The following sections of the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code shall be amended, added, or deleted as follows. All other sections or subsections of the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code as published shall remain the same.
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the fuel gas code of the city of Sioux Falls, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
[A] 101.2 Scope. This code shall apply to the installation of fuel-gas piping systems, fuel gas appliances, gaseous hydrogen systems, and related accessories in accordance with Sections 101.2.1 through 101.2.5.
Exceptions:
1. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and town houses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the International Residential Code.
2. Fuel gas systems in existing buildings undergoing repair, alterations or additions, and change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the International Existing Building Code.
[A] 103.1 Creation of agency. The mechanical division is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the code official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
[A] 103.2 Appointment. Not adopted by the city.
[A] 104.8 Liability. The code official, member of the board of appeals, or employee charged with the enforcement of this code, while acting for the jurisdiction in good faith and without malice in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent law or ordinance, shall not thereby be rendered civilly or criminally liable personally, and is hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage accruing to persons or property as a result of an act or by reason of an act or omission in the discharge of official duties.
This code shall not be construed to relieve or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating, or controlling any building or structure for any damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the city, or its officers and employees, be held as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this code or any permits or certificates issued under this code.
[A] 104.8.1 Legal defense. Any suit or criminal complaint instituted against any officer or employee because of an act or omission performed by that officer or employee in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this code shall be afforded all the protection provided by the city’s insurance pool and immunities and defenses provided by other applicable state and federal laws and be defended by the legal representatives of the jurisdiction until the final termination of the proceedings. The code official or any subordinate shall not be liable for costs in an action, suit, or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this code.
[A] 109.2.1 Fee schedule. The fees for work shall be as indicated in Table No. 1-A, Mechanical Permit Fees in this code.
[A] 109.6 Refunds. The code official is authorized to establish a refund policy. The refunding of fees shall be as follows:
1. The full amount of any fee paid hereunder that was erroneously paid or collected.
2. Not more than 80 percent of the permit fee paid where work has not been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code.
3. Not more than 80 percent of the plan review fee paid where an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan review effort has been expended.
The code official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.
[A] 112.2 Required inspections and testing. It shall be the duty of the licensed mechanical contractor, or his designated mechanic, doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the mechanical inspector that such work is ready for inspection. The building official may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one working day before such inspection is desired.
The code official, on notification from the permit holder or the permit holder’s agent, shall make the following inspections and other such inspections as necessary, and shall either release that portion of the construction or notify the permit holder or the permit holder’s agent of violations that are required to be corrected. The holder of the permit shall be responsible for scheduling such inspections.
1. Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping is installed, and before backfill is put in place. Where excavated soil contains rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks, and other rubble that would damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be on the job site.
2. Rough-in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fire blocking, and bracing are in place and components to be concealed are complete and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
3. Final inspection shall be made upon completion of the installation.
The requirements of this section shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of any heating appliance installed to replace an existing heating appliance serving an occupied portion of a structure in the event a request for inspection of such heating appliance has been filed with the department not more than 48 hours after replacement work is placed into operation or substantially completed, and before any portion of such appliance is concealed by any permanent portion of the structure.
[A] 115.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the code official shall request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to deem the violation as a strict liability offense and institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct, or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.
[A] 115.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code, fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof, or erect, install, alter, or repair work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of an ordinance violation and be subject to administrative citations through the code enforcement process.
[A] 113.1 Mechanical board of appeals and examiners. There is hereby created a mechanical board of appeals and examiners to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of the International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, including Part V—Mechanical and Part VI—Fuel Gas of the International Residential Code, to determine that the provisions of these codes do not fully apply, to determine if an equally or better construction is proposed as an alternative, to review all prospective changes to the mechanical and fuel gas codes and to submit recommendations to the responsible official and the city council, to review licensing and test application determinations and to examine applicants for licensing, and to investigate matters brought to the board. It shall consist of five members qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to mechanical design, construction, and maintenance and the public health aspects of mechanical systems referenced in the International Mechanical Code and the International Fuel Gas Code. The building official or mechanical inspector shall be an ex officio member and shall act as secretary of the board, but shall have no vote upon any matter before the board. Members shall be appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council and shall hold office for a term of three years. The board shall adopt rules and procedures for conducting its business. All decisions and findings shall be provided in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy provided to the building services division.
[A] 113.2 Limitation of authority. The mechanical board of appeals and examiners shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code or interpret the administration of this code.
Section 114 Board of Appeals. Not adopted by the city.
201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Existing Building Code, NFPA 70, International Fire Code, International Mechanical Code, or the Uniform Plumbing Code, such terms shall have meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.
Section 202—General Definitions. Add the following definition:
STRICT LIABILITY OFFENSE. An offense in which the prosecution in a legal proceeding is not required to prove criminal intent as a part of its case. It is enough to prove that the defendant either did an act which was prohibited or failed to do an act which the defendant was legally required to do.
301.6 Plumbing connections. Potable water supply and building drainage system connections to appliances regulated by this code shall be in accordance with the plumbing code.
304.6 Outdoor combustion air. Outdoor combustion air shall be provided through opening(s) to the outdoors in accordance with Section 304.6.1, 304.6.2, or 304.6.3. The minimum dimension of air openings shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm).
304.6.3 Alternate combustion air sizing (IFGC). As an alternate, the net free area of openings, ducts, or plenums supplying air to an area containing gas- and oil-burning appliances shall be in accordance with CSA B149.1:20, Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code, published by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
The combustion air duct is required to be upsized one diameter size when a dryer is installed in the same room as the combustion air.
305.1 General. Equipment and appliances shall be installed as required by the terms of their approval in accordance with the conditions of listing, the manufacturer's instructions, and this code. Manufacturers' installation instructions shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection. Where a code provision is less restrictive than the conditions of the listing of the equipment or appliance or the manufacturer's installation instructions, the conditions of the listing and the manufacturer's installation instructions shall apply.
After completion of the installation, all safety and operating controls and venting shall be tested before placing the burner in service in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. The following requirements need to be recorded and affixed to the inside of the gas train access panel:
1. The rate of flow of the gas or fuel shall be adjusted to within plus or minus 5 percent of the required Btu/hr rating at the manifold pressure specified by the manufacturer. When the prevailing pressure is less than the manifold pressure specified, the rates shall be adjusted at the prevailing pressure.
2. The gas inlet pressure per the manufacturer's installation settings.
3. The temperature rise across the heat exchanger per the manufacturer's installation settings.
4. The static pressure of the supply and return ducts per the manufacturer's installation settings.
Unlisted appliances approved in accordance with Section 301.3 shall be limited to uses recommended by the manufacturer and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the provisions of this code, and the requirements determined by the code official.
305.7 Clearances from grade. Equipment and appliances installed at grade level shall be supported on a level concrete slab or other approved material extending not less than 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) above adjoining grade or shall be suspended not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above adjoining grade. Such supports shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
[M] 306.2 Appliances in rooms. Rooms containing appliances shall be provided with a door and an unobstructed passageway to the service area of the appliance measuring not less than 36 inches (914 mm) wide and 80 inches (2,032 mm) high.
Exception: Within a dwelling unit, appliances installed in a compartment, alcove, basement, or similar space shall be provided with access by an opening or door and an unobstructed passageway measuring not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide and large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance in the space, provided that a level service space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and the height of the appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm), is present at the front or service side of the appliance with the door open.
[M] 306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures. Where equipment requiring access or appliances are located on an elevated structure or the roof of a building such that personnel will have to climb higher than 16 feet (4,877 mm) above grade or floor level to access such equipment or appliances, an interior or exterior means of access shall be provided. Such access shall not require climbing over obstructions greater than 30 inches (762 mm) in height or walking on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33 percent slope). Such access shall not require the use of portable ladders. Where access involves climbing over parapet walls, the height shall be measured to the top of the parapet wall.
Permanent ladders installed to provide the required access shall comply with the following minimum design criteria:
1. The side railing shall extend above the parapet or roof edge not less than 30 inches (762 mm).
2. Ladders shall have rung spacing not to exceed 14 inches (356 mm) on center. The upper-most rung shall be not more than 24 inches (610 mm) below the upper edge of the roof hatch, roof, or parapet, as applicable.
3. Ladders shall have a toe spacing not less than 6 inches (152 mm) deep.
4. There shall be not less than 18 inches (457 mm) between rails.
5. Rungs shall have a diameter not less than 0.75 inch (19 mm) and be capable of withstanding a 300-pound (136.1 kg) load.
6. Ladders over 30 feet (9,144 mm) in height shall be provided with offset sections and landings capable of withstanding 100 pounds per square foot (488.2 kg/m2). Landing dimensions shall be not less than 18 inches (457 mm) and not less than the width of the ladder served. A guard rail shall be provided on all open sides of the landing.
7. Climbing clearance. The distance from the centerline of the rungs to the nearest permanent object on the climbing side of the ladder shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) measured perpendicular to the rungs. This distance shall be maintained from the point of ladder access to the bottom of the roof hatch. A minimum clear width of 15 inches (381 mm) shall be provided on both sides of the ladder measured from the midpoint of and parallel with the rungs, except where cages or wells are installed.
8. Landing required. The ladder shall be provided with a clear and unobstructed bottom landing area having a minimum dimension of 30 inches by 30 inches (762 mm by 762 mm) centered in front of the ladder.
9. Ladders shall be protected against corrosion by approved means.
10. Access to ladders shall be provided at all times.
11. Exterior access may be by means of a ladder which need not extend closer than 8 feet (2,438 mm) to finished grade.
12. When a new hatch is being used to access equipment or appliances on a roof or elevated structure, the handle or release must be on the same side of the roof hatch as the ladder or within 18 inches of the ladder.
Catwalks installed to provide the required access shall be not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide and shall have railings as required for service platforms.
Exception: This section shall not apply to Group R-3 occupancies.
[M] 306.5.1 Sloped roofs. Where appliances, equipment, fans, or other components that require service are installed on a roof having a slope of greater than 3 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (25-percent slope) and having an edge more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at such edge, a level platform shall be provided on each side of the appliance or equipment 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. Access shall not require walking on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope). Where access involves obstructions greater than 30 inches (762 mm) in height, such obstructions shall be provided with ladders installed in accordance with Section 306.5 or stairways installed in accordance with the requirements specified in the International Building Code in the path of travel to and from appliances, fans, or equipment requiring service.
[M] 306.6 Guards. Guards shall be provided where various components that require service and roof hatch openings are located within 10 feet (3,048 mm) of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof, or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end of components that require service and each end of the roof hatch parallel to the roof edge. The top of the guard shall be located not less than 42 inches (1,067 mm) above the elevated surface adjacent to the guard. The guard 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.
404.2 CSST. CSST piping systems shall be installed in accordance with the terms of their approval, the conditions of listing, the manufacturer's instructions and this code.
The piping located on the exterior extending from the gas meter to the inside of the structure shall be a metallic pipe in compliance with Section 403.3. The entrance into the structure shall be provided with the appropriate transition flange where an alternate gas piping material is utilized on the inside of the structure.
404.3 Prohibited locations. Piping shall not be installed in or through a ducted supply, return or exhaust, or a clothes chute, chimney or gas vent, dumbwaiter, or elevator shaft.
404.6 Piping through foundation walls. Underground piping, where installed through the outer foundation or basement wall of a building, shall be encased in a protective sleeve or protected by an approved device or method. The space between the gas piping and the sleeve and between the sleeve and the wall shall be sealed to prevent the entry of gas and water.
404.12 Minimum burial depth. Underground piping systems shall be installed a minimum depth of 12 inches (305 mm) below grade. The minimum depth shall be increased to 18 inches (457 mm) if external damage to the piping or tubing from external forces is likely to result. Where a minimum of 12 inches of depth cannot be provided, the pipe shall be installed in conduit or bridged (shielded).
409.1.2 Prohibited locations. Shutoff valves shall be prohibited in concealed locations, furnace plenums, and accessible spaces between a fixed ceiling and a dropped ceiling, unless serving a gas appliance installed in that space.
(1992 Code, § 11-33) (Ord. 115-01, passed 12-10-2001; Ord. 24-04, passed 3-1-2004; Ord. 31-07, passed 2-20-2007; Ord. 19-10, passed 3-1-2010; Ord. 103-12, passed 12-18-2012; Ord. 128-15, passed 12-15-2015; Ord. 27-19, passed 3-19-2019; Ord. 140-21, passed 11-16-2021)