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Fort Worth, TX Code of Ordinances
FORT WORTH, TEXAS CODE OF ORDINANCES
OFFICIALS of the CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
PART I: THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH
PART II: CITY CODE
CHAPTER 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 2: ADMINISTRATION
CHAPTER 2.5: RETIREMENT
CHAPTER 3: AIRPORTS AND AIRCRAFT
CHAPTER 4: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
CHAPTER 5: AMBULANCES/EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
CHAPTER 6: ANIMALS AND FOWL
CHAPTER 7: BUILDINGS
CHAPTER 8: CABLE COMMUNICATION SERVICE
CHAPTER 9: COMMUNITY FACILITIES AGREEMENTS
CHAPTER 10: COURTS
CHAPTER 11: ELECTRICITY
CHAPTER 11.5: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 12: EMERGENCY REPORTING EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 12.5: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND COMPLIANCE
CHAPTER 13: FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION
CHAPTER 14: RESERVED
CHAPTER 15: GAS
CHAPTER 16: HEALTH AND SANITATION
CHAPTER 17: HUMAN RELATIONS
CHAPTER 18: LAKE WORTH
CHAPTER 19: LIBRARIES
CHAPTER 20: LICENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 21: RESERVED
CHAPTER 22: MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
CHAPTER 23: OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 24: PARK AND RECREATION
CHAPTER 25: RESERVED
CHAPTER 26: PLUMBING
CHAPTER 27: POLICE
CHAPTER 28: PUBLIC UTILITIES
CHAPTER 29: SIGNS
CHAPTER 29.5: SMOKING
CHAPTER 30: STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
CHAPTER 31: SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 32: TAXATION
CHAPTER 33: TREES, SHRUBS, ETC.
CHAPTER 34: VEHICLES FOR HIRE
CHAPTER 35: WATER AND SEWERS
CHAPTER 36: RESERVED
APPENDIX A: ZONING REGULATIONS
APPENDIX B: CODE COMPLIANCE
APPENDIX C: RESERVED
CODE COMPARATIVE TABLE
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§ 12.5-555 REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY (RP).
   (a)   RPs may be utilized at premises where a substance is handled that would be hazardous to the public health if introduced into the potable water system. An RP is normally used in locations where an air gap is impractical. An RP is effective against both backsiphonage and backpressure.
   (b)   RPs shall be sized to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure for the premises being served. Flow characteristics are not standard. Consult manufacturer’s specifications for specific performance data.
   (c)   Premises where interruption of water supply is critical shall be provided with two assemblies installed in parallel. They shall be sized in such a manner that either assembly will provide the minimum water requirements while the two together will provide the maximum flow required.
   (d)   Bypass lines are prohibited. Pipe fittings which could be used for connecting a bypass line shall not be installed.
   (e)   (1)   The assembly shall be readily accessible for testing and maintenance and shall be located in an area where water damage to buildings or furnishings will not occur from relief valve discharge. An approved air gap funnel assembly may be used to direct minor discharges away from the assembly; this assembly will not control flow in a continuous relief situation. Drain lines to accommodate full relief valve discharge flow should be considered.
      (2)   RPs are typically installed above grade in well drained areas, but may be installed below grade if an adequate drain to daylight is provided.
      (3)   Enclosures shall be designed for ready access and sized to allow for the minimum clearances established below. Removable protective enclosures are typically installed on the smaller assemblies. Daylight drain ports shall be provided to accommodate full pressure discharge from the assembly.
      (4)   All assemblies larger than two inches shall have a minimum of 12 inches on the back side, 24 inches on the test cock side, and the relief valve opening shall be at least 12 inches plus nominal size of assembly above the floor or highest possible water level. Headroom of six feet is required in vaults without a fully removable top. A minimum access opening of 24 inches square is required on all vault lids.
      (5)   Assemblies installed more than five feet above floor level must have a suitable platform for use by testing or maintenance personnel.
   (f)   The assembly must be protected from freezing and other severe weather conditions.
   (g)   Vertical installation is prohibited.
   (h)   Lines shall be thoroughly flushed prior to installation. A strainer with blowout tapping may be required ahead of the assembly.
   (i)   The property owner assumes all responsibility for leaks and damage. The owner shall also see that the vault is kept reasonably free of silt and debris.
   (j)   All RP assemblies shall be tested in accordance with this division. Any premises that have RP assemblies that are point-of-use protection without high hazard premises isolation protection shall be tested every six months. Any premises that have an RP assembly as premises isolation without high hazard point-of-use protection assembly shall be tested every six months. Tests are the responsibility of the assembly owner. The owner shall notify the director upon installation of any backflow prevention assembly.
   (k)   Variances from these specifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Any deviations shall be prohibited without prior written approval of the director.
   Standard Detail No. 12.5-555.1
   Reduced Pressures Principle Large Assembly
Notes:
   (1)   Large assemblies are those that are 2-1/2 inches and larger.
   (2)   Assembly shall not be subject to flooding.
   (3)   Drain lines shall be sized to accommodate full relief valve discharge flow. See flow chart 12.5-555.2.
   (4)   Reduced pressure backflow assemblies are typically installed above grade in well draining areas, but may be installed below grade if an adequate drain to daylight is provided.
   (5)   The installation on the supply line (ahead of assembly) of a strainer with tapping blowout may be required. See standard detail 12.5-555.3.
   Standard Detail 12.5-555.2
   Relief Valve Discharge for Reduced Pressure Backflow Assemblies
   Standard Detail No. 12.5-555.3
   Strainers
   One of the most common causes of backflow prevention assembly failure is the accumulation of sand, scale or debris trapped in the assembly. This debris can cause the assembly to fail its required testing and can contribute to a shorter working life span of the assembly.
   Standard Detail No. 12.5-555.4
   Reduced Pressure Principle Small Assembly
Notes:
   (1)   Assembly must be protected from freezing.
   (2)   Removable insulated covers can be used.
   (3)   Enclosures shall be in an area not subject to flooding.
   (4)   The installation on the supply line (ahead of assembly) of a strainer with tapping blowout may be required. See standard detail no. 12.5-555.3.
(Ord. 12274, § 1, passed 11-28-1995)
§ 12.5-556 DOUBLE CHECK VALVE BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY (DC).
   (a)   Double check valve assemblies may be utilized at premises where a substance is handled that would be objectionable but not hazardous to health if introduced into the potable water system.
   (b)   DCs shall be sized to provide an adequate supply of water and pressure for the premises being served. Flow characteristics are not standard. Consult manufacturer’s specifications for specific performance data.
   (c)   Premises where interruption of water supply is critical shall be provided with two assemblies installed in parallel. They shall be sized in such a manner that either assembly will provide the minimum water requirements while the two together will provide the maximum flow required.
   (d)   Bypass lines are prohibited. Pipe fittings which could be used for connecting a bypass line shall not be installed.
   (e)   (1)   The assembly shall be readily accessible with adequate room for testing and maintenance. DCs may be installed below grade, providing all test cocks are fitted with brass pipe plugs. All vaults shall be well drained, constructed of suitable materials, and sized to allow for the minimum clearances established below.
      (2)   Assemblies two inches and smaller shall have at least a three-inch clearance below and on both sides of the assembly, and if located in a vault, the bottom of the assembly shall be not more than 24 inches below grade. All assemblies larger than two inches shall have a minimum clearance of 12 inches on the back side, 24 inches on the test cock side and 12 inches below the assembly. Headroom of six feet is required in vaults without a fully removable top. A minimum access opening of 24 inches square is required on all vault lids.
      (3)   Assemblies installed more than five feet above floor level shall have a suitable platform for use by testing or maintenance personnel.
   (f)   Vertical installations are allowed on sizes up to and including four inches that meet the following requirements:
      (1)   Internally spring-loaded check valves;
      (2)   Flow is upward through assembly;
      (3)   Manufacturer states their assembly can be used in a vertical position; and
      (4)   Approved by director.
   (g)   The assembly shall be protected from freezing and other severe weather conditions.
   (h)   Lines shall be thoroughly flushed prior to installation. A strainer with blowout tapping may be required ahead of the assembly.
   (i)   The property owner assumes all responsibility for foundation or basement wall penetration, leaks and damage. The owner shall also see that the vault is kept reasonably free of silt and debris.
   (j)   All DCs shall be tested in accordance with this division. Tests are the responsibility of the assembly owner. The owner shall notify the director upon installation of any backflow prevention assembly.
   (k)   Variances from these specifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. No deviations shall be permitted without prior written approval of the director.
   Standard Detail No. 12.5-556.1
   Double Check Valve Large Assembly
Notes:
   (1)   Large assemblies are those that are 2-1/2 inches and larger.
   (2)   Installations require the use of brass plugs in all test ports.
   (3)   The installation on the supply line (ahead of assembly) of a strainer with tapping blowout may be required. See standard detail no. 12.5-556.3.
   Standard Detail No. 12.5-556.2
   Double Check Valve Small Assembly
Notes:
   (1)   Adequate space must be allowed for testing and maintenance.
   (2)   Area around assembly must drain well.
   (3)   Test cocks must be equipped with brass pipe plugs.
   (4)   “Y” pattern assemblies must be installed so that the test cocks are pointed up. (See drawing above).
   (5)   Thoroughly flush the lines prior to installation of the assembly.
   (6)   Strainers may be required. See standard detail no. 12.5-556.3.
   Standard Detail No. 12.5-556.3
   Strainers
   One of the most common causes of backflow prevention assembly failure is the accumulation of sand, scale or debris trapped in the assembly. This debris can cause the assembly to fail its required testing and can contribute to a shorter working life span of the assembly.
(Ord. 12274, § 1, passed 11-28-1995)
§ 12.5-557 DOUBLE DETECTOR CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY (DDC).
   Double detector check valve assemblies may be utilized in all installations requiring a double check valve assembly and detector metering. DDCs shall comply with the installation requirements applicable for double check valve assemblies (DCs).
   Standard Detail No. 12.5-557.1
   Double Detector Check
Notes:
   (1)   Brass plugs to be installed in all test cocks.
   (2)   If domestic service is installed off the fire service, a second gate valve must be installed outside the vault. Joint restraint must be provided between this valve and the main.
   (3)   Strainer may be required. See standard detail no. 12.5-557.2.
   Standard Detail No. 12.5-557.2
   Strainers
   One of the most common causes of backflow prevention assembly failure is the accumulation of sand, scale or debris trapped in the assembly. This debris can cause the assembly to fail its required testing and can contribute to a shorter working life span of the assembly.
(Ord. 12274, § 1, passed 11-28-1995)
§ 12.5-558 PRESSURE VACUUM BREAKER (PVB).
   (a)   PVBs may be utilized at point-of-use protection only and where a substance is handled that would be objectionable but not hazardous to health if introduced into the potable water system. PVBs protect against backsiphonage only and shall not be installed where there is potential for backpressure.
   (b)   The assembly shall be installed a minimum of 12 inches above the highest use outlet or overflow level downstream from the assembly.
   (c)   PVBs shall not be installed in an area subject to flooding or where damage would occur from water discharge.
   (d)   The assembly shall be protected from freezing.
   (e)   The assembly shall be readily accessible for testing and maintenance, with a minimum clearance of 12 inches all around the assembly.
   (f)   PVBs shall be located between 12 inches and 60 inches above ground level.
   (g)   A strainer with blowout tapping may be required ahead of the assembly.
   (h)   All PVBs must be tested in compliance with this division. Tests are the responsibility of the assembly owner. The owner shall notify the director upon installation of any backflow prevention assembly.
   (i)   Variances from these specifications will be evaluated on a case by case basis. No deviations shall be permitted without prior written approval of the director.
   Standard Detail No. 12.5-558.1
   Pressure Vacuum Breaker
Notes:
   (1)   Downstream control valves or shutoffs are allowed.
   (2)   Install assembly at no more than 60 inches above ground level.
   (3)   Install assembly at least 12 inches above highest use outlet.
   (4)   No pumps or backpressure source allowed.
   (5)   No chemical addition into system allowed.
   (6)   Pressure vacuum breakers must be tested by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester upon installation and annually thereafter; also when moved or repaired.
(Ord. 12274, § 1, passed 11-28-1995)
§ 12.5-559 ATMOSPHERIC VACUUM BREAKER (AVB).
   (a)   AVBs provide minimal protection and are approved for very low hazard application only. AVBs protect against backsiphonage only and are prohibited where there is potential for backpressure.
   (b)   The assembly shall be installed a minimum of six inches above the highest use outlet or overflow level downstream from the assembly.
   (c)   Shutoff valves downstream from the assembly are prohibited.
   (d)   AVBs shall be allowed only for those applications where there is less than 12 hours per day continuous use.
   (e)   AVBs shall not be installed in an area subject to flooding or where damage may occur from water discharge.
   (f)   AVBs shall be allowed for point-of-use protection only in accordance with the plumbing code. AVBs are not recognized as adequate protection by the director, so additional protection may be required.
   Standard Detail No. 12.5-559.1
   Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker
Notes:
   (1)   No control valves or shutoffs allowed downstream.
   (2)   Install assembly at no more than 60 inches above ground level.
   (3)   Install assembly at least six inches above highest downstream use piping.
   (4)   No pumps or backpressure source allowed.
   (5)   No chemical addition into system allowed.
(Ord. 12274, § 1, passed 11-28-1995)
§ 12.5-560 AIR GAP SEPARATION.
   (a)   Air gap separations provide maximum protection from backflow hazards and may be utilized at premises where a substance is handled that would be hazardous to health if introduced into the potable water system.
   (b)   An air gap separation shall be at least twice the diameter of the supply pipeline measured vertically above the top rim of the receiving vessel, in no case less than one inch. If splashing is a problem, tubular screens may be attached or the supply line may be cut at a 45 degree angle. The air gap distance is measured from the bottom of the angle. Hoses shall not be allowed.
   (c)   Air gap separations shall not be altered in any way without prior approval from the director, and shall be available for inspection at all reasonable times.
   (d)   Side walls, ribs or similar obstructions do not affect air gaps when spaced from the inside edge of the spout opening a distance greater than three times the diameter of the effective opening for a single or a distance greater than four times the effective opening for two intersecting walls.
   (e)   In cases where there are three or more side walls, ribs or similar obstructions extending from the water surface to or above the horizontal plane of the spout opening other than as specified in subsection (d) above, the air gap shall be measured from the top of the wall.
   (f)   The effective opening shall be the minimum cross-sectional area at the seat of the control valve or the supply pipe or tubing which feeds the assembly or outlet. If two or more lines supply one outlet, the effective opening shall be the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the individual supply lines or the area of the single outlet, whichever is smaller.
   Standard Detail No. 12.5-560.1
   Air Gap Separation
Notes:
   (1)   Provides maximum protection.
   (2)   The vertical, physical separations must be at least twice the diameter of the inlet pipe but never less than one inch.
(Ord. 12274, § 1, passed 11-28-1995)
§ 12.5-561 FIRE SYSTEMS.
   An approved double-check valve assembly shall be the minimum protection for fire sprinkler systems using piping material that is not approved for potable water use and/or that does not provide for periodic flow-through during each 24-hour period, unless a variance has been issued in writing from the director. An RP assembly shall be installed if any solution other than the potable water can be introduced into the sprinkler system.
(Ord. 12274, § 1, passed 11-28-1995)
§ 12.5-562 OFFENSE.
   A person commits an offense if the person knowingly installs or maintains backflow prevention assemblies or air gaps in violation of this subdivision.
(Ord. 12274, § 1, passed 11-28-1995)
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