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Chapter 14.20
GAS PIPING AND APPLIANCESSections:
14.20.010 Purpose.
14.20.020 Scope.
14.20.030 Definitions.
14.20.040 Gas installation license required.
14.20.050 Performance bond.
14.20.060 PLPD insurance.
14.20.070 Fee for gas installation license.
14.20.080 Display of gas installation license.
14.20.090 Gas fitters license required.
14.20.100 Display of gas fitter’s license.
14.20.110 Loaning of license prohibited—Penalties.
14.20.120 Gas apprentice fitter’s permit.
14.20.130 Board of examiners.
14.20.140 Board organization and license fees.
14.20.150 Revocation or suspension of license.
14.20.160 Board of appeals.
14.20.170 Responsibility of licensee.
14.20.180 Enforcement and entry for inspection.
14.20.190 Permits for work on consumer’s property—Fees.
14.20.200 Records.
14.20.210 Piping.
14.20.220 Piping inspection.
14.20.230 Certificate of approval.
14.20.240 Appliance adjustment.
14.20.250 Defective work or materials.
14.20.260 Dangerous or defective piping or appliance disconnection by order of inspector.
14.20.270 Requirements of new or used gas appliances and accessories.
14.20.280 Safety pilots on large appliances.
14.20.290 Conversion from nongas to natural gas.
14.20.300 Proper installation.
14.20.310 Conditions of vents, piping and appliances.
14.20.320 Adoption by reference.
14.20.330 Conflicting provisions.
14.20.340 Liability of city officials or employees.
14.20.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards, provisions, and requirements for safe and proper installation of gas pipes and gas appliances on consumer’s property, and maintenance, and repair of such appliances. (Ord. 273 § 1, 1970).
14.20.020 Scope.
All gas appliance or gas pipes hereafter sold, installed, maintained, or repaired within the city limits shall conform to this chapter. (Ord. 273 § 2, 1970).
14.20.030 Definitions.
The following definitions are provided for the sole purpose of proper interpretation and administration of this chapter.
“Certificate of approval” means a document issued and attached to the material, piping, or appliance inspected, completely filled out, together with date, address of the premises of consumer, and signed by the inspector.
“Consumer” means any person, persons, customer, firm, association, municipal corporation, and/or corporation that uses gas, including residential, commercial and industrial users.
“Gas” means natural, artificial, liquefied petroleum and/or mixed gas.
“Gas appliances” means any appliance or device used for burning any gas.
“New gas appliance” means a gas appliance which has not previously been sold, installed, and used.
“Used gas appliance” means a gas appliance which has been previously sold, installed, or used.
“Gas apprentice” means anyone who is learning the trade, and working under the direct supervision of a licensed gas fitter.
“Gas fitter” means one who does any gas fitting work, install, repairs, or remodels any piping or appliance which would be subject to supervision and inspection under the provisions of this chapter.
“Gas installer” means any person engaged in the business of installing, repairing, adding to or servicing any gas-fired heating system, water heating device, cooking device or any other gas burning appliance.
“Gas utility company” means the person holding and exercising a franchise or permit to distribute gas within the city limits.
“Gas utility company service line” means the gas piping leading from the gas main to the point of delivery.
“Inspector” means the administrative authority, designated by the fire chief.
“Maintenance,” “maintaining,” and/or “maintained” mean and include the relaying, repairing, replacing, examining, testing, inspecting, removing, digging, excavating, and restoring operations incidental thereto.
“Person” means any person, firm, association, or corporation.
“Point of delivery” means the junction of the utility meter with the consumers’ piping.
“Premises” means any property, including structures of the consumer.
“Public properties” mean and include streets, alleys, sidewalks, curbs, roads, highways, avenues, thoroughfares, parkways, bridges, viaducts, public grounds, public improvements, and other public places within the present and/or future city limits.
“Vent” means a pipe, flue, or chimney designed and installed to carry the products of combustion from an appliance to the outside atmosphere.
“Vented appliance” means a gas appliance designed to be installed in such a manner that the products of combustion are conveyed directly to the outside atmosphere by a vent.
“Vent opening” means an opening or collar which is provided on a gas appliance for the purpose of connecting the vent.
“Type A vent” commonly referred to as a “chimney” means of approved masonry and reinforced concrete construction.
“Type B vent” means approved vent piping of noncombustible corrosion-resistant material of adequate strength and heat insulating value, and having joints approved by testing laboratories.
“Type C vent” means approved vent piping of standard galvanized iron of not less than twenty-eight gauge metal. (Ord. 273 § 3, 1970).
14.20.040 Gas installation license required.
No person shall engage in or work at the business of installing, altering, or repairing any gas appliance or the gas piping, chimneys or vents, controls or appurtenances thereto, using natural or any type of gas as a fuel, now or hereafter to be placed in or attached to any building or structure within the city, and its service territory, either as an employer or an individual unless such person has received a gas installation license therefor. In order to obtain this license, he must have been qualified as follows in Sections 14.20.050 through 14.20.080. (Ord. 273 § 4, 1970).
14.20.050 Performance bond.
Before a gas installation license is issued to an applicant, the applicant shall file with the city clerk/treasurer, a performance bond to be effective during the period for which the license is issued, plus one year from the date of the expiration of the license in the sum of one thousand dollars executed by the applicant and a surety company, acceptable to the legislative body of the city, conditioned that the licensee shall fully comply with all provisions of this chapter, and that any person injured by failure of said licensee to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall have a right of action against the licensee and his surety in his name; Provided, that any person desiring to avail himself of the benefits of such bond shall commence action thereon within one year after the date of the completion of the work alleged to have been done improperly. (Ord. 273 § 4.1, 1970).
14.20.060 PLPD insurance.
Before a gas installation license is issued to an applicant, the applicant shall file with the city clerk/treasurer a public liability and property damage insurance policy or a written certificate of the same, issued by an insurance carrier authorized to do business in the state, in the amount of at least one hundred thousand dollars for one person, and two hundred thousand dollars for two or more persons injured or killed as a result of one occurrence, and at least fifty thousand dollars, aggregate, for property damage as a result of any one occurrence, in favor of the licensee and/or the city, covering damages resulting from any gas fitting work done by the licensee or his employee or agent, which policy shall be in effect during the period of which the license is issued. Such policy shall include work during progress of same as well as work after completion. (Ord. 273 § 4.2, 1970).
14.20.070 Fee for gas installation license.
The applicant shall make application to the city clerk/treasurer on forms provided by the inspector or his representative, and pay the annual fee of five dollars per year, providing that licenses shall be renewed on or before January 15th of each year. A fee of six dollars shall be charged for renewal of licenses after January 15th. Provided further, that if application for an initial license is granted after July 15th of any calendar year, the fee for the remaining portion of that year shall be one- half of the annual license fee. Said license shall continue in force during the calendar year and expire December 31st of the year in which it is issued unless revoked or suspended during said calendar year, but shall not be transferrable. (Ord. 273 § 4.3, 1970).
14.20.080 Display of gas installation license.
Every holder of a gas installation license shall display his current license certificate conspicuously at his principal place of business. An authorized place of business must comply with the zoning ordinance of the city. (Ord. 273 § 4.4, 1970).
14.20.090 Gas fitters license required.
No person shall install, extend, alter, service, or repair any gas appliance, piping or appurtenances thereto, or in connection with gas service on a consumer’s premises within the city, and its gas service territory, unless such person has first applied in writing for, and procured, a gas fitter’s license, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 273 § 5, 1970).
14.20.100 Display of gas fitter’s license.
Every licensed gas fitter shall carry his current license certificate on his person while engaged in the activity of gas fitting. (Ord. 273 § 5.1, 1970).
14.20.110 Loaning of license prohibited—Penalties.
No person shall lend his or their gas fitter’s license to any other person, nor shall any such licensed person apply for a permit in his name for use of any other person, and any such licensed person, so doing or refusing to comply with any other requirements of this chapter shall have his gas fitter’s license suspended or revoked by the city. (Ord. 273 § 5.2, 1970).
14.20.120 Gas apprentice fitter’s permit.
A permit will be issued to any person working under the direct supervision of a gas fitter. This permit will be good for a period of ninety days, and can be renewed by board action. (Ord. 273 § 5.3, 1970).
14.20.130 Board of examiners.
There is created a board to be known as a board of examiners for the purpose of examining applicants for a gas fitter’s license. The board shall consist of the inspector, who shall be the clerk, the chief of the fire department or person designated by him from that department, and three members to be appointed by the mayor. One of the appointees shall be a representative of the gas utility company; the second shall be a practical man engaged in gas installation; and the third any competent person. The three appointed members shall serve for three years, except for the first term, when one shall be appointed for three years, one for two years, and one for one year. (Ord. 273 § 6, 1970).
14.20.140 Board organization and license fees.
At its regular meeting, the board of examiners shall select a chairman and shall designate the time and place for examination of all applicants desiring to engage in installing gas appliances or gas piping. All applications for such license shall be in writing upon forms to be prescribed by the inspector. A majority of the members of the board will constitute a quorum and shall be competent to transact any business. The clerk of the board shall keep minutes of its meetings. The board shall examine the applicant as to his practical and theoretical knowledge of gas pipe fitting and of installation and practical test, and if satisfied of the competence of the applicant, shall so certify to the city clerk/treasurer, who shall be authorized to issue such applicant, upon his applying for same and paying the fee, a gas fitting license authorizing him to install, extend, or alter or repair gas piping or gas appliances, at which time he shall also cause the applicant to register in the office of the inspector, his name, place of business, residence, license number, date of examination, and capacity in which he was licensed. The annual fee for a licensed gas fitter shall be five dollars for the first year and the renewal shall be three dollars per year. Provided that licenses shall be renewed without the necessity of submitting to reexamination on or before January 15th of each year, unless the licensee has failed to renew his license for a period of two consecutive years: Provided, further, that if application for a license is granted after July 15th of any calendar year, the fee for that year shall be one-half of the annual license fee. The license shall continue in force during the calendar year and expire on December 31st of the year in which it is issued, unless revoked or suspended during that calendar year, but shall not be transferable. Provided, further, that if the board of examiners is satisfied that a person who possesses a valid gas fitter’s license issued by a political subdivision of the state is duly qualified without further examination to perform the work of a gas fitter within the city of Connell, the board shall certify in the manner indicated above. The fee for a gas apprentice fitter’s permit shall be one dollar for each forty day period. (Ord. 273 § 7, 1970).
14.20.150 Revocation or suspension of license.
Any license granted under the provisions of this chapter may be suspended or revoked by the inspector whenever it appears to him that the person whom the license is issued to has violated any of the provisions of this chapter or upon conviction, of the person of any offense involving moral turpitude. In the event the inspector suspends or revokes the license, he shall cause to be served upon the licensee a formal order of suspension or revocation of the license which order will recite the reasons for revocation. An appeal from any order of the inspector suspending or revoking a license granted may be taken to the board of appeals of the city referred to in Section 14.20.160 within five days after service upon the licensee of the order of suspension or revocation, whereupon the board of appeals shall hold a hearing at a date to be fixed by it. The suspension or revocation of a license shall give the licensee no right to refund from any unearned portion of the fee paid.
Any order provided for in this chapter shall be served by delivering a copy personally upon the licensee, or by leaving a copy with some person of suitable age and discretion at the place of business of the licensee, or if no person may be found at the place of business of the licensee, by leaving the order in a conspicuous place on the premises and mailing a copy of the order to the licensee at his place of business as set forth in his application for a license. (Ord. 273 § 8, 1970).
14.20.160 Board of appeals.
In order to determine the suitability of alternate materials and types of construction and to provide for reasonable interpretation of the provisions of this chapter and to hear appeals from an order of the inspector, there shall be, and is hereby created, a board of appeals, which shall consist of the members of the board of examiners, with the exception of the inspector, who shall act as secretary of the board. The board shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the inspector, with a duplicate copy to the appellant; and may recommend to the council such legislation as is consistent therewith. The board of appeals shall meet upon the call of the inspector. (Ord. 273 § 9, 1970).
14.20.170 Responsibility of licensee.
This chapter shall not be construed as relieving such persons owning, operating, installing, or inspecting any gas piping, appliances, or other gas apparatus from liability to anyone injured by any defect therein. Nor shall the city or any agent thereof be considered to assume any such liability by reason of the inspection authorized hereunder or by reason of the issuance of a certificate of inspection by the inspector. (Ord. 273 § 10, 1970).
14.20.180 Enforcement and entry for inspection.
The inspector is authorized and directed to cause inspections to be made of all consumer gas installations and to enforce all of the provisions of this chapter. Upon presentation of proper credentials, the inspector may enter any consumer’s building or premises at any reasonable time for the purpose of making inspection or preventing violations of this chapter. (Ord. 273 § 11, 1970).
14.20.190 Permits for work on consumer’s property—Fees.
No person shall install, extend, alter, or repair any gas piping or gas appliance pertaining to, or in connection with, a gas system on a consumer’s premises without first obtaining a permit form prescribed by, and from the inspector to do such work. Provided, however, that no permit is required for servicing gas appliances. Such permit shall state the kind of work to be done thereunder, and it is unlawful for any person to do or perform any work other than that designated in said permit. Such permit shall also state the location by street and number of the consumer’s premises, where such work is to be done, and shall be valid only for the location so stated. A separate permit shall be issued for each consumer’s premises and shall terminate sixty days after issuance unless extended by the inspector for good and sufficient cause. Persons failing to obtain permits before commencing work on the installation, alteration, or repair of any gas piping or gas appliances, except as otherwise provided herein, shall be required to pay double the fee herein, specified when such permit is finally obtained. The payment of such double fee, however, shall in no way relieve the person of the penalties otherwise provided for the violation of this chapter. Provided, that in case of an emergency arising out of office hours where an immediate repair may be necessary, said repairs may be under the express condition that a permit be obtained in the manner herein provided on or before noon of the next following business day. The city clerk/treasurer shall collect fees for such permits as follows:
Schedule of Fees
For one or more appliances installed in a residence unit $1.50
For a system of gas piping installed in a residence unit 1.50
For one or more appliances installed in a commercial building 3.00
For a system of gas piping in a commercial building 3.00
For extensions of any gas piping in a commercial building 2.00
Inspection of used appliances offered for sale 1.00
(Ord. 273 § 12, 1970).
14.20.200 Records.
The inspector shall keep a record of all gas installations inspected. He shall keep a record of all licenses and permits issued under this chapter. (Ord. 273 § 13, 1970).
14.20.210 Piping.
All gas piping shall be installed in strict accordance with NBRU Bulletin No. 54, dated 1959.
(1) Any underground gas service line prior to entering any building without rising first above ground, shall pass through a vented pit or encasement directly adjacent to the building or vented by means of a curb box.
(2) Any gas line entering a building underground shall be sealed gas tight at the building line, in a manner approved by the inspector and all buried gas lines shall be coated and wrapped prior to cover. (Ord. 273 § 14, 1970).
14.20.220 Piping inspection.
(a) Inspector to be Notified for Inspection. When any work done under a permit issued by the inspector is completed and ready for inspection, the person to whom the permit has been issued, shall, within twenty-four hours after completion of said work, notify the inspector and gas utility company that the same has been completed and is ready for inspection, and the inspector shall cause said work to be inspected within a reasonable time thereafter.
(b) Rough Piping Inspection. Rough piping inspection shall be made by inspector after all piping authorized by the permit has been installed and before any such piping has been covered or concealed.
(c) Test or Final Piping Inspection. Test or final piping inspection shall be made by the inspector after all piping authorized by the permit has been installed and before any portions thereof which are to be concealed by plastering or otherwise, have been so concealed, and before any fixtures or gas appliances have been attached thereto. This inspection shall include a pressure test at which time the piping shall stand an air pressure equal to not less than the pressure of a column of mercury six inches in height, and the piping shall hold this air pressure for a period of at least ten minutes without any perceptible drop in pressure. A U- gauge type mercury column may be used for the test.
(d) Tools, Apparatus, and Labor for Test. All tools, apparatus, labor, assistance necessary for the test shall be furnished by the permittee.
(e) Inspection Required if Gas Not Used for a Period of Time. A new permit for a one dollar fee and a new inspection certificate shall be required for a consumer’s premises which already have been piped for gas, but in which no gas has been used for a period of twelve consecutive months or more. (Ord. 273 § 15, 1970).
14.20.230 Certificate of approval.
The inspector shall issue a certificate of approval at the completion of the work for which a specific permit has been issued, this chapter and all other requirements of law or ordinance applicable thereto. A duplicate of each certificate of approval shall be delivered to the gas utility company and used as its authority to grant service. (Ord. 273 § 16, 1970).
14.20.240 Appliance adjustment.
Upon receipt of application for gas service and acceptance by the gas utility company, and upon receiving the certificate of approval, a qualified employee of the gas utility company shall provide gas service to the customer. The installer shall purge all lines, light pilots, and operate all appliances, check out and adjust all burners, controls, vents and appurtenances thereto. Should any appliance or part thereof be found to be defective or incapable of satisfactory adjustment, thereby creating a hazardous condition, said appliance shall be turned off and left inoperative until satisfactory repairs shall have been made. Appliance is to be identified by a red warning tag indicating that the appliance is not to be put into operation. (Ord. 273 § 17, 1970).
14.20.250 Defective work or materials.
If the inspection shows that defective materials have been used or defective workmanship has been performed in the installation, alteration, repair, or extension of any gas pipe, fixture, or appliance in, or on, any consumer’s premises, such defective materials or work shall be replaced by the permit holder within three days and inspection repeated. (Ord. 273 § 18, 1970).
14.20.260 Dangerous or defective piping or appliance disconnection by order of inspector.
(a) The inspector may cause to be disconnected any gas piping, fixture, or appliance, which has been connected before a certificate of approval has been issued, or which, upon inspection, shall be found defective or in such condition, as to endanger life or property. In all cases in which such a disconnection is made, a notice shall be affixed thereto and shall state that the same has been disconnected by the inspector, together with the reason or reasons therefor, and it is unlawful for any person to remove said notice or to reconnect said gas piping, fixture, or appliance until authorized by the inspector to do so.
(b) The inspector shall have the duty, responsibility and right of access to inspect all gas appliances in public buildings, commercial buildings, and industrial plants, in connection with the enforcement of fire regulations. (Ord. 273 § 19, 1970).
14.20.270 Requirements of new or used gas appliances and accessories.
(a) All gas appliances and accessories installed for domestic or commercial use shall comply with, and be of a design and construction of, applicable American Standard Approval, Listing, and Installation Requirements, for gas appliances and accessories covering safe operation, substantial and durable construction, acceptable performance, and installation of the American Gas Association, Inc., and as hereinafter amended; provided, however, that industrial and other specialized appliances and equipment not included in the above requirements of the American Gas Association, Inc., may be sold and installed upon approval by the inspector. Each appliance approved by the American Gas Corporation, Inc., shall be so marked or labeled with a distinctive trademark or name as a means of identification and shall bear information showing the rated heat input in BRT per hour. Each new gas appliance approved by the American Gas Association, Inc., shall be considered an approved appliance and shall also be marked and labeled so. All heating and water heating appliances shall be equipped with American Gas Association approved devices which will shut off the gas to the main burner and pilot in the event of pilot failure.
(b) All used gas appliances hereafter sold or offered for sale or installed shall be approved by the inspector for safety, and shall be identified accordingly. Used gas appliances shall be connected to gas outlets for use at the time of inspection. In the event the appliance has been used with gas other than that proposed, it shall be subject to approval by the inspector as having been properly converted for use with this gas. All existing yard pipe lines and those hereafter installed shall conform to this chapter. (Ord. 273 § 20, 1970).
14.20.280 Safety pilots on large appliances.
On all gas fired boilers having an enclosed combustion chamber, or furnaces, having a name plate input in excess of four hundred thousand B.T.U. per hour, a flame safeguard with electric pilot ignition having a response time of five seconds or less, shall be installed for each burner, or group of burners operating as a unit, which will shut off the flow of gas to the burner pilot in case of flame failure. (Ord. 273 § 21, 1970).
14.20.290 Conversion from nongas to natural gas.
Furnace, boilers, or other types of heating equipment designed to burn fuel other than gas shall not be converted to burn gas until such equipment has been approved for conversion by the gas utility company. Conversion shall be made strictly in accordance with ASA Bulletin 21.33, or 21.8, whichever applies. (Ord. 273 § 22, 1970).
14.20.300 Proper installation.
Every gas appliance hereafter installed shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of gas piping and gas appliances in buildings set forth in applicable standards adopted in Section 14.20.320. (Ord. 273 § 23, 1970).
14.20.310 Conditions of vents, piping and appliances.
(a) All gas piping, vents, vent connections, and appliances shall be maintained in good condition; provided, however, that no gas piping, vent, vent connection, fixture, or appliance not conforming to the requirements of this chapter shall be used or maintained, except in case they were installed prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified herein and shall have been approved by the inspector.
(b) No installer or individual shall install or cause to be installed in the same room with a vented appliance, or a ventilating fan in a residence, apartment, hotel, or commercial cooking establishment until the following provisions are complied with; there shall be a permanently opened ventilator or opening or series of openings at least equal in area to the total square inches in the exhaust opening of the fan or fans.
(c) All outside brick, concrete or masonry chimneys must have an approved tile or metal liner. An outside chimney is considered to be a chimney where one or more sides is exposed to the outside above grade. An unlined outside chimney shall not be used as a gas vent, unless approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Inside brick concrete or masonry chimneys which are in good condition do not require a liner. The authority having jurisdiction will be consulted where the condition of the chimney is questionable, and if found to be faulty, the chimney must be lined.
(d) No existing flue shall be used to vent a gas appliance unless it will deliver the products of gas combustion to the outer atmosphere in accordance with this chapter.
(e) No person shall install any black fuel pipe for the purpose of venting products of combustion from a gas fired appliance.
(f) An approved vent cap or top which will prevent precipitation from entering the vent, may be installed. An approved vent cap or top shall be so constructed that it cannot slip down and block the vent opening. Such an approved vent cap or top should be positioned so that: the vent cap extends at least two feet above flat roofs or two feet above the highest part of the wall parapets and peaked roofs within twenty feet. The vent cap or top installed on the vent at its terminus shall have a free open area equal to the cross sectional area of the vent pipe on which it is installed. A reduction in vent heights may be permitted by the inspector after tests indicate proper venting of flue products has been achieved.
(g) All gas piping and fittings shall meet the requirements of Section 2.5 NBFU No. 54 Standards of the National Board of Fire Underwriters for the Installation of Gas Piping and Gas Appliances. (Ord. 273 § 24, 1970).
14.20.320 Adoption by reference.
The following, and as the same also may hereafter be amended, are hereby adopted by reference and shall be observed:
Appliances:
American Standard Requirements for Installation of Domestic Gas Conversion Burners, z21.8 1958.
American Standard Requirements for Installation of Gas Equipment in Large Boilers, z21.33 1958.
NBFU No. 54. Standards of the National Board of Fire Underwriters for the Installation of Gas Piping and Gas Appliances in Buildings, dated 1959.
NBFU No. 58. Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases Dated 1963.
American Standard Requirements for Installation of Gas Piping and Gas Appliances in Buildings, z21.30 1959.
NBFU No. 59. Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases at Utility Gas Plants, dated 1962. (Ord. 273 § 25, 1970).
14.20.330 Conflicting provisions.
In the event any of the provisions of this chapter conflicts with any other provisions of this chapter, with any other ordinances of this city, or with the standards embodied in state and federal laws and rules and regulations, the provisions containing the highest standards shall be observed. (Ord. 273 § 26, 1970).
14.20.340 Liability of city officials or employees.
This chapter shall not be construed as imposing upon the city any liability or responsibility for damages resulting from defective piping or appliances or the installation thereof, nor shall the city or any official or employee thereof be held as assuming any such liability or responsibility by reason of the inspection authorized thereunder. (Ord. 273 § 27, 1970).
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