(A) Adopted.
(1) The city hereby does adopt the International Mechanical Code, 2021 Edition or most current edition.
(2) These rules, and regulations, are adopted in an attempt to ensure safe mechanical installation, including alterations, repairs, and replacement to equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and appurtenances thereto, Manual “J”, and Manual “D” as to safeguard life, health, and the public welfare.
(Prior Code, § 11.16.01)
(B) Amendment. In addition to the adoption of the aforementioned International Mechanical Code, the City Council hereby adopts the following local amendment to said code, which shall repeal only that portion of the code which may be in conflict herewith, and shall otherwise be supplemental to said code. Specifically, the local amendments are as follows:
(1) Dryer vents.
(a) Dryer vent terminations shall have a minimum clearance of 12 inches above the finished grade to the bottom of the vent termination;
(b) Dryer vents shall have at least a one-eighth inch per foot fall to the termination;
(c) Dryer vents shall not be trapped; and
(d) Dryer vents shall not be located within five feet of a HVAC condensing unit.
(2) HVAC ducts and plenums.
(a) All ducts, both supply and return, shall be of galvanized sheet metal (refer to table 603.4 of the State Mechanical Code). Exceptions are, as allowed by 603.4, sheetrock lined parts of the building structure, if approved by the Building Official;
(b) Installation of flexible non-metallic duct, and flexible metallic duct, material is prohibited, with the following exceptions: When a suspended ceiling is to be installed, the final connections not to exceed six feet, may be flexible duct material, or as approved by the Building Official;
(c) All types of wiring, including thermostat, non-metallic cable, and alarm systems wiring, shall not be installed anywhere in the duct system;
(d) All joints, and connections, must be mechanically fastened (sheet metal screws, or other approved fasteners), and sealed with welds, gaskets, or mastic, and UL approved tape, as approved by the Building Official;
(e) Ducts shall be suspended to allow at least 12 inches for insulation, as per State Energy Code; and
(f) Return air platform, plenum, duct, or space shall be lined, and sealed, so as to be made airtight.
(3) HVAC electrical connections.
(a) All electrical connections shall be an approved disconnect within six feet of each piece of heating and air-conditioning equipment, and readily accessible (cord and plug connections are allowed on inside gas hearing units, if accessible, and installed in accordance with N.E.C.); and
(b) A receptacle for service equipment shall be installed within six feet of the equipment, and may be installed upstream from the equipment disconnect where provided.
(4) Fuel line connections.
(a) As a minimum, rigid steel piping, of at least schedule 40, must extend through the sheet metal cabinet where the final connections may be made using an approved flexible connector; and
(b) Fuel line piping shall not be installed within any part of the air system of the HVAC system, including ducts and plenums.
(5) Fireplace enclosures. Fireplace enclosures shall be fire-stopped at each ceiling level, or attic space, in order to stop the unrestricted path of fire to the attic, or other concealed spaces; and
(6) Bathroom exhaust fans. Section 501.3, exception 2 is deleted. All bath exhaust fans will be vented outside, or to a vented soffit.
(Prior Code, § 11.16.02)
(C) Filed. Three copies of this code have been, and are now, on file in the office of the City Hall, and the same are hereby adopted, and incorporated, as if they are set out at length herein. From the date on which this section shall take effect, the provisions of the aforementioned code shall be controlling in the construction of all buildings, and other structures, within the corporate limits of the city.
(Prior Code, § 11.16.03)
(Ord. 2004-16, passed - -; Ord. 2023-09, passed 7-25-2023)