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ORDINANCE NO. 18,553
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RECODIFYING
CHAPTER 8 OF THE LITTLE ROCK ARK. REV. CODE
(1988) CONCERNING HVACR/MECHANICAL CODE
REQIREMENTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the Building Codes staff has met on numerous occasions to review and
discuss the current provisions of the HVACR/Mechanical codes as they relate to new and
existing conditions in structures and other related HVACR/Mechanical installations, and
WHEREAS, the Building Codes staff has developed the following set of amendments to
the Mechanical Code which are recommended for adoption by the Little Rock Board of Directors
in order to strengthen and clarify standards of code compliance for all HVACR/Mechanical
installations in the City, and
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) under Chapter 8 buildings and building
regulations is hereby amended by deleting only the phrase Article VII. Blasting 8 -566 — 8 -570
and the following language substituted therefore: Article VII HVACR/Mechanical 8 -536 — 8-
565. LRC (1988) is hereby amended by deleting only the phrase Article VIII Rental Inspections
8 -571 — 8 -587 and the following language substituted therefore: Article VIII Blasting 8 -566 — 8-
570. LRC (1988) is hereby amended by adding the following language: Article IX Rental
Inspections 8 -571 — 8 -587.
HVACRIMECHANICAL
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Section 8 -536. Short Title
A. This article may be cited as the "Mechanical Code ".
B. Definitions
1. Administrative Authority — The individual inspector, board, department
or agency established and authorized by the City of Little Rock Board of
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Directors to administer and enforce the provisions of the
HVACR/Mechanical Code as adopted or amended.
2. Department — shall mean the Department of Neighborhoods and
Planning.
3. Inspector — The term 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. Roughing -in — Is the installation of all parts of the HVACR/Mechanical,
system which can be completed prior to the installation of fixtures and
appliances. This includes vent piping, air distribution ducts, and the
necessary supports and anchors for same.
6. Unlawful — The term unlawful as used in this Codes shall mean unlawful
insofar as the City has jurisdiction within it's police powers.
Section 8 -537. Penalty
Any person, fine 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 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.
Section 8 -538. Civil Liability
This article shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibilities of any
person owning, operating or installing HVACR/Mechanical, 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
Mechanical Inspection Supervisor.
Section 8 -539. State Codes Adopted/HVACR/Mechanical Appeals
A. The 1997 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.
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B. HVACR/Mechanical appeals refer to Section 8 -30.1 of the Little Rock City Code.
SECTION 2 — DIVISION 2. ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT
Part A — General Provisions
Section 8 -540. 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.
Section 8 -541. Liability of the HVACR/Mechanical Inspectors
Where action is taken by the 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.
Section 8 -542. Limitations of the HVACR/Mechanical Inspectors
The HVACR/Mechanical Inspectors shall not be interested in any business engaged in
HVACR/Mechanical or the sale of same or any part thereof either directly or indirectly.
Section 8 -543. Duties of the HVACR/Mechanical Inspectors
It shall be the duty of the HVACR/Mechanical Inspectors to inspect all 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.
Section 8 -544. 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.
Section 8 -545. Reserved
SECTION 3.
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Division 3 — Licenses, Permits and Fees
Section 8 -546. Licensing of Contractors, HVACR/Mechanical
No person, firm or corporation shall install any part of the HVACR/Mechanical system
where such systems are located in the inspection limits of the City of Little Rock,
Arkansas unless at all times a currently licensed HVACR/Mechanical contractor.
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.
Section 8 -547. State License Requirements
All 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
HVACR/Mechanical systems where such systems are located within the jurisdiction of
the City of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Section 8 -548. Gas Fitters Limitations
All categories of gas fitters are limited to gas plumbing.
Section 8 -549. License Holders
Each holder of a HVACR/Mechanical 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.
Section 8 -550. Licenses 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 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.
Section 8 -551. State Contractor's Licensing Board
On any project where the cost of work is $20,000 or 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.
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Section 8 -552. Vehicle Signs
All vehicles used by HVACR/Mechanical, and gas fitter contractors and their employees
for said business purposes shall have the company name and 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.
Section 8 -553. Job Signs
Each location where a HVACR/Mechanical 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
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.
Section 8 -554. Permits
A. It shall be unlawful for a person or persons to install 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 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.
B. The following information shall be furnished upon an application for a permit:
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 HV ACR gas fitter and/or
supervising gas fitter that is responsible for the mechanical system or gas
installation.
4. Copy of current City Privilege License.
5. Surety bond in the amount of $10,000 dollars per Ordinance No. 17,777.
D. Should it become necessary to extend, shorten, relocate or alter any part of the
HVACR mechanical system a permit shall be required.
E. All permits required for the installation of the HVACR/Mechanical systems
covered by the provisions of this code and other codes having jurisdiction shall be
obtained by the 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.
Section 8 -555. Homeowner Permits
A. Qualifications of the Homeowner — A qualified homeowner may obtain
homeowner's permit to install, repair or replace 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.
1. Homeowners may obtain a homeowner's permit to install, repair, or
replace 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 HVACR/Mechanical Code and all other codes
having jurisdiction pertaining to the HVACR Mechanical system.
S. 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 to
complete the job to meet code.
7. Homeowners are prohibited from obtaining permits and performing work
on rental or commercial property.
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Section 8 -556. Permit and Inspection Fees
HVACR/Mechanical Permit Fees
A. New Construction:
One -and two- family dwellings - $ .05 /sq. ft.
All other occupancies: As set forth in the cost schedules in
Paragraph B.
B. New commercial, replacements, repairs, alterations and additions.
1. Heating, ventilating, ductwork, air conditioning, boilers, and refrigeration
systems shall be $30.00 for the first $500.00 up to $1000.00 or fraction
thereof, of valuation of the installation plus $3.00 for each additional
$1000.00 or fraction thereof.
* Boiler permits only issued with proof of special boiler license.
2. Inspections (each)
3. Reinspections (each)
$15.00
$25.00
4. Investigative inspections (each) $30.00
C. Minimum fee for any permit shall be $30.00
D. Expiration of permits as per condition of I.V.
E. Penalties (working without a permit): Where work for which a permit is required
by the 1997 Arkansas Mechanical Code is started or proceeded prior to obtaining
said permit, the fee herein specified shall be tripled; however, payment of such
triple fee shall not relieve any person from fully complying with the requirements
of the 1997 Arkansas Mechanical Code in the execution of the work nor from any
penalties prescribe herein and no additional permits shall be granted until all fees
have been paid.
F. Work located out of the city limits shall be charged a surcharge of fifty (50)
percent of the total permit charge.
SECTION 5
Division 4. Technical Standards
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Section 8 -557. Workmanship
All HVACR/Mechanical 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 in keeping with good HVACR/Mechanical practice shall be classified as
defective and shall be immediately corrected by persons causing the same.
Section 8 -558. 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.
Section 8 -559. Materials and Apparatus, Generally
All materials, devices, equipment and any and all items necessary for the installation of
HVACR/Mechanical system shall bear the label of the independent testing laboratories
specifically approved by the authority enforcing this article and/or be approved by the
HVACR/Mechanical inspector. No HVACR/Mechanical apparatus or materials shall be
used or placed on sale when the HVACR/Mechanical inspector shall consider it a fire
hazard or hazardous to life and property.
Section 8 -560. Technical Updates
A. Flex duct shall be allowed only on branch lines.
B. Flex duct shall be no longer than six (6) feet in length in commercial and
ten (10) feet in length in residential installations.
C. Mechanical approved fittings are required for all turns and take -offs in
flex duct installation.
D. Flex duct shall not be allowed in crawl spaces in residential or commercial
occupancies.
E. Fiber duct (duct board) shall not be allowed.
F. Mechanical contractor shall submit a heat load with each permit
application.
Section 8 -561. 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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SECTION 6. These changes are recommended in order to properly inspect and permit
HVACR/Mechanical 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: September 4, 2001
ATTEST:
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CITY CLE
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
THOMAS M. CAR PENT
CITY ATTORNEY
APPROVED: `
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