to a building, stntcture or mechanical system regulated by this code when it is determined
that the system or any portion thereof has become hazardous or insanitary. Written notice of
such -order to disconnect service and the causes therefor shall be given within 24 hours to the
owner and occupant of such building, structure or premises, provided, however, that in cases
of immediate danger to life or property, such disconnection shall be made immediately
without such notice. The code official shall immediately notify the serving utility in writing
of the issuance of such order to disconnect.
A04.5.3 connection after order to disconnect. No person shall make
connections from any energy, fuel, power supply or water distribution system or supply
energy, fuel, power or water to any equipment regulated by this code that has been
disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the code official ar the use of which has
been ordered to be discontinued by the Cade ofFcial until the code official authorizes the
reconnection and use of such equipment.
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Chapter B
ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION B01-ORGANIZATION
B01.1 Code Official. Whenever the term "code official" is used iri this code, it shall be
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construed to mean the Building Official or his authorized representative(s). The code official ~
shall not be removed from office except for cause and after full •opportunity to be heard on
specific and relevant charges. •~• • ~
3301.2 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction, the
node official shall have the .authority to appoint a deputy code official, other related technical
officers, inspectors •and other employees: For the puzpose of this code, the regularly, authorized
deputy code official shall be the Chief Mechanical Inspector.
I301.3 Department having jurisdiction. Unless otherwise provided for by law, the
office of the code official shall be part of the Development Department.
3301.4 Restriction of employees.. An official or employee connected with the department
of mechanical inspection shall not be engaged in or directly or indirectly connected with the
fitrnishing of labor, materials or appliances for the construction, alteration or maintenance of a
building; and such officer or employee shall not engage in any~vork 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 tivholesale supply company, or do any mechanical
work while employed as a mechanical inspector by the city.
B01.5 Liability. The code official charged with the enforcement of this code, acting 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 personally liable for damages that may
accrue to persons or property as a result of an act or by reason of an act or omission in the
discharge of such duties. A suit brought against the code official or employee because of such
act or omission performed by the code official or employee in the enforcement .of any provision
of such codes or other pertinent laws or ardinances implemented through the enforcement of this
code or enforced by the code enforcement agency shall be defended by this jurisdiction until final
termination of such proceedings and any judgment resulting therefrom shall be assumed by this
jurisdiction.
The liability exemption and defense protection provided in this section are not extended
to Third Party Companies, nor their employees.
This code shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person
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' owning, operating or controlling any building or structure for any damages to persons or property
caused by defects, nor shall t_he code enforcement agency or its parent jurisdiction beheld as
assuming. any such liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this code or any permits or
certificates issued under this code.
SECTION BOZ -DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE CODE OFFICIAL
B02.1 General. The code official shall enforce all of the provisions of this code and shall
act on any question relative to the installation, alteration, repair, maintenance ~or operation of all
mechanical systems, devices and equipment except as,otherwise specifically provided for by
statutory requirements.or as provided for in Section B02~.2 through B02.9.
The code official shall have the power to xender interpretations of this code as may be
deemed necessary in order to clarify the application of the provisions of this code. Such
interpretations shall be in conformity with the intent and the purpose of this code.
B02.2 Rule-making authority. The code official shall have authority as necessary in the
interest of public health, safety and general welfare to adopt and promulgate niles and regulations
to interpret and implement the provisions of this code to secure the intent thereof and to
designate requirements applicable because of local climatic or other conditions. Such rules shall
not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code, or of violating
accepted engineering practice involving public safety.
B02.3 Applications and permits. The code official shall receive applications and issue
permits. for the installation and alteration of mechanical systems, inspect the premises for which
such permits have been issued, and enforce compliance with the provisions of this code.
Z'he application for permit shall be deemed to be granting authority to enter the property
for the purpose of inspections.
B02.4 Inspections. The code official shall make all the required inspections, or shall
accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. All 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 code official is authorized to require expert opinion,. as deemed
necessary, to report on unusual technical issues that arise, at no expense to the jurisdiction.
B02.5 Right of entry. Whenever it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the
provisions of this code, or whenever the code official has reasonable cause to believe that there
exists in any building or upon any premises, any condition or violation of this code that make the
building or premises unsafe, insanitary, dangerous or hazardous; the code official shall have the
authority to enter the building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect or to perform the
duties imposed upon the code official by this code. 7f such building or premises is occupied, the
code .official shall present his credentials to the occupant and request entry. If building or
premises ~is unoccupied, the code official shall first make a reasonable effort to.locate the owner
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or other person having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If entry is
refused, the code official shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.
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 unlawfiil for any person~to hinder or interfere with the code official, deputy or
any of the mechanical inspectors i~ the discharge of their duties under this code.
B02.6 Identification. The code official shall carry proper identification when inspecting
structures or premises in the performance of duties under this code.. .
B02.'1 Notices and orders. T'he code official shall issue all necessary notices or orders to
ensure compliance with this code.
B02.$ Department records. The code official 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 .retaixied in the official records for the period required for the
retention of public records.
B02.9 Cooperation of other officials and, officers. The code official may request, and
shalt 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.
SECTI®N B03 - B®ARD ®F APPEALS
B03 Applications for appeals shall be made to the Construction and Fire Prevention
Board of Appeals. (See the Building Code.) All references t6 the "Board" shall be deemed to
refer to the Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals.
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Chapter C
PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS
SECTION C01-PERMITS
C41.1 When required. Any owner,. authorized agent, individual or contractor who
desires 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 mechanical
system, the installation of which is regulated by,this code, or to cause any such work to be done,
shall f rst make application to the code official and obtain the required permit for the work.
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A separate permit shall be obtained for each building or stricture.
C01.2 Exempt ti ork. The following work shall be exempt from the requirement for a
permit:
Any portable heating appliance, portable ventilating equipment, portable cooling
unit or portable evaporative cooler.
2. A closed system of steam, hot or chilled water piping tivithin heating or cooling
equipment regulated by this code.
3. Replacement of any component part or. assembly of an appliance which does not
alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of this
code.
4. Refrigerating equipment which is part of the equipment .for which a permit has
been issued pursuant to the requirements of this. code.
A unit refrigerating system.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant
authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws
or ordinances of this jurisdiction..
SECTION C02 -WHOM PERMITS MAY BE ISSUED TO
C02.1. General. No permit shall be issued to any person to do or cause to be done any
work regulated by this code, except to a person holding a valid, unexpired and unrevoked Fort
Worth Mechanical Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor's License or State of Texas
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor's License with proper endorsements, and who has
on file with the City a registration form as required in Section DOl of this ordinance, except as
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otherwise hereinafter provided in this section.
Such licensed contractors may extend to and connect thereto any gas piping that maybe
-:required for the operating of such equipment.
~3 ~ ~ C02,2 Homestead otivner. Permits maybe issued to a property owner who wishes to do
>, Mechanical tivork in a building owned and occupied by him as his homestead. The term "to do
mechanical tivork" shall be construed to mean work actually done personally by the owner.
Under State law, work that deals with refrigerants and equipment containing refrigerants
may require additional certificates or licenses that are~not~waived under this permit provision.
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C02,3 Plumbing contractors. Plumbing contractors that hold a valid State of Texas
Master Phimber's License and a valid Plumbing Business Registration in the Department of
Development may obtain permits and install gas fired appliances which are not considered "air
conditioning contracting" by the State Air Conditioning Licensing Law. All L.P. gas piping
installations shall conform to the applicable Texas Railroad Commission regulations.
C02.4 Boiler and pressure vessels. Boiler installation or repair contractors who have ""~
been certified by an approved testing agency, testing to meet American Society of Mechanical ~_
Engineers (ASME) and American Welding Society (AWS) codes, or licensed as a State of Texas
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor or Fort Worth Mechanical.Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning Contractor may make boiler and pressure vessel installation and repair. ~ ~
002.5 Automatic Fire Extinguishing Installation. Automatic Fire System Installation
and Repair contractors who hold a valid Class A Fire Extinguisher Servicing License or a Fire
Extinguishing System Planning License issued by the State Fire Marshal and whose business has
been issued a valid certificate of registration for installation and service of fire extinguisher
systems by the State Fire Marshal, are required to obtain permits for all automatic fire
extinguishing system installations regulated by this code.
C02,6 Prefabricated fireplaces, ventilation systems, or commercial kitchen hood
systems. An owner or an official of a company whose primary business includes the installation
of such equipment, and who is proficient in the installation of such equipment, may register for
the purpose of obtaining permits to install such equipment.
C02,7 Electrical work. All electrical connections are regulated by the Fort Worth
Electrical Code. An electrical disconnect may be installed by a licensed HVAC contractor with a
valid business registration when replacing an existing HVAC unit of the same or lesser
amperage.
A maintenance electrician license or residential maintenance electrician license, as
applicable, shall be required for all persons who perform electrical service, repair or maintenance
on equipment regulated by the Mechanical Code when an electrical permit is not required.
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Exception: Those persons who possess a valid State of Texas Air Conditioning
and Refrigeration Contractor's License with proper endorsements and having a.business
registered with the City of Fart Warth shall not be required to obtain nor shall employees
under their.direct personal supervision be required to obtain a Maintenance Electrician
License or Residential Maintenance Electrician License, as applicable, to service and .
maintain the internal part of the system as manufactured and listed.
SECTION C03 - APPLICATI(JN FQR,PERMIT
C03.1 Application. Any person legally entitled,to apply for and receive a permit shall
make application on forms provided for that purpose. Every such application shall:
1. Identify and describe the tivork 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.
3. Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed work is intended when deemed
necessary..
,Q•. Be accompanied by plans, diagrams, computations and specifications and other data as
required in Section C03:2. - -
5. Be signed by the applicant or an authorized agent of the applicant.
Exception: Applications made verbally by phone by registered individuals
with a valid charge account.
6. Drive such other data and information as may be required by the code official.
C03.2 Plans and specifications. Plans, specifications; engineering calculations,
diagrams; soil investigation reports, special inspection and structural observation programs and
other data shall constitute the submittal documents and shall, be submitted in one or more sets
with each application. for a permit. When such plans are not prepared by an architect or engineer,
the code official may require the applicant submitting such plans or other data to demonstrate
that state law does not require that the plans be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer. The
code official may require plans, computations and specifications to be prepared and designed by
an engineer or architect licensed by the state to practice as such even if not required by state law.
Exception: The code official may waive the submission of plans, calculations,
construction inspection requirements and other data if it is found that the nature of the
work applied for is such that reviewing of plans is not necessary to obtain compliance
with this code.
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. 003.3 Information on plans and specifications. Plans and specifications shall be
drawn to scale upon substantial paper or cloth and 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 all relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
~,~ ~ Plans for building of other than Group R, Division. 3 andGroup U Occupancies shall .
:ar indicate how required structural and fire=resistive integrity will be.maintained where penetrations
. will be made for mechanical and similar systems.
C03.4 Architect or engineer of reeord. When it is required that documents be prepared i ,
by an architect or engineer, the code official may require the owner to engage and designate on ., .
the permit application an architect or engineer who shall aft as the architect or engineer of
record. If the circumstances require, the owner may designate a substitute architect ar engineer
of record rvho shall perform all of the duties required of the' original architect or engineer of
record. The code official shall be notified in writing by the owner if the architect or engineer of
record is changed or is unable to continue to perform the duties.
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The architect ar engineer of record shall be responsible for reviewing and coordinating all
submittal documents prepared by others, including deferred submittal items,~for compatibility ` '
with the desi of the building. ~~
003.5 Referred submittals. For the purpose of this section, deferred submittals are : j
defined as those portions of the design that are not submitted at the time of the application and
that are to be submitted to the code official within a specified period.
Deferral of any submittal items shall have prior approval of the code official. The ~'
architect or engineer of record shall list the deferred submittals on the plans and shall submit the
deferred submittal documents for review by the code offtcial.
Submittal documents for deferred submittal items shall be submitted to the architect or
engineer of record who shall review them and forward them to the code official with a notation
indicating that the deferred submittal documents have been reviewed and that they have been
found to be in general conformance with the design of the building. The deferred submittal items
shall not be installed until their design and submittal documents have been approved by the code
official. ~ ~ '
003.6 l~xpiration of plan review. Applications for which no permit is issued within 180 ~~
days following the date of application shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data
submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the code offtcial. I
The code official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not
exceeding 180 days on request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control~of
the applicant have prevented action from being taken. No application shall be extended more
than once. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall
14
resubmit plans and pay a new plan'revie~v fee.
SECTION C04 -PERMIT ISSUANCE
C04.1 Issuance. The application, plans, specifications, computations and other data filed
by an applicant for a permit shall be reviewed by the code official. Such plans may be reviewed
by other departments of this jurisdiction to verify compliance with any applicable laws under
their jurisdiction. If the code 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 C05 have
been paid, the code official shall issue~a permit therefor fo the applicant. .~
Exception: When plan review is performed by a Third Party Organization as
specified in Section C08, the Code Official, at his discretion, may only revietiv what he
deems necessary to insure a quality control of the review already.performed.
When the code official issues the permit where plans are required, the code official shall
endorse in writing or stamp the plans and specifications ,A.PPROVED. Such approved plans and
specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorization from the code
official, and all work regulated by this code shall be done in accordance with the approved plans.
The code official may issue a permit for the construction of part of a mechanical.. system
before the entire plans and specifications for the~whole building or structure have been submitted
or approved, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying
with all pertinent requirements of this code. The holder of a partial permit shall proceed without
assurance that the permit for the entire building or structure will be granted.
004.2 Withholding of permits. The code official is authorized to withhold permits to
any person for the reasons set forth herein upon written notice to such person. The determination
of the code official maybe appealed to the Board as provided in Section B03..
The code official is authorized to withhold the issuance of mechanical permits to:
1. any person until such time as the mechanical system for tivhich a permit was
previously issued has been completed or is being performed in_an efficient manner in
a reasonable length of time.
2. any person who is delinquent in the payment of fees owed the City of Fort Worth.
3. any person who has performed previous jobs which remain in violation of this code. .
004.3 Validity. The issuance of a permit or approval of construction documents shall
not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval af, any violation of any of the provisions of
this code or of other ordinance of the jurisdiction. No permit presuming to give authority to
15
violate or cancel the provisions of this code shall be valid. .
The issuance of a permit based upon construction documents and other data shall not ~
,,~; prevent the code official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said construction
documents. and other data or from preventing building operations being carried on thereunder ;`
when in violation of this code or of other ordinances of this jurisdiction.
„;,,,
C04.4 Expiration. Every permit issued by the code official under the provisions of this
code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is
not commenced within 180 days from thetdate of such permit, or if the work authorized by such
permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the. work'is commenced for a period of 180
days. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained 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 original constnlction documents for such work,
and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. In order
to renew action on a permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee. ~ . ,
004.5 Extensions..Any permittee holding an unexpired permit shall have the- right to
apply for an extension of the time within which the permittee will commence•vtFork under that
permit when work is unable to be commenced within the time required by this section for good
and satisfactory reasons. The code official shall extend the time for action by the permittee for a
period not exceeding 180 days if there is reasonable cause. No permit shall be extended more
than once.
004.6 Suspension or revocation of permit. The code official may, in writing, suspend
or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code whenever the permit is issued in error
or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in~violation of any ordinance or regulation or
any of the provisions of this code.
004.7 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 is required by. this or any other code to obtain a
permit covered by this code, it shall be maintained.current and in effect until the permit is
finaled.
004.8 Retention of plans. One set of approved plans, specifications and computations
shall be retained by the code official until final approval of the work covered therein. One set of
approved construction documents shall be returned to the applicant, and said set shall be kept on
the site of the building or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in
progress.
16
004.9 Job abandonment. If, after a permit is issued under the provisions hereof, the
applicant abandons the job, becomes incapacitated or hislher services are terminated prior to final
inspection and approval thereof by the code official and before the permit has expired, the.
,applicant or his lawfi-Uiegal representative shall immediately notify the office of the code official
in writing. Upon such notification, the code official sliall immediately have an .inspection made
of the work completed ~to that time, and may revoke the outstanding permit and require that a
new permit tivith the payment of fees be obtained before the work is allowed to resume.
SECTION C05 -FEES ~~;;-
CO5.1 General. Fees shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions of this section
or shall be as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by this jurisdiction.
CU5.2 Permit fees. The fee for each permit shall be as set forth in Table C05.2.
Any person obtaining a permit application required by this code shall, at the time of
filing, pay a permit and anon-refundable application fee as required by this section for the
installation, relocation or replacement of any of the listed items.
Exceptions:. 1. Where the fees for new structures and additions to structures
have been collected on a building permit, the permit fee is not required but the permit
application shall be filed by the person doing the work before work is commenced.
2. Where these fees are being invoiced. monthly and the account is past due, a
penalty and/or interest charge as prescribed by the jurisdiction, shall be assessed..The
above assessed fee and delinquent payment shall be paid before additional permits will be
issued or additional inspections performed.
3. Buildings or strictures owned and occupied by a Federal, State, or County
entity on property owned by the Federal, State, or County entity shall be exempt from the
permit fees. This exception does not. apply to public school districts or county
community colleges.
4. Work bynon-City personnel on property under the control of the City of Fort
Worth shall be exempt from the permit fees only if the work is for action under a contract
approved by City Council with rioter in the contract packages stating the fee is waived.
5. Work by City personnel on property under the control of the City of Fort
Worth shall be exempt from the permit fees only if the application is accompanied by a
copy of the work order for the project.
6. When the project is to be inspected by an approved third party organization as
described in Section C08, the permit fee shall be reduced by multiplying the sum by 20%
(0.20). The resulting amount will be calculated to the penny with no rounding for the
.tenth of a penny figure. .
Exemption or reduction of the permit fees under this section shall not waive the
17
requirements to pay a full investigation fee for doing work~without a permit as required under
Section C05.3.
.~..
1 ,
18
. Table 005.2
Schedule of Fees
Administrative
1. CFPBOA.Application Fee
(1st item per address) . ~ ~ . $100.00
(Each additional item per address) ~ 20.00
2. Permit Application Fee .~... 15.00
3. Change of Record (per record or permit) , 15:00
Permit items*
Forced Air Keating-Furnaces Including
Ducts and/or Vents Attached Thereto:
Capacity to and including 100,000 BTU input or 20 KW 3.51
Over 100,000 BTU or 20 KW -
,and including 400,000 BTU or 40 KW 5.94
I-Ieating Appliances Non-Ducted Air ~ .
Gas Unit or Room Heater, including vent 3.51
Gas Wall Heater, including vent ~ 3.51
. Gas Floor Furnace, including vent 3.51
Gas Infra-red Heating Unit 3.51
Electric Heater, Wall, Space, Unit, etc. 3.51
Energy-Using Heat Appliance Other Than Above
Per 1,000 BTU Input - 0.06
Minimum 3,7$
Per 1 KW - 0.18
Minimum 3.78
Each Low or High Pressure Steam or Hot Water Boiler Rated
in either BTU's Input, Boiler Horsepovver i3utput, or K'W
Per 1,000 BTU's Input- 0.06
Minimum 3.78
Per Boiler HP Output - 1.57
Minimum .3.78
Per KW - 0.18
Minimum ~ 3.78
Each Absorber Unit, Electrical Reciprocating, Centrifugal, or Rotary Compressor,
19 •
Condensing Unit, or Chiller Unit, Each on its. Normal Capacity Rating
Up to and including 2 tons 3.51 .
Over 2 and including 3 tons ~ . 5.94 .
Over 3 and including 5 tons 9.45
Over 5 and including 7-1/2 tons ~ 12.96
(Over~7-1/2 and including 10 tons 16.74
Over 10 and inchiding 30 tons, per ton ~ 1.S 1
.Over 30 and including 100 tons, per ton 1.40
Over 100 and including 320 tons, per ton 1.19
Over 320 and including 520 tons; der ton 0.92
Over 520 tons, per ton ~ ~ 0.70
1 ,
Each .Roof-Top or Combination Unit, Including Ducts and Drains
Heating
Cooling and
Only Coolin
Up to and including 3 tons $ 5.94 $11.88
~
Over 3 and including S tons 9.45 16.74 '
Over 5 and including 7-1/2 tons ' 12.96 22.14
Over 7-1/2 and including 10 tons 16.74 ~ ~ 26.46
Over 10 tons, per ton 2.43 ~ .2.97
:iZoof-Top Heating Only
Unit per 1,000 BTU - 0.06
Minimum 3.78
Through-the-Wall A/C Units
All Sizes, Each 4.86
Cooling Torver, Evaporative or Air-Cooled .Condenser,
Tonnage Based on Local Design Conditions
All size units, per ton refrigeration capacity - 0.59
Minimum 3.78
Cooling-Heating Coils ~ ~ ~ '
• p.E. or Chill Water per ton ••~ . O.S9
• Minimum ~ - 3.78
Steam or Hot Water, per 1,000 BTU - 0.06
Minimum 3.78 '.
20
Fan and Coil Units including Drains and Ducts
Cool and Heat, per ton - 1.19
Minimum 3.78
Cool only, per ton - 0.59
. Minimum ~ .• 3.78 .
• Heating Unit only, per 1,000 BTU - 0.06
Minimum 3.78
:~, .
Electrical Heat Strips for Units or Duct Installations , ,
Per KW - ~ 0.18
. Minimum 3.78
Mixing Box -Conditioned Air ~ ' . 1.19
Mixing Box -Forced Air 2.43
Duct Addition or System not included elsewhere,
per outlet - 0.59
Minimum •. 3.78
• Miscellaneous
Commercial food preparation hood -Grease Type I 9.45.
Commercial food preparation hood -Heat or Moisture Type Il 7.02
Commercial hood exhaust fan -Grease 5.94
Commercial hood exhaust fan.- Heat or Moisture . .. 4.86
Commercial hood exhaust duct -Grease 5.94
Commercial hood exhaust duct -Heat or Moisture 4.86
Commercial kitchen make-up air unit 5.94
Commercial hood automatic electronic smoke extractor 18.90
Automatic fire-extinguishing equipment system 18.90
Range hood exhaust duct, for R Occupancy 1.19
Toilet exhaust fan and/or duct (per inlet) 1.19
Ventilation fan and duct system 4.86
Industrial hood 7.02
Mechanical ventilator .. .4.86
Flue replacement - U.L. labeled ~ _ 4.86
. Flue or stack for commercial and industrial appliances 5.94
Humidifier 2.43
Vented decorative appliance 4.86 .
Commercial clothes dryer exhaust duct 5.94
Domestic clothes dryer exhaust duct 1.19
Incinerator, per 1,000 BTU - 0.06
21
•
• .Minimum ~.~
3.78
Incinerator modification 59.40 f
•
Condensate drain-French sump 3.78 I
Fire or smoke damper 1.19
Circulating water pump 1.19 ~
Evaporative cooler .. .. 4:86
Automatic shutoff -products of combustion ~ 5.94
Solar energy system 35.64 ~ 'l
Heat recovery devices per 1,000 BTU - ~ . 0.06 ~
Minimum •~• • 11.88•. r
Gas Extension -Test ~ ~. 5.94.
For each appliance or piece of equipment by this ordinance
for which no other fee is listed 5.94
*When inspections arc performed by third party, the permit fee shall be reduced by multiplying the sum by 20% (0.20). ,
The resulting amount will be calculated to the penny with no rounding for the tenth of a penny figure.
Other Inspections and Fees
1. Inspections outside of normal business hours (minimumm of two hours) $30.00 per hour
2. Reinspection fee assessed under provisions of 006.6 $25.00
3. Inspections for which no fee is specifically indicated
` (minimum charge -one-half hour) .. $30.00 per hour •
4. Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions
to plans (minimum charge -one-half hour) $30.00 per hour
5. Inspections outside of city limits (commercial) $45.001 per inspector
(residential) $60.001 total
~ Or $30.00 per hour, whichever is greater.
22
005.3 Investigation fees: 'Work without a permit..
C05.3.1 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 may be issued .for such work.
Exceptions: 1. This provision shall not apply to emergency work when it
shall be proved to the satisfaction of the code official that such work was urgently
necessary and that it was not~pxactical to obtain a permit therefore before the
commencement of the work. ]'n all cases, a permit must be obtained as soon as it is
practical to do so, and if there be an unreasonable delay in obtaining such permit, an
investigation fee as herein provided shall be charg'ed'.
2. The investigation fee required shall be charged for work for which an
inspection has been requested and no permit has been obtained.
005.3.2 Fee. An investigation fee, in addition to the pernnit fee, shall be collected
whether or not a pernlit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to
the amount of the permit fee required by this code. The minimum investigation fee shall be
the same as the application fee set forth in Table 005.2. 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.
005.4 Change of record. Any request for a record change, or any mistake made by an
applicant that requires a record change, including but not limited to name or address changes,
whether computer or paper record, must be requested in writing by the original applicant with a
fee as specified in Table 005.2.
Exceptions: 1. For record changes that affect the permit fee, such as adding
equipment, fixtures or square footage, the code official may require a separate permit for
the extra items with the appropriate fees. '
2. The fee will not be required for those applicants meeting exception 5 of
Section 005.2.
COS.S Fee 1[Zefunds: The code official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid
hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected. Where work for which a permit has been
issued does not commence, and a request is made for a earicellation of such permit within a 60-
day time limit, the permit fee may be returned, upon request, minus an administration charge of
five dollars~($5.00). After the 60 day time limit, no fee shall be returned.
Exceptions:. 1. When the investigation fee of Section 005.3 has been collected, it
23
shall not be refunded unless paid by another party
2. No refund tivill be given for the application fee.
SECTION 006 -~INSPECTI~NS
C06~.1 General. All mechanical systems for which a permit is required by this code shall
be inspected by the code official. No portion of any mechanical system shall be concealed until
inspected and approved. Neither the code official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense
.,._ entailed in the removal or replacement of x~aterial required to.permit inspection. The holder of
the permit shall be responsible for the scheduling of such inspections. Mechanical systems
regulated by this code shall not be connected to energy fuel stlpply until authorized by the code
official.
Exceptions: 1. The requirements of this section shall not be considered to
prohibit the operation of any equipment installed to replace existing equipment serving an
occupied portion of the building in the event a request for inspection of such equipment
has been filed with the Code Official not more than 72 hours after such replacement work
is completed, and before any portion of such equipment isconcealed by-any permanent
portion of the building.
2. When approved by the Code Official, the inspection process as required by this
• code may be performed by an approved Third Party Organization as specified in Section
008.
006.1.1 Under ground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are
excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before any backfill is put in place. When
excavated soil contains rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would
. damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be on the job site.
006.1.2 Rough-in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fire blocking, fire
stopping, draft stopping and bracing are in place and all ducting and' other components to be
concealed are complete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
006.1.3 Final inspection shall be made after the building is complete, all mechanical •~
systems are in place and properly connected, and the stricture is ready for occupancy.
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 this jurisdiction. Inspections
presuming to give authority to violate or cancel provisions of this code or of other ordinances of
the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
006.2 C?ther inspections. In addition to the called inspections specified above, the code
official may make or require other inspections of any mechanical work to ascertain compliance
with the provisions of this code and other laws which are enforced.
24
006.3 Testing. Mechanical systems shall be tested as required in this code. Tests shall be
made by the permit halder and observed by the code official.
C06.3.1 New, altered, extended or repaired systems. New mechanical systems and
parts of existing systems, which have been altered,. extended or repaired, shall be tested as
prescribed herein to disclose leaks and defects.
C06.3.2 Equipment, material and labor for tests. All equipment, material and
labor required for testing a mechanicat:system or part.thereof shall be furnished by the permit
holder.
r ,
006.3.3 Iteinspection and testing. Where any work ~or installation does not pass any
initial test or inspection, the necessary corrections shall be made to comply with this code.
The work or installation shall then be resubmitted to the code official for inspection and
testing. ' • .
006.4 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing,the work authorized
by a permit to notify the code official that such work is ready for inspection. 'The code official
may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one working day before such
inspection is desired. Such request maybe in writing or by telephone, at the option of the code
official.
The person doing the work authorized by the permit shall nnake sure that the work will
stand tests prescribed elsewhere in this code, before giving the above notification.
It shall be the duty of the person requesting inspections required by this code to provide
access to and means for proper inspection of such. work. 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
xeinspection fees being assessed to the person doing the work.
Exception: If the xeinspection 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 xeinspection.
006.5 Inspection card. Work which requires an inspection card as described in the
Building Code 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 code
official to conveniently make the required entries thereon regarding inspection of the work. This
25
card.shall be maintained available by the permit holder until final approval has been granted by
the code official.
~~
006.6 Reinspections. A reinspection fee maybe 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
rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this code, but as controlling the practice of
calling for inspections before the job is ret~cly for such inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees maybe 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 requiring the approval of the code official.
To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall file an application therefor in writing on a
form furnished for that purpose and pay the reinspection fee in accordance tiyith Table C05.2 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.
SECTION C07 -CONNECTION APPROVAL
007.1 Energy connections. No person shall make connections from a source of energy
or fuel to any mechanical system or equipment regulated by this code and for which a permit is
required until approved by the code official.
007.2 Temporary connections. The code official shall have the authority to authorize
the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility source for the purpose of testing
mechanical systems or for use under a temporary certificate of occupancy.
SECTION C08 -THIRD PARTX PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION
008.1 When approved by the Code Official, Third Party Organizations may be permitted
to perform the plan review and/or field inspection provisions of this code. When authorized to
perform services, the Third Party Organization shall comply with the provisions of this section.
008.2 Plan Revietiv.
C08.2.1 Performance of plan review by a Third Party Organization shall not exempt
26
or otherwise relieve the owner and/or other parties from the submittal for a permit with the
appropriate plans as prescribed in this code.. .
C08.2.2 Along with the submittal of plans, documents as required by the Code
Official shall also be submitted with the following information:
1.. Name of the Third Party Organization and all individuals involved in the plan
review.
2. Listing of the plan review results including but not limited to the construction
type, occupancy group, occupant load,•area calculations, story calculations, height
measurements, and exiting calculations. ~ •
3. Other information as required by the Cody Official.
C08.3 Field Inspections.
C08.3.1 Whenever the owner/builder tivishes to use a Third Party Organization for
_ field inspection, he shall submit the appropriate forms to the Gode Official for approval
- ~m~before inspections commence. The Code Official shall review the application to confirm that
. the chosen Third Party Organization is approved and has all required insufance.
C08.3.2 The Code Official shall have a right to make periodic site visits,,at his
discretion, to review and inspect the work under construction. Whenever possible, the Code
Official will attempt~to coordinate such visits with the Third Party Organization.
C08.3.3 The Code Official shall maintain frill interpretation authority of all affected
codes •as well as the authority to require corrections, including, but not limited to, notices,
stop work orders and/or citations. .
C08.3.4 The project may proceed with construction only upon approval of the Third
Party Organization after performing the inspections as required by this.code or as otherwise
required by the Code Official. If, upon review, the Code Official believes that compliance
with all applicable codes has not been achieved, the Code Official shall retain the right to
require corrections. If corrections are required, the owner/builder and Third Party .
Organization may propose methods of correction that do not require uncovering of completed
work. However, the Code Official may require uncovering of completed work after
consideration of the extent of the work involved versus the level of compliance needed and
then only as a last resort when the Code Official determines that the proposed methods of
correction will not result in adequate compliance. .
C08.3.5 The Third Party Organization shall issue to the owner/builder and the Code
Official a formal inspection report for each inspection completed, verifying either that the
work inspected is in compliance with this code or specifically detailing corrections necessary
to bring such work into conformance with said codes .and regulations.
27
008.3.6 The Third Party Organization shall notify the Code Official if, at any time,
the owner/builder fails to correct construction deficiencies as noted or if the owner/builder
covers work prior to inspection or otherwise hinders the ability of the Third Party
Organization to perform required inspections. .
008.4 Insurance. The Third Party Organization-shall obtain and maintain insurance
=coverage as prescribed by the Code Official.
008.5 Indemnification. The Third Party Organization, the builder and the owner shall
execute an indemnification agreement in~~-form approved by the City Attorney.
:M
CO$.6 Conflict of Interest. The licensed architect, registered engineer, or other
.authorized person, entity or corporation who prepared or supervised preparation of the project
plans and/or speciftcatians, along with, the owner, builder, subcontractor, their agents, officers
and employees shall not be associated in any way with the Third Party Organization.
• 008.7 Qualifications. The Third Party Organization shall submit documents, as
required by the Code Official, to shotiv adequate training, knowledge and/or certification iri the
fields upon which service is to be rendered. The Code Official shall review the documents along
with proof of required insurance and all required executed agreements. If in compliance, the
Code Official shall approve the Third Party Organization.
If not approved, or if approval is revoked for just cause•by the Code.Official, the Third
Party Organization may appeal~to the Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals. Just
cause may include but not be limited to violation of any provision of this ordinance, loss or
expiration of required insurance, violation of the conflict of interest provision or any such action
that may result in the questioning of qualifications.
008.8 Certificate of Occupancy. A Certification of Occupancy shall be issued, when ~
"necessary, by the Code Official upon completion of all requirements specified above and, upon
completion of all requirements of any other affected department of the City. Such completion
shall be determined upon the submittal of all inspection reports by the Third Party Organization
noting that all required construction inspections have been approved and after the Code Official
has performed and approved a final inspection when deemed necessary.
28
Chapter D
BUSINESS REGISTRATION
SECTION D01 -REGISTRATION
D01.1 General. Any firm, business or organization conducting any work related to this
code shall have on file in the Department of Development office a valid Mechanical Business
Registration signed by an official of the business hereafter to be known as Registered Official.
Such business shall have in its sole empla~y~the holder. of a valid Fort Worth Mechanical
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor's License or a State ofTexas~Air Conditioning
and Refrigeration Contractor's License with proper endorsements. Such Business Registration
shall be renewed annually effective January 1 of each year. The fees for the initial registration
and the renetival shall be as specified in Table D01.1.
Exception: Based upon staffing and work loads, the code official may adjust,the
:.renewal dates of existing registrations to be equally distributed throughout the year as
-long as the fees are appropriately prorated.
The holder of a Business Registration tivho fails to pay the annual fee due for such license
within thirty (30) days of the expiration date shall also be required to pay a late fee as specified in
Table D01.1.
Table D01.1
Business Registration
First year or portion thereof* $100.00
Yearly renewal $ 50.00
Late fee. ~ $ 25.00 .
*Annual fee is due in full on the £rst day of January each year. Fees will not be pro rated for registration taken
out during the year. (Renewal dates maybe adjusted by the code official to equally distribute the workload
throughout the year.)
D01.2 Restrictions of Registration. Licensees that represent the registered business shall
not be simultaneously employed by, or work for more than one business for the purpose of
obtaining permits under this code or for the purpose of doing or supervising work that can only
be done by authority of a permit obtained under the provisions of this code.
Only one licensee for each business registration will be recognized for the purpose of
obtaining permits. The licensee shall keep the Department of Development notified of any
change in his/her employment:
29
D01.3 Identification. Vehicles used commercially by the Registered Business shall be
properly identified tivith the registered business name. Where a license is required, the licensee's , ~ ?
license number who is representing the registered business shall be added for identification. This
~,, identification shall be affixed or painted on both sides of,the vehicle so as to be, in full view at all
~'~
times and in letters not less than two (2) inches high.
~:'!' DOt.4 Termination- of ]icensee. Licenses shall notbe assigned or transferred, but a license
of any owner, officer, partner, association or corporation with a business registration shall be
sufficient to qualify such firm, partnership;Fassociation or corporation to engage in the business
of mechanical heating and au conditioning contracting if a licensee is solely employed by or
associated with such firni, partnership, association or corporation in a permanent, full-time
capacity. '
In the event all holders of valid licenses terminate their relationship for any reason with
such registered business, the business may continue in mechanical heating and air conditioning
contracting and will be held responsible for those permits obtained prior to such termination,
provided, however, that such permits shall not be valid for more than ninety (90} days from the
date of termination. New permits shall not be issued.
SECTI®N D02 -REGISTRATION SUSPENDED, ItEPIEAI.,ED OR REV®I~ED
D02.1 General. A. License or business registration or permit maybe suspended, repealed
or revoked by the code official by reason of the occurrence of one or more of the following:
1. Adjudication of insanity;
2. Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license, registration or permit;
3. Violation of a provision of this ordinance, the Plumbing, Electrical or Building Codes
or any other regulatory ordinances of the City applicable to the installation or alteration of
appliances, equipment or systems as set forth in this code;
4. Conviction of defrauding a person for whom he has rendered or contracted to render
service;
5. Failure to obtain a permit or the attempted assignment of a permit for others;
6. Failure to pay fees or the voluntary or involuntary filing of bankruptcy proceedings by
or against the firm, partnership, association, or corporation with a business registration
with the City;
7. The sending of six (6) notifications within a six (b) month period that the licensee or
30
registered business is in violation of this code; and,
8. When a state license is suspended for any reason.
A business registration suspended for failure to maintain state-required insurance maybe
reinstated' at no fee.
D02.2 Work suspension. Upon suspension or revocation of said license or business
registration, same shall be null and void and no work thereafter may be performed thereunder.
.~~ .
D02.3 Board affrxnation. Upon appeal to the Board, the Board may affirm, revise or
modify such suspension or revocation. , ,
31
• (b) The remaining sections of the 2000 International Mechanical Code are hereby
,.amended as follows:
IMC SECTION 202
.,&~ ~ -
*Section 202; the definitions of ".Code O~cial"and "Hazardous Location" are changed
,;; and new definitions are added to read as follows:
BUILDING CODE. Building Code shail mean the International Building Code as adopted by
~~this jurisdiction.
CODE OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration
and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative. For the purpose of this code,
the Code Official shall be.the Buildintr Official and his regularly authorized deputy shall be the
Chief Mechanical Inspector. -
ELECTRICAL CODE. Electrical Code shall mean the National Electrical Code as adopted by
this jurisdiction. For the pLirpose of this code, all references to NFPA 70 and the ICC Electrical ~-
Code shall be assumed to mean the Electrical Code as defined herein. C
ENERGY CODE. Energy Cade 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.
FUEL GAS CODE. Fuel Gas code shall mean the International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by
.this jurisdiction and shall be considered as part of the Plumbing Code. (See Plumbing Code.)
HAZARDOUS LOCATION. As used in this code, any location considered to be a fire hazard
for, flammable vapors, dust, combustible fibers or other highly combustible substances. The
location is not necessarily categorized in the International Building Code as ahigh-hazard use
group classification.
MECHANICAL CODE. Mechanical Code shall mean the International Mechanical Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
PLUMBING.
For the purpose of using the International Plumbing Code, 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
32
storm drainage facilities; venting systems, and public or private water supply systems.
Not included in this definition are installations of chilled water piping in
cannection with refrigeration, process and comfort cooling; hot water piping in
connection with building heating; and piping for fire protection 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, car-eliminate water, gas, 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 wit~i the source of water, gas, or other liquid
supply, or combinations of these, on the .premises, or the tivater 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, water, liquids, or any combination of these, or dispose of waste
water or sewage. •
PLUMBING C®l)E. Plumbing Code shall mean the Iiaternational Pla~mbing Code and the
1'nternational Fuel Gas Code as adopted by this jurisdiction. The term "Plumbing Code" applies
to both codes as one combined code.
IQI~UMBING SYSTEM.
For the purpose of using the Internrctional Plumbing Code, as adopted, shall mean:
Includes the water supply and distribution pipes; plumbing fixtures and traps;
water-treating or water-using equipment; soil, waste and vent pipes; and sanitary and
storm sewers and building drains, in addition to their respective connections, devices and
appurtenances within a stnlcture or premise.
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, 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.
33
~;~ RESIDENDIAL CODE. Residential Code shall mean the International Residential Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
IMC SECTION 301
*IMC Section 301 1 • changed to read as follotivs:
301.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern the approval and installation of all equipment and
- appliances that, comprise parts of the building mechanical systems regulated by this code i~
asserda~ '~5:
IMCC SECTION 302
*IMC Section 302 3 • changed to read as ollows:
uftin notchin and borin in tivood framing. When permitted by the Building ~ ~,
302.3 C g, g g
Code, the The cutting, notching and boring of wood framing members shall comply with
Sections 302.3.1 through 302.3.3.
' INl[C SECTION 304
*Section 304 2• changed to read as follows:
304.2.Conflicts. Where conflicts between this code and the conditions of listing or the .
manufacturer's installation instructions occur, the provisions of this code shall apply unless in the
opinion of the Code Official the conditions of listing or the manufacturer's installation
instructions when taken as a whole~rovide a higher level of protection.
exception is unchanged}
*IMC Section 304.5: delete.
*IMC Section 304 8 • chaffed to read as ollows:
304.8 Clearances from grade. Equipment and appliances installed at grade level shall
be supported on a level concrete slab or other approved material extending above adjoining grade
a minimum of 3 inches (76 mml or shall be suspended a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) above
adjoining grade.
*IMC Section 30411 • added to read as ollows:
34
• 304.11 Minimum burial depth. Underground fuel piping systems shall be installed a
minimum depth of 18 inches (458 mm) below grade.
IMC SECTION 306
`IMC Section 306.3: changed to read as follows:
306.3 Appliances in attics. Attics containing appliances requiring access shall be
provided ... {bulk of paragraph unchanged} ...side of the appliance. The clear access opening
dimensions shall be~ a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by 762 mm), or 1_ ar~er where
such dimensions are not large enough to allow removal,of the largest appliance. As a minimum,
access to the attic space of residential uses 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.
Exception: The passageway and level service space are not required tivhere the
appliance is capable of being serviced and removed through the required opening.
Water heaters~shall not be installed in residential attics.
`IMC Section 306.3.1: add a sentence.to read as follows: •
Lotiv volta e wiring of 50 Volts or less shall be installed in a manner to prevent physical damage.
*IMC Section 306.4.1 • add a sentence to read as ollotivs:
Low voltage wiring. of 50 Volts or less shall be installed in a nnanrier to prevent physical damage.
*IMC Section 306. SL changed to read as follows:
306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures. Where equipment.
and appliances requiring access are installed on roofs or elevated structures at a height exceeding
16 feet (4877 mm), such access shall be provided by a permanent approved means of access_;~re
~zt°r~~~.,.~,' '" '' ~"^°~rn Permanent exterior ladders ~rovidin~ roof access need not extend
closer than 8 feet (2438 mm) to the finish grade or floor level below and shall extend to the
equipment and appliance's level service space. Such access shall ... {balk of section to read the
some}; , , on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent
35
slope).
A receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment and_appliance location in
_accordance with the Electrical Code. Low voltage wiring of~50 Volts ox less shall be installed in
.. a manner to prevent physical damage. ~ .
*IMC Section 306.6: add a second paragraph to read as ollows.
A receptacle outlet shall be ~royid~ed at or near the appliance location in accordance with
the Electrical Code. Low volta eg wiring of 50 Volts or iess~shall be installed in a manner to
prevent physical damage. , _ .
*IMC Section 306.6.1 added to read as follows:
306.6.]. Catwalk. On roofs having slopes gr,_eater than 4 in 12, a catwalk at least 16
inches in width with substantial cleats spaced not nriore than 16 inches apart shall be provided .
from the roof access to the working platform at the appliance. ' • •
*IMC Section 306.7: added to read as follows:
306.7 Water heaters above ground or floor. When the mezzanine or platform in
which a water heater is installed is mare than ei hg t (g feet (2438 mm above the ground or floor
level, it shall be made accessible bxa stairway or permanent ladder fastened to the building.
306.7.1. Whenever the mezzanine or platform is not adequately lighted or access to a
receptacle outlet is not obtainable from the main level, lighting and a receptacle outlet shall
be provided in accordance with Section 306.3.1.
IM[C SECTION 307
*IMC Section 307.2.1: change to read as,follows:
307.2.1 Condensate disposal. Condensate from all cooling coils and evaporators shall
be conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved place of disposal. Condensate shall not
discharge in a publicly e~osed area such as into a street, alley, sidewalk or other areas so as to
cause a nuisance.
i
*IMC Section 307 2 2 • add a second paragraph to read as follows
36
Condensate waste pipes from air cooling coils maybe sized in accordance with equipment
capacity as follows:
. Equipment Capacity ~1VIin~ imam
in tons of refrigeration ~ ~ Condensate Pipe
Inside hiazneter
Up to 20 tons 3/4 inch
Over 20 to 40 tons ~ 1 inch .~
Over 40.to 90 tons ~~;,~ 1 1/4 inch
Over 90 to 125 tons ~ ~ ~ 1 %2 inch
Over 125 to 250 tons , 2 inch
T_he size of condensate waste pipes maybe for orie unit or a combination of units or as
recommended by the manufacturer The capacit-~of waste pipes assumes. a 1/8-inch-per-foot
sloe with the pipe rennin three-quarters full:
*IMC Section 307 2 3 • acid item #4 to read as follows:
4. Disahar~e as noted shall be to a con~icuouspoint of disposal to alert occupants in the event of_a
stoppage of the drain However the conspicuous point shall not create a hazard such as dnppln~
over a walking surface or other areas so as to create a nuisance.
IMC SECTION 401
*IMC Section 401 S ~ add a second exception to read as follows:
2 Toilet room exhaust ducts may terminate in a warehouse or shop area when
infiltration of outside air is present.
IMC SECTION 403
*IMC Section 403 2• add an exc~ption to read as Follows:
Exception Where the design professional demonstrates that an eri~i.neered
ventilation systern is designed in accordance with ASHR.AE 62 the rnmimum required
rate of outdoor air shall be permitted to be as specified in such en~neered system desi~n•
37
*IMC Section 403.2.1: add an item #4 to read as oolows:
a.~: ,.
,,~: ~ 4 Toilet rooms within private dwellings that contain only a water closet, lavatory or ,
~;.~~: combination thereof nia~ventilated with an approved mechanical recirculatm~ fan or
,, similar device designed to remove odors from the air.
.~.. .
*IMC Table 403 3i footnote ~~ chang-e to read as"ollaws:
g. Transfer air permitted in accordance with Section 403.2.2. Toilet rooms within private
dwellings that contain on1Ya 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.
IMC SECTION 501
*IMC Section S01 3 • add a second exception to read as ollows:
2 Toilet room exhaust ducts may terminate in a warehouse or shop area when
infiltration of outside air is present.
IMC SECTION 502
*IMC Section 502.13 • add an exception #4 to read as follows:
4. In motor vehicle related uses without. recessed floor areas such as lubrication
pits such ventilating_systemmay beomitted when in the building official's opinion, the
buildin ig s supplied with unobstructed o~enin~s to the outer air which are sufficient to
provide the necessary ventilation._
IMC SECTION 504
*IMC Section 504 6• add a sentence to read as follows.
The size of duct shall pat be reduced along its developed length nor at the point of termination.
38
*IMC Section 504.6.1 • changed to read as,follows:
504.6.1 Maximum length. The maximum length of a clothes dryer, exhaust duct shall
not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm) from the dryer location to the outlet terminal with not more
than t~vo bends. When extra bends are installed the maximum length of the duct shall be
reduced 2:5 feet (762 mm) for each 45-degree (0.79 rad) bend and 5 feet (1524. mm) for each
90-degree (1.6 rad) bend that occur after the first two bends, measuring in the direction of
airflow.
.t., _ _
{exception is unchanged}
IMC SECTION 506
*IMCSection 506.3.11; changed to read as follows:
506.3.11 Duct enclosure. A grease duct serving a Type I hood that penetrates a ceiling,
' .wall or floor shall be enclosed ... {btdk of paragraph unchanged}... through the use of weather-
protected openings. The enclosure shall be separated from the duct by a minimum of g 3 inches
(~ 76 mm) and a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) and shall serve a single grease exhaust duct
system.
{Exceptions remain unchanged.}
IMC SECTIOl'~t 509
*INfC Section 509:.For enforcement purposes Fire Code Section 904.11 is r~rinted
herein and adopted mart of this code as, ollows:
[F] 904.11 Commercial cooking systems. The automatic fire-extinguishing system for
commercial cooking systems shall be.of a type recognized for protection of commercial cooking
equipment and exhaust systems o£the type and arrangement protected. Pre-engineered automatic
dry- and wet-chemical extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance~with UL 300 and .
listed and labeled for the intended application. Other types of automatic fire-extinguishing
systems shall be listed and labeled for specific use as protection for commercial cooking
operations. The system shall be installed in accordance with this code, its listing and the
manufacturer's installation instructions. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems of the following
types shall be installed in accordance with NFPA96 and the referenced standard indicated, as
follows:
1. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, NFPA 12.
39
• 2. Automatic sprinkler system, NFPA 13.
3. Foam-water sprinkler system or foam-water spray systems, NFPA 16.
4. Dry-chemical extinguishing systems, NFPA 17.
5. Wet-chemical extinguishing systems, NFPA 17A. .
. [F] 904.11.1 Manual system operation. A manual actuation device shall be located at or
near a means of egress from the cooking area, a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) and a maximum
of 20 feet (6096 mm) from the kitchen exhaust system. The mamial actuation device shall be
located'a minimum of 4.5 feet (1372 mm) and a maximum of 5 feet (1524 mm) above the floor.
The manual actuation shall require a maximum force of 40 pounds (178 N) and a maximum
movement of 14 inches (3S6 mm) to actuate the fire suppression system.
Exception: Automatic sprinkler systems shall not be required to be equipped with
manual actuation means.
[F] 904.11.2 System interconnection. The actuation of the fire suppression system shall
automatically shut down the fuel or electrical power supply to the cooking equipment. The fuel
and electrical supply reset shall be manual.
[F] 904.11.3 Carbon dioxide systems: When carbon dioxide; systems are used, there
shall be a nozzle at the top of the ventilating duct. Additional nozzles that are symmetrically
~:. arranged to give uniform distribution-shall be installed within vertical ducts exceeding 20 feet
(6096 mm) and horizontal ducts exceeding 50 feet (15 240 mm). Dampers shall be in-stalled at
either the top or the bottom of the duct and shall be arranged to operate automatically upon
activation of the fire-extinguishing system. When the damper is installed at the top of the duct,
the top nozzle shall be immediately be-low the damper. Automatic carbon dioxide fire-
extinguishing systems shall be sufficiently sized to protect all hazards venting through a common
duct simultaneously.
[F] 904.11.3.1 Ventilation system. Commercial-type cooking equipment protected by
an automatic carbon dioxide extinguishing system shall be arranged to shut off the ventilation
system upon activation.
[F] 904.11.4 Special provisions for automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler
systems protecting commercial-type cooking equipment shall be supplied from a separate,.readily
accessible, indicating-type control valve that is identified.
(F] 904.11.4.1 Listed sprinklers. Sprinklers used for the protection of flyers shall be
listed for that application and installed in accordance with their listing.
[F] 904.11.5 Commercial cooking equipment. Portable fire extinguishers shall be
provided within a 30-foot (9144 mm) travel distance ofcommercial-type cooking equipment.
Cooking equipment involving vegetable or animal oils and fats shall be protected by a Class K
rated portable extinguisher..
40
[F] 904.11.6 Operations and maintenance. Commercial cooking systems shall be
operated and maintained in accordance with this section.
[F] 904.11.6.1 Ventilation system. The ventilation. system in connection with hoods
shall be operated at the required rate of air movement, and classified grease filters shall be in
place when equipment under a kitchen grease hood is used. '
[F] 904.11.6.2 Grease extractors. Where grease extractors are installed, they shall be
operated tivhen the commercial-type cooking equipment is used..
..
[F] 904.11.6.3 Cleaning. Hoods, grease-remgval,devices, fans, ducts and other
appurtenances shall be cleaned at intervals necessary to prevent the accumulation of grease
Cleanings shall be recorded, and records shall state the extent, time and date of cleaning.
Such records shall be maintained on the premises.
[F] 904.11.6.4 Extinguishing system service. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems
shall be serviced at least every 6 months and after activation of the system. Inspection shall
be by qualified individttals, and a certificate of inspection shall be forwarded to the code
official upon completion.
[F] 904.11.6.5 Fusible link and sprinkler head replacement. Fusible links and
automatic sprinkler heads shall be replaced at least annually, and other protection devices
shall be serviced or replaced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Exception: Frangible bulbs are not required to be replaced
yMC SECTIOl~i 510
*Section S10 7• add a second exception to read as follows:
2 Ducts where the largest cross-sectional diameter of the duct is less than 10
inches (254 mm~
IMC SECTIOI>t 604
*IMC Section 6041 • changed to read as oolows:
604.1 General. Duct insulation shall conform to the requiremerits of Sections 604.2
through 604.1= Table 604.1 and the International Energy Conservation Code. Should there be
any conflicts between this section and the energy code, the energy code shall take precedent.
41
XMC TABLE NO. 604.1
*1'MC Table No. 604.1 • added to read as , follotivs:
Table 604.1-Insulation of Ducts
Insulation Types Insulation Types
Duct Location ~ Mechanically Cooled Heating Zone 1 Heating Orily
~",~ ~ I AandW.
On roof on exterior of building C, VZ and W II Band W
s III C and W
I A
Attics, garages and crawl spaces A and V' II A
III B '
I A '
In walls3, within floor-ceiling spaces3 A and VZ II A
III B
Within the conditioned space or in _ None required None required
basements; return ducts in air plenums .
Cement slab or within ground ~ None required None required
Note: Where ducts are used for both heating and cooling, the minimum insulation shall be as required for the most
restrictive condition.
~ Heating Degree Days:
Zone I below 4,500 D.D.
Zone II 4,501 to 8,000 D.D.
Zone III ~ over 8,000 D.D.
z Vapor retarders shall be installed on supply ducts in spaces vented to the outside in geographic areas where the
summer dew point temperature based on the 2 %: percent column of dry-bulb and mean coincident wet-bulb
temperature exceeds 60° F. (15.4° C).
~ Insulation maybe omitted on that portion of a duct which is located within awall- or afloor-ceiling space where:
3'~ Botli sides of the space are exposed to conditioned air.
as The space is not ventilated.
s.a The space is not used as a return plenum.
a.a The space is not exposed to unconditioned air.
Ceilings which form plenums need not be insulated.
INSULATION TYPESA
A - A material with an installed conductance of 0.48 [2.72 W/(m~K)] or the equivalent thermal resistance of 2.1
[0.367 (mK)/W].
Example of materials capable of meeting the above requirements:
1-inch (25 mm), 0.601b./cu.ft. (9.6 kg/m3) mineral fiber, rock, slag or glass blankets.
%:-inch (13 xnm), 1.5 to 31b./cu.ft. (24 to 48 kg/m3) mineral fiber blanket duct liner.
%:-inch (13 mm), 3 to 10 lb./cu.ft. (48 to 160 kg/m3) mineral fiber board.
B - A material with an installed conductance of 0.24 [1.36'4V/(mK)] or the equivalent. thermal resistance of 4.2
. [0.735 (mK)/W].
Example of materials capable of meeting the above requirements:
42
2-inch (51 mrn), 0.601b./cu.ft. (9.6 kg/rn3) mineral fiber blankets.
1-inch (25 mrn), 1.5 to 3 1b./cu.ft. (24 to 4$ kg/m3) mineral fiber blanket duct liner.
1-inch (25 mrn), 3 to 10 lb./cu.ft. (48 to 160 kg/m3) mineral fiber board.
C -- A material with an installed conductance of 0.16 [0.9 W/(m•K)] or the equivalent thermal resistance of 6.3
Example of materials capable ofineeting the above requirements.
3-inch (76 mm), 0.6016./cu:ft. (9.6 kg/m3) mineral fiber blankets.
1 `h-inch (38 mm); 1.5 to 3 lb./cu.ft. (24 to 48~kg/m3) mineral fiber blanket duct liner.
1 %Z-inch (38 mm),' 3 to l O lb./cu.ft. (48 to 160 kg/rn3) mineral fiber boazd.
V --Vapor Retarders: Material with a perm rating not exceeding 0.5 perm [29 ng/Pa•sm2]. All joints to be
sealed.
W -Approved weatherproof barrier. •~.
a The example of materials listed under each type is not meant to limit other available thickness and density
combinations with the equivalent installed conductance or resistance based on the insulation only.
*IMC Section 604.11: chang-etl to read as, ollows:
604.11 Vapor retarders. Where ducts used for cooling are externally insulated, the
insulation shall be covered with a vapor retarder in accordance with Table 604.13~g-•a
3i~3H1~3~1~H~~~.1~~ ;,f ^.^~ tJVllll [2.~n~ti.;~°-s-'~r~}} or aluminum foil having a minimum
thickness of 2 mils (0.051 mm). Insulations having a permeance of 0..05 perms [2.87 ng/(Pa "s '
m2)] or less shall not be required to be covered. All joints'and seams shall be sealed to maintain
the continuity of the vapor retarder.
J<MC SECTION 607
*IMC Section 647.2.2• changed to read as follows:
607.2.2 ]Fazardous exhaust ducts. Hazardous exhaust duct systems shall extend
directly to the exterior of the building and shall not extend into or through ducts and vlenums.
Penetration. of stntctural elements shall conform to this section and the Building Code except
that fire Pi-re dampers are not required at penetration offire-resistance-rated assemblies
~ 11 n w...l.r~.n41~ Qnnt~r_ix S~_n
IMC Section 607.5.1 • changed to read as ollows:
607.5.1 Fire 'Walls. Ducts and transfer openings permitted in fire walls in
accordance with Section 705.11 of the International Building Code shall be protected with
approved fire dampers installed in accordance with their listing.. Hazardous exhaust ducts
shall not penetrate fire walls.
43
*I1VIC Section 607 61 • change to read as ollows:
607.6.1 Through penetrations. In occupancies other than Gfroups I-2 and I-3,
:Penetrations by an air duct through afire-resistive-rated floor/ceiling assembly that connects
not more than two stories are permitted without shaft enclosure rotection where a fire
damper is installed at the floor line.
~~.
INIC CHAPTER 14'
r
*Any section not reprinted herein shall be assicrized to be deleted. Chapter 14 is changed to
only read as ollows: •
SECTION 1401 - ~ENEItAL
1401.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern: the constntction, installation, alteration and
repair of systems, equipment and appliances intended to utilize solar energy for space heating or
cooling, domestic hot water heating, swinuning pool heating or process heating.
1401.2 Potable ~vater supply. Potable water systems shall be protected against
contamination in accordance with the plumbing code.
1401.3 Heat exchangers. Heat exchangers used in domestic water-heating systems shall
be approved for the intended use. The system shall have adequate protection to ensure that the
potability of the water supply and distribution system is properly safeguarded.
1401.5 Ducts. Ducts utilized in solar heating and cooling systems shall be constructed
and installed in accordance tivith Chapter 5 of this code.
SECTI®N 1402 -INSTALLA'TION'
1402.5 hoof penetrations. Roof penetrations shall be flashed to prevent entry of water..
44
SECTION 3.
That Section 7-168 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986), as amended, is hereby amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 7-168 Effect of Conflict with Other Ordinances.
This article shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the Code of the City of
Fort Worth, Texas (1.986), affecting Mechanical Code provisions, as amended, and shall not
repeal any of the provisions of such ordinances, except in those instances where provisions of
such ordinances are in direct conflict with the provisions of this ordinance.
j .
SECTION 4.
That Section 7-169 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986), as amended, is hereby amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 7-169 Penalty for violation. ! '
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine not to
exceed Ttivo Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for ail 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 Mechanical Code provisions, as amerided, 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
unconstihrtional 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,
45
clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this ordinance, since the same would have been
enacted by the City Council without the incorporation in this ordinance of any such void,
ineffective, or unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section.
SECTION 7.
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of~the provisions of this ordinance shall be
deemed guilty.of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine not to
.__,_, ~ exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for all violations involving fire safety, or public
health and sanitation and shall be fined nod more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for all
other violations of this ordinance.' Each day or any portion thereof during which any violation of
this ordinance occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense and upon conviction
thereof shall be punishable as herein provided. ~ : '
SECTION 8.
All rights and remedies of the City of Fort Worth, Texas are expressly saved as to any and
all violations of the previous Mechanical Code, or any other ordinances affecting construction
and fire safety, which have accrued at the time of the effective date of this ordinance: and, as to
such accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending in
court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be affected by this ordinance but maybe
prosecuted until final disposition by the courts. .
SECTION 9.
A copy of the 2000 International Mechanical Cade, 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 Development of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, is hereby authorized to "'
publish this ordinance in pamphlet form for general distribution among the public, and the ~ .
operative provisions of this ordinance as so published shall be admissible in evidence in all .
courts without further proof than the production thereof, as provided in Chapter XXV, Section 3,
of the Charter of the City of Fort Worth, Texas.
SECTION 11.
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, is hereby directed to publish the caption and
Sections 1, 7, 9,11 and 12 of this ordinance for two (2) days in the. official newspaper of the City
of Fort Worth, Texas as authorized by Section 2, Chapter XXV of the Charter of the City of Fort
Worth, Texas and by Section 52.013 (a) of the Texas Local Government Code.
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SECTION 12.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect July 1, 2001.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
David Yett, City Attorney ,~~
W ~N+~~ J
B M' _
Assis a City Attorney
Adopted:
Effective;
os-ii-o i
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