HomeMy WebLinkAboutPO 6783: AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE VI SECTIONS 103.4 LIABILITY AND 104.7.4 City of �
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Texas
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Department of Development Services
Department of Inspections & Code Compliance
Building Inspections Division
Date: June 10, 2019
To: Rebecca Underhill, Interim City Manager
Mayor and City Council
From: Philip Vilardi, Building Official
Re: P. O. NO. 6783 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDNG CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE VI SECTIONS
103.4 LIABILITY AND 104.7.4 SCHEDULE OF PERMIT FEES—IN THE MECHANICAL
CODE, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, THEREBY COMPLYING WITH THE
REQUREMENTS OF HB-852 PASSED BY THE LESGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF
TEXAS AND SIGNED INTO LAW BY GOVERNOR ABBOTT ON MAY 21ST 2019.
COMMENT
Nature of the Request:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt P. O. No. 6783, amending Chapter 18, Article VI Sections
103.4 and 104.7.4 of the Mechanical Code, of the Code of Ordinances thereby complying with codes
adopted by the State of Texas and the fee requirements of HB-852. This will ensure compliance for the
City of Port Arthur.
StaffAnalvsis/Considerations:
The City of Port Arthur is currently using a value based system for computing residential permit fees
which is no longer legal under HB-852. The new system is based on square footage in compliance with
HB-852.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt P. O. No. 6783, thereby updating the city ordinance to
comply with state law.
Budget Consideration: Not Applicable.
PAV
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. 6783
06/10/19 PAV
NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE VI —
MECHANICAL CODE, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY
OF PORT ARTHUR,THEREBY ADOPTING THE REVISIONS REQUIRED
TO COMPLY WITH HB-852; 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 fee calculations; 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 passed HB-852 concerning the calculation of residential building permit
fees; and
WHEREAS,the City Council deems it in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Port Arthur to adopt
the changes in order to comply with state law;
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 revisions made to sections 103.4 and 104.7.4 as shown in Exhibit A.
Section 3. THAT all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are herein repealed,but only
to the extent of said conflict.
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P. O. NO. 6783
06/10/19 PAV
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 17th day of June, A.D., 2019, at a Regular Meeting of the City
Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the following vote: AYES:
Mayor: Councilmembers:
NOES:
DERRICK FORD FREEMAN, MAYOR
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
176,a
SHERRI BELLARD VAL TIZEN I
CITY SECRETARY CITY ATTORNEY
2
P. O. NO. 6783
06/10/19 PAV
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
REBECCA UNDERHILL RON BURTON
INTERIM CITY MANAGER DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
3
EXHIBIT A
(WITH REDLINES)
• 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.
[Pl] 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:
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:
ff
systems shall be $35.00 for the first$1,000.00, or fraction thereof, of valuation of the
,111.99
8101.2.2 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
or refrigeration system, or be+lcr installation, the installer of such equipment shall pay a
reinspection fee of$35.00.
Temporary Operation Inspection Fee
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
units of less than two tons are to be installed, the fee charged shall kge that for the total cost of all
units combined (see B101.2.1 for ratcs).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:
S. hedule of Permit Fees
New Construction;
Residential $50.00 plus $20.00 per ton
Commercial $100.00 Plus $20.00 per ton
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 square feet of floor area, or fraction
thereof, plus $4.50 for each additional 1,000.00 square feet or fraction thereof.
B101.2.2 Fee for inspecting repairs, alterations and additions to an existing system shall be
$35.00 plus $3.50 for each 1,000.00 square feet of floor area covered by the work or
fraction thereof.
B101.2.3 Fee for inspecting boilers $35.00 each
F:•e for Reins•ection
In case it becomes necessary to make a re-inspection of heating, ventilation, air conditioning
or refrigeration systems, or boiler installation, the installer of such equipment shall pay a re-
inspection fee of $35.00.
T: mora O•eration Ins•ection 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.
S.•If-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 tonnage of
all units combined (see 8101.2.1 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.
Clean Copy
• 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 Building
Official. All references to the code official shall be that of the Building Official and or the
mechanical Inspector.
{A} 103.2 Appointment. Delete.
{A} 103.3 Deputies. Delete.
[A] 103.4 Liability. The 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
New Construction;
Residential $50.00 plus $20.00 per ton
Commercial $100.00 Plus $20.00 per ton
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 square feet of floor area, or fraction
thereof, plus $4.50 for each additional 1,000.00 square feet or fraction thereof.
B101.2.2 Fee for inspecting repairs, alterations and additions to an existing system shall be
$35.00 plus $3.50 for each 1,000.00 square feet of floor area covered by the work or
fraction thereof.
B101.2.3 Fee for inspecting boilers $35.00 each
Fee for Reinspection
In case it becomes necessary to make a re-inspection of heating, ventilation, air conditioning
or refrigeration systems, or boiler installation, the installer of such equipment shall pay a re-
inspection 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 tonnage of
all units combined (see 8101.2.1 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.