Summary of Significant Issues for the 2006 International Codes

The table below lists each Ordinance recommended for adopting the International Codes and associated reorganization of City Code Chapter V, along with the Article number, title and referenced code or standard.  Following the table is a brief summary of the significant changes associated with each ordinance.

Ord. #	Chapter- Article	New Title	Referenced Standard
8055	VIII-2	Fire Code	2006 International Fire Code (IFC)
8161	V-1	Administration	NA
8162	V-2	Building Code	2006 International Building Code (IBC)
8163	V-3	Residential Code	2006 International Residential Code (IRC)
8164	V-4	Electrical Code	2005 National Electrical Code (NEC)
8165	V-5	Plumbing Code	2006 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
8166	V-6	Mechanical Code	2006 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
8167	V-7	Fuel Gas Code	2006 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
8168	V-8	Energy Conservation Code	2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
8169	V-9	Existing Building Code	2006 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
8170	V-10	Property Maintenance Code	2006 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
8171	V-11	Dangerous Structures	NA (previously Article 3)
8172	V-12	Demolition of Structures	NA (previously Article 10)
8173	V-13	Accessibility Standards for Public Buildings	NA (previously Article 9)
8174	V-14	Swimming Pools and Non-Residential Spas	NA (previously Article 8)
8175	V-15	Contractor Licensing Regulations	NA (previously Article 12)
8176	V-16	Contractor Licensing Board	NA (previously Article 13)
8177	V-17	Trade Licensing Regulations	NA (new Article)
8178	V-18	Signs	NA (previously Article 5)

Ordinance 8055 - 2006 International Fire Code (IFC)

The IFC is recommended for adoption with amendments. On March 13, 2007 the City Commission agenda included Ordinance 8055 for adoption. A primary concern expressed by the Commission was the IFC section which allowed egress windows from sleeping rooms to be omitted if the building was equipped with a fire sprinkler throughout. The Commission directed staff and the Fire Code Board of Appeals to amend this section to retain the requirement for egress windows. This Ordinance reflects that change.

The Commission also directed the staff and Fire Code Board of Appeals to await the adoption of the other International Codes before placing the IFC back on the agenda for adoption.

The primary change from the 1997 UFC to the IFC is the increased provisions requiring sprinkler systems in all residential properties. Single family and duplex properties would be exempted from the sprinkler requirements if the City regulates the construction of those occupancies with the International Residential Code.

Other new requirements include multiple access roads to large buildings and to large residential developments. These and other changes are detailed in the attached staff report entitled “Executive Summary of Changes from the 1997 UFC to the 2006 IFC.”

Ordinance 8161 - Chapter V, Article 1 - Administration

Administrative provisions are created to provide common requirements for the regulation of all building activities, including building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing installations.  The provisions provide for the application and issuance of permits, permit fees, inspections and certificates of occupancy, appeals and appeals boards, unlawful acts and enforcement procedures.

The most significant issue with this Article is the regulations for the appeal boards.  The current makeup and scope of the boards remain, but the procedures for application and hearing of appeals are standardized.

This Article also includes the provisions for Certificates of Occupancy and Energy Conservation Code inspections addressed under the commentary for the International Residential Code.

Ordinance 8162 - 2006 International Building Code (IBC)

The IBC is recommended for adoption with few amendments.  Appendix chapters C Group U-Agricultural Buildings, G Flood-Resistant Construction, H Signs, and I Patio Covers are adopted.

The most significant differences between the IBC and the currently adopted 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) concern the use of automatic fire suppression systems (sprinkler systems) and their impact on exit systems, types of construction and allowable area of buildings.  Buildings provided with sprinkler systems are in many cases eligible for increases to these elements of building design under the IBC.

Additionally, the Accessibility provisions of the IBC are safe harbor for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines and Fair Housing Act regulations.  Projects designed and constructed in accordance with the IBC will not require additional review and inspection under different accessibility standards.

The IBC also generally requires fewer plumbing fixtures than the currently adopted regulations found in appendix chapter 29 of the UBC.

Ordinance 8163 - 2006 International Residential Code (IRC)

The IRC includes provisions for the complete design and construction of one- and two-family dwellings and associated building systems.  The IRC is recommended for adoption with amendments to the building, energy conservation, mechanical, plumbing and electrical elements of the code, and adopts appendix chapters AE Manufactured Housing Used as Dwellings, AF Radon Control Methods, AG Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot tubs, AJ Existing Buildings and Structures and AM Home Day Care – R-3 Occupancy.

The significant changes between the IRC and the current codes are the energy conservation regulations and the requirement for radon control systems.  The IRC contains requirements for the insulation and sealing of the building thermal envelope, insulation and sealing of openings for piping and ducts, fenestration ratings for doors and windows and the sizing of heating and cooling equipment.  Additionally, a new requirement will be the issuance Certificates of Occupancy for one- and two-family dwellings upon approval of final inspection.

The adoption of the IRC results in creation of energy conservation standards for the first time in Lawrence’s history.  An additional inspection will be required for compliance with the energy conservation requirements.  We anticipate the main issues to be with slab edge and foundation wall insulation.  Insulation of these elements has not been common practice in Lawrence and there may be a learning curve for contractors for these requirements.  An amendment of note allows substitution of a 90% efficient heating system in lieu of slab edge insulation for slab on grade one- and two-family dwellings.

Installation of radon gas control systems will also be new for contractors.  The code requires a passive vent system be installed during construction consisting of a minimum 3” pipe with a T fitting below the floor slab and run continuously vertically through the roof.  This piping system vents radon gas from below the slab through the roof.  If the passive system does not mitigate radon gas an electric fan can easily be installed after construction to convert to an active vent system.  Inspection of these systems will be incorporated into already required inspections.

The IRC requires heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) installers calculate the capacity of heating and cooling equipment and the size and length of ducts.  The code does not specify the calculations be provided for review by inspection staff.  The code is amended to require the equipment capacity calculations be provided to the Development Services Division with the permit application submittal, and duct sizing calculations be made available to inspectors on the job site.  Heating and cooling contractors may perform these calculations.  Staff needs access to these calculations to verify conformance with the energy conservation and mechanical requirements of the IRC.

Ordinance 8164 - 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC)

Administrative provisions formerly contained in this Article for the Electrical Board, licensing, permits and inspections have been removed and placed in Article 1 – Administration or Article 17 – Trades Licensing.  There are no significant changes to the administrative provisions relocated to other Articles or to the technical regulations of the NEC.

Ordinance 8165 - 2006 International Plumbing Code (IPC)

The most significant issue is the total size of plumbing vents.  The code is amended to require the total cross-sectional area of vent pipes be at least equal to the area of the largest required building sewer.  This amendment aligns the code with current practices.

The IPC will also allow air admittance valves (auto valves) in remodel projects with the prior approval of the inspection office.  Air admittance valves are used to provide a method of allowing air to enter the plumbing drainage system without the use of a vent extended to open air, typically via a roof vent, and to prevent sewer gases from escaping into a buildings.

Ordinance 8166 – 2006 International Mechanical Code (IMC)

The scope of the IMC is heating, air conditioning and venting systems for all structures except one- and two-family dwellings and associated accessory buildings.  The IMC is recommended for adoption with amendments, including Appendix Chapter A Combustion Air Openings and Chimney Connector Pass-throughs.

Amendments to the IMC are generally carried over from previous codes.  Two amendments of note are rigid fibrous duct is deleted as an acceptable duct material in other than residential occupancies; and an exception allowing corridors within tenant spaces of 1,000 square feet or less to convey return air is deleted.

Ordinance 8167 - 2006 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

No significant issues.

Ordinance 8168 - 2006 Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

By adopting this code Lawrence will be adopting energy conservation standards for the first time.  An additional inspection will be needed for enforcement of this code similar to the IRC, and will encompass the insulation and sealing of the building thermal envelope, insulation and sealing of openings for piping and ducts, fenestration ratings for doors and windows and the sizing of heating and cooling equipment.

Ordinance 8169 - 2006 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)

The IEBC provides standards for builders making alterations to existing buildings that were constructed under previous codes.  The standards are based upon the scope of the project.  Projects affecting only a small portion of a building are allowed to be constructed under requirements limited to the affected area; requirements are progressively expanded for larger projects.

Ordinance 8170 - 2006 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)

The scope of the IPMC is to provide minimum standards for the maintenance of all existing structures.  The IPMC provides greater detail than the currently adopted Uniform Housing Code, including specific requirements for roofs, stairways, decks, porches, balconies, handrails and guardrails.  The code also addresses in greater detail issues concerning window frames, door hardware assemblies and locks.  The code has been altered to delete the requirements for exterior property areas which other sections of the City Code address separately, such as the requirements for weeds, exterior blight, and graffiti and snow removal.  The IPMC has also been amended to continue previous requirements for egress openings from sleeping rooms in basements and ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for receptacles in bathrooms and on kitchen countertops to protect against shock hazards.  A provision that driveways be maintained is also included in the IPMC.

Ordinances 8171 through 8176 - Chapter V, Articles 11 through 16

There are no significant changes in these Articles other than to be renumbered to improve the usability of City Code Chapter V.

Ordinance 8177 - Chapter V, Article 17, Trade Licensing Regulations

Trade licensing regulations have been removed from the electrical, mechanical and plumbing Articles and placed in the new Article 17 Trade Licensing Regulations.  The only significant change is to update the regulations to include continuing education requirements as mandated by State of Kansas Statutes.  Trades license holders are required to obtain 6 hours of continuing education each year.

Ordinance 8178 – Chapter V, Article 18, Signs

Changes recommended for this Article include a revised purpose section, increased fees for permits and variance applications and modifying Section 5-1811 pertaining to Obscene Matters to meet case law requirements.  The purpose section is more explicit than the current version and is important in determining whether the sign code advances the City’s interest and that the entire code is constitutionally valid and not overly broad or narrowly tailored.  The message substitution language is intended to protect the City from any charge that it favors commercial speech over noncommercial speech; or one type of commercial speech over another.  Simply stated a message substitution clause states that anywhere any sort of message is allowed on a sign a non-commercial message may be substituted,   A severability clause is also included for provisions of the code that are deemed unconstitutional.  The clause helps maintain the overall validity of the sign code if a plaintiff brings an action against the City for a one clause constitutional defect in the code