OR 91-520 Adopts Uniform Building Code AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COPPF-I .l~ TEXAS
ORDINANCE NO. 91520
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS, ADOPTING THE UNIFORM
BUILDING CODE, 1991 EDITION, REGULATING THE ERECTION, CONSTRUCTION,
ENLARGEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, MOVING, REMOVAL, DEMOLITION, CONVERSION,
OCCUPANCY, EQUIPMENT, USE, HEIGHT, AREA AND MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS AND
STRUCTURES IN THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF
PERMITS AND COLLECTION OF FEES THEREFOR; PROVIDING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO
SAID UNIFORM BUILDING CODE; REPEALING ALL PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT
WITH THIS ORDINANCE; SPECIFICAI.I.Y REPEALING ORDINANCE NUMBER 88-422;
PROVIDING THAT ARTICLE 15-1 OF CHAPTER 15, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF COPPELL BE AMENDED TO REFLECT THE ADOPTION OF THIS ORDINANCE;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THIS
ORDINANCE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00) FOR EACH
OFFENSE; EXCEPT WHERE A DIFFERENT PENALTY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BY STATE LAW
FOR SUCH OFFENSE, THE PENALTY SHA! .L BE THAT FIXED BY STATE LAW, AND FOR ANY
OFFENSE WHICH IS A VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION THAT 13OVERNS FIRE SAFETY,
ZONING, PUBLIC HEALTH AND SANITATION OR DUMPING OF REFUSE AS THAT TERM IS
DEFINED BY SECTION 2.09 OF THE TEXAS LITFER ABATEMENT ACT, ARTICLE 4477-9a,
VERNON'S ANNOTATED CIVIL STATUTES, AS AMENDED, THE PENALTY SHALL BE A FINE
NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,000.00) FOR EACH
OFFENSE AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
KDOPTINGUNIFOI~BUII~ING CODE - Page 1
WHEREAS, it is deemed necessary to provide minimum standards to regulate the design,
construction, materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of buildings and
structures and certain equipment thereof, within the City to protect public safety, health and
welfare; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. TITLE
This ordinance shall be known as ~ CITY OF COPPRIJ. BUILDING CODE."
SECTION 2. ADOPTION OF UNIFORM BUILDING CODE
That certain code volume and volume of code standards, copies of which axe on file in
the office of the City Secretary, being marked and designated as ~Jnifonn Bufiding Code,"
including Appendix Chapters 12 and 70, 1991 Edition, and the "Uniform Building Code
Standards," 1991 Edition, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, be
and the same is hereby adopted as the Building Code of the City of Coppeli, Texas, for
regulating the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal,
demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of all
buildings or snmctures in the City, providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees
therefor; except as portions are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended, a copy of said
volumes being artached hereto as Exhibit "A" and "B" and made a part hereof the same as If
fully set out at length herein.
SECTION 3. SPECIFIC AMENDMENTS TO UNIFORM BUILDING CODE
The Unifonn Building Code adopted by this ordinance and attached hereto as Exhibit
"A" is amended as foliows:
(a) Section 301 (a) Permit Required. No building or structure regulated by this
code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved,
removed, convened or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or
structure has first been obtained from the Building Official.
All materials governed by this code shall be installed according to manufacturers
recommendations and specifications and installed in a neat and workman like
manner.
ADOPTINGUNIFORMBUILDING CODE - Page 2
(b) Delete Section 301 (b)
(c) Section 305 (d) Approval Required. Work shall not be done beyond the point
indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the
Building Official. The building official, upon notification, shall make the
requested inspections and shall either indicate that portion of the construction
is satisfactory as completed or shall notify the permit holder or Ms agent wherein
the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions whlch do not comply shall
be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized
by the building official.
There shall be a fmal inspection and approval on all buildings and
structures when completed and ready for occupancy or use. No structure may
be occupied by persons or possessions before a final acceptance has been given
on the occupancy.
(d) Section 305 (e). Final Inspection: To be made after finish grading and the
building is completed and ready for occupancy. No structure may be occupied
by any person or possession before a final acceptance has been given on the
occupancy.
(e) Section 305 (f) Roin~pections. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each
inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is
called is not complete or when corrections called for axe not made.
This subsection is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first
time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this code,
but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready
for such inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees may be assessed when the permit card is not properly
posted on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the
inspector, for failure to post an address on the job site, for failure to have the
required trash receptacle on the job site or failure to maintain trash that can be
scattered or blown by the wind within that receptacle, or for deviating from the
plans requiring the approval of the building official.
To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall ~e an application therefor
in writing upon a form furnished for that purpose and pay the reinspection fee
in accordance with Table No. 3-A.
In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional
inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been pal&
ADOPTING UNIFORMBUILDING CODE - Page 3
(f) DELETE TABLE 3A. See Chapter 18 of the Coppell Code of Ordinances for fees.
(g) Section 402. Revise the definition of "amusement building" as follows:
AMUSEMENT BUILDING is a building or portion thereof used for entertainment
or educational purposes and wMch contains a system that transports passengers
or provides a walk-way through a course so arranged that the required exits are
not apparent due to theatrical distractions, are disguised or not readfly available
due to the method of transportation through the building or structure.
Portable Amusement Structure is an amusement building designed and
constructed to be portable, to be erected and used on a short-term basis at each
location.
Temporary Amusement Building is an amusement building used for that purpose
for a period of six weeks or less in any given 12-month period.
Permanent Amusement BuildiRg is any amusement building not otherwise
classified as portable or temporary.
(h) Section 502. No change shall be made in the character of occupancies, use of
any building or tenant unless such bu~ding is made to comply with the
requirements of this code for such division or group of occupancy.
Exception: The character of the occupancy of
existing buildings may be changed subject to the
approval of the building official, and the building
may be occupied for purposes in other groups
without conforming to all the requirements of this
code for those groups, provided the new or
proposed use is less hazardous, based on llfe and
fire risk, than the existing use.
No change in the character of occupancy of a building or tenant shatl be made
without a certificate of occupancy, as required by Section 308 of this code. The
bufiding official may issue a Certificate of Occupancy pursuant to the above
exception without certifying that the building complies with all provisions of this
code.
(i) Section 610 (a) General An approved smoke-detection system installed in
accordance with the Fire Code shall be provided in amusement buffclings.
ADOPTING UNIFORMBUILDING CODE - Page 4
Exceptions:
1. In areas where ambient conditions will cause a smoke
detector system to Mann, an approved alternate type of
automatic detector shall be installed.
2. A temporary use may have single station hardwired
detectors with a coverage as recommended by the
manufacturer, but not to exceed 900 square feet.
(b) Activation of any single smoke detector, the automatic sprinkler
system or other automatic fife-detection device shall immediately
sound an alarm in the building and at a constantly supervised
location from which the manual operation of systems noted in
Section 610 (c), Items 1,2, and 3, may be initiated.
(c) System Response. The activation of two or more smoke detectors,
a single smoke detector monitored by an alarm verification zone,
the automatic sprinkler system or other approved automatic fire-
detection device shall automatically:
1. Stop confusing sounds and visual effects, and
2. Activate an approved directional exit marlLing, and
3. Cause illumination of the exit path with light of not
less than one foot candle at the walking surface.
(d) Public Address SystenL A public address system which is audible
throughout the amusement building shall be provided in all
portable and permanent amusement buildings. The public address
system may also serve as an alarm system.
(j) Delete exception number 2 of section 802 (c).
(k) Section 2S17 (g) S. Headers. Headers and lintels shall conform to the
requirements set forth in table 2S-W, attached hereto as EXHIBIT "C", and
together with their supporting systems shall be designed to support the
loads specified by this code. All openings 4 feet wide or less in bearing
walls shall be provided with headers consisting of either two pieces of
2-inch flaming lumber placed on edge and securely fastened together or
4-inch lumber of eqnivalent cross section. All openings more than 4 feet
wide shall be provided with headers or lintels. Each end of a lintel or
header shall have a length of bearing not less than 11/2 inches for the
full length of the lintel.
ADOPTING UNIFORM BUILDING CODE - Page 5
(1) Section 3802 (a) where required. An automatic fire-extinguishing system
shall be installed in the occupancies and locations set forth in this
section. Regardless of the occupancy, any building exceeding 10,000
square feet shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire
extinguishing system.
(m) Section 3802 (c) 6. Amusement Buildings. An automatic sprinkler
system shall be installed in all permaneut and portable amusement
bu~dings. The main water-flow switch shall be electrlcally supervised.
The spriolder main cutoff valve shall be supervised. When the
amusemeut building is portable, the sprinkler water-supply system shall
be of an approved temporary type.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system need not be provided when
the floor area of a portable amusement building is less than 1,000 square
feet and the exit travel distance from any point is less than 50 feet.
(n) Delete Section 4701 (b)
(o) Revise Division 3 to Apendix Chapter 12 as foilows:
BARRIERS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS AND HOT TUBS
Sec. 1241. The provisions of this section apply to the design and construction of
harriers for swimming poois located on the premises of Group R, Division 3 Occupancies and
exterior pools of Group R, Division 3 Occupancies.
Do~nldons
Sec. 1242. For the purpose of this section, certain terms, words and phrases are defined
as foilows:
ABOVEGROUND/ON-GROUND POOL. See defiuition of swimming pool.
BARBIF-R ls a fence, wall, building wall or a combination thereof, which completely
surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.
GRADE is the underlying surface such as earth or a walking surface.
HOT TUB. See definition of swimming pool.
ADOPTING UNIFORM BUILDING CODE - Page 6
IN-GROUND POOL. See defmitinn of swimming pool.
SPA, NONPORTABLE. See definition of swimming pool.
SPA, PORTABLE, is a nonpermanent structure intended for recreational batking, in
which all controis, water-heating and water-circulating equipment are an integral part of the
product and which is cord connected (not permanently electrically wired).
SWIMMING POOL is any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that
contains water over 24 inches deep. This includes in-ground, aboveground and on-ground
sxar/mming pools, hot tubs and spas.
SWIMMING POOL, INDOOR, is a swimming pool which is totally contained within a
residential structure and surrounded on all four sides by walls of said structure, excluding
hoteis and motels.
SWIMMING POOL, OIjrDOOR, is any swimming pool which is not an indoor pool.
Requirements
See. 1243. (a) Outdoor Swimming Pool An outdoor swimming pool, including an in-
ground, aboveground or on-ground pool, hot tub or spa shall be provided with a barrier which
shall comply with the following:
1. The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side
of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance
between grade and the bottom of the barrier shah be 2 inches measured on the side of the
barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure is
above grade, such as an aboveground pool, the barrier may be at ground level, such as the pool
structure, or mounted on top of the pool structure. Where the barrier is mounted on top of
the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and
the bottom of the barrier shall be 4 inches.
2. No permanent structures, boxes or other items shall be located adjacent to the
barrier where the top of the box structure or other item is within a 48 inch radius of the top
of the barrier.
Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.
4. Solid barriers which do not have openings, such as masonry, or stone walls, shall not
contain indentations or protrusions except for tooled masonry joints.
5. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and verticai members and the allstance
between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the horizontal members
shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members
shall not exceed 13/4 inches in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical
ADOPTING UNIFORM BUILDING CODE - Page 7
members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 13/4 inches in width.
6. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance
between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more, spacing between vertical
members shall not exceed 4 inches. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical
members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 13/4 inches in width.
7. Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be a 11/4-inch square unless the
fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or the bottom which reduce the openings to no
more than 13/4 inches. The wire shall be not less than 9 gauge.
8. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, such as a lattice fence, the
maximum opening formed by the diagonal members shall be no more than 13/4 inches.
9. Access gates shall comply with the requirements of Items I through 7 and shall be
equipped self-closing and self-latching mechanisms. Gates shall also be equipped to
accommodate a locking device. The release mechanism shall not be located within the bottom
forty (40) inches of the gate.
10. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct access
to the pool through that wall shall be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching
mechanisms. Dwelling units of Group R, Division 1 occupancies shall not open directly into the
pool area. Where walls of all other uses have doors with direct access to the pool area, those
doors shall be equipped with self-dosing and seff-latching mechanisms.
11. Where an aboveground pool structure is used as a barrier or where the barrier is
mounted on top of the pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then (1)
the ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access or
(2) the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier which meets the requirements of Items
1 thxough 9. When the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening created
shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere.
Co) Indoor Swimming Pool Doors with dlxect access to an indoor swimming pool shall
comply with Section 1243(a)10."
SECTION 4. REPEALING CLAUSE
All parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance
are hereby repealed. Ordinance Number 88-422 is hereby specifically repealed. However, the
repeal of existing ordinances by this ordinance shall not affect or prevent the prosecution or
the punishment of any person for any act done or committed prior to the effective date of this
ordinance in violation of any ordinance hereby repealed; and the prosecution for such offenses
may be instituted and causes presently pending proceeded with in all respects as if such prior
ordinance or ordinances had not been repealed.
ADOPTING UNIPORMBUILDING CODE - Page 8
SECTION S. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
If any article, paragraph or subdivision, clause or provision of this ordinance shall be
adjudged invalid or held unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of this
ordinance as a whole or any part or provision thereof, other than the part so decided to be
invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 6. PENALTY CLAUSE
Any person, finn or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a penalty of fine
not to exceed the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each offense; except where a
different penalty has been established by state law for such offense, the penalty shall be that
fkxed by state law, and for any offense which is a violation of any provision that governs fire
safety, zoning, public health and sanitation or dumping of refuse as that term is defined by
section 2.09 of the Texas kitter Abatement Act, Article 4477-9a, Vemon's Annotated Civil
Statutes, as mended, the penalty shall be a fine not to exceed the sum of Two Thousand
Dollars ($2000.00) for each offense, and each and every day such offense is continued shall
constitute a new and separate offense.
SECTION 7. SAVINGS CLAUSE
Article 15-1-4 of the Coppell Code of Ordinances shall remain in full force and effect.
~M~)OPTING UNIFORM BUILDING CODE - Page 9
SECTION 8. EFFECTIVE DATE
From and after ks passage and publication of its caption, as the law in such cases
provides, this Ordinance shall take effect October 1, 1991.
DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Coppell, Texas,
this the 13th day of August, 1991.
APPROVED
Mark Wolfe
MAYOR
ATTEST:
Dorothy Timmons
CITY SECRETARY
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Lawrence W. Jackson
CITY ATTORNEY
ADOPTING UNIFORM BUILDING CODE - Page 10