HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 2024-4026_Building Codes UpdateORDINANCE NO 2024-4026
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 82 "BUILDINGS AND BUILDING
REGULATIONS" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE,
TEXAS, BY ADOPTING THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2024
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, 2024 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING
CODE, 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, 2024
INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE, 2024 INTERNATIONAL
PLUMBING CODE, 2024 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE, 2024 FUEL GAS
CODE AND 2023 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 AREPEALING 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 11 "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:
"See. 82-31. - Adoption.
(a) Except as provided in this division, the International Residential Code, and the
International Building Code, 2024 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, 2024 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 shallviolate 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, countertops 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 orvent pipe; provided, however, that if
any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it
becomes necessaryto 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.
Section R301.2.1 Wind design criteria. Buildings and portions thereof shall be constructed in
accordance with the wind provisions of this code using the ultimate design wind speed in Table
R301.2 as determined from Figure R301.2(2). The structural provisions of this code for wind loads are
not permitted where wind design is required as specified in Section R301.2.1.1. Where different
construction methods and structural materials are used for various portions of abuilding, the
applicable requirements of this section for each portion shall apply. Where not otherwise specified,
the wind loads listed in Table R301.2.1(1) adjusted for height and exposure using Table R301.2.1(2)
shall be used to determine design load performance requirements for wall coverings, curtain
walls, roof coverings, exterior windows, skylights, garage doors and exterior doors. Asphalt shingles
shall be designed for wind speeds in accordance with Section R905.2.4. Metal roof shingles shall be
designed for wind speeds in accordance with Section R905.4.4. A continuous load path shall be
provided to transmit the applicable uplift forces in Section R802.11 from the roof assemblyto the
foundation. Where ultimate design wind speeds in Figure R301.2(2) are less than the lowest wind
speed indicated in the prescriptive provisions of this code, the lowest wind speed indicated in the
prescriptive provisions of this code shall be used.
Section R301.2.1.2 Protection of Openings. Exterior glazing in buildings located in windborne debris
regions shall be protected from windborne debris. Glazed opening protection for windborne debris
shall meet the requirements of the Large Missile Test of ASTM E1886 and ASTM El996 . Garage door
glazed opening protection for windborne debris shall meet the requirements of
an approved impact -resisting standard or ANSI/DASMA 115.
Exception: Wood structural panels with a thickness of not less than'/,q inch (11 mm) and a
span of not more than 8 feet (2438 mm) shall be permitted for opening protection. Panels
shall be precut and attached to the framing surrounding the opening containing the product
with the glazed opening. Panels shall be predrilled as required forthe anchorage method and
shall be secured with the attachment hardware provided. Attachments shall be designed to
resist the component and cladding loads determined in accordance with
either Table R301 21(1)or ASCE_Z, with the permanent corrosion -resistant attachment
hardware provided and anchors permanently installed on the building. Attachment in
accordance with Table R301 21.2 is permitted for buildings with amean roof height of 45
feet (13 728 mm) or less where the ultimate design wind speed, V.,,, is 180 mph (290 kph) or
less.
Code Deletions.
The following sections of the 2024 International Residential Code are deleted.
Subsection R309.1 Townhouse Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
Section R309.2 One -And Two -Family Dwellings Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Section R317.5 Fire Sprinklers
Subsection R905.7 Wood Shingles
Subsection R905.8 Wood Shakes
Section P2904 Dwelling Unit Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Part Vlll, 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 sec l i on. 82-31 of this article shall be amended to read as follows:
Section 10 1. 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, countertops 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. Temporarytesting 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 orvent 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(3) Basic Design Wind Speeds (3-Second Gust) -160 M.P.H.
Figure 1609.3(4) Basic Design Wind Speeds (3-Second Gust) -160 M.P.H.
Section 1609. 1.1 Determination of wind loads. Wind loads on every building or structure shall be
determined in accordance with Chapters 26 to 30 of ASCE 7. The type of opening protection required,
the basic wind speed, V, and the exposure category for asite is permitted to be determined in
accordance with Section 1609 or ASCE 7. Wind shall be assumed to come from any horizontal
direction and wind pressures shall be assumed to act normal to the surface considered.
Exceptions:
1. Subject to the limitations of Section 1609.1.1.1, the provisions of ICC 600 shall be
permitted for applicable Group R-2 and R-3 buildings.
2. Subject to the limitations of Section 1609.1.1.1, residential structures using the
provisions of AWC WFCM.
3. Subject to the limitations of Section 1609.1.1.1, residential structures using the
provisions of AISI S230.
4. Designs using NAAMM FP 1001.
5. Designs using TIA -222 for antenna -supporting structures and antennas, provided that
the horizontal extent of Topographic Category 2 escarpments in Section 2.6.6.2 of TIA-
222 shall be 16 times the height of the escarpment.
6. Wind tunnel tests in accordance with ASCE 49 and Sections 31.4 and 31.7 of ASCE 7.
7. Temporary structures complyingwith Section 3103.6.1.2.
The wind speeds in Figures 1609.3(1) through 1609.3(4) are basic wind speeds, V, and shall be
converted in accordance with Section 1609.3.1 to allowable stress design wind speeds, V,,,, when
the provisions of the standards referenced in Exceptions 4 and 5 are used.
Code Deletions.
The following sections of the 2024 International Building Code are deleted.
Subsection 1507.8 Wood shingles
Subsection 1507.9 Wood shakes
Section 27 Electrical. Chapter (Sections 2701 thru 2703.3) is deleted in its entirety.
Section 28 Mechanical Systems. Chapter (Section 2801) is deleted in its entirety.
Section 508.5 LivelWork Units. Deletion of entire section (Sections 508.5 thru 508.5. 11).
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 anyone accident; and
(2) The minimum sum of $100,000.00 for property damage for anyone 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) Properly 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. 82-45.-Adoption.
(a) Except as provided in this division, the International Existing Building Code, 2024 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 Existing Building Code, 2024 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 shallviolate 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. 82-50. -Adoption.
(a) Except as provided in this division the International Property Maintenance Code, 2024
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 Property Maintenance Code, 2024 edition, is on
file in the office of the citysecretary.
(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 shallviolate 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"
Section 2; That Chapter 82, "Buildings and Building Regulations", Article III "Plumbing Code",
of the Code of Ordinances of the City of LaPorte, 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, 2024 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 applyto the
erection, installation, alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or
maintenance of plumbing systems within the city limits. One copy of the International
Plumbing Code, 2024 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 forthe 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 2024 International Plumbing Code are deleted in their entirety.
Subsection 108.2 Fee schedule.
Subsection 108.6 Fee refunds.
Section 112 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 insections. 8231 and 89-66 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 properly 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."
Section 3: ThatChapter 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 underthe terms of said code.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no electricalwork 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. 82-103. -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 orwithout 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 bythe inspectororthe use of which has been ordered bythe inspector to
be discontinued until approval has been issued bythe inspector.
Secs. 82-104-82-150. - 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
necessaryto determine whetherthe 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 betaken as permission or as a license to violate any of the requirements of this article
or any other ordinance of the city.
(a) 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 bythe city. Such policy shall include an endorsement thereon thatthe 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 notifythe 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.
Secs. 82-312-82-335. - Reserved
DIVISION 5. -STANDARDS
Sec. 82-336. - National Electrical Code —Adoption
(a) Except as provided in this article, the National Electrical Code, 2023 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 82-35 , of this chapter. One copy of the National
Electrical Code, 2023 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 appendixAof 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. 82-339. - 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.
Secs. 82-340, - 82-341. Reserved
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."
gection 4: That Chapter 82, "Buildings and Building Regulations", Article V "Fuel Gas Code", of the
Code of Ordinances ofthe City of La Porte, Texas, is hereby amended in its entirety and shall hereinafter
read as follows:
"ARTICLE V. - FUEL GAS CODE
Sec. 82-381.-Adoption.
(a) Except as provided in this article, the International Fuel Gas Code, 2024 Edition, published by the
International Code Council, is adopted and incorporated as fully as if setforth 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, 2024 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 shalt 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 2024 International Fuel Gas Code are deleted in its entirety:
Subsection 108.2 Fee schedule.
Subsection 108.6 Fee refunds.
Section 112 Means of Appeal.
Sec. 82-382-82410. - Reserved:'
Section inn G: 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, 2024
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, 2024 edition, as adopted by aection 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,
2024 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 forthe promotion of the health and safety of the people shall prevail.
(c) Any person who shallviolate 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 workforwhich a permit is required shall be subject
to all required inspections. Inspections shall be performed by a certified and/or licensed
party (i.e. 3 b Parry).
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. 3' Parry).
Code Deletions.
Section 6: That Chapter 82, "Buildings and Building Regulations", Article VII "Mechanical
Code", of the Code of Ordinances of the Cityof La Porte, Texas, is hereby amended in its entirety
and shall hereinafter read as follows:
"ARTICLE VII. - MECHANICAL CODE
Sec. 82-447. - Adoption.
(a) Except as provided in this article, the International Mechanical Code, 2024 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, 2024 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 2024 International Mechanical Code are deleted in their
entirety:
Subsection 108.2 Fee schedule
Subsection 108.6 Fee refunds
Section 112 Means ofAppeal.
Section 7. 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
punished by a fine not to exceed FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00).
Section R. 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 ion 9. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the
extent of such conflict only.
Section 10. 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 11. This ordinance shall be effective fourteen (14) 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 91h day of December, 2024.
SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Clark I Askins, City Attomey