HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated April 28, 1998 ITEM # '�4
DATE: April28. 1996
SUBJECT: Change the local code to update from the 1991 to the 1997 Uniform Plumbing Code
(UPC) with revisions to our local amendments.
BACKGROUND:
The Plumbing Code Board of Appeals and Inspection Staff have worked over the last year on
revisions to our local plumbing code. They worked on changes from the 1991 to 1994 UPC
for several months. With the turnover of plumbing inspection personnel and discussion with
many other local jurisdictions, they decided to skip the 1994 and move to the 1997 code to
be consistent with other communities. Consistency with other communities is beneficial to
plumbing contractors who work throughout the area.
There are many sections in the local amendments that are proposed to be deleted because
the 1997 UPC has been changed and is now similar to the intent of our code. There are also
several minor revisions to our local amendments that clarify the original intent so there are
fewer disagreements and less frustration for all parties involved.
Local jurisdictions can adopt local plumbing codes, but they shall meet requirements of the
state code. Local amendments can be more restrictive than the state, but shall not be less
restrictive.
The following major changes have been updated in the 1997 UPC:
• There will be a higher standard in restaurants regarding waste water or storm drain pipe
installed above the food prep area to prevent contamination of food or drink.
• The 1997 UPC will require a 3" discharge pipe on sewage ejector pumps instead of 2"
to prevent possible over-taxing of pipes, thus preventing flooding.
• The 1997 UPC has less restrictive standards for water lines and drain lines to kitchen
sinks and toilets, but more restrictive standards on tub/showers and washing machines.
The following major changes are revisions to our local amendments:
• The revision of local amendment decreasing the floor drain size from 3" to 2" will reduce
cost for construction.
• The board approved an alternative design for grease/sand interceptors that will work for
local conditions that will be less costly to install than the model described in the 1997
UPC, thus reducing costs for commercial repair garages.
• Homeowners' who do their own plumbing will be required to submit plans to verify the
system will work as shown. Often, this will reduce frustration on the homeowner's part,
since they may have less costly corrections to make upon the initial inspection.
• The local amendments were made less restrictive on location of cleanouts for waste pipe,
thus reducing cost of construction.
• The local amendments were made less restrictive by eliminating the requirement to have
access panels at all gas pipe threaded joint locations, thus reducing construction costs.
• The local amendments were made less restrictive by allowing plastic pipe to run inside
the building for fire protection, thus reducing costs for apartment and commercial
construction.
• The local code was amended to require hair interceptors for all new hair salons, which
will increase the initial cost of construction, but will reduce maintenance costs during the
life of the structure.
Some of the above code changes increase costs while others will decrease costs. Overall,
inspection staff feels the code is more fair and consistent than the existing code.
The members of the Plumbing Code Board of Appeals who worked on the changes were a
good cross section of plumbers representing the community. The members are Jerry Cable,
Cable Plumbing;John Weiss, C & K Plumbing & Heating. During the process Chris Kayser,
ACI Mechanical; retired from the Board and new member Bill Soy, Gibbs Plumbing & Heating,
was installed. Both Mr. Soy and Mr. Kayser remained involved to the end of the process.
Letters were sent to all registered local plumbing and mechanical contractors for invitation to
a public meeting. Makelbust Plumbing was the only contractor who appeared at the hearing
and had no problems with the proposed changes.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the request and direct the City Attorney to work with the Plumbing Code Board
of Appeals and Inspection Staff to draft an ordinance to adopt the 1997 Uniform Plumbing
Code with revisions to our local amendments.
2. Deny the request.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1
directing the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to adopt the 1997 Uniform Plumbing Code
with revisions to the local amendments.
COUNCIL ACTION: