El Paso City Code § 18.12.010 Short title.
18.12.010 - Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the "Mechanical Code."
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
MECHANICAL CODE
El Paso City Code tit. 18, ch. 18.12
in effectEl Paso City Code § 18.12.020 Adoption.
18.12.020 - Adoption.
The book entitled "International Mechanical Code," 2021 Edition, a copy of which authenticated by the City Clerk is on file in the City Clerk's Office, is adopted as the Mechanical Code of the City, as fully as if copied at length in this chapter, but with the changes set forth in this chapter and Chapter 18.02, the Building and Administrative Code of the City of El Paso.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.12.025 Reserved.
El Paso City Code § 18.12.030 Section 309.1 Space-heating systems, amended.
18.12.030 - Section 309.1 Space-heating systems, amended.
International Mechanical Code, 2021 Edition, Section 309.1 Space-heating systems, is hereby amended to read as follows:
309.1 Space-heating and cooling systems. Interior spaces intended for human occupancy shall be provided with active or passive space-heating and cooling systems capable of maintaining an indoor temperature between 68°F (20°C) and 90°F at a point 3 feet above the floor in all habitable spaces. The installation of portable space heaters shall not be used to achieve compliance with this section.
Exceptions:
1. Interior spaces where the primary purpose is not associated with human comfort.
2. Group F, H, S and U occupancies
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.12.040 Section 507.2.6 Clearance for Type I hood, amended.
18.12.040 - Section 507.2.6 Clearance for Type I hood, amended.
International Mechanical Code, 2021 Edition, Section 507.2.6 Clearances for Standard Type I and Type I labeled for zero clearance hoods is hereby amended to read as follows:
507.2.6 Clearances for Standard Type I and Type I labeled for zero clearance hoods. All Type I hoods shall be installed with a clearance to combustibles of not less than 18 inches (457 mm).
Exception: Clearance shall not be required from ⅝-inch or thicker Type X gypsum wallboard, ½-inch or thicker (12.7 mm) Type C gypsum wallboard or ½-inch (12.7 mm) or thicker cementitious wallboard attached to noncombustible structures provided that a smooth, cleanable, nonabsorbent and noncombustible material is installed between the hood and the gypsum or cementitious wallboard over an area extending not less than 18 inches (457 mm) beside and above the hood and shall extend to the floor below the hood. There shall be no combustible structure below the hood or within 18-inches in any direction, below the hood. Reduced clearances shown on hood tags are not approved.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.12.040.1 Section 508.1.1 Makeup air temperature, amended.
18.12.040.1 - Section 508.1.1 Makeup air temperature, amended.
International Mechanical Code, 2021 Edition, Section 508.1.1 Makeup air temperature, is hereby amended to read as follows:
508.1.1 Makeup air temperature. The temperature difference between makeup air and the air in the conditioned space shall not exceed 10°F (6°C) for heating and 15° for cooling except where the added heating and cooling loads or the makeup air do not exceed the capacity of the HVAC system.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.12.050 Section 510.4 Independent system, Exception 9, added.
18.12.050 - Section 510.4 Independent system, Exception 9, added.
International Mechanical Code, 2021 Edition, Section 510.4 Independent system, is hereby amended to add Exception 9 at the end of the section, to read as follows:
510.4 Independent system.
Exception:
9. Contaminated air shall not be recirculated. Air containing explosive or flammable vapors, fumes or dusts; flammable, highly toxic or toxic gases; or radioactive materials shall be considered to be contaminated.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.12.060 Section 603.6.1.1 Duct length, amended.
18.12.060 - Section 603.6.1.1 Duct length, amended.
International Mechanical Code, 2021 Edition, Section 603.6.1.1 Duct length, is hereby amended to read as follows:
603.6.1.1 Duct length. In commercial Installations Flexible air ducts and connectors shall be limited to ten (10) feet in maximum length.
603.6.1.2 Duct length. In residential Installations flexible duct, if engineered design, the length will be unlimited.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.12.070 Section 908.6, Drainage, amended.
18.12.070 - Section 908.6, Drainage, amended.
International Mechanical Code, 2021 Edition, Section 908.6, Drainage, is hereby amended to read as follows:
908.6 Drainage. Water from such units shall be discharged into an approved disposal system in accordance with the Plumbing Code. All water supply, waste water and connections shall comply with the requirements of the International Plumbing Code.
908.6.1 All new installations or replacements of water-cooled refrigeration systems 3 H.P. or greater, governed by this Code or the International Plumbing Code, shall be provided with an effective recirculation system.
908.6.2 If an automatic waste system is provided for draining or flushing the system, it shall conform with Chapter 8 of the International Plumbing Code, as amended, and shall be piped to an approved receptacle unless other disposition is authorized by the building official. In no event shall drainage be wasted into or upon the public way.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.12.080 Section 928, Evaporative cooling, amended.
18.12.080 - Section 928, Evaporative cooling, amended.
International Mechanical Code, 2021 Edition, Section 928 Evaporative Cooling, is hereby amended to read as follows:
928.1 General. Every evaporative cooler installed system shall comply with these provisions.
928.2.1. No evaporative cooler shall be installed so as to obstruct any required means of egress nor reduce passage of required light and air.
928.2.2. Evaporative cooler installations which extend beyond the exterior line of a structure shall comply with Building Code and Zoning Regulations as to allowable projection and overhead clearance. Evaporative cooler structures which project more than eighteen inches (18") from a building shall maintain a minimum clearance of fourteen feet (14') above areas subject to vehicle traffic.
928.3 Materials of Construction.
928.3.1. All evaporative cooler blowers and cabinets, including pan, corner posts, top and pad frames, shall be constructed of non-combustible materials or approved plastics as defined below. Evaporative pads and interior water circulatory systems need not be of non-combustible materials.
928.3.2 Approved Plastics. Approved plastic or reinforced plastic materials shall be those which are classified as 94-5V in accordance with Underwriters Laboratory Test 94-5V "Vertical Burning Test for Classifying Materials".
928.3.3 Evidence of Compliance. Evidence of compliance with the requirements of Section 926.3.1 to 311.3.2 shall accompany all equipment installed within the City of El Paso.
928.4 Electrical Connections. Electrical components and installations shall conform to the El Paso Electrical Code. The blower motor and water recirculation pump shall be internally protected to shut-off automatically in the event of an electrical overload or excessive temperature. The maximum shut-off temperature shall be: (1) blower motor, 105°C; and (2) pump, 135°C.
928.5 Plumbing Connections. Water connections and materials shall conform to the El Paso Plumbing Code.
928.6 Structural Supports. Evaporative cooler fastenings, including mounts, platforms and frames, shall be of non-combustible material and shall be of sufficient size and strength to meet the requirements of the International Building Code.
928.7 Water Supply.
928.7.1 Bleeder Lines Prohibited. New and replacement evaporative coolers shall not be provided or installed with bleeder lines.
928.7.2 Automatic water draining System Required. An automatic water draining system shall be provided for all evaporative coolers for which the cooler manufacturer requires the use of a bleeder line. The automatic water draining system shall operate on a periodic basis of not less than a 4-hour interval between operation times and shall be capable of fully draining the water from the cooler pan. The automatic draining system shall either discharge into the building drainage system through an indirect waste piping system complying with Section 802 of the International Plumbing Code, as amended, or shall be conducted to the exterior of the building or structure, and shall be discharged so that the effluent is used for watering landscaping or other outdoor vegetation. In no event shall drainage from coolers be wasted into or upon the public right-of-way.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.12.090 Appendix A is adopted in its entirety.
18.12.090 - Appendix A is adopted in its entirety.
International Mechanical Code, 2021 Edition, Appendix A, is adopted.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
El Paso City Code § 18.12.100 Conflicting ordinances.
18.12.100 - Conflicting ordinances.
All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this chapter are hereby repealed as follows: Ordinance No. 014732 dated 12-12-2000 and Ordinance No. 15965 dated 12-14-2004.
(Ord. No. 019528, § 1, 8-1-2023)
Source: City of El Paso, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/el_paso/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT18BUCO_CH18.12MECOFetched: 10/28/2026