Plumbing Code Adoption Amend UPC 2000MEMORANDUM
May 22, 2002
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Amending the City Plumbing Code Ordinance
Building Services Manager Rich Russell is recommending adoption of the 2000 Uniform
Plumbing Code (UPC) published by the International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
The adoption of the Uniform Plumbing 2000 Code will allow general contractors,
architects, system designers and Building Services staff members to use an up to date
plumbing code. The adoption of the Plumbing Code will have a positive impact on the
ISO rating of the City of Dubuque's Building Services Department.
The amendments to Section 37-2 also allow for licensing reciprocity with other like
jurisdictions with agreements or letters of understanding.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
CC:Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
May 15, 2002
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
RE: Amending the City Plumbing Code Ordinance
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this memo is to recommend the amending of the City
Ordinance by adoption of the 2000 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) published by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
BACKGROUND:
The City of Dubuque adopted the 1997 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code on
November 15, 1999 by the approval of City Ordinance 27-00. The Plumbing Board of
Appeals met three times over the past few months to discuss the adoption of the 2000
Uniform Plumbing Code.
DISCUSSION: The adoption of the Uniform Plumbing 2000 Code will allow general
contractors, architects, system designers and Building Services staff members to use
an up to date plumbing code. The adoption of the Plumbing Code will have a positive
impact on the ISO rating of the City of Dubuque's Building Services Department.
The amendments to Section 37-2 also allow for licensing reciprocity with other like
jurisdictions with agreements or letters of understanding.
Plumbing Board members work in most of the activities regulated by the code.
RECOMMENDATION: I recommend the 2000 Uniform Plumbing Code be adopted. I
have attached a resolution for their use.
ACTION REQUIRED: The desired action step is for the City Manager to recommend to
the City Council adoption of the 2000 Uniform Plumbing Code.
ORDINANCE NO. 42--02
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA PROVIDING
THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA BE
AMENDED BY REPEALING SECTION 37-1 THEREOF AND ENACTING
A NEW SECTION 37-1 THEREOF PERTAINING TO REVISING AND
REENACTING A PLUMBING CODE FOR THE CITY OF DUBUQUE,
IOWA AND PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND
COLLECTION OF FEES THEREFOR.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That Section 37-1 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Dubuque, Iowa be amended by repealing Section 37-1 and enacting a new Section 37-
1 in lieu thereof:
Section 37-1
Except as hereinafter added to, deleted, modified or amended, there is hereby adopted
by reference as the mechanical code of the City that certain mechanical code known as
the "Uniform Plumbing Code", 2000 Edition, including the 2000 Uniform Plumbing Code
Appendices as prepared and edited by the International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials, Walnut, California, and the provisions of such plumbing code shall
be controlling for the installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to
and use or maintenance of plumbing equipment and systems in all matters covered by
such plumbing code within the corporate limits of the City and shall be known as the
"Dubuque Plumbing Code". A copy of the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2000 Edition, as
adopted, shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk for public inspection.
Section 2. That Section 37-2 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Dubuque, Iowa be amended by amending the current Section 37-2 as follows:
Section 30.8. Licensing, Examination and Registration of Plumbers Required.
is hereby amended by adding the following to Section 30.8(j) as follows:
Section 30.8 (new last paragraph)--Master and Journeymen plumbers holding
licenses in jurisdictions with similar licensing requirements as the City of Dubuque and
whose Plumbing Board or Authority Having Jurisdiction has expressed, in writing, that
they will accept City of Dubuque licenses as proof of qualification for a license in their
jurisdiction, will not be subject to testing or interview by the City of Dubuque Plumbing
Board.
Section 203 of the 2000 Uniform Plumbing Code is hereby amended by adding
the definition of Approved Qualified Welder:
Section 203--Approved Qualified Welder- A person who specializes in welding of
pipes and holds a valid certificate of competency from a recognized testing laboratory,
based on the requirements of the A.S.M.E. Boiler and Pressure Vessels Code, Section
IX or as approved by the administrative authority's testing procedures.
Section 316.1.7 of the 2000 Uniform Plumbing Code is hereby amended by deleting the
current section and adding a new Section 316.1.7 as follows:
316.1.7 Brazing and Welding. Brazing and welding shall conform to the
applicable standard(s) in Table 14-1. All brazing on medical gas systems
shall be performed by certified installers meeting the requirements of the
plumbing board.
Section 401 of the 2000 Uniform Plumbing Code is hereby amended by deleting the
following:
401. Materials. Section 410 (a) (2) ABS and PVC DWV Schedule 40 piping
installations shall be limited to structures not exceeding three floors
above grade. For purposes of this subsection, the first floor of a building
shall be that floor that has fifty (50) percent or more of the exterior wall
surface area level with or above finished grade. One additional level that
is the first level and not designed for human habitation and used only for
vehicle parking, storage, or similar use shall be permitted.
Section 603.4.18.1 of the 2000 Uniform Plumbing Code is hereby amended by deleting
the following from the first paragraph:
"except in one or two family residential sprinkler systems piped in
materials approved for potable water distribution systems,"
Section 3. When Effective. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately
upon publication as provided by law.
Passed, approved and adopted this 3rd day of June, 2002.
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk