SUBJECT: Ordinance to Adopt the latest editions of the Building Code, Residential Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Fire Code, and amendments.
RECOMMENDATION: (Summary) Approve an ordinance to adopt and modify the updated construction codes and fire code to include local administrative provisions, coordinate with local ordinances, and conform with local construction practices.
JUSTIFICATION: The purpose of the proposed adoption of the 2012 International Building Code (IBC), the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC), the 2012 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), the 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and the 2012 International Fire Code (IFC), along with the amendments thereto, is to continue to set the minimum standards of building regulations in residential and commercial buildings located on private property. Establishment of these standards will minimize the probability of fire situations and protect the welfare of the public.
The adoption of these codes is recommended because of the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule of the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The city is under review by ISO, which will provide the City with a rating based on the current codes. This rating affects the City’s insurance rates with regard to how well the City can mitigate against natural hazards. This rating also affects the Houston Fire Department and the City’s participation in the National Insurance Flood Program.
The IBC is published by the International Code Council. The IBC regulates the standards in structural application, fire and life safety, and administrative enforcement. The IBC is the nationally recognized building code adopted in most jurisdictions and is the minimum code standard for construction, as established by section 214.216 of the Local Government Code.
The IRC is also published by the International Code Council and is the minimum code standard for one- and two-family dwellings, excluding the electrical provisions, as established by section 214.212 of the Local Government Code.
The IFC is also published by the International Code Council and is the minimum code standard for fire prevention and fire protection systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.
The UMC and UPC are published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and regulate the installation, repair, and alteration of mechanical and plumbing systems primarily in commercial construction. The amendments to these codes establish certain administrative policies and procedures as well as modify other base code principles to be more applicable to the welfare and safety of the citizens of Houston.
The proposed amendments were reviewed and recommended by the Building, Residential, Mechanical, and Plumbing Committees of the Construction Industry Council (CIC) during a series of meetings, and presented to the City of Houston Traffic, Transportation, and Infrastructure Committee on October 12, 2015.