HomeMy WebLinkAboutPO 6716: AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE VI - MECHANICAL CODE y\v
City of
rthur
Texas
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Department of Development Services
Department of Inspections & Code Compliance
Building Inspections Division
Date: September 19, 2018
To: Harvey L. Robinson, Interim City Manager
Mayor and City Council
From: Darlene Thomas-Pierre, Director of Inspections &Code Complianc
Philip Vilardi, Building Official
Re: P. O. NO. 6716 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDNG CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE VI —
MECHANICAL CODE, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES,THEREBY ADOPTING THE
2015 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE (IMC) AND RELATED REFERENCES,
AND LIFE SAFETY CODES; PROVIDING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS THERETO;
REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT
THEREWITH; PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION BY FINE NOT
EXCEEDING TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000), AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 18-43
OF THE CODE OR AS OTHERWISE IMPOSED BY STATE LAW; AND PROVIDING
FOR PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE IMMEDIATELY AFTER
PUBLICATION
COMMENT
Nature of the Request:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt P. O. No. 6716, amending Chapter 18, Article VI —
Mechanical Code, of the Code of Ordinances thereby adopting the 2015 International Mechanical Code
(IMC) to coincide with codes adopted by the State of Texas; and providing for a penalty, for publication
and for an effective date. This will ensure safer construction standards for the City of Port Arthur.
StaffAn alysis/Considerations:
The City is currently operating under the 2012 Mechanical Code.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt P. O. No. 6716, thereby updating to the 2015 International
Mechanical Code(IMC).
Budget Consideration: Not Applicable.
DTP
cc: Ron Burton, Assistant City Manager
"Remember we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur"
P.O. BOX 1089 •PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS 77641-1089.409/983-8209•FAX 409/983-8130
P. O. NO. 6716
09/19/18 PAV
ORDINANCE NO,
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18,ARTICLE VI—
MECHANICAL CODE,OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF
THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,THEREBY ADOPTING THE
2015 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE (IMC) AND
RELATED REFERENCES, AND LIFE SAFETY CODES;
PROVIDING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS THERETO;
REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH;PROVIDING A
PENALTY FOR VIOLATION BY FINE NOT EXCEEDING
TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000), AS PROVIDED IN
SECTION 18-43 OF THE CODE OR AS OTHERWISE
IMPOSED BY STATE LAW; AND PROVIDING FOR
PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE IMMEDIATELY
AFTER PUBLICATION
WHEREAS, Chapter 18, Article VI—Mechanical Code, of the City of Port Arthur's Code of Ordinances sets
forth requirements for construction; and
WHEREAS, Article VI contains each of the specific codes and ordinances that make up the Mechanical code;
and
WHEREAS, The State of Texas has adopted the 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and related
references, and life safety codes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council deems it in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Port Arthur to adopt the
2015 International Mechanical Code(IMC),with the exceptions thereto; and may make variations thereof that do
not substantially vary from the rules or laws of this State;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR:
Section 1. THAT the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
Section 2.THAT the City of Port Arthur hereby amends the existing Article VI—Mechanical Code of Chapter 18—
Buildings,thereby adopting the 2015 International Mechanical Code, as delineated in Exhibit A,and the red-lined
version shows the amendments in Exhibit B.
1
P. O. NO. 6716
09/19/18 PAV
Section 3.THAT all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are herein repealed,but only to the extent
of said conflict.
Section 4.That any person who violates any provisions of this Ordinance or who shall neglect to comply with the
terms hereof shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall on conviction thereof be fined in any sum not less than one
dollar ($1.00) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) as provided in the Code of Ordinances, and each
violation shall constitute a separate offense.
Section 5. That this Ordinance or its caption and penalty shall be published one(1)time within ten(10)days after
final passage hereof in the official newspaper of the City of Port Arthur. This Ordinance shall take effect
immediately after date of publication.
Section 6. THAT a copy of the caption of this resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council.
READ, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED this the_day of , A.D., 2018, at a Regular Meeting of
the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the following vote: AYES:
Mayor: Councilmembers:
NOES:
MAYOR
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ot-7L,414,0-JirSHERRI BELLARD VAL 4-ENO
CITY SECRETARY CITY ' TORNEY
2
P. O. NO. 6716
09/19/18 PAV
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
/ AA.At/ _ _ 1ifiL _
HARVEY L. ROBINSON • ENE THOMAS-P I E war
INTERIM CITY MANAGER ' ECTOR OF INSPECTIONS/
IDE COMPLIANCE
3
EXHIBIT "A"
• ARTICLE VI. - MECHANICAL CODE
• Sec. 18-321. - Adopted.
The International Mechanical Code, 2015 Edition, referred to in this article as the "mechanical
code," as published by the International code council, is adopted in this section as the mechanical
code of the city, save and except such portions as are deleted, modified or amended in section 18-
322, of which code not less than one copy has been and now is filed in the office of the city
secretary. Such code is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length in this section, and
from the date on which this section shall take effect, the provisions of such code shall be
controlling within the limits of the city.
• Sec. 18-322. - Amendments to code.
The mechanical code adopted by this article is hereby amended, altered and changed in the
following respects:
Section 101.2 of chapter 1 of the mechanical code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
101.2.1 -Appendices. The appendices included in this code are not intended for enforcement
unless specifically referenced in the code text or specifically included in this adopting ordinance.
Appendix "A" (Chimney Connector pass through)
Appendix "B" - Delete.
SECTION 103 - DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL INSPECTION
{A}103.1 General. The department of mechanical inspection is hereby amended to read as the
permits and inspection division. The executive in charge thereof shall be known as the Chief
Building Official. All references to the code official shall be that of the Chief Building Official and
or the mechanical Inspector.
{A} 103.2 Appointment. Delete.
{A} 103.3 Deputies. Delete.
[A] 103.4 Liability. The Director of Code Compliance, Building Official or employees (Mechanical
Inspector) charged with the enforcement of this code, while acting for the jurisdiction 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 liable personally, and is hereby relieved from all
personal liability for any damage accruing to persons or property as a result of an act or
omission in the discharge of official duties.
Any suit instituted against any officer or employee because of an act performed by that officer or
employee in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this code shall be
defended by the legal representative of the jurisdiction until the final termination of the
proceedings. The code enforcement director or any subordinate shall not be liable for costs in
any action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this code.
SECTION 109 MEANS OF APPEAL
[A]109.1 Application for appeal. Any person shall have the right to appeal a decision of the
plumbing inspector to the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals. An application for
appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted
there under have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply, or
an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The application shall be filed on a
form obtained from the code official within 20 days after the notice was served or in written letter
requesting a hearing.
[A]109.2 Delete.
[A]109.2.1 Delete.
Section 104.1.1 -Permits, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 104.1.1 - Permits (when required). A person, firm or corporation shall not install,
enlarge, alter, move, improve, remove, convert or replace any mechanical system, or cause the
same to be done, without first obtaining a mechanical permit for such building or mechanical
system from the building official.
Section 104.7.4 of chapter 1 of the mechanical code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as
follows:
Section 104.7.4 - Schedule of permit feels]. On all mechanical systems requiring a
mechanical permit (see exceptions in section 104.1) a fee for each mechanical permit shall be
paid as required at the time the application is approved in accordance with the following:
Schedule of Permit Fees
Initial Fee:
For issuing each permit $35.00
B101.2 -Additional fees:
B101.2.1 Fee for inspecting heating, ventilating, ductwork, air conditioning and refrigeration
systems shall be $35.00 for the first $1,000.00, or fraction thereof, of valuation of the
installation plus $3.50 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof.
B101.2.2 Fee for inspecting repairs, alterations and additions to an existing system shall be
$35.00 plus two dollars $3.50 for each $1,000.00 or fraction thereof.
B101.2.3 Fee for inspecting boilers $35.00
Fee for Reinspection
In case it becomes necessary to make a reinspection of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning
or refrigeration system, or boiler installation, the installer of such equipment shall pay a
reinspection fee of$35.00.
Temporary Operation Inspection Fee
When preliminary inspection is requested for purposes of permitting temporary operation of a
heating, ventilating, refrigeration, or air conditioning system, or portion thereof, a fee of$35.00
shall be paid by the contractor requesting such preliminary inspection. If the system is not
approved for temporary operation on the first preliminary inspection, the usual reinspection fee
shall be charged for each subsequent preliminary inspection for such purpose.
Self-Contained Units Less Than Two Tons
In all buildings, except one- and two-family dwellings, where self-contained air conditioning
units of less than two tons are to be installed, the fee charged shall be that for the total cost of all
units combined (see B101.2.1 for rates).
Exception—Exempt from permit fees:
Jefferson County;
City of Port Arthur;
Housing Authority of the City of Port Arthur.
• Secs. 18-323-18-350. - Reserved.
EXHIBIT "B"
• ARTICLE VI. - MECHANICAL CODE
• Sec. 18-321. - Adopted.
•• - - _ _ - _ . - . -- .. -es.,"
as if set out at length in this section, and from the date on which this section shall take effect, the
The International Mechanical Code, 2015 Edition, referred to in this article as the "mechanical
code," as published by the International code council, is adopted in this section as the mechanical
code of the city, save and except such portions as are deleted, modified or amended in section 18-
322, of which code not less than one copy has been and now is filed in the office of the city
secretary. Such code is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length in this section, and
from the date on which this section shall take effect, the provisions of such code shall be
controlling within the limits of the city.
(Code 1961, § 6-211)
• Sec. 18-322. - Amendments to code.
following r spects•
101.4.8 Appendices. The appendices included in this code are not intended for enforcement
and made part of h pter 1 of the code as fully as if set forth verbatim therein.
the enforcement of this code and the building official for such department is hereby designated the
Section 104.1.1 Permits, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 104.1.1 Permits (when required). A person, firm or corporation shall not install,
enlarge, alter, move, improve, remove, convert or replace any mechanical system, or cause the
same to be done, without first obtaining a mechanical permit for such building or mechanical
system from the building official.
.. _ .. .
mechanical permit(see exceptions in section 104.1) a fee for each mechanical permit shall be
Section 101.2 of chapter 1 of the mechanical code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
101.2.1 -Appendices. The appendices included in this code are not intended for enforcement
unless specifically referenced in the code text or specifically included in this adopting ordinance.
Appendix "A" (Chimney Connector pass through)
Appendix "B" - Delete.
SECTION 103 - DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL INSPECTION
{A}103.1 General. The department of mechanical inspection is hereby amended to read as the
permits and inspection division. The executive in charge thereof shall be known as the Chief
Building Official. All references to the code official shall be that of the Chief Building Official and
or the mechanical Inspector.
{A} 103.2 Appointment. Delete.
{A} 103.3 Deputies. Delete.
J,4] 103.4 Liability. The Director of Code Compliance, Building Official or employees (Mechanical
Inspector) charged with the enforcement of this code, while acting for the jurisdiction 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 liable personally, and is hereby relieved from all
personal liability for any damage accruing to persons or property as a result of an act or
omission in the discharge of official duties.
Any suit instituted against any officer or employee because of an act performed by that officer or
employee in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this code shall be
defended by the legal representative of the jurisdiction until the final termination of the
proceedings. The code enforcement Director, Building Official or any subordinate shall not be
liable for costs in any action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the
provisions of this code.
Section 104.1.1 - Permits, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 104.1.1 - Permits (when required). A person, firm or corporation shall not install,
enlarge, alter, move, improve, remove, convert or replace any mechanical system, or cause the
same to be done, without first obtaining a mechanical permit for such building or mechanical
system from the building official.
Section 104.7.4 of chapter 1 of the mechanical code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as
follows:
Section 104.7.4 - Schedule of permit fee(sJ. On all mechanical systems requiring a
mechanical permit (see exceptions in section 104.1) a fee for each mechanical permit shall be
paid as required at the time the application is approved in accordance with the following:
Schedule of Permit Fees
Initial Fee:
For issuing each permit $10.00
B101.2 Additional fees:
. . -- •- - - - - - - . - - -- - -• -- - -and refrigeration systems shall be $10.00 for the first $1,000.00, or
.. - . .91
.I I .. -
existing system shall be $5.00 plus two dollars $2.00 for each
$1,000.00 or fraction thereof.
B101.2.3 Fee for inspecting boilers (based upon Btu input):
33,000 Btu (1 BHp) to 165,000 (5 BHp) $ 5.00
165,001 Btu (5 BHp)to 330,000 (10 BHp) 10.00
330,001 Btu (10 BHp)to 1,165,000 (52 BHp) 15.00
1,165,001 Btu (52 BHp)to 3,300,000 (98 BHp) 25.00
Over 3,300,000 Btu 35.00
Fee for Reinspection
or refrigeration system, or boiler installation, the installer of such equipment shall pay a
reinspection fee of $5.00.
•-• -- - .. - - • • •_• --
When preliminary inspection is requested for purposes of permitting temporary operation of a
, -- • - • , - - - •e-, - -- - - - .. - -- • -• -- - - -- e ....ef
for each subsequent preliminary inspection for such purpose.
Self Contained Units Less Than Two Tons
units of le-s than two tons are to be installed, the fee charged shall be that for the total cost of all
U.S. government;
Federal agencies;
State of Texas;
Jefferson-County;
City of Port Arthur(fees only);
Housing Authority of the City of Port Arthur(fees only).
S hedule of Permit Fees
Initial Fee:
For issuing each permit $35.00
B101.2 - Additional fees:
B101.2.1 Fee for inspecting heating, ventilating, ductwork, air conditioning and refrigeration
systems shall be $35.00 for the first $1,000.00, or fraction thereof, of valuation of the
installation plus $3.50 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof.
B101.2.2 Fee for inspecting repairs, alterations and additions to an existing system shall be
$35.00 plus two dollars $3.50 for each $1,000.00 or fraction thereof.
B101.2.3 Fee for inspecting boilers $35.00
Fee for Reinspection
In case it becomes necessary to make a reinspection of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning
or refrigeration system, or boiler installation, the installer of such equipment shall pay a
reinspection fee of $35.00.
Temporary Operation Inspection Fee
When preliminary inspection is requested for purposes of permitting temporary operation of a
heating, ventilating, refrigeration, or air conditioning system, or portion thereof, a fee of$35.00
shall be paid by the contractor requesting such preliminary inspection. If the system is not
approved for temporary operation on the first preliminary inspection, the usual reinspection fee
shall be charged for each subsequent preliminary inspection for such purpose.
Self-Contained Units Less Than Two Tons
In all buildings, except one- and two-family dwellings, where self-contained air conditioning
units of less than two tons are to be installed, the fee charged shall be that for the total cost of all
units combined (see B101.2.1 for rates).
Exception—Exempt from permit fees:
Jefferson County;
City of Port Arthur;
Housing Authority of the City of Port Arthur.
SECTION 109 MEANS OF APPEAL
IA1109.1 Application for appeal. Any person shall have the right to appeal a decision of the
plumbing inspector to the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals. An application for
appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted
there under have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply, or
an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The application shall be filed on a
form obtained from the code official within 20 days after the notice was served or in written letter
requesting a hearing.
JA;1109.2 Delete.
J 1909.2.1 Delete.
(Code 1961, § 6-212)
• Secs. 18-323-18-350. - Reserved.