Ord 064-2002 7/2/2002 ORDINANCE NO. 1.01-1.-,-;COD
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA
FALLS, TEXAS, AMENDING PART II OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES,
AT CHAPTER 22, BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS, BY THE
ADDITION OF ARTICLE XI, RESIDENTIAL CODES FOR ONE- OR
TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, TO ADOPT THE INTERNATIONAL
COUNCIL CODE'S INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE FOR ONE-
OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, 2000, AND MAKING CERTAIN
ADDITIONS, AMENDMENTS, AND DELETIONS THERETO; PROVIDING
FOR INCLUSION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE
WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
WHEREAS, the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals has determined
that amendments to Section 22, Buildings and Building Regulations of the Wichita Falls
Code of Ordinances, are necessary to advance public purposes relating to the quality of
life, appearance and function of the City; and
WHEREAS, the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals recommends the
adoption of the International Code Council's International Residential Code for One-
and Two-Family Dwellings, 2000, Chapters 1 through 32; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of this residential code shall exclude Chapter 11
Energy Efficiency, as the City of Wichita Falls is not classified as a non-attainment area.
WHEREAS, the adoption of this residential code shall further exclude Chapter 33
(Electrical General Requirements), Chapter 34 (Electrical Definitions), Chapter 35
(Services), Chapter 36 (Branch Circuits and Feeder Requirements), Chapter 37 (Wiring
Methods), Chapter 38 (Power and Lighting Distribution), Chapter 39 (Devices and
Lighting Fixtures), Chapter 40 (Appliance Installation), Chapter 41 (Swimming Pools),
and Chapter 42 (Class 2 Remote-Control, Signaling and Power-Limited Circuits),
pertaining specifically to the electrical portion of the residential code. Article Ill,
Electricity, adopted in 1966, of Chapter 22, Buildings and Building Regulations of the
City of Wichita Falls Code of Ordinances, shall remain in effect; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls concurs with the
recommendations included herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1. Part II of the Codes of Ordinances is hereby amended at Chapter
22, Buildings and Building Regulations, by the addition of Article XI, Residential Codes
for One- or Two-Family Dwellings, which shall read as follows:
"ARTICLE XI. RESIDENTIAL CODES FOR ONE- OR TWO-FAMILY
DWELLINGS
Sec. 22-700. Adopted.
The International Council Code's International Residential Code for One- or Two-
Family Dwellings, 2000, is adopted by reference as though it were copied fully in this
section.
Sec. 22-701. Changes, deletions and amendments.
The following changes, deletions and amendments are made in the International
Council Code's International Residential Code for One- or Two- Family Dwellings, 2000,
adopted in section 22-700:
Chapter 1, Administration, Section R105, Permits, at R105.1, Required, shall be
amended to read as follows:
R105.1 Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct,
enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or
structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any
electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by
this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the
building official and obtain the required permit.
Exception: Mechanical-Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Exception: Permit for plumbing work shall be obtained by licensed master
plumber or the property owner who occupies the building or structure as his
homestead.
Chapter 1, Administration, Section R105, Permits, at R105.2, Work Exempt From
Permit, shall be amended to read as follows:
R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following.
Exemption from the permit requirement of this code shall not be deemed to grant
authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this
code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
Building:
1.
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) high.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured
from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a
surcharge.
4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not
exceed 5,000 gallons (18 927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or
width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. Sidewalks and driveway not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above
adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar
finish work.
7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm)
deep.
8. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-
family dwelling.
9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall.
10. Repair of damaged sheet rock. This does not include areas of required
means of egress, rated walls or removal of sheet rock due to damage
from water, mold problems, fire or termite damage.
11. Replacement of any existing door, door casing and door hardware.
12. Replacement of windows as long as the framing is not changed and is in
sound condition.
13. Repair of damaged siding, fascia or soffit as long as the area does not
exceed 1/10 of the building's siding. (This area is calculated on area of
same.) This does not include damage caused by water, mold, fire or
termites.
14. Repair of torn shingles or patching when no tear-off is required. (This
does not include overlay.)
15. Any cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
16. Painting, carpeting, and similar cosmetic work.
Electrical:
Repairs and maintenance: A permit shall not be required for minor repair work,
including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical
equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
Additional electrical work not requiring a permit includes the repair or
replacement of existing electrical apparatus, existing lighting fixtures and existing plugs
and switches.
Gas:
1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment
or make such equipment unsafe.
Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation appliances.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment
regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment
or make such equipment unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or
less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W)
or less.
Plumbing:
The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided,
however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes
defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material,
such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and
inspection made as provided in this code.
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures,
and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve
or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures."
Chapter 3, Building Planning, Section R317, Smoke Alarms, at R317.2, Power
Source, shall be amended to read as follows:
R317.2. Power Source. In new construction, the required smoke alarms shall
receive their primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a
commercial source. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch
other than those required for overcurrent protection.
Chapter 4, Foundations, Section R403, Footings, at R403.1.4, Minimum Depth,
shall be amended to read as follows:
R403.1.4. Minimum Depth. All exterior footings and foundation systems shall
extend below the frost line specified in Table R301.2(1). All exterior footings shall be
placed at least 6 inches (152 mm) below the undisturbed ground and 12" below
finished grade.
Chapter 7, Wall Covering, Section 703, Exterior Covering, at R703.7.6,
Weepholes, shall be amended to read as follows:
R703.7.6 Weepholes. Weepholes shall be provided in the outside width of
masonry walls at a maximum spacing of 48 inches (1219 mm) on center. Weepholes
shall not be less than 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) in diameter. Weepholes shall be located
immediately above the flashing."
Chapter 9, Roof Assemblies, Section 905, Requirements for Roof Coverings, at
R905.2.5, Fasteners, shall be amended to read as follows:
R905.2.5 Fasteners. Fasteners for asphalt shingles shall be galvanized steel,
stainless steel, aluminum or copper roofing staples or nails, minimum 12 gage [0.105
inch (2.67 mm)] shank with a minimum 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) diameter head, ASTM F
1667, of a length to penetrate through the roofing materials and a minimum of 3/4 inch
(19.1 mm) into the roof sheathing. Where the roof sheathing is less than % inch (19.1
mm) thick, the fasteners shall penetrate through the sheathing. Fasteners shall comply
with ASTM F 1667.
Chapter 13, General Mechanical System Requirements, Section M1305,
Appliance Access, at M1305.1.3, Appliances In Attics, is amended to read as follows:
M1305.1.3. Appliances in attics. Attics containing appliances requiring access
shall be provided with an opening and a clear and unobstructed passageway large
enough to allow removal of the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm)
high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide. The passageway shall have continuous solid
flooring in accordance with Chapter 5 not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide. A level
service space at least 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be
present along all 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), where such dimensions are large enough to allow removal of the largest
appliance. A pull down type stair or permanent ladder is required.
Chapter 17, Combustion Air, Section 1703, All Air from Outdoors, at M1703.2.1,
Size Of Openings, is amended as follows:
M 1703.2.1. Size of openings. There shall be 1 square inch per 1000 Btu of
uninterrupted space from an outside source or vented attic space or crawl space.
Chapter 24, Fuel Gas, Section G2407 (304), Combustion, Ventilation, and
Dilution Air, at G2407.10 (304.10), All Air From Inside The Building, is amended to read
as follows:
G2407.10 (304.10) All air from inside the building.
See M1703.2.1, Size of openings.
Chapter 24, Fuel Gas, Section G2407 (304), Combustion, Ventilation, and
Dilution Air, at G2407.10 (304.11), All Air From Outdoors, is amended to read as
follows:
G2407.11 (304.11) All air from outdoors.
See M1703.2.1, Size of openings.
Chapter 24, Fuel Gas, Section G2407 (304), Combustion, Ventilation, and
Dilution Air, at G2407.12 (304.12,) Combination Of Air From Inside And From Outdoors,
is amended to read as follows:
G2407.12 (304.12) Combination of air from inside and from outdoors.
See M1703.2.1, Size of openings.
Chapter 24, Fuel Gas, Section G2416 (406), Inspection, Testing and Purging, at
G2416.4.1 (406.4.1), Test Pressure, is amended to read as follows:
G2416.4.1 (406.4.1) Test Pressure. The test pressure to be used shall be not
less than one and one-half times the proposed maximum working pressure, but not less
than 3 psig (20 kPa gauge), irrespective of design pressure. Where the test pressure
exceeds 125 psig (862 kPa gauge), the test pressure shall not exceed a value that
produces a hoop stress in the piping greater than 50 percent of the specified minimum
yield strength of the pipe.
Exception: In lieu of the mercury gauge with a manometer or slope gauge
required in this section, one of the following may be used:
1. Low Pressure Systems. Low pressure systems of fourteen (14) inches in
water column or less shall be tested with a pressure gauge, certified
annually, having a 3 1/2 inches minimum diameter dial, a set hand, and a
pressure range not to exceed six (6) PSI with 1/10-pound increments.
2. Medium Pressure Systems. Medium pressure systems exceeding fourteen
(14) inches water column but less than 56 inches of water column shall be
tested with a pressure gauge, certified annually, having a 3 1/2 inches
minimum dial, a set hand, and a pressure range not to exceed sixteen (16)
PSI in 2/10-pound increments."
Chapter 25, Plumbing Administration, Section P2503, Inspection and Tests, at
G2503.4, Building Sewer Testing, is hereby deleted.
Chapter 29, Water Supply and Distribution, Section P2902, Protection of Potable
Water Supply, at P2902.4.3, Lawn Irrigation Systems, is hereby amended to read as
follows:
P2902.4.3 Lawn irrigation systems.
1. A double-check type backflow preventer equipped with two ball valves
and four test cocks must be testable. It shall have a non-corrosive body and parts. This
double-check shall be used in lawn sprinkler systems, at the source of the supply of the
of the potable water.
Chapter 29, Water Supply and Distribution, Section P2907, Drinking Water
Treatment Units, is hereby amended by the addition of Subsection P2907.4, Approval,
Testing and Certification of Testers, which shall read as follows:
•
P2907.4 Approval, Testing and Certification of Testers
(a) Approval and testing.
(1) Approval of devices. All devices used for the prevention of backflow
or back siphonage shall meet the requirements of table P2902.4.3.
Devices installed in a potable water supply for protection against
backflow shall be maintained in an operable condition by the
property owner or other person having control of such devices. The
City of Wichita Falls Inspection Division shall require periodic testing
of such devices and, when found to be inoperative or defective,
shall require that they be repaired or replaced.
(2) Testing of backflow prevention devices. All backflow prevention
devices shall be tested in accordance with manufacturer's
recommended performance standards. Testing shall be conducted
at the time of installation, at the time of repair or relocation of such
device, and at the completion of five years of service.
(3) Approval of testers. All tests or repairs of backflow prevention
devices shall be conducted by a person who has been certified by
an approved agency in accordance with subsection (a) of this
section.
(4) Records of tests required. All tests required by this section shall be
recorded on forms provided by the City of Wichita Falls Inspection
Division. These forms shall be completed by the tester and
submitted to the City Inspection Division as part of a permanent
record.
The consumer, property owner, or person having control of such
devices shall be responsible for ensuring that all necessary repairs
and annual tests of devices are initiated. The tester shall be
responsible for the initial testing of any device that they have
installed or for any device that they have repaired and for the
completion and submittal of required test forms.
Any consumer, property owner, or tester who shall fail to provide
tests or records, as required by this section, shall be in violation of
this section and shall be subject to the penalties as set forth in the
plumbing code and state law.
(5) All costs, including installation, repair and testing of devices shall be
borne by the consumer. Advisory assistance may be required at any
time from the City of Wichita Falls Inspection Division without
charge.
(a) Certification of testers.
(1) Certification of backflow tester required. No person may test and
certify backflow preventers unless that person has completed an
approved Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Accreditations
(BPAT) course given by an approved agency and hold a BPAT
license.
Chapter 31, Vents, Section P3103, Vent Terminals, P3103.1, Roof Extension, is
amended as follows:
P3103.1 Roof extension. All open vent pipes which extend through a roof shall
be terminated at least [ 6"] inches above the roof or [ 6"] inches above anticipated snow
accumulation, except that where a roof is to be used for any purpose other than
weather protection, the vent extensions shall be run at least 7 feet (2,134 mm) above
the roof."
SECTION 2. Appendices A, B, C, E, G, H, I, J, and K of the International Council
Code's International Residential Code for One- or Two-Family Dwellings, 2000, are
hereby adopted by the enactment of this ordinance.
SECTION 3. The following chapters of the International Code Council's
International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2000, are not
adopted by the enactment of this ordinance:
Chapter 11. Energy Efficiency
Chapter 33. Electrical General Requirements
Chapter 34. Electrical Definitions
Chapter 35. Services
Chapter 36. Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements
Chapter 37. Wiring Methods
Chapter 38. Power and Lighting Distribution
Chapter 39. Devices and Lighting Fixtures
Chapter 40. Appliance Installation
Chapter 41. Swimming Pools
Chapter 42. Class 2 Remote-Control, Signaling and Power-Limited
Circuits
In place of the above listed chapters, excluding Chapter 11, the City of Wichita Falls
Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22 Buildings and Building Regulations, Article III
Electricity, shall remain in force and be the standard electrical code adhered to by all
contractors and residents in the city. Chapter 11 is excluded from adoption because the
City of Wichita Falls is not classified as a non-attainment area.
SECTION 4. 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 relettered to accomplish such intention.
SECTION 5. That 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.
SECTION 6. The International Code Council's International Residential Code for
One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2000, will be kept on file in the City Clerk's office.
SECTION 7. It is hereby officially found and determined that the meeting at
which this ordinance was passed was open to the public as required by law.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 2nd day of July, 2002.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
11 I • LA
City Clerk
L