§ 3-22. International Fuel Gas Code

A. Adoption. The International Fuel Gas Code, 2009 edition, a copy of which is on file in the office of the city secretary, is hereby adopted and designated as the Fuel Gas Code of the City of Sachse, the same as though such code were copied in full herein.

B. Amendments to the International Fuel Gas Code, 2009 Edition. The following sections of the International Fuel Gas Code, 2009 Edition, are hereby amended to read as follows:

(1) Section 101.1; change to read as follows:

101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fuel Gas Code of the City of Sachse, Texas, hereinafter referred to as "this code".

(2) Section 102.2; add an exception to read as follows:

Exception: Existing dwelling units shall comply with Section 621.2.

(3) Section 102.8; change to read as follows:

102.8 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be those that are listed in Chapter 8 and such codes, when specifically adopted, and standards shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and the referenced standards, the provisions of this code shall apply. Whenever amendments have been adopted to the referenced codes and standards, each reference to said code and standard shall be considered to reference the amendments as well. Any reference to NFPA 70 or the ICC Electrical Code shall mean the Electrical Code as adopted.

(4) Section 304.10; change to read as follows:

304.10 Louvers and grilles. The required size of openings for combustion, ventilation and dilution air shall be based on the net free area of each opening. Where the free area through a design of louver, grille or screen is known, it shall be used in calculating the size opening required to provide the free area specified. Where the design and free area of louvers and grilles are not known, it shall be assumed that wood louvers will have 25-percent free area and metal louvers and grilles will have 50-percent free area. Screens shall have a mesh size not smaller than ¼ inch (6.4 mm). Nonmotorized louvers and grilles shall be fixed in the open position. Motorized louvers shall be interlocked with the appliance so that they are proven to be in the full open position prior to main burner ignition and during main burner operation. Means shall be provided to prevent the main burner from igniting if the louvers fail to open during burner start-up and to shut down the main burner if the louvers close during operation.

(5) Section 304.11; change #8 to read as follows:

304.11 Combustion air ducts. Combustion air ducts shall comply with all of the following:

1. Ducts shall be constructed of galvanized steel complying with Chapter 6 of the International Mechanical Code or of a material having equivalent corrosion resistance, strength and rigidity.

Exception: Within dwellings units, unobstructed stud and joist spaces shall not be prohibited from conveying combustion air, provided that not more than one required fireblock is removed.

2. Ducts shall terminate in an unobstructed space allowing free movement of combustion air to the appliances.

3. Ducts shall serve a single enclosure.

4. Ducts shall not serve both upper and lower combustion air openings where both such openings are used. The separation between ducts serving upper and lower combustion air openings shall be maintained to the source of combustion air.

5. Ducts shall not be screened where terminating in an attic space.

6. Horizontal upper combustion air ducts shall not slope downward toward the source of combustion air.

7. The remaining space surrounding a chimney liner, gas vent, special gas vent or plastic piping installed within a masonry, metal or factory-built chimney shall not be used to supply combustion air.

Exception: Direct-vent gas-fired appliances designed for installation in a solid fuel-burning fireplace where installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8. Combustion air intake openings located on the exterior of a building shall have the lowest side of such openings located not less than 12 inches (305 mm) vertically from the adjoining ground level or the manufacturer's recommendation, whichever is more restrictive.

(6) Section 305.5; delete the section.

(7) Section 306.3; change to read as follows:

[M] 306.3 Appliances in attics. Attics containing appliances requiring access shall be provided… {bulk of paragraph unchanged} …side of the appliance. The clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by 762 mm), or larger where such dimensions are not large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance. As a minimum, for access to the attic space, provide one of the following:

1. A permanent stair.

2. A pull down stair.

3. An access door from an upper floor level.

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

Exceptions:

1. The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance is capable of being serviced and removed through the required opening.

2. Where the passageway is not less than ... {bulk of section to read the same}.

(8) Section 306.5; change to read as follows:

[M] 306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures. Where equipment requiring access and appliances are installed on roofs or elevated structures at an aggregate height exceeding 16 feet (4877 mm), such access shall be provided by a permanent approved means of access. Permanent exterior ladders providing roof access need not extend closer than 12 feet (3658 mm) to the finish grade or floor level below and shall extend to the equipment and appliances' level service space. Such access shall… {bulk of section to read the same} …on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope). …{Bulk of section to read the same}.

(9) Section 306.5.1; change to read as follows:

[M] 306.5.1 Sloped roofs. Where appliances, equipment, fans or other components that require service are installed on roofs having slopes greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal and having an edge more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at such edge, a catwalk at least 16 inches in width with substantial cleats spaced not more than 16 inches apart shall be provided from the roof access to a level platform at the appliance. The level platform shall be provided on each side of the appliance to which access is required for service, repair or maintenance. The platform shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in any dimension and shall be provided with guards. The guards shall extend not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the platform, shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a 21-inch-diameter (533 mm) sphere and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards specified in the International Building Code.

(10) Section 306; add Section 306.7 with exception and subsection 306.7.1 to read as follows:

306.7 Water heaters above ground or floor. When the attic, roof, mezzanine or platform in which a water heater is installed is more than eight (8) feet (2438 mm) above the ground or floor level, it shall be made accessible by a stairway or permanent ladder fastened to the building.

Exception: A max 10 gallon water heater (or larger when approved by the code official) is capable of being accessed through a lay-in ceiling and a water heater is installed is not more than ten (10) feet (3048 mm) above the ground or floor level and may be reached with a portable ladder.

306.7.1. Illumination and convenience outlet. Whenever the mezzanine or platform is not adequately lighted or access to a receptacle outlet is not obtainable from the main level, lighting and a receptacle outlet shall be provided in accordance with Section 306.3.1.

(11) Section 401.5; add a second paragraph to read as follows:

Both ends of each section of medium pressure corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) shall identify its operating gas pressure with an approved tag. The tags are to be composed of aluminum or stainless steel and the following wording shall be stamped into the tag:

"WARNING
½ to 5 psi gas pressure
Do Not Remove"

(12) Section 402.3; add an exception to read as follows:

Exception: Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) shall be a minimum of ½″ (18 EHD).

(13) Section 404.10; change to read as follows:

404.10 Minimum burial depth. Underground piping systems shall be installed a minimum depth of 18 inches (458 mm) top of pipe below grade.

(14) Section 404.10.1; delete the section.

(15) Section 406.1; change to read as follows:

406.1 General. Prior to acceptance and initial operation, all piping installations shall be inspected and pressure tested to determine that the materials, design, fabrication, and installation practices comply with the requirements of this code. The permit holder shall make the applicable tests prescribed in Sections 406.1.1 through 406.1.5 to determine compliance with the provisions of this code. The permit holder shall give reasonable advance notice to the code official when the piping system is ready for testing. The equipment, material, power and labor necessary for the inspections and test shall be furnished by the permit holder and the permit holder shall be responsible for determining that the work will withstand the test pressure prescribed in the following tests.

(16) Section 406.4; change to read as follows:

406.4 Test pressure measurement. Test pressure shall be measured with a manometer or with a pressure-measuring device designed and calibrated to read, record, or indicate a pressure loss caused by leakage during the pressure test period. The source of pressure shall be isolated before the pressure tests are made.

(17) Section 406.4.1; change to read as follows:

406.4.1 Test pressure. The test pressure to be used shall be no less than 3 psig (20 kPa gauge), or at the discretion of the Code Official, the piping and valves may be tested at a pressure of at least six (6) inches (152 mm) of mercury, measured with a manometer or slope gauge. For tests requiring a pressure of 3 psig, diaphragm gauges shall utilize a dial with a minimum diameter of three and one half inches (3½″), a set hand, 1/10 pound incrementation and pressure range not to exceed 6 psi for tests requiring a pressure of 3 psig. For tests requiring a pressure of 10 psig, diaphragm gauges shall utilize a dial with a minimum diameter of three and one-half inches (3½″), a set hand, a minimum of 2/10 pound incrementation and a pressure range not to exceed 20 psi. For welded piping, and for piping carrying gas at pressures in excess of fourteen (14) inches water column pressure (3.48 kPa) (½ psi) and less than 200 inches of water column pressure (52.2 kPa) (7.5 psi), the test pressure shall not be less than ten (10) pounds per square inch (69.6 kPa). For piping carrying gas at a pressure that exceeds 200 inches of water column (52.2 kPa) (7.5 psi), the test pressure shall be not less than one and one-half times the proposed maximum working pressure.

(18) Section 406.4.2; change to read as follows:

406.4.2 Test duration. Test duration shall be held for a length of time satisfactory to the Code Official, but in no case for less than fifteen (15) minutes. For welded piping, and for piping carrying gas at pressures in excess of fourteen (14) inches water column pressure (3.48 kPa), the test duration shall be held for a length of time satisfactory to the Code Official, but in no case for less than thirty (30) minutes.

{Delete remainder of section}

(19) Section 409.1; add Section 409.1.4 to read as follows:

409.1.4 Valves in CSST installations. Shutoff valves installed with corrugated stainless steel (CSST) piping systems shall be supported with an approved termination fitting, or equivalent support, suitable for the size of the valves, of adequate strength and quality, and located at intervals so as to prevent or damp out excessive vibration but in no case greater than 12-inches from the center of the valve. Supports shall be installed so as not to interfere with the free expansion and contraction of the system's piping, fittings, and valves between anchors. All valves and supports shall be designed and installed so they will not be disengaged by movement of the supporting piping.

(20) Section 410.1; add a second paragraph and exception to read as follows:

Access to regulators shall comply with the requirements for access to appliances as specified in Section 306.

Exception: A passageway or level service space is not required when the regulator is capable of being serviced and removed through the required attic opening.

(21) Section 614.6; add a sentence to read as follows:

[M] 614.6 Domestic clothes dryer exhaust ducts. Exhaust ducts for domestic clothes dryers shall conform to the requirements of Sections 614.6.1 through 614.6.7. The size of duct shall not be reduced along its developed length nor at the point of termination.

(22) Section 621.2; add exception as follows:

621.2 Prohibited use. One or more unvented room heaters shall not be used as the sole source of comfort heating in a dwelling unit.

Exception: Existing approved unvented heaters may continue to be used in dwelling units, in accordance with the code provisions in effect when installed, when approved by the Code Official unless an unsafe condition is determined to exist as described in Section 108.7.

(23) Section 624.1.1; change to read as follows:

624.1.1 Installation requirements. The requirements for water heaters relative to access, sizing, relief valves, drain pans and scald protection shall be in accordance with the International Plumbing Code."

(Ord. No. 1882, § I, 10-1-01; Ord. No. 2136, § 1, 5-2-05; Ord. No. 3428, § 7, 10-15-12, eff. 1-1-13)