§ 3-3. International Mechanical Code

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

B. Amendments to the International Mechanical Code, 2009 Edition. The following sections of the International Mechanical 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 Mechanical Code of the City of Sachse, Texas, hereinafter referred to as "this code".

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

102.8 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced herein shall be those that are listed in Chapter 15 and such codes, when specifically adopted, and standards shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and the referenced standards, the provisions of this code shall apply. Whenever amendments have been adopted to the referenced codes and standards, each reference to 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.

(3) Section 304.6; delete.

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

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

1. A permanent stair.

2. A pull down stair with a minimum 300 lb (136 kg) capacity.

3. An access door from an upper floor level.

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

Exceptions:

1. The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance is capable of being serviced and removed... {Remainder of section unchanged)

(5) 306.5; change to read as follows:

306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures. Where equipment requiring access and appliances are installed on roofs or elevated structures at an aggregate height exceeding 16 feet (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… {language unchanged} …on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope)… {Remaining language unchanged}.

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

306.5.1 Sloped roofs. Where appliances, equipment, fans or other components that require service are installed on roofs having slopes greater than 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 (406 mm) in width with substantial cleats spaced not more than 16 inches (406 mm) 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.

(7) Section 306; add Section 306.6 to read as follows:

306.6 Water heaters above ground or floor. When the mezzanine or platform in which a water heater is installed is more than eight (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 with approval) 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.

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

(8) Section 307.2.2; change to read as follows:

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

(9) Section 307.2.3; amend item 2 to read as follows:

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

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

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

(11) Section 501.2; add an exception to read as follows:

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

Exceptions:

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

2. Commercial cooking recirculating systems.

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

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

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

(13) Section 607.5.1; change to read as follows:

607.5.1 Fire Walls. Ducts and air transfer openings permitted in fire walls in accordance with Section 705.11 of the International Building Code shall be protected with listed fire dampers installed in accordance with their listing. For hazardous exhaust systems see Section 510.1 through 510.9.

C. Conflicting ordinances. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the International Mechanical Code and any provision of this section, or any other city ordinance, the provisions of this ordinance or any other city ordinance shall prevail. In the event of conflict between ordinances, the most stringent provision shall prevail.

D. Liability of the city. Neither the city nor any authorized agent acting under the terms of this section shall be liable or have any liability to reason of orders issued or work done in compliance with the terms of this section.

(Ord. No. 654, 2-15-88; Ord. No. 1661, 4-19-99; Ord. No. 1883, §§ I, II, 10-1-01; Ord. No. 2134, § 1, 5-2-05; Ord. No. 3428, § 5, 10-15-12, eff. 1-1-13)