The Codes and Standards adopted herein shall govern the design and construction of all structures within the City of Laredo. Sections of adopted codes which have been deleted, modified or amended by separate ordinance shall be fully incorporated into the provisions of the adopted codes.

(1)

Standard Building Code™.

There is hereby adopted by the City Council the 1994 edition of the Standard Building Code™, promulgated by the Southern Building Code Congress, and the whole thereof, and the following Appendices attached thereto: A, "Weights of Building Materials"; C, "One an Two Family Dwellings"; D, "Standards for Demolition"; E, "Energy Conservation"; F, "Recommended Guide for the Establishment of a Fire District"; H, "Manufactured Homes Tie Down Standards"; and N, "Noise Attenuation Performance Standards for Structures located with Airport Noise Specific Use Zoning Overlay Districts affected by Excessive Aircraft Noise", save and except such portions as may be deleted, modified or amended by ordinance duly adopted by the Council.

(2)

National Electrical Code™.

(a)

The National Electrical Code™, 1993 edition, providing rules and regulations and requirements for the installation of electrical wiring and apparatus, is hereby adopted as a standard for the installation of all electrical wiring and apparatus and fixtures, except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, and a copy of the same is made a part of this chapter, as fully as though copied herein in full; however, should there be any conflict between the provisions of this chapter and the National Electrical Code™, the provisions of this chapter shall govern and control, save and except such portions as may be deleted, modified or amended by ordinance duly adopted by the Council.

(b)

The "Meter Installation Standard" (with its latest revisions and additions) of the franchised power and light company are hereby adopted as a standard for the installation of meters and metering devices, auxiliaries and appurtenances, and a copy of the same is attached hereto, incorporated herein and made a part of this chapter as fully and to the same extent as though copied herein in full.

(c)

It is provided however, that the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to installations used by electricity supply, or communication agencies in the generation, transmission or distribution of electricity, or the operation of signal or transmission of intelligence by such an agency, or on public thoroughfares or easements; provided, however, that, such agencies excepted are operating under a valid franchise from the City.

(d)

The various departments and buildings of the City and school district shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter insofar as the same may be applicable.

(3)

Standard Plumbing Code™. There is hereby adopted by and for the City the Standard Plumbing Code™, 1994 edition, as recommended by the Southern Building Code Congress, which code is published in loose-leaf form, three (3) certified copies of which code are filed of record in the office of the City Secretary, and the adoption of said code includes Appendices A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, J, and K, and all made a part of this chapter save and except such portions as may be deleted, modified or amended by ordinance duly adopted by the Council.

(4)

Standard Gas Code™. There is hereby adopted by and for the City the Standard Gas Code™, 1994 edition promulgated by the Southern Standard Building Code Congress, save and except such portions as may be deleted, modified or amended by ordinance duly adopted by the Council.

(5)

Standard Mechanical Code™. There is hereby adopted by the City Council the 1994 edition of the Standard Mechanical Code™, promulgated by the Southern Building Code Congress, save and except such portions as may be deleted, modified or amended by ordinance duly adopted by the Council.

(6)

Standard Housing Code™. There is hereby adopted by the City Council the Standard Housing Code 1991 edition save and except such portions as may be deleted, modified or amended by ordinance duly adopted by the Council.

(7)

Standard Amusement Device Code™. There is hereby adopted by the City Council the Standard Amusement Device Code™, 1985 edition, save and except such portions as may be deleted, modified or amended by ordinance duly adopted by the Council.

(8)

Standard Swimming Pool Code™. There is hereby adopted by the City Council the Standard Swimming Pool Code™, 1991 edition, save and except such portions as may be deleted, modified or amended by ordinance duly adopted by the Council.

(9)

Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code™. There is hereby adopted by the City Council the Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code™, 1985 edition, save and except such portions as may be deleted, modified or amended by ordinance duly adopted by the Council.

(10)

SBCCI Standard for Existing High Rise Buildings SSTD 3-84.

(11)

SBCCI Standard for Flood Plain Management SSTD 4-89.

(12)

SBCCI Standard for Soil Expansion SSTD 7-86.

It shall be unlawful for an owner to use or permit the use of any structure, building or land, or part thereof, hereafter created, erected, changed, converted or enlarged, wholly or partly, until a permit or permits shall have been issued by the Building Official or his designee. It shall be the duty of the Building Official or his designee to issue a permit, provided he is satisfied that the structure, building or premises and the proposed use thereof conforms with all the requirements of this Code. No permit for excavation, construction or reconstruction shall be issued by the Building Official unless the plans, specifications and the intended use conform to the provisions of this Code.

The following shall apply in the application and issuance of building permits:

(1)

Written application shall be made for a building permit for the construction of a new building or the alteration or modification of an existing building. Said permit shall be issued within twenty-one (21) days after a written request for the same has been made to the Building Official or his agent, provided such construction or alteration is in conformity with the provisions of adopted codes. If not approved, the permit shall be denied within twenty-one (21) days with reasons given.

(2)

Every application for a building permit shall be accompanied by a site plan in duplicate, and such other plans as may be necessary to show the location and type of buildings to be erected or alterations or modifications to be made.

a.

Site Plan Requirements.

(1)

A diagram indicating the location of the lot, the street providing access to the lot and the exact location of the lot in relation to the nearest cross street. Each lot shall have either direct access to a public street, or access by a private driveway easement which shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet in width, and not longer than one hundred fifty (150) feet in depth. The situation in which access is provided by private easement is applicable only to existing lots of record.

(2)

The legal description of the property.

(3)

The actual dimensions of the lot, the yard and other open space dimensions thereof, and the location and size of any existing structure thereon.

(4)

The location and size of the proposed structure, and/or the proposed enlargement of the existing structure.

(5)

Any other information which in the judgment of the Building Official may be necessary to provide for the enforcement of this Code, including but not limited to, evidence of ownership or interest in the property, evidence of a lot of record, availability of public water supply and wastewater collection, surveys, and soil tests.

(6)

Each property owner or authorized agent shall be required to attest to the correctness of the statements and data furnished with the application.

The Building Official shall not issue a building permit for any application requiring approval of the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Building Standards Board, or the Historic District/Landmark Board until he has been authorized to do so.

The building or mechanical permit shall expire twelve (12) months from the date of issuance in accordance with the provisions of the adopted code.

(1)

Certificate of occupancy shall be required for any non-residential use requiring new electrical service.

The Building Official shall maintain a record of all building permits and certificates of occupancy and copies shall be furnished upon request to any person.

Building permits or certificates of occupancy issued on the basis of plans and applications approved by the Building Official authorize only the use and arrangement set forth in such approved plans and applications or amendments thereto, and no other use, arrangement, or construction. Use, arrangement, or construction contrary to that authorized shall be punishable as provided herein.

(1)

Purpose: The purpose of Expedited Plan Review (EPR) is to streamline the administrative processes associated with the issuance of construction permits consistent with code compliance requirements and fiscal accountability, assigning priority review to those general contractors participating in the program.

(2)

Eligibility: Construction professionals utilizing EPR acknowledge that the processes and procedures outlined herein are the key to successful implementation and agree to strict compliance with these procedures. Utilization of EPR does not abrogate the responsibility of the contractor to provide complete and accurate plans, to utilize licensed and/or bonded subcontractors, or of the city to enforce the requirements of adopted codes. Misrepresentation or fraudulent applications shall void permits and bar contractor participation in the future. General contractors only.

(3)

Plan Submittals:

a.

Standardized Pre-filed: Standardized plans may be pre-filed. Plans should be identified by general contractor name, standardized reference identification, and should include elevations, curb cut requests, foundation and framing information, construction valuation, plumbing and electrical wiring details and fixture cost take-offs. Subcontractor information including name, address, bond and license information shall be submitted with standardized plan, or individually with permit applications. No permit may be issued to any general contractor for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work unless such contractors are duly licensed and/or bonded by the City of Laredo. Permit applications for approved standardized construction projects may be submitted singly or in batch form with individual site plans and exceptions to standardized plans, if any. The application shall include contractor name, signed or initialed by the owner or authorized agent, plan identification, street address and number, legal lot, block and subdivision information, and standardized fee calculation for all fees, including tap, building, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, plan check, curb cut, water availability, meter installation fees, and water deposit (see example).

Standardized pre-filed plans for which provisional electrical service is requested shall include an affidavit signed by the general contractor and the electrical contractor acknowledging their agreement with the terms of provisional electrical service, and shall include payment of a re-inspection fee.

b.

Non-standardized or Customized: Two (2) complete sets of construction drawings shall be submitted to include site plans, curb cut requests, elevations, foundation and framing information, construction valuation, plumbing and electrical wiring details and fixture cost take-offs. Complete subcontractor information including name, address, bond and license information shall be submitted with permit applications. One (1) shall be maintained in the file and one (1) shall be returned to the contractor stamped "Reviewed for Compliance - APPROVED". The application shall include contractor name, signed or initialed by the owner or authorized agent, plan identification, street address and number, legal lot, block and subdivision information, and standardized fee calculation for ALL fees, including tap, building, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, plan check, curb cut, water availability, meter installation fees, and water deposit (see example). Provisional electrical service is not authorized for customized projects.

(4)

Plan review:

a.

Standardized Pre-filed: Curbs cut and water/wastewater requests shall be forwarded to the appropriate department by the Plan Review Section. Fee payments for pre-filed plans shall be sent to the Collections Department or deposited directly with the City's depository bank.

b.

Non-standardized or Customized: Curbs cut and water/wastewater requests shall be forwarded to the appropriate department by the Plan Review Section. Fee payments for customized plans shall be remitted to the Collections Department. Fee adjustments, if any, shall be requested in writing through the Collections Department.

(5)

Permit Issuance:

a.

Standardized Pre-filed: A Combined Permit shall be issued electronically or by fax to the general contractor for building, plumbing, electrical and HVAC work using licensed and/or bonded contractors once fee verification is received. Where possible curb cut permits shall be issued simultaneously with the combined permit. No permit may be issued unless water and wastewater service is available to the property or is otherwise approved by the Public Utilities Department, or the Health Department where septic systems are authorized. Meter installation schedules must be coordinated with the Collections Department by the general contractor.

b.

Non-standardized or Customized: A Combined Permit shall be issued electronically or by fax to the general contractor for building, plumbing, electrical and HVAC work utilizing licensed and/or bonded contractors, once fee verification is received. The Combined permit may be issued with conditions which shall be noted on the plans and on the face of the permit. Where possible curb cut permits shall be issued simultaneously with the combined permit. No permit may be issued unless water and wastewater service is available to the property or is otherwise approved by the Public Utilities Department, or the Health Department where septic systems are authorized. Meter installation schedules must be coordinated with the Collections Department by the general contractor.

(6)

Inspections: All requests for inspections shall be submitted to the Building Official or his designee by the general contractor not later than the day before inspection is necessary. The general contractor or his agent shall be present during the inspections. A copy of inspection reports shall be delivered in person at the site or by fax to the general contractor who shall be responsible for advising subcontractors of any remedial actions which may be required. A complete set of stamped "approved" plans shall be at the site during inspections. All general contractors shall see that trash and debris is properly contained during construction. Provisional electrical service may be approved by the electrical inspector for a period of time not to exceed thirty (30) days. Provisional service shall be discontinued without notice to any contractor if a Certificate of Occupancy has not been issued before the expiration of the thirty-day period. Certificates of Occupancy and/or final electrical service shall not be authorized at any location which has not been cleared of debris. No re-inspection fees shall be charged, but re-inspection shall not be made earlier than three (3) days following the time of the original inspection. A second occurrence at the same site shall delay re-inspection for an additional five (5) days.

(1)

It shall be unlawful for any person except electric utility operating under franchise to hereafter commence the construction, installation or alteration of any electrical work, either outside or inside of any building, without first making application in writing on forms furnished by the City to the inspector for a permit for such construction, installation or alteration of wiring. A permit issued under this section shall expire ninety (90) days after issuance if the work authorized thereby has not commenced within that time or thirty (30) days after suspension or abandonment of the work authorized thereby. All temporary electric service poles used in a project shall be removed upon expiration of the permit issued for the project or within one (1) year.

No electrical permit shall be required for the making of minor repairs or maintenance work, the connection of portable electrical equipment or lamps to permanently installed receptacles. No permit shall be required of an established refrigeration firm or organization for the replacing of a refrigerator motor or controls that are a part of the refrigeration system.

(1)

The application for the electrical permit required by this article shall contain a description by street and number; or by street, lot and block number, as may be necessary to locate the same; and shall be accompanied fees provided for in this Code and a diagram or plan showing the character or kind of work to be done and the manner in which the electrical installation is to be made.

(2)

The Building Official or his designee shall issue a permit for the construction, installation, or alteration of any electrical work master electricians licensed by the City.

(3)

The electrical building permit issued by the office of the Building Official must be displayed on the premises where it is visible to the public.

(a)

A rough-in inspection is required on all completed wiring systems before the same shall be allowed to be concealed from view. All wiring devices, circuit breaker panels, and all final connection to equipment shall be permanently installed before final inspection and acceptance except the lighting or other fixtures themselves; and separate permits shall be required for any alteration or changes thereafter, provided however, that provisional service may be approved by the electrical inspector for the purpose of testing equipment subject to the following:

1.

Commercial Projects. Provisional electrical service for each commercial project may be approved for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, provided however:

a.

Electrical service shall be terminated without notice to any contractor following the expiration of the thirty-day period unless a Final Electrical Inspection is issued.

b.

Where provisional service was granted and subsequently terminated for failure to secure final inspection, an additional inspection shall be required for reconnection. An electrical contractor who has had electrical service terminated for failure to secure Final Inspection on two (2) occasions shall be ineligible to apply for provisional service for a period of not less than six (6) months.

c.

A request for the extension of provisional service beyond the thirty-day period shall not be granted except in the case where escalators/elevators require testing, special refrigeration problems exist, or where unusual circumstances affect electrical or other subcontractors. The request for extension shall be submitted in writing jointly by the electrical and general contractor, and shall specify the reasons for the request.

2.

Residential Projects. Provisional electrical service for each residential project participating in Pre-filed Expedited Plan Review may be approved for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, provided however:

a.

Electrical service shall be terminated without notice to any contractor following the expiration of the thirty-day period unless a Final Electrical Inspection is issued.

b.

Where provisional service was granted and subsequently terminated for failure to secure Final Inspection, an additional inspection shall be required for reconnection. A general contractor who has had electrical service terminated for failure to secure Final Inspection shall be ineligible to continue participation in EPR for a period of not less than six (6) months.

c.

No extensions of provisional service beyond the thirty-day period shall be granted.

3.

Eligibility/Participation.

a.

Electrical work has been completed in conformance with the National Electrical Code, as it may be amended from time to time, and approved by the Electrical Inspector.

b.

Service panels have been installed in accordance with the requirements of the electric service provider and the Electrical Inspector.

c.

The permit includes a re-inspection fee of twenty dollars ($20.00).

d.

All requests for inspection were called in timely.

e.

All deficiencies noted by the electrical inspector were corrected.

f.

All calls for inspection shall be made by the licensed electrical contractor who shall provide his name, license number and the type of inspection requested at the time the call is made.

(b)

Any person having charge of the construction, alteration, or repair of buildings, who covers or conceals or causes to be concealed or covered, any wiring for which an electrical permit has been issued or required before such wiring has been inspected and approved without having officially notified the office of the Building Official at least twenty-four (24) hours previously (Saturday afternoons and Sundays and Holidays not included), shall be subject to penalties provided in adopted codes, as they may be amended from time to time.

Whenever the service entrance conductors or interior wiring in a building does not meet requirements of this chapter and has been so declared by the Electrical Inspector, new service shall be denied until the entire wiring has been made to comply with this chapter. No new service shall be extended unless water and wastewater service has been approved by the City of Laredo.

(a)

Any person or corporation aggrieved by the decision of the Electrical Inspector may appeal the matter to the Board of Electrical Examiners by filing a written appeal with the Building Official. The Board of Electrical examiners shall hear the appeal following notice to the parties as soon as practicable, but in no event later than thirty (30) days following the date on which the appeal is filed.

The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating or installing any electrical wiring, apparatus, and fixtures, or in installing meters, metering devices, auxiliaries or appurtenances for damage to any one injured or damaged by any defect therein, nor shall the City be held liable for any damages or injuries suffered by any person or property as a result of the enforcement of the provisions and regulations of this chapter, or from any defects in the materials which may be installed or the work which may be done under the provisions hereof, and for which a certificate of inspection has been issued by an Electrical Inspector.

(a)

Each person desiring to engage in the occupation of Master Electrician, Limited Master Electrician, Maintenance or Journeyman Electrician shall be examined in accord with the directions of the Electrical Examining Board, and following payment of the registration fee prescribed in Appendix C, shall be registered in accordance with the provisions of this article. Apprentice electricians shall be required to pay registration fees. The requirements for licensing shall be as follows:

(1)

Master Electrician. An applicant for a certificate of registration as Master Electrician shall file with the application an affidavit setting forth that such applicant is not less than twenty-one (21) years of age and has had not less than five (5) years experience as a journeyman electrician in the installation and repair of electrical equipment and conductors in residential, commercial or industrial wiring, or equally qualifying experience.

(2)

Limited Master Electrician (Sign or Elevator). If an applicant desires to do work in the electrical sign or electrical elevator installation, repair and maintenance and obtain a certificate of registration as a limited master electrician for such work, he shall pass a special examination on the same basis as that given to a Master Electrician but with diagrams and a set of questions applicable to his particular classification.

(3)

Maintenance Electrician. An applicant for registration as Maintenance Electrician shall file with the application an affidavit setting forth that he is not less than twenty-one (21) years of age and has not less than two (2) years experience in building electrical maintenance under competent supervision. The applicant shall file with his application a letter bearing the signature of the person by whom he is regularly employed and the address of the place of his employment and, unless exempt as hereinafter provided, shall take such examination as herein prescribed, shall state that he intends to work under this classification and will furnish the letter described above when so employed and will notify the Electrical Inspector of each employment during the life of his license.

(4)

Journeyman Electrician. Applicants for registration as Journeyman Electrician shall file with the application an affidavit, setting forth that he is not less than eighteen (18) years of age and that he has not had less than three (3) years experience as an electrician's helper or Apprentice Electrician. An applicant shall be examined in the field of work in which he proposes to engage. An applicant shall make in his application affidavit, a statement that he will engage only in the employ of a Registered Master Electrician, and shall perform all installations, alterations and repair of electrical wiring, fixtures and equipment in accordance with this chapter, and that he will not independently engage in the business of contracting such electrical work.

(5)

Apprentice Electrician. An application filed for registration as apprentice electrician shall state the age of the applicant and the intent that he is engaging in the learning of and assisting in the installation, maintenance or repair of electrical wiring, fixtures and equipment working directly under the supervision of a person holding a registered certificate.

(6)

Education credited as Experience. A certification of graduation from or an affidavit of attendance at a recognized technical school or college shall be credited year for year to satisfy the experience requirements for any time required in excess of one (1) year; provided that, the courses covered shall have been on the installation and repair of electrical conductors and equipment and taught by some person holding a certificate or registration under this chapter for a technical school, or that the education consist of attendance in an engineering college.

(b)

Any person already holding a license as Master Electrician, or renewal thereof, in accordance with the provisions of this and related codes, as they may be amended from time to time, shall display the same in a conspicuous place in the place of business of such person.

(c)

Suspension of License. Following notice and hearing before the Electrical Examining Board, a license may be revoked or suspended for a period of not less than three (3) months nor more than twelve (12) months where an affirmative finding of the following is made:

i.

Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license or permit.

ii.

Failure to provide supervision of unlicensed employees.

iii.

Failure to perform work in conformance with the conditions of a valid permit.

iv.

Failure to obtain a permit.

v.

Failure to secure inspections.

vi.

Fraud or misrepresentation in the performance of services rendered or contracted.

Suspension or revocation of license shall be appealable to the City Council.

Each person applying for a certificate of registration as master electrician, as required by this article, before being granted a certificate, shall make and execute and deliver to the electrical inspector, a bond in the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) payable to the City. Such bond shall be executed by each applicant and be a recognized and responsible surety company authorized to do surety business in the state.

a.

Except as provided by Article 8861 V.T.C.S., no person shall install, alter, or repair any heating, ventilating, air-conditioning or refrigeration system or systems of twenty-five (25) tons or less (or on heating systems of less than 1.5 BTU's of heating capacity, or any part thereof, or obtain any permit to do such work without an active and valid license issued by the City of Laredo, authorizing the performance of such work by the licensee, or employees of the licensee working under the direction and supervision of licensee.

b.

The applicant for a Class B Air-Conditioning Contractors license shall be not less than twenty-one (21) years of age, with not less than three (3) years of practical experience in the installation, repair, or alteration of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems. A degree in air-conditioning or mechanical engineering from an accredited college may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

c.

Application for licensing shall be made in the manner and on a form approved by the City of Laredo, subject to such fees as may be approved from time to time by the City Council. The license shall be valid for either one individual or one company. A license holder supplying his license for a sole proprietorship, joint venture, limited liability corporation, or other legal entity shall not supply that license to any other sole proprietorship, joint venture, limited liability corporation, or other legal entity.

d.

All persons licensed by the City of Laredo shall be required to pass a written test administered by the City of Laredo with a passing score of not less than seventy percent (70%). Applicants who fail to pass the test shall not be eligible for reexamination for ninety (90) days. Examination shall not be required to reinstate an expired license during ninety (90) days following the date of expiration of such license.

e.

Suspension of license. Following notice and hearing before the Air-Conditioning Board, a license may be revoked or suspended for a period of not less than three (3) months nor more than twelve (12) months where an affirmative finding of the following is made:

i.

Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license or permit.

ii.

Failure to provide supervision of unlicensed employees.

iii.

Failure to perform work in conformance with the conditions of a valid permit.

iv.

Failure to obtain a permit.

v.

Failure to secure inspections.

vi.

Fraud or misrepresentation in the performance of services rendered or contracted.

Suspension or revocation of license shall be appealable to the City Council.

f.

Insurance. All licensed Class B air-conditioning contractors shall maintain, at his own expense, insurance coverage which requires written advance notice to the Building Official of not less than thirty (30) days of cancellation or material change in coverage and which meets or exceeds the following policy limits:

Comprehensive general liability one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) for death and bodily injury per occurrence one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) for property damage per occurrence.

The insurance shall be written by a carrier listed with a rating of A or A+ in the last published edition of Best's Insurance Reports - Property Casualty Volume (A.M. Best Company, Oldwich, N.J. 08858). Failure to maintain insurance prescribed by this Code shall result in the automatic revocation of license.

g.

Advertising. No person, partnership, firm, or corporation shall display a sign or advertise authorized heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning services unless licensed pursuant to V.T.C.S. 8861 or this Code.

h.

All automobiles and trucks utilized in the work of installing altering, or repairing an air-conditioning system or systems, shall bear the name of the person, firm or company engaged in such business in legible letters of contrasting color and not less than two (2) inches in height, and shall include the city license number (L.A.C.L.).

i.

The records of licensed contractors shall be available for inspection by authorized personnel of the City of Laredo during regular business hours.