§ 10-143. Mechanical code adopted.

The International Mechanical Code, 2012 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, including recommended local amendments which are attached hereto as Exhibit A, is herewith adopted by reference as the mechanical code of the city and made part of this Code. A copy of this code, with approved amendments, shall be kept on file in the office of the city secretary for reference and inspection.

(1)

Interpretation of the International Mechanical Code, 2012 Edition. Any requirements considered necessary for the safety, strength or stability of any proposed building or structure, or for the safety or health of the occupants thereof, shall be in accordance with the provisions of the International Mechanical Code, 2009 Edition, or any amendments, specifications or revisions, thereto, and the meaning and intent of such provisions shall be interpreted and determined by the building official, subject to the right and appeal contained in any of such codes, if any.

(2)

Amendments to the International Mechanical Code, 2012 Edition. The sections of the International Mechanical Code, 2012 Edition that are changed, added or deleted are as follows:

a.

Section 102.8; change to read as follows:

102.8 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced herein 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. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and the referenced standards, the provisions of this code shall apply. Whenever amendments have been adopted to the referenced codes and standards, each reference to the code and standard shall be considered to reference the amendments as well. Any reference to NFPA 70 or the ICC Electrical Code shall mean the electrical code as adopted.

b.

Section 304.6; delete.

c.

Section 306.3; change to read as follows:

306.3 Appliances in attics. Attics containing appliances requiring access shall be provided… bulk of paragraph unchanged …side of the appliance. 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. 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.

4.

Access panel may be used in lieu of items 1, 2, and 3 with prior approval of the code official due to building conditions.

Exceptions:

1.

The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance is capable of being serviced and removed… remainder of section unchanged.

d.

Section 306.5; change to read as follows:

306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures. Where equipment requiring access and appliances are installed on roofs or elevated structures at an aggregate height exceeding 16 feet (4,877 mm), such access shall be provided by a permanent approved means of access. Permanent exterior ladders providing roof access need not extend closer than 12 feet (2,438 mm) to the finish grade or floor level below and shall extend to the equipment and appliances' level service space. Such access shall… language unchanged …on roofs having a slope greater than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33 percent slope) … remaining language unchanged.

e.

Section 306.5.1; change 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 four 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 (1,067 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.

f.

Section 306; add section 306.6 to read as follows:

306.6 Water heaters above ground or floor. When the mezzanine or platform in which a water heater is installed is more than eight feet (2,438 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 ten-gallon water heater (or larger with approval) is capable of being accessed through a lay-in ceiling and a water heater is installed is not more than ten feet (3,048 mm) above the ground or floor level and may be reached with a portable ladder.

306.6.1 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.

g.

Section 307.2.2; change to read as follows:

307.2.2 Drain pipe materials and sizes. Components of the condensate disposal system shall be cast iron, galvanized steel, copper, cross-linked polyethylene, polybutylene, polyethylene, ABS, CPVC or schedule 80 PVC pipe or tubing when exposed to ultra violet light. All components shall be selected for the pressure, temperature, and exposure rating of the installation. Remaining language unchanged.

h.

Section 307.2.3; amend item 2 to read as follows:

1.

A separate overflow drain line shall be connected to the drain pan provided with the equipment. Such overflow drain shall discharge to a conspicuous point of disposal to alert occupants in the event of a stoppage of the primary drain. The overflow drain line shall connect to the drain pan at a higher level than the primary drain connection. However, the conspicuous point shall not create a hazard such as dripping over a walking surface or other areas so as to create a nuisance.

i.

Section 403.2.1; add an item 5 to read as follows:

1.

Toilet rooms within private dwellings that contain only a water closet, lavatory or combination thereof may be ventilated with an approved mechanical recirculating fan or similar device designed to remove odors from the air.

j.

Section 501.2; add an exception to read as follows:

501.2 Exhaust discharge. The air removed by every mechanical exhaust system shall be discharged outdoors at a point where it will not cause a nuisance and not less than the distances specified in section 501.2.1. The air shall be discharged to a location from which it cannot again be readily drawn in by a ventilating system. Air shall not be exhausted into an attic or crawl space.

Exceptions:

1.

Whole-house ventilation-type attic fans shall be permitted to discharge into the attic space of dwelling units having private attics.

2.

Commercial cooking recirculating systems.

3.

Toilet room exhaust ducts may terminate in a warehouse or shop area when infiltration of outside air is present.

k.

Section 504.6; add a sentence at the end of the paragraph to read as follows:

504.6 Domestic clothes dryer ducts. Exhaust ducts for domestic clothes dryers shall conform to the requirements of sections 504.6.1 through 504.6.7. The size of duct shall not be reduced along its developed length nor at the point of termination.

l.

Section 607.5.1; change to read as follows:

607.5.1 Firewalls. Ducts and air transfer openings permitted in firewalls in accordance with section 705.11 of the International Building Code shall be protected with listed fire dampers installed in accordance with their listing. For hazardous exhaust systems see section 510.1-510.9 IMC.

(Code 1994, § 3.301A; Ord. No. 445, § 4, 4-14-2008; Ord. No. 562, § 5, 10-14-2013; Ord. No. 603-15, 12-14-2015)