HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-2020-3803 Adopting the 2018 International Code editions for Building and 2020 National Electrical Code with local amendments ORDINANCE NQ 2020- 3803
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 82 "BUILDINGS AND BUILDING
REGULATIONS" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE,
TEXAS, BY ADOPTING THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2018
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, 2018 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY
CONSERVATION CODE, 2018 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA
CODE, 2018 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE, 2018 INTERNATIONAL
MECHANICAL CODE, 2018 FUEL GAS CODE AND 2020 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL
CODE; PROVIDING THAT ANY PERSON VIOLATING THE TERMS OF THIS
ORDINANCE SHALL BE DEEMED GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND UPON
CONVICTION SHALL BE FINED IN A SUM NOT TO EXCEED TWO THOUSAND
DOLLARS; PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE CAPTION HEREOF;
CONTAINING A REPEALING CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF
BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS:
Section 1: That Chapter 82, "Buildings and Building Regulations", Article II "Building Codes", of the
Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Texas, is hereby amended in its entirety and shall
hereinafter read as follows:
ARTICLE II. - BUILDING CODES
Sec. 82-31. -Adoption.
(a) Except as provided in this division, the International Residential Code and the International Building
Code, 2018 editions, published by the International Code Council, is adopted and incorporated as
fully as if set forth at length in this section and the provisions therein shall be controlling in the
design, construction, quality of materials, erection, installation, alteration, repair, location, relocation,
replacement, addition to, use and maintenance of buildings and structures within the city limits. One
copy of the International Residential Code and the International Building Code, 2018 editions, is on
file in the office of the city secretary.
(b) If a section of this article is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety
or health ordinance or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto or any other ordinance or code or
regulation of the city, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion of the
health and safety of the people shall prevail.
(c) Any person who shall violate any provision of the standards adopted or established in this article
shall upon conviction be punished as provided in Appendix B.
(d) Fees shall be in accordance with Appendix A of the city's Code of Ordinances.
Sec. 82-32.—International Residential Code amendments.
Section 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Residential Code for One-and Two-
family Dwellings of the City of La Porte, hereinafter referred to as "this code".
Subsection R105.2 is amended to read as follows:
R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be
deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of
this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the
following:
Building:
1. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
2. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep
3. Swings and other playground equipment.
Electrical:
1. Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting.
2. Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets therefor.
3. Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location.
4. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and
not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
5. Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable
electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
Gas:
1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such
equipment unsafe.
3. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not
interconnected to a power grid.
Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliances.
2. Portable ventilation appliances.
3. Portable cooling units.
4. Steam, hot-or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this
code.
5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such
equipment unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative coolers.
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that
are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower(746 W) or less.
8. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not
interconnected to a power grid.
Plumbing:
1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any
concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes
necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as
new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal
and reinstallation of water closets provided such repairs do not involve or require the
replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria. Establishment of criteria in accordance
with table shown.
GROUND _ WIND DESIGN SEISMIC SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM WINTER ICE BARRIER FLOOD AIR MEAN
Special Frost
SNOW Speed Topographic Wind Windborne DESIGN Weathering line Termite DESIGN UNDERLAYMENT HAZARD FREEZING ANNUAL
debris
LOAD (mph) effects region zone CATAGORY Depth TEMP REQUIRED INDEX TEMP
VERY See FIRM 1500
Wind 69°Zone
0 150 NO NO 3 A NEGLIGIBLE 12" HEAVY 32°F NO Maps and or less F
Missile D. Ordinances
MANUAL 1 DESIGN CRITERIA
Elevation Latitude Winter Summer Altitude Indoor design Design Heating temperature
heating cooling correction factor temperature temperature cooling difference
23ft to 9ft-Check Site 29°40' 32°F 94°F 1 70°F 75°F 38°F
Wind Wind
Cooling velocity velocity Coincident Daily Winter Summer
temperature difference heating cooling wet bulb range humidity humidity
19°F 15 mph 7.5 mph 78 M 60% 85%
*Windborne Debris Protection:
Skylights are missile level C
Missile levels are for elevations less than or equal to 30 ft
Section R301.2.1.2 Protection of Openings. Exterior glazing, in new or building additions, located in
windborne debris regions shall have glazed openings protected from windborne debris. Glazed
opening protection for windborne debris shall meet the requirements of the Large Missile Test of
ASTM E 1996 and ASTM E 1886 referenced therein. Garage door glazed opening protection for
windborne debris shall meet the requirements of an approved impact-resisting standard or
ANSI/DASMA 115.
Code Deletions.
The following sections of the 2018 International Residential Code are deleted.
Subsection R309.5 Fire Sprinklers
Section R313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
Subsection R905.7 Wood Shingles
Subsection R905.8 Wood Shakes
Section P2904 Dwelling Unit Fire Sprinkler Systems
Part VIII, Electrical Chapters 34-43 (E3401 thru E4304.5) are deleted in their entirety.
Sec. 82-33.—International Building Code amendments.
The building code adopted in section 82-31 of this article shall be amended to read as follows:
Section 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of the City of La Porte,
hereinafter referred to as"this code".
Subsection 105.2 is amended to read as follows:
Subsection 105.2. Work exempt from permit: Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall
not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the
provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required
for the following:
Building:
1. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
2. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches
(610 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and are installed entirely above
ground.
3. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one-and two-family dwellings.
Electrical:
1. Repairs and Maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the
connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed
receptacles.
2. Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical
equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for
a power supply and the installations of towers and antennas.
3. Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary
system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
Gas:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such
equipment unsafe.
Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation equipment.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and
actuated by motors of 1 horsepower(0.75 kW) or less.
Plumbing:
1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any
concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes
necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as
new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal
and reinstallation of water closets, provided that such repairs do not involve or require the
replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
Chapter 16, Basic wind speed for the City shall be as follows:
Figure 1609.3(1) — Basic Design Wind Speeds (3-Second Gust)— 150 M.P.H.
Figure 1609.3(2) — Basic Design Wind Speeds (3-Second Gust)— 160 M.P.H.
Figure 1609.3(3) — Basic Design Wind Speeds (3-Second Gust)— 160 M.P.H.
Figure 1609.3(4) — Basic Design Wind Speeds (3-Second Gust)— 140 M.P.H.
Code Deletions.
The following sections of the 2018 International Building Code are deleted.
Subsection 1507.8 Wood shingles
Subsection 1507.9 Wood shakes
Section 27 Electrical. Chapter(Sections 2701 thru 2702.4) is deleted in its entirety.
Section 28 Mechanical Systems. Chapter(Section 2801) is deleted in its entirety.
Section 419 Live/Work Units. Deletion of entire section (Sections 419.1 thru 419.9)_
Sec. 82-34. - Liability insurance requirements for holders of permits for moving buildings.
The holder of a permit for the moving of a building shall be required to carry liability insurance in the
following sums:
(1) The minimum sum of$50,000.00 for injury or death of one person, or$100,000.00 for injury or
death to more than one person from any one accident; and
(2) The minimum sum of$100,000.00 for property damage for any one accident.
Such policy shall contain a provision obligating the insurer to give a written notice of cancellation, not less
than ten days prior to the date of such cancellation, to the building inspector. No moving permit will be
issued unless such insurance is in full force and effect.
Sec. 82-35. -General and building contractors; liability insurance requirements.
(a) No permit shall be issued for any general or building contracting work, as such work is defined
within the International Building Code, adopted in section 82-31, until the general or building
contractor or his employer shall have arranged to carry the following insurance:
(1) Workers' compensation insurance on each and every one of his employees as required and in
accordance with the provisions of the state Workers' Compensation Act;
(2) Public liability insurance to the extent of$50,000.00 for any one accident, and $100,000.00 for
any one person; and
(3) Property damage insurance to the extent of$10,000.00 for any one accident, and $100,000.00
in the aggregate.
(b) Such insurance shall be written by an accredited company under the supervision of the board of
insurance commissioners of the State of Texas.
(c) Evidence of compliance with the insurance requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section
shall be considered as having been met when the policy, a copy thereof, or a certificate of insurance
has been filed with and approved by the chief building official of the city. Such policy shall include an
endorsement thereon that the chief building official will be notified at least ten days in advance in the
event of the policy being cancelled or expiring before the expiration date of the license.
Sec. 82-36. - Plan review fee.
[Amounts established by the city and listed in appendix A of this Code.]
Sec. 82-37. - Minimum size stud walls where drain, waste and/or vent plumbing is installed.
Minimum six-inch stud walls shall be required where drain, waste and vent (DWV—Horizontal and/or
vertical) plumbing is installed. The use of two by six studs (wood or metal) shall be required for new
construction and additions (addition of square footage) for both residential and non-residential
construction where DWV plumbing is installed.
Secs. 82-38-82-65. - Reserved.
Section 2: That Chapter 82, "Buildings and Building Regulations", Article III "Plumbing Code", of
the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Texas, is hereby amended in its entirety and shall
hereinafter read as follows:
"Article III "Plumbing Code"
Sec. 82-66. -Adoption.
(a) Except as provided in this article, the International Plumbing Code, 2018 edition, published by the
International Code Council, is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set forth at length in this section
and the provisions therein shall be controlling and apply to in the; erection, installation, alteration,
repairs, relocation, replacement, addition to, use arid or maintenance of plumbing systems within the
city limits. One copy of the International Plumbing Code, 2018 Edition, is on file in the office of the
city secretary.
(b) If a section of this article is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety
or health ordinance or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto or any other ordinance or code or
regulation of the city, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion of the
health and safety of the people shall prevail.
(c) Any person who shall violate any provision of the standards adopted or established in this article
shall upon conviction be punished as provided in Appendix B.
(d) Fees shall be in accordance with Appendix A of the City's Code of Ordinances.
Sec. 82-67. -Amendments.
The plumbing code adopted in section 82-66 of this article shall be amended to read as follows:
Section 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Plumbing Code of the City of La Porte,
hereinafter referred to as"this code".
Code Deletions.
The following sections of the 2018 International Plumbing Code are deleted in their entirety.-
Subsection 106.6.2 Fee schedule.
Subsection 106.6.3 Fee refunds.
Section 109 Means of Appeal.
Sec. 82-68. - Plumbing and mechanical contractors; liability insurance requirements.
(a) No permit shall be issued for any plumbing contract work, as such work is defined within the city
codes adopted in sections 82-31 and 82-66 until the plumbing contractor or his employer shall have
arranged to carry the following:
(1) Workers' compensation insurance on each and every one of his employees as required and in
accordance with the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act of the State of Texas;
(2) A certificate of insurance must be:
a. Written by a company licensed to do business in this state;
b. Provided for commercial general liability insurance for the master plumber for claims for
property damage or bodily injury, regardless of whether the claim arises from a negligence
claim or on a contract claim; and
c. A coverage amount of not less than $300,000.00 for all claims arising in any one-year
period.
(b) Such insurance shall be written by an accredited company under the supervision of the board of
insurance commissioners of the state.
(c) Evidence of compliance with the above insurance requirements shall be considered as having been
met when the policy, a copy thereof, or a certificate of insurance has been filed with and approved by
the chief building official of the city. Such policy shall include an endorsement thereon that the chief
building official will be notified at least ten days in advance in the event of the policy or policies being
cancelled or expiring before the expiration date of the license.
Secs. 82-69-82-100. - Reserved.
Section 3: That Chapter 82, "Buildings and Building Regulations", Article IV "Electric Code", of the
Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Texas, is hereby amended in its entirety and shall
hereinafter read as follows:
"ARTICLE IV. - ELECTRICAL CODE
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY
Sec. 82-101. - Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed
to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Apprentice electrician means the holder of an apprentice electrician license.
Electrical work means the installing, maintaining, altering, repairing or erecting of any electrical
wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment for which a permit is required under the
terms and provisions of the electric code.
Inspector shall mean the chief building official of the city or any of the division construction inspectors
under her/his supervision.
Journeyman electrician means the holder of a journeyman electrician license.
Master electrician means the holder of a master electrician license.
Sec. 82-102. - Electrical work to be done only by or under licensed master electrician.
(a) Except as provided in this article, it shall be unlawful for any person to do electrical work within the
city unless such person is a master electrician licensed under the provisions of the Electrician's
Occupations Code (a.k.a. The Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act), or unless such person
does such electrical work under the supervision, direction and control of a master electrician licensed
under the provisions of said code.
(b) Nothing in the Electrician's Occupations Code (a.k.a. The Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act)
shall ever be construed or operate to prevent any person from doing electrical work in or on his
property which he owns, where he resides and which he maintains as a homestead. Such
homeowner shall not be required to be a licensed electrician but shall otherwise conform to all other
requirements of said code. In doing electrical work on his own property, as provided in this
subsection, such owner shall not use any hired assistant unless such assistant is duly licensed under
the terms of said code.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no electrical work shall be performed by any
person not the holder of the required license. No person, firm or corporation shall employ any other
person for doing electrical work unless such person proposed to be employed is the holder of the
proper license.
Sec. 82-104. -Tampering.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to bridge, tamper with or change from its original installation,
except upon the approval of the inspector, and then only after a proper permit for alteration has been
issued, any fuse of the plug, cartridge type or link type, installed in panel boards, main switches or
switchboards, or to alter or change circuit breakers so that the original calibration will be affected, or
to tie down or secure any circuit breaker so that it will not function properly.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person, in any manner, to interfere with any electrical wiring installed or
being installed in, or on, within or without any structure or building. If in the course of erection of a
building or structure the wiring is in such position as to interfere with the erection or completion of the
building or structure as called for by the plans, notice shall immediately be given the person installing
the wiring and the needed change shall be made by such person.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to make connection from a source of electrical energy to any
electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment for the installation of which
a permit is required until it shall have received an approval by the inspector.
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to make connection from a source of electrical energy to any
electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment which have been
disconnected by the inspector or the use of which has been ordered by the inspector to be
discontinued until approval has been issued by the inspector.
Secs. 82-105-82-150. - Reserved.
DIVISION 2. - RESERVED
Secs. 82-151-82-280. - Reserved.
DIVISION 3. - PERMITS
Sec. 82-281. - Required; exceptions.
(a) No wiring, poles, duct line, guy anchors, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment for
the transmission, distribution or utilization of electrical energy for any purpose shall be installed
within the city limits, nor shall any alteration or addition be made in any such existing wiring, poles,
duct lines, guy anchors, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment without first securing a
permit therefor from the inspector, except that no permit shall be required for the following:
(1) Replacing fuses or lamps or the connection of portable devices to suitable receptacles which
have been permanently installed or for repairs to portable appliances.
(2) Minor repair work, such as repairing or replacing flush and snap switches, receptacles and
lamp sockets, or minor repairs on permanently connected electric apparatus, appliances,
fixtures or equipment, or the installation of light globes.
(3) The installation, maintenance or alteration of wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances or
equipment for telegraph, telephone, signal service or central station protective service used in
conveying signals or intelligence, except where electrical work is done on the primary side of
the source of power from the power company at a voltage over 50 volts and which generates
more than 500 watts of energy.
(4) Poles and guy anchors, for the installation, maintenance or alteration of electric wiring,
apparatus, devices, appliances or equipment to be installed by an electric public service
corporation for the use of such corporation in the generation, transmission, distribution, sale or
utilization of electrical energy. However, an electric public service corporation shall not do any
wiring on a customer's premises other than wiring which is part of the company's distribution
system, nor shall any of its employees do any work other than that done for the company as
provided for in this section, by virtue of this exemption.
(5) The installation of temporary wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances or equipment used by a
recognized school in teaching electricity.
(b) Where no permit is required for the installation or repair of wiring, apparatus, devices or equipment
for the transmission, distribution or utilization of electrical energy for any purpose, the wiring,
apparatus, devices or equipment shall be installed or repaired in conformity with the provisions of
this article.
Sec. 82-282. -Application and issuance.
(a) The application for a permit shall describe the work to be done and shall be made in writing by a
master electrician or his company representative. The permit, when issued, shall be issued to such
applicant to cover such work as described and detailed. Any changes or additions must be covered
by additional permits at the time changes are made. The application shall be accompanied by such
plans, specifications and schedules as may be necessary to determine whether the installations, as
described, will be in conformity with the requirements of this article.
(b) Reserved.
(c) Reserved.
(d) If it is found that the installation, as described, will, in general, conform to the requirements of this
article, and if the applicant has complied with all provisions of the ordinances of the city, a permit for
such installation shall be issued. The issuance of a permit will not be taken as permission or as a
license to violate any of the requirements of this article or any other ordinance of the city.
(e) The inspector may issue and enforce any rules or regulations he may deem necessary covering the
granting of emergency permits, where real emergencies exist.
(f) Before a permit is issued, fees shall be paid to the city in amounts listed in appendix A of the city's
Code of Ordinances.
Sec. 82-283. - Reserved.
Sec. 82-284. - Insurance requirements.
(a) No permit shall be issued until the master electrician shall have arranged to carry the minimum
insurance as required by the Administrative Rules of the Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation, 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 73; Section 73.40.
(b) Evidence of compliance with the insurance requirements of subsection (a) of this section shall be
considered as having been met when a certificate of insurance has been filed with and approved by
the city. Such policy shall include an endorsement thereon that the city will be notified at least ten
days in advance in the event of the policy being cancelled.
Secs. 82-285-82-305. - Reserved.
DIVISION 4. - INSPECTIONS
Sec. 82-306. - Inspector's responsibilities.
The inspector shall, upon application, cause to be issued permits for the installation and alteration of
electrical wiring, devices, appliances, fixtures, apparatus and equipment, and certificates of final approval
therefor, and shall be responsible for inspection of all new electrical installations and re-inspections of all
electrical installations, all as provided in this article. He shall keep complete records of all permits issued,
inspections and re-inspections made, and other official work performed in accordance with the provisions
of this article.
Sec. 82-307. - Entry upon private property.
The inspector shall have the right from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Monday—Friday) or in emergency
situations, to enter any building in the discharge of his official duties or for the purpose of making any
inspection, reinspection or test of the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances,
fixtures and electrical equipment contained therein, and shall have the authority to cause the turning off of
all electrical currents and to cut or disconnect in cases of emergency any wire where such electrical
currents are dangerous to life and property, or where such wires may interfere with the work of the fire
department. The inspector is hereby empowered in emergencies to disconnect and to order the
discontinuance of electrical service to any electric wiring, apparatus, device, appliance, fixture or
equipment found to be dangerous to life or property because of its being defective or defectively installed
or otherwise not in conformity with the provisions of this article until such wiring, apparatus, device,
appliance, fixture and equipment and their installation have been made safe as directed by him/her in
conformity with this article.
Sec. 82-308. - Installations to be concealed.
When any part of a wiring installation is to be concealed by permanent placement of parts of a
building, the master electrician or authorized representative to whom the permit has been issued shall
notify the inspector, provided that on such installation as the concealment or parts of the wiring must, in
the discretion of the inspector, necessarily proceed continuously, the master electrician to whom the
permit has been issued shall give the inspector due notice, and inspection made periodically during the
progress of work. Where, in the discretion of the inspector, it is necessary, he shall post notice upon the
premises stating that work has been approved and may be covered, or it is not approved and may not be
covered until such further inspection as is necessary has been made. Any person destroying, altering or
defacing such notice without the consent of the inspector, shall be deemed guilty of an offense under this
section, and any work described in the notice shall be stayed pending the further necessary inspection.
Upon the completion of the work that has been authorized by the issuance of a permit, it shall be the duty
of the master electrician to whom the permit has been issued to immediately notify the inspector, who
shall inspect such installations within three days, exclusive of weekends and holidays, of the time such
notice was given.
Sec. 82-309. -Authorization for electrical service.
If the work is found to be in compliance with the provisions of this article, the inspector, subject to the
other applicable provisions of this article, shall issue a final approval to the public utility corporation
furnishing the electrical service or the person supplying the energy, which approval shall authorize
connection of such approved work to the source of energy of the electrical service, the turning on of
current and the use of the installation. No connection shall be made until such authorization and final
approval is given.
Sec. 82-310. - Reinspection; correction of unsafe conditions.
The inspector shall make, upon information or belief that faulty conditions exist, a thorough
reinspection of any electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment now installed
or that may hereafter be installed and within the scope of this article, and when the installation of such
wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment is found to be at variance with the original
permit issued, or to be in a dangerous or unsafe condition, or if it is found that the electrical measuring
device has been tampered with so as to create a condition dangerous to the continuity of the electrical
service or to property, the person owning, using or operating the same shall be notified in writing and
shall make the necessary repairs or changes required to place such wiring, apparatus, devices and
equipment in safe condition so as to relieve the hazards created by such unauthorized conditions, and
shall have such work completed within ten days, or any reasonably longer period specified by the
inspector in the written notice.
Sec. 82-311. -Schedule of fees for inspection.
The master electrician making or supervising installation or alteration of electric wiring, apparatus,
devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment, shall pay to the city fees in such amounts as established by
the city and listed in appendix A of this Code.
Sec. 82-312. - Reserved.
Secs. 82-313-82-335. - Reserved.
DIVISION 5. -STANDARDS
Sec. 82-336. - National Electrical Code—Adoption.
(a) Except as provided in this article, the National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, is hereby adopted as
the regulations to govern and to be observed and followed in all electric wiring and in all electrical
construction, installation, repair, alteration, operation and maintenance of electric wiring, apparatus
and fixtures, except for the amendments adopted in sections 82-337 through 82-350, of this chapter.
One copy of the National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, is on file in the office of the city secretary.
(b) If a section of this article is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety
or health ordinance or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto or any other ordinance or code or
regulation of the city, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion of the
health and safety of the people shall prevail.
(c) Any person who shall violate any provision of the standards adopted or established in this article
shall be deemed to have committed a class C misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished
by a fine in an amount as provided in appendix B of this Code.
(d) All applicable fees shall be in accordance with appendix A of this Code.
Sec. 82-337. -Same—Amendments.
The electrical code adopted in section 82-336 is amended to read as provided in sections 82-338
through 82-350.
Sec. 82-338. -Aluminum conductors.
(a) Aluminum conductors may not be used in any wiring within residential buildings. However, in
residential developments aluminum conductors shall be allowed up to the line side of the meter socket
only.
(b) Aluminum conductors may be used in commercial applications as follows:
(1) Outside aerial conductors, and
(2) Service entrance conductors.
Sec. 82-339. - Installation of electrical devices.
All electrical devices (including but not limited to outlets and switches) shall be installed with the
screw-wrap or approved screw clamp installation. Back or quick stab installation is prohibited.
Sec. 82-340. - Reserved.
Sec. 82-341. - Reserved.
Sec. 82-342. -Wiring within buildings.
Nonmetallic sheathed cable shall be used only for residential work, apartment houses, hotels, motels
and similar occupancies equal to and less than three stories in height. Conductors in or on all tile and
masonry walls of such buildings shall be encased in rigid conduit, flexible conduit, PVC conduit or
electrical metallic tubing. Minimum size nonmetallic sheathed cable shall be limited to No. 12 AWG.
Sec. 82-343-82-347. - Reserved.
Sec. 82-348. - Franchise to install equipment in streets.
No person or public service company that does not operate under a franchise granted by the city
shall have the right to install any electrical conduit, wires, ducts, poles or equipment of any character for
the transmission, distribution or utilization of electrical energy, or for the operation of signals or the
transmission of intelligence on, over or under the streets in the city, without first obtaining from the city
council a franchise right or grant for the particular installation so desired to be made. Any such installation
so made under such franchise or grant shall be in strict conformity with all rules and regulations and
ordinances of the city.
Sec. 82-349. -Suspension of approval of materials.
The building codes appeal board (BCAB) may, for the good and justifiable reasons suspend or
revoke the approval of certain materials or wiring.
Sec. 82-350. - Prohibition of installation of nonconforming goods.
(a) No electrical materials, apparatus, devices appliances, fixtures or equipment shall be installed in the
city unless they are in conformity with the provisions of this article and the statutes of the state.
(b) The maker's name, trademark or other identification symbol shall be placed on all electrical
materials, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment used or installed under the
provisions of this article.
Secs. 82-351-82-380. - Reserved.
Section 4: That Chapter 82, "Buildings and Building Regulations", Article V "Reserved", of the Code
of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Texas, is hereby amended in its entirety and shall hereinafter read
as follows:
"ARTICLE V. – FUEL GAS CODE
Sec. 82-385. -Adoption.
(a) Except as provided in this article, the International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 Edition, published by the
International Code Council, is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set forth at length in this section
and the provisions therein shall be controlling in the design, construction, quality of materials,
erection, installation, alteration, repair, location, relocation, replacement, addition to, use and
maintenance of buildings and structures within the city limits. One copy of the International Fuel Gas
Code, 2018 Edition, is on file in the office of the city secretary.
(b) If a section of this article is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety
or health ordinance or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto or any other ordinance or code or
regulation of the city, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion of the
health and safety of the people shall prevail.
(c) Any person who shall violate any provision of the standards adopted or established in this article
shall upon conviction be punished as provided in Appendix B.
(d) Fees shall be in accordance with Appendix A of the city's Code of Ordinances.
Code Deletions.
The following sections of the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code are deleted in its entirety:
Subsection 106.6.2 Fee schedule.
Subsection 106.6.3 Fee refunds.
Section 109 Means of Appeal.
Section 5: That Chapter 82, "Buildings and Building Regulations", Article VI "Energy
Conservation Code", of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Texas, is hereby amended
in its entirety and shall hereinafter read as follows:
"ARTICLE VI. - ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY
Sec. 82-411. - Purpose.
This article is declared to be remedial and establishes minimum prescriptive and
performance-related regulation for the design of energy-efficient buildings and structures for the
effective use of energy.
DIVISION 2. -STANDARDS
Sec. 82-412. -Adoption.
(a) Except as provided in this article, the International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 edition,
published by the International Code Council, as amended in section 82-413 of this article or
addressed by the energy efficiency regulations of the International Residential Code, 2018 edition,
as adopted by section 82-31 of this chapter, is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set forth at
length in this section and the provisions therein shall be controlling in the design, construction,
quality of materials, erection, installation, alteration, repair, location, relocation, replacement, addition
to, use and maintenance of buildings and structures within the city limits. One copy of the
International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 edition is on file in the office of the city secretary.
(b) If a section of this article is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety
or health ordinance or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto or any other ordinance or code or
regulation of the city, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion of the
health and safety of the people shall prevail.
(c) Any person who shall violate any provision of the standards adopted or established in this article
shall upon conviction be punished as provided in Appendix B.
Sec. 82-413. -Amendments.
The energy conservation code adopted in section 82-412 of this article shall be amended to read as
follows:
Section C101.1 Title. This code shall be known as the International Energy Conservation Code of the
City of La Porte, and shall be cited as such. It is referred to herein as"this code".
Section C105.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to all
required inspections. Inspections shall be performed by a certified and/or licensed party (i.e. 3rd
Party).
Section R101.1 Title. This code shall be known as the International Energy Conservation Code of the
City of La Porte, and shall be cited as such. It is referred to herein as "this Code".
Section R105.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to all
required inspections. Inspections shall be performed by a certified and/or licensed party (i.e. 3rd
Party).
Code Deletions.
Sections C105.3 thru C105.7.1 are deleted in their entirety.
Sections R105.3 thru R105.7.1 are deleted in their entirety.
Section 6: That Chapter 82, "Buildings and Building Regulations", Article VII "Mechanical Code",
of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Texas, is hereby amended in its entirety and shall
hereinafter read as follows:
"ARTICLE VII. - MECHANICAL CODE
Sec. 82-441. -Adoption.
(a) Except as provided in this article, the International Mechanical Code, 2018 edition, published by
the International Code Council, is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set forth at length in this
section and the provisions therein shall be controlling in the design, construction, quality of materials,
erection, installation, alteration, repair, location, relocation, replacement, addition to, use and
maintenance of buildings and structures within the city limits. One copy of the International
Mechanical Code, 2018 Edition is on file in the office of the city secretary.
(b) If a section of this article is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning, building, fire,
safety or health ordinance or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto or any other ordinance or
code or regulation of the city, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion
of the health and safety of the people shall prevail.
(c) Any person who shall violate any provision of the standards adopted or established in this article
shall upon conviction be punished as provided in Appendix B.
(d) Fees shall be in accordance with Appendix A of the city's Code of Ordinances.
Sec. 82-442. -Amendments.
Code Deletions.
The following sections of the 2018 International Mechanical Code are deleted in their entirety:
Subsection 106.5.2 Fee schedule
Subsection 106.5.3 Fee refunds
Section 109 Means of Appeal.
Secs. 82-443-82-470. - Reserved."
Section 7: That Chapter 82, "Buildings and Building Regulations", Article XI "Swimming Pools", of
the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Texas, is hereby amended in its entirety and shall
hereinafter read as follows:
"ARTICLE Xl. -SWIMMING POOLS
Sec. 82-631.—Reserved.
Sec. 82-632. Swimming Pool and Spa_Code adopted.
(a) Except as provided in this section, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2018 edition,
published by the International Code Council, is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set forth at
length in this section and the provisions therein shall be controlling for the design, construction,
alteration, movement, renovation, replacement, repair and maintenance of aquatic recreation
facilities, pools, spas, hot tubs and aquatic facilities. The pools and spas covered by this code are
either permanent or temporary, and shall be only those that are designed and manufactured to be
connected to a circulation system and that are intended for swimming, bathing or wading. One copy
of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2018 Edition, is on file in the office of the city
secretary.
(b) If a section of this article is found to be in conflict with a provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety
or health ordinance or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto or any other ordinance or code or
regulation of the city, the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion of the
health and safety of the people shall prevail.
(c) Any person who shall violate any provision of the standards adopted or established in this article
shall upon conviction be punished as provided in Appendix B.
Sec. 82-633. -Water quality.
(a) The provisions of this section shall apply to public swimming pools.
(b) All public swimming pools, as well as wading pools shall maintain water quality at all times
consistent with the requirements set forth in this section:
(1) Disinfectant. There shall be introduced into such pools sufficient disinfectant so as to maintain
at all times a free chlorine residual of not less than 1.0 ppm as shown by the standard ortho-
tolidine test, which level shall be maintained in all parts of the pool.
(2) Acidity-alkalinity. The pool water shall be maintained in an alkaline condition so that pH of the
water shall not be less than 7.2.
(3) Clarity of water. The pool water shall be sufficiently clear so that the main drain in the deepest
part of the pool is clearly visible from the edge of such pool nearest the drain.
(4) Algae. Pool water, floors, walls and surrounding decks and overflow gutters shall be kept free
of algae.
(5) Bacterial quality. Not more than 15 percent of samples tested shall show the presence of
coliform organisms nor have a plate count of more than 200 bacteria per milliliter.
(6) Recirculation system. Each public swimming pool shall be equipped with a recirculation system
which shall consist of pumping equipment, hair and lint catcher and filters. Wading pools shall
be physically separated from swimming pools and shall be served by the swimming pool
recirculation system or by a separate system.
Sec. 82-634. -Annual public swimming pool license.
(a) Required; application. It shall be unlawful to establish, maintain or operate a public swimming pool
without first securing a public swimming pool license from the inspection services division. Written
application for such license must be filed with the inspection services division, and must contain
sufficient information to identify the owners and/or operators of the public swimming pool, the
location of such pool, and the name and address of the person seeking the license.
(b) Operation without license. It shall be unlawful for any public swimming pool owner or operator to
operate such a swimming pool unless he shall have made application for a public swimming pool
license.
(c) Validity; fees. Licenses shall be valid for a period of one year beginning on May 1 of each year and
shall be renewable annually during the month of April. The license fee and annual license renewal
shall be a sum as established by the city and listed in appendix A of this Code. License fees for
licenses issued after May 1 of each license year shall be prorated upon the basis of an amount as
established by the city and listed in appendix A of this Code for each elapsed month, or fraction
thereof, since May 1 of such year. All license fees shall be nonrefundable.
(d) Transferal. Public swimming pool licenses shall be nontransferable.
(e) Inspections. By the acceptance of the license, the licensee shall be deemed to authorize the
inspection of his swimming pool at all reasonable hours. Failure to permit such inspection shall be
grounds for suspension or revocation of the license.
(f) Inspection results; discrepancies. Upon each such inspection by the inspection services division, the
result of the inspection will be communicated to the licensee. Discrepancies found in the water
quality standards, as required by section 82-633, shall be corrected within a time period specified by
the building official. If such discrepancy is considered, in the opinion of the building official, to be
hazardous to the health and safety of the public, such license may be suspended until the
discrepancy is corrected. It shall be unlawful to maintain or allow the use of a public swimming pool
during such period of suspension.
Sec. 82-635. Reserved.
Sec. 82-636. Amendments
The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code adopted in section 82-632 of this article shall be
amended to read as follows:
Section 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Swimming Pool and Spa Code of the City of
La Porte, hereinafter referred to as"this code".
302.6 Wastewater Discharge. Where wastewater from pools or spas, such as backwash water from filter
discharges shall drain to a building drainage system and shall be of a connection made through an air
gap in accordance with the International Plumbing Code or the International Residential Code in
accordance with Section 102.7.1. If water from deck drains discharge to a building drainage system, the
connection shall be through an air gap in accordance with the International Plumbing Code or the
International Residential Code in accordance with Section 102.7.1.
Code Deletions.
The following sections of the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code are deleted:
Subsection 105.6.2 Fee schedule.
Subsection 105.6.3 Fee refunds.
Section 108 Means of Appeal.
Section 8. Any person, as defined in Section 1.07 (27), Texas Penal Code, who shall violate any
provision of the ordinance, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be
shall be fined in a sum not to exceed two thousand dollars.
Section 9, Each and every provision, paragraph, sentence and clause of this Ordinance has been
separately considered and passed by the City Council of the City of La Porte, Texas, and each said
provision would have been separately passed without any other provision, and if any provision
hereof shall be ineffective, invalid or unconstitutional, for any cause, it shall not impair or affect
the remaining portion, or any part thereof, but the valid portion shall be in force just as if it had
been passed alone.
Section 10. All other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed,
but to the extent of such conflict only.
Section 11. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites and declares that a sufficient
written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City Council is posted
at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the city for the time required by law
preceding this meeting, as required by Chapter 551, Tx. Gov't Code; and that this meeting has
been open to the public as required by law at all times during which this ordinance and the subject
matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The City Council
further ratifies, approves and confirms such written notice and the contents and posting thereof.
Section 12. This Ordinance shall be effective sixty (60) days after its passage and approval. The
City Secretary shall give notice of the passage of this ordinance by causing the caption hereof
to be published in the official newspaper of the City of La Porte at least once within ten (10)
days after the passage of this ordinance.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the oto day of 34;21y6; 2020.
CITY OF A PORTE, TEXAS
M'
L elp. Rigby, Fe
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
11_ . .A - `. --
- Woodward, City ary Clark T. Askins, Assistant City Attorney