CHAPTER 4. BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTIONCHAPTER 4. BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION\Article 3. Plumbing and Gas-Fitting Code

The term plumbing as used in this article shall be construed to mean the installation of gas or water pipes, fixtures, apparatus and the necessary connections either for supplying gas or water to premises or for the removing of liquid and water-borne wastes from premises in the city, or both such purposes, and shall also denote installed fixtures, drainage and vent systems and gas or water distribution systems as the case may be.

(Code 1988)

The following sections of this article are in addition to the provisions of Article 2.

(Code 1988)

(a)   It shall be unlawful to install, alter or reconstruct any plumbing or plumbing system, as defined by the plumbing code and section 4-401, in any building in the city without first making application to and receiving a permit therefore from the city clerk, after approval by the chief building official or his or her authorized assistant. The application for such permit shall be made and the permit obtained before any plumbing work is connected.

(b)   No permit shall be required for making minor repairs of any plumbing including repair of leaks in water pipes, traps or cocks, opening up stoppage in waste or supply pipes, traps or drains, replacing fixtures when waste pipes are not disturbed, or replacing frozen pipes inside the building, and like repair work not involving original installation or reconstruction.

(Code 1988)

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to make connection to a supply of gas or water for which an inspection is required, or which has been disconnected by the order of the plumbing inspector, until a certificate of approval has been issued by the plumbing inspector authorizing the connection and use of such plumbing or plumbing system. The plumbing inspector may, at his or her discretion, authorize a temporary connection.

(Code 1988)

When it appears that the laying or repairing any water or sewer pipes or the making of any connection therewith shall require excavation in any street, alley or public way of the city or the cutting or removal of any pavement, alley or public way of the city or the cutting or removal of any pavement, curb or gutter or any sidewalk, during the course of such work, the application for a permit shall so state and describe the location and extent of the excavation, cutting or removal. Before the city clerk shall issue any permit for such work, the applicant shall pay any fee required by this code. All excavations shall be barricaded and guarded. Before any such excavation shall be backfilled, new plumbing work therein shall be inspected and the bottom of the excavation holding any sewer, drain or water pipe shall be so filled, leveled and tamped as to properly support the pipe and permit proper drainage when carrying sewage, and the excavation shall be backfilled and all paving, curbing, guttering or sidewalks shall be restored as near as possible to their last condition, subject always to the approval of the plumbing inspector or the superintendent of streets.

(Code 1988)

No plumbing materials, appliances or equipment shall be installed in the city unless they are in conformity with the provisions of this article and with the approved standards of construction for safety to life and property. Conformity of materials for plumbing materials, appliances and equipment comply with the requirements of this article.

(Code 1988)

The plumbing inspector, or his or her agent, upon proper identification, shall have authority to enter any building, structure or premises at any reasonable hour to perform his or her duties as set out in this chapter.

(Code 1988)