Chapter 8

 

                                   BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS[1]


 

                                                    Art. I.          Tempe Administrative Code, §§ 8-100—8-199

                                                   Art. II.          International Building Code, §§ 8-200—8-299

                                                 Art. III.          International Residential Code, §§ 8-300—8-399

                                                 Art. IV.          International Existing Building Code, §§ 8-400—8-499

                                                   Art. V.          International Mechanical Code, §§ 8-500—8-599

                                                 Art. VI.          State of Arizona Plumbing Code, §§ 8-600—8-699

                                                Art. VII.          International Fuel Gas Code, §§ 8-700—8-799

                                              Art. VIII.          National Electrical Code,  §§ 8-800—8-899

 

                                  ARTICLE I.  TEMPE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

 

Sec. 8-100.  Adopted; where filed; amendments.

 

         (a)     That certain document known as the Tempe Administrative Code, three (3) copies of which are on file in the office of the city clerk, and this same code and appendices are hereby referred to, adopted and made a part hereof.

(Ord. No. 2005.89, 12-1-05)

 

            Charter reference—Adoption by reference, § 2.14.

            State law reference—Adoption by reference, A.R.S. § 9-801 et seq.

 

Sec. 8-101.  General. 

 

         101.1.  Title.  These provisions shall be known as the Tempe Administrative Code, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein, as this chapter.

 

         101.2.  Scope.  The provisions of this chapter shall serve as the administrative, organizational and enforcement rules and regulations for the technical codes which regulate site preparation and construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, demolition, repair, maintenance, use and occupancy of buildings, structures and building service equipment or appurtenances attached thereto within the City of Tempe, Arizona.

 

                  EXCEPTIONS:  The provisions of this chapter and the technical codes shall not apply to any of the following:

 

                  1.      Radio and television antennae towers or light standards not exceeding thirty-five (35) feet in height.

 


                  2.      Amusement devices and structures, including merry-go-rounds, ferris wheels, rotating conveyances, slides, similar devices and accessory structures whose use is necessary for the operation of such amusement devices and structures; any accessory structure included in the provisions of this subsection shall be limited to a cover or roof over each device, but shall not include any storage building or detached structure which is not an integral part of the device.

 

                  3.      Tanks or basins, without a building above, built below grade which is a part of the city water or sewage treatment process.  Storage tanks resting in or upon the ground and installed in accordance with the requirements of the Fire Department.

 

                  4.      Works of art not over six (6) feet (1829 mm) in height and their foundation and supporting structure, provided that no part of which is intended to be occupied or used as shelter.

 

                  5.      Electrical installations in watercraft other than floating buildings, railway rolling stock, aircraft or vehicles other than mobile homes and recreational vehicles.  This shall not exempt electrical installations contained in, on or attached to watercraft, railway rolling stock, aircraft or vehicles when such electrical installations receive energy from an external source of power

 

                  6.      Electrical installations underground in mines.

 

                  7.      Electrical installations of transportation systems for generation, transformation, or distribution of power used exclusively for the operation of rolling stock, or installations used exclusively for signaling and communication purposes.

 

                  8.      Electrical installations of communication equipment under exclusive control of communication utilities.

 

                  9.      Electrical installations under the exclusive control of electrical utilities for the purpose of the communication, or metering; or for the generation, control, transformation, transmission and distribution of electrical energy.

 

                  10.    Piping systems of natural gas with an operating pressure greater than one hundred twenty-five (125) pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (862kPa gauge) and for LP-gas with an operating pressure of greater than twenty (20) psig (140 kPa gauge).

 

                  11.    Portable LP-gas equipment of all types not connected to a fixed fuel piping system.

 

                  12.    Installation of farm equipment such as brooders, dehydrators, dryers and irrigation equipment.

 

                  13.    Raw material (feedstock) applications except for piping to special atmosphere generators.

 


                  14.    Oxygen-fuel gas cutting and welding systems.

 

                  15.    Industrial gas applications using gases such as acetylene and acetylenic compounds, hydrogen, ammonia, carbon monoxide, oxygen and nitrogen.

 

                  16.    Petroleum refineries, pipeline compressor or pumping stations, loading terminals, compounding plants, refinery tank farms and natural gas processing plants.

 

                  17.    Integrated chemical plants or portions of such plants where flammable or combustible liquids or gases are produced by, or used in, chemical reactions.

 

                  18.    LP-gas installations at utility gas plants.

 

                  19.    Liquefied natural gas (LNG) installations.

 

                  20.    Fuel gas piping in power and atomic energy plants.

 

                  21.    Proprietary items of equipment, apparatus or instruments such as gas-generating sets, compressors and calorimeters.

 

                  22.    LP-gas equipment for vaporization, gas mixing and gas manufacturing.

 

                  23.    Temporary LP-gas piping for buildings under construction or renovation not becoming part of the permanent piping system.

 

                  24.    Installation of hydrogen gas, LP-gas and compressed natural gas (CGN) systems on vehicles.

 

                  25.    Except as provided in Section 401.1.1 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), gas-piping, meters, gas pressure regulators and other appurtenances used by the serving gas utility supplier in the distribution of gas, other than LP-gas.

 

                  26.    Piping systems for mixtures of gas and air within the flammability range with an operating pressure greater than ten (10) psig (69kPa gauge).

 

                  27.    Portable fuel cell appliances that are neither connected to a fixed  piping system nor interconnected to a power grid.

 

         101.3.  Intent.  The purpose of the technical codes is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

 

         101.4.  Technical codes.  The technical codes shall include all of the following codes applied as indicated, plus the codes and standards referenced in the technical codes shall be considered part of the requirements of the technical codes to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

 


         101.4.1.  Building code.  The provisions of the International Building Code and amendments thereto shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

 

                  EXCEPTIONS: 

 

                  a.  Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.

 

                  b.      Existing buildings undergoing repair, alteration or additions and change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the International Existing Building Code.

 

         101.4.2.  Residential code.  The provisions of the International Residential Code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height with separate means of egress and their accessory structures.

 

                  EXCEPTION:  Existing buildings undergoing repair, alteration or additions and change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the International Existing Building Code.

 

         101.4.3.  Electrical code.  The provisions of the National Electrical Code shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.

 

                  EXCEPTION:  Electrical work for detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.

 

         101.4.4.  Plumbing code.  The provisions of the Arizona Plumbing Code or International Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair, replacement and maintenance of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system.

 

                  EXCEPTIONS:

 

                  a.      Plumbing work for detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.

 


                  b.      Plumbing systems in existing buildings undergoing repair, alteration or additions and change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the International Existing Building Code.

 

         101.4.5.  Mechanical code.  The provisions of the International Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy-related systems.

 

                  EXCEPTIONS:  

 

                  a.      Mechanical work for detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.

 

                  b.      Mechanical systems in existing buildings undergoing repair, alteration or additions and change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the International Existing Building Code.

 

         101.4.6.  Fuel gas code.  The provisions of the International Fuel Gas Code shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accessories. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories.

 

                  EXCEPTIONS:

 

                  a.      Fuel gas work for detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.

 

                  b.      Fuel-gas piping systems, fuel-gas utilization equipment and related accessories ion existing buildings undergoing repair, alteration or additions and change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the International Existing Building Code.

 

                  c.      The design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical systems operating with fuels other than fuel gas shall be regulated by the International Mechanical Code.

 

         101.4.7.  Existing building code.  The provisions of the International Existing Building Code shall be permitted to apply to existing buildings undergoing repair, alteration, addition, relocation, and change of occupancy.

 

                  EXCEPTION:  A building or portion of a building not previously occupied, used for its intended purpose, or for which a certificate of occupancy has not been issued shall comply with the International Building Code.

         101.4.8.  Fire code.  The provisions of the International Fire Code shall apply to matters affecting or relating to structures, processes and premises from the hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; from conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and from the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.

 

         101.5.  Appendices.  Provisions in the appendices of the technical codes shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

 

         101.6.  Definitions.  Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall have the meanings as shown in this chapter.  Definitions located in the technical codes are hereby incorporated into this chapter.

 

         Building – any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

 

         Building, existing – a building erected prior to the adoption of this chapter or one for which a legal certificate of occupancy has been issued for at least one year.

 

         Building official - the officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter and the technical codes, or a regularly authorized deputy or other designee.  When the term or title administrative authority, building official, building inspector, code official, gas inspector, plumbing inspector, mechanical inspector or other similar designation is used in this chapter or in any of the technical codes, it shall be construed to mean the building official.

 

         Building service equipment – the plumbing, mechanical, electrical and elevator equipment including piping, wiring, fixtures and other accessories which provide sanitation, lighting, heating, ventilation, cooling, refrigeration, fire-fighting and transportation facilities essential to the occupancy of the building or structure for its designated use.

 

         Jurisdiction – the City of Tempe, Arizona.

 

         Owner – the person, agent, firm or corporation with legal or equitable interest in a property.

 

         Permit – the official document issued by the building official authorizing performance of a specified, legal activity.

 

         Shall – as used in this chapter and the technical codes is mandatory.

(Ord. No. 2005.89, 12-1-05)

 


Sec. 8-102.  Applicability. 

 

         102.1.  General.  This chapter and the technical codes shall apply to, and shall govern, permit applications received on or after the effective date of the ordinance, except the project owner, at their discretion and prior to April 3, 2006, may request such project be designed and constructed under the requirements of the administrative code and building codes of the City of Tempe in effect on December 31, 2005.

 

         102.2.  Conflicting provisions.  When conflicting provisions or requirements occur between this chapter, the technical codes and other codes or laws, the most restrictive provisions shall govern.  When conflicts occur between the technical codes, those provisions providing the greater safety to life as determined by the building official and the fire marshal shall govern.

 

         In other conflicts where sanitation, life safety or fire safety are not involved, the most restrictive provisions shall govern.  Where in a specific case different sections of the technical codes specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.  When there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable.

 

         102.3.  Other laws.  The provisions of this chapter and the technical codes shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of the Tempe City Code, state or federal laws.

 

         102.4.  Application of references.  References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter, section or provision of this chapter or the technical codes.

 

         102.5.  Referenced codes and standards.  The codes and standards referenced in this chapter or the technical codes shall be considered part of the requirements of this chapter and the technical codes to the prescribed extent of each reference.  Where differences occur between provisions of this chapter or the technical codes and the referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this chapter and the technical codes shall apply.

 

                  EXCEPTION:  Where enforcement of a code provision would violate the conditions of the listing equipment or appliance, the condition of the listing and manufacturer’s instructions shall apply. 

 

         102.6.  International codes references.  Within the technical codes and the referenced codes and standards therein, specific references to the following International Codes shall be deemed and interpreted to mean the specific City of Tempe codes as listed herein:

 

         1.      International Building Code

         2.      International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings

         3.      National Electrical Code

         4.      State Plumbing Code/International Plumbing Code

         5.      International Mechanical Code

         6.      International Fuel Gas Code

         7.      International Fire Code

         8.      International Existing Building Code

 

         102.7.  Partial invalidity.  In the event any part or provision of this chapter or the technical codes is held to be invalid, illegal, unconstitutional or void, such ruling shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter or the technical codes.

 

         102.8.  Additions, alterations and repairs.  Additions, alterations or repairs may be made to a building or its building service equipment without requiring the existing building or its building service equipment to comply with all the requirements of this chapter and the technical codes, provided the addition, alteration or repair conforms to the requirements for a new building or building service equipment.  Refer to Section 101.4.7, for additional options governing additions, alterations and repairs.

 

         102.9.  Existing buildings or structures.  The legal occupancy of any building or structure existing on the date of the adoption of this chapter shall be permitted to continue without change, provided such continued use is not dangerous to life, health and safety as determined by the building official.

 

         102.10.  Maintenance.  Buildings, structures and building service equipment, existing and new, and parts thereof shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition.  Devices or safeguards, required by the technical codes, shall be maintained in conformance with the technical code under which installed.  The owner or the owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of building structures and their building service equipment.  To determine compliance with this section, the building official may cause a structure to be re-inspected.

 

         102.11.  Moved buildings.  Buildings, structures and their building service equipment moved into or within this jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of the technical codes for new buildings or structures and their building service equipment.

 

         102.12.  Historic buildings.  Repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or continued use of a building, structure, or its building service equipment may be made without conforming to the requirements of the technical codes when authorized by the building code advisory board of appeals, provided:

 

         1.      The building or structure has been designated by official action of the legally constituted authority of this jurisdiction as having special historical or architectural significance, and

 

         2.      Unsafe conditions as described in this chapter are corrected, and

 

         3.      The restored building or structure and its building service equipment will be no more hazardous based on life safety, fire-safety and sanitation than the existing building as determined by the building official.

 

                  EXCEPTION:  Repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or continued use of a building, structure, or its building service equipment shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of the International Existing Building Code.

(Ord. No. 2005.89, 12-1-05)

 


Sec. 8-103.  Duties and powers of building official.

 

         103.1.  General.  There is hereby established a code enforcement agency of the development services department of the City of Tempe known as the building safety division under the administrative and operational charge of the building official.

 

         103.2.  Duties and powers.  The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this chapter and technical codes.  The building official shall have the authority to render interpretations of this chapter and the technical codes and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of their provisions.  Such interpretations, policies and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this chapter and the technical codes. Such policies and procedures shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this chapter or the technical codes.

 

         103.3.  Deputies.  In accordance with any applicable city procedures, and with the concurrence of the development services manager, the building official shall have the authority to appoint technical officers, inspectors, plan examiners and other employees.  Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the building official.

 

         103.4.  Applications and permits.  The building official shall receive applications, review construction documents and issue permits for the erection, and alteration, demolition and moving of buildings, structures, and building service equipment, inspect the premises where such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the technical codes.