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 Irving
 Land Development Code
 Part I. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND BUILDING CODES
 Chapter 8B. BUILDING CODES

  § 8B-7. Amendments, additions, and deletions to the 2015 edition of the International Residential Code.  

Latest version.

  • (a)

    Amendments included in this section are intended to be specific code provisions. If there is a conflict between a provision in the published 2015 International Residential Code and this section, the specific provisions of this section shall control.

    (b)

    The following table contains the local amendments to the International Residential Code, which is modified as set forth herein:

    (1)

    When identified by the letter "R," the corresponding section of the 2015 International Residential Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced by the local amendment as set forth in Column 3 of the table below.

    (2)

    When identified by the letter "S," the corresponding section of the 2015 International Residential Code is supplemented by the additional provision as set forth in Column 3 of the table below.

    (3)

    When identified by the letter "M," the corresponding section of the 2015 International Residential Code is modified by amending the language of the provision to read as set forth in Column 3 of the table below.

    Table Legend:

    Column 1: Item Reference Number

    Column 2: Related code section/caption

    Column 3: Amended code provision

    Column 4: "R" - 2015 International Residential Code section is replaced by the provision in Column 3; "S" - 2015 International Residential Code section is supplemented by the provision in Column 3; "M" - 2015 International Residential Code section is modified by the provision in Column 3.

    TABLE OF LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE 2015 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

    1 IRC R102.4
    Referenced codes
    		Any reference made to NFPA 70 or the Electrical Code shall mean the Electrical Code as adopted. The provisions of the Electrical Code shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances.
    		S
    2 IRC R103
    Department of building safety
    		Wherever the term "department of building safety" is used, it shall mean the department of inspections.
    		M
    3 IRC R104.10.1
    Flood hazard areas
    		Construction in flood hazard areas shall be in conformance with Chapter 47 "Flood Damage Prevention" of The Irving Land Development Code of the City of Irving, Texas.
    		R
    4 IRC R105
    Permits
    		a. Permits that have been approved for which payment has not been received within 14 days may be cancelled.
    b. Permits may be cancelled for a lack of reasonable progress comparable to similar projects.
    c. A permit issued for the construction of an accessory building shall be valid for a period of 3 months from the date of issuance. The building official shall be authorized to extend this initial 3-month period for one additional 3-month period after a determination that the property complies with all city ordinances.
    		S
    5 IRC R105.2
    Work exempt from permits
    		a. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, not exceeding 6 feet in any dimension (includes height measured from adjacent grade to the highest point of the roof).
    b.  Installation or repair of retaining walls which are not over 30 inches in height of exposed face, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids.
    c. Fences require permits in accordance with Chapter 15 "Fences" of The Land Development Code of the City of Irving, Texas.
    d. Sidewalks not exceeding 4 feet in width, which are:
      1) On private property;
      2) Not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; and
      3) Not over any basement or story below.
    e. Paving or driveways, which are:
      1) On private property;
      2) Not exceeding 1,000 square feet in area;
      3) Not creating or reconfiguring parking spaces; and
      4) Not replacing any required landscape area.
    f.  Swings and other playground equipment other than indoor children's play structures as regulated by this code.
    		S
    6 IRC 105.3.1.1
    Determination of substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings in flood hazard areas
    		Construction in flood hazard areas shall be in conformance with Chapter 47 "Flood Damage Prevention" of The Irving Land Development Code of the City of Irving, Texas.
    		R
    7 IRC 106.1.4
    Information for construction in flood hazard areas
    		Construction in flood hazard areas shall be in conformance with Chapter 47 "Flood Damage Prevention" of The Irving Land Development Code of the City of Irving, Texas.
    		R
    8 IRC R108
    Fees
    		Refer to Section 8B-3 of Chapter 8B of The Land Development Code of The City of Irving, Texas.
    		R
    9 IRC R110
    Certificate of Occupancy
    		A certificate of occupancy is not required for buildings regulated by the IRC.
    		R
    10 IRC R112
    Board of Appeals
    		Refer to Section 8B-4 of Chapter 8B of The Land Development Code of The City of Irving, Texas.
    		R
    11 IRC R113
    Violations
    		Amendments to the 2015 edition of the International Building Code sections 8B-2(b) 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38 are included as amendments to this code.
    		S
    12 IRC R202
    Definitions
    		Townhouse shall mean a group of single-family dwelling units which are physically attached, but separated by platted lot lines.
    		M
    13 IRC Chapter 3
    Building planning
    		a. Retaining walls shall be designed, inspected, and approved by a registered structural engineer.
    b. Retaining walls which require a permit shall not be constructed of wood.
    c. The proper performance of retaining walls shall not be based on restrictions or requirements placed on property owners which will require future design or review by the retaining wall design engineer. Any exposed soil in the vicinity of a retaining wall shall be assumed to be landscaped and irrigated. Restrictions which may deprive property owners from full use and enjoyment of property shall not be included in the design or related maintenance requirements of a retaining wall.
      Exception: Restrictions clearly stated in easements which are designated on the subdivision plat of record.
    		S
    14 IRC Chapter 3
    Building planning
    		a.  Two zones . For the purposes of this code, certain sections of the city are zones subject to significant noise from aircraft. These zones are the "65-70 DNL noise zone" and the "over 70 DNL noise zone."
    b.  Map . These noise zones shall include such territory or portions of the city as are designated and shown on the aircraft noise impact map (a copy of which is on file with the building official) and incorporated into this code and made a part of it for all intents and purposes.
    c.  Certified plans . The building official shall not issue a building permit for any building or structure within the noise zones shown on the aircraft noise impact map unless the plans and specifications accompanying the application for the permit are certified by a bona fide acoustical consultant as meeting the required noise level reduction standards of this section.
    d.  Noise consultants . Bona fide acoustical noise consultants include members of the National Council of Acoustical Consultants and others who are approved by the building official, such approval being based on the demonstration of competence and credentials in the area of architectural acoustics.
    e.  Building intrusion in a noise zone . A building or structure which is located partly within a noise zone and partly without or located partly within one noise zone and partly within another noise zone shall be considered within the most restrictive of the noise zones within which it is located for purposes of this section.
    f.  Noise reductions standards . Plans for the construction of buildings or structures within noise zones shall be certified as achieving at least the outdoor to indoor noise level reductions as measured in decibels within the building as follows:
    		S
    Building Use
    		65-70 DNL
    Noise Zone
    		Over 70 DNL
    Noise Zone
    Residential:
    Residential within each unit including transient lodgings.
    		25 30
    Public Use:
    Schools, hospitals, and nursing homes
    		25 30
    15 IRC Table 301.2(1)
    Climactic and Geographic
    Design Criteria     		a. Ground Snow Load = 5 pounds per square foot
    b. Wind design
     1) Speed = 115 miles per hour (3 second gust); 76 miles per hour (fastest mile)
     2) Topographic Effects = none
     3) Special wind region = no
     4) Wind-borne debris zone = no
    c. Seismic Design Category = A
    d. Subject to Damage from:
     1) Weathering = Moderate
     2) Frost line depth = 6 inches
    e. Winter Design Temperature = 22 degrees Fahrenheit
    f. Ice Barrier Underlayment Required = No
    g. Flood Hazards = in conformance with Irving Land Development Code Chapter 47 "Flood Damage Prevention"
    h. Air Freezing Index = 1500 or less
    i. Mean Annual Temperature = 64.9 degrees Fahrenheit
    j. Termites = Very heavy
    		M
    16 IRC R302.1
    Exterior walls
    		When allowed by other adopted ordinances, open, non-combustible carport structures may be constructed within 3 feet of the property line without fire-resistive construction or opening protection.
    		M
    17 IRC R302.3
    Two-Family Dwellings
    		Two-family dwelling units that are divided by a property line through the structure shall be separated as required for townhouses.
    		M
    18 IRC R302.5.1
    Opening protection
    		Doors between garage and residence are not required to be self-closing.
    		M
    19 IRC R303.3
    Bathrooms
    		Bathrooms that contain only a water closet, a lavatory, or water closet and a lavatory may be ventilated with an approved mechanical recirculating fan or similar device designed to remove odors from the air.
    		M
    20 IRC R309
    Garages and carports
    		a. Asphalt shall be permitted for carport and garage floor surfaces.
    b. Carports when not constructed as integral to the principal structure shall be designed by a licensed engineer and shall be constructed with either:
     (1) a wood roof deck with roof coverings in accordance with this code or
     (2) metal roof panels. Carports constructed using fabric, canvas, vinyl, plastic, fiberglass, and other similar materials are prohibited.
    		M
    21 IRC R313
    Automatic fire sprinkler systems
    		An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout:
    a. Any building with a building area over 6,000 square feet, or
    b. Attached buildings on the same or separate lots or tracts with an aggregate area of over 6,000 square feet.
    c. Fire walls shall not define separate buildings.
    		S
    22 IRC R315.2.2
    Alterations, repairs and additions
    		The installation of carbon monoxide detectors is not required due to the single-trade installation, alteration, or repair of the electrical system.
    		M
    23 IRC 322
    Flood-resistant construction
    		Construction in flood hazard areas shall be in conformance with Chapter 47 "Flood Damage Prevention" of The Irving Land Development Code of the City of Irving, Texas.
    		R
    24 IRC R326
    Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs
    		a. Barrier Requirements. An outdoor swimming pool, including an in-ground, above-ground, on-ground pool; hot tub; or spa shall be surrounded by a barrier which shall comply with the following:
     1) The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure is above grade, such as an above-ground pool, the barrier may be at ground level or mounted on top of the pool structure. Where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier shall be 4 inches.
     2) Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.
     3) Solid barriers which do not have openings, such as a masonry or stone wall, shall not contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.
     4) Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1-3/4 inches in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1-3/4 inches in width.
     5) Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more, spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1-3/4 inches in width.

     

     6) Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be a 2-1/4 inch square unless the fence has slats fastened at the top or the bottom which reduce the openings to not more than 1-3/4 inches.
     7) Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, such as a lattice fence, the maximum opening formed by the diagonal members shall not be more than 1.-3/4 inches.
     8) Access gates shall comply with the requirements of Items 1 through 7, and shall be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian access gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Vehicular access gates shall be self-closing.
     Exception: Self-latching devices may be omitted on gates that are kept locked except when in active use.
     9) Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism and openings shall comply with the following:
      i. The release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate at least 3 inches below the top of the gate, and
      ii. The gate and barrier shall have no opening larger than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.
     10) Where an above-ground pool structure is used as a barrier or where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps:
      i. The ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked, or removed to prevent access; or
      ii. The ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier which meets the requirements Items 1 through 8. When the ladder or steps are secured, locked, or removed, any opening created shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.
    b. Entrapment protection. Suction outlets shall be designed and installed in accordance with ANSI/APSP-7.
    c. Filter backwash. Disposal of material from any filter backwash process shall be in a sanitary manner. Filter backwash lines shall be plumbed through an indirect connection to a sanitary sewer P-trap.
    d. Water system protection. Exterior hose bibbs shall be provided with a backflow prevention device.
    		R
    25 IRC 703.8
    Anchored stone and masonry veneer, general
    		Clay brick used outdoors shall meet Grade SW (severe weather) requirements of either ASTM C 216 or ASTM C 652.
    		S
    26 IRC R903.4
    Roof drainage
    		Roofs that are sloped to drain over the roof edges shall have gutters installed with the discharge directed in accordance with the approved subdivision grading plan.
    		S
    27 IRC R908
    Reroofing
    		a. All individual replacement shingles or shakes shall be in compliance with the minimum rating required by this code.
    b. No more than two layers of asphalt shingles shall be installed.
    c. New roof coverings shall not be installed on an existing roof deck that does not comply with the requirements of this code for new construction. An additional layer of code compliant decking may be installed over an existing roof deck in lieu of its removal.
    		M
    28 IRC Chapter 11
    Energy efficiency
    		A building certified by a national, state, or local accredited energy efficiency program and determined by the Energy Systems Laboratory to be in compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of this section may, at the option of the building official, be considered in compliance. The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Program certification of energy code equivalency shall be considered in compliance. Regardless of the program or the path to compliance, each 1- and 2-family dwelling shall be tested for air and duct leakage.
    		S
    29 IRC M1305.1.3
    Appliances in attics
    		Walkways in attics shall be rated as floors. When appliances are installed in attics, access shall be by one of the following methods:
    a. A permanent stair,
    b. A pull-down stair with a minimum 300 pound capacity, or
    c. An access door from an upper floor level.
    		S
    30 IRC M1502.4.2
    Duct installation
    		Clothes dryer exhaust duct size shall not be reduced along its developed length or at termination.
    		S
    31 IRC G2415
    Piping system installation
    		For other than steel pipe, exposed piping shall be identified by a yellow label marked "Gas" in black letters. The marking shall be spaced at intervals not exceeding 5 feet. The marking shall not be required on pipe located in the same room as the appliance served. Both ends of each section of medium pressure gas piping shall identify its operating gas pressure with an approved tag. The tags are to be composed of aluminum or stainless steel and the following wording shall be stamped into the tag: "WARNING 1/2 to 5 psi gas pressure Do Not Remove".
    		S
    32 IRC G2415.2
    CCST
    		Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) shall be a minimum diameter of 1/2-inch (18 EDH).
    		S
    33 IRC G2415.12
    Minimum burial depth
    		Underground fuel gas piping systems shall be installed a minimum depth of 18 inches below grade.
    		M
    34 IRC G2417.4
    Test pressure measurement
    		The use of mechanical pressure gauges is prohibited.
    		S
    35 IRC G2417.4.1
    Test pressure
    		The test pressure to be used shall be no less than 1-1/2 times the proposed maximum working pressure, but no less than 3 psig (20 kPa gauge), or at the discretion of the building official or his designated representative, the piping and valves may be tested at a pressure of at least 6 inches of mercury, measured with a manometer or slope gauge, irrespective of design pressure.
    a. Where the test pressure exceeds 125 psig (862 kPa gauge), the test pressure shall not exceed a value that produces a hoop stress in the piping greater than 50 percent of the specified minimum yield strength of the pipe.
    b. For tests requiring a pressure of 3 psig, diaphragm gauges shall utilize a dial with a minimum diameter of 3-1/2 inches, a set hand, minimum markings not to exceed 1/10 pound increments, and pressure range not to exceed 6 psi for tests requiring a pressure of 3 psig.
    c. For tests requiring a pressure of 10 psig, diaphragm gauges shall utilize a dial with a minimum diameter of 3-1/2 inches, a set hand, a minimum markings not to exceed 2/10 pound increments, and a pressure range not to exceed 20 psi.
    d. For welded piping, and for piping carrying gas at pressures in excess of 14 inches water column pressure (3.48 kPa) (1/2 psi) and less than 200 inches of water column pressure (52.2 kPa) (7.5 psi), the test pressure shall not be less than 10 pounds per square inch (69.6 kPa).
    e. For piping carrying gas at a pressure that exceeds 200 inches of water column (52.2 kPa) (7.5 psi), the test pressure shall be not less than one and one-half times the proposed maximum working pressure.
    f. Diaphragm gauges used for testing must display a current calibration and be in good working condition. The appropriate test must be applied to the diaphragm gauge used for testing.
    		S
    36 IRC G2417.4.2
    Test duration
    		For any fuel gas piping system, the minimum test duration shall be 15 minutes. For welded piping, and for piping carrying gas at pressures in excess of 14 inches water column pressure, the test duration shall be for not less than 30 minutes.
    		M
    37 IRC G2420
    Shutoff valves
    		Shutoff valves installed with corrugated stainless steel (CSST) piping systems shall be supported with an approved termination fitting, or equivalent support, suitable for the size of the valves, of adequate strength and quality, and located at intervals so as to prevent or damp out excessive vibration but in no case greater than 12 inches from the center of the valve. Supports shall be installed so as not to interfere with the free expansion and contraction of the system's piping, fittings, and valves between anchors. All valves and supports shall be designed and installed so they will not be disengaged by movement of the supporting piping.
    		S
    38 IRC G2420.5
    Appliance shutoff valve
    		When an appliance shutoff valve is located in the firebox of a fireplace, a secondary shutoff valve shall be installed within 3 feet of the firebox.
    		S
    39 IRC G2421.1
    Pressure regulators
    		A passageway or level service area is not required when a regulator is capable of being serviced and removed through the required attic access opening.
    		S
    40 IRC G2422.1.2.3
    Prohibited locations and penetrations
    		Fuel gas connectors shall not be concealed within, or extended through, walls, floors, partitions, ceilings, or appliance housings. There are no allowed exceptions to this provision.
    		M
    41 IRC G2445.2
    Prohibited use
    		Existing approved unvented heaters may continue to be used in dwelling units, in accordance with the code provisions in effect when installed, unless an unsafe condition is determined to exist.
    		M
    42 IRC 2609.3
    Plastic pipe, fittings and components
    		Primer shall be utilized for all cemented pipe joints.
    		S
    43 IRC P2801.5
    Prohibited locations
    		On or after February 15, 2009, water heaters with storage tanks shall not be installed in attics, unless such water heater was installed prior to such date. This section does not prohibit the replacement of water heaters with storage tanks in attics if such water heaters were legally permitted and installed prior to February 15, 2009.
    		S
    44 IRC P2801.6.1
    Pan size and drain
    		Multiple pan drains may terminate to a single discharge piping system when approved by the building official or his designated representative and permitted by the factory instructions.
    		S
    45 IRC P2801.7
    Water heaters installed in garages
    		Electric water heaters are not required to be elevated.
    		S
    46 IRC P2804.6.1
    Requirements for discharge pipe
    		a. Piping that discharges through an air gap is not required to be located in the same room as the water heater.
    b. Multiple relief devices may be installed to a single discharge piping system when approved by the building official or his designated representative and permitted by the factory installation instructions.
    c. Discharge piping shall not discharge to the floor of an interior room or space.
    d. Piping to a waste receptor shall be through an indirect connection.
    		S
    47 IRC P3009
    Subsurface landscape irrigation systems
    		a. Water supply lines shall be provided with a locking stop valve.
    b. Irrigation systems shall comply with:
     1) Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code and
     2) Chapter 41 "Water and Sewer Systems" of The Code of Civil and Criminal Ordinances of the City of Irving, Texas.
    		S
    48 IRC P3111
    Combination waste and vent system
    		Combination waste and vent systems are prohibited in one and two family dwellings.
    		R
    49 IRC P3112
    Island fixture venting
    		Traps for island sinks and similar equipment shall be roughed in above the floor and may be vented by extending the vent as high as possible, but not less than the drain board height and then returning it downward and connecting it to the horizontal sink drain immediately downstream from the vertical fixture drain. The return vent shall be connected to the horizontal drain through a wye-branch fitting and shall, in addition, be provided with a foot vent taken off the vertical fixture vent by means of a wye-branch immediately below the floor and extending to the nearest partition and then through the roof to the open air or may be connected to other vents at a point not less than 6 inches above the flood level rim of the fixtures served. Drainage fittings shall be used on all parts of the vent below the floor level and a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot back to the drain shall be maintained. The return bend used under the drain board shall be a one (1) piece fitting or an assembly of a 45 degree (0.79 radius), a 90 degree (1.6 radius) and a 45 degree (0.79 radius) elbow in the order named. Pipe sizing shall be as elsewhere required in this code. The island sink drain, upstream of the return vent, shall serve no other fixtures. An accessible cleanout shall be installed in the vertical portion of the foot vent.
    		R
    50 IRC P3201
    Fixture traps
    		Each plumbing fixture shall be separately trapped by an approved water seal trap. Not more than one trap shall be permitted on a trap arm/fixture drain.
      Exception: Fixtures having integral traps.
    		M

     

(Ord. No. 2015-9747, § 2, 12-10-15)