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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated January 25, 2000 a f ITEM # 7o, DATE: Janua[y 25, 2000 SUBJECT: Changes to Municipal Mechanical Code updating from the 1994 Uniform Mechanical Code to the 1997 Uniform Mechanical Code with minor revisions. BACKGROUND: The Uniform Mechanical Code is updated on a three-year cycle. All of our other codes have already been updated to the 1997 Edition (most current). The final local code to make this conversion is from the 1994 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) to the 1997 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC). The Mechanical Code Board of Appeals has carefully reviewed the differences between the two editions and recommends the attached proposed amendments. All of these revisions are proposed to clarify sections of the current ordinance or are to bring certain items into compliance with the same items in the local plumbing code. The 1997 UMC is moving more toward performance based codes in lieu of prescriptive codes, meaning that the contractors can install mechanical equipment of their design as long as they have the engineering to verify its safe installation. The technology of mechanical equipment is changing so rapidly that the mechanical code cannot keep up, so we always ask that equipment be installed as per manufacturer's instructions. The Mechanical Code Board of Appeals was unanimous in their agreement to update to the 1997 UMC with the revisions in the attached sheets. There were four persons in addition to the mechanical code board of appeals who attended a public hearing. They had several questions but were comfortable with the update to the 1997 UMC and the minor revisions. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Authorize the city attorney to draft an ordinance to change the Municipal Mechanical Code to the 1997 Uniform Mechanical Code with the proposed revisions. 2. Deny the request. MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION: It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1 authorizing the city attorney to draft an ordinance to change the Ames Municipal Mechanical Code to include the 1997 Uniform Mechanical Code with the attached revisions. COUNCIL ACTION: UPDATE TO AMES MUNICIPAL CODE Sec. 32.101. Mechanical Code Adopted. Change 1994" to read "1997". Sec. 32.102. Scope. Delete words "refrigeration systems." Sec. 32.104(1)0). Exemption for Homeowners. Add new sentence at the end of the paragraph to read "The homeowner will be required to show the mechanical inspector a drawing how the mechanical work will be done before a permit is issued. The inspector may waive this drawing." Sec. 32.201. Amendments, Additions and Deletions. (1)(f) Change to read "Gas venting systems serving appliances equipped with draft hoods and appliances listed for use with Type B vents may be designed in accordance with Appendix C, Chapter 8, Uniform Mechanical Code for sizing purposes only." (i) In addition to Appendix C, the following also applies: (a) For single appliance vents: If the vertical vent or the lined chimney has a larger diameter or flow area than the vent connector, use the vertical vent diameter to determine the maximum vent capacity. The flow area of the vertical vent, however, shall not exceed 4 times the flow area of the listed appliance categorized vent area, draft hood, outlet area or flue collar area unless designed in accordance with approved engineering methods. (b) For multiple appliance vents: The flow area of the largest section of vertical vent or chimney shall not exceed 4 times the smallest listed appliance categorized vent area, flue collar area, or draft hood outlet area unless designed in accordance with approved engineering methods. (c) Single wall metal pipe used as a connector shall not originate in an unoccupied attic or concealed space and shall not pass through any attic, inside wall, floor, or concealed spaces and shall be located in the same room or space as the fuel burning appliance or other device. Sec. 32.201(3) and (3)(a). Delete Sec. 32.201(3). Change from UMC 806.1 "General" to 806.1 "New and Existing Chimneys" Sec. 32.201. Add the following: (4) Delete Chapter 13 of the 1997 Uniform Mechanical Code and adopt the National Fuel Gas Code, 3rd edition. Published by the National Fire Protection Association and International Approval Services — US INC. (5) The National Fuel Gas Code is amended by adding, "only fittings approved for welded system shall be used. Screw type fittings shall not be welded. Screw type fittings may be used in concealed spaces, except for unions and bushings. Low pressure gas shall be tested with air for 15 minutes at 10 psi. Medium pressure shall be tested 30 minutes at 60 psi. (6) Add sentence to read "Whenever an inspector issues a correction notice in writing for work that is completed, said work shall be corrected in 30 calendar days of such notice, except that when there is immediate hazard, corrections shall be made immediately." (7) Add sentences to read "No license or registration shall be required for a mobile home dealer to perform water, gas or utility service connections in a mobile home space or within ten feet of such space, located in a mobile home park, all within the meaning and intent of Sec. 322B,3(5) Code of Iowa. The requirements for permits and inspections remain in effect, and the mobile home dealer shall pay the permit and inspections fees." Sec. 32.301. Penalty. Change from $30.00, $100.00 and $200.00 to $500.00 and $750.00.