Twin Falls City Zoning Code
TITLE 4
BUILDING REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 4 HOUSING CODE
(Rep. by Ord. 2576, 3-9-1998)
CHAPTER 6 DWELLING CONSTRUCTION
(Rep. by Ord. 2576, 3-9-1998)
CHAPTER 7 DANGEROUS BUILDINGS CODE
(Rep. by Ord. 2576, 3-9-1998)
CHAPTER 9 WRECKING YARDS
(Rep. by Ord. 2132, 12-17-1984)
CHAPTER 10 TRAILER COURTS
(Rep. by Ord. 2132, 12-17-1984)
4-1-1: ADOPTION OF CODES:
The latest editions of the following documents are adopted as the official building codes of the city:
International building code, including all rules promulgated by the Idaho building code board to provide equivalency with the provisions of the Americans with disabilities act accessibility guidelines and the federal fair housing act accessibility guidelines, but excluding all appendices except as referred to by rules promulgated by the Idaho building code board to provide equivalency with accessibility codes, and excluding all references to the international electrical code, international plumbing code, and international property maintenance code.
International residential code, parts I-VI and part IX, and including appendices A, B and G.
International energy conservation code.
International existing building code.
Uniform code for the abatement of dangerous buildings. (Ord. 3072, 6-2-2014)
4-1-2: AMENDMENTS:
The following amendments shall be applicable to the codes adopted:
Table 1607.1 of the international building code is amended to require a minimum uniform live load of 40 psf in item 25 for habitable attics and sleeping rooms.
Section 1608 of the international building code is amended to include that the minimum uniformly distributed roof design snow load shall be 25 psf. The live load of 10 psf in uninhabitable attics without storage of residential buildings need not be simultaneously applied with this minimum roof snow load.
Section R102.7 of the international residential code is amended to delete the words "the international property maintenance code or".
Section R105.2, of the international residential code, delete the entire paragraph titled "Electrical"; and delete the last two paragraphs beginning with "The stopping of leaks..." and "The clearing of stoppages..." in their entirety.
Section R301.2.3 of the international residential code is amended to include that the minimum uniformly distributed roof design snow load shall be 25 psf. The live load of 10 psf in uninhabitable attics without storage need not be simultaneously applied with this minimum roof snow load.
Table R301.5 of the international residential code is amended to require a minimum uniformly distributed live load in sleeping rooms of 40 psf.
Section R403.1.1 of the international residential code is amended to add the subsection R403.1.1.1, "Foundations With Stemwalls. Foundations with stemwalls shall be provided with a minimum of one no. 4 bar at the top of the wall and one no. 4 bar at the bottom of the footing. Where a construction joint is created between a concrete footing and stem wall, a minimum of one no. 4 bar shall be provided at not more than 6 feet on center. The vertical bar shall extend to 3 inches clear of the bottom of the footing and extend a minimum of 14 inches into the stem wall."
Table R404.1.1(2) of the international residential code is amended as follows: Add footnote reference "f" after the word concrete in the title. Add footnote "f. One no. 4 bar horizontal reinforcement is required at 4 feet on center, with the top bar to be placed 3" to 6" below the top of the wall. One no. 4 bar is required horizontally and vertically around formed openings, extending 2 feet beyond the opening. One no. 4 bar shall be placed diagonally at corners of openings subject to cracking".
(Ord. 3072, 6-2-2014)
4-1-3: EXEMPTIONS:
Agricultural buildings are exempt from the building codes adopted herein but shall remain subject to placement requirements established by zoning regulations. (Ord. 2742, 12-30-2002, eff. 1-1-2003)
4-1-4: PROJECT SITE MAINTENANCE:
(A) Throughout all phases of construction, including suspension of work, and until the final acceptance, the property owner and/or the property owner's representative shall keep construction rubbish and debris from blowing onto adjacent properties. Construction rubbish and debris shall be confined to the construction site. Storage of construction rubbish and debris on adjacent properties is prohibited. Temporary fences may be constructed to contain loose material from blowing off site.
(B) The property owner and/or the property owner's representative shall not engage in construction/repair of buildings, including site excavation, grading, and landscape installation, between the hours of ten o'clock (10:00) P.M. and six o'clock (6:00) A.M. without prior permission from the Building Official, except in cases of urgent necessity in the interest of public health and safety.
(C) Failure of the property owner and/or the property owner's representative to comply with this section may result in an order to suspend work until the condition is corrected. (Ord. 2473, 12-5-1994; amd. Ord. 2024-011, 8-19-2024)
4-2-1: ADOPTION OF CODE:
The 1981 edition of the national electrical code published by the National Fire Protection Association, as now or hereinafter amended, is adopted as the official electrical code of the city, together with all subsequent editions of said code. The most current edition, along with amendments or revisions thereto, as adopted by the Idaho electrical board, shall prevail. One copy of said current edition of the national electrical code shall be kept at the office of the building official. (Ord. 2890, 12-11-2006)
4-2-2: SUPERVISION OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS:
The city shall appoint a qualified electrical inspector for the city and the inspector shall be responsible for the inspection of all electrical installations hereinafter installed within the corporate limits of the city and the area of impact, with the following exceptions:
(A) Electrical public utilities companies in the installation and maintenance of their own lines and equipment.
(B) All communication circuits, wires and apparatus. (Ord. 3002, 3-21-2011)
4-2-3: DEFINITIONS:
"Basic wiring" shall consist of all wiring from the point of attachment to the power supplier's service drop to all lighting and power outlets throughout a building, structure, dwelling or premises. It includes meter bases, all fusing, circuit breakers, switches and disconnecting equipment, and all branch or feeder circuits for energizing machinery, apparatus or appliances of a fixed or semifixed nature. It does not, however, apply to extension cable for energizing readily portable small appliances or to the appliances themselves. (Ord. 2890, 12-11-2006)
4-2-4: APPLICATION AND PERMIT:
New basic wiring shall be covered by an application for a wiring permit at the city building department. Any person legally entitled to apply for and receive a permit shall make such application on forms provided for that purpose. He shall give a description of the character of the work proposed to be done, and the location, ownership, occupancy and use of the premises in connection therewith. The administrative authority may require plans, specifications or drawings and such other information as he may deem necessary.
If the administrative authority determines that the plans, specifications, drawings, descriptions or information furnished by the applicant is in compliance with this code, he shall issue the permit applied for upon payment of the required fee as hereinafter fixed, pursuant to the currently adopted fee schedule located in the city building department.
Such application shall be made and permit secured before any basic wiring is energized, and "rough in" installations are covered.
Should the electrical inspector discover any electrical wiring installed but not covered by a permit as specified above, he may instruct the power supplier to disconnect their service drop to the premises, issue a warrant charging violation of this chapter, or both.
Every electrical permit issued by the city shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of issuance of such permit, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after work has commenced for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days. A permit may be renewed for an additional one hundred eighty (180) days upon request and the payment of a forty dollar ($40.00) renewal fee. (Ord. 2890, 12-11-2006)
4-2-5: INSPECTION OF WORK:
Upon receiving a request for inspection of installations covered by a wiring permit, it shall be the duty of the electrical inspector to make such inspection within forty eight (48) hours Monday through Friday, holidays excepted, applying such tests as he shall deem necessary. Notice of approval shall be posted only on installations meeting the regulations standards as set forth in the laws of the state and the special regulations set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2890, 12-11-2006)
4-2-6: CORRECTION OF WORK; CONDEMNATIONS:
An owner or electrical contractor who shall be notified by the electrical inspector to make changes in any installation so that the same shall comply with the provisions of this code, shall within three (3) days, unless the electrical inspector for good cause shown shall consent in writing to a longer period of time, make all changes necessary as so instructed.
Failure to comply with such a condemnation notice shall result in discontinuance of electrical service, issuance of a warrant charging violation of this chapter, or both. (Ord. 2890, 12-11-2006)
4-2-7: REMOVAL OF OBSTRUCTIONS:
For the purpose of inspection of any electrical work, the electrical inspector is hereby authorized to order removal of flooring, drywall, sheet metal or any other material which may conceal such basic wiring at the cost of the person causing such concealment before securing the electrical inspector's approval. No person shall interfere or prevent said inspector from removing any obstruction, matter or thing which may prevent his making a thorough inspection of any electrical work. It shall be unlawful for any person to conceal or cause to be concealed any electrical wiring or installations mentioned in this code without the written permission of the electrical inspector. (Ord. 2890, 12-11-2006)
4-2-8: CONNECTION TO POWER LINES:
No person engaged in the business of furnishing electricity for lighting, power, heating or cooking purposes shall connect or permit to be connected to its lines any service entrance conductors until such wiring has been inspected by the electrical inspector and an approval notice posted as provided in section 4-2-5 of this chapter. An exception will be allowed in the event of after hours emergencies provided the power supplier shall notify the inspector of any emergency connections when the city building department is reopened. (Ord. 2890, 12-11-2006)
4-2-9: AUTHORITY OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR:
The electrical inspector shall have the authority and it is hereby made his duty to enter in and upon any premises at reasonable hours and examine and inspect any and all electrical wiring installed in said premises with such frequency as he shall deem necessary, and if he finds that any electrical wiring is installed in a defective or dangerous manner, he shall notify the owner, occupant or agent of owner of the premises to correct such defect or danger within a specified time limit. Failure to comply may result in penalty or penalties specified in section 4-2-6 of this chapter.
The electrical inspector does not design electrical systems nor train homeowners on how to do their own wiring. (Ord. 2890, 12-11-2006)
4-2-10: FEES:
Fees shall be in accordance with the electrical permit fee schedule which may be obtained at the city building department. Fees are due upon commencement of the work and must be paid prior to inspection. (Ord. 2890, 12-11-2006)
4-2-11: LIABILITY:
Nothing contained in this code shall be deemed or construed to relieve any person owning, operating, constructing or installing any electrical work from any liability for damages to any person injured by the construction, installation or operation of the same, nor shall the city be deemed to have assumed any liability by reason of the inspection hereinbefore authorized, or by any failure of the electrical inspector to make such inspection. (Ord. 2890, 12-11-2006)
4-2-12: VIOLATION; MISDEMEANOR:
Any person, or a firm, copartnership, association or corporation by and through a member, representative or agent, who shall engage in the business, trade, practice or work of electrical work without a certificate of competency or without registration, or perform work without a permit as provided by this chapter, or who shall violate any provision of this code, or who shall refuse to perform any duty lawfully enjoined upon him by the building official within the prescribed time, or who shall fail, neglect, or refuse to obey any lawful order given or made by the building official shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or to imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six (6) months, or both. Each such violation shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 2890, 12-11-2006)
4-3-1: ADOPTION OF CODE:
The Idaho plumbing code, and as it shall be amended, revised, compiled and published from time to time and as such amendments or revisions shall be adopted by the Idaho plumbing board, is hereby adopted as the official plumbing code for the city of Twin Falls. (Ord. 3072, 6-2-2014)
4-3-2: PERMITS REQUIRED:
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation to do, or cause or permit to be done, whether acting as principal, agent or employee, any construction, installation, improvement, extension or alteration of any plumbing system in any building, residence or structure, or service lines thereto without first procuring a permit from the city of Twin Falls authorizing such work to be done.
Provided, a licensed plumber is hereby authorized, after making application for permit and pending receipt of permit, to proceed and complete improvements or alterations to plumbing systems, when the cost of said improvement or alteration does not exceed the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00). Inspection of such work shall be the responsibility of the permit holder pending an official inspection, which shall be made within sixty (60) days after notification of inspection. (Ord. 2880, 10-30-2006)
4-3-3: PERMIT FEE:
The applicant shall pay to the city at the time of application, a permit fee in accordance with the schedule fixed by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 2880, 10-30-2006)
4-3-4: VIOLATION; MISDEMEANOR:
Any person, or a firm, copartnership, association or corporation by and through a member, representative or agent, who shall engage in the business, trade, practice or work of plumbing without a certificate of competency or without registration, or perform work without a permit as provided by this chapter, or who shall violate any provision of this code, or who shall refuse to perform any duty lawfully enjoined upon him by the building official within the prescribed time, or who shall fail, neglect, or refuse to obey any lawful order given or made by the building official shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or to imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six (6) months, or both. Each such violation shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 2880, 10-30-2006)
4-5-1: ADOPTION OF CODE:
The international mechanical code as published by the International Code Council, the international fuel gas code as published by the International Code Council, and parts V and VI of the international residential code as published by the International Code Council, applicable to the industry and amendments as adopted by the Idaho heating, ventilation and air conditioning board, and as they shall be amended, revised, compiled and published from time to time and as such amendments or revisions shall be adopted by the Idaho heating, ventilation and air conditioning board, is hereby adopted as the official mechanical code for the city of Twin Falls.
(A) The following amendments shall be applicable to the codes adopted:
Section M1801.1 of the international residential code is amended to delete the words "except appliances listed and labeled for unvented use."
(Ord. 3072, 6-2-2014)
4-5-2: PERMITS REQUIRED:
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation to do, or cause or permit to be done, whether acting as principal, agent or employee, any construction, installation, improvement, extension or alteration of any heating, ventilation or air conditioning system in any building, residence or structure without first procuring a permit from the city of Twin Falls authorizing such work to be done. (Ord. 2889, 12-11-2006)
4-5-3: PERMIT FEE:
The applicant shall pay to the city at the time of application, a permit fee in accordance with the schedule fixed by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 2889, 12-11-2006)
4-5-4: VIOLATION; MISDEMEANOR:
Any person, or a firm, copartnership, association or corporation by and through a member, representative or agent, who shall engage in the business, trade, practice or work of heating, ventilation or air conditioning without a certificate of competency or without registration, or perform work without a permit as provided by this chapter, or who shall violate any provision of this code, or who shall refuse to perform any duty lawfully enjoined upon him by the building official within the prescribed time, or who shall fail, neglect, or refuse to obey any lawful order given or made by the building official shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or to imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six (6) months, or both. Each such violation shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 2889, 12-11-2006)
4-8-1: PERMITS REQUIRED:
Before any person shall use any street or alley for the removal of any building, such person shall obtain permission from the Building Inspector.
The application for said permission shall be signed by the person desiring to use said street or alley for such purpose and shall state the route over which such building is to be moved and the final destination thereof and said application shall have attached thereto written acknowledgment of notice of removal from all public utility companies.
Any person removing such building shall be liable to the City for any and all damages to the streets thereof, and to any person or public utility company whose property is injured by reason of such removal. (1958 Code, ch. V, art. 9)
4-8-2: NOTICE TO PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES:
Any person who desires to move any building through or along the streets or alleys along a route which crosses or in any manner interferes with the line of any gas pipes, telegraph, telephone, electric light or other electric wire line, before obtaining such permit from the Building Inspector, shall give at least seventy two (72) hours' written notice to the owner or manager of any such gas pipes, telegraph, telephone, electric light or other electric wire line of said application for such permission, and such notice shall contain all the information set forth in said application for said permission, and said applicant shall also pay in advance or tender to such owner or manager the amount of the cost and expense of cutting, repairing, moving, raising, and replacing such wires, cables or other apparatus, as will be cut or interfered with by moving such building. (1958 Code, ch. V, art. 9)
4-8-3: UTILITIES COOPERATION:
It shall be the duty of the owner or manager of the apparatus in any street referred to in Section 4-8-2 of this Chapter, that shall be affected by the removal of any such building, upon receiving notice as herein provided and being tendered or paid the cost and expense as set forth in Section 4-8-2 of this Chapter, to remove and clear away all such apparatus in time to permit the passage of such building upon the streets without unnecessary delay. (1958 Code, ch. V, art. 9)
4-8-4: ADJUSTMENT OF EXPENSES:
Whenever the cost and expense incurred by the removal of any building has exceeded the monies paid to the owner of the apparatus, the permittee shall be liable for the difference, and in case the cost and expense is less, the permittee shall be entitled to a repayment of the difference thereof. (1958 Code, ch. V, art. 9)
4-8-5: APPLICABILITY TO CITY APPARATUS:
The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to apparatus owned by the City. (1958 Code, ch. V, art. 9)
4-11-1: DEFINITIONS:
GAS: The word "gas" as used in this Chapter shall be construed to mean natural gas, manufactured gas, hydrocarbon gas or any mixture of gases produced, transmitted, distributed or furnished by any gas utility or agency, including liquefied petroleum gas as defined and regulated under Section 39-2201, Idaho Code.
GAS INSTALLATIONS: The term "gas installations" as used herein, shall be construed to mean the installation of all facilities for producing, transmitting and distributing gas and all accessory equipment, appurtenances and appliances necessary for the control and utilization of gas.
4-11-2: ADOPTION OF AMERICAN STANDARD CODE:
Section 8 of the American Standard Code for Pressure Piping, designated as ASA B31.1.8-1955 (Second Edition), of the American Standards Association for Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems, which shall hereafter be designated as ASA B31.1.8-19552 being of a general and permanent character printed in book form, as shown by three (3) copies thereof now on file in the office of the City Clerk, is hereby ratified and adopted (except as altered or amended by Rules 3 and 4, Section 11, Idaho Public Utilities Order No. 98, as shown in Section 4-11-3 hereof) as part of this Chapter regulating such construction and maintenance of such gas line and system in the City.
4-11-3: ADOPTION OF GENERAL ORDER NO. 98:
General Order No. 98 of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission is hereby followed as nearly as practicable as part of the regulations of the City relating to the installation and maintenance of gas transmission pipe lines, the said general order being followed, with alterations pertaining to the City, as follows:
SUBSECTION I.
GAS PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT
Rule 1. COMMISSION APPROVAL REQUIRED: Plans for installation of such facilities as the total or partial supply of a piped utility system, subject to the jurisdiction of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, must bear the approval of the Commission.
Rule 2. QUALIFIED PERSONNEL: In the interest of safety, it is required that those employed in the operation of such plants understand the properties of these gases, and that they be thoroughly trained in safe practices for handling, distribution and operations.
SUBSECTION II.
CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
FACILITIES FOR TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF GAS
Rule 3. MINIMUM STANDARDS: The applicable portions of the ASA B31.1.8-19552 adopted by Section 4-11-2 hereof with exceptions and conditions as noted below, shall constitute the minimum standard applying to the construction of gas transmission and distribution system.
EXCEPTIONS:
In place of Item 845.51 the following shall be substituted:
If the maximum actual operating pressure of the distribution system is between 2 psig and 60 psig, a service regulator having the characteristics listed below shall be used:
(a) A pressure regulator capable of reducing distribution line pressure (pounds per square inch) to pressures recommended for household appliance (inches of water column).
(b) Single port valve with orifice diameter no greater than that recommended by the manufacturer for the maximum gas pressure at the regular inlet.
(c) The valve seat shall be made of resilient material designed to withstand abrasion of the gas, impurities in gas, cutting by the valve, and to resist permanent deformation when it is pressed against the valve port.
(d) Pipe connections to the regulator shall not exceed two (2) inches in diameter.
(e) The regulator must be of a type that is capable under normal operating conditions of regulating the downstream pressure within the necessary limits of accuracy and of limiting the build-up of pressure under no-flow conditions to 50% or less of the discharge pressure maintained under flow conditions.
(f) A self-contained service regulator with no external static or control lines.
(g) Suitable protective devices shall be installed to prevent accidental over-pressuring of the customer's appliances should the service regulator fail. Some of the suitable types of protective devices to prevent overpressuring of customer's appliances are:
(1) A monitoring regulator
(2) A relief valve
(3) An automatic shut-off device
These devices may be installed as an integral part of the service regulator or as a separate unit, and shall be capable of limiting the pressure on the consumers lines to such pressures as are allowable for low pressure distribution systems as defined by 845.43.
Item 845.52 not applicable.
CONDITIONS.
Item 861. It shall be interpreted that odorant shall be added where gas does not naturally possess a distinctive odor to the extent that its presence in the atmosphere is readily detectable at gas concentration over 20 percent of the concentration at the lower limit of combustibility.
Rule 4. MAPS AND RECORDS: In addition to the plans and records as required in compliance with Rule 3 above, the following shall also be kept:
(a) A suitable map or maps shall be kept on file in the gas company's office in the City, duplicate maps to be furnished City Engineer's office, which maps shall at all times show the size, character, location and date of installation of each street main, district regulator, street valve and drip, and when practicable, each service connection in the corresponding territory served. In lieu of showing service locations on maps, a card report or other suitable means may be used.
SUBSECTION III.
INSTALLATIONS ON CUSTOMERS PREMISES
(Note: Rule 5 not adopted as part of this Chapter)
Rule 6. METER CONNECTIONS: The gas company shall inspect the customer's installation prior to the connection of a meter to ascertain that such installation conforms to the provisions contained in Rule 5 of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and to the ordinances of the City.
If the installation on the customer's premises does not meet the requirements, the Company shall refuse to connect the meter and shall advise the customer in writing the reasons for such refusal.
SECTION IV.
Note: Rules 7 to 19 relate to powers solely in the Public Utilities Commission and are not adopted as part of this Chapter.
4-11-4: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT JURISDICTION:
The installation, construction and maintenance of such gas distribution and transmission lines being for the purpose of connections to buildings, the enforcement of all ordinances relating thereto is hereby placed within the Engineering Department. The excavation for such lines, opening of streets and alleys, reconstruction of streets and alleys, and matters appurtenant thereto, shall be under the jurisdiction of the Engineering Department.
4-11-5: UNLAWFUL CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION:
It shall be unlawful to install, construct and maintain any gas distribution and transmission lines for the distribution of gas unless the said installation, construction and maintenance shall be done in accordance with this Chapter.
4-11-6: WORK STOPPAGE:
A violation of the minimum standards as prescribed by this Chapter shall subject the person in violation thereof to an immediate work stoppage order by the City Engineer and the revocation of any permits granted hereunder or under any other ordinances regulating gas. 1 (1958 Code, Ch. V, Art. 10)