OR 2017-1467 2015 International Fuel Gas CodeAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS
ORDINANCE NO. 2017-1467
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY REPEALING CHAPTER
15 ARTICLE 15-6, "FUEL GAS CODE", IN ITS ENTIRETY, AND TO
REPLACE IT WITH THE A NEW ARTICLE 15-6, "FUEL GAS CODE", TO
ADOPT THE INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE, 2015 EDITION, AS
THE CITY OF COPPELL FUEL GAS CODE; PROVIDING
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE 2015
EDITION; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A
REPEALING CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING
A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE NOT TO EXCEED
THE SUM OF FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00) FOR EACH
OFFENSE; EXCEPT HOWEVER, WHERE A DIFFERENT PENALTY
HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BY STATE LAW FOR SUCH OFFENSE
WHICH IS A VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION OF LAW THAT
GOVERNS FIRE SAFETY, ZONING, OR PUBLIC HEALTH AND
SANITATION, INCLUDING DUMPING OF REFUSE, THE PENALTY
SHALL BE A FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($2,000.00) FOR EACH OFFENSE; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the Code of Ordinances of the City of Coppell, Texas be, and
the same is, hereby amended by repealing Chapter 15, Article 15-6, "Fuel Gas Code", in
its entirety, and to replace it through the adoption of a new Article 15-6, "Fuel Gas
Code," to provide for the adoption of the International Fuel Gas Code, 2015 Edition, with
amendments to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 15-6. FUEL GAS CODE
Section 15-6 Fuel Gas Code — Adopted.
There is hereby adopted the International Fuel Gas Code, 2015 Edition, and made a part
hereof for all purposes, the same as if fully copied in full herein, with the exception of such
sections hereof, which are hereafter deleted, modified or amended.
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Sec. 15-6-2 Amendments.
The following sections of the International Fuel Gas Code, 2015 Edition, are hereby
amended to read as follows:
1. Amend Section 101.1, to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fuel Gas Code of the City of
Coppell, hereinafter referred to as "this code".
2. Amend Section 101.2 to add a second paragraph to read as follows:
It is hereby noted that the scope of this code is not intended to supersede and
furthermore, shall correspond with the most current adoption of the State of Texas
Plumbing License Law.
3. Amend Section 102.8, to read as follows:
102.8 Referenced Codes and Standards. The codes and standards referenced in this
code shall be those that are listed in Chapter 15 and such codes, when specifically
adopted, and standards shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the
prescribed extent of each such reference. Whenever amendments have been adopted to
the referenced codes and standards, each reference to said code and standard shall be
considered to reference the amendments as well. Any reference to NFPA 70 or the
National Electrical Code (NEC) shall mean the Electrical Code as adopted.
4. Amend Section 304.11, item #8 to read as follows:
304.11 Combustion air ducts. Combustion air ducts shall comply with all of the
following:
1. Ducts shall be constructed of galvanized steel complying with Chapter 6 of the
International Mechanical Code or of a material having equivalent corrosion
resistance, strength and rigidity.
Exception: Within dwellings units, unobstructed stud and joist spaces shall not
be prohibited from conveying combustion air, provided that not more than one
required fire block is removed.
2. Ducts shall terminate in an unobstructed space allowing free movement of
combustion air to the appliances.
3. Ducts shall serve a single enclosure.
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4. Ducts shall not serve both upper and lower combustion air openings where both
such openings are used. The separation between ducts serving upper and lower
combustion air openings shall be maintained to the source of combustion air.
5. Ducts shall not be screened where terminating in an attic space.
6. Horizontal upper combustion air ducts shall not slope downward toward the source
of combustion air.
7. The remaining space surrounding a chimney liner, gas vent, special gas vent or
plastic piping installed within a masonry, metal or factory -built chimney shall not
be used to supply combustion air.
Exception: Direct -vent gas-fired appliances designed for installation in a solid
fuel -burning fireplace where installed in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
8. Combustion air intake openings located on the exterior of a building shall have the
lowest side of such openings located not less than 12 inches (305 mm) vertically
from the adjoining ground level or the manufacturer's recommendation, whichever
is more restrictive.
5. Delete Section 305.5 in its entirety.
6. Amend Section 306.3 and exceptions, to read as follows:
306.3 Appliances in Attics. Attics containing appliances requiring access shall be
provided ... {bulk of paragraph unchanged} ... from the opening to the appliance. The
passageway shall have continuous unobstructed solid flooring not less than 24 inches
(610 mm) wide. A level service space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30
inches (762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or service side of the equipment. The
clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches (508
mm by 762 mm), or larger where such dimensions are not large enough to allow removal
of the largest appliance. A walkway to an appliance shall be rated as a floor as approved
by the building official. As a minimum, access to the attic space shall be provided by
one of the following:
1. A permanent stair.
2. A pull down stair with a minimum 300 lb (136 kg) capacity.
3. An access door from an upper floor level.
4. Access panel may be used in lieu of items 1, 2, and 3 with prior approval of the
code official due to structural conditions.
Exceptions:
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1. The passageway and level service space are not required where the
appliance is capable of being serviced and removed through the required
opening.
2. Where the passageway is not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) high for its entire
length, the passageway shall not be greater than 50 feet (15250 mm) in length.
7. Amend Section 306.5, to read as follows:
306.5 Equipment and Appliances on Roofs or Elevated Structures. Where
equipment and appliances requiring access are installed on roofs or elevated structures
at an aggregate height exceeding 16 feet (4877 mm), such access shall be provided by a
permanent approved means of access, the extent of which shall be from permanent
exterior ladders providing roof access need not extend closer than 12 feet (2438 mm) to
the finish grade or floor level below and shall extend to the equipment and appliance's
level service space. Such access shall ... {bulls of section to read the same}... on roofs
having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33 -percent slope).
A receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment and appliance location in
accordance with the Electrical Code.
8. Amend Section 306.5.1 to read as follows:
306.5.1 Sloped roofs. Where appliances, equipment, fans or other components that
require service are installed on roofs having slopes greater than 4 units vertical in 12
units horizontal and having an edge more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at such
edge, a catwalk at least 16 inches in width with substantial cleats spaced not more than
16 inches apart shall be provided from the roof access to a level platform at the
appliance. The level platform shall be provided on each side of the appliance to which
access is required for service, repair or maintenance. The platform shall be not less than
30 inches (762 mm) in any dimension and shall be provided with guards. The guards
shall extend not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the platform, shall be constructed
so as to prevent the passage of a 21 -inch -diameter (533 mm) sphere and shall comply
with the loading requirements for guards specified in the International Building Code.
9. Amend Section 306 by adding Section 306.7 with an exception and subsection
306.7.1 to read as follows:
306.7 Water heaters above ground or floor. When the attic, roof, mezzanine or
platform in which a water heater is installed is more than eight (8) feet (2438 mm)
above the ground or floor level, it shall be made accessible by a stairway or permanent
ladder fastened to the building.
Exception: A max 10 gallon water heater (or larger when approved by the code
official) is capable of being accessed through a lay -in ceiling and a water heater is
installed is not more than ten (10) feet (3048 mm) above the ground or floor level
and may be reached with a portable ladder.
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306.7.1. Illumination and convenience outlet. Whenever the mezzanine or platform
is not adequately lighted or access to a receptacle outlet is not obtainable from the main
level, lighting and a receptacle outlet shall be provided in accordance with Section
306.3.1.
10. Amend Section 401.5 by adding a second paragraph to read as follows:
Both ends of each section of medium pressure corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST)
shall identify its operating gas pressure with an approved tag. The tags are to be
composed of aluminum or stainless steel and the following wording shall be stamped
into the tag:
"WARNING 1/2 to 5 psi gas pressure Do Not Remove"
11. Amend Section 402.3 by adding an exception to read as follows:
Exception: Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) shall be a minimum of 1/2" (18
EHD).
12. Amend Section 404.12, to read as follows:
404.12 Minimum Burial Depth. Underground piping systems shall be installed a
minimum depth of 18 inches (458 mm) to top of pipe below grade
13. Amend Section 404.12.1 to read as follows:
404.12.1 Individual outside appliances. Individual lines to outside lights, grills or
other appliances shall be installed a minimum of 12 inches (203 mm) to top of pipe
below finished grade, provided that such installation is approved and is installed in
locations not susceptible to physical damage.
14. Amend Section 406.1 to read as follows:
406.1 General. Prior to acceptance and initial operation, all piping installations shall
be inspected and pressure tested to determine that the materials, design, fabrication,
and installation practices comply with the requirements of this code. The permit holder
shall make the applicable tests prescribed in Sections 406.1.1 through 406.1.5 to
determine compliance with the provisions of this code. The permit holder shall give
reasonable advance notice to the code official when the piping system is ready for
testing. The equipment, material, power and labor necessary for the inspections and
test shall be furnished by the permit holder and the permit holder shall be responsible
for determining that the work will withstand the test pressure prescribed in the
following tests.
15. Amend Section 406.4, to read as follows:
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406.4 Test Pressure Measurement. Test pressure shall be measured with a
manometer or with a pressure -measuring device designed and calibrated to read,
record, or indicate a pressure loss caused by leakage during the pressure test period.
The source of pressure shall be isolated before the pressure tests are made.
16. Amend Section 406.4.1, to read as follows:
406.4.1 Test Pressure. The test pressure to be used shall be no less than 3 psig (20
kPa gauge), or at the discretion of the Code Official, the piping and valves may be
tested at a pressure of at least six (6) inches (152 mm) of mercury, measured with a
manometer or slope gauge. For tests requiring a pressure of 3 psig, diaphragm gauges
shall utilize a dial with a minimum diameter of three and one half inches (3/z"), a set
hand, 1/10 pound incrementation and pressure range not to exceed 6 psi for tests
requiring a pressure of 3 psig. For tests requiring a pressure of 10 psig, diaphragm
gauges shall utilize a dial with a minimum diameter of three and one-half inches (3
/z"), a set hand, a minimum of 2/10 pound incrementation and a pressure range not to
exceed 20 psi. For welded piping, and for piping carrying gas at pressures in excess of
fourteen (14) inches water column pressure (3.48 kPa) (1/2 psi) and less than 200 inches
of water column pressure (52.2 kPa) (7.5 psi), the test pressure shall not be less than
ten (10) pounds per square inch (69.6 kPa). For piping carrying gas at a pressure that
exceeds 200 inches of water column (52.2 kPa) (7.5 psi), the test pressure shall be not
less than one and one-half times the proposed maximum working pressure.
17. Amend Section 406.4.2, to read as follows:
406.4.2 Test Duration. Test duration shall be held for a length of time satisfactory to
the Code Official, but in no case for not less than fifteen (15) minutes. For welded
piping, and for piping carrying gas at pressures in excess of fourteen (14) inches water
column pressure (3.48 kPa), the test duration shall be held for a length of time
satisfactory to the Code Official, but in no case for less than thirty (30) minutes.
18. Adopt a new Section 409.1.4, to read as follows:
409.1.4 Valves in CSST Installations. Shutoff valves installed with corrugated
stainless steel (CSST) piping systems shall be supported with an approved termination
fitting, or equivalent support, suitable for the size of the valves, of adequate strength
and quality, and located at intervals so as to prevent or damp out excessive vibration
but in no case greater than 12 -inches from the center of the valve. Supports shall be
installed so as not to interfere with the free expansion and contraction of the system's
piping, fittings, and valves between anchors. All valves and supports shall be designed
and installed so they will not be disengaged by movement of the supporting piping.
19. Amend Section 410.1 by adding a second paragraph and exception to read as
follows:
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Access to regulators shall comply with the requirements for access to appliances as
specified in Section 306.
Exception: A passageway or level service space is not required when the regulator is
capable of being serviced and removed through the required attic opening.
20. Delete Section 614.8.4.2 in its entirety.
21. Amend Section 621.2, to read as follows:
621.2 Prohibited Use. One or more unvented room heaters shall not be used as the
sole source of comfort heating in a dwelling unit.
Exception: Existing approved unvented heaters may continue to be used in dwelling
units, in accordance with the code provisions in effect when installed, when approved
by the Code Official unless an unsafe condition is determined to exist as described in
Section 108.7.
22. Amend Section 624.1.1, to read as follows:
624.1.1 Installation Requirements. The requirements for water heaters relative to
access, sizing, relief valves, drain pans and scald protection shall be in accordance with
the International Plumbing Code."
SECTION 2. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, phrase or work in this
ordinance, or application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid by any court
of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions of this ordinance, and the City Council of the City of Coppell, Texas hereby
declares it would have enacted such remaining portions despite any such invalidity.
SECTION 3. That the repeal of any ordinance or any portion thereof by the preceding
sections shall not affect or impair any act done or right vested or accrued or any proceeding,
suit or prosecution had or commenced in any cause before such repeal shall take effect; but
every such act done, or right vested or accrued, or proceedings, suit or prosecution had or
commenced shall remain in full force and effect to all intents or purposes as if such
ordinance or part thereof so repealed shall remain in force.
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SECTION 4. That any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of
this ordinance or the Code of Ordinances as amended hereby, shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor and upon conviction in the Municipal Court of the City of Coppell, Texas,
shall be subject to a 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 fixed by State law, and for any offense which is a violation of any
provision of law that governs fire safety, zoning or public health and sanitation, including
dumping of refuse, the penalty shall be fine not to exceed the sum of Two Thousand Dollars
($2,000.00) for each offense; and each and every day such offense is continued shall
constitute a new and separate offense.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from and
after its passage and the publication of the caption, as the law and charter in such cases
provide.
DU Y P AED by the City Council of Coppell, Texas, this the day of
2017. /
aT
EL PETTINOS, CITY SIECRETARY
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