17232M IMI M 2�
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ORDINANCE NO. 17.232
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RECODIFYING
CHAPTER 8 OF THE LITTLE ROCK ARK. REV.
CODE (1988) CONCERNING PLUMBING CODE
REQUIREMENTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
N WHEREAS, the Building Codes staff has met on numerous occasions to review and
,-_� discuss the current provisions of the plumbing as they relate to new and existing conditions
in structures and other related plumbing installations, and
C WHEREAS, the Building Codes staff has developed the following set of amendments
CU to the Plumbing Code which are recommended for adoption by the Little Rock Board of
a) Directors in order to strengthen and clarify standards of code compliance for all plumbing
co
o installations in the City, and
y
WHEREAS, such amendments are appropriate and necessary for the health, safety and
welfare of our citizens.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1 - Division 1. LRC (1988) is hereby amended by deleting only the phrase
Article VI. Plumbing and Gas and the following language substituted therefor: Article VI.
Plumbing, Natural Gas and HVACR /Mechanical.
LRC Section 8 -471 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
PLUMBING, NATURAL GAS AND HVACR /MECHANICAL
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Section 8 -471. Short Title
A. This article may be cited as the "plumbing code ".
B. Definitions
1. Administrative Authority - The individual inspector, board, department
or agency established and authorized by the City of Little Rock Board of
Directors to administer and enforce the provisions of the plumbing and
natural gas and HVACR /Mechanical Code as adopted or amended.
2. Department - shall mean the Department of Neighborhoods and Planning
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3. Inspector - The term plumbing and gas inspector supervisor, plumbing
and gas inspector, mechanical inspector supervisor, mechanical
inspector, for enforcement purposes of this Code shall have the same
meaning as that of the City Manager or his /her duly authorized
representatives.
4. Jurisdiction - shall mean all buildings and structures to include
underground services new or old and any part there -of, private or public,
rural or urban that is or will be after completion, connected to the Little
Rock Water Works system.
5. Plumbing- Includes all piping, fixtures, appliances and appurtenances in
connection with the water supply and the drains, waste and venting
system within the building perimeter and the underground water service
line from building to the water meter, the underground sewer service line
from building to the wastewater utility connection. (Jurisdiction of Little
Rock Wastewater Utility) All natural gas piping beginning at the outlet
side of the meter up to and within the building perimeter, all appliances
utilizing natural gas and their connection to the gas housepiping
including the venting, air distribution system and the combustion air
source to the appliance.
6. Alterations -The alteration of any such systems except minor repairs to
faucets, valves, piping, appliances and removal of stoppages from the
drain, waste and vent system.
7. Minor Repairs - The term minor repairs shall be limited to removing
stoppages from the drain, waste and vent system including the sewer
service. Repairing leaks in the water piping, drains, waste and vent
system by placing a temporary clamping device on the pipe to stop or
retard the leak pending permanent repair or replacement. Rewashering
of faucets and valves, lubricating and /or replacing O rings of same.
8. Roughing -in - Is the installation of all parts of the plumbing, gas piping,
and HVACR /mechanical system which can be completed prior to the
installation of fixtures and appliances. This includes drainage, water
supply, vent piping, gas housepiping, air distribution ducts, and the
necessary supports and anchors for same.
9. Unlawful - The term unlawful as used in this Code shall mean unlawful
insofar as the City has jurisdiction within it's police powers.
LRC Section 8 -472 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
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Section 8 -472. Penalty
Any person, firm or corporation who engages in or follows the business or occupation
of, or advertises or holds himself or itself out as or acts as a plumbing, gas fitter, or
HVACR /mechanical contractor without first having obtained the required licenses and
permits or who otherwise violates any provisions of this Code shall be punished as
provided in Section 1 -9, Penalty Section.
LRC Section 8 -473 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -473. Civil Liability
This article shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibilities of any
person owning, operating or installing plumbing and gas pipes, appliances, apparatus,
construction or equipment for the damage to property or person injured by any defect
therein. The city or any agent thereof shall not be deemed to assume any such liability
by reason of the inspection authorized herein of the certificate of inspection issued by
the Plumbing Inspection Supervisor.
LRC Section 8 -474 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following paragraphs and
language shall be substituted therefor:
Section 8 -474. State Codes Adopted
A. The 1995 Edition of the Arkansas State Plumbing Code is adopted by reference.
In the event of a conflict between such publication and the provisions of this
article, the provision of this article shall take preference.
B. The 1995 Edition of the Arkansas State Gas Code (aka Standard Gas Code) is
adopted by reference. In the event of a conflict between such publication and
the provisions of this article, the provision of this article shall take preference.
C. The 1991 Edition of the Arkansas State Mechanical Code (aka Standard
Mechanical Code) is adopted by reference. In the event of a conflict between
such publication and the provisions of this article, the provision of this article
shall take preference.
DIVISION 2. ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT
Part A - General Provisions
LRC Section 8 -475 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
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Section 8 -475. Supervision and Authority of Department
The Neighborhoods and Planning Department of the City of Little Rock under the
supervision and direction of the City Manager shall be responsible for carrying out the
provisions of this code. The Department shall act in an advisory capacity to the Board
of Directors in the preparation of Ordinances pertaining to this Code. The formulation
of rules and regulations pertaining to enforcement of the ordinances shall be made by
the Department with approval of the City Manager.
LRC Section 8 -476 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -476. Liability of the Plumbing, Gas, HVACR /Mechanical Inspectors
Where action is taken by the Plumbing and Gas and HVACR /Mechanical Inspector to
enforce the provision of this Code, such action shall be in the name of and on behalf
of the City of Little Rock and the inspectors in so acting for the City shall not render
themselves personally liable for any damage which may occur to persons or property
as a result of an action committed in good faith in the discharge of their duties and any
suits brought against any inspector by reason thereof shall be defended by the City
Attorney until termination of the proceedings contained therein.
LRC Section 8 -477 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -477. Limitations of the Plumbing, Gas and HVACR /Mechanical Inspectors
The plumbing gas and HVACR /mechanical inspectors shall not be interested in any
business engaged in Plumbing, HVACR /mechanical and /or gas piping systems or the
sale of same or any part thereof either directly or indirectly.
LRC Section 8 -478 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -478. Duties of the Plumbing, Gas HVACR /Mechanical Inspectors
It shall be the duty of the Plumbing, Gas and HVACR Mechanical Inspectors to inspect
all plumbing, natural gas piping and HVACR mechanical systems for compliance with
this Code and all other Codes having jurisdiction in all buildings, old or new to include
underground service lines, private or public, rural or urban, where such buildings an
underground service lines are located within the inspection limits of the City of Little
Rock Arkansas.
LRC Section 8 -479 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
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Section 8 -479. Inspector's Right of Entry
Should the inspectors be denied entry to any building that they have reason to believe
an unsafe or hazardous situation may exist, the inspector shall have the authority to
call upon the Little Rock Police Department for aid and assistance in securing warrants
for the right to enter and inspect such buildings.
LRC Section 8 -480 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -480. Disconnection of Utilities by City
The administrative authority may cause the turning off of all water and gas utilities or
discontinuance of sewer services which are deemed by same to be in an unsafe
condition or which have not been installed in conformity with the provisions of this
article. No persons shall supply or cause to be supplied any Public water, gas or sewer
utility which has been deemed by the administrative authority to be in an unsafe
condition or which has not been installed in conformity with the provisions of this
article and from which the administrative authority has caused the Public Utility to be
turned off.
LRC Section 8 -481 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -481. Final Clearance before Furnishing Utility Service
It shall be unlawful for any person to furnish natural gas or water to any new building,
tent, structure or outdoor piping of any kind, nature or description without first
obtaining a clearance from the administrative authority stating that such plumbing is
approved and a permit has been issued where necessary.
Section 8 -482 to 8 -500. Reserved
SECTION 3.
The following phrase is hereby deleted "Division 2 Plumbing" and the following
language shall be substituted therefor: "Division 3 - Licenses, Permits and Fees"
Division 3 - Licenses, Permits and Fees
LRC Section 8 -501 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -501. Licensing of Contractors, Plumbers, Gas Fitters and HVACR /Mechanical
No person firm or corporation shall install any part of the plumbing, HVACR /mechanical
and /or gas piping system where such systems are located in the inspection limits of the
City of Little Rock, Arkansas unless at all times a currently licensed Master Plumber,
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HVACR /Mechanical Gas Fitter, and /or a Supervising Gas Fitter, that resides in the State
of Arkansas of whom shall be responsible for proper installation, etc. and shall not
serve as Master Plumber, HVACR /Mechanical Gas Fitter and /or Supervising Gas Fitter
for any other person, firm or corporation while serving as such for said company.
LRC Section 8 -502 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -502. State License Requirements
All master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, apprentice plumbers, supervising gas
fitters, gas fitters, gas fitter trainees, and HVACR Class A, B, & C and HVACR Trainees
shall be licensed by the State of Arkansas as same before repairing, replacing, altering
or installing any part of the plumbing, HVACR /Mechanical and natural gas piping
systems where such systems are located within the jurisdiction of the City of Little
Rock, Arkansas.
LRC Section 8 -503 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -503. Gas Fitters Limitations
All categories of gas fitters are limited to gas plumbing.
LRC Section 8 -504 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -504. License Holders
Each holder of a master plumber, journeyman plumber, apprentice plumber, supervising
gas fitter, gas fitter, HVACR gas fitter's and gas fitter trainee's license shall carry
evidence of proper registration on their person at all times while engaged in such work
and shall produce and exhibit same when requested by an inspector or officer of this
City.
LRC Section 8 -505 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -505. License Fees
In addition to individuals being licensed to prove their competency, each person, firm
or corporation engaged in the contracting for or the installation of the plumbing, gas
piping and HVACR /mechanical systems, equipment or appurtenances shall pay to the
City Collector's office a privilege license fee set by the City of Little Rock Board of
Directors.
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LRC Section 8 -506 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -506. State Contractor's Licensing Board
On any project where the cost of work is $20,OOOor more, with the exception of a
single family residence, an Arkansas State Contractor's License is required by same,
located at 621 East Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202.
LRC Section 8 -507 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -507. Vehicle Signs
All vehicles used by plumbing, HVACR /mechanical, and gas fitter contractors and their
employees for said business purposes shall have the company name and master
plumber, HVACR /mechanical and /or supervising gas fitter's license number stenciled,
painted or suitable attached on each side of the vehicle in water proof letters and
number of at least two (2) inches in size.
LRC Section 8 -508 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -508. Job Signs
Each location where a plumbing, HVACR /mechanical, and /or gas piping permit is
required a job sign shall be attached to, or placed on the building premises in a place
which can be seen from the street, with the contractor's company name and the State
license number of the responsible master plumber, HVACR /mechanical gas fitter and /or
supervising gas fitter in water proof letters and numbers of not less than two (2) inches
in size.
SECTION 4.
LRC Section 8 -509 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -509. Permits
A. It shall be unlawful for a person or persons to install plumbing,
HVACR /mechanical work, and /or gas piping to include underground services in
all buildings new or existing or to make any changes on the existing plumbing,
HVACR /mechanical, and /or gas piping system in all buildings private or public,
rural or urban, where such buildings and /or underground services are located
within the inspection limits of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, without first
obtaining a permit for same from the City of Little Rock.
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B. The following information shall be furnished upon an application for a permit:
1. The address at which the work is to be performed and the phone
number.
2. Company name, business address and phone number.
3. State license number of the appropriate master plumber, HVACR gas
fitter and /or supervising gas fitter that is responsible for the plumbing or
gas installation.
4. Copy of current City Privilege License.
C. Exception - No permit shall be required for the following:
1 . rodding waste and sewer lines for the purpose of removing stoppages
2. repairing waste and sewer lines by placing a temporary clamping device
on the pipe to stop or retard the leaking pending permanent repair or
replacement.
3. replacing a fixture trap, fixture water supply lines
4. replacing a clothes washer (AWM) where no rough -in is required
5. the connection to the gas house piping of domestic ranges and ovens,
portable heating stoves, space heaters, domestic clothes dryers, gas
lights and gas grills where a gas cutoff valve is existing and it is not
necessary to alter the gas house piping in any manner to receive the
appliance connection as mentioned above
D. Should it become necessary to extend, shorten, relocate or alter any part of the
plumbing, gas piping and /or HVACR mechanical system to receive a plumbing
fixture, gas appliance or mechanical equipment, a permit shall be required.
E. All permits required for the installation of the plumbing, natural gas piping and
HVACR /mechanical systems covered by the provisions of this code and other
codes having jurisdiction shall be obtained by the Master Plumber, Supervising
Gas Fitter, and /or HVACR Gas Fitter having Class A or B licenses or their
authorized representative prior to the beginning of such work.
F. Requesting Inspections - Only the permit holder or their authorized agent are
permitted to request inspections.
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LRC Section 8 -510 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -510. Homeowner Permits
A. Qualifications of the Homeowner - A qualified homeowner may obtain a
homeowner's permit to install, repair or replace any part of the plumbing, gas
piping and /or HVACR mechanical system in his /her private home. The
homeowner's permit is limited to a one family residence that he or she owns
and resides in or will reside in when classified as ready for occupancy. Permits
shall be issued in accordance with the following rules and regulations.
Homeowners may obtain a homeowner's permit to install, repair, or
replace plumbing, gas piping and the HVACR mechanical system. The
homeowner shall be physically able to perform all installations by him or
herself other than labor used to dig, cover or carry materials and
equipment for the permitted work and must have the knowledge to meet
all applicable code requirements.
2. The homeowner in person shall make application to obtain the
homeowner's permit. Agents or representatives will not be accepted.
3. The homeowner must show to the Permit Office Representative which
includes, but is not limited to proof of ownership of said property and
proper identification (deed, buyer's contract and driver's license).
4. The homeowner shall be responsible for the securing of all required
inspections at the appropriate point of progress during the job and at the
conclusion of the job and for compliance with all rules and regulations
of the City of Little Rock's Plumbing Code and all other codes having
jurisdiction pertaining to the plumbing, gas piping and the HVACR
mechanical system.
5. The homeowner's permit is limited to one single family residence that he
or she owns and reside in or will reside in when classified as ready for
occupancy.
6. Homeowners that have permitted job items turned down twice on
requested inspections shall be required to obtain a licensed contractor
per Section 8 -501 to complete the job to meet code.
7. Homeowners are prohibited from obtaining permits and performing work
on rental or commercial property.
LRC Section 8 -51 1 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
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Section 8 -511. Permit and Inspection Fees
A. Plumbing permit and inspection fees are as follows:
1 . New construction:
One- and two - family dwellings,
per square foot under roof ................ $.05 /sq. ft.
under roof
All other occupancies, as set forth
in the unit cost schedules in
paragraph 3. of this subsection.
2. Repair or alterations or additions to existing
construction, as set forth in the unit cost
schedules in paragraph 3. of this subsection.
3. Unit Costs:
Each plumbing fixture outlet or appliance ............... $4.00
This shall include each water closet,
urinal, bidet, sink, lavatory, basin,
laundry sink, wash tray, dishwasher,
garbage disposal, icemaker, beer or
soda fountain, bathtub, hot tub, shower,
sauna, drinking fountain, wet bar,
washing machine, hose cabinet or hose
rack, fire pump, sewer ejector, cooling
tower, sill cock, dental unit, hub drain,
floor, area or roof drain, sand trap,
grease trap, sump pump, or any other
plumbing element commonly known as a
plumbing fixture.
Water service .. ...............................
$25.00
Lawn sprinkler service ............................
25.00
Water house piping ..............................
12.00
Swimming and wading pools ........................
12.00
Renewal of soil, waste or vent lines
leach branch or stack) ........................
5.00
Gas service (up to 5 meter openings) ..................
15.00
Gas house piping (up to 5 openings) ..................
15.00
Each additional opening ............................
3.00
Each gas -fired appliance ...........................
13.00
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Domestic gas -fired appliance ranges,
clothes dryer ...............................
3.00
Renewal of gas -fired appliance vent ....................
5.00
Central heating furnace or broiler .....................
12.00
Direct -fired makeup heater .........................
12.00
Conversion ..... ...............................
12.00
Inspections (each) ............................
I .. 15.00
Reinspections (each) .............................
25.00
as per conditions of I.J.
Investigative inspection (each) ......................
30.00
as per conditions of I.I.
B. Work located out of the city limits shall be charged a surcharge of fifty (50)
percent of the total permit charge.
C. Permit fees are as established by ordinance. On installations where several
persons are concerned with the installation of plumbing pipes or appliances,
each party shall be required to pay the fees as established for work. When a
project consists of more than one (1) structure, each separate structure shall
have a separate plumbing permit. For purposes of determining whether
separate permits are needed, buildings not having a common attic space,
connected only by a canopy walkway or similar connections shall be deemed
to be a- separate building.
D. Work with no permit: The penalty for failure to obtain a permit for work as
called for in this Code shall be as described in the penalty section of this Code,
and in addition to any such fine or imprisonment as may be imposed pursuant
to said penalty section, the violator shall pay a fee equal to three (3) times the
permit fee which shall have been paid for work done in violation hereof.
(Ord. No. 15, 391, § 10111, 12-9-87; Ord. No. 15,777, § 10111, 11 -1 -89)
Section 8 -512 to 8 -530. Reserved
SECTION 5.
The following phrase is hereby deleted between Section 8 -530 and Section 8 -531
"Division 3. Gas" and the following language shall be substituted therefor: "Division 4.
Technical Standards"
Division 4. Technical Standards
LRC Section 8 -531 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -531. Workmanship
All plumbing work of any kind shall satisfactorily fulfill the purpose for which it is
installed, and all work shall be executed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Work not
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in keeping with good plumbing practice shall be classified as defective and shall be
immediately corrected by persons causing the same.
LRC Section 8 -532 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -532. Approval of Materials and Methods
The city reserves the right to approve or disapprove any material approved by the state
or approve or disapprove any methods not specifically covered by the provisions of this
article.
LRC Section 8 -533 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -533. Materials and Apparatus, Generally
All materials, devices, equipment and any and all items necessary for the installation
of plumbing systems shall bear the label of the independent testing laboratories
specifically approved by the authority enforcing this article and /or be approved by the
plumbing inspector. No plumbing apparatus or materials shall be used or placed on sale
when the plumbing inspector shall consider it a fire hazard or hazardous to life and
property.
LRC Section 8 -534 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -534. Swimming Pools, etc., Drainage
The water from scudder drains and all swimming and wading pools shall be connected
to the city storm sewer, if available, in a manner acceptable to the administrative
authority. If no storm sewer is available, they shall be connected to the sanitary sewer
as prescribed in the Arkansas State Plumbing Code.
LRC Section 8 -535 shall be deleted in its entirety and the following language shall be
substituted therefor:
Section 8 -535. Drainage from Mechanical Equipment
No condensate drains from mechanical equipment, blow off drains from steam boilers
or presses, area drains, lily ponds, fish ponds or sump pumps or any source which
steadily or intermittently waste clear water shall terminate in any alley, street, curb,
gutter or in any manner which might become a nuisance to foot or vehicular traffic.
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LRC Section 8 -536 is hereby repealed.
LRC Section 8 -537 is hereby repealed.
LRC Section 8 -538 is hereby repealed.
LRC Section 8 -539 is hereby repealed.
LRC Section 8 -540 is hereby repealed.
LRC Section 8 -541 is hereby repealed.
LRC Section 8 -542 is hereby repealed.
LRC Section 8 -543 is hereby repealed.
Section 8 -536 to 8 -565. Reserved
Section 6 - These changes are recommended in order to properly inspect and permit plumbing
installations which are essential to the public health, safety and welfare of our citizens.
Section 7 - The provisions of all technical codes, ordinances and code of ordinances in conflict
with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.
PASSED: July 2, 1996
ATTEST:
ROBBIE HANCOCK
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
QC„Lcosa.a., rn • C•
THOMAS M. CARPENTE
CITY ATTORNEY
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APPROVED:
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JIM ILEY
MA R
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