OR 2017-1471 2015 International Residental CodeAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS
ORDINANCE NO. 2017-1471
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS
REPEALING THE RESIDENTIAL CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY AND
REPLACING IT WITH THE ADOPTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL
RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2015 EDITION, BY ADOPTING CHAPTER 15,
"OTHER CODES ADOPTED", ARTICLE 15-8, "RESIDENTIAL CODE",
TO ADOPT THE INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2015
EDITION, AS THE CITY OF COPPELL RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
CODE; PROVIDING AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL
RESIDENTIAL 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.
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 15-8, "Residential Code" in
its entirety, and replacing it through the adoption of a new Chapter 15, Article 15-8, to
adopt the International Residential Code, 2015 Edition, with amendments to read as
follows:
"ARTICLE 15-8. RESIDENTIAL CODE"
Sec. 15-8. Residential Code - Adopted.
TM 82037
There is hereby adopted the International Residential 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.
Section 15-8-2 Amendments.
The following sections of the International Residential Code, 2015 Edition, are hereby
amended to read as follows:
1. Amend Section R101.2 to read as follows:
R101.2 Scope. The provisions of the International Residential Code for One- and
Two-family Dwellings shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement,
enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal
and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more
than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their
accessory structures.
Exception:
Owner -occupied lodging houses with five or fewer guestrooms shall be
permitted to be constructed in accordance with the International Residential
Code for One- and Two-family Dwellings where equipped with a fire
sprinkler system in accordance with Section P2904.
2. Amend Section R102.4 to read as follows:
R102.4 Referenced Codes and Standards. The codes, when specifically adopted,
and standards referenced in this code 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 Electrical Code shall mean the Electrical Code as adopted.
3. Section R104.10.1 Flood Hazard areas shall be deleted in its entirety.
4. Amend Section R105.2 to read as follows:
R105.2 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 laws or ordinances of this
jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:
Building:
TM 82037
I . Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed
5,000 gallons (18,927L) and the ratio of the height to diameter does not exceed
2 to 1.
2. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar
finish work.
3. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610mm) deep
or have walls entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not
exceed 5,000 gallons (18927 L).
4. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family
dwelling.
5. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall.
5. Sections R105.3.1.1& R106.1.4 shall be deleted in their entirety.
6. Amend Section R106.1 to read as follows:
R106.1 Submittal Documents. Two complete sets of construction documents,
special inspection and structural observation programs and other data shall be
submitted with each application for a permit. The foundation plans and details as well
as other engineered design plans and details shall be prepared by a Texas registered
design professional. Where special conditions exist, the building official is authorized
to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a Texas registered
design professional.
Exception: The building official is authorized to waive the submission of
construction documents and other data not required to be prepared by a registered
design professional if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that
reviewing of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with
this code.
Where differences occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes
and standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.
7. Section R110 (R110.1 through R110.5) shall be deleted in its entirety.
8. Adopt anew Section R112.1.1 to read as follows:
Section R112.1.1 Building and Standards Commission. The Building and
Standards Commission shall act as the Board of Appeals.
9. Section R112.3 Qualifications shall be deleted in its entirety.
TM 82037
10. Amend Section R202, "TOWNHOUSE", to read as follows:
TOWNHOUSE. A single family dwelling unit constructed in a group of attached
units separated by a property line in which each unit extends from foundation to
roof and with an open space on at least two sides.
11. Amend Table R301.2 (1) as follows: (No changes to footnotes)
TABLE R301.2 (1)
GROUND
WIND DESIGN
SEISMIC
SUBJECT TO
z_
SNOW
LOAD
DESIGN
DAMAGE FROM
W—d,
co
N
W
CATEGORYf
M Z
W d
Z
Q LU
o
o
LU
IX •-
L
Q •�
r
'o
E
Weathering
d
SPEED
(MPH)
.2
c
c
C:ethb
A
a
Frost
o
Termite
Z�
0 H
mLU p } LU
U j J
0 nQi
LLL S
LL W
IX a
Q Z
QZ�
LU Z H
Q
w
O
�°No
DeCL
p
5 I b/ft
Q
LU
I �
_
o
115
(3 sec-
No
No
No
Moderate
6°
very
220 F
No
Local
150
64.90
gust)/ 76
Heavy
Code
F
fastest
mile
12. Amend Section R302.1 to adopt exception #6 to read as follows:
6. Open non-combustible carport structures may be constructed when also
approved within adopted ordinances.
13. Amend Section R302.2.4, Exception 5, to read as follows:
Exception: {previous exceptions unchanged}
5. Townhouses separated by a common fire -resistance -rated wall as provided in
Section R302.2.
14. Amend Section R302.3 to adopt exception #3 to read as follows:
Exceptions:
1. {existing text unchanged}
2. {existing text unchanged}
3. Two-family dwelling units that are also divided by a property line through the
TM 82037
structure shall be separated as required for townhouses.
15. Amend Section R302.41 to read as follows:
R302.4.1 Through penetrations No through penetrations of fire rated wall or
ceiling assemblies are permitted.
16. Sections R302.4.1.1 and R302.4.1.2 shall be deleted in their entirety.
17. Amend Section R302.5.1 to read as follows:
R302.5.1 Opening protection. Openings from a private garage directly into a room
used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted. Other openings between the garage
and residence shall be equipped with solid wood doors not less than 13/8 inches (35
mm) in thickness, solid or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 13/8 inches (35
mm) thick, or 20 -minute fire -rated doors.
18. Amend Section R303.3, "Exception", to read as follows:
Exception: The glazed areas {remainder unchanged} Spaces containing only a
water closet, a lavatory, or water closet and a lavatory may be ventilated with an
approved mechanical recirculating fan or similar device designed to remove odors
from the air.
19. Amend Section R313.2 to read as follows:
R313.2 NFPA 13R Sprinkler Systems. When buildings of Group R used for
single and two family dwellings have a total floor area in excess of 10,000 square feet,
including garages and open covered porches, automatic sprinkler systems shall be
installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R.
Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required for
additions or alterations to existing buildings that are not already provided with an
automatic residential sprinkler system if under 10,000 square feet. If the addition
or alteration increases the square footage over 10,000 square feet it shall also be
sprinklered.
20. Amend Section R315.2.2, Alterations, repairs and additions, to read as follows:
Exception:
2. Installation, alteration or repairs of electrical powered {remaining text
unchanged}
TM 82037
21. Amend Section R319.1, to read as follows:
R319.1 Address identification. Buildings shall be provided with approved address
identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that
is plainly visible from the street or road fronting the property and where an alley exists,
the address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is plainly visible
from the alley. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background.
Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each
character shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in height with a stroke width of not
less than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm). Where required, address identification shall be provided
in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by
means of a private road and the building address cannot be viewed from the public way,
a monument or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address
identification shall be maintained.
22. Section R322 Flood Resistant Construction shall be deleted in its entirety.
23. Amend Section R326, Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, to read as follows:
R326.1 General. The design and construction of pools and spas shall comply with
the 2015 International Residential Code Chapter 45 as amended herein.
24. Amend Section R401.2 by adding a new paragraph following the existing
paragraph to read as follows:
Section R401.2. Requirements. {existing text unchanged} ...
Every foundation and/or footing, or any size addition to an existing post -tension
foundation, regulated by this code shall be designed and sealed by a Texas -registered
engineer.
25. Amend Section R602.6.1, to read as follows:
R602.6.1 Drilling and Notching of Top Plate. When piping or ductwork is placed
in or partly in an exterior wall or interior load-bearing wall, necessitating cutting,
drilling or notching of the top plate by more than 50 percent of its width, a galvanized
metal tie not less than 0.054 inch thick (1.37 mm) (16 Ga) and 5 inches (127 mm) wide
shall be fastened across and to the plate at each side of the opening with not less than
eight IOd (0.148 inch diameter) having a minimum length of 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) at
each side or equivalent. Fasteners will be offset to prevent splitting of the top plate
material. The metal tie must extend a minimum of 6 inches past the opening.
See figure R602.6.1. {remainder unchanged}
TM 82037
Delete Figure R602.61 and insert the following figure:
NOTCH GREA
PERCENT OF
TOP'
Far SV': t i,,.h = 25.4 —
FIGURE R602.6.1
PLATE PATE FRAMING TOACCOMMODAT'E PIPING
WALL CONSTRUCTION
)54 IN )AND 5 I_ WIDE
ASTENED ACROSS AND
TEAT EACH SIDE OF THE
i 8_164 NAILS EACH SIDE
26. Amend Section R703.8.4.1, to add a second paragraph to read as follows:
Each tie shall not support more than 2.67 square feet (0.248 m2) of wall area. The
following dimensions shall be adhered to:
1. When ties are placed on studs 16" in. (407 mm) o.c., they shall be spaced no further
apart than 24" (737 mm) vertically starting approximately 12 in. (381 mm) from
the foundation.
2. When ties are placed on studs 24 in. (610 mm) o.c., they shall be spaced no further
apart than 16 in. (483 mm) vertically starting approximately 8 in. (254 mm) from
the foundation.
27. Section R902.2, Fire -retardant shingles and shakes, shall be deleted in its entirety
and replaced with the following:
R902.2. Minimum Roof Class. All roof coverings shall be a minimum Class C.
28. Chapter 11 [RE] — Energy Efficiency is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
following:
TM 82037
NI1011 Scope. This chapter regulates the energy efficiency for the design and
construction of buildings regulated by this code.
N1101.2 Compliance. Compliance shall be demonstrated by meeting the requirements
of the residential provisions of 2015 International Energy Conservation Code.
29. Amend Section M1305.1.3, to read as follows:
M1305.1.3 Appliances in attics. Attics containing appliances requiring access
shall be provided ... {bulls of paragraph unchanged} ... A walkway to an appliance
shall be rated as a floor as approved by the building official. As a minimum, for access
to the attic space, provide 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.
Exceptions:
1. The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance
can be serviced and removed through the required opening.
2. Where the passageway is unobstructed... {remaining text unchanged}
30. Amend Section M1411.3 to read as follows:
M1411.3 Condensate disposal. Condensate from all cooling coils or evaporators
shall be conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved place of disposal or to a
sanitary sewer through a trap, by means of a direct or indirect drain. {remaining text
unchanged}
31. Add Section M1501.2 to read as follows:
M1501.2 Exhaust Duct Size. The minimum diameter of the exhaust duct shall be
as recommended by the manufacturer, shall be not less than the diameter of the
appliance outlet and shall be a minimum nominal size of 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter.
The size of duct shall not be reduced along its developed length or at the point of
termination.
32. Amend M1503.4 Makeup Air Required and add exception, to read as follows:
TM 82037
M1503.4 Makeup air required. Exhaust hood systems capable of exhausting in
excess of 400 cubic feet per minute (0.19 m3/s) shall be mechanically or naturally
provided with makeup air at a rate approximately equal to the difference between the
exhaust air rate and 400 cubic feet per minute. Such makeup air systems shall be
equipped with a means of closure and shall be automatically controlled to start and
operate simultaneously with the exhaust system.
Exception: Where all appliances in the house are of sealed combustion, power -
vent, unvented, or electric, the exhaust hood system shall be permitted to exhaust
up to 600 cubic feet per minute (0.28 m3/s) without providing makeup air. Exhaust
hood systems capable of exhausting in excess of 600 cubic feet per minute (0.28
m3/s) shall be provided with a makeup air at a rate approximately equal to the
difference between the exhaust air rate and 600 cubic feet per minute.
33. Amend Section M2005.2 to read as follows:
M2005.2 Prohibited locations. Fuel -fired water heaters shall not be installed in a
room used as a storage closet. Water heaters located in a bedroom or bathroom shall
be installed in a sealed enclosure so that combustion air will not be taken from the
living space. Access to such enclosure may be from the bedroom or bathroom when
through a solid door, weather-stripped in accordance with the exterior door air leakage
requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code and equipped with an
approved self-closing device. Installation of direct -vent water heaters within an
enclosure is not required.
34. Amend Section G2412.5 (401.5) by adding a second paragraph to read as follows:
Both ends of each section of medium pressure gas piping 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"
35. Amend Section G2413.3 (402.3) by adding an exception to read as follows:
Exception: Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) shall be a minimum of
1/2" (18 EDH).
36. Amend Section G2415.12 (404.12) to read as follows:
TM 82037
G241512 (404.12) Minimum burial depth. Underground piping systems shall be
installed a minimum depth of 18 inches (457 mm) below grade, except as provided for
in Section G2415.12.1
37. Amend Section G2415.12.1 (404.12.1) to read as follows:
G2415.12.1 Individual outside appliances. Individual lines to outside lights, grills
or other appliances shall be installed a minimum of 12 inches (203 mm) below finished
grade.... {Rest unchanged}.
38. Amend Section G2417.1 to read as follows:
G2417.1 (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 2417. 1.1
through 2417.7.4 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.
39. Amend Section G2417.4 to read as follows:
G2417.4 (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.
40. Amend Section G2417.4.1 to read as follows:
G2417.4.1 (406.4.1) Test pressure. The test pressure to be used shall be not less
than 3 psig (20 kPa gauge), or at the discretion of the Building 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 diaphragm 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
TM 82037
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.
41. Amend Section G2417.4.2 to read as follows:
G2417.4.2 (406.4.2) Test Duration. The test duration shall be held for a length of
time satisfactory to the code official, but in no case for 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.
42. Add Section G2420.1.4 to read as follows:
G2420.1.4 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.
43. Amend Section G2420.5.1 (409.5.1) to read as follows:
G2420.5.1 (409.5.1) Located within the same room. The shutoff valve ... {bulk
of paragraph unchanged} ... in accordance with the appliance manufacturer's
instructions. A secondary shutoff valve must be installed within 3 feet (914 mm) of the
firebox if appliance shutoff is located in the firebox.
44. Amend Section G2421.1 (410.1) and adopt a new Exception to read as follows:
G2421.1 (410.1) Pressure regulators. A line pressure regulator shall be ... {bulk
of paragraph unchanged) ... approved for outdoor installation. Access to regulators
shall comply with the requirements for access to appliances as specified in Section
M1305.
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.
TM 82037
45. Amend Section G24221.2.3 (411.1.3.3) by deleting Exception 1 and Exception 4.
46. Amend Section G2445.2 (621.2) by adopting a new Exception to read as follows:
G2445.2 (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 room heaters may continue to be used in
dwelling units, in accordance with the code provisions in effect when installed,
when approved by the Building Official unless an unsafe condition is determined
to exist as described in International Fuel Gas Code, Section 108.7.
47. Amend Section G2448.1.1 (624.1.1) to read as follows:
G2448.1.1 (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 this code.
48. Amend Section P2603.5.1 to read as follows:
P2603.5.1 Sewer Depth. Building sewers shall be a minimum of 12 inches (304
mm) below grade.
49. Amend Section P2801.6.1 to read as follows:
Section P2801.6.1 Pan size and drain. The pan shall be not less than 11/2 inches
(38 mm) in depth and shall be of sufficient size and shape to receive all dripping or
condensate from the tank or water heater. The pan shall be drained by an indirect waste
pipe having a diameter of not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm). Piping for safety pan drains
shall be of those materials listed in Table 605.4. Multiple pan drains may terminate to
a single discharge piping system when approved by the administrative authority and
permitted by the manufactures installation instructions and installed with those
instructions.
50. Amend Section P2804.6.1 to read as follows:
P2804.6.1 Requirements for discharge pipe.
The discharge piping serving a pressure -relief valve, temperature -relief valve or
combination valve shall:
TM 82037
1. Not be directly connected to the drainage system.
2. Discharge to the outdoors or through an air gap located in the same room as the
water heater.
3. Not be smaller than the diameter of the outlet of the valve served and shall
discharge full size to the air gap.
4. Serve a single relief device and shall not connect to piping serving any other
relief device or equipment.
Exception: Multiple relief devices may be installed to a single T & P discharge
piping system when approved by the administrative authority and permitted by
the manufactures installation instructions and installed with those instructions.
5. Discharge to an indirect waste receptor or to the outdoors.
6. [remainder unchanged]
51. Amend Section P2902.5.3 to read as follows:
P2902.5.3 Lawn Irrigation Systems. The potable water supply to lawn irrigation
systems shall be protected against backflow by an atmospheric -type vacuum breaker,
a pressure-type vacuum breaker, a double-check assembly or a reduced pressure
principle backflow preventer. A valve shall not be installed downstream from an
atmospheric vacuum breaker. Where chemicals are introduced into the system, the
potable water supply shall be protected against backflow by a reduced pressure
principle backflow preventer.
52. Amend Section P2903.9.1 by adding the following sentence:
The shutoff valve at the entrance of the water service into the dwelling unit shall
not be more than 12 inches below finished grade.
53. Amend Section P3003.9.2 by deleting the exception.
54. Section P3111 is deleted in its entirety.
55. Amend Section P3112.2 to read as follows:
P3112.2 Installation. Traps for island sinks and similar equipment shall be
roughed in above the floor and may be vented by extending the vent as high as possible,
TM 82037
but not less than the drain -board height and then returning it downward and connecting
it to the horizontal sink drain immediately downstream from the vertical fixture drain.
The return vent shall be connected to the horizontal drain through a wye-branch fitting
and shall, in addition, be provided with a foot vent taken off the vertical fixture vent by
means of a wye-branch immediately below the floor and extending to the nearest
partition and then through the roof to the open air or may be connected to other vents
at a point not less than six (6) inches (152 mm) above the flood level rim of the fixtures
served. Drainage fittings shall be used on all parts of the vent below the floor level and
a minimum slope of one-quarter (1/4) inch per foot (20.9 mm/m) back to the drain shall
be maintained. The return bend used under the drain -board shall be a one (1) piece
fitting or an assembly of a forty-five (45) degree (0.79 radius), a ninety (90) degree (1.6
radius) and a forty-five (45) degree (0.79 radius) elbow in the order named. Pipe sizing
shall be as elsewhere required in this Code. The island sink drain, upstream of the
return vent, shall serve no other fixtures. An accessible cleanout shall be installed in
the vertical portion of the foot vent.
56. Add Chapter 45 Residential Swimming Pools to read as follows:
Section 4501 Swimming Pool Enclosures and Safety Devices
4501.1 General. Swimming pools shall comply with the requirements of Sections
4501.2 through 4501.5 and other applicable sections of this code and its referenced
codes and standards.
4501.2 Definition:
SWIMMING POOL, RESIDENTIAL. A pool intended for use which is accessory
to a residential setting and available only to the household and its guests.
4501.3 Swimming Pool Enclosures Residential swimming pools shall be completely
enclosed by a barrier complying with section 4501.3.1.
Exception: A swimming pool with a power safety cover or a spa with a safety cover
complying with ASTM F 1346
4501.3.1 Barrier height and clearances. The top of the barrier shall be not less than
48 inches (1219 mm) above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away
from the swimming pool. The vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the
barrier shall be no greater than 2 inches (51 mm) measured on the side of the barrier
that faces away from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure is above
grade, the barrier is authorized to be at ground level or mounted on top of the pool
structure, and the vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom
of the barrier shall be not greater than 4 inches (102 mm).
4501.3.1.1 Openings. Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4 -inch
diameter (102 mm) sphere.
TM 82037
4501.3.1.2 Solid Barrier Surfaces. Solid barriers which do not have openings shall
not contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and
tooled masonry joints.
4501.3.1.3 Closely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of
horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal
members is less than 45 inches (1143 mm), the horizontal members shall be located on
the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall be not
greater than 1 3/4 inches (44 mm) in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within
vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall be not greater than 1 3/4 inches (44
mm) in width.
4501.3.1.4 Widely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of
horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal
members is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more, spacing between vertical members shall be
not greater than 4 inches (102 mm). Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical
members, spacing within the cutouts shall be not greater than 1 3/4 inches (44 mm) in
width.
4501.3.1.5 Chain link dimensions. Mesh size for chain link fences shall be not greater
than a 2 1/4 inch square (57 mm square) unless the fence is provided with slats fastened
at the top or the bottom that reduce the openings to not more than 1 3/4 inches (44 mm).
4501.3.1.6 Diagonal members. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members,
the opening formed by the diagonal members shall be not greater than 1 3/4 inches (44
mm)
4501.3.1.7 Gates. Access doors or gates shall comply with the requirements of Sections
4501.3.1.1 through 4501.3.1.6 and shall be equipped to accommodate a locking device.
Pedestrian access doors or gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be
self-closing and have self -latching device. Doors or gates other than pedestrian access
doors or gates shall have a self -latching device. Where the release mechanism of the
self -latching device is located less than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the bottom of the
door or gate, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the door or gate
no less than 3 inches (76 mm) below the top of the door or gate, and the door or gate
and barrier shall be without openings greater than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches
(457 mm) of the release mechanism.
4501.3.1.8 Dwelling wall as a barrier. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as a part of
the barrier, one of the following shall apply:
1. Doors with direct access to the pool through that all shall be equipped with an
alarm that produces an audible warning when the door or its screen, if present, are
opened. The alarm shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2017. The
deactivation switch shall be located 54 inches (1372 mm) or more above the
threshold of the door
TM 82037
2. The pool shall be equipped with a power safety cover that complies with ASTM
F 1346.
3. Other means of protection such as self-closing doors with self -latching devices,
which are approved, shall be accepted so long as the degree of protection afforded
is not less than protection afforded by Item 1 or 2 above. The building official may
require documentation from the homeowner attesting to the presence and
maintenance of required safety devices.
4501.3.1.9 Pool structure as barrier. Where an above -ground 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 the ladder or steps either shall be capable of being
secured, locked or removed to prevent access, or the ladder or steps shall be surrounded
by a barrier that meets the requirements of Sections 4501.3.1.1 through 4501.3.1.8.
Where the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening created shall
not allow the passage of a 4-inch-diamter (102 mm) sphere.
4501.3.2 Indoor Swimming Pools. Walls surrounding indoor swimming pools shall
not be required to comply with section 4501.3.1.8.
4501.3.3 Prohibited locations. Barriers shall be located so as to prohibit permanent
structures, equipment or similar objects from being used to climb the barriers.
4501.4 Entrapment avoidance. Suction outlets shall be designed and installed in
accordance with ANSI/APSP-7."
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
TM 82037
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.
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 immediately from and
after its passage and the publication of the caption, as the law and charter in such cases
provide.
TM 82037
DU PASS D by the City Council of Coppell, Texas, this the day of
2017.
APPROVFAYAS TO FORM:
ATTEST:
TM 82037