HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance - 2024-O0027 - 2021 International Mechanical Code, Amending Article 28.11 - 03/26/2024First Reading
March 5, 2024
Item No. 6.3
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-00027
Second Reading
March 26, 2024
Item No. 5.34
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE 28.11 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF
THE CITY OF LUBBOCK, TEXAS WITH REGARD TO ADOPTION OF THE 2021
INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE AND PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN
AMENDMENTS THERETO TO MEET LOCAL CONDITIONS; PROVIDING A
PENALTY; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS the City Council of the City of Lubbock, Texas deems it in the best interest of the
health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Lubbock to adopt the 2021 International Mechanical
Code for the City of Lubbock with certain amendments thereto to meet local conditions; NOW
THEREFORE:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK:
SECTION 1. THAT Article 28.11 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Lubbock is hereby
amended as follows:
ARTICLE 28.11 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE
§ 28.11.001 Adopted.
The 2021 edition of the International Mechanical Code, as published by the International Code
Council, Inc., as hereinafter amended, including appendix A, is hereby adopted as the
mechanical code of the City of Lubbock, Texas. A copy of said code is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as though set out herein in detail. References to the Mechanical Code in
this chapter or to "this code" within this article shall mean and refer to the 2021 edition of the
International Mechanical Code as amended herein. One copy of the 2021 International
Mechanical Code shall be filed with the city secretary and a copy shall be maintained in the
office of the city building official. All such copies, with the amendments thereto, shall be open
to public inspection during the usual hours of business of the offices where they are maintained.
§ 28.11.002 Coordination of administrative provisions.
The administrative provisions contained in chapter 28, articles 28.01 through 28.08 of this
Code of Ordinances are applicable to this article; however, for purposes of administering
provisions related more specifically to the regulation of inechanical systems installation, these
supplemental administrative provisions have been provided. Except as amended or
supplemented within sections 28.11.002 and 28.11.003, the entire text of chapter 1 of the 2021
International Mechanical Code is deemed to be incorporated herein as though set out herein in
detail. Where a conflict arises between a provision contained within sections 28.11.002 and
28.11.003 and articles 28.01 through 28.08 of this Code of Ordinances, it is the intent that the
more specific govern, as determined by the building official.
§ 28.11.003 Supplemental administrative amendments.
(a) Administrative amendments and cross-references to articles 28.01 throu h�. The
following administrative provisions within chapter one of the International Mechanical
Code are hereby stricken, and the corresponding provisions within articles 28.01
through 28.08 of this Code of Ordinances shall govern, as indicated in table 28.11.003
below:
TABLE 28.11.003
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS CROSS-REFERENCE
2021 International Section Refer to Lubbock Code of
Mechanical Code Section Heading/Subject Ordinances Chapter Section
109.6
115.4
116.1
113
114
Fee refunds
Violation penalties
Stop work orders
Means of appeal
Board of Appeals
28.05.109
28.02.006
28.02.007
2.03.495-2.03.501
2.03.491-2.03.494
§ 28.11.004 Amendments.
(a) Guards. Section 304.11 is hereby amended to read as follows:
304.11 Guards. Guards shall be provided where various components that require service
and roof hatch openings are located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof edge or opcn
side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches
(762 mm) above the floor, roof, or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30
inches (762 mm) beyond each end of components that require service. The top of the
guard shall be located not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the elevated surface
adjacent to the guard. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a
21-inch-diameter (533 mm) sphere and shall comply with the loading requirements for
guards specified in the International Building Code.
Exceptions:
1. Guards are not required where permanent fall arrest/restraint anchorage
connector devices that comply with ANSI/ASSE Z 359.1 are affixed for use
during the entire lifetime of the roof covering. The devices shall be re-
evaluated for possible replacement when the entire roof covering is replaced.
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The devices shall be placed not more than 10 feet (3048 mm) on center along
hip and ridge lines and placed not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from roof edges
and the open sides of walking surfaces.
Guards are not required to be installed upon replacement of legally-installed
pre-existing rooftop appliances and equipment within existing rough openings
that would otherwise be subject to Section 304.11, provided that a fall hazard
warning sign is affixed to the service access side of the equipment.
(b) Sloped roofs. Section 306.5.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
306.5.1 Sloped roofs. Where appliances, eguipment, fans or other components that
require service are installed on a roof having a slope of six units vertical in 12 units
horizontal (50 percent slope) or greater and having an edge more than 30 inches (762
mm) above grade at such edge, a level platform shall be provided on each side of the
appliance or equipment to which access is required for service, repair or maintenance.
The platform shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) in any dimension and shall be
provided with guards. The guards shall extend not less than 42 inches above the
platform, shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a 21-inch diameter sphere
and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards specified in the International
Building Code. Access shall not require walking on roofs having a slope greater than 6
units vertical in 12 units horizontal (50 percent slope). Where access involves
obstructions greater than 30 inches in height, such obstructions shall be provided with
ladders installed in accordance with Section 306.5 or stairways installed in accordance
with the requirements specified in the International Building Code in the path of travel
to and from appliances, fans or equipment requiring service.
(c) Drain �ping materials and sizin�. Section 307.2.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
307.2.2 Drain pipin� materials and sizin�. Components of the condensate disposal
system shall be ABS, cast-iron, copper and copper-alloy, CPVC, cross-linked
polyethylene, galvanized steel, PE-RT, polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, or PVDF
piping or tubing. Components shall be selected for the pressure and temperature rating
of the installation. Joints and connections shall be made in accordance with the
applicable provisions of Chapter 7 of the International Plumbing Code relative to the
material type. Condensate waste and drain line shall not be less than 3/4 inch (19.1mm)
pipe size. Where the drain pipes from more than one unit are manifolded together for
condensate drainage, the pipe or tubing shall be sized in accordance with Table 307.2.2.
Piping that is reduced in size from the drain pan connection to a size that is in
accordance with Table 307.2.2 must use eccentric fittings for the size reduction in
horizontal piping. If the size reduction occurs in vertical piping concentric fittings may
be uscd.
(d) Auxiliary and secondary drain systems. Section 307.2.3 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:
307.2.3 Auxiliary and secondary drain systems. In addition to the requirements of
Section 307.2.1, where damage to any building components could occur as a result of
overflow from the equipment primary condensate removal system, one of the following
auxiliary protection methods shall be provided for each cooling coil or fuel-fired
appliance that produces condensate:
An auxiliary drain pan with a separate drain shall be provided under the coils on
which condensation will occur. The auxiliary pan drain shall discharge to a
conspicuous point of disposal to alert occupants in the event of a stoppage of
the primary drain. The pan shall have a minimum depth of 1-1/2 inches (38 mm),
shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) larger than the unit, or the coil
dimensions in width and length and shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant
material. Galvanized sheet steel pans shall have a minimum thickness of not less
than 0.0236 inch (0.6010 mm) (No. 24 gage). Nonmetallic pans shall have a
minimum thickness of not less than 0.0625 inch (1.6 mm).
2. A separate overflow drain line shall be connected to the drain pan provided with
the equipment. Such overflow drain shall discharge to a conspicuous point of
disposal to alert occupants in the event of a stoppage of the primary drain. The
overflow drain line shall connect to the drain pan at a higher level than the
primary drain connection.
3. An auxiliary drain pan without a separate drain line shall be provided under the
coils on which condensate will occur. Such pan shall be equipped with a water-
level detection device conforming to UL 508 that will shut off the equipment
served prior to overflow of the pan. The auxiliary drain pan shall be constructed
in accordance with Item 1 of this section.
(e) Ductless mini-split system traps. Section 307.2.4.1 is hereby deleted in its entirety.
(� Ventilation required. Section 401.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
401.2 Ventilation required. Every occupied space shall be ventilated by natural means
in accordance with Section 402 or by mechanical means in accordance with Section
403.
(g) Local Exhaust. Section 403.3.2.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
403.3.2.3 Local exhaust. Local exhaust systems shall be provided in kitchens,
bathrooms and toilet rooms and shall have the capacity to exhaust the minimum airflow
rate determined in accordance with Table 403.3.2.3.
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TABLE 403.3.2.3
MINIMUM REQUIRED LOCAL EXHAUST RATES
FOR GROUP R-2, R-3, AND R-4 OCCUPANCIES
AREA TO BE EXHAUSTED EXHAUST RATE CAPACITY
Kitchens 100 cfm intermittent or 25 cfm continuous
Bathrooms & toilet rooms 50 cfm intermittent or 20 cfm continuous
Exception: The normal operation of bathroom and toilet room exhaust fans, as well as
kitchen range hood fans shall be considered adequate to satisfy the intermittent exhaust
rate requirements without the addition of additional exhaust fans.
(h) Exhaust installation. Section 504.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
504.4 Exhaust installation. Dryer exhaust ducts for clothes dryers shall terminate on the
outside of the building and shall be equipped with a back draft damper. Screens shall
not be installed at the duct termination. Ducts shall not be connected or installed with
sheet metal screws or other fasteners that will obstruct the exhaust flow. Clothes dryer
exhaust ducts shall not be connected to a vent connector, vent or chimney. Clothes dryer
exhaust ducts shall not extend into or through ducts or plenums.
Exception: Back draft dampers shall not be required for vertical duct penetrations
through roofs.
(i) Len�th identification. Section 504.9.5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
504.9.5. Length identiiication. Where the exhaust duct is concealed within the building
construction and exceeds a total developed length of 35 feet, the equivalent length of
the exhaust duct shall be identified on a permanent label or tag. The label or tag shall be
located within 6 feet of the exhaust duct connection.
(j) Common exhaust systems for clothes dryers in multi-story structures. Section 504.11 is
hereby amended to read as follows:
504.11. Common exhaust systems for clothes dryers located in multi-story structures.
Where a common multistory duct system is designed and installed to convey exhaust
from multiple clothes dryers, the construction of the system shall be in accordance with
all of the following:
1. The shaft in which the duct is installed shall be constructed and fire-resistance
rated as required by the International Building Code.
2. Dampers shall be prohibited in the exhaust duct. Penetrations of the shaft and
ductwork shall be protected in accordance with Section 607.5.5, Exception 2.
3. Rigid metal ductwork shall be installed within the shaft to convey the exhaust.
The ductwork shall be constructed of sheet steel having a minimum thickness of
0.0187 inch (No. 26 gage) and in accordance with SMACNA Duct Construction
Standards.
4. The ductwork within the shaft shall be designed and installed without offsets.
5. The exhaust fan motor design shall be in accordance with Section 503.2.
6. The exhaust fan motor shall be located outside of the airstream.
7. The exhaust fan shall run continuously.
8. Exhaust fan operation shall be monitored in an approved location and shall
initiate an audible or visual signal when the fan is not in operation.
9. Makeup air shall be provided for the exhaust system.
10. A cleanout opening shall be located at the base of the shaft to proved access to
the duct to allow for cleaning and inspection. The iinished opening shall be not
less than 12 inches by 12 inches.
11. Screens shall not be installed at the termination.
12. The common multi story duct system shall serve only clothes dryers and shall be
independent of other exhaust systems.
(k) Return air openings. Section 601.5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
601.5 Return air openings. Return air openings for heating, ventilation and air-
conditioning systems shall comply with all of the following:
Openings shall not be located less than 10 feet (3048 mm) measured in any
direction from an open combustion chamber or draft hood of another appliance
located in the same room or space.
2. Return air shall not be taken from a hazardous or insanitary location or a
refrigeration room as defined in this code.
3. The amount of return air taken from any room or space shall be not greater than
the flow rate of supply air delivered to such room or space, except as necessary
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to make up air from a space on a common system where drawing return air is
prohibited.
4. Return and transfer openings shall be sized in accordance with the appliance or
equipment manufacturer's installation instructions, ACCA Manual D or the
design of the registered design professional.
5. Return air taken from one dwelling unit shall not be discharged into another
dwelling unit.
�i. Taking return air from a crawl space shall not be accomplished through a direct
connection to the return side of a forced air furnace. Transfer openings in the
crawl space enclosure shall not be prohibited.
7. Return air shall not be taken from a closet, bathroom, toilet room, kitchen,
garage, boiler room, furnace room or unconditioned attic.
8. Return air shall not be taken from indoor swimming pool enclosures and
associated deck areas.
Exceptions:
1. Where the air from such spaces is dehumidified in
accordance with Section 403.2.1, Item 2.
2. Dedicated HVAC systems serving only such places.
Exceptions:
1. Taking return air from a kitchen is not prohibited where such return
openings serve the kitchen and are located not less than 10 i
(3048mm) from the cooking appliances.
2. Taking return air from a kitchen is not prohibited in a dwelling un
where the kitchen and living spaces are in a single room and the cookin
appliance is electric and located not less than 5 feet (1524mm) in an
direction from the return air intake opening.
3. Dedicated forced air systems serving only the garage shall not
prohibited from obtaining return air from the garage.
(1) Access port protection. Section 1102.3 is hereby deleted in its entirety.
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SECTION 2. THAT violation of any provision of this ordinance shall be deemed a misdemeanor
punishable as provided by Section 1.01.004 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Lubbock,
Texas.
SECTION 3. THAT should any paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase or word of this Ordinance
be declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, the remainder of this Ordinance shall not
be affected thereby.
SECTION 4. THAT pursuant to Section 214.218 of the Texas Local Government Code, this
Ordinance shall not be implemented or enforced until after the 30th day after the date of final
adoption.
SECTION 5. THAT the City Secretary of the City of Lubbock, Texas, is hereby authorized and
directed to cause publication of the descriptive caption of this Ordinance as an alternative means
of publication provided by law.
AND IT IS SO ORDERED.
Passed by the City Council on first reading on March 5, 2024
Passed by the City Council on second reading on March 26. 2�24
TRAY Y �, MAYOR
AT EST:
Courtney Paz, City Secre ary
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
obert Wallace, Director of Development Services
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
�
S
A y' s, Deputy ity Attorney W