Sec. 7-200. - Deletions, modifications and amendments.
The International Mechanical Code, 2018 edition, Chapters 1—11,14,15 and appendix "A" as adopted in this division, are deleted, modified and amended as follows:
(1) Amend subsection 101.2 "Scope", to read:
"This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related processes within buildings. This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas-fired appliance venting systems shall be regulated by the International Fuel Gas Code.
Exception: Mechanical systems in existing buildings undergoing repair, alterations, or additions, and change occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the International Existing Building Code."
(2) Delete subsection (A) 106.1.1 "Annual permit" & subsection (A) 106.1.2 "Annual permit records" in its entirety.
(3) Amend subsection 106.5.2 "Fee Schedule" to read:
Permit valuation shall include total value of the work for which a permit is being issued, such valuation shall include all materials and labor.
(a) For residential one- and two-family dwellings with mechanical work governed by this code, the permit shall be the amount assessed in the following manner:
An issuing fee of .....$ 25.00
In addition:
Fee for heating, ventilation, duct, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems shall be ten ($10.00) for the first one thousand dollars ($1000.00) of valuation of the installation plus two ($2.00) dollars for each additional one thousand ($1000.00) dollars or fraction thereof.
Repairs, alterations, and additions to an existing system where cost is over five hundred ($500.00) dollars shall be two ($2.00) dollars per each one thousand ($1000.00) dollars or fraction thereof in valuation. Where alterations, repairs, and additions to an existing system where the cost is under five hundred ($500.00) dollars where an inspection is required, the fee shall be five ($5.00) dollars.
If for any reason an installation does not pass inspection, an additional inspection shall be made after the installation has been changed so as to conform to the requirements set forth in the article. A re-inspection fee may be charged at the rate as follows: 1 st re-inspection $25.00, 2 nd re-inspection $50.00, 3 rd re-inspection $75.00, 4 or more re-inspections $100.00.
(b) For commercial buildings or commercial structures with mechanical work governed by this code, the permit shall be the amount assessed in the following manner:
An issuing fee of .....$ 50.00
In addition:
Fee for heating, ventilation, duct, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems shall be ten ($10.00) for the first one thousand dollars ($1000.00) of valuation of the installation plus two ($2.00) dollars for each additional one thousand ($1000.00) dollars or fraction thereof.
Repairs, alterations, and additions to an existing system where cost is over five hundred ($500.00) dollars shall be two ($2.00) dollars per each one thousand ($1000.00) dollars or fraction thereof in valuation. Where alterations, repairs, and additions to an existing system where the cost is under five hundred ($500.00) dollars where an inspection is required, the fee shall be five ($5.00) dollars.
In all buildings, except one (1) and two (2) family dwellings using self-contained air conditioning units less than two tons, the fee charged shall be for the total cost of all units combined (see above for the rate). Minimum fee shall be $50.00.
If for any reason an installation does not pass inspection, an additional inspection shall be made after the installation has been changed so as to conform to the requirements set forth in the article. A re-inspection fee may be charged at the rate as follows: 1 st re-inspection $25.00, 2 nd re-inspection $50.00, 3 rd re-inspection $75.00, 4 or more re-inspections $100.00.
(4) Amend subsection 107.2 "Required inspections and testing" to read
MECHANICAL & GAS
(1) Slab: To be made if gas lines or mechanical work is run under or through the slab. Inspection is to be made before the work is covered.
(2) Rough-In Inspection/Wall Rough: When all gas lines and refrigeration lines that are to be concealed are run inside structure prior to insulation and drywall. All ductwork in concealed locations must be inspected prior to installation of drywall.
(3) Above Ceiling Inspection: This inspection, (typically applicable on commercial projects), is to be done after grid is installed and before ceiling tiles are placed. Inspection will verify equipment installation, service clearances, fire dampers, duct work and registers.
(4) Final Inspection: When all gas appliances are installed and completed, and all mechanical work finished. Service clearance area around all indoor and outdoor units must be provided based on code and manufacturer requirements.
(5) Delete Section 109 "Means of Appeal" in its entirety.
(6) Amend subsection 201.3 "Terms defined in other codes" to read:
"Where terms are not defined in this code such terms shall have the meanings ascribed in other codes publications of the International Code Council and as defined per NFPA 70".
(7) Amend Section 202 "General Definitions" the following definitions to read as:
"Ready Access (To)" to read:
"That which enables a device, appliance or equipment to be directly reached, without requiring the removal or movement of any panel or similar obstruction [see "Access (to)] Appliances located on the roof or other elevated locations shall be capable of being reached without requiring potable ladders, chairs, etc. A ladder pull down disappearing type or permanent stairway fastened to the building shall be provided leading to the attic opening or roof, unless approved by the Building Official. This requirement may be waived for the replacement of units installed before January 1986, in one- and two-family dwellings, provided a means of providing access to the units for inspection purposes exists."
(8) Amend subsection 301.2 "Energy utilization" to read:
"Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems of all structures shall be designed and installed for efficient utilization of energy in accordance with the current State of Alabama Energy Code as adopted by the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board; compliance to the current State of Alabama Energy Code must be verified by a State of Alabama Licensed Third-Party Energy Consultant or a State of Alabama Registered Design Professional."
(9) Amend subsection 301.16 Flood Hazard" to read:
"For structures located in the flood hazard areas, mechanical systems, equipment and appliances shall be located in accordance with Article 62 of the City of Huntsville Zoning Ordinance."
(10) Amend subsection 303.3 "Prohibited locations" to read:
"Fuel-fired appliances shall not be located in, or obtain combustion air from, any of the following rooms or spaces:
(A) Sleeping rooms
(B) Bathrooms
(C) Toilet rooms
(D) Storage closets
(E) Surgical rooms
Exception: This section shall not apply to the following appliances:
(1) Direct-vent appliances that obtain all combustion air directly from the outdoors.
(2) Solid fuel-fired appliances provided that the room is not a confined space and the building is not of unusually tight construction.
(3) Appliances installed in a dedicated enclosure in which all combustion air is taken directly from the outdoors, in accordance with Chapter 7. Access to such enclosure shall be through a solid door, weather-stripped in an approved manner and equipped with an approved self-closing device.
(11) Add subsection 306.3 Appliances in attics to be accessible" to read:
"All appliances in attics must be accessible and meet the requirements as found in the definition of Ready Access (To). Attics containing appliances shall be provided with an opening and unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance. The passageway shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide and not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) in length measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. The passageway shall have continuous solid flooring not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide. A level service space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or service side of the appliance. The clear access opening dimensions shall be not less than 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by 762 mm), and large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance.
(12) Add subsection 306.3.1.1 "Disconnect Location" to read:
"Disconnecting means shall be within 6 feet and readily accessible from the appliance. The disconnecting means may be installed on or within the appliance. The disconnecting means shall not be located on panels that are designed to allow access to the appliance and shall not cover the manufacture's labeling. "
(13) Amend subsection 306.4.1 "Electrical requirements" to read:
"A lighting fixture controlled by a switch located at the required passageway opening and a receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the appliance location in accordance with the NFPA 70.
(14) Amend subsection: 306.5. "Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures" shall read:
"All equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures shall meet definition on regulations for Ready Access (To)." 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 above grade 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 uppermost rung shall be not greater 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 (9144 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 (762 mm) by 30 inches (762 mm) centered in front of the ladder.
9. Ladders shall be protected against corrosion by approved means.
10. 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.
(15) Amend subsection [F] 311.1 "Required" to read:
"Approved smoke and heat vents shall be installed in the roofs of one story buildings where required by the International Fire Code. Smoke and heat vents shall be designed and installed in accordance with the International Fire Code.
Exception: This section does not apply to one- and two-family dwellings built on a fee simple lot."
(16) Amend subsection 312.1 "Load calculations" to read:
"Heating and cooling systems design loads for the purpose of sizing systems, appliances and equipment shall be determined in accordance with the procedures described in the ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 183. Alternatively, design loads shall be determined by an approved equivalent computation procedure, using the design parameters specified in the current State of Alabama Energy Code as adopted by the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board;"
(17) Amend 514.1 "General" to read:
"Energy recovery ventilation systems shall be installed in accordance with this section. Where required for purposes of energy conservation, energy recovery ventilation systems shall comply with the manufactures requirements and with the current State of Alabama Energy Code as adopted by the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board. Compliance with the current State of Alabama Energy Code must be verified by a State of Alabama Licensed Third-Party Energy Consultant or a State of Alabama Licensed Design Professional."
(18) Add subsection 602.2.1 "HVAC and furnace closet" to read:
Any installation or design combination in which a HVAC unit, appliance and/or furnace installations is installed in a confined closet with an open plenum area were a wall louver or louvered door is utilized to convey return air flow, shall be prohibited from having any open indirect waste receptor, hub drain, floor drain or other open drainage device in which condensation drains, water heater drains & relief lines discharges into the sanitary sewer.
(19) Amend subsection 602.2.1.1 "Wiring" to read:
"Combustible electrical or electronic wiring methods and materials, optical fiber cable, and optical fiber raceway exposed within a plenum shall have a peak optical density not greater than 0.50, an average optical density not greater than 0.15, and a flame spread not greater than 5 feet when tested in accordance with NFPA 262 or shall be installed in metal raceways or metal sheathed cable. Combustible optical fiber and communication raceways exposed within a plenum shall be listed and labeled as having a peak optical density not greater than 0.5, an average optical density not greater than 0.15, and a flame spread distance not greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) when tested in accordance with UL2024. Wiring, cable, and raceways addressed in this section shall be listed and labeled as plenum rated and shall be installed in accordance with the NFPA 70. "
(20) Amend subsection 603.6.1 "Flexible air ducts" to read:
"Flexible air ducts, both metallic and non-metallic, shall be tested in accordance with U.L. 181. Such ducts shall be listed and labeled as Class 0 or Class 1 flexible air connectors and shall be installed in accordance with Section 304.1 Bends in flexible duct shall be made such that the centerline radius of the bend is at least one duct diameter. Ducts should extend a few inches beyond the end of the point of attachment before bending. Ducts shall not be kinked or compressed. In one- and two-family dwellings where a flex duct attaches to a straight boot, a 90-degree elbow shall be used."
(21) Amend subsection 603.9 "Joints, seams, and connections, to read:
"All longitudinal and transverse joints, seams, and connections in metallic and non-metallic ducts shall be constructed, installed and sealed as specified in SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards-Metal and Flexible and SMACNA/NAIMA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards. Joints, longitudinal and transverse seams and connections in ductwork shall be securely fastened and sealed with welds, gaskets, mastics (adhesives), mastic-plus-embedded-fabric systems, liquid sealants or tapes. Tapes and mastics used to seal fibrous glass ductwork shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 181A and shall be marked "181 A-P" for pressure-sensitive tape, "181 A-M" for mastic or "181 A-H" for heat-sensitive tape. Tapes and mastics used to seal metallic and flexible air ducts and flexible air connectors shall comply with UL 181B and shall be marked "181 B-FX" for pressure-sensitive tape or "181 B-M" for mastic. Duct connections to flanges of air distribution system equipment shall be sealed and mechanically fastened. Mechanical fasteners for use with flexible nonmetallic air ducts shall comply with UL 181B and shall be marked "181 B-C." Closure systems used to seal all ductwork shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Exception: For ducts having a static pressure classification of less than 2 inches of water column (500 Pa), additional closure systems shall not be required for continuously welded joints and seams and locking-type joints and seams. This exception shall not apply to snaplock and button-lock type joints and seams located outside of conditioned spaces. "
(22) Amend subsection 604.1 "General" shall read:
"Duct insulation shall conform to the requirements of Sections 604.2 through 604.13 and with the current State of Alabama Energy Code as adopted by the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board. Compliance with the current State of Alabama Energy Code must be verified by a State of Alabama Licensed Third-Party Energy Consultant or a State of Alabama Licensed Design Professional. All ducts located in unconditioned spaces including but not limited to attics, crawl spaces, basements, and garages as well as those located outside of the building must be insulated.
(23) Amend subsection 606.1 "Controls required" to read:
"Air distribution systems shall be equipped with smoke detectors listed and labeled for installation in air distribution systems, as required by this section. Duct smoke detectors shall comply with UL 268A. Other smoke detectors shall comply with UL 268.
Exception: This section does not apply to one- and two-family dwellings built on a fee simple lot."
(24) Amend subsection 606.2.1 "Return air systems" to read:
"Except in one- and two-family dwellings built on a fee simple lot, smoke detectors shall be installed in return air systems with a design capacity greater than 2000 cfm (0.9m 3 /s), in the return air duct or plenum up steam of any filters, exhaust air connections, outdoor air connections, or decontamination equipment and appliances.
Exception: Smoke detectors are not required in the return air system where all portions of the building served by the air distribution system are protected by area smoke detectors connected to a fire alarm system in accordance with the International Fire Code. The area smoke detection system shall comply with Section 606.4."
(Ord. No. 21-1006, § 2, 11-18-2021, eff. 1-1-2022)
