HomeMy WebLinkAbout07012004 BSC Agenda Item 6 • • Page 1 of 2
Annette Arriaga
From: James L. Dougherty, Jr. [jdough8 @attglobal.net]
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2004 12:07 PM
To: Dennis Mack; Annette Arriaga; Bryant Slimp - BSC Chairman (E-mail)
Subject: Revised foundation ordinance
Hello, Foundation Folks,
Attached is a revised version of the foundation ordinance (with a REDLINED version showing
changes from June 2).
I was not sure about how to add the AALA lab requirement. I ended up just saying an
accredited lab had to do the lab work--in other words, the geotechnical engineering firm and
the lab can be separate organizations.
Attached is a scanned image of the TDHPT PVR standard, as received from the engineers
(looks kinda old). Note that I had to supply the detail about "dry" conditions to link with
the standard. How did I do?
The engineers apparently did not send a linear shrinkage test standard, and everyone seems
to say it's never used, so I just deleted it. Correct?
Call if I can help.
/s/ Jim
James L. Dougherty, Jr.
Attorney at Law
5120 Bayard
Houston, Texas 77006
Phone: 713-880-3800
Fax: 713-880-1417
E-Mail: L @jd_law.prserv.net
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: THIS MESSAGE (WHICH INCLUDES ANY ATTACHMENTS) IS INTENDED
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HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT ANY DISTRIBUTION OR COPYING OF THIS MESSAGE IS PROHIBITED. IF YOU
HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE IMMEDIATELY CALL THE SENDER AT 713-880-
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Original Message
From: Michael Skoller
To:jim(cDidlaw.prserv.net
Sent: Friday, June 04, 2004 6:02 PM
Subject: Copy of TeXDOT 124-E from Geotech
Thank You,
Michael Skoller
6/29/2004
• •
Page
National Structural Engineering, Inc.
730 N. Post Oak Road Suite 300
Houston, Texas 77024
(713)956-2094 Fax(713)956-2095
Michael @structural.nu
6/29/2004
• .
Rev. 6-28-04
Standard Codes Schedule
Adoption. Subject to the amendments and deletions indicated beneath each code, each of the following codes,
including all of its published appendices and attachments, is adopted,ordained and made a part of the Code of
Ordinances of the City and of each chapter where it is referenced, except as otherwise expressly provided.
Procedure for amendments,etc. The procedure for adopting new codes, updated codes, local amendments and
provisions for administration and enforcement of these codes is as follows: (1)proposal by the building official
or other appropriate City official, (2)referral to the Building&Standards Commission, (3)consideration by the
City Council, after giving required meeting notices, and(4)adoption and publication, as required by Article II of
the City Charter.
International Building Code,2000 Ed., International Code Council, Inc..
1. The administrative officer is the building official. All hearings,variances etc. are handled
by the BSC.
2. All roofs must have Class C or better fire resistance, as determined under Sec. 1505.1.
3. :. :: : - .. :' . : o • - :• •. - - -. : : : . -
illustrated in complete plans andspecifications-sigired and scaled by the RPE;
lr based-un a soils revolt fiem a ieuogniLcil and repatable of agetrcy
less than 450 sq. ft. of gross floor area); and
• • .. ; -
further.
All foundations for new buildings(or additions to existing buildings)with a gross floor
area 485 square feet or more must meet the following criteria,as applicable.
a. Engineering. Foundations must be constructed in accordance with complete plans
and specifications prepared, signed and sealed by a licensed or registered
professional engineer who is:
1 em.lo ed b a re.istered en.ineerin• firm and
( covered b .rofessional errors and omissions insurance with limits of at
least$500,000 .er year, aggregate ("RLPE").
The plans and specifications must be prepared specifically for the site of the work,
and they must meet criteria as to scope, content and form specified by the building
official.
b. Geotechnical Report. The plans and specifications for each foundation must be
based on a written .eotechnical re.ort ore s ared si.ned and sealed b a licensed or
registered geotechnical engineer who is:
1 em.lo ed b a re istered en.ineerin. firm- and
(2) covered by professional errors and omissions insurance with limits of at
least$500,000 per year, aggregate.
•
The report must meet all applicable criteria in"Recommended Practice for
Geotechnical Explorations and Reports"published by the Structural Committee of
the Foundation Performance Association, Houston, Texas (Document#FPA-SC-
04-0, Rev#0, 11 April 2001, issued for website publishin•), a copy of which is on
file in the Cit Secreta 's office. However the minimum de.th of borin•s is 20
feet in all cases. All tests and other laboratory work must be performed by a
laboratory accredited for such work by the American Association for Laboratory
Accreditation on the basis of ISO/IEC 17025:1999 ("general requirements for the
competence of testing and calibration laboratories").
c. Foundation Performance Standard. The plans and specifications for each
foundation must be prepared to achieve a soil movement potential of one inch or
less, determined by the estimated depth of the active zone in combination with at
least two of the following methods:
(1) Potential vertical rise (PVR) determined in accordance with Test Method
Tex-124-E,Rev. January 1, 1978/December 1982, Texas State Department
of Highways and Public Transportation, Materials and Test Division,
"Method for Determining the Potential Vertical Rise, PVR" a cop of
which is on file in the office of the City Secretary). For this purpose, the
"dry"moisture condition(from which little shrinka•e is ex•erienced,but
where volumetric swell potential is greatest) shall be used for each sample
and test.
(2) Swell tests performed in accordance with ASTM D4546-03, "Standard
Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Settlement Potential of
Cohesive Soils"as last revised prior to June 1, 2004.
(3) Suction and hydrometer swell tests performed in accordance with ASTM
D5298-03 "Standard Test Method for Measurement of Soil Potential
(Suction)Using Filter Paper"and ASTM D6836-02 "Standard Test
Methods for Determination of the Soil Water Characteristic Curve for
Desorption Using a Hanging Column, Pressure Extractor, Chilled Mirror
Hygrometer, and/or Centrifuge," as such methods were last revised prior to
June 1, 2004.
d. Foundations. Basic Type. Each foundation must be of an approved basic .e.
A. .roved basic t a.es are listed below. In this list t i.es of foundations are
defined and described in"Foundation Design Options For Residential and Other
Low-Rise Buildings on Expansive Soils"published by the Structural Committee
of the Foundation Performance Association, Houston, Texas (Document#FPA-
SC-01-X, Rev#X, 1 April 2004,issued for FPA peer review), a cop of which is
on file in the City Secretary's office.
(1) Structural slab with void space and deep foundations.
2 Structural floor with crawl s.ace and dee• foundations.
(3) Stiffened structural slab with deep foundations.
(4) Stiffened non-structural slab with deep foundations.
(5) Grade-supported stiffened structural slab.
• •
(6) Grade-supported stiffened non-structural slab.
(7) Grade-sus sorted non-stiffened slab of uniform thickness approved for
one-story buildings--or additions to buildings--containin• only gara•e or
storage space,not living space).
(8) Mixed-depth system for all new building construction.
(9) Mixed-depth system for buildin• additions with dee. foundations.
(10) Mixed-depth system for building addition with shallow foundations.
(11) Another type approved by special exception issued by the BSC. See (h),
below.
1
e. Foundations Dee. Sus sort Com,onents. Dee. su..ort corn sonents must be of
an a..roved t se. Ap.roved t As es are listed below. In this list, t .es of deep
sup ort com s onents are defined and described in"Foundation Desi•n Options For
Residential and Other Low-Rise Buildings on Expansive Soils"published by the
Structural Committee of the Foundation Performance Association,Houston,
Texas (Document#FPA-SC-01-X,Rev#X, 1 A.ril 2004, issued for FPA .eer
review) a co. of which is on file in the City Secretary's office.
(1) Drilled and underreamed concrete piers.
(2) Drilled straight-shaft concrete piers.
(3) Auger-cast concrete piles.
4 Another t i.e a.•roved b special exception issued b the BSC. See h
below.
f. Foundations rein orcement. Reinforcement for each foundation must be of an
a••roved t A.e. A•.roved t A.es are listed below. In this list t A.es of
reinforcement are defined and described in"Foundation Design Options For
Residential and Other Low-Rise Buildings on Expansive Soils"published by the
Structural Committee of the Foundation Performance Association, Houston,
Texas (Document#FPA-SC-01-X, Rev#X, 1 April 2004, issued for FPA peer
review) a co. of which is on file in the Cit Secret. 's office.
(1) Deformed bar reinforcing.
2 Welded wire fabric reinforcin. as•roved for one-sto buildin.s--or
additions to buildings--containing only garage or stora•e space,not living
space),
3 Another t is a a•.roved b special exception issued b the BSC. See h
below.
g. Foundations, Observation & Certification. Each foundation must be
professionally observed and must be certified by an RLPE, as more fully
described below:
(1) Observations must:
(i) be performed either by the certifying RLPE or by a person under
that RLPE's direct supervision and control whose professional
qualifications are approved by the RLPE,
• •
(ii) include actual measurement of piers, fill, compaction,
reinforcement, forms, materials,dimensions, structural elements,
stressing, tendons,tensions,attachments, etc.before the work is
covered or concrete is placed,
(iii) be performed continuously during placement of concrete and any
stressing or tensioning operations, and
(iv) be documented in a form and manner approved by the building
official (which may include photographs).
(2) Certifications must:
(i) refer to and be based upon the professional observations required
by this section,
(ii) state that the work complies with the plans and specifications last
approved by the building official (with any field changes that are
ordered by the RLPE and reported to the building official and that
comply with applicable regulations),
(iii) state that the work complies with sound engineering practices,
(iv) comply with criteria as to form and content as may be specified by
the building official,
(v) be signed and sealed by the certifying RLPE, and
(vi) be filed with the building official.
Before framing or other work commences atop a foundation and before the
foundation is otherwise covered), the permittee must obtain written
acknowledgment from the Building official that the certification for the
foundation was duly filed as required above.
h. The BSC ma issue a special exc-p tion from an resuirement in
subsection"a"through"g,"above, but only upon a showing that:
1 the resuirement will not affect life safet or the performance of a
structure (for its estimated useful life); or
2 an alternate resuirement to be imposed b the special exception
will provide e p ual or better protection for life safe and Ion.-term
structural performance.
In connection with an such special exception the BSC ma repuire that
the al slicant provide supporting engineerin' data and opinion, and the
BSC may impose conditions to carry out the pu pose and intent of
applicable regulations.
4. All concrete piers, footings and foundations must be cured for at least 72 hours before any
significant load is placed on them.
5. All walls and ceilings within a R-1,R-2, R-3 and R-4 type occupancy shall be sheathed
with Type X gypsum board at least 5/8-inch(15.9 mm)thick. Exception: Where this
code(IBC) requires otherwise for moisture protection.
6. Delete: Appendices A (Employee Qualifications), B (Board of Appeals) and D (Fire
Districts).
International Energy Conservation Code, as it existed on May 1, 2001, International Code
Council,Inc.
1. The administrative officer is the building official. All hearings, variances etc. are handled
by the BSC.
2. In lieu of inspection by City employees,the building official may require a written
certification that a building meets or exceeds minimum requirements, if the certification
is: (i) signed by a code-certified inspector(as defined in Section 388.02, TEX. HEALTH
& SAFETY CODE)not employed by the city, and(ii) accompanied by an approved
inspection checklist,properly completed, signed and dated by the inspector. If the fees of
the code-certified inspector are paid by the City,the amount shall be added to the building
permit fees otherwise payable. With approval from the building official, a permittee may
pay such fees directly to an independent inspection firm. Only code-certified inspectors
may perform inspections and enforce this code in the City.
International Fire Code, 2000 Ed., International Code Council,Inc.
1. The fire official shall be the fire chief or acting fire chief, who may detail other members
of the fire department or the building inspection division to act as inspectors. Chapter 6
of this Code shall apply to enforcement and administration of the fire code in the same
manner as it applies to the building code (except that the fire official shall have the
powers and duties of the building official under such articles).
2. The BSC shall have the same jurisdiction and authority with respect to the fire code as it
has with respect to the building code.
3. The limits of the fire district referred to in Section 902.1.1 are coextensive with the City
limits.
4. Explosives and fireworks, as defined in Chapter 33, are prohibited within the City limits.
5. Notwithstanding Section 2206.7.6 (relating to service stations), "latch-open"type devices
are prohibited.
6. Section 603.8.4 (hours for burning) is amended to read in its entirety as follows: "An
incinerator shall not be used or allowed to remain with any combustion inside it: (i) at any
time from an hour preceding sunset on one day until sunrise the following day; or(ii) at
any time when unattended."
(7) Delete: Appendices FA (Board of Appeals), FE (Hazard Categories), FF (Hazard
Ranking)and FG (Cryogenic Fluids -Weight and Volume Equivalents).
International Fuel Gas Code,2000 Ed., International Code Council,Inc.
1. The administrative officer is the building official. Chapter 6 of this Code shall apply to
enforcement and administration of this code in the same manner as it applies to the
building code. The BSC shall have the same jurisdiction and authority with respect to
this code as it has with respect to the building code.
2. Delete Sections FG103,FG106 and FG10.
3. Even if permitted by this code, copper tubing shall not be used for the yard service line.
4. Amend Section 311.2 to read in its entirety as follows: "Low pressure(not to exceed 0.5
PSI) gas piping shall withstand a pressure of at least 10 inches of mercury for a period of
a •
time not less than 10 minutes without showing any drop in pressure, except that the
following shall apply in the case of new construction: The newly-constructed system
must withstand a pressure of at least 25 PSI for a period of not less than 10 minutes
without showing any drop in pressure as an initial pressure test, and the system must also
withstand a pressure as a final test. Higher pressure piping must withstand pressure of at
least 10 PSI, but never less than twice the maximum pressure to which the piping will be
subjected in operation, for a period of at least 10 minutes without showing a drop in
pressure, but the higher pressures required for new construction,above, shall be used to
test new construction in lieu of the 10-PSI level prescribed by this sentence."
5. There must be a permanently-installed stairway, either fixed or folding, to serve attic
space where appliances or equipment are located.
6. Even if permitted by this code,undiluted liquefied petroleum gas, or"LPG", shall not be
used at any fixed location in the City. Exception: This does not prohibit the use of such
gas in quantities of 10 gallons or less.
7. Each new or replaced gas meter shall be located on the same building site that it serves.
International Mechanical Code,2000 Ed.,International Code Council, Inc..
1. The administrative officer is the building official. All hearings, variances etc. are handled
by the BSC.
2. Add to Section M306.3: "There must be a permanently-installed stairway, either fixed or
folding,to serve attic space where appliances or equipment are located."
3. Add to Section M603: "All return air ducts must be installed within 10 inches of the
finished floor in all new residential construction and wherever possible in existing
buildings."
4. Delete: Appendix MB (Recommended Permit Fee Schedule).
International Plumbing Code, 2000 Ed., International Code Council,Inc.
1. The administrative officer is the building official. Chapter 6 of this Code shall apply to
enforcement and administration of this code in the same manner as it applies to the
building code. The BSC shall have the same jurisdiction and authority with respect to
this code as it has with respect to the building code.
2. Delete: Sections P103, P106 and P109 and Appendices PA(Plumbing Permit Fee
Schedule) and PG(Vacuum Drainage System).
3. Add at the beginning of Section 303.1: "Even if permitted by this code (IPC), ,none of
the following is allowed for use in the City: Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene(ABS)pipe
or fittings,polyethylene pipe or fittings,Type M copper, lead-based pipe, aluminum
DWV pipe or components, or air admittance valves."
4. Even if permitted by this code(IPC), PVC and CPVC type water pipe and fittings are not
allowed for use in the City. Exception: PVC water pipe may be used where permitted by
this code (IPC),but only if: (i) it is installed underground and(ii) all joints are primed and
glued as required by the manufacturer's recommendations (and the primer must be purple
or another distinctive color, except on above-ground pool piping).
5. Even if permitted by this code(IPC), wet venting shall not be allowed except when
authorized by the BSC,as a special exception for hardship and unusual cases.
6. Amend Section 1101.2 to read in its entirety as follows: "The provisions of this chapter
are applicable to interior leaders,building storm drains, building storm sewers, exterior
conductors, downspouts,roof gutters and other storm drainage fixtures and facilities."
7. Maximum water meter size, unless an RPE can clearly and convincingly demonstrate the
need for a larger meter in a particular case, is: 3/4ths-inch for an irrigation system, or 1-
inch for a single-family dwelling.
International Residential Code, as it existed on May 1, 2001, International Code Council,
Inc..
1. The administrative officer is the building official. All hearings,variances etc. are handled
by the BSC.
2. This code, in lieu of the other"International Codes," applies to all residential structures in
the City. "Residential"means having the character of a detached one-family or two-
family dwelling that is not more than three stories high with separate means of egress,
including the accessory structures of the dwelling. This code does not apply to: (i) any
dwelling that has a common means of egress, such as a common hallway, or(ii) any
dwelling or structure that has the character of a facility used for accommodation of
transient guests or a structure in which medical, rehabilitative, or assisted living services
are provided in connection with the occupancy of the structure.
3. All amendments and deletions to the other"International Codes"adopted by this
Schedule are also carried forward and adopted as amendments and deletions from the
International Residential Code.
4. Delete: Appendices RAF (Radon Control Methods), RAI(Private Sewage Disposal), and
RAE (Manufactured Housing Used as Dwellings).
5. This code does not apply to installation and maintenance of electrical wiring and related
components. See National Electrical Code, below.
(BOCA)National Building Code, 1996 Ed.,Building Officials & Code Administrators
International,Inc.
Only Sections 3108 (Radio And Television Towers) and 3109 (Radio And Television
Antennas), together with any necessary definitions or interpretative aids, are adopted. See
Subchapter G of Chapter 6 of this Code.
National Electrical Code, as it existed on May 1, 2001,National Fire Protection Association,
("NEC").
1. The administrative officer is the building official. All hearings,variances etc. are handled
by the BSC.
2. See Chapter 8 of this Code for various provisions which override or supplement the NEC.
Standard Housing Code, 1997 Ed., Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc.
1. The administrative officer is the building official. All hearings,variances etc. are handled
by the BSC.
S r
•
Rev. 6-28-04
Standard Codes Schedule
Adoption. Subject to the amendments and deletions indicated beneath each code, each of the following codes,
including all of its published appendices and attachments, is adopted,ordained and made a part of the Code of
Ordinances of the City and of each chapter where it is referenced, except as otherwise expressly provided.
Procedure for amendments,etc. The procedure for adopting new codes, updated codes, local amendments and
provisions for administration and enforcement of these codes is as follows: (1)proposal by the building official
or other appropriate City official, (2)referral to the Building&Standards Commission, (3)consideration by the
City Council, after giving required meeting notices, and(4) adoption and publication, as required by Article II of
the City Charter.
International Building Code,2000 Ed.,International Code Council, Inc..
1. The administrative officer is the building official. All hearings,variances etc. are handled
by the BSC.
2. All roofs must have Class C or better fire resistance, as determined under Sec. 1505.1.
3. :. - :: ': - - .. _ . :. -:: ': - - -; .- . -- -. . . ,
44.‘• 5,
17/' •• • • • • „ , • . • • • .. •• • - .
• • •-- •
•• , • , - .,. • •
further:
All foundations for new buildings (or additions to existing buildings)with a gross floor
area 485 square feet or more must meet the following criteria,as applicable.
a. Engineering. Foundations must be constructed in accordance with complete plans
and specifications prepared, signed and sealed by a licensed or registered
professional engineer who is:
1 em.lo ed b a re.istered en ineerin firm and
(2) covered by professional errors and omissions insurance with limits of at
least$500,000 ser ear, aggregate ("RLPE").
The plans and specifications must be prepared specifically for the site of the work,
and they must meet criteria as to scope, content and form specified by the building
official.
b. Geotechnical Report. The plans and specifications for each foundation must be
based on a written eotechnical re.ort .re ared,si•ned and sealed by a licensed or
registered geotechnical engineer who is:
1 em.lo ed b a re istered en•ineerin. firm- and
(2) covered by professional errors and omissions insurance with limits of at
least$500,000 per year, aggregate.
• •
The report must meet all applicable criteria in"Recommended Practice for
Geotechnical Explorations and Reports"published by the Structural Committee of
the Foundation Performance Association, Houston, Texas (Document#FPA-SC-
04-0 Rev#0 11 A aril 2001 issued for website s ublishin a cos of which is on
file in the Cit Secreta 's office. However the minimum de loth of borin•s is 20
feet in all cases. All tests and other laboratory work must be performed by a
laborato accredited for such work b the American Association for Laboratory
Accreditation on the basis of ISO/IEC 17025:1999 ("general requirements for the
competence of testing and calibration laboratories").
c. Foundation Performance Standard. The plans and specifications for each
foundation must be prepared to achieve a soil movement potential of one inch or
less, determined by the estimated depth of the active zone in combination with at
least two of the following methods:
(1) Potential vertical rise (PVR) determined in accordance with Test Method
Tex-124-E, Rev. January 1, 1978/December 1982,Texas State Department
of Highways and Public Transportation,Materials and Test Division,
"Method for Determining the Potential Vertical Rise, PVR" a cop of
which is on file in the office of the City Secretary). For this purpose, the
"dry"moisture condition(from which little shrinka•e is ex•erienced,but
where volumetric swell potential is greatest) shall be used for each sample
and test.
(2) Swell tests performed in accordance with ASTM D4546-03, "Standard
Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Settlement Potential of
Cohesive Soils"as last revised prior to June 1,2004.
(3) Suction and hydrometer swell tests performed in accordance with ASTM
D5298-03 "Standard Test Method for Measurement of Soil Potential
(Suction)Using Filter Paper"and ASTM D6836-02 "Standard Test
Methods for Determination of the Soil Water Characteristic Curve for
Desorption Using a Hanging Column, Pressure Extractor, Chilled Mirror
Hygrometer, and/or Centrifuge," as such methods were last revised prior to
June 1, 2004.
d. Foundations, Basic Type. Each foundation must be of an approved basic •e.
A.•roved basic t j•es are listed below. In this list t As es of foundations are
defined and described in"Foundation Design Options For Residential and Other
Low-Rise Buildings on Expansive Soils"published by the Structural Committee
of the Foundation Performance Association,Houston, Texas (Document#FPA-
SC-01-X Rev#X 1 Asril 2004 issued for FPA seer review a cos of which is
on file in the City Secretary's office.
(1) Structural slab with void space and deep foundations.
(2) Structural floor with crawl space and dee s foundations.
(3) Stiffened structural slab with deep foundations.
(4) Stiffened non-structural slab with deep foundations.
(5) Grade-supported stiffened structural slab.
• •
(6) Grade-supported stiffened non-structural slab.
(7) Grade-supported non-stiffened slab of uniform thickness (approved for
one-story buildings--or additions to buildings--containing only garage or
storage space,not living space).
(8) Mixed-depth system for all new building construction.
(9 Mixed-depth system for building additions with deep foundations.
(10) Mixed-depth system for building addition with shallow foundations.
11 Another t_.e as.roved b special exception issued b the BSC. See h
below.
e. Foundations Dee. Su.sort Com.onents. Dee su..ort com.onents must be of
an a..roved t pe. A..roved t .es are listed below. In this list t Al es of dee.
su..ort com.onents are defined and described in"Foundation Design Options For
Residential and Other Low-Rise Buildings on Expansive Soils"published by the
Structural Committee of the Foundation Performance Association,Houston,
Texas (Document#FPA-SC-01-X, Rev#X, 1 April 2004, issued for FPA peer
review), a copy of which is on file in the City Secretary's office.
(1) Drilled and underreamed concrete piers.
(2) Drilled straight-shaft concrete piers.
(3) Auger-cast concrete piles.
(4 Another type approved b special exception issued by the BSC. See(h)
below.
f Foundations, reinforcement. Reinforcement for each foundation must be of an
a..roved ne. A..roved t Apes are listed below. In this list t j.es of
reinforcement are defined and described in"Foundation Design Options For
Residential and Other Low-Rise Buildings on Expansive Soils"published by the
-Structural Committee of the Foundation Performance Association,Houston,
Texas (Document#FPA-SC-01-X,Rev#X, 1 April 2004, issued for FPA peer
review), a copy of which is on file in the City Secretary's office.
(1) Deformed bar reinforcing.
2 Welded wire fabric reinforcin• a..roved for one-sto buildin.s--or
additions to buildings--containing only garage or storage space,not living
space),
(3 Another type approved by special exception issued by the BSC. See(h).
below.
g. Foundations, Observation & Certification. Each foundation must be
professionally observed and must be certified by an RLPE, as more fully
described below:
(1) Observations must:
(i) be performed either by the certifying RLPE or by a person under
that RLPE's direct supervision and control whose professional
qualifications are approved by the RLPE,
(ii) include actual measurement of piers, fill, compaction,
reinforcement, forms, materials, dimensions, structural elements,
stressing, tendons,tensions,attachments, etc.before the work is
covered or concrete is placed,
(iii) be performed continuously during placement of concrete and any
stressing or tensioning operations, and
(iv) be documented in a form and manner approved by the building
official (which may include photographs).
(2) Certifications must:
(i) refer to and be based upon the professional observations required
by this section,
(ii) state that the work complies with the plans and specifications last
approved by the building official (with any field changes that are
ordered by the RLPE and reported to the building official and that
comply with applicable regulations),
(iii) state that the work complies with sound engineering practices,
(iv) comply with criteria as to form and content as may be specified by
the building official,
(v) be signed and sealed by the certifying RLPE, and
(vi) be filed with the building official.
Before framing or other work commences atop a foundation(and before the
foundation is otherwise covered), the permittee must obtain written
acknowledgment from the Building official that the certification for the
foundation was duly filed as required above.
h. The BSC may issue a special exception from any requirement in
subsection"a"throw h "above but onl u s on a showin. that:
(1) the requirement will not affect life safet or the serformance of a
structure (for its estimated useful life);or
(2) an alternate requirement to be imposed by the special exception
will provide equal or better protection for life safety and long-term
structural performance.
In connection with any such special exception,the BSC may require that
the applicant provide supporting engineering data and opinion, and the
BSC may impose conditions to carry out the purpose and intent of
applicable regulations.
4. All concrete piers, footings and foundations must be cured for at least 72 hours before any
significant load is placed on them.
5. All walls and ceilings within a R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 type occupancy shall be sheathed
with Type X gypsum board at least 5/8-inch (15.9 mm)thick. Exception: Where this
code (IBC) requires otherwise for moisture protection.
6. Delete: Appendices A (Employee Qualifications), B (Board of Appeals) and D (Fire
• •
Districts).
International Energy Conservation Code, as it existed on May 1, 2001, International Code
Council,Inc.
1. The administrative officer is the building official. All hearings,variances etc. are handled
by the BSC.
2. In lieu of inspection by City employees,the building official may require a written
certification that a building meets or exceeds minimum requirements, if the certification
is: (i) signed by a code-certified inspector(as defined in Section 388.02,TEX. HEALTH
& SAFETY CODE) not employed by the city, and(ii) accompanied by an approved
inspection checklist,properly completed, signed and dated by the inspector. If the fees of
the code-certified inspector are paid by the City,the amount shall be added to the building
permit fees otherwise payable. With approval from the building official, a permittee may
pay such fees directly to an independent inspection firm. Only code-certified inspectors
may perform inspections and enforce this code in the City.
International Fire Code,2000 Ed., International Code Council,Inc.
1. The fire official shall be the fire chief or acting fire chief, who may detail other members
of the fire department or the building inspection division to act as inspectors. Chapter 6
of this Code shall apply to enforcement and administration of the fire code in the same
manner as it applies to the building code (except that the fire official shall have the
powers and duties of the building official under such articles).
2. The BSC shall have the same jurisdiction and authority with respect to the fire code as it
has with respect to the building code.
3. The limits of the fire district referred to in Section 902.1.1 are coextensive with the City
limits.
4. Explosives and fireworks, as defined in Chapter 33, are prohibited within the City limits.
5. Notwithstanding Section 2206.7.6 (relating to service stations), "latch-open"type devices
are prohibited.
6. Section 603.8.4 (hours for burning) is amended to read in its entirety as follows: "An
incinerator shall not be used or allowed to remain with any combustion inside it: (i) at any
time from an hour preceding sunset on one day until sunrise the following day; or(ii) at
any time when unattended."
(7) Delete: Appendices FA (Board of Appeals),FE (Hazard Categories), FF (Hazard
Ranking) and FG(Cryogenic Fluids-Weight and Volume Equivalents).
International Fuel Gas Code, 2000 Ed., International Code Council,Inc.
1. The administrative officer is the building official. Chapter 6 of this Code shall apply to
enforcement and administration of this code in the same manner as it applies to the
building code. The BSC shall have the same jurisdiction and authority with respect to
this code as it has with respect to the building code.
2. Delete Sections FG103, FG106 and FG10.
3. Even if permitted by this code, copper tubing shall not be used for the yard service line.
4. Amend Section 311.2 to read in its entirety as follows: "Low pressure(not to exceed 0.5
PSI) gas piping shalt withstand a pressure of at least 10 inches of mercury for a period of
•
time not less than 10 minutes without showing any drop in pressure, except that the
following shall apply in the case of new construction: The newly-constructed system
must withstand a pressure of at least 25 PSI for a period of not less than 10 minutes
without showing any drop in pressure as an initial pressure test, and the system must also
withstand a pressure as a final test. Higher pressure piping must withstand pressure of at
least 10 PSI, but never less than twice the maximum pressure to which the piping will be
subjected in operation, for a period of at least 10 minutes without showing a drop in
pressure, but the higher pressures required for new construction,above, shall be used to
test new construction in lieu of the 10-PSI level prescribed by this sentence."
5. There must be a permanently-installed stairway, either fixed or folding, to serve attic
space where appliances or equipment are located.
6. Even if permitted by this code,undiluted liquefied petroleum gas, or"LPG", shall not be
used at any fixed location in the City. Exception: This does not prohibit the use of such
gas in quantities of 10 gallons or less.
7. Each new or replaced gas meter shall be located on the same building site that it serves.
International Mechanical Code, 2000 Ed.,International Code Council,Inc..
1. The administrative officer is the building official. All hearings, variances etc. are handled
by the BSC.
2. Add to Section M306.3: "There must be a permanently-installed stairway, either fixed or
folding,to serve attic space where appliances or equipment are located."
3. Add to Section M603: "All return air ducts must be installed within 10 inches of the
finished floor in all new residential construction and wherever possible in existing
buildings."
4. Delete: Appendix MB (Recommended Permit Fee Schedule).
International Plumbing Code, 2000 Ed., International Code Council, Inc.
1. The administrative officer is the building official. Chapter 6 of this Code shall apply to
enforcement and administration of this code in the same manner as it applies to the
building code. The BSC shall have the same jurisdiction and authority with respect to
this code as it has with respect to the building code.
2. Delete: Sections P103, P106 and P109 and Appendices PA(Plumbing Permit Fee
Schedule) and PG(Vacuum Drainage System).
3. Add at the beginning of Section 303.1: "Even if permitted by this code(IPC), , none of
the following is allowed for use in the City: Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene(ABS)pipe
or fittings,polyethylene pipe or fittings, Type M copper, lead-based pipe, aluminum
DWV pipe or components, or air admittance valves."
4. Even if permitted by this code(IPC), PVC and CPVC type water pipe and fittings are not
allowed for use in the City. Exception: PVC water pipe may be used where permitted by
this code (IPC),but only if: (i) it is installed underground and(ii) all joints are primed and
glued as required by the manufacturer's recommendations (and the primer must be purple
or another distinctive color, except on above-ground pool piping).
5. Even if permitted by this code(IPC), wet venting shall not be allowed except when
authorized by the BSC, as a special exception for hardship and unusual cases.
6. Amend Section 1101.2 to read in its entirety as follows: "The provisions of this chapter
• •
are applicable to interior leaders,building storm drains, building storm sewers, exterior
conductors, downspouts, roof gutters and other storm drainage fixtures and facilities."
7. Maximum water meter size, unless an RPE can clearly and convincingly demonstrate the
need for a larger meter in a particular case, is: 3/4ths-inch for an irrigation system, or f-
inch for a single-family dwelling.
International Residential Code, as it existed on May 1, 2001, International Code Council,
Inc..
1. The administrative officer is the building official. All hearings,variances etc. are handled
by the BSC.
2. This code, in lieu of the other"International Codes," applies to all residential structures in
the City. "Residential"means having the character of a detached one-family or two-
family dwelling that is not more than three stories high with separate means of egress,
including the accessory structures of the dwelling. This code does not apply to: (i) any
dwelling that has a common means of egress, such as a common hallway, or(ii) any
dwelling or structure that has the character of a facility used for accommodation of
transient guests or a structure in which medical,rehabilitative, or assisted living services
are provided in connection with the occupancy of the structure.
3. All amendments and deletions to the other"International Codes"adopted by this
Schedule are also carried forward and adopted as amendments and deletions from the
International Residential Code.
4. Delete: Appendices RAF (Radon Control Methods), RAI(Private Sewage Disposal), and
RAE (Manufactured Housing Used as Dwellings).
5. This code does not apply to installation and maintenance of electrical wiring and related
components. See National Electrical Code,below.
(BOCA)National Building Code, 1996 Ed., Building Officials & Code Administrators
International,Inc.
Only Sections 3108 (Radio And Television Towers) and 3109 (Radio And Television
Antennas),together with any necessary definitions or interpretative aids, are adopted. See
Subchapter G of Chapter 6 of this Code.
National Electrical Code, as it existed on May 1, 2001,National Fire Protection Association,
("NEC").
1. The administrative officer is the building official. All hearings,variances etc. are handled
by the BSC.
2. See Chapter 8 of this Code for various provisions which override or supplement the NEC.
Standard Housing Code, 1997 Ed., Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc.
1. The administrative officer is the building official. All hearings,variances etc. are handled
by the BSC.
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