§ 6-1. International Residential Code adopted.

(a)

Adoption. The International Residential Code, 2012 edition, and the appendices attached thereto being Appendices A through Q, excluding Appendix L is hereby adopted and designated as the Residential Code for the city. A copy of the 2012 Edition of the International Residential Code is on file in the office of the city secretary.

(b)

Local amendments. The following provisions are local amendments to the 2012 International Residential Code. Each provision in this subsection is a substitute for the identically numbered provision contained in the 2012 International Residential Code or is an additional provision added to the 2012 International Residential Code.

**Section R102.4; change to read as follows:

R102.4 Referenced codes and standards. The codes , when specifically adopted, and standards referenced in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections R102.4.1 and R102.4.2. 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 made to NFPA 70 or the Electrical Code shall mean the Electrical Code as adopted.

*Section R105.2; delete items 1, 2, 5, and 10

**Section R110 (R110.1 through R110.5); delete the section.

**Section R112.2.1 & R112.2.2; delete the sections.

**Section R202; change definition of "Townhouse" to read as follows:

TOWNHOUSE. A single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of three or more attached units separated by property lines in which each unit extends from foundation to roof and with a yard or public way on at least two sides.

***Table R301.2(1); fill in as follows:

GROUND SNOW LOAD	WIND DESIGN		SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY f
	Speed d (mph)	Topographic Effects k
5 lb/ft	90 (3-sec-gust)/ 76 fastest mile	No	A

 

SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM
Weathering a	Frost line depth b	Termite c
moderate	6"	very heavy

 

WINTER DESIGN TEMP e	ICE BARRIER UNDER- LAYMENT REQUIRED h	FLOOD HAZARDS g	AIR FREEZING INDEX i	MEAN ANNUAL TEMP j
22°F	No	local code	150	64.9°F

 

{No change to footnotes}

**Section R302.1; add exception #6 to read as follows:

Exceptions: {previous exceptions unchanged}

6.

Open non-combustible carport structures may be constructed when also approved within adopted ordinances.

***Section R302.2, Exception; change to read as follows:

Exception: A common two-hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly, or one-hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly when equipped with a sprinkler system... {remainder unchanged}

***Section R302.2.4, Exception 5; change to read as follows:

Exception: {previous exceptions unchanged}

5.

Townhouses separated by a common fire-resistance-rated wall as provided in Section R302.2.

***Section R302.3; add Exception #3 to read as follows:

Exceptions:

3.

Two-family dwelling units that are also divided by a property line through the structure shall be separated as required for townhouses.

***Section R302.5.1; change to read as follows:

R302.5.1 Opening protection. Openings from a private garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted. Other openings between the garage and residence shall be equipped with solid wood doors not less than 13/8 inches (35 mm) in thickness, solid or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 13/8 inches (35 mm) thick, or 20-minute fire-rated doors.

***Section R303.3, Exception; amend to read as follows:

Exception: The glazed areas {remainder unchanged} unless the space contains only a water closet, a lavatory, or water closet and a lavatory may be ventilated with an approved mechanical recirculating fan or similar device designed to remove odors from the air.

***R303.4 Mechanical Ventilation; change to read as follows:

Where the air infiltration rate of a dwelling unit is 5 air changes per hour when tested with a blower door at a pressure of 0.2 inch w.c. (50 Pa) in accordance with Section N1102.4.1.2, the dwelling unit shall be provided with whole-house mechanical ventilation in accordance with Section M1507.3.

***Section R315.3, amend and add exceptions as follows:

Where required in existing dwellings. Where work requiring a permit for an addition or an alteration that occurs in existing dwellings, that have attached garages or in existing dwellings within which fuel-fired appliances exist, carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided in accordance with Section R315.1:

Exceptions:

1.

Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings , such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section.

2.

Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section.

***Section R401.2, amended by adding a new paragraph following the existing paragraph to read as follows.

Section R401.2. Requirements. {existing text unchanged} ...

Every foundation and/or footing, or any size addition to an existing post-tension foundation, regulated by this code shall be designed and sealed by a Texas-registered engineer.

**Section 602.6.1; amend the following:

R602.6.1 Drilling and notching of top plate. When piping or ductwork is placed in or partly in an exterior wall or interior load-bearing wall, necessitating cutting, drilling or notching of the top plate by more than 50 percent of its width, a galvanized metal tie not less than 0.054 inch thick (1.37 mm) (16 Ga) and 5 inches (127 mm) wide shall be fastened across and to the plate at each side of the opening with not less than eight 10d (0.148 inch diameter) having a minimum length of 1 ½ inches (38 mm) at each side or equivalent. Fasteners will be offset to prevent splitting of the top plate material. The metal tie must extend a minimum of 6 inches past the opening. See figure R602.6.1. {remainder unchanged}

**Figure R602.6.1; delete the figure and insert the following figure:

**Section R703.7.4.1; add a second paragraph to read as follows:

In stud framed exterior wall s , all ties shall be anchored to studs as follows:

1.

When studs are 16 in (407 mm) o.c., stud ties shall be spaced no further apart than 24 in (737 mm) vertically starting approximately 12 in (381 mm) from the foundation; or

2.

When studs are 24 in (610 mm) o.c., stud ties shall be spaced no further apart than 16 in (483 mm) vertically starting approximately 8 in (254 mm) from the foundation.

**Section R902.1; Amend and add exception #3 to read as follows:

R902.1 Roofing covering materials. Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth in Sections R904 and R905. Class A, B, or C roofing shall be installed. {remainder unchanged}

Exceptions:

1.

{text unchanged}

2.

{text unchanged}

3.

{text unchanged}

4.

Non-classified roof coverings shall be permitted on one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed (area defined by jurisdiction).

Part IV - Energy Conservation - Chapter 11 [RE} *** insert text to read as follows:

Residential Provisions for Energy Efficiency

***Section M1305.1.3; change to read as follows:

M1305.1.3 Appliances in attics. Attics containing appliances requiring access shall be provided ... {bulk of paragraph unchanged} ... sides of the appliance where access is required. The clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by 762 mm), or larger and large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance. A walkway to an appliance shall be rated as a floor as approved by the building official. As a minimum, for access to the attic space, provide one of the following:

1.

A permanent stair.

2.

A pull down stair with a minimum 300 lb (136 kg) capacity.

3.

An access door from an upper floor level.

Exceptions:

1.

The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance can be serviced and removed through the required opening.

2.

Where the passageway is unobstructed... {remaining text unchanged}

**Section M1411.3; change to read as follows:

M1411.3 Condensate disposal. Condensate from all cooling coils or evaporators shall be conveyed from the drain pan outlet to a sanitary sewer through a trap, by means of a direct or indirect drain. {remaining text unchanged}

**Section M1411.3.1, Items 3 and 4; add text to read as follows:

M1411.3.1 Auxiliary and secondary drain systems. {bulk of paragraph unchanged}

1.

{text unchanged}

2.

{text unchanged}

3.

An auxiliary drain pan... {bulk of text unchanged} ... with Item 1 of this section. A water level detection device may be installed only with prior approval of the building official.

4.

A water level detection device... {bulk of text unchanged} ... overflow rim of such pan. A water level detection device may be installed only with prior approval of the building official.

**Section M1411.3.1.1; add text to read as follows:

M1411.3.1.1 Water-level monitoring devices. On down-flow units ... {bulk of text unchanged} ... installed in the drain line. A water level detection device may be installed only with prior approval of the building official.

***M1503.4 Makeup Air Required Amend and add exception as follows:

M1503.4 Makeup air required. Exhaust hood systems capable of exhausting in excess of 400 cubic feet per minute (0.19 m3/s) shall be provided with makeup air at a rate approximately equal to the difference between the exhaust air rate and 400 cubic feet per minute. Such makeup air systems shall be equipped with a means of closure and shall be automatically controlled to start and operate simultaneously with the exhaust system.

Exception: Where all appliances in the house are of sealed combustion, power-vent, unvented, or electric, the exhaust hood system shall be permitted to exhaust up to 600 cubic feet per minute (0.28 m3/s) without providing makeup air. Exhaust hood systems capable of exhausting in excess of 600 cubic feet per minute (0.28 m3/s) shall be provided with a makeup air at a rate approximately equal to the difference between the exhaust air rate and 600 cubic feet per minute.

**Section M2005.2; change to read as follows:

M2005.2 Prohibited locations. Fuel-fired water heaters shall not be installed in a room used as a storage closet. Water heaters located in a bedroom or bathroom shall be installed in a sealed enclosure so that combustion air will not be taken from the living space. Access to such enclosure may be from the bedroom or bathroom when through a solid door, weather-stripped in accordance with the exterior door air leakage requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code and equipped with an approved self-closing device. Installation of direct-vent water heaters within an enclosure is not required.

**Section G2408.3 (305.5); delete.

**Section G2415.2.1 (404.2.1); add a second paragraph to read as follows:

Both ends of each section of medium pressure gas piping shall identify its operating gas pressure with an approved tag. The tags are to be composed of aluminum or stainless steel and the following wording shall be stamped into the tag:

"WARNING

1/2 to 5 psi gas pressure

Do Not Remove"

**Section G2415.2.2 (404.2.2); add an exception to read as follows:

Exception: Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) shall be a minimum of 1/2" (18 EDH).

**Section G2415.12 (404.12); change to read as follows:

G2415.12 (404.12) Minimum burial depth. Underground piping systems shall be installed a minimum depth of 18 inches (457 mm) below grade, except as provided for in Section G2415.12.1.

***Section G2415.12.1 (404.12.1); change to read as follows:

G2415.12.1) Individual outside appliances. Individual lines to outside lights, grills or other appliances shall be installed a minimum of 12 inches (203 mm) below finished grade. ...Rest unchanged.

**Section G2417.1 (406.1); change to read as follows:

G2417.1 (406.1) General. Prior to acceptance and initial operation, all piping installations shall be inspected and pressure tested to determine that the materials, design, fabrication, and installation practices comply with the requirements of this code. The permit holder shall make the applicable tests prescribed in Sections 2417.1.1 through 2417.1.5 to determine compliance with the provisions of this code. The permit holder shall give reasonable advance notice to the building official when the piping system is ready for testing. The equipment , material, power and labor necessary for the inspections and test shall be furnished by the permit holder and the permit holder shall be responsible for determining that the work will withstand the test pressure prescribed in the following tests.

**Section G2417.4; change to read as follows:

G2417.4 (406.4) Test pressure measurement. Test pressure shall be measured with a manometer or with a pressure-measuring device designed and calibrated to read, record, or indicate a pressure loss caused by leakage during the pressure test period. The source of pressure shall be isolated before the pressure tests are made. Gauges used to measure... {remainder unchanged}

**Section G2417.4.1; change to read as follows:

G2417.4.1 (406.4.1) Test pressure. The test pressure to be used shall be not less than 3 psig (20 kPa gauge), or at the discretion of the Building Official , the piping and valves may be tested at a pressure of at least six (6) inches (152 mm) of mercury, measured with a manometer or slope gauge. For tests requiring a pressure of 3 psig, gauges shall utilize a dial with a minimum diaphragm diameter of three and one half inches (3 ½"), a set hand, 1/10 pound incrementation and pressure range not to exceed 6 psi for tests requiring a pressure of 3 psig. For tests requiring a pressure of 10 psig, diaphragm gauges shall utilize a dial with a minimum diameter of three and one-half inches (3 ½"), a set hand, a minimum of 2/10 pound incrementation and a pressure range not to exceed 20 psi.

For welded piping , and for piping carrying gas at pressures in excess of fourteen (14) inches water column pressure (3.48 kPa) (1/2 psi) and less than 200 inches of water column pressure (52.2 kPa) (7.5 psi), the test pressure shall not be less than ten (10) pounds per square inch (69.6 kPa). For piping carrying gas at a pressure that exceeds 200 inches of water column (52.2 kPa) (7.5 psi), the test pressure shall be not less than one and one-half times the proposed maximum working pressure.

**Section G2417.4.2; change to read as follows:

G2417.4.2 (406.4.2) Test duration. The test duration shall be held for a length of time satisfactory to the Building Official , but in no case for less than fifteen (15) minutes. For welded piping , and for piping carrying gas at pressures in excess of fourteen (14) inches water column pressure (3.48 kPa), the test duration shall be held for a length of time satisfactory to the Building Official , but in no case for less than thirty (30) minutes.

**Section G2420.1 (406.1); add Section G2420.1.4 to read as follows:

G2420.1.4 Valves in CSST installations. Shutoff valves installed with corrugated stainless steel (CSST) piping systems shall be supported with an approved termination fitting, or equivalent support, suitable for the size of the valves , of adequate strength and quality, and located at intervals so as to prevent or damp out excessive vibration but in no case greater than 12-inches from the center of the valve. Supports shall be installed so as not to interfere with the free expansion and contraction of the system's piping , fittings, and valves between anchors. All valves and supports shall be designed and installed so they will not be disengaged by movement of the supporting piping.

***Section G2420.5.1 (409.5.1); add text to read as follows:

G2420.5.1 (409.5.1) Located within the same room. The shutoff valve ... {bulk of paragraph unchanged}... in accordance with the appliance manufacturer's instructions. A secondary shutoff valve must be installed within 3 feet (914 mm) of the firebox if appliance shutoff is located in the firebox.

**Section G2421.1 (410.1); add text and Exception to read as follows:

G2421.1 (410.1) Pressure regulators. A line pressure regulator shall be... {bulk of paragraph unchanged}... approved for outdoor installation. Access to regulators shall comply with the requirements for access to appliances as specified in Section M1305.

Exception: A passageway or level service space is not required when the regulator is capable of being serviced and removed through the required attic opening.

**Section G2422.1.2.3 (411.1.3.3); delete Exception 1 and Exception 4.

**Section G2445.2 (621.2); add Exception to read as follows:

G2445.2 (621.2) Prohibited use. One or more unvented room heaters shall not be used as the sole source of comfort heating in a dwelling unit.

Exception: Existing approved unvented room heaters may continue to be used in dwelling units , in accordance with the code provisions in effect when installed, when approved by the Building Official unless an unsafe condition is determined to exist as described in International Fuel Gas Code Section 108.7 of the Fuel Gas Code.

**Section G2448.1.1 (624.1.1); change to read as follows:

G2448.1.1 (624.1.1) Installation requirements. The requirements for water heaters relative to access, sizing, relief valves , drain pans and scald protection shall be in accordance with this code.

**Section P2801.6; add Exception to read as follows:

Exceptions:

1.

Electric Water Heater.

**Section P2902.5.3; change to read as follows:

P2902.5.3 Lawn irrigation systems. The potable water supply to lawn irrigation systems shall be protected against backflow by an atmospheric-type vacuum breaker, a pressure-type vacuum breaker, a double-check assembly or a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer. A valve shall not be installed downstream from an atmospheric vacuum breaker. Where chemicals are introduced into the system, the potable water supply shall be protected against backflow by a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer.

**Section P3005.2.6; change to read as follows:

P3005.2.6 Upper Terminal. Each horizontal drain shall be provided with a cleanout at its upper terminal.

Exception: Cleanouts may be omitted on a horizontal drain less than five (5) feet (1524 mm) in length unless such line is serving sinks or urinals.

**Section P3111; delete.

**Section P3112.2; delete and replace with the following:

P3112.2 Installation. Traps for island sinks and similar equipment shall be roughed in above the floor and may be vented by extending the vent as high as possible, but not less than the drainboard height and then returning it downward and connecting it to the horizontal sink drain immediately downstream from the vertical fixture drain. The return vent shall be connected to the horizontal drain through a wye-branch fitting and shall, in addition, be provided with a foot vent taken off the vertical fixture vent by means of a wye-branch immediately below the floor and extending to the nearest partition and then through the roof to the open air or may be connected to other vents at a point not less than six (6) inches (152 mm) above the flood level rim of the fixtures served. Drainage fittings shall be used on all parts of the vent below the floor level and a minimum slope of one-quarter (1/4) inch per foot (20.9 mm/m) back to the drain shall be maintained. The return bend used under the drainboard shall be a one (1) piece fitting or an assembly of a forty-five (45) degree (0.79 radius), a ninety (90) degree (1.6 radius) and a forty-five (45) degree (0.79 radius) elbow in the order named. Pipe sizing shall be as elsewhere required in this Code. The island sink drain, upstream of the return vent, shall serve no other fixtures. An accessible cleanout shall be installed in the vertical portion of the foot vent.

(Ord. No. 2014-2048, § 2, 2-4-2014)

Editor's note

Ord. No. 2014-2048, § 2, adopted February 4, 2014, repealed and replaced § 6-1 in its entirety. Former § 6-1 pertained to international residential code, 2006 edition adopted and amended and was derived from Ord. No. 120, § 1, adopted October 6, 1980; Ord. No. 208, § 1, adopted June 14, 1982; Ord. No. 241, § 2, adopted January 17, 1983; Ord. No. 453, § 1, adopted October 6, 1986; Ord. No. 540, § 1, adopted May 2, 1988; Ord. No. 624, § 1, adopted December 18, 1989; Ord. No. 636, § 1, adopted April 2, 1990; Ord. No. 876, § 1, adopted February 27, 1995; Ord. No. 882, § 1A, adopted April 17, 1995; Ord. No. 911, § 1, adopted November 20, 1995; Ord. No. 01-1331, §§ 3, 4, adopted December 17, 2001; Code 1983, § 6-1; Ord. No. 05-1627, § 1, adopted December 5, 2005 and Ord. No. 09-1796, § 1, adopted January 19, 2009.