Sec. 7-202. - Deletions, modifications and amendments.
The International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 edition, Chapters 1—8 and appendices "A", "B", "C", and "D" and NFPA pamphlet numbers NFPA 54, 2015 edition and NFPA 58, 2017 edition, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, as adopted in this division, are deleted, modified and amended as follows:
(1) Amend subsection 101.2 "Scope", to read:
"This code shall apply to the installation of fuel-gas piping systems, fuel-gas utilization equipment and related accessories in accordance with Sections 101.2.1 through 101.2.5.
Exception: As an alternative to the provisions of this code, fuel-gas piping systems, fuel-gas utilization equipment and related accessories in existing buildings that are undergoing repairs, alterations, changes in occupancy or construction of additions shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of 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:
The fees for all fuel gas work shall be as indicated in the following schedule:
(a) For residential one- and two-family dwellings with fuel gas work governed by this code, the permit shall be the amount assessed in the following manner:
An issuing fee of .....$ 25.00
In addition:
For each permit shall be paid as required at the time of filing application. Other permit fees shall be based on the total British Thermal Unit, hereafter referred to as BTU, input load for the installation shall be as follows:
a. 150,000 BTU or less .....$ 25.00
b. 150,001 BTU to 250,000 BTU .....30.00
c. 250,001 BTU to 500,000 BTU .....35.00
d. 500,001 BTU to 1,000,000 BTU .....40.00
e. 1,000,001 BTU to 1,500,000 BTU .....65.00
f. 1,500,001 BTU to 3,000,000 BTU .....100.00
g. Over 3,000,000 BTUs .....150.00
Permit fees for an unsafe service ("Lock Off") shall be $25.00.
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 $100.00.
(b) For commercial buildings or commercial structures with fuel gas work governed by this code, the permit shall be the amount assessed in the following manner:
An issuing fee of .....$ 50.00
In addition:
Fees shall be based on the total British Thermal Unit, hereafter referred to as BTU, input load for the installation shall be as follows:
a. 150,000 BTU or less .....$ 25.00
b. 150,001 BTU to 250,000 BTU .....30.00
c. 250,001 BTU to 500,000 BTU .....35.00
d. 500,001 BTU to 1,000,000 BTU .....40.00
e. 1,000,001 BTU to 1,500,000 BTU .....65.00
f. 1,500,001 BTU to 3,000,000 BTU .....100.00
g. Over 3,000,000 BTUs .....150.00
Permit fees for an unsafe service ("Lock Off") 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:
"[M] 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) Delete subsection 303.7 "Pit locations" in its entirety.
(10) Amend subsection [M] 306.1 "Access for maintenance and replacement" to read:
" Clearances around appliances, control devices, heat exchangers and HVAC components that utilize energy shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without disabling the function of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or removing any permanent construction, other appliances, or any other piping or ducts not connected to the appliance being inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced. A level working space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance. (See definition "Ready Access To)"
(11) Amend subsection 401.5 "Identification" to read:
For other than steel pipe, exposed piping shall be identified by a yellow label marked "Gas" in black letters. All two (2) pound systems must be marked and identified for the entire developed length of the pipping. The marking shall be spaced at intervals not exceeding 5 feet (1524 mm). The marking shall not be required on pipe located in the same room as the appliance served.
(12) Amend Subsection 402.3 "Sizing" to read:
"All gas piping shall be sized to natural gas standards to the point of exterior connection. Piping shall be sized to natural gas standards using one of the following:
1. Pipe sizing tables or sizing equations in accordance with section 402.4 or 402.5 as applicable.
2. The sizing tables included in a listed piping system's manufacturer's installation instruction.
3. Other approved engineering methods."
(13) Amend subsection 403.5.3 "Copper and copper alloy tubing" to read:
"Copper tubing shall comply with standard "K" or "L" of ASTM B88 or ASTM B280. Copper and coper alloy tubing shall not be used if the gas contains more than an average of 0.3 grains of hydrogen sulfide per 100 standard cubic feet of gas (0.7 milligrams per 100 liters). Underground copper tubing must be protected and must comply with ASTM B88 or ASTM B280. Underground copper may only be used between the tank and house piping or as approved by the code official. Interior copper and copper alloy tubing is only allowed to be used between rigid piping and appliances."
(14) Delete subsection 403.5.4 "Aluminum tubing" in its entirety.
(15) Amend subsection 403.5.5 "Corrugated stainless-steel tubing" to read:
"Corrugated stainless steel tubing shall be tested and listed in compliance with the construction, installation and performance requirements of ANSI LC 1/CSA 6.26. Tubing must be continuous from the supply to the demand. No splicing or joining of tubing will be allowed.
All fittings must be continuously accessible.
All fittings and manifolds must be readily accessible. (See definitions)
Installations shall be made in accordance with the manufacture's installation procedures or instructions except where the manufacture's procedures or instructions conflict with this or other sections of this code, as adopted by the City of Huntsville. A copy of the manufacturer's instructions and procedures must be available at the jobsite for review by the code official."
(16) Amend subsection 404.12 "Minimum burial depth" to read:
"Underground piping systems shall be installed a minimum depth of 12 inches below grade, except as provided for in Section 404.12.1. No gas piping shall be placed underground closer than 8 inches from a water pipe or sewer line.
(17) Amend subsection 404.12.1 "Individual outdoor appliances" to read:
Individual gas piping to outdoor lights, grills, other appliance and equipment shall be installed at a minimum depth of 12 inches below finish grade. If a minimum of 12 inches of cover cannot be maintained, the pipe shall be installed in conduit or bridged (shielded). Buried gas metal piping shall be welded connection and properly electrically isolated and protected."
(18) Amend subsection 406.4.1 "Test pressure" to read:
The test pressure to be used shall be not less than 11/2 times the proposed maximum working pressure, with a minimum test pressures as followed:
Low pressure (not in excess of one (1) psig) gas piping shall withstand a pressure of at least ten (10) psig for a period of not less than ten (10) minutes without showing any drop in pressure or as stated in 406.4.2 "test duration".
A two (2) psig gas piping system shall withstand a test of thirty-five (35) psig for a period of not less than thirty (30) minutes.
For a two (2) psig system you must have a connected load of at least 450 MBH and/or approval from the Huntsville Utility Gas Department prior to installation.
Higher pressure (above 2 psig) piping shall withstand a test of at least fifty (50) psig, but never less than twice the maximum operating pressure of the system. The duration of the test shall not be less than twenty-four (24) hours. No drop in pressure will be permitted. A chart of recorded tests shall be provided to the gas inspector.
(19) Amend subsection 409.5.1 "Located within same room" to read:
"Equipment shutoff valves shall be located in the same room as the appliance. The shutoff valve shall be within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the appliance, and shall be upstream of the union, connector or quick disconnect device it serves. Shutoffs must be accessible without removing panels and must be located at the front or side of the appliance and out of the heat source. Appliance shutoff valves located in the firebox of a fireplace shall be installed in accordance with the appliance manufacturer's instructions."
(20) Amend subsection 503.7 "Single-wall metal pipe" to read:
"Single-wall gas vents shall not be used within any building or within five (5) feet of any building within the city limits of the City of Huntsville, unless specified by the equipment manufacturer. Single-wall gas vents where allowed shall comply with Sections 503.7.1 through 503.7.13."
(21) Amend subsection 503.10.1 "Where required" to read:
"A vent connector shall be used to connect an appliance to a gas vent, chimney, or single-wall metal pipe, except where the gas vent, chimney, or single-wall metal pipe directly connected to the equipment. All single-wall metal pipe shall be as short as practical to achieve connection."
(22) Amend subsection 503.10.2.2 "Vent connectors located in unconditioned areas" to read:
"Where the vent connector used for an appliance having a draft hood or a category I appliance is located in or passes through attics, crawl spaces or other unconditioned spaces, that portion of the vent connector shall be listed Type B or Type L or listed vent material or listed material having equivalent insulation properties."
(23) Amend subsection 602.1 "General" to read:
"Decorative appliances for installation in approved solid fuel-burning fireplaces shall be tested in accordance with ANSI Z21.60/CSA 6.26 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacture's installation instructions."
(24) Amend subsection 602.2 "Flame safeguard device" to read:
"Decorative appliances for installation in approved solid fuel-burning fireplaces shall utilize a direct ignition device, an igniter or a pilot flame to ignite the fuel at the main burner and shall be equipped with a flame safeguard device. The flame safeguard device shall automatically shut off the fuel supply to a main burner or group of burners when the means of ignition of such burners becomes inoperative."
(25) Amend subsection 603.1 "General" to read:
"Log lighters are prohibited."
(26) Amend subsection 609.2 "Placement" to read:
"The following provisions apply to floor furnaces.
(1) Floors. Floor furnaces shall not be installed in the floor of any doorway, stairway landing, aisle or passageway of any enclosure, public or private, or in an exit way from any such room or space.
(2) Walls and corners. The register of a floor furnace with a horizontal warm-air outlet shall not be placed closer than 6 inches to the nearest wall. A distance of at least 18 inches from adjoining sides of the floor furnace register to walls shall be provided to eliminate the necessity of occupants walking over the warm-air discharge. The remaining sides shall be permitted to be placed not closer than 6 inches to a wall. Wall-register models shall not be placed closer than 6 inches to a corner.
(3) Draperies. The furnace shall be placed so that a door, drapery or similar object cannot be nearer than 12 inches to any portion of the register of the furnace.
(4) Floor construction. Floor furnaces shall not be installed in concrete floor construction built on grade.
(5) Thermostat. The controlling thermostat for a floor furnace shall be located within the same room or space as the floor furnace or shall be located in an adjacent room or space that is permanently open to the room or space containing the floor furnace.
(6) No equipment shall be installed below ground level at installation location. Seepage pans and basins are prohibited."
(Ord. No. 21-1006, § 2, 11-18-2021, eff. 1-1-2022)
