HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 07.16.2002 • •
Building Trade & Fire Code Board of Appeals
Minutes
For
July 16. 2002
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Kip Pritchard, Ricky Mason, Roger Dowdy, Tilman Reagan, David
Julian
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Greg Zielinski, Code Enforcement Officer, Larry Gould, Chief
Building Inspector, and Katy Seals, Secretary
Meeting called to order by Kip Pritchard
First Item on the Agenda: Swearing in of new members: David Julian sworn in.
Second Item on the Agenda: Approval of July 2001 Minutes: Tilman Reagan made motion to approve
minutes. Roger Dowdy seconded motion. Motion carried 5 -0.
Third Item on the Agenda: Review and consider adoption of 2000 International Energy
Conservation Code: Larry Gould stated this code is being mandated by the State that all cities must
adopt by September 1, 2002. The purpose of the legislation is "to achieve energy conservation in single -
family residential construction. There is a mechanical component included in this code. The IECC
addresses better performing windows (more energy efficient); HVAC sizing and duct sealing; attention to
air sealing and insulation quality; sealing penetrations around piping, wiring, etc; vapor barrier. The IECC
will apply to new construction; additions of 500 square feet or more; and all HUF, FHA, & VA (92 MEC
for 1 & 2 family). The impact the IECC will have on designers will be additional documentation required
and plans /equipment must show the following: insulation R- Values, window /door U- Values,
heating /cooling efficiency, sprayed insulation: initial/settled thickness, area, # bags, markers every 300
square feet. The impact the IECC will have on municipalities is certification of inspectors by the
International Code Council (ICC), education for inspectors to achieve certification, and additional
inspections to insure compliance with the IECC. In addition, all building plans would be required to be
reviewed for compliance with a field inspection to determine if the proper materials were used in
accordance with the building plans. Also, a mechanical code will most likely be required.
Greg Zielinski noted that three different classes have been attended for information on this code and they
received three different sets of information. He added there would most likely be amendments made to it
before we even get it adopted. Tilman Reagan asked why adopt it until we know what it is going to be.
Larry Gould replied, "Because it is mandated and it may end up just like the International Residential
Code. We have to go ahead and start the procedure. It may be something that management decides to
table or hold off on until we get more information." Tilman Reagan asked what will happen 9/01/02 if we
don't have it adopted. Greg Zielinski replied "probably nothing." Larry Gould said the key rate may go
up. Greg Zielinski noted a survey would have to be done to change the ISO Rating. Currently there is no
one in the state who is enforcing this ordinance, as far as a state inspector.
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David Julian asked about the sealing requirement previously noted - if doing an addition to a single family
residence - would this code include checking the entire house or just the addition? Greg Zielinski stated it
would be just the new addition; it would be for an entire house if new construction. David Julian added
that this new sealing would require close checking if the whole house is sealed since a lot of the houses in
this area don't have proper air. Greg Zielinski pointed out there are approximately 7 -9 chapters in this
code book. There is a computer program offered which you can input your information such as insulation
values on walls and ceilings and it will give you a value that is required for this area. This program is also
available for commercial construction.
Tilman Reagan asked what is the purpose of the code. Greg Zielinski stated it is to reduce emissions. He
added that Texas wasn't meeting EPA guidelines and this is a statewide program that is to help Texas meet
these guidelines.
Tilman Reagan asked if a house is doing an addition of 500 square feet would he be required to change all
the windows in the house? Greg Zielinski stated only the windows in the new addition would have to
meet the requirements.
Greg Zielinski said if adding insulation to an attic the code should be met. However, he added that he
didn't know how it would be regulated since it isn't inspected at this time.
David Julian noted that this sounds like a mechanical code will be required and that the City Council has
never wanted one. Larry Gould said this would have to be approved by the City Council and they may not
have a choice since it is mandated by the state.
Ricky Mason asked what has the city legal department advised the city council on this matter? Greg
Zielinski said we have been told to wait until the next legislature to see what changes will be made. It
would take about six (6) months to write the ordinance.
Greg Zielinski noted the new code may affect the city's applying for grants.
Ricky Mason stated that if the City Council is not dealing with this code at this time, then he feels the
Board should wait until they act and then the Board should act on the adoption of the code. Greg Zielinski
stated the board would make recommendation to City Council once the ordinance has been drawn up after
all the information has been obtained.
Tilman Reagan made motion to table this discussion until further information has been made. Ricky
Mason seconded the motion. 5 -0.
Fourth Item on the Agenda: Discussion of any other business: Ricky Mason wanted to make the
Board aware there is going to be an interpretation problem with the City on the definitions of Master
Electrician and Apprentice Electrician. This is in regards to Hale County hiring a master electrician as a
temporary employee for construction. He said other electricians want to know the stance of the City in
this matter. He stated he had met with Wally Hatch, the City Attorney and with John Castro, Director of
Community Development and was told by Wally Hatch that the City of Plainview's ordinance does not
cover this and we do not have a leg to stand on." "A master electrician can go to work for another entity
and qualify that entity for permits and also run a business on the side. That has been the direct opposite
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for as long as I have been in this town in the business. It has always been where your master license has
been good to qualify you for one business and one business only." He read the following out of the code:
"Any person holding a master electrician license in the city shall not establish, maintain, or advertise a
place of business at any location within the city under any name other than that registered with the chief
electrical inspector. A person shall not qualify more than one electrical business firm or other entity at
any one time." "No person or firm shall engage in electrical contracting business within the city limits
unless the business is qualified by a master electrician who 1. is an owner or full time employee of the
business, 2, directly supervises the daily operation of the business, 3. is not engaged in or employed by
any other electrical business at the same time, 4. is authorized to order employees of the business to
correct defects, errors, and deficiencies in electrical work installed or performed by the business." He said
he doesn't understand what is vague about this. He adds the county is going to use the part time
electrician to oversee prisoners doing work. He said the city attorney told him we cannot keep the county
from bringing in prisoners to work as apprentices. Tilman Reagan said there may be precedence due to
the ACR with the state board licensing - saying you can register as a heating /air conditioning technician
for a particular entity and legally purchase heating /air conditioning equipment from any wholesaler. The
plumbing law has an exemption saying if you are an employee of an entity, you can do plumbing work for
that entity. Larry Gould asked Tilman Reagan if the plumbing and HVAC code state law says that if you
have been incarcerated or a had felony charge that you cannot get any type of license. Tilman Reagan
said yes. Larry Gould noted this is on the local level and this is not included.
Larry Gould stated that anyone that has ideas to change or add to the codes should submit it to him so it
may be added to the agenda for consideration.
Ricky Mason noted he is concerned about safety with this particular issue. Larry Gould said he will ask
Wally Hatch to assist with the wording of the ordinance to better address these issues, giving a clear
definition of a Master electrician and an Apprentice.
Sixth Item on the Agenda: Meeting Adjournment: David Julian made motion to adjourn. Ricky
Mason seconded motion. Motion carried 5 -0.
MEETING ADJOURNMENT
CHAIRMAN (:(
SECRETARY