1989-1422739L/83089
ORDINANCE NO 89 - /5/z
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON AMENDING CHAPTER 13 1/2
(MECHANICAL CODE) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
DENTON, TEXAS, ADOPTING THE 1985 UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE WITH
CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, DELETIONS, AND ADDITIONS THERETO, PROVIDING
FOR A AND CLAUSE, A
FOR AN
PENALTY NOTR TOILEXCEEDLAFIVE HUNDRED REPEALINGDOLLARS, PROVIDINGPROVIDING
EFFECTIVE DATE
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS
SECTION I That Chapter 13 1/2 of the Code of Ordinances of
the ty o enton, Texas, is hereby amended to read as follows
CHAPTER 13 1/2
MECHANICAL CODE
ARTICLE I
GENERAL
Sec 13 1/2-1 Adopted
The Uniform Mechanical Code, 1985 edition, together with
Appendix B thereto, is hereby adopted and designated as the
Mechanical Code of the City of Denton, the same as though said
volume of such code were copied at length herein, subject to the
deletions and amendments enumerated hereafter A copy of such
code and appendix shall be maintained by the City Secretary in
her office
Sec 13 1/2-2 Amendments
The Uniform Mechanical Code, 1985 edition, is hereby amended
in the following respects
(1) Amend Section 103 by deleting the last sentence
(2) Amend Section 203 to read
In order to determine the suitability of alternate
materials and methods of construction and to provide
for reasonable interpretations of this code, the
Plumbing and Mechanical Board, as established and
described in Article II of Chapter 13 1/2 of the
Code is created
(3) Amend Section 301(b) by adding subsection 6 to read
only a building permit shall be required for each
new one and two-family dwelling not exceeding
4,599 square feet in floor area and for each new
multi-family complex
(4) Amend Section 303 by deleting the third paragraph
(5) Delete Section 304(c) in its entirety
(6) Delete Section 304(f) 3
(7) Amend Section 305(f) to read
Reins ections A reinspection fee may be assessed
or each inspection or reinspection when such
portion of work for which inspection is called is
not complete or when required corrections have not
been made
This provision is not to be interpreted as requiring
reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected
for failure to comply with the requirements of this
code, but as controlling the practice of calling for
inspections before the job is ready for inspection
or reinspection
Reinspection fees may be assessed for failure to
provide access on the date for which inspection is
requested or for deviating from plans requiring the
approval of the building official
To obtain reinspection, the applicant shall pay the
reinspection fee in accordance with Table No 3-A
In instances where reinspection fees have been
assessed, no additional inspection of the work will
be performed until the required fees have been paid
(8) Amend Section 306(b) to read
Temorar Connections The Building official may
author ze temporary connection of the mechanical
equipment to the source of energy fuel for the
purpose of testing the equipment or for temporary
PAGE 2
use for a period of time not to exceed 60 days
provided such energy fuel system meets requirements
of the Plumbing or Electrical Code, whichever is
applicable, regarding safety
(9) Amend Section on Other Inspections and Fees in Table
3-A as follows
Other Inspections and Fees
1 Inspections outside of normal business
hours $40 00 per trip
2 Reinspection fees assessed under provisions of
Section 305 (f) $20 00 per trip
3 Inspections for which no fee is specifically
indicated $20 00 per trip
4 Additional plan review required by changes,
additions or revisions to approved plans
$20 00
(10) Amend the second sentence of Section 503(a) to read
Appliances shall not be converted from the fuel
specified on the rating plate for use with a
different fuel unless the converted appliance is
properly relabeled and the conversion is made as
recommended by the manufacturer of the original
equipment or the conversion equipment
(11) Amend the first sentence of Section 504(f) to read
Liquified petroleum gas-burning appliances shall
not be installed in a pit, basement or similar
location where heavier-than-air gas might collect
(12) Amend the second and third paragraphs of Section
508 to read as follows
glow ior spark or flame capable of igniting flammable
vapors may be located in garages provided that
(a) the pilots and burners or heating elements and
switches of such equipment are located at least
eighteen (18) inches above the floor level, and
(b) such heating or cooling equipment is located in
an approved compartment having a tight-fitting
PAGE 3
door assembly adequately sealed to retard the
entrance of flammable vapors
All combustion air for such installations shall be
supplied from outside the building or from a
properly ventilated attic space
(13) Delete Section 509
(14) Amend Section 602(c) to read
Screening Combustion air openings shall be covered
w t corrosion-resistant screen of one-fourth (1/4)
inch mesh
(15) Amend Section 604(c) to read
Ducts conveying air from an attic space shall extend
at least two (2) inches above insulation or other
obstructions The attic space shall be ventilated
by fresh air openings or louvers on a vertical wall
or at two (2) different levels or elevations
(16) Add Section 608 to read
Forced Draft or Indirect Draft A liances Forced
draft or indirect ra t ue urn ng appliances
shall not be located in the same area or room as
gravity draft appliances and their sources of
combustion air shall be isolated from each other
(17) Add Section 609 to read
Combustible Air Re uirements The requirements for
com ust on air are set ort in Table No 6-A
PAGE 4
TABLE NO 6-A
COMBUSTION AIR REQUIREMENTS FOR GAS FUEL FIRED APPLIANCES
CONDITION NO 1
CONDITION NO 2
(Confined Space)
Two (2) openings required one (1)
high and one (1) low each having
one (1) sq in of free area com-
municating with a source of outdoor
air for each 4,000 B T U H appli-
ance rating with a minimum of
50 sq in per opening one (1)
dimension of which shall be at
least three (3) inches
NOTES
(Unconfined Space)
50 Cu Ft of space volume
per each 1,000 B T U H appli-
ance input rating If the
appliance is enclosed in a
compartment, permanent high
and low openings with a
minimum of 50 sq in per
opening shall be required,
one (1) dimension of which
shall be at least three (3)
inches
If solid or liquid fuel is used, the required area of
combustion air opening shall be 1 1/2 times that
required for gas burning appliances
2 Definitions
(a) Ordinary Construction Tightness -
Construction where outside air infiltration rates
may qualify the appliance to be installed under
the provisions of Condition No 1 or Condition
No 2 Frame construction where vapor barriers
are not used and where construction points and
cracks are not sealed and windows are single
pane, double hung, movable, etc
(b) Tight Construction -
Construction where outside air infiltration rates
are insufficient to support proper combustion and
Condition No 1 must be used such as where vapor
barriers are used and where construction joints
and cracks are sealed and where windows are tight
fitting, double pane or fixed glass, etc
PAGE 5
3 Construction methods of providing combustion
air openings will comply with other sections of
this code
4 Other conditions for providing combustion air
not provided by this table may be used as
provided in Chapter 6 of this Code
(18) Amend the third paragraph of Section 708 to read
An attic or furred space in which a warm air
furnace is installed shall be accessible by an
opening and passageway as large as the largest
piece of the furnace but in no case less than
22 inches by 30 inches continuous from the opening
to the furnace and its controls
(19) Delete the last sentence of Section 708
(20) Delete subsections (b) through (h) of Section 710
(21) Amend Section 901 to read
Every appliance designed to be vented shall be
connected to a venting system as specified in
Section 902 and such system shall comply with the
provisions of this chapter, except as provided in
this section
Venting systems shall consist of approved chimneys,
Type B vents, Type BW vents, Type L vents, plastic
pipe recommended by the manufacturer of listed
condensing appliances for use with specified
models, or a venting assembly which is an integral
part of a listed appliance
Venting systems shall be so designed and constructed
as to develop a positive flow adequate to convey
all combustion products to the outside atmosphere
Venting systems may be designed in accordance with
accepted engineering methods
A venting system which is an integral part of the
vented appliance and plastic pipe recommended by
the manufacturer in installation instructions as
suitable for use with listed condensing appliances
shall be installed in accordance with the appliance
listing manufacturer's installation instructions
and applicable requirements of this Code
PAGE 6
Gas venting systems serving appliances equipped
with draft hoods and appliances listed for use with
Type B vents may be designed in accordance with
tables in Appendix C, Chapter 9
(22) Amend Section 910 to read
An existing venting system shall not be connected
to a new appliance unless the venting system com-
plies with the requirements of the Code in effect
at the time the new appliance is to be connected
(23) Amend the first sentence of Section 913 (b) 4 to
read
Automatically controlled gas appliances connected
to a chimney which also serves equipment burning
liquid fuel shall be equipped with an automatic
nonstanding pilot
(24) Amend the first sentence of Section 1002(a) to read
Circulating-air and conditioned-air supply for
heating, cooling or evaporative cooling system
shall be conducted through duct systems constructed
of metal as set forth in Table Nos 10-A, 10-B and
10-C, metal ducts complying with U M C Standard
No 10-2 with prior approval, or factory-made air
ducts complying with U M C Standard No 10-1, PVC,
ABS and fiberglass
(25) Amend the first sentence of Section 1202(b) to read
An unobstructed access space not less than 22 inches
in width and 30 inches in height shall be provided
to filters, fuel control valves and air-handling
units Refrigerant and brine piping control valves
shall be accessible
(26) Delete Section 1203
(27) Amend Section 1205 to read
When a cooling coil or cooling unit is located
above the first story where damage may result from
condensate overflow, an additional water-tight pan
of corrosion resistant metal shall be installed
beneath the cooling coil or unit to catch the over-
flow condensate due to a clogged primary condensate
drain, or one pan with a standing overflow and a
PAGE 7
separate secondary drain may be provided in lieu of
the secondary drain pan The additional pan or the
standing overflow shall be provided with a drain
pipe, minimum 3/4 inch nominal pipe size, discharg-
ing at a point which can be readily observed This
requirement is in addition to the requirements for
condensate drainage piping set forth in Section 510
of this code
In the event that an auxiliary drain or secondary
drain pan cannot be provided, an electric float
switch mounted in the primary pan to sense the
water level may be used and low voltage wiring to
turn off the cooling system shall be provided
(28) Add a second paragraph to Section 2003 (a) to read
The above requirements shall not apply to domestic
type cooking equipment located in day-care facil-
ities, churches, employee lunch rooms or similar
uses which are no more hazardous than kitchen
facilities in an individual dwelling unit
Section 13 1/2-3 - Section 13 1/2-9 Reserved
ARTICLE II
PLUMBING & MECHANICAL CODE BOARD
Section 13 1/2-10 Creation
There is hereby created a plumbing and mechanical code board
consisting of seven (7) members, each to be appointed by the City
Council for a term of two (2) years, and to serve at the pleasure
of said Council Initially, however, three (3) members shall be
appointed for a term of one year and four (4) members shall be
appointed for two (2) year terms
To the extent that persons are available within this City,
the said board shall consist of two (2) licensed master plumbers,
two (2) mechanical contractors, two (2) mechanical engineers, and
one layman, who shall all reside within the City The initial
terms for the members shall be staggered whereby one master
plumber, one mechanical engineer, and one mechanical contractor
shall have terms expiring on the odd number years, and one master
plumber, one mechanical engineer, one mechanical contractor, and
the layman shall have terms expiring on the even number years
consecutive
No appointed member shall serve more than three (3) conse
PAGE 8
terms The City Council may appoint ex officio members to this
board to have a voice in all matters before it, but who shall
have no vote
Section 13 1/2-11 Procedure in removal of members from
office
The City Council may remove any member of the plumbing and
mechanical code board during the term for which he was appointed
if cause be found The action of the City Council in such
matters shall be final
Section 13 1/2-12 Chairman, powers and duties generally
It shall be the duty of the plumbing and mechanical code
board to meet as soon after their appointment as is practicable
and organized by selecting one of their members as chairman and
another as secretary Regular meetings of the board thereafter
shall be scheduled on a monthly basis, except that meetings may
be cancelled when there is no business to come before the board
Special meetings may be called at any time by the chairman, or by
the secretary The secretary shall keep a complete record and
minutes of the actions of the board to be filed with the City
Secretary
Four (4) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business
It shall be the duty of the board to make an annual review of
the provisions of this chapter, and to recommend any necessary
changes and/or improvements to the City Council This review
shall include consideration of suggestions from plumbing and
mechanical contractors and the public at large, which may be
obtained by means of open hearings as well as through the regular
channels
It shall also be the duty of the board to hear any written
complaints made by any plumbing or mechanical contractor,
citizen, or otherwise, that may have a bearing upon the efficient
enforcement of the mechanical code, and the board shall take such
action thereon as may be deemed pproper and within its authority,
provide that the same shall not be inconsistent with any laws of
the state, of this chapter, or other ordinances of the City
Section 13 1/2-13 Appeal to Plumbing and Mechanical Code
Board
(a) any person, firm, of the company
mechanical rinspector aggrieved under this
chapter may appeal such decision or order to the plumbing
and mechanical code board as set out herein
PAGE 9
(b) The powers of the board are hereby extended so as to
authorize the board to make reasonable interpretations or
rulings in matters properly before it as to the plumbing
and mechanical code board as set out herein
(c) Every appeal must be filed in writing within ten (10)
days from the date of the decision or order appealed from
and shall be filed in duplicate with the building
official Such notice shall contain appropriate reference
to the decision or order appealed from as well as the
grounds of the appeal It shall be the duty of the
building official to notify the chairperson of the
plumbing and mechanical code board and the mechanical
inspector
(d) The amount of the fee for appeals shall be $50 00
appeal was taken
(e) relevant The lrecordsfandadata upon which the t all
(f) An appeal shall stay all proceedings in connection with
the decision or order appealed from unless and until the
mechanical inspector shall have certified to the board,
after notice of appeal has been filed, that a stay would
cause hazard to life or property In such case, pro-
ceedings pursuant to the decision or order of the
mechanical inspector shall not be stayed except by order
of the board or by a restraining order issued by a court
of competent jurisdiction
(g) The board shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing of
an appeal, giving notice in writing to the parties in
interest and shall reach its decision within three (3)
days from the close of the hearing Appellant may appear
before the board in person, by agent, or by attorney and
may present material witnesses The board may require
additional data and tests necessary for adequate decision
of the appeal, and continue the hearing therefor
(h) The plumbing and mechanical code board shall have the
power in all cases appealed to it from decision or orders
of the mechanical inspector to reverse or affirm
appealed yfrm in No whole of the bthe decision or oard shall vary ordbe
inconsistent with the terms or provision of this chapter
and as designated all decisions City
(i) The mechanical
enforce inspector
Manager shall
orders of the plumbing and mechanical code board
regarding the mechanical code
PAGE 10
(j) The plumbing and mechanical code board shall have the
power to approve alternate and new materials, methods,
devices, etc , in accordance with the applicable
provisions of this chapter
SECTION II Any person who shall violate a provision of this
ordinance, or fails to comply therewith or with any of the
requirements thereof, or of a permit or certificate issued
thereunder, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine
not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500 00) Each such person
shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every
day or portion thereof during which any violation of this
ordinance is committed, or continued, and upon conviction of any
such violations such person shall be punished within the limits
above
SECTION III That this ordinance shall become effective
fourteen UWY-Uays from the date of its passage, and the City
Secretary is hereby directed to cause the caption of this
ordinance to be published twice in the Denton Record-Chronicle,
the official newspaper of the City of Denton, Texas, within ten
(10) days of the date of its passage
PASSED AND APPROVED this the d-day of 1989
RAY S E
ATTEST
E IRA LTERS, CITY SECRETARY
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM
DEBRA A DRAYOVITCH, CITY ATTORNEY
BY A ~ _k
PAGh 11
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