HomeMy Public PortalAboutOrdinance No. 1263-14 02-18-2014ORDINANCE NO. 1263-14
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
AMENDING CHAPTER 38, "FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION",
TO ADOPT THE 2012 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE
CODE; PROVIDING FOR THE MODIFICATION OF THE CODE TO
INCORPORATE LOCAL AMENDMENTS; PROVIDING FOR
RECORDING OF THE CODE AS A PUBLIC RECORD; PROVIDING
THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL
ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING
FOR A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS; PROVIDING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL
NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Richland Hills, Texas is a home rule city acting under its charter
adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution and Chapter
9 of the Local Government Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has previously adopted the 2006 Edition of the
International Fire Code and now desires to update to the 2012 Edition of the International Fire
Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Richland Hills, Texas, desires to provide for
local modifications reflecting the particular needs of the City of Richland Hills as deemed
appropriate; and
WHEREAS, the North Central Texas Council of Governments and City Staff have
recommended adoption of certain amendments to the 2012 Edition of the International Fire Code
to reflect locally accepted practice; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Richland Hills, Texas, has determined that
the adoption of this Code as amended herein is in the public interest and therefore deems it
advisable to enact this ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
The Code of Ordinances, City of Richland Hills, is hereby revised by amending Section
38-31 of Article II "Fire Code" of Chapter 38 to read as follows:
"Sec. 38-31. Adoption.
(a) The 2012 Edition of the International Fire Code is hereby adopted as the official
fire code of the City of Richland Hills, Texas. This fire code is fully incorporated
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by reference as though copied into this ordinance in its entirety. The material
contained in the International Fire Code, and any local amendments thereto, shall
not be included in any formal municipal codification of ordinances but shall be
maintained as a public record in the office of the City Secretary and will be
available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours.
(b) The 2012 Edition of the International Fire Code, as adopted herein, is hereby
amended by adoption of the Recommended North Central Texas Council of
Governments (NCTCOG) Amendments to the 2012 International Fire Code as
shown on Exhibit A, attached to [Ordinance No. ~ and incorporated
herein by reference, and where options are indicated in such amendments, Option
B is hereby selected in each instance."
(c) The 2012 Edition of the International Building Code and the 2012 Edition of the
International Fire Code, as adopted previously, are also hereby amended by
adoption of the following additional local amendments:
(1) Notwithstanding any provision of the Fire Code or Building Code to the
contrary, any building which was constructed and for which a certificate
of occupancy was. issued prior to October 25, 2005 and which contains
12,000 square feet or less under roof need not contain an automatic
sprinkler system, unless such building is used, in whole or in part, for the
storage of hazardous materials as defined in the Fire Code, or is, in whole
or in part, any of the following occupancies, as defined in the Fire Code:
Group F-1 (Moderate-Hazard Factory Industrial), Group H (High Hazard)
Group I, (Institutional), or Group S-1 (Moderate-Hazard Storage);
(2) Notwithstanding any provision of the Fire Code or Building Code to the
contrary, any building which was constructed and for which a certificate
of occupancy was issued prior to October 25, 2005 and which contains
more than 12,000 square feet under roof need not contain an automatic
sprinkler system, except in the following instances:
a. Such building is used, in whole or in part, for the storage of
hazardous materials as defined in the Fire Code, or is, in whole or
in part, any of the following occupancies, as defined in the Fire
Code: Group F-1 (Moderate-Hazard Factory Industrial), Group H
(High Hazard) Group I, (Institutional), or Group S-1 (Moderate-
Hazard Storage);
b. Such building is determined to be or have been vacant, abandoned,
or which is not being currently occupied by the owner or a tenant,
on a continuous basis for a period of more than 180 consecutive
days, as determined by the Chief Building Official or the Fire
Chief, or their designees."
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SECTION 2.
The Code of Ordinances, City of Richland Hills, is hereby revised by amending Section
38-33 of Article II "Fire Code" of Chapter 38 to read as follows:
"Sec. 38-33. Districts or limits.
The establishment of limits or districts having to do with the storage of hazardous or
explosive materials referred to within the International Fire Code shall be as follows:
(1) The geographic limits referred to in section 5806.2 in which the storage of
flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers is prohibited are hereby
established as the entire city limits of the City of Richland Hills, Texas, except
those industrial zoned districts where the use of such stationary containers is
necessary for business operations and the use is limited to such conditions
established by the fire chief and subject to approval of the city council.
(2) The geographic limits referred to in section 5003.1 in which storage of class I and
class II liquids in above-ground tanks is prohibited are hereby established as the
entire city limits of Richland Hills, Texas it being the intention of this body to
entirely prohibit outside above-ground fuel storage tanks containing class I and
class II flammable and combustible liquids with the following exceptions.
Exception l: Industrial zoned areas and areas zoned for retail fuel sales in which
the single capacity of any one tank does not exceed 6,700 U. S. gallons or the
aggregate capacity of the above-ground fuel tanks does not exceed 18,000 U.S.
gallons. The aboveground tank(s) location on any property must meet the
approval of the fire marshal and the tank design must meet United Underwriters
listing for above ground use.
Exception 2. Combustible liquid fuel tanks (NFPA class II, Class III-A, class III-
B) used for temporary storage of fuel used solely for the purpose of supplying
earth moving vehicles or equipment during periods of construction.
Exception 3. The storage of Naphtha or White gas meeting the requirements
outlined in Chapter SO of the International Fire Code.
(3) The geographic limits referred to in Chapter 50 and Chapter 57 in which storage
and dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids in bulk plants or terminals is
hereby established as the entire city limits of Richland Hills, Texas, it being the
intention of this body to prohibit bulk storage plant operations and fuel transfer
terminals within its corporate city limits.
(4) The limits referred to in section 6104.2 in which bulk storage of liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) is restricted to a water gallon capacity not to exceed 2,000
gallons is hereby established as the entire city limits, it being the intention of this
body to limit the use and bulk storage capacity of LPG installations. The limits for
LPG use within the city shall be as follows; residential zoned districts shall be
limited to an aggregate water gallon capacity not to exceed 250 gallons (WGC),
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subject to safeguarding and property distance restrictions; commercial and
industrial districts shall be limited to an aggregate water gallon capacity not to
exceed 2,000 gallons and subject to safeguarding and distance restrictions.
Distance restrictions are those provisions established by the Texas Railroad
Commission and the International Fire Code."
SECTION 3.
The Code of Ordinances, City of Richland Hills, is hereby revised by amending Section
38-34 of Article II "Fire Code" of Chapter 38 to read as follows:
"The following sections of the International Fire Code, as herein adopted, are amended to
be and read as indicated hereunder:
1. Section 101.1; change to be and read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of
Richland Hills, Texas, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
2. Section 103.1; change to be and read as follows:
103.1 General. The provisions of the fire code shall be administered and enforced
by the fire department under the supervision of the Fire Chief.
3. Section 103.2; change to be and read as follows:
103.2 Appointment. The Fire Chief shall serve in the joint capacity of Fire Chief
and Fire Marshal. The Fire Chief may appoint a member of the fire department as
the fire code official to be designated as the Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal and
members of the fire department shall have the powers of police officers in
performing their duties under this code. They shall have the power to issue
citations for offenses tending to cause fire or to make firefighting more difficult
including but not limited to the following offenses:
a. Failure to maintain proper markings or signage of dedicated or designated
fire lanes or fire zones.
b. The parking of motor vehicles or otherwise obstructing any marked fire
lane or fire zone.
c. Parking within the prohibited distance of a fire hydrant or blocking or
prohibiting access to a fire department appliance or connection.
d. Any offense defined in this chapter or under this fire code or its related
codes, such as the Building Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code,
Electrical Code, Housing Code, Property Maintenance Code or adopted
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standards, and policies.
4. Section 105.1.1; change to be and read as follows:
105.1.1 Permits required. Permits required by this code shall be obtained from the
fire department. Permit fees shall be paid prior to the issuance of the permit.
Issued permits shall be kept on the premises designated therein at all times and
shall be readily available for inspection by anyone. All permits shall have an
assigned permit fee, an effective date and a date of expiration. The Fire Chief
shall establish a fee schedule and make available a listing of such fees for the
purpose of administering this section of the code.
5. Section 105.1.2.1; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 105.1.2.1 Permits fee(s). Permit fee(s) shall be doubled if the owner,
operator or contractor has begun work or caused such activity, operation, function
or practice to begin without first obtaining a required permit.
6. Sections 109.4; change to be and read as follows:
109.4 Violation penalties. Whether or not notice is provided pursuant to Section
109.3, persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply
with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do
work in violation of the approved construction documents or direction of the fire
code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor as provided by the Code of Ordinances, City of
Richland Hills. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been
served shall be deemed a separate offense.
7. Section 108; delete Section 108.1 and Section 108.3; add a new paragraph to be
and read as follows:
108.4 Board of Appeals. The establishment and qualifications of the Board of
Appeals shall be governed by Chapter 10 of the Richland Hills Code of
Ordinances.
8. Section 503.6.1; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 503.6.1 definitions.
Security or limited access gate -shall mean any vehicle access way from a public
street or roadway onto private property which has an access gate which limits or
controls vehicle passage onto the property.
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Optical detector or receiver - means a mechanical device that is designed to
receive light pulses from an emitter device that has been installed on an
emergency vehicle.
Opticon -trademark name for a receiver device manufactured by 3M Company.
Tomar -trademark name for electronics company.
KNOX -trademark name for a west coast company that produces security devices
for a rapid entry key box system.
Main gate -shall mean the gate or entry way designed as the primary or dedicate
entry for guest, residents, deliveries, employees, or patrons onto a piece of
property. Where more than one (1) gate exists on the property, the owner shall
designate in writing which gate location is going to be designated the main or
primary entry gate.
Exit gate -shall mean any gate or access way that is designed primarily for the
exiting of vehicles from the property by residents, guest, patrons, deliveries, etc.
Primary emergency access -shall mean the drive or access point designated as the
main or primary point of ingress or egress for emergency vehicles.
Secondary emergency access -shall mean a drive or access point designated as a
secondary or backup means of ingress or egress for emergency vehicles.
Light duty chain -The term light duty chain shall mean a chain with the
maximum diameter link of chain being one-quarter ('/4) inch, and does not mean
high test proof, coil chain and other tempered chain, regardless of link size.
Owner -shall mean a person, firm, corporation, partnership, association or any
other similar entity.
Section 503.6.2; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 503.6.2 gates are to be electrically operated. All main gates shall be
electrically operated and designed with a manual disconnect in case of a power
failure. The designs of the manual disconnect and its location shall meet the
approval of the AHJ.
Section 503.6.3; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 503.6.3 main gate operation. All designated main or primary gates shall
open with both an optical receiver system and a fire department KNOX key
switch. The key operated switch and optical receiver system shall be provided and
installed by the property owner. The key switch shall be located on a pedestal
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near the entryway to the gate, the distance and height approved by the AHJ. The
optical receiver shall be located in a manner that is approved for acceptable
operation by the AHJ.
Section 503.6.4; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 503.6.4 property access codes. If applicable to the property site, the owner
shall furnish emergency services, fire and police, with access codes or tenant
access cards, to allow normal enforcement actions to be continued within the
property site.
Section 503.6.5; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 503.6.5 secondary gate operation. Gates designated as secondary, to be
used as an emergency entrance or exit only, may be secured with a light duty
chain and approved weatherproof KNOX pad lock. Access to the lock must be
available to emergency personnel on both sides of the gate.
Section 503.6.6; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 503.6.6 minimum gate widths and clearances. The minimum fire lane
width of twenty (20) feet and the minimum overhead clearance height of thirteen
(13) feet six (6) inches shall be maintained in the entry or exit gate design.
Section 503.6.7; and a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 503.6.7 security-gate compliance design. It shall be unlawful for a
security gate to be placed within a public access or fire lane easement, unless the
gate complies with the following:
a. Security gates shall be designed and installed in a workman like
manner. Gate materials shall be acceptable to the AHJ.
b. Horizontal swing or sliding security gates shall be constructed,
mounted and maintained whereby such gates will open fully when
activated. When opened, the gate must be equipped with a device
to maintain the gate in an open position a length of time acceptable
to the AHJ.
c. Electrical or hydraulic gate devices shall be designed in a manner
that allows for an alternate method of operation in a power off or
mechanical malfunction condition.
d. Security gates, other than those designated as a primary gate shall
be locked or activated to open in a manner approved by the AHJ.
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Secondary gates shall meet the minimum width and height
obstruction requirements.
Section 503.6.8; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 503.6.8 gated entryways with a roadway median. Where a security
gate is installed with a center median, regardless of the median width, the
entry side and the exit side shall have a minimum driving surface of
twenty (20) feet face to face with the curb.
Section 503.6.9; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 503.6.9 application for security gates. A written request to install
security gates in an emergency access easement or roadway shall be
submitted to the office of the fire marshal. Such request shall provide
sufficient information, including plans and specifications, to ensure code
compliance. Security gates may be installed only after a permit for
installation has been issued. Security gates are subject to an annual
inspection fee.
Section 503.6.10; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 503.6.10 disclaimer of liability. The city hereby disclaims any and
all liabilities resulting from damages sustained by any person or owner,
either directly or indirectly, as a result of any emergency function of the
city or lack thereof, where such damage is occasioned by the
noncompliance of any owner with the provisions of this section.
9. Section 505; amend section to be and read as follows:
Section 505.1 address numbers. Address numbers shall be placed on all new and
existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the
street or roadway fronting the property. Said number shall be Arabic numbers or
alphabet letters or a combination of both and must contrast with their background.
a. Residential occupancies shall have numbers or letters a minimum
of four (4) inches (102mm) in height and have a stroke width of
0.5 inch (12.7mm).
b. Multi-family dwellings, townhouses, condominiums and
commercial occupancies shall have street and or building numbers
a minimum of eight (8) inches (20.0 mm) in height. When deemed
necessary by the AHJ the building numbers or letters may be
required to be larger in size to allow for immediate recognition and
or visible identification.
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c. Commercial occupancies with rear door access shall have the
building address or suite number placed on the door, a minimum
height of three (3) inches in contrasting color.
Section 505.2; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 505.2 distances from roadway or access easement. If a structure is
located more than two hundred (200) feet from a public street, the address
shall also appear at the front or main entry to the property.
Section 505.3; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 505.3 additional address locations. When deemed necessary by the
AHJ the street or building numbers may be required on one or more sides
of the structure or property.
Section 505.4; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 505.4 lighting requirements. Building and or street numbers shall
be located in an area that is lighted in a manner that will make them
immediately recognizable or discernable during normal twilight or night
time hours.
Section 505.5; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 505.5 street and road signs. Street and roads, both public and
private, shall be identified with approved street signs. When required by
the chief, temporary signs shall be installed at each street intersection
when the construction of new roadways allows for the passage of vehicles.
Temporary signs shall be of an approved size, weather resistant and be
maintained until replaced by permanent signs.
10. Section 907.8.1.1; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 907.8.1.1 fire protection systems maintained. All fire protection
systems shall be maintained in accordance with recognized practices, rules
or regulations. The fire marshal shall be notified of any required fire alarm
system, sprinkler or standpipe system or any other type of fire protection
system that is to be out of service for a period greater than four (4) clock
hours. When systems are to be out of service for a period greater than four
(4) hours and when in the opinion of the fire chief or fire marshal that a
fire watch is essential for the safety of the building or its occupants,
standby personnel shall be required for fire watch duty as provided by the
provisions of this code.
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Section 907.8.1.2; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 907.8.1.2 providing a maintenance contract. Occupancies having a
required fire protection system shall have and maintain a maintenance
contract with a certified Texas State licensed agency authorized to provide
for maintenance repairs and adjustments to the system as needed to keep it
operable at all times.
Section 907.8.1.3; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 907.8.1.3 response for service. Such maintenance contract shall
provide for twenty-four (24) seven (7) emergency responses for service
with not more than two-(2) hours response time upon notification. The
name of the service company and emergency phone numbers shall be
made available at the property location in a manner that is acceptable to
the AHJ and the property owner or representative.
Section 907.8.1.4; add a new paragraph to be and read as follows:
Section 907.8.1.4 maintenance contract on file with fire marshal. A copy
of such maintenance contract shall be made available to the fire marshal or
his authorized representative at the time of the systems acceptance test or
contract renewal."
SECTION 4.
The Code of Ordinances, City of Richland Hills, is hereby revised by amending Section
38-92 of Article V "Permits and Inspections" of Chapter 38 to read as follows:
"Sec. 38-92. Fire Permits and fees.
The fire permits and fees may be found in the fee schedule in Appendix A of this Code.
Permits listed are defined as annual operational permits, temporary use permits, or are one time
issued permits as they are construction installation related permits.
Fire marshal permits heretofore issued under the existing ordinance shall be valid for the
time for which they were issued under the existing fire code; however, upon expiration of said
date, the same shall become void."
SECTION 5.
The Code of Ordinances, City of Richland Hills, is hereby revised by amending Section
38-121 of Article VI "Life Safety Code" of Chapter 38 to read as follows:
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"Sec. 38-121. Adopted.
The 2012 Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) is hereby adopted as the official life safety code
of the City of Richland Hills, Texas, and is fully incorporated by reference as though copied into
this ordinance in its entirety. The material contained in such code shall not be included in any
formal municipal codification of ordinances but shall be maintained as a public record in the
office of the City Secretary and will be available for public inspection and copying during
regular business hours."
SECTION 6.
The City of Richland Hills may from time to time determine that additional local
modifications to the code adopted herein are necessary and appropriate to meet the unique needs
of the City of Richland Hills. To effectuate modifications, the city council may enact individual
ordinances amending this ordinance fully setting forth the changes to be made. Such subsequent
amendments shall be consolidated as an exhibit to this ordinance, and shall be maintained as a
public record in the office of the city secretary, available for public inspection and copying
during regular business hours.
SECTION 7.
This Ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the City of
Richland Hills, except where the provisions of this ordinance are in direct conflict with the
provisions of such ordinances, in which event the conflicting provisions of such ordinances are
hereby repealed.
SECTION 8.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases, clauses,
sentences, paragraphs and sections of this Ordinance are severable, and if any phrase, clause,
sentence, paragraph or section of this Ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid
judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not
affect any of the remaining, phrase, clauses, sentences, paragraphs or sections of this Ordinance
since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without incorporation in this
Ordinance of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section.
SECTION 9.
Any person, firm or corporation who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to
comply with or who resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be
fined no more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for all violations involving zoning, fire
safety or public health and sanitation, including dumping or refuse, and shall be fined not more
than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for all other violations of this Ordinance. Each day that a
violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
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SECTION 10.
All rights and remedies of the City of Richland Hills, Texas, are expressly saved as to any
and all violations of the provisions of any ordinances of the City of Richland Hills which have
accrued at the time of the effective date of this Ordinance; and, as to such accrued violations and
all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending in court or not, under such
ordinances same shall not be affected by this Ordinance but may be prosecuted until final
disposition by the courts.
SECTION 11.
The City Secretary of the City of Richland Hills is hereby authorized to publish this
ordinance in book or pamphlet form for general distribution among the public, and the operative
provisions of this ordinance as so published shall be admissible in evidence in all courts without
further proof than the production thereof.
SECTION 12.
The City Secretary of the City of Richland Hills is directed to publish the caption and
penalty clause of this Ordinance in the official newspaper of the City of Richland Hills, Texas, as
required by Section 52.011 of the Texas Local Government Code.
SECTION 13.
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect form and after its passage and publication
as provided by law, and it is so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED' D DAY OF , 2014.
T E HONORABL LL AGAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
L~
INDA CANTU, CITY SECRETARY `
EFFECTIVE DATE: 1~~ ~.pl~'
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H:\ORDINANCES\1263-14 Fire 2012 IFC and Ch 38 Amendments.docx Page 12
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
uI~ c~rv ter, ~~ CITY ATTORNEY
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Recommended Amendments to the
2011 National Electrical Code
North Central Texas Council of Governments Region
The following articles, paragraphs, and sentences of the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) are hereby
amended as follows: Standard type is text from the NEC, Underlined type is text inserted. ~+rted-t#reugk~
. A double asterisk (**} at the beginning of an article identifies an
amendment carried over from the 2008 edition of the code and a triple asterisk (***} identifies a new or
revised amendment with the 2011 code.
***Article 100, Part l; amend the following definition:
Intersystem Bonding Termination. A device that provides a means for connecting bonding conductors for
communication systems and other svstems such as metallic pas piping svstems to the grounding electrode
system.
(REASON FOR CHANGE: To allow for a termination point for other bonding conductors in addition to
communication systems that are required by the various model codes.)
[~' •_
'"'"`Article 110.2; change the following to read as follows:
110.2 Approval. The conductors and equipment required or permitted by this Code shall be acceptable
only if approved. Approval of eauipment may be evident by listing and labeling of eauipment by a
Nationally Recognized Testing Lab (NRTL) with a certification mark of that laboratory or a aualified third
party inspection agencv approved by the AHJ.
Exception: Unlisted eauipment that is relocated to another location within a jurisdiction or is field modified
is subject to the approval by the AHJ. This approval maybe by a field evaluation by a NRTL or aualified
third party inspection agencv approved by the AHJ.
Manufacturer's self-certification of any equipment shall not be used as a basis for approval by the AHJ.
Informational Note: See 90.7, Examination of Equipment for Safety, and 110.3, Examination, Identification,
Installation, and Use of Equipment. See definitions of Approved, Identified, Labeled, and Listed.
(REASON FOR CHANGE: To add clarity and provide more positive options for enforcement and approval
of unlisted equipment.)
North Central Texas 1 November 18, 2010
2011 NEC Regional Amendments
**Article 230.71(A); add the following exception:
Exception: Multi-occupant buildings. Individual service disconnecting means is limited to six for each
occupant. The number of individual disconnects atone location may exceed six.
(REASON FOR CHANGE: This is currently the accepted installation practice of the region. No noteworthy
complaints have surfaced. It is more reasonable than the current NEC requirements. It allows more than
six disconnects grouped atone location. This also allows designers more flexibility in the placement of
electrical meters and main service disconnects.)
F.c 1 : w
***Article 240.91; delete the Article.
(REASON FOR CHANGE: Present day equipment is not listed and has not been evaluated for the use.
Removing this article may prevent both installers and AHJ's from misapplying the Code.)
~s
**Article 300.11; add the following exception:
Exception: Ceiling grid support wires maybe used for structural supports when the associated wiring is
located in that area, not more than two racewavs or cables supported per wire with a maximum nominal
metric designation 16 (trade size 1/2").
(REASON FOR CHANGE: To provide limited support of raceways and cables by ceiling grid support
wire.)
.~ _ .. _, _
.. .,
_ . ~:~ - ..
'""'Article 310.15(B)(7); change to read as follows:
(7) 1201240-Volt, 3-Wire, Single-Phase Dwelling Services and Feeders. For dwelling units, conductors,
as listed in Table 310.15(6)(7), shall be...{text unchanged}....provided the requirements of 215.2, 220.61,
and 230.42 are met. This Article shall not be used in conjunction with 220.82.
(REASON FOR CHANGE: To provide a more reasonable margin of safety for dwelling service and feeder
conductor allowable ampacities.)
..
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,.
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Nonh Central Texas 2 November 18, 2010
2011 NEC Regional Amendments
**Article 500.8(A)(3); change to read as follows:
500.8 Equipment. Articles 500 through 504 require equipment construction and installation standards
that ensure safe performance under conditions of proper use and maintenance.
Informational Note No. 1: It is important that inspection authorities and users exercise more than ordinary
care with regard to installation and maintenance.
Informational Note No. 2: Since there is no consistent relationship between explosion properties and ignition
temperature, the two are independent requirements.
Informational Note No. 3: Low ambient conditions require special consideration. 6cploslon proof ordust-
ignition proof equipment may not be suitable for use at temperatures lower than -25°C (-13°F) unless they
are identified for low-temperature service. However, at low ambient temperatures, flammable concentrations
of vapors may not exist in a location classified as Class I, Division 1 at normal ambient temperature.
(A) Suitability. Suitability of identified equipment shall be determined by one of the following:
(1) Equipment listing or labeling
(2) Evidence of equipment evaluation from a qualified testing laboratory or inspection agency concerned
with product evaluation
(3) Evidence acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction such as a manufacturer's self-evaluation or
an ewae~s engineering judgment signed and sealed by a Qualified Licensed Professional Enoineer.
Informational Note: Additional documentation for equipment may include certificates demonstrating
compliance with applicable equipment standards, indicating special conditions of use, and other pertinent
information. Guidelines for certificates may be found in ANSI/ISA 12.00.02, Certificate Standard forAEx
Equipment for Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
(REASON FOR CHANGE: To better define the qualifications for an engineering judgment.)
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**Article 505.7(A) changed to read as follows:
505.7 Special Precaution. Article 505 requires equipment construction and installation that ensures safe
performance under conditions of proper use and maintenance.
Informational Note No. 1: It is important that inspection authorities and users exercise more than ordinary
care with regard to the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment in hazardous (classified)
locations.
Informational Note No. 2: Low ambient conditions require special consideration. Electrical equipment
depending on the protection techniques described by 505.8(A) may not be suitable for use at temperatures
lower than -20°C (-4°F) unless they are identified for use at lower temperatures. However, at low ambient
temperatures, flammable concentrations of vapors may not exist in a location classified Class I, Zones 0, 1,
or 2 at normal ambient temperature.
(A) Implementation of Zone Classification System. Classification of areas, engineering and design,
selection of equipment and wiring methods, installation, and inspection shall be performed by a qualified
peFSeas Licensed Professional Engineer.
(REASON FOR CHANGE: To better identify who is qualified to implement Zone Classification Systems.)
North Central Texas 3 November 18, 2010
2011 NEC Regional Amendments
., ~ _
***Article 68t).25(A) changed to read as follows:
680.25 Feeders. These provisions shall apply to any feeder on the supply side of panelboards supplying
branch circuits for pool equipment covered in Part II of this article and on the load side of the service
equipment or the source of a separately derived system.
(A) Wiring Methods.
(1) Feeders. Feeders shall be installed in rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal conduit. The following
wiring methods shall be permitted if not subject to physical damage:
(1) Liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit
(2) Rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit
(3) Reinforced thermosetting resin conduit
(4) Electrical metallic tubing where installed on or within a building
(5) Electrical nonmetallic tubing where installed within a building
(6) Type MC cable where installed within a building and if not subject to corrosive environment
j7? Nonmetallic-sheathed cable
~8) Tvpe SE cable
Exception: An existing feeder between an existing remote panelboard and service equipment shall be
permitted to run in flexible metal conduit or an approved cable assembly that includes an equipment
grounding conductor within its outer sheath. The equipment grounding conductor shall comply with
250.24(A)(5).
(REASON FOR CHANGE: To allow for more flexibility of wiring methods associated with this type of
installation.)
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END
North Central Texas 4 November 18, 2010
2011 NEC Regional Amendments