BM 2001-10-04 BSCMINUTES OF OCTOBER 4, 2001
BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION
The Building and Standards Commission of the City of Coppell met on Thursday, October 4, 2001,
at 7:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 255 Parkway Blvd.
In attendance:Also present:
David Stonecipher, ChairmanGreg Jones, Chief Building Official
Mark LeGros, Vice ChairmanMary Beth Spletzer, Recording Secretary
Steven Wright, Commissioner
Robert Chomiak, Commissioner
Norman Kressmann, CommissionerAbsent:
David Terry, Alternate CommissionerJohn Hoppie, Alternate Commissioner
Donald Perschbacher, Alternate CommissionerRobert Turk, Alternate Commissioner
Item 1: Call to Order.
Chairman Stonecipher called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
Item 2:
Public Hearing to consider the recommendation for adoption of the 2000 Editions of
the following International Codes: International Building Code, International
Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, and
the 1999 National Electrical Code, all with local Coppell amendments.
Greg Jones provided historical background on the three regional code agencies: BOCA, SBCCI, and
ICBO. He explained that although each of the codes was similar in life safety issues, there were just
enough differences among them to cause problems for international building designers. Then, in the
early 1990’s, when the ADA wrote the accessibility codes, it became apparent to the model code
agencies that they should develop a standard format for their codes, or the legislators would do it for
them. This resulted in the formation of the International Residential Code (IRC), which was recently
adopted by the Texas State Legislature.
He added that the International Residential Code is a new code, and contains specifications for
plumbing, mechanical, and electrical, as they pertain to residential construction. He added that the
International Building Code covers commercial buildings, and is complemented by the International
Mechanical Code, the International Plumbing Code, and the National Electrical Code.
Overall, he explained that the provisions of these new international codes and the 1999 National
Electrical Code, are very similar to the codes now in existence, but, in some cases, will involve
modifications to the City’s operations, such as water heater replacements, and asbestos abatement,
for example. He added that Staff’s recommendation would be to adopt these new codes, excluding
the appendix section of each, but including all existing local amendments.
In regard to the International Fire Code, Greg Jones explained that he discussed the adoption issue
with the Fire Marshal, but the Fire Marshal is not yet ready to go forward with adoption.
1
The Public Hearing was opened to the public for discussion. No one spoke in favor of, or in
opposition to, the request.
The Public Hearing was closed to the public, and opened to the Board for discussion.
Motion was made by Commissioner LeGros that the Building and Standards Commission
recommend the adoption of the 2000 Edition of the International Residential Code, the International
Building Code, the International Mechanical Code, the International Plumbing Code, and the 1999
Edition of the National Fire Code, all with local amendments. Motion was seconded by
Commissioner Kressmann, and a vote was taken. Motion carried, 5 to 0.
Item 3:Other Business.
Adjournment.
Motion was made by Commissioner LeGros that the meeting be adjourned. Motion was seconded
by Commissioner Kressmann, and a vote was taken. Motion carried, 5 to 0. Meeting adjourned.
__________________________________________
David Stonecipher, Chairman
__________________________________________
Mary Beth Spletzer, Recording Secretary
2