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CITY BUILDING CODES UPDATE
8-10-2010
The International Codes (I-Codes) and other standards
The 2009 International Codes now before Council for adoption into Ames Municipal Code
Chapter 5 (as well as the Ames Fire Code, Chapter 8) are broad fundamental standards that
govern all building construction and maintenance. The Ames Rental Housing Code sets
standards for interior and exterior maintenance of rental dwellings, only. Other Ames Municipal
Codes set specific standards for maintenance of other exterior buildings and properties.
Although the rental and property maintenance codes are separate and distinct from the adopted
codes, they are derived from them in some cases, and are consistent in all cases.
Code adoption schedule history
In 2003, an ad hoc citizen committee recommended the City update local building, electrical,
mechanical, and plumbing codes at three year intervals to coincide with release of updated
editions of the model codes (International Building Codes, Uniform Plumbing Code, and
National Electrical Code). A widely-used insurance risk rating organization, Insurance Services
Office (ISO), performs reviews of building inspection departments at five year intervals, and
assigns numerical rankings in several categories. A more favorable ranking is given to
jurisdictions that adopt the latest code editions within one year of publication. The codes are
generally published in June of each three year cycle. The 2003 codes were adopted by Council
in 2004, the 2006 codes were adopted in 2007, and the 2009 codes are now recommended for
adoption in 2010.
In addition to adopting the 2006 codes, the 2007 update included reorganization of four
separate Municipal Code Chapters into one combined Building, Electrical, Mechanical, and
Plumbing Code in Chapter 5. Inspection Staff initiated a comprehensive review with the three
boards — Building, Electrical, and Mechanical/Plumbing Boards. As a result, 26 pages of
outdated and unnecessary local text were eliminated from Ames' regulations governing building,
electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work. Administrative rules of the four chapters were
consolidated and made consistent in the new Chapter 5. Subject areas were organized and
clearly identified by topic for customer convenience. Architects, engineers, and contractors, for
example, can now locate all local amendments to the model codes within the space of a few
adjacent pages — a valuable time saver for design professionals working nationwide. Permit
requirements and exemptions were brought together for ease of reference by homeowners,
commercial building owners, tradespersons, and contractors to know when they need to get a
permit.
The intent of the proposed adoption is to continue to have all of the building code contained in a
single chapter, set out in separate divisions with all related provisions grouped together for easy
reference. Before 2007, all the separate building component regulations were organized and
enacted in individual discrete chapters. Originally, Chapter 5 had only the building code
provisions and Chapter 7 - Electrical and Chapter 21 - Plumbing existed separately. The latter
two have not been formally repealed so it is also proposed to repeal those chapters so
everything is in Chapter 5, eliminating any duplication of code provisions at different locations.
To further consolidate all related subjects in Chapter 5, it is proposed to remove all the sign
ordinance provisions from Chapter 5- Division VII and to locate these in a separate chapter of
their own by moving them into Chapter 21. This is a relocation only, and there are no
substantive changes being proposed for the sign regulations. It should also be noted that some
divisions of Chapter 5, such as Division V - Penalties and Enforcement, are not being changed
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at all, and those will remain in their present location so they are not mentioned in the ordinance
being proposed.
Model codes adopted by reference
National and international organizations of professionals in specific branches of building and
building-related design, construction, manufacturing and regulatory fields develop detailed
standards, by consensus, for their respective industries. These standards are published,
distributed and adopted for use by companies, governmental jurisdictions, institutions, and other
entities. Such standards are also known as codes, are sometimes referred to as 'code
standards', and 'model codes'. The International Codes (known as I-Codes) are the most widely
adopted building construction standards now commonly in use on the planet. The Uniform
Plumbing Code (UPC) is the most widely adopted plumbing standard in use, followed closely by
the International Plumbing Code (IPC). The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the recognized
standard for electrical construction internationally. Model codes are adopted through legislative
action at state, county, or local levels. The state legislature, county board, or city council adopts
model codes 'by reference'. This means that instead of copying several hundred pages of
detailed technical standards into their published rules and regulations, they adopt the model
code by only 'referring' to it in the published rules for their jurisdiction (Le., the city code or the
state code). The terms 'model code' and 'adopted code' are often used interchangeably.
At each three year cycle, the International Code Council publishes summaries of changes to the
model codes. The summaries highlight all significant revisions to the new editions. Boards and
staff review the published summaries, and take specific action on any that appear to merit
special attention, whether through changing a word or two to fit local conditions, or through
deleting specific text, or adding to it. Although the Boards are provided with copies of all of the
new code editions, it would not be feasible for them to review the 4,251 pages of code text and
compare it to the current codes. Nor would it be feasible for the Council to undertake such a
review.
Similarity to other communities and states
Adoption of the current editions of the International Codes is a routine action performed at
regular three year intervals by every major city in Iowa and thousands of cities nationwide. By
adopting the 2009 Codes, the City of Ames continues to share the same minimum building,
electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes as thousands of other local, state, and county
governmental jurisdictions throughout the nation.
The proposal here presented is consistent with the model codes and standards for commercial,
industrial, and residential building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing construction work
adopted by the State of Iowa. It is also consistent with the standards in effect in all large and
small communities in Iowa which have adopted local building codes.
Review process
This proposal before Council is a part of staff's effort to maintain timely, relevant, and accessible
internationally accepted minimum building standards organized and presented as clearly as
possible for the community's convenience and safety. The proposed 2009 codes were reviewed
with all members of the Building, Electrical, and Mechanical/Plumbing Boards during seven
monthly public meetings of the combined membership. Specific local amendments to the model
codes were analyzed, evaluated, and unanimously moved for inclusion or exclusion by the
twelve Board Members. Where random outdated or confusing text was discovered through
actual use of the combined Chapter 5, appropriate improvements were discussed and
developed by staff and approved by the Boards. The Boards' decisions were communicated to
their local constituencies through such formal groups as the Ames Homebuilders' Association,
and less formally through the local network of architects, engineers, educators, contractors, and
tradespersons who regularly deal with local building regulations.
Citizen participation
As was noted above, at each three year cycle, the International Code Council publishes
summaries of changes to the model codes. The summaries highlight all significant revisions to
the new editions. Our City's three boards and staff reviewed the published summaries and took
specific action on any that appeared to merit special attention, whether through changing a word
or two to fit local conditions, or through deleting specific text, or adding to it. The task of
reviewing the published summaries, becoming familiar with Ames Chapter 5, and preparing for
monthly meetings, discussions and formal actions was itself a substantial voluntary contribution
of their private time and energy for an important project that benefits the Ames community.
The following board members worked diligently to accomplish the goal of bringing this code
package forward for Council adoption. Their thoughtful participation in this task sets the
appropriate standard for the continued safe design, construction, and maintenance of all
buildings in the community.
Building Board
Steve Shuey Randy Rathert Larry Cormicle
Brad Heemstra Dan Nutini
Plumbing and Mechanical Board
David Francis Richard Mercer Charles Haselhoff
Chris Anderson Jerry Cable, Jr.
Board of Electrical Examiners
Larry Brandt Jeffrey Bailey
Local amendments to the adopted codes
When part of an adopted code is changed by adding removing, reorganizing, or deleting text, it
is called a local amendment to the adopted code. The first page of Chapter 5 lists the model
codes that are adopted into the City of Ames Municipal Code in Chapters 5 (and Chapter 8, Fire
Code). In some cases, certain sections or chapters of the I-Codes are not included in the Ames
Code. For example, in subsection (4), chapters 27 [electrical], and 29 [plumbing] of the
International Residential Code are deleted. These I-Code chapters are not included because
Ames and the State of Iowa adopt the more complete National Electrical Code and Uniform
Plumbing Code.
The following are general categories of local amendments reviewed by the three boards:
• local physical conditions (freezes in the north, blows in the south, etc.)
• change model code section references in local code to match changes made to
model code
• local building or trade preferences or traditions (I.e., "That's the way we've always
done it here.")
• conform to a higher governing standard (I.e., state code trumps city code, federal
code trumps both)
• other local considerations
Reasons for local amendments
There are reasons Ames and other communities need local amendments to the adopted codes.
As an example, a blank table in the International Residential Code (IRC) includes the minimum
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required design criteria for new buildings, e.g., the expected weight of snow on roofs, the
expected maximum wind speed, the typical depth that frost penetrates the ground in winter.
Governmental jurisdictions adopting the IRC are required to fill in the table with correct values
for their local conditions. For example, it's a good idea to dig a foundation trench at least 42
inches deep in Iowa. Anything less and the building is liable to move up and down due to annual
freezing and thawing cycles. In southern states and cities, however, freezing conditions don't
penetrate 42 inches into the soil, but only 24 inches, or 12, or less. Those regions need a
different local minimum foundation depth than the cities in Iowa.
With that background, there are reasons why Ames and other jurisdictions choose to adopt
model codes with few local amendments. Communities with fewer local amendments receive
higher ratings by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). This national insurance rating service
assigns risk ratings to communities based upon its evaluation of local building and fire
department effectiveness, one measure of which is the extent to which the community has
amended the adopted model codes. Another reason has to do with making it easier to do
business in the community. National chains and franchises hire architects and engineers to
design stores and restaurants utilizing the same or similar design details and construction
methods and materials for use in all their projects throughout the nation. When the building
departments in all cities use the same codes in reviewing and approving construction plans, it
makes it easier for the company, the company's architect, engineers, material and equipment
suppliers, and construction contractors, many of whom travel from city to city building the same
stores for specific companies in different locations. Not having to change standard construction
plans to comply with peculiarities of local or regional building rules is a benefit to business
owners and developers.
As was mentioned above, 26 pages of outdated, redundant, and unnecessary local
amendments were deleted as part of the 2007 code adoption. Another 18 pages of local
amendments are now proposed for deletion as part of this code adoption. This is due, first, to
the change from City to State licensing of electricians, plumbers, and mechanical and HVAC
(heating, ventilation and air conditioning) contractors that occurred in 2008 and 2009; and
secondly, is due to the relocation of the Ames sign regulations out of Chapter 5 and into a
separate chapter. The local rules regulating building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical
HVAC work have been reduced from 93 pages to 49 pages in the space of the last five years.
2005 - 93 pages of local building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing code rules
2007 - 67 pages of local rules combined into one chapter
2010 - 49 pages of local rules in one chapter
8 pages - sign code moved to individual new chapter
7 pages - electrical, mechanical, and plumbing licenses to state code
1 pages - local plumbing code amendments
2 pages - condensing, restating, eliminating redundancy,
Ames' Local Amendments
Local amendments to the adopted codes are in Chapter 5, beginning on the first page, and
include Section 5.100, Subsections (4) through (16). These sections name the adopted codes
and mention the few major departures from them. For example, this includes where we delete
the entire administrative chapter 1 of the International Building and Residential Codes, because
we have extracted the administrative rules and placed them in our local ordinance to make them
more easily accessible to our customers. Detailed amendments to specific requirements of the
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adopted model code are included later in Chapter 5, in Division II, aptly entitled — Local
Amendments to Adopted Codes.
The proposal now being considered includes the following local amendments. Commentary is
included below each numbered section to summarize the impact.
Sec. 5.200. BUILDINGS - INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE.
The 2009 International Building Code (IBC) is amended with the deletion of Chapters 1, 27 and 29, and
Section 1405.13.2; and the revision of the following text as stated:
The proposed amendment is a continuation of the current amendment.
Deletes the Administrative Chapter 1, Scope and Administration - because we print the entire
chapter in our local ordinance;
Deletes Chapter 27, Electrical - because State of Iowa and Ames both adopt the National
Electrical Code
Deletes Chapter 29, Plumbing - because State of Iowa and Ames both adopt the Uniform
Plumbing Code
Changes code section reference from 1405.12.2 to 1405.13.2, because of renumbering of the
section that occurs in the 2009 edition. This section regulates the height of window sills in
residences when the window is more than 6 feet above outside grade, and limits the maximum
opening of those windows to not more than 4 inches. This section was deleted from the current
code because it was concluded to be unreasonably restrictive in regulating the design
configuration of residential window openings, especially in private single family homes.
(1) Chapter 18 of the IBC is amended to allow for foundations and footings of buildings with Type V wood
framed construction of three stories or less to be designed to meet, at a minimum, the specifications of
the following table.
Number of Floors Supported by the Foundations* 1 2 3
Thickness of Foundation Walls (inches) Concrete 8 8 10
Thickness of Foundation Walls (inches) Concrete Block 8 8 12
Width of Footing (inches) 16 16 18
Thickness of Footing (inches) 8 8 12
Minimum Depth of Foundation Below Grade 42 42 42
*Foundations may support a roof in addition to the stipulated number of floors.
Foundations supporting roofs only shall be as required for supporting one floor. All other
structures shall have footings and foundations engineered to meet the requirements of
Sections 1807, 1808, and 1809 of the IBC, and Chapter 4 of the IRC. All buildings shall
have perimeter footings to 42" below grade, and such footings shall be designed to
withstand all forces placed upon them as per Sections 1807, 1808, and 1809 of the IBC
and Chapter 4 of the IRC or engineering to show equivalency. Trench footings are
allowed as a continuous 8" single pass trench for a single story wood frame structure with
spans not exceeding 16 feet. The trench must be 42" deep and have at least two (2)
horizontal rods fixed in place and tied into the existing structure. Soil bearing capacity
shall be a minimum of 2000 psf.
The proposed amendment is a continuation of the current amendment.
Chapter 18 contains minimum design standards for footings and foundations of structures.
Design of large or complex building foundations must be calculated by licensed architects or
engineers. Foundation design requirements for most wood frame residential and small
commercial buildings are less complex and are addressed in this amendment by a prescriptive
(generic) set of minimum standards. This local amendment makes project design simpler and
less costly for homebuilders, remodelers, and homeowners, because they don't have to hire an
architect or engineer to calculate and design the foundation system. Such design work can
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range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Such a local amendment would not be
appropriate in an earthquake prone region such as the west coast, or in a southern coastal
region of swampy or sandy soil conditions.
(2) Section 1809.5 Frost protection, Exception 2 of the IBC is deleted and the following inserted in lieu
thereof:
(2)Area of 900 square feet or less for light-frame construction or 400 square feet or less
for other than light-frame construction; and
This text of this local amendment is a continuation of the current code and continues unchanged
in the proposed code. The only difference is in the IBC section number- 1805.2.1 in the current
code, 1809.5 in the new code.
The IBC limits a building such as a detached garage to not more than 600 square feet(about
the size of a double garage). The amendment permits a detached building the size of a three
stall garage to be constructed on a concrete slab without foundation walls down to the frostline
(42 inches below grade). This local amendment recognizes detached garages/shops are not
habitable dwellings, and don't generally have water, sewer, or other buried systems that would
be damaged by frost heave. Consequently, it provides some cost savings to owners who prefer
to build such a structure without protection from frost heave.
Sec. 5.201. RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS - INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE.
The provisions of the 2009 International Residential Code for One-and Two-family Dwellings (IRC), are
amended with the deletion of Chapter 1, Scope and Administration; Part Vll - Plumbing; and Part Vill -
Electrical; with the addition of appendix G; and the revision of the following text as stated:
The text of this proposed amendment is a continuation of the current amendment.
This local amendment deletes the Administrative Chapter 1, Scope and Administration -
because we print the entire chapter in our local ordinance;
Deletes Part Vll„ Plumbing - because State of Iowa and Ames both adopt the Uniform Plumbing
Code;
Deletes Part VIII, Electrical- because State of Iowa and Ames both adopt the National Electrical
Code;
Adds Appendix G, to provide minimum standards for swimming pool, spa, and hot tub
installations.
(1) Section R301.2.1.1 Design Criteria,
Table R301.2(1), Climatic and Geographical Design Criteria is amended to include the following local
values:
Ground Snow Load (Ibs) 25
Wind Speed (mph) 90
Seismic Design Category A
Weathering Severe
Frost Line Depth (inches) 42
Termite Moderate to Heavy
Winter Design Temp (F.) -5
Ice Shield Underlayment Required Yes
Flood Hazards See FEMA Maps
Air Freezing Index 1896
Mean Annual Temperature (F.) 48.2
This proposed text is the same as the current amendment.
It sets the minimum design standards for buildings in Ames based upon actual local weather,
climate, and geographical conditions. These standards vary from region to region throughout
the United States. For example, ground snow load, and seismic design category are different in
Seattle than in Ames.
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(2) Section R302.2, Townhouses, of the IRC, is amended by deleting the Exception.
This is a proposed new amendment. The Exception relaxes the fire-resistive rating
requirement for common walls of townhouses and would only be appropriate if each of the
adjacent dwelling units were protected with an automatic fire extinguishing (sprinkler) system.
Since sprinklering of new townhomes is not proposed for this code adoption cycle, at either the
State or local level, offering the exception serves no useful purpose. (see also local amendment
to IRC Section R313)
(3) Section R311.3.2, Floor elevations for other exterior doors, of the IRC, Exception is deleted
and the following inserted in lieu thereof:
Exception: A landing is not required where a stairway of three or fewer risers is located on the exterior
side of the door, provided the door does not swing over the stairway.
This text of this local amendment is a continuation of the current code and continues unchanged
in the proposed code. The only difference is in the IRC section number- was R311.4.3, is now
R311.3.2.
The code requires landings at least as wide as the door, and at least 36 inches from front to
back for required egress doors. Other exterior doors are permitted to have no landings if they
are no higher than 2 risers (approximately 14 inches) above grade. The local amendment
expands that to three risers (approximately 21 inches) above grade. This amendment has been
in place in Ames for several code cycles.
(4) Section R311.7.7.2, Continuity, of the IRC, is amended by adding to the Exceptions a new
item 3:
3. Handrails may be interrupted at the point of transition from handrail to guardrail on stairways open on
both sides at the bottom of a flight of stairs.
This is a proposed new local amendment requested by the homebuilders. Various stair
configurations in some new homes present challenges to compliance with the model code
requirement for continuous handrails. This often occurs near the bottom of a flight of stairs when
walls adjacent to the stair ends and the remainder of the stairway is open. The handrail, which is
typically mounted on the wall, must make a transition to a freestanding handrail. This often
requires an offset, or interruption of the handrail. This amendment acknowledges the condition
and permits a wall-mounted handrail to terminate at the end of the wall, and a separate handrail
segment to continue from that point to the bottom of the stairway.
(5) Section R313.2, One and two-family dwellings automatic fire systems, of the IRC, is
amended by deleting the text of that section and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems shall not be required in one- and two-family dwellings.
This 2009 IRC code section requires "an automatic residential fire sprinkler system" to be
"installed in [new] one- and two- family dwellings." beginning January 1, 2011. There was a
great deal of discussion of this new requirement at the State level in response to intense
lobbying by the homebuilders and other interests. This resulted in the State adoption of the
following text in the State of Iowa Building Code:
"Delete section R313.2.
NOTE: Deletion of section R313.2, which would have required the installation of sprinklers in newly
constructed one-and two-family residences, is consistent with 2010 Iowa Acts, Senate Joint Resolution
2009."
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(6) Section R313.1, Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems, of the IRC, is amended by
deleting the text of that section and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems shall not be required in townhouses.
This proposed new local amendment is requested by the homebuilders, and is consistent with
actions at the State Code level regarding new townhouses:
"Delete section R313.1.
NOTE: Deletion of section R313.1, which would have required the installation of sprinklers in newly
constructed townhouses, is consistent with 2010 Iowa Acts, Senate Joint Resolution 2009."
(7) Section R315.2 Carbon Monoxide Alarms - Where required in existing dwellings, of the IRC,
is deleted and the following text is inserted in lieu thereof:
When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are
added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with carbon
monoxide detectors located as required for new dwellings.
Exceptions:
1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the
addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the
requirements of this section.
2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements
of this section.
The 2009 IRC includes a new requirement that Carbon Monoxide Alarms be installed, in new
construction "outside of each separate sleeping area...within which fuel-fired [natural gas]
appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages." It also requires that
an alarm be installed in existing dwellings in any remodeling project for which a [building,
electrical, mechanical, or plumbing]permit is issued. The proposed local amendment retains
the requirement for new dwelling construction, but limits the application of the new requirement
to only those existing dwellings for which an interior remodel of habitable space, or an addition
to habitable space is occurring under authority of a building permit. If only minor repair or
replacement is occurring, there is no requirement to install carbon monoxide alarms.
(8) Section R403.1.4.1, Frost Protection, Exception 1 and exception 3 of the IRC, are deleted
and the following inserted in lieu thereof:
(1) Protection of freestanding accessory structures with an area of 900 square feet or less, of light-framed
construction, with an eave height of 10 feet or less shall not be required.
This amendment has the same effect as the earlier amendment to IBC Section 1809.5.
(9) Section R403.1.6 Foundation Anchorage, of the IRC, delete 6 foot minimum anchor bolt
spacing and insert in lieu thereof a minimum of 4 foot spacing.
This local amendment has been in the Ames Code for several cycles. Due to differing wind and
storm conditions, the code spacing of 6 feet prescribed by the IRC has been considered less
than adequate for this region. Consequently, prior consensus has been to decrease the spacing
of the bolts that hold the house in place on the foundation. Tornados and strong winds can
causes houses to shift or move off of foundations.
(10) Section 903.5 Hail Exposure, of the IRC, is deleted in its entirety.
This is a new proposed local amendment to the code. This section is deleted because it
triggers a requirement of another code section, 907.3.4, which states that any time multiple
layers of shingles on a dwelling are hail-damaged, all layers must removed and replaced with
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new roof covering. Keeping this code provision would leave no room for judgment- necessary in
some cases when only a portion of a roof is damaged and in need of replacement.
(11) Section R907.3, Recovering Versus Replacement, of the IRC, is amended by deleting item
4.
This section becomes irrelevant as a result of deleting the previous section, 903.5.
(12) Sections 1807, 1808, and 1809 of the IBC are amended to allow for footings of buildings
with Type V wood framed construction of three stories or less to be designed to meet, at a minimum, the
prescriptive standards of the following table.
Number of floors supported by foundations* 1 2 3
Thickness of foundation walls (inches) concrete 8 8 10
Thickness of foundation walls (inches) concrete block 8 8 12
Width of footing (inches) 16 16 18
Thickness of footing (inches) 8 8 12
Minimum depth of footing below grade 42 42 42
*Foundations may support a roof in addition to the stipulated number of floors. Foundations supporting
roofs only shall be as required for supporting one floor. All other structures shall have footings and
foundations engineered to meet the requirements of Sections 1807, 1808, and 1809 of the IBC, and
Chapter 4 of the IRC. All buildings shall have perimeter footings to 42" below grade, and such footings
shall be designed to withstand all forces placed upon them as per Sections 1807, 1808, and 1809 of the
IBC and Chapter 4 of the IRC or engineering to show equivalency. Trench footings are allowed as a
continuous 8" single pass trench for a single story wood frame structure with spans not exceeding 16 feet.
The trench must be 42" deep and have at least two (2) horizontal rods fixed in place and tied into the
existing structure. Soil bearing capacity shall be a minimum of 2000 psf.
This table is currently part of the Ames Code and is proposed to continue. It is the same as the
chart that appears in Section 5.200(1), shown earlier in this document, but in this context,
applies to dwelling construction.
(13) Section G2415.1(404.1) Prohibited Locations, of the International Residential Code is
deleted and the following text is inserted in lieu thereof:
Piping shall not be installed in or through a ducted supply, return or exhaust, or a clothes chute, chimney
or gas vent, dumbwaiter or elevator shaft. Piping installed downstream of the point of delivery shall not
extend through any townhouse unit other than the unit served by such piping.
The proposed local amendment adds a second sentence to the current amendment. It
prohibits gas piping from running through one dwelling on its way to another. This is consistent
with other prohibitions against running any kind of utility services across property lines or
through adjacent properties.
Sec. 5.202. ACCESSIBILITY. Reserved.
There are no proposed local amendments to the adopted International Building Code
Accessibility Standards.
Sec. 5.203. ENERGY. Reserved.
There are no proposed local amendments to the adopted State of Iowa Energy Conservation
Code.
Sec. 5.204. EXISTING BUILDINGS. Reserved.
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There are no proposed local amendments to the adopted International Existing Building Code.
Sec. 5.205. ELECTRICAL.
The provisions of the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC), are amended as follows:
(1) Section 334.10 of the said National Electric Code is amended by substituting the following for
subsections (i) through (iii): 'Type NM, Type NMC and Type NMS cables shall be permitted to be used in:
(i) one-family dwellings and associated accessory buildings, (ii) two-family dwellings and associated
accessory buildings, (iii) multifamily dwellings and associated accessory buildings. All other structures
shall be wired using other methods as allowed by the National Electrical Code.
(2) All references in the aforesaid 2008 National Electric Code to the building code shall be
deemed a reference to the applicable code set out in and adopted by Chapter 5 of the Municipal Code of
the City of Ames, Iowa.
Sec. 5.206. MECHANICAL. Reserved.
There are no proposed local amendments to the adopted International Mechanical Code.
Sec. 5.207. NATURAL GAS.
The provisions of the 2009 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), are amended as follows:
(1) Section 404.1 Prohibited Locations, of the International Fuel Gas Code is deleted and the
following text is inserted in lieu thereof:
Piping shall not be installed in or through a circulating air duct, clothes chute, chimney or
gas vent, ventilating duct, dumbwaiter or elevator shaft. Piping installed downstream of the point of
delivery shall not extend through any townhouse unit other than the unit served by such piping.
The proposed local amendment adds a second sentence to the current amendment. It
prohibits gas piping from running through one dwelling on its way to another. This is consistent
with other code prohibitions against running any kind of utility services across property lines or
through adjacent properties.
Sec. 5.208. PLUMBING.
The provisions of the 2009 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), are amended with the deletion of Chapter 16;
and with the addition of Appendix A, Appendix B, and Appendix D, and the revision of the following text
as stated:
(1) Add new section 101.5.7 stating:
Whenever a structure or building is to be demolished, before demolition begins the following must be
completed:
(a) Building sewer capped at curb line with a manufactured plug.
(b) Foundation line capped at curb line with a manufactured plug.
(c)Water service capped or plugged at main.
(d) Plumbing inspector sign-off on demolition sheet given to contractor before demolition
permit is issued.
This section is added to codify the City's water and sewer disconnect requirements in one
location.
(2) Add new section 101.5.8 stating:
When a structure or building is on land that has been or is being annexed into the City of Ames and
connection to the public water or sewer system is requested for that building or structure, the City may
require that its plumbing system be inspected to determine whether the system has adequate sewer
venting and backflow prevention to protect the public water system, and to determine if it is otherwise free
from hazards to those exposed or potentially exposed to that system. Based on that inspection, if it is
determined that a cross connection or other hazard exists, then the Building Official shall determine what
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corrective action is needed to eliminate the hazard(s) and the owner shall complete the corrective action
before connection to City services is allowed.
This section is being added to codify existing practice policy regarding plumbing compliance of
annexed properties. It will not require any immediate change to structures' plumbing upon
annexation, but will require an evaluation by the Building Official and appropriate plumbing
changes to be made prior to connection to the City's water or sanitary sewer systems.
(3) Amend Section 408.1 UPC to state:
All water closet bowls shall be of the elongated type with open front seats except in dwelling units, motel
and hotel rooms. In nurseries, schools and other similar places where plumbing fixtures are provided for
the use of children under six (6) years of age, water closets shall be of a size and height suitable for
children's use. All water closets shall be equipped with seats as required below.
No change from current code
(4) Amend Section 411.2 UPC by adding subsection 411.2.4 as follows:
In all buildings, a three-inch (Y) floor drain shall be located on the lowest floor level where the water
meter is located. A three-inch (Y) floor drain shall be located in same room whenever a RPZ type
backflow preventer is installed that discharges water. A two-inch (2") or larger floor drain shall
be provided in the same room the water heater is located on the lowest floor level.
Exception: Existing water heaters and water meters unless relocated.
No change from current code
(5) Amend Section 412.4.2 UPC to read:
In food establishments the fixture requirements are determined by the statutes and regulations of the
State of Iowa. The following requirements apply to food establishments, bars and night clubs:
(a) Bars, taverns and nightclubs shall be provided with a three (3) compartment glass
washing sink and a drain board with hot and cold running water. The sink shall have an indirect waste to
a floor sink with an air gap.
(b) A restaurant shall have either a three (3) compartment ware washing sink or an
automatic dish washing machine of commercial type, including a booster heater along with a two-
compartment sink.
(c) A hand-washing sink with hot and cold running water shall be installed in each food
preparation area in restaurants and behind each bar area of bars, taverns and nightclubs.
(d) A mop/utility sink shall be required with hot and cold running water in each restaurant,
bar, tavern or nightclub, for mop and waste water. The mop/utility sink shall not be used as a hand-
washing sink.
No change from current code
(6) Amend Section 417.0 UPC by adding:
All single family dwellings shall be provided with a two-inch (2") future vent stubbed to the basement level.
Such vent shall be capped in the floor joist area for future use and labeled or marked as such.
No change from current code
(7) Table 4-1 Minimum Plumbing Facilities
With prior approval, Authority Having Jurisdiction may allow use of Chapter 29 of the 2009 International
Building Code.
No change from current code, except reference updated to 2009 IBC
(8) Section 603 of the UPC is amended as follows:
(a) Section 603.3.3 of the UPC is amended by adding: The test report shall be sent to the
Administrative Authority no later than ten working days after the test.
No change from current code
The following italicized sections ending at (9) are the backflow/containment regulations
of the City of Ames Water Pollution Control Department
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(b) Section 603 UPC is further amended by adding after the last numbered section a new
section
603.10 as follows:
(i) Purpose. The purpose of these containment regulations is:
a. to protect the City of Ames Public Water Supply (PWS) from the
possibility of contamination or pollution by containing within the customer's internal distribution system(s)
or the customer's private water system(s) such contaminants or pollutants that could backflow into the
PWS; and
b. to provide for the maintenance of a continuing program of
containment that will systematically and effectively prevent the contamination or pollution of the PWS.
(h) Definitions. As used in this section:
a. Approved Backflow Prevention Assembly For Containment
means: A backflow prevention assembly which is approved by the University of Southern California -
Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research. The backflow prevention assembly
must also be listed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, or by the
American Society of Sanitary Engineering. The approval and listing requirements do not apply to an air
gap used as an approved backflow prevention assembly for containment.
b. Auxiliary Water Supply means: Any source of water that is
available to the customer over which the City of Ames water utility does not have sanitary control to
reduce pollution, contamination, or other conditions that make that source of water unacceptable as a
potable water supply, such as, but not limited to
1. a public or private water supply other than the City of
Ames water utility,
2. public or private wells, or
3. lakes, naturally-fed ponds, storm water basins, and
flowing waters (rivers, creeks, etc.) from which water is drawn.
C. Available to the Customer means: The water utility customer has
authority to use, or direct the use of, the auxiliary water supply by virtue of ownership, contract, or other
arrangement for control.
d. Backflow means: The undesirable reversal of flow into the public
water distribution system.
e. Backflow Prevention Assembly means:An assembly or means to
prevent backflow.
1. Air Gap means: This is a physical break between the
PWS and the customer's water system. The air gap is to create an unobstructed vertical distance
between the opening of any pipe or faucet conveying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, receptor, or other
assembly and the flood level of the receptacle. The air gap shall conform to the requirements of UPC
Table 6-3.
2. Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention
Assembly (RP) means: The RP consists of two independently acting check valves together with a
hydraulically operating, mechanically independent pressure differential relief valve located between the
check valves. These units are located between two tightly closing resilient-seated valves as an assembly,
and equipped with properly located resilient-seated test shutoffs.
3. Double Check Valve Assembly (DC) means: The DC
consists of two internally loaded check valves, either spring loaded or internally weighted, installed as a
unit between two tightly closing resilient-seated shutoff valves with properly located resilient-seated test
shutoffs.
f. Commercial/Industrial Fluid means: Any liquid, gas, or solution
that is a chemical, biological, or other substance in a form, quantity, or concentration that would constitute
a hazard(health or non-health) if introduced into the public water supply, such as, but not limited to
1. polluted or contaminated waters;
2. all types of process and used waters (waters which
originated from the public water supply but may have deteriorated in sanitary quality);
3. chemicals in fluid form;
4. plating acids and alkalis;
5. circulated cooling waters (except for those solely used
for air conditioning);
6. oils, gases, caustic and acid solutions;
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7. other liquid and gaseous fluids used industrially,
agriculturally, commercially, or for other non-domestic purposes.
g. Commercial/Industrial Fluid System means: Any system used by
the water utility customer to store or utilize any commercialAndustrial fluid in a manner that may constitute
a hazard(health or non-health) to the public water supply, such as, but not limited to
1. car washes,
2. microbreweries,
3. chlorinators,
4. clean-in-place systems,
5. bulk fluid storage with remote dispensing (motor oil,
antifreeze, etc.), and
6. injection molding with integral heating and cooling.
However, commercial/industrial fluid systems do not include:
1. fuel gas (propane or natural gas) systems;
2. air conditioning, cooling, refrigeration, and similar
systems using only Freon or similar refrigerants;
3. sanitary sewer, rainwater, or storm sewer lines; and
4. boilers.
h. Containment means: A method of backflow prevention which
requires the installation of a backflow prevention assembly at the water service connection.
i. Contamination means: An impairment of a potable water supply
by the introduction or admission of any foreign substance that degrades the quality of the water and
creates a health hazard.
j. Cross-Connection means: An actual or potential connection
between any part of a potable water system and any other environment containing other substances in a
manner that, under any circumstances, would allow such substances to enter the potable water system.
k. Hazard, Degree of means: The rating of a cross-connection or
service connection which indicates if it has the potential to cause contamination or pollution. The term is
derived from an evaluation of the potential risk to public health and the adverse effect of the hazard upon
the potable water system.
1. Hazard - Health means: A hazard upon the PWS
involving any substance that, if introduced in the potable water supply, could cause death, illness, spread
disease, or have a high probability of causing such effects.
2. Hazard - Non-health means: A hazard upon the PWS
involving any substance that generally would not be a health hazard but, if introduced into the PWS, could
cause a nuisance by introducing color, taste or odor, or would alter the quality of the PWS physically,
chemically, or biologically.
1. Permanent Swimming Pool means: A pool or tub with a capacity
of 1,000 gallons or more of chemically treated water that has a filtration system with a pump and rigidly
supported walls/sides. Above-ground movable pools and tubs that meet the above criteria shall be
deemed `permanent swimming pools."
M. Pollution means: The presence of any foreign substance in water
that impairs, alters, or degrades its quality but does not constitute a health hazard.
n. Registered Backf/ow Prevention Assembly Technician
(Technician) means: A person who is registered by the State of Iowa to test or repair backflow prevention
assemblies and report on the condition of those assemblies.
o. Service Connection means: The terminal end of the pipe
connected to, directly or indirectly, the City of Ames water main; that is, the point of delivery to the
customer's water system. If a meter is installed at the end of the service connection, then the service
connection shall mean the downstream end of the meter. Service connections shall also include, but not
be limited to, a temporary water service connection from a fire hydrant and all other temporary or
emergency water service connections from the public water system.
p. Thermal Expansion means: Volumetric increase of water due to
heating resulting in increased pressure in a closed system.
(iii) Administrative Authority
a. The Administrative Authority is the Ames City Council acting
through such persons or departments as the City Council shall designate.
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b. The Administrative Authority shall have the right to enter, with
the consent of the customer or upon the basis of a suitable warrant issued by a court of appropriate
jurisdiction, any property to determine if the conditions for a partial or total exemption have been satisfied
or if a backflow prevention assembly has been properly installed for containment.
1. All backflow prevention assemblies shall be available for
City inspection within a short notice by the Administrative Authority. Short notice is considered to be less
than 24 hours.
2. The entrance to the property to determine if the
conditions for a partial or total exemption have been satisfied will not be necessary if the customer has
properly installed, tested, and maintained an approved RP or air gap on every and all service connections
serving the customer's premises.
C. The Administrative Authority may collect fees for the
administration of this program.
d. The Administrative Authority shall maintain records of
containment hazard surveys, and of the installation, testing, and repair of all backflow prevention
assemblies installed for containment purposes
(iv) Where Containment Is Required
a. An RP or air gap is required for containment for every direct or
indirect service connection unless such connection:
1. qualifies for a total or partial exemption; or
2. supplies a fire protection system.
b. A DC may be installed for containment in place of an RP or air
gap when a partial exemption is granted.
C. A partial exemption shall be granted only if all of the following
conditions precedent are met.
1. The entire facilities are within the scope and applicability
of the plumbing regulations of the City of Ames, Iowa.
2. All water uses are protected by the "isolation"provisions
of Chapter 6 of the Uniform Plumbing Code.
3. There are no auxiliary water supplies.
4. There are no solar heating systems.
5. There are no permanent swimming pools.
6. There are no commercial/industrial fluid systems.
7. The entire facilities and all pertinent circumstances and
conditions are fully accessible for inspection by representatives of the City's Water and Pollution Control
Department.
d. No backflow prevention assembly is required for containment
when a total exemption is granted.
e. A total exemption shall be granted when a partial exemption has
been granted and all of the following conditions precedent are met.
1. There is only one service connection, not including services
for fire protection systems.
2. The facility is less than four stories above grade.
f. Failure of the Administrative Authority to notify a customer that
they do not qualify for an exemption and that they shall install backflow prevention assemblies for
containment shall in no way relieve a customer of the responsibility to comply with all requirements of
these regulations.
g, The Director of the City of Ames Water and Pollution Control
Department may require installation of an air gap, by and at the customer's sole expense, at the service
connection where records indicate a history of threat to the public water supply system because of
inappropriate handling of health hazard substances or actual backflow into the PWS.
(v) New Service Connections
a. Plans shall be submitted to the Administrative Authority for
review on all new service connections in order to determine if a partial or total exemption shall be granted.
b. The Administrative Authority shall require the installation of the
appropriate backflow prevention assembly for containment before the initiation of water service.
(vi) Fire Protection Systems
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a. A backflow prevention assembly to be used in a fire protection
system shall meet the requirements of Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM) and Underwriters
Laboratory (UL) and the requirements of the fire code and the building code of the City of Ames, in
addition to the requirements of paragraph (ii)a. Assemblies sized smaller than 2-112 inches which have
not been tested by FM and listed by UL may be allowed if approved by the City of Ames Fire Department
Chief.
b. An RP shall be installed on all new and existing fire protection
systems which the Administrative Authority determines to have any of the following:
1. Interconnections with auxiliary supplies such as
reservoirs, rivers, ponds, wells, mills, or other industrial water systems; or
2. Use of antifreeze or other additives in the fire protection
system unless an RP is used to isolate the loop or branch containing antifreeze or other additives when a
DC is installed at the service connection; or
3. Any other facility, connection, or condition which may
cause contamination
C. A DC will be required for all other fire protection systems. The
DC shall be required on all new systems at the time of installation and on existing systems at the time that
they are modified.
(vii) Portable Tanks. Portable tanks and vessels shall be filled through a
properly installed and maintained backflow prevention assembly or vacuum breaker.
(viii) Installation of Backflow Prevention Assemblies
a. All backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall be
installed so that they are accessible for testing as stated in the UPC at Section 603.3.4 thereof. The
installation shall also provide the same clearances as called for the water meter in the City of Ames
Municipal Code, Section 28.205.(5).
b. No backflow prevention assembly for containment shall be
installed in a place where it would create a safety hazard such as, but not limited to, over an electrical
panel or above ceiling level.
C. The required backflow prevention assemblies for containment
shall be installed in horizontal plumbing immediately following the meter or as close to that location as
deemed practical by the Administrative Authority unless approved in writing by the Administrative
Authority. In any case, it shall be located upstream of any branch piping. Installation at this point does not
eliminate the responsibility of the customer to protect the water supply system from contamination or
pollution between the backflow prevention assembly and the water main, and to protect the water supply
system from contamination or pollution within the premises.
d. RPs for containment shall be installed so as to be protected from
flooding.
e. RPs for containment shall not be installed in underground vaults
or pits.
f. All backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall be
protected from freezing. Assemblies used for seasonal services may be removed in lieu of being
protected from freezing; however, the assemblies must be reinstalled and tested by a technician prior to
the service being reactivated.
g. If hot water is used within the water system, thermal expansion
shall be provided for when installing a backflow prevention assembly for containment.
h. Provisions shall be made to convey the discharge of water from
RPs to a suitable drain.
i. If interruption of water service during testing and repair of
backflow assemblies for containment is unacceptable to the customer, another backflow prevention
assembly for containment, sized to handle the temporary water flow needed during the time of test or
repair, shall be installed in parallel piping.
(ix) Removal of Backflow Prevention Assemblies
a. Approval must be obtained from the Administrative Authority
before a backflow prevention assembly for containment is removed, relocated, or replaced.
b. The use of an assembly may be discontinued and the assembly
removed from service upon presentation of sufficient evidence that the customer qualifies for an
exemption.
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C. An assembly may be relocated following confirmation by the
Administrative Authority that the relocation will continue to provide the required protection and satisfy
installation requirements. A test will be required following the relocation of the assembly.
d. An assembly may be removed and replaced, provided the water use is discontinued until the
replacement assembly is installed.
e. An assembly may be removed to protect it from freezing
provided that
1. water use is discontinued until the assembly is
reinstalled and tested; and
2. the Administrative Authority is notified in writing within
five days of the removal.
(x) Testing of Backf/ow Prevention Assemblies
a. Testing of backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall
be performed by a registered backflow prevention assembly technician (technician). The costs of required
tests shall be borne by the customer.
b. Backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall be tested
and inspected upon installation and at least annually thereafter.
C. Backf/ow prevention assemblies for containment which are in
place, but have been out of service for more than three months, shall be tested before being put back into
operation. Backf/ow prevention assemblies for containment used in seasonal applications shall be tested
before being put into operation each season.
d. Before being placed back into service, any backflow prevention
assembly for containment which fails a test shall be repaired or replaced. In the case when a reported
value is less than the minimum, the Director of the City of Ames Water and Pollution Control Department
may approve temporary restoration of service before repairs are completed. Backflow prevention
assemblies for containment shall be retested by a technician immediately after repair or replacement.
e. When water service has been terminated for non-compliance,
the backflow prevention assembly for containment shall be repaired or replaced and then tested prior to
the resumption of water service.
f. When warranted, the Administrative Authority may require
backflow prevention assemblies for containment to be tested at any time in addition to the annual testing
requirement. Examples of this include, but are not limited to, assemblies with a history of repeated
failures or assemblies that have been subjected to fire, flood, or other unusual environmental conditions.
g. The technician shall report the results of all inspections and tests
of a backflow prevention assembly for containment to the customer and to the Administrative Authority on
the form provided by the Administrative Authority within ten working days of the test. The technician shall
immediately report to the Administrative Authority when and where a test indicates that an assembly fails
to perform and no immediate repair is done to make the assembly function properly.
h. The Administrative Authority may periodically verify test
procedures and results.
(xi) Repair of Backf/ow Prevention Assemblies For Containment
a. All repairs to backflow prevention assemblies for containment
shall be performed by technicians.
b. The technician shall not change the design, material, or
operational characteristics of a backflow prevention assembly for containment during repair or
maintenance and shall use only original manufacturer replacement parts or equivalent parts approved by
the University of Southern California-Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research.
C. The repaired assembly must be tested after each repair and
pass the test before being placed back into service.
d. The technician shall report the repair of a backflow prevention
assembly for containment to the customer and to the Administrative Authority within ten working days of
the repair. The report shall include the list of materials or replacement parts used and subsequent tests.
(xii) Back/low Incidents
a. The customer shall immediately notify the Administrative
Authority when the customer becomes aware that backflow has occurred in the building, property, or
private water system receiving water service.
b. The Administrative Authority may order that water service be
temporarily shut off when backflow occurs in a customer's building, property, or private water system.
16
Such shut off is to protect the system from further contamination or pollution and to allow time for locating
and mitigating the cause and extent of the contamination or pollution.
(xiii) Existing Backf/ow Prevention Assemblies For Containment
a. All backflow prevention assemblies for containment installed
prior to November 1, 1996, that do not meet the requirements of these regulations but were approved
testable assemblies for the purpose described herein at the time of installation and that have been
properly installed and maintained, shall, except for the testing, inspection, and maintenance requirements
under Section (x) and Section (xi), be excluded from the requirements of these rules so long as the
Administrative Authority is assured that they will satisfactorily protect the PWS. Whenever the existing
assembly for containment is moved from the present location, requires replacement, or when the use of
the service area protected by the assembly changes so that the Administrative Authority determines that
the customer no longer qualifies for a partial exemption, the unit shall be replaced by an approved
backflow prevention assembly for containment meeting the requirements of these regulations.
(xiv) Customer Non-compliance
a. In case of non-compliance with these regulations, the
Administrative Authority shall notify the customer to comply within ten working days. In the event of failure
or upon refusal of the customer to comply as ordered, the Administrative Authority may, after notice and
reasonable opportunity for hearing, terminate water service. Non-compliance includes, but is not limited
to, the following:
1. Refusal to allow the Administrative Authority access to
the property to determine if the conditions for a partial or total exemption have been satisfied, except
when an RP or air gap is properly installed for containment and properly maintained
2. Providing inadequate backflow prevention
3. Failure to install a backflow prevention assembly for
containment which has been required by the Administrative Authority
4. Failure to test, maintain, or properly repair a backflow
prevention assembly for containment as required by the Administrative Authority
5. Failure to comply with the requirements of these
regulations
6. Refusal to rep/ace a faulty backflow prevention assembly
7. Removal of a backflow prevention assembly for
containment which has been required by the Administrative Authority except for seasonal removal as in
Section (viii)f
8. Bypassing of a backflow prevention assembly for
containment which has been required by the Administrative Authority
9. Failure to report a backflow incident
10. Direct connection between the PWS and a sewer line
11. A situation which presents an immediate health hazard
to the PWS
b. For conditions 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, the Administrative Authority
will take the following steps.
1. Make a reasonable effort to advise the customer of
intent to terminate water service.
2. Terminate water service and lock service valve. The
water service will remain inactive until correction of the violation has been approved by the Administrative
Authority.
(xv) COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT There is hereby established the
Containment Committee of Adjustment.
a. The Committee shall consist of three members as follows: the
Building Official of the City or that official's designee; the Director of Water and Pollution Control or the
Director's designee; and a representative of the Plumbing and Mechanical Board of Appeals, selected
from among the members of that Board by majority vote of the Board's members.
b. The said Committee of Adjustment shall have the following powers.
1. To hear and decide appeals that allege an error in any
decision or determination made in the administration and enforcement of Section 21.501(47)(b) of the
Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa
2. To authorize, in specific cases, such exemption from the
requirements of Section 21.501(47)(b) of the Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa, as will not be
17
contrary to the laws of the State of Iowa, when due to special circumstances not of the property owner's
own creation, a strict literal interpretation of Section 21.501(47)(b) would result in undue expenses to the
property owner in view of an alternative measure agreed to by the property owner that will not be contrary
to the public interest
(xvi) Presumptive Exemptions The following water uses shall generally be
presumed exempt from the containment requirements of Section 21.501(47)(b): water closets, lavatories,
bath tubs, showers, water softeners, single-faucet water treatment units, boilers, sinks, irrigation systems,
clothes washers, dishwashers, pre-rinse stations, garden hose connections, drinking fountains, urinals,
carbonators/beverage dispensers, garbage disposals, ice makers, cleaning chemical dispensers, and
private fire hydrants. However, when warranted by the facts and circumstances of a particular situation,
the Administrative Authority, with notice and opportunity to be heard extended to the property owners,
may apply to the Containment Committee of Adjustment for a determination that containment measures
are required under such facts and circumstances.
(Ord. No. 3433, Sec. 1, 5-13-97; Ord. No. 3904, 3-6-07)
(9) Section 603.4.8 UPC the Note is reworded to read:
Water-cooled compressors, degreasers, or any other water-cooled equipment shall be protected by a
listed IAPMO reduced pressure principle backflow preventer.
New section added to clarify containment requirements for specific appliances and fixtures
(10) Section 603.4.10 UPC is reworded to read:
Potable water make up connections to boilers, sterilizers, chillers, commercial clothes washers, or water
heaters for radiant heat, shall have an IAPMO listed reduced pressure type backflow preventer.
New section added to clarify containment requirements for specific appliances and fixtures
(11) Section 603.4.12 UPC is amended by adding:
A stainless steel Watts 9Bd dual check valve backflow preventer or equivalent shall be used on all
potable water lines that have a carbonated soda fountain or dispensing machine connected.
New section added to clarify containment requirements for specific appliances and fixtures
(12) Section 604.1 UPC is amended to add:
The following type of pipe and fittings are allowed in the interior/exterior of a building or structure:
Interior
Above concrete floor(lowest level)
(a) soft copper (Type K, L, M)
(b) rigid copper(Type K, L, M)
(c) brass
(d) cross linked polyethylene (PEX) (as approved by Chapter 14 of the Uniform
Plumbing Code),
(e) ductile iron (four (4) inch or larger).
(f) CPVC
Below concrete floor(lowest level)
(a) soft copper (type K)
(b) PEX(as approved byChapter14 of the Uniform Plumbing Code)
(c) Polyethylene, IPS 200 p.s.i. SLDR-7, PE3408
(d) ductile iron (four (4) inch or larger) with flanged mechanical joints.
(e) C-900 PVC DR 14 (fire line).
Exterior
(a) PEX(as approved byChapter14 of the Uniform Plumbing Code),and which meets
manufacturer's specifications.
(b) Soft copper(Type K)
(c) Brass
(d) Ductile iron (flanged mechanical joint) (bolts shall be teflon coated)
(e) PVC meeting AWWA C-900 standards, DR14 for fire lines and Dr18 for non-fire
lines.
(f) Polyethylene, IPS 200 p.s.i. SLDR-7, PE3408
18
Note: Polyethylene, PEX and PVC C-900 shall have a 14-gauge solid copper tracer wire with a blue
jacket. The tracer wire will start at the water main and terminate at a weatherproof junction box. The
junction box shall be accessible and be labeled to identify junction box "tracer wire". The tracer wire shall
then continue from the junction box and terminate at the water meter. The wire shall run from the main
and be exposed at the curb box. The junction box shall be located next to water meter remote on the
exterior of the building or structure.
No change from current code
(13) Section 604.2 UPC shall be deleted
No change from current code
(14) Section 604.5 UPC shall be deleted
No change from current code
(15) Section 604.6 UPC shall be deleted
No change from current code
(16) Section 606.0 UPC is amended by adding new subsections 606.0.1 through 606.0.13 as
follows:
Sec. 606.0.1. Curb Stops shall be of the quarter turn ball valve type with the grip joint ends.
Sec. 606.0.2. The polyethylene to copper adaptor coupling, located at least two (2) feet from the
outside footing, shall be a Ford Meter Box Co. C26-44-G (1") or equivalent.
Sec. 606.0.3. All threaded taps on the main shall be at least 24 inches apart and shall be at
least% inch in size. If more than one tap is made for a service line, the taps will be staggered on the pipe.
No more than three (3) threaded taps shall be made for a service connected to a 4-inch or larger main.
Maximum threaded tap size for a 4 inch main is 3/ inch. All taps will be made in the top half of the water
main, but not more than 45" above the horizontal plane. All services having two (2) taps or more shall be
combined through a brass wye pipe connection. The maximum length of service from the main to the wye
shall be four(4) feet. The following table lists appropriate number of taps for different service sizes.
Service Size Taps
1 inch = two inch or one 1 inch
1%4 inch = two 1 inch
1%2 inch = two 1 inch
No change from current code
Sec. 606.0.4. Service saddles allowed on four(4) inch or larger water mains when water service
is 1/4", 1", 1%", and 1'/2" shall be a Smith-Blair, or equivalent, #317, #357, #372, #393 or #397. The
saddles shall have a stainless steel strap with two bolts wide minimum. The bolts or nuts shall be either
stainless steel or blue coated. When tapping a four (4) inch or larger main for water services for a two (2)
inch or larger water service, the Smith-Blair, or equivalent stainless steel full wrap around saddle, #238,
#239, #264, or#265 shall be used. The bolts and nuts shall be either stainless steel or blue coated. Any
water service that is larger than a two(2) inch shall require a tapping valve and sleeve at the main or
private main. The Post Indicator Valve (PIV) for fire line shall not serve as the water service valve after
the main. All tapping valve sleeves shall meet the Urban Standard Specifications as follows:
(1)Valve: Tapping valve conforming to ANSI/AWWA C509.
(2) Sleeve:
(a) Minimum 14 gauge
(b) Stainless steel, ASTM A240, Type 304
(c)Working pressure 200 psi.
(d) Must fully surround pipe
(e) Approved sleeves
(i) Cascade Water Works Manufacturing Company, Style CST-EX
(ii) PowerSeal Pipeline Products Corporation, Model 3490AS
(iii) JCM Industries, Inc. Model JCM 432
(iv)Approved equal
(3) Gasket:
(a) To completely surround pipe
(b) Minimum thickness 0.125 inch
(c) Material: nitrile rubber.
(4) Outlet Flange:
19
(a) Stainless steel, ASTM A240, Type 304
(b) ANSI B 16.1, 125 pound pattern
(5) Bolts: Stainless steel, ASTM A240, Type 304
No change from current code
Sec. 606.0.5. In the event a curb box is set in any location where a concrete or asphalt surface
is to be placed, a sleeve shall be placed around the cap to allow for expansion and contraction.
No change from current code
Sec. 606.0.6. In a new subdivision the water service line shall be installed at the center of the
property unless otherwise approved by the Administrative Authority.
No change from current code
Sec. 606.0.7. There shall be a curb cock in every service connection to the main. It shall be
located on the property line or as close as possible thereto and in alleys within one foot of the alley line,
except two (2) inch and larger, which shall have a street valve box over the valve at the water main. The
curb cock to be used for services from three-fourths (3/) inch to two (2) inches shall be the style known as
Mueller Mark II Oriseal or Ford Ball Valve with 90' curb cock, or equal, provided with T handle and
extension rod keyed and locked to curb cock and shall be the same diameter as the pipe served. The
curb cock shall be kept in an operative condition at all times.
No change from current code
Sec. 606.0.8. The curb cock shall be covered by a curb box of the Western pattern No. 100, or
equal, extending to the curb grade. In cases where the surface of the ground is higher than the curb
grade to the extent that the curb box will not extend sufficiently to be in plain view, then the curb box shall
be extended to the ground surface. Whenever a water service is renewed the curb box shall be brought to
the curb grade or present natural ground level and moved to the property line. In placing the curb cock in
position, care must be exercised to provide against settlement of the curb box, by providing a base of
brick, stone or concrete block set on solid earth for support. A support shall be placed across the ditch
and wired to the curb box near the top to keep it in a vertical position while filling the ditch.
No change from current code
Sec. 606.0.9. A corporation cock of either a Mueller or Ford make, or its equivalent, shall be
inserted in every tap one inch or less in diameter made in the water main. The connection to the main
shall be made by a regulation corporation cock and copper service with a compression joint if the pipe is
plastic SIDR-7 200 P 3408. All connections to the water main shall be adequately looped to prevent
breakage from ditch settlement.
No change from current code
Sec. 606.0.10. A service valve shall be installed immediately following a two (2) inch or larger
tap on all take offs from the water main or private main.
No change from current code
Sec. 606.0.11. Where a single water service line provides service to a new duplex or is split for
any other reason, the service line shall be at least one inch in diameter. Where an existing structure is to
be converted to a duplex a 1" equivalent service may be provided by a separate tap. The new service
lines shall be divided by a wye at the property line. Existing 1" services may be split inside the building so
long as shut-offs are available in a common area. Separate curb boxes shall be installed, and separate 3/4
inch service lines shall be run to the individual customer units.
No change from current code
Sec. 606.0.12. Sprinkler systems used for fire protection may be permitted to be attached to the
water mains by registered plumbing contractors by direct connection without meters under the direction
and supervision of the City. No open connection can be incorporated in the system, and there shall be no
valves except a post indicator valve at the entrance to the building, which must be sealed open. One and
two family residential sprinkler lines shall be metered through the single meter. The property owner or
tenant shall promptly report to the City any seal which has been broken for the closing of the system. A
20
detailed drawing of the sprinkler system shall be filed with the City and free access to the building shall be
granted the City for inspection purposes. No charge will be made for water used for fire purposes through
a sprinkler system. The fire line shall be a minimum four (4) inch diameter with a shut-off valve installed
after the tap into the main, the PIV shall be a minimum of forty (40) feet from the building or at the
determination of the fire inspector.
Exception: The fire line may be smaller than 4" in size if hydraulic calculations by the fire sprinkler
company show that a 4" would not be required. If a 4" fire line is not required a Fire Department
connection or P.I.V. may not be required if determined by the fire inspector.
No change from current code
Sec. 606.0.13. The post indicator valve (PIV) must be set at 36" above final grade. The
termination flange, inside the building, shall not be more than twelve (12) inches above finished floor level
and be set at a true vertical position. If the fire line and water service are on one line, the water service
shall have the take off prior to the PIV. The take off for the water service shall be either brass, ductile iron,
C-900 PVC DR 14, or copper to the curb box. The fire line shall have a two hundred (200) pound
pressure test done for a minimum of two (2) hours without losing any pressure. The fire line shall be
tested from the tap at the main to the termination flange with the PIV open and the curb box closed. No
fire line static pressure test shall be started after 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
A certified fire sprinkler installer may install the backflow device to the sprinkler system for containment.
The termination flange, inside the building, from horizontal to the vertical position or from horizontal to the
horizontal position traveling through an exterior wall or floor, shall have no smaller than % inch galvanized
or equivalent all-thread rod used between said flanges to keep fire line termination stable. The fire line
located in the trench may use mega-lug type supports, however, a concrete thrust block shall be in front
of fire line traveling from horizontal to vertical prior to the termination flange. Only PVC C-900 DR 14, and
ductile iron shall be used for the fire line service. The joints shall have bolted flanged fittings. The tapping
valve, PIV, and all other fittings and pipe shall be marked to withstand 200 p.s.i. Before requesting a Bac-
T test, the fire line shall be flushed thoroughly by the plumbing contractor. The contractor shall request,
from the Inspection Division, a Bac-T test form, complete the form and return it to the Inspection Division.
Utility Maintenance Division will collect the sample for testing. If the fire line passes Bac-T test, the
Inspection Division will contact the plumbing contractor. The termination flange shall have a two (2) inch
ball valve to properly flush the fire line.
No change from current code
(17) Section 606.2.1 UPC is amended to add the following to the end of the section:
Soft copper water service lines, except fire line, shall be either brazed, silver soldered, or flared with a
long shouldered joint. Whenever type "K" soft copper is used for the water service, use of any joints is
discouraged whenever possible.
No change from current code
(18) Section 608.5 UPC is amended to delete"of galvanized steel' and to replace reference to
"outside of the building"with "properly drained surface".
(19) Section 609.1 UPC is amended to delete the last two sentences in the section and insert
the following:
All water service lines shall be installed at least five feet below finish grade. If the water service cannot be
buried below frost depth at any point, the trench shall be lined with 1 '/2' thick "Blue Board" insulation or
equivalent as approved by the Administrative Authority. Sand backfill material shall then be placed to a
depth of one foot above the top of pipe, then 1 '/z" "Blue Board" or equivalent will be installed so that the
entire trench width and length in the area needing protection against freezing is insulated and then
backfilled. The insulation shall be at least five (5) feet in depth.
No change from current code
(20) Section 609.5 UPC is reworded to add the following to the end of the section:
Exception: water heaters and boilers.
No change from current code
(21) Section 609.10 UPC is amended by adding:
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Exception: Single family dwelling units.
No change from current code
(22) Section 610.8 (6) is amended by replacing the last sentence with:
No building water service line shall be less than one (1) inch diameter.
No change from current code
(23) Amend Table 6-6 UPC by changing footnote:
Replace "Building supply, three-quarter(3/4) inch nominal size minimum." With "Building supply, one (1)
inch nominal size minimum."
No change from current code
(24) Section610.1 UPC is reworded:
Delete the words"each water meter and" from the first sentence.
Add "Water meter sizing shall be determined by the Water Meter Division" to the end of the section.
No change from current code
(25) Section 701.1 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
Drainage pipe and fittings used inside a new building or an existing building for underground shall be
copper(type L_), brass, ABS (schedule 40), PVC (schedule 40) or cast iron.
Exception: Galvanized may be used on a sewage ejector system when the discharge line is three (3) inch
or larger. The galvanized shall only be piped no more than four(4) feet out of pit.
Above ground piping shall be the same as underground except that copper tube and fittings may be type
M for commercial and structures that are more than a one and two-family dwelling. A one and two-family
dwelling may use type DWV copper tube.
No change from current code
(26) Section 703.1 UPC is reworded to add the following at the end of the section:
No underground drainage piping or vent shall be less than two (2) inches inside diameter.
No change from current code
(27) Table 7-3 UPC is amended to add the following to footnote#8:
Public use shall be any building or structure that is not a dwelling unit. Fraternities and sororities are not
classified by this section as a dwelling unit.
No change from current code
(28) Section 704.3 UPC is reworded to add at the beginning of the section "At the discretion of
the Plumbing Inspector and Sanitarian."
(29) Section 704.3 UPC is reworded to add the following to the end of the section:
or shall be discharged by an airgap indirect waste to a properly sized floor sink.
No change from current code
(30) Section 705.1.6 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
No molded rubber coupling (Fernco Coupling or equivalent) shall be used on any sanitary sewer or storm
sewer. A stainless steel shielded molded rubber coupling may be used when connecting to clay pipe or
PVC truss pipe on the sanitary or storm sewer.
No change from current code
(31) Section 705.1.8 UPC is reworded to add the following to the end of the section:
Shielded couplings (no hub clamps) are not allowed on any exterior building sanitary sewer, or storm
sewer.
No change from current code
(32) Section 710.9 UPC is reworded to add the following to the end of the section:
Exception: When only discharging a lavatory sink, a general sink, or a floor drain into a sewage ejector
receiving tank, dual pumps in public use occupancy will not be required.
22
No change from current code
(33) Section 717.0 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
The minimum size of any building sewer shall be determined on the basis of the total number of fixture
units drained by such sewer, in accordance with Table 7-8. No building sewer shall be smaller than four
(4) inches. The building sewer shall not be smaller than the building drain.
In unusual circumstances, with prior approval from the plumbing inspector, a sewage ejector may
discharge the building sewer to the public sewer manhole when the public main is too shallow to allow the
building sewer discharge to flow by gravity. The pipe material to be used shall be Polyethylene (P.E.) Two
(2) inch SDR 7, 3408. The 2" line shall at all times be a minimum of five (5) feet deep or be blue-boarded.
The sewage ejector shall be vented with a minimum two (2) inch pipe. The ejector pumps shall comply
with section 710.9
No change from current code
(34) Section 718.2 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
Building sewer pipe made of cast iron, copper, or extra strength vitrified clay shall be laid on a firm bed.
Pipe consisting of Schedule 40 PVC/ABS, PVC SDR 23.5/35 and PVC truss pipe shall be enveloped on
bottom, sides and top with a minimum of four (4) inches of either one (1) inch clean or 3/8" minus crushed
rock, 3/8" washed chip or"pea gravel". After enveloping the pipe, the remainder of the ditch may be filled
once the inspection is complete.
No change from current code
(35) Section 718.3 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
No building drain or sewer shall be closer than two (2) feet from the building structure or footing that is not
made out of cast iron, Schedule 40 PVC, or Type "L" copper. At no point shall the building sewer be less
than five (5) feet in depth on new construction or when replacing existing sewers. If less than five (5) feet
in depth, the trench shall be lined with 1 '/2" thick blue-board insulation. The insulation of the sides shall
be at least five (5) feet below finished grade with a cap over the two sides.
One (1) inch clean 3/8" minus, 3/8" washed chips, and pea gravel rock shall be placed on the bottom,
sides and top of pipe whenever any type of PVC is used. Whenever cast iron is used sand may take the
place of the one (1) inch rock. Whenever possible, the building sewer shall be at a depth of nine (9) feet
below street grade from the main to the property line on new construction. Whenever possible on a
duplex or single-family dwelling, the building sewer shall not be located under a driveway.
No change from current code
(36) Section 719.6 UPC is amended by deleting the second paragraph.
No change from current code
(37) Section 801.3 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
Sinks (except hand sinks) in a bar, nightclub, tavern, or soda fountain shall drain to an approved and
properly trapped and vented floor sink through an approved airgap or airbreak. The floor sink, drain line,
trap, and strainer inlet shall be at least three (3) inch pipe size. The developed length from the fixture
outlet to the floor sink shall not exceed five (5) feet.
No change from current code
(38) Section 807.4 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
No domestic dishwashing machine shall be directly connected to a drainage system or food waste
disposer without the use of an approved dishwasher air gap fitting on the discharge side of the
dishwashing machine, or by looping the discharge line of the dishwasher as high as possible near the
flood level of the kitchen sink where the waste disposer is connected, and will be supported or strapped.
Listed air gap fittings shall be installed with the flood level (FL) marking at or above the flood level of the
sink or drainboard, whichever is higher.
No change from current code
(39) Section 901.0 UPC is further amended by adding new sub-section 901.0.1
Section 901.0.1 All single family or two family dwelling units with a basement shall be provided with a two
(2) inch future vent. The future vent shall be combined with other vents or terminate through the roof.
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Such vent shall be capped in the floor joist area of the basement for future use. The two (2) inch vent is
for a future basement bathroom or other approved fixtures.
No change from current code
(40) Section 902.2 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
Sinks (except hand sinks) in a bar, nightclub, tavern, or soda fountain shall drain to an approved and
properly trapped and vented floor sink through an approved airgap or airbreak. The floor sink, its drain
line, trap, and strainer inlet shall be at least three (3) inch pipe size. The developed length from the fixture
outlet to the floor sink shall not exceed five (5) feet.
No change from current code
(41) Section 903.1 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
Drainage and vent pipe and fitting used inside a new building or an existing building for underground shall
be copper (Type L), brass, ABS (Schedule 40), PVC (Schedule 40) and cast iron.
Exception: Galvanized may be used on a sewage ejector system when the discharge line is three (3) inch
or larger. The galvanized shall be piped no more than four (4) feet out of pit.
Above ground piping shall be the same as underground except that copper tube and fittings may be Type
M for commercial and structures that are more than a one and two-family dwelling. One and two-family
dwellings may use type DWV copper tube.
No change from current code
(42) Section 903.1.1 UPC is deleted
No change from current code
(43) Section 903.2.1 is reworded to read as follows:
Copper tube for underground drainage and vent piping shall have a weight of not less than that of copper
drainage tube type L.
No change from current code
(44) Section 903.2.2 is reworded to read as follows:
Copper tube for aboveground drainage and vent piping shall have a weight of not less than that of copper
drainage tube type M.
Exception: Single family and two family dwellings may use copper tube type DWV.
No change from current code
(45) Section 904.1 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
The size of vent piping shall be determined from its length and the total number of fixture units connected
thereto, as set forth in Table 7-5. The diameter of an individual vent above ground shall not be less than
one and one-fourth (1 '/4) inches, or less than two (2) inches for underground, nor less than one-half ('/2)
the diameter of the drain to which it is connected.
Exception: A water closet shall be vented with a vent no smaller than a two (2) inch inside diameter pipe.
Each individual building or structure shall have a main vent stack equal in size or larger than the required
building sewer. The main vent stack shall extend through the roof a minimum of twelve inches
undiminished in size from the underground building drain.
Exception: In single-family, duplexes, apartment, motel and hotel buildings four (4) stories r less, a three
c
(3) inch main stack vent is permitted, as long as other vents through the roof equal the cross-sectional
diameter of the required building sewer.
No change from current code
(46) Section 906.7 UPC is reworded to:
Change two (2) inches to three (3) inches and ten (10) inches to twelve (12) inches and remove reference
to mm.
No change from current code
(47) Section 908.2.1 UPC is reworded to: Single Bathroom or Single Toilet Room.
24
An individually vented lavatory in a single bathroom or single toilet room shall be permitted to serve as the
wet vent for one (1) water closet and/or one (1) bathtub or shower stall, or one (1) water closet and/or one
(1) bathtub/shower combination if all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The wet vent, and the dry vent extending from the wet vent, shall be two (2) inch (50
mm) minimum pipe size.
(b) The wet vent pipe opening shall not be below the weir of the trap that it serves. Vent
sizing, grades, and connections shall comply with Sections 904.0 and 905.0.
(c) The horizontal branch drain serving both the lavatory and the bathtub or shower stall
shall be two inch (50 mm) minimum pipe size.
(d) The length of the trap arm from the bathtub or shower stall complies with the limits in
Table 10-1.
(e) The distance from the outlet of the water closet to the connection of the wet vent
complies with the limits in Table 10-1.
(f) The horizontal branch drain serving the lavatory and the bathtub or shower stall shall
connect to the horizontal water closet branch above its centerline. When the bathroom or toilet room is
the top-most load on a stack, the horizontal branch serving the lavatory and the bathtub or shower stall
shall be permitted to connect to the stack below the water-closet branch.
(g) No fixture other than those listed in this section shall discharge through a single
bathroom or single toilet room wet-vented system.
New section - drawn from 2009 appendix to maintain same requirement as 2006 code.
(48) Section 908.2.2 UPC is reworded to: Double Bathtubs, Bathtub/Shower Combinations,
Shower Stalls, and Lavatories.
Two (2) lavatories, each rated at 1.0 drainage fixture unit (DFU), and two (2) bathtubs, bathtub/shower
combinations, or shower stalls, installed in adjacent bathrooms, shall be permitted to drain to a horizontal
drain branch that is two (2) inch (50 mm) minimum pipe size, with a common vent for the lavatories and
no individual vents for the bathtubs, bathtub/shower combinations, or shower stalls, provided that the wet
vent from the lavatories and their dry vent is two (2) inch (50 mm) minimum pipe size and the length of all
trap arms comply with the limits in Table 10-1.
New section - drawn from 2009 appendix to maintain same requirement as 2006 code.
(49) Section 908.2.3 UPC is reworded to: Batteries of Fixtures (Battery Venting)
908.2.3.1 A maximum of eight (8) floor-outlet water closets, showers, bathtubs, or floor
drains connected in battery on a horizontal branch drain shall be permitted to be battery-vented. The
drain from each fixture being battery-vented shall connect horizontally to the horizontal wet-vented drain
branch. The horizontal wet-vented branch drain shall be considered as a vent extending from the
downstream fixture drain connection to the most upstream fixture connection.
908.2.3.2 Back-outlet water closets having carriers conforming to Section 407.4 shall be
permitted to be battery-vented provided they connect horizontally to the horizontal wet-vented section.
908.2.3.3 Trap arm lengths for fixtures shall not exceed those as indicated in Table 10-1.
908.2.3.4 A battery vent shall be connected to the horizontal wet-vented branch drain
between the two (2) most upstream fixture drains.
908.2.3.5 The entire length of the wet-vented section of the horizontal branch drain shall
be uniformly sized for the total drainage discharge connected thereto as per Table 7-5. The maximum
slope of the horizontal drain shall be three-eighths (3/8) inch (10 mm) per foot(300 mm).
908.2.3.6 A relief vent shall be provided on each wet vented horizontal branch drain
below the uppermost floor. The relief vent shall connect to the horizontal branch drain between the stack
and the first upstream fixture drain.
908.2.3.7 Battery vents and relief vent connections shall be taken off vertically from the
top of the horizontal drain. Battery vents and relief vents shall not be used as vertical wet vents.
908.2.3.8 Lavatories and drinking fountains shall be permitted to connect horizontally to
the horizontal wet-vented branch drain provided that they are located on the same floor as the battery-
vented fixtures and each is provided with either an individual or common vent.
908.2.3.9 Batteries of more than eight (8) battery vented fixtures shall have a separate
battery vent for each group of eight (8) or less fixtures, and the horizontal branch drain in each group shall
be sized for the total drainage into the branch, including all upstream branches and the fixtures within the
particular group.
25
908.2.3.10 All battery vents and relief vents shall be sized according to Section 904.0, but
shall be not less than one-half (1/2) the area of the drain pipe that they serve and shall comply with
Section 905.0
New section - drawn from 2009 appendix to maintain same requirement as 2006 code.
(50) Section 909.0.1 is added to read as follows:
As an alternative for single family dwellings, an "air admittance valve" may be installed as follows:
(a) The air admittance valve shall be two (2) inches in size and have the ANSI/ASSE
1051 listing label clearly visible during inspection.
(b) The stack or horizontal branch drain shall have a 1 '/2" vent. The two (2) inch waste
line shall be a designated line with no other connections of any sort.
(c) The air admittance valve shall be readily accessible in the cabinet area, be
removable, and located at least six (6) inches above the 2 x 2 x 1 '/2" tee for the trap.
Only kitchen or bar island sinks may be auto vented. The auto vent shall be readily accessible and shall
be located above the trap arm and in same cabinet as "P" trap.
No change from current code
(51) Table 10-1 UPC is amended to read as follows:
Maximum Allowable Horizontal Length Of Trap Arms
1-1/4" 5101,
1-1/2" 6' 0"
2" 8' 0"
3" 12' 0"
4" and larger 13' 0"
The developed length between the trap of a water closet or similar
fixture (measured from the top of the closet flange to the inner edge of
the vent) and its vent shall not exceed six feet.
No change from current code
(52) Section 1101.2 UPC is reworded to add the following.-
Whenever such connection or arrangement is found to exist in violation of the ordinances of this city or
this code, whereby surface water runoff, subsoil or footing drainage is discharged or diverted into the
sanitary sewer system, the inspector shall issue a written notice to the owner to cause such to be abated
by ordering a connection to a public storm main or collector line.
No change from current code
(53) Section 1101.3 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
Rainwater piping placed within the interior of a building to two (2) feet out of building or footings shall be
cast iron, brass, copper (Type M), Schedule 40 PVC or Schedule 40 ABS DWV. Schedule 40 PVC and
ABS pipe installed within a duct or plenums shall be insulated with an insulation having a flame-spread
index of not more than 25 and a smoke index of not more than 50.
Rainwater piping placed outside a building shall be cast iron, brass, copper (Type M), Schedule 40 PVC
or Schedule 40 ABS DWV, reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), vitrified clay pipe (VCP), SDR 23.5 PVC,
SDR 35 PVC, PVC truss pipe, PVC A2000 pipe, and corrugated high-density polyethylene (P.E.)
SDR 23.5 PVC, SDR 35 PVC, schedule 40 PVC or Schedule 40 ABS, PVC truss, PVC A2000, and
corrugated polyethylene pipe outside a building shall be enveloped with four (4) inches of crushed rock,
either one (1) inch clean or 3/8" minus 3/8" washed chips, or"pea gravel", on the top, bottom and sides.
The storm water sewer may be connected to the City storm main at intakes, manholes, or connected
directly into the storm main. Whenever a direct connection is made to the storm main, the connection
shall be made by a clamping saddle or a fitting with a sealant that makes the joints water and root proof.
If the storm sewer is one-half ('/2) or more of the size of the storm main, a manhole shall be required at
the point of connection to the storm main. All manholes shall meet the Iowa Statewide Urban Standards.
All direct taps into the storm main shall be installed on the top one-half('/2) of the main.
The storm sewer shall have a cleanout installed every one hundred (100) feet and every change of
direction exceeding 135°. In place of a cleanout every one hundred (100) feet, a manhole shall be placed
every three hundred (300) feet (manhole shall meet Des Moines Urban Standards).
No Fernco coupling or no-hub clamp shall be used on the storm sewer or main.
26
Exception: When converting to PVC truss pipe or clay pipe, a Fernco stainless steel shielded coupling
shall be used on storm sewer.
No change from current code
(54) Section 1101.5.2 UPC is reworded to read as follows:
The subsoil drains may be allowed to discharge to a pond, or waterway if approved by the Building
Official. If not allowed by the Building Official, the subsoil drain shall be discharged to a storm main.
Regardless, the gravity line shall have a backwater valve.
In existing buildings, if granted permission by the plumbing inspector, the perimeter tile may flow by
gravity to a storm main, intake, or manhole if there is at least ten (10) feet vertical height difference
between the perimeter tile and the storm main, intake, or manhole.
No change from current code
(55) Section 1101.5.3 UPC is amended to:
Replace "fifteen (15) gpm"with 17 gpm with a seventeen (17) foot head"
Add the following to the end of the section:
The sump pump line may be either Schedule 40 PVC or Schedule 80 PVC pipe.
The fittings shall be either schedule 80 PVC deep socket or schedule 40 deep socket pressure fittings.
The sump pump line may also be 1 '/z" polyethylene (PE) SDR 9, 3408. The PE joints shall be made with
ribbed insert fittings secured by stainless steel clamps. The sump line shall be buried no less than five (5)
feet in depth from finished grade. If this depth cannot be maintained, the sides and top of pipe wall shall
be covered with 1 %" blue board insulation. The sides of the insulation shall be at least five (5) feet in
depth. When the sump line is discharged into a storm manhole, intake, or storm main that is not five (5)
feet below final surface grade, a quarter (%,) of an inch hole shall be drilled into the bottom portion of the
horizontal 90°elbow before pipe is placed in the vertical position.
If two sump lines are combined together, the sump line shall be a two (2) inch line to the storm main,
intake, or manhole. The sump pump shall have an electrical outlet within reach of the manufacturer's
cord.
No foundation drain service line shall be discharged onto property, someone else's property, or into the
building drain or building sewer. No floor drain, clothes washer, or any other plumbing fixture shall be
discharged into the foundation sump pit.
Every sump pit in an elevator shaft shall meet the rules and regulations of the State of Iowa Elevator
Inspector. No hydraulic elevator sump shall be discharged into a storm or sanitary sewer.
No change from current code
(56) Section 1101.5.4 UPC is deleted.
New section to prohibit discharging sump at grade
(57) Section 1102.1.2 UPC is amended to read:
The inside conductors installed above ground level shall be of seamless copper water tube, Type K, L, or
M; Schedule 40 copper pipe or Schedule 40 copper alloy pipe; service weight cast-iron soil pipe or
hubless cast-iron soil pipe; or Schedule 40 ABS or Schedule 40 PVC Plastic pipe.
New section to keep consistent with prior approved materials
(58) Section 1102.3 UPC is amended by adding the following:
Rainwater piping placed underground within the interior of a building to two (2) feet out of building or
footings shall be cast iron, brass, seamless copper water tube (type K, L, or M), Schedule 40 PVC or
Schedule 40 ABS DWV.
No change from current code
(59) Section 1102.4 UPC is amended by adding the following:
Rainwater piping placed outside a building shall be cast iron, brass, copper (Type M), Schedule 40 PVC
or Schedule 40 ABS DWV, reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), vitrified clay pipe (VCP), SDR 23.5 PVC,
SDR 35 PVC, PVC truss pipe, PVC A2000 pipe, and corrugated high-density polyethylene (P.E.)
SDR 23.5 PVC, SDR 35 PVC, schedule 40 PVC or Schedule 40 ABS, PVC truss, PVC A2000, and
corrugated polyethylene pipe outside a building shall be enveloped with four (4) inches of crushed rock,
either one (1) inch clean or 3/8" minus 3/8" washed chips, or"pea gravel", on the top, bottom and sides.
27
No change from current code
(60) Tables 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 UPC are amended by adding the following note to the end of
each table:
Rainfall rates for the City of Ames shall be based at three and one-half(3 %) inches of rain per hour.
No change from current code
(61) Section 1209.5.1.1 UPC is amended to add:
Material allowed six(6) inches or higher above lowest finished floor shall be:
(1) standard weight wrought iron or steel
(2) black iron or steel
(3) corrugated stainless steel (csst)
No change from current code
(62) Section 1209.5.3.4 UPC is amended to add:
No corrugated stainless steel tubing (csst) shall be installed outside of a building or installed below
ground in a building. Csst shall be installed by manufacturer's recommendations unless it violates this
code.
No change from current code
(63) Section 1212.1 UPC is amended to add:
No appliance connector shall penetrate the housing of an appliance, or be used in an exterior location.
No change from current code
(64) Section 1302.0 UPC is reworded to add the following at the end of the section:
Applicant must provide a certificate to the Inspection Division from an architect or engineer that the
facility, as built, meets the requirements of Chapter 13 UPC.
No change from current code
(65) Section D1 of Appendix D UPC is reworded to read as follows:
The maximum rainfall rate for the City of Ames shall be based on three and one-half(3 %) inches in Table
D-1 for design.
No change from current code
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