HomeMy WebLinkAbout007 - 02/06/2024 - AMENDING ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 5 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS TO EXEMPT PLUMBING FIXTURESORDINANCE NO.007,2024
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 5 OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS TO EXEMPT PLUMBING
FIXTURES FROM PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS
A,On April 5,2022,City Council adopted Ordinance No.021,2022,and
Ordinance No.023,2022,adopting the 2021 International Building Code (the “IBC”)and
the 2021 International Residence Code (the “IRC”),respectively,with local amendments
thereto.
B.Section 105.2 of the IBC and Section R105.2 of the IRC,codified at
Sections 5-26 and 5-30 of the City Code,respectively,require permits for the replacement
of new plumbing fixtures,including new high efficiency toilets.
C.The Colorado State Plumbers Practice Act,Colorado Revised Statutes
Sections 12-1 55-1 01 etseq.,does not require a permit for plumbing fixture replacements.
D.Requiring a permit to install high efficiency toilets and other plumbing
fixtures is cost-prohibitive,and plumbing contractors and the public frequently replace
toilets and other plumbing fixtures without obtaining permits.
E.Installing high efficiency toilets and fixtures provides significant value in
terms of cost-savings to the resident and furthering the City’s Our Climate Future goals.
F.City staff has recommended a proposed exemption to the IBC’s and IRC’s
permitting requirements for the replacement of plumbing fixtures,including toilets,
provided the repairs do not involve the replacement or rearrangement of valves or pipes.
G.The proposed permit exemption would not raise life or safety concerns and
would minimize barriers and cost impacts to improving indoor water efficiency throughout
the City.
H.City Council finds that the proposed code amendments set forth in this
Ordinance are in the best interests of the City.
In light of the foregoing recitals,which the Council hereby makes and adopts as
determinations and findings,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1.Section 5-27 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec.5-27.Amendments and Deletions to the 2021 International Building Code.
The 2021 International Building Code adopted in §5-26 is hereby amended to read as
follows:
4.Section 105.2 Work exempt from permit,regarding Building and
Plumbing subsections,is hereby amended to read as follows;however,the
subsections for Electrical,Gas,and Mechanical are retained in their entirety:
105.2 Work exempt from permit.Exemptions from permit requirements of
this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done
in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or
ordinances of this jurisdiction.Permits shall not be required for the following:
Building:
Plumbing
1.The stopping of leaks in drains,water,soil,waste or vent pipe;
provided,however,that if any concealed trap,drainpipe,water,soil,waste
or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and
replace the same with new material,such work shall be considered as new
work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this
code.
2.The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes,valves
or fixtures,and the repair and replacement of garbage disposal units and
dishwashers directly connected to the sanitary sewer system,including the
necessary replacement of all tail pipes and traps,or the repair,
maintenance,and replacement of sinks,faucets,drains,showers,tubs,and
toilets,provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or
rearrangement of valves or pipes.
Section 2.Section 5-30 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec.5-30.Amendments and Deletions to the 2021 International Residential
Code.
The 2021 International Residential Code adopted in Section 5-26 is hereby amended to
read as follows:
4.Section R105.2 Work exempt from permit,regarding Building and
Plumbing subsections,is amended to read as follows;however,the subsections
for Electrical,Gas,and Mechanical are retained in their entirety:
R105.2 Work exempt from permit.Exemption from permit requirements
of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be
done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other
laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.Permits shall not be required for the
following:
RI 05.2 Building:
Plumbing
1.The stopping of leaks in drains,water,soil,waste or vent pipe;
provided,however,that if any concealed trap,drainpipe,water,soil,waste
or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and
replace the same with new material,such work shall be considered as new
work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this
code.
2.The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes,valves
or fixtures,and the repair and replacement of garbage disposal units and
dishwashers directly connected to the sanitary sewer system,including the
necessary replacement of all tail pipes and traps,or the repair,
maintenance,and replacement of sinks,faucets,drains,showers,tubs,and
toilets,provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or
rearrangement of valves or pipes.
Introduced,considered favorably on first reading on January 16,2024,and
approved on second reading for final passage on February 6,2024.
ATTEST:
~A
Interim City Clerk
Effective Date:February 16,2024
Approving Attorney:Madelene Shehan