Ord 55-2022 Amending Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances to amend 2015 IMC and RC 11/15/2022 Ordinance No. 55-2022
Ordinance amending Section 22 of the Code of Ordinances of the City
of Wichita Falls to amend portions of the 2015 International
Mechanical Code, and Residential Code, and providing for
codification
WHEREAS, the City's Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals has found
that an amendment to the International Mechanical Code and International Residential
Code is needed to allow for ventilation of restroom exhaust fans into attic space; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this amendment is needed and is being
approved by recommendation of the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
1. Section 22-512 of the Code of Ordinance of the City of Wichita Falls is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 22-512. Changes, deletions and amendments.
The following changes, deletions and amendments are made to the specified sections in
the 2015 International Mechanical Code adopted in Section 22-511. Where an adopted
section of the 2015 International Mechanical Code has not been changed, deleted, or
amended by this ordinance, it is adopted as worded in the 2015 International Mechanical
Code.
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.
Exception: Where a code provision is less restrictive than the conditions of the
listing of the equipment or appliance or the manufacturer's installation instructions,
the conditions of the listing and the manufacturer's installation instructions shall
apply; except for code amendments as outlined in Section 501.3 of the International
Mechanical Code.
307.2.3. Auxiliary and secondary drain systems.
In addition to the requirements of Section 307.2.1, where damage to any building
components could occur as a result of overflow from the equipment primary
condensate removal system, one of the following auxiliary protection methods shall
be provided for each cooling coil or fuel-fired appliance that produces condensate:
501.3. Exhaust discharge. The air removed by every mechanical exhaust system shall
be discharged outdoors at a point where it will not cause a public nuisance and not
less than the distances specified in Section 501.3.1. The air shall be discharged to a
location from which it cannot again be readily drawn in by a ventilating system. Air
shall not be exhausted into an attic, crawl space, or be directed onto walk-ways.
Exceptions:
1. Whole-house ventilation-type attic fans shall be permitted to discharge into
the attic space of dwelling units having private attics.
2. Commercial cooking recirculating systems.
3. Where installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and
where mechanical or natural ventilation is otherwise provided in accordance
with Chapter 4, listed and labeled domestic ductless range hoods shall not
be required to discharge to the outdoors.
4. Residential restroom exhaust fans shall be allowed to discharge exhaust
into the attic area, if the exhaust pipe from the exhaust fan extends a
minimum of 18 inches above the top layer of attic insulation.
504.5 Dryer exhaust duct power ventilators. Domestic dryer exhaust duct power
ventilators shall be listed and labeled to UL 705 for use in dryer exhaust duct systems.
The dryer exhaust duct power ventilator shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions and readily accessible.
2. It is the intention of the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, that the
provisions of this ordinance shall become a part of the Code of Ordinances of the City
of Wichita Falls, Texas, and that sections of this ordinance may be renumbered or re-
lettered to accomplish such intention.
3. Should any word, phrase, paragraph, section, or portion of this ordinance or the Code
of Ordinances, as amended hereby, be held to be void or unconstitutional, the same
shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of said ordinance or the Code of
Ordinances, as amended hereby, which shall remain in full force and effect.
4. This ordinance shall become effective on December 15, 2022.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 15th day of November, 2022.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
city Clerk '