Chapter 15.12
PLUMBING CODE1

Sections:

15.12.005    Adopted.

15.12.010    Definitions.

15.12.020    Unlawful acts.

15.12.040    Permits--Sewer connection fees.

15.12.045    Systems development charge.

15.12.080    Sewer maintenance.

15.12.120    Sewer connections.

15.12.260    Water pipes.

15.12.270    Special permits.

15.12.280    Tests and inspections.

15.12.290    Inspector--Powers.

15.12.310    Plans and specifications.

15.12.320    License.

15.12.330    Inspector--Duties.

15.12.340    Permits--Plumbing work.

15.12.005 Adopted.

The plumbing code shall be as adopted in Section 15.04.010. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1807 §5, 2000; Ord. 1749 §4, 1996; Ord. 1367 §3, 1979).

15.12.010 Definitions.

A. The term “branch vents” is applied to the branches from the fixture trap to the main vent.

B. The term “drainage work” is applied to the house sewer and house drain and its horizontal branches collectively or separately.

C. The term “house drain” is applied to that part of the main horizontal drain and its branches inside of the walls of the buildings, vault or area extending to and connecting with the house sewer.

D. The term “house sewer” is applied to that part of the main drain or sewer extending from a point five feet from the outer wall of the building, vault or area to its connection with public sewer, private sewer or septic tank.

E. The term “plumbing work” is applied to all fixtures having a waste outlet from them to any soil, waste or vent pipe.

F. The term “private sewer” is applied to all sewers that are not constructed by and under the provision of the city.

G. The term “soil pipe” is applied to any line or pipe receiving the discharge of one or more water closets with or without other fixtures.

H. The term “unsanitary” is applied to the following:

1. To any fixture whose trap does not maintain a proper seal;

2. To any fixture not having a proper or sufficient water supply to thoroughly flush it out and keep it in a clean and wholesome condition;

3. To any drain, soil or waste, or vent pipe which is not gastight or emits any foul or obnoxious odors;

4. To any drain, soil or waste, or vent pipe that is stopped or partially stopped up;

5. To any water closet apartment which is not thoroughly ventilated or has the floor saturated with urine or containing a foul odor;

6. To any imperfect fixture, pipe or trap;

7. To any work not conforming with the rules of this chapter;

8. To any things which are detrimental to health.

I. The term “vent pipe” is applied to any special pipe provided to ventilate the system of piping and to prevent the trap siphonage and back pressure. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 303 §2, 1951).

15.12.020 Unlawful acts.

No person shall hereafter erect or cause to be erected or convert any building to a new purpose by alteration, by addition or otherwise, so that it or any part thereof is inadequate or defective in respect to plumbing, ventilating or sewerage or any other usual, proper or necessary provisions or precautions for the security of life or health; nor shall any owner, builder, lessee, tenant or occupant of any building or structure cause or allow any matter or anything to be done in or about any such building or structure dangerous or prejudicial to life or health. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 303 §1(part), 1951).

15.12.040 Permits--Sewer connection fees.

A. No connection shall be made with any sewer line of the city until a permit therefor has first been obtained and an agreement entered into with the city for the payment to the city of the fees as required herein for said connection.

B. Permits shall be issued upon application to the city manager and agreement to pay as herein provided and as required by Section 15.12.045. Applications for connections shall describe the parcel of land proposed to be connected. Connection fees shall be equal to the actual cost of labor, materials and administration costs related to the connection.

C. Connection fees shall be payable upon completion of installation. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1969 §1(part), 2013; Ord. 1656 §1, 1991; Ord. 1504 §1, 1983; Ord. 1367 §4, 1979; Ord. 1228 §2, 1975; Ord. 1156 §1, 1974; Ord. 595, 1961; Ord. 303 §1(part), 1951).

15.12.045 Systems development charge.

In addition to the other requirements of this chapter, no sewer permit shall be issued until a systems development charge, as required by this section, has been paid or an agreement entered into with Rogue Valley Sewer Services (RVSS), who is the city’s sewer service provider. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1969 §1(part), 2013; Ord. 1367 §5, 1979).

15.12.080 Sewer maintenance.

A. Public Streets. That part of the house sewer connection within a public street, alley or right-of-way, from the sewer main to the street right-of-way line, shall be constructed to Rogue Valley Sewer Services standards and shall become a part of the public sewer system. Any maintenance work done by a private contractor will be to RVSS standards. Prior to beginning maintenance work on the house sewer which requires excavation within a street, or other public way, a permit shall be first obtained from the city, which permit shall be without fee.

B. Private Property. No maintenance of any service line within private property shall be performed by the city. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1828 §1, 2002; Ord. 1807 §7, 2000; Ord. 1386, 1980; Ord. 1013 §1, 1971; Ord. 303 §4(part), 1951).

15.12.120 Sewer connections.

All connections to the public sewer system shall be governed by RVSS regulations. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1828 §2, 2002; Ord. 1226, 1975; Ord. 303 §5, 1951).

15.12.260 Water pipes.

A. Every service pipe must be provided with a stop and waste cock in addition to the service cock placed by the city, located at some accessible place, beyond damage from frost and so situated that the water can be conveniently shut off and drained from the pipes. All pipes of the building must be so arranged as to drain towards the stop and waste cock, or to the fixtures.

B. Where the laws or regulations of the Oregon State Board of Health, Plumbing Division, are more restrictive, said laws or regulations shall apply.

C. Every service pipe from the main line to the water meter shall be one-inch Municipex with fourteen-gauge solid core UF (blue) tracer wire. Each water service line shall be provided with a ball valve on the house side of the water meter. Each water meter box shall be according to Table 600-2 of the 2014 Standard Specifications, of a size to accommodate meter, angle stop-and-ball valve. Every water line shall be equipped with a pressure regulator. Pressure regulators shall be installed within a section of private property owned by the owner of the property which the meter serves. The section in which the pressure regulator shall be installed is from five feet outside the footing of the building to within five feet of the meter on the private property side. The pressure regulator shall be installed in a round plastic or concrete valve box capable of housing the pressure regulator without affecting its operation. Pressure regulators shall be protected from freezing. Connection fees shall be those fees established by Section 13.04.080.

D. All water lines serving fire hydrants shall be a minimum of eight inches.

E. Fire hydrants shall be Waterous Pacer, Mueller Super Centurion 250, Kennedy K81 or an equal hydrant approved by the public works director. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1597 §1, 1987; Ord. 1367 §6, 1979; Ord. 1064 §1, 1972; Ord. 303 §14, 1951).

15.12.270 Special permits.

When special fixtures or traps are required by owners or architects for which there is no provision in this chapter, or where conditions arise that demand the discretion of the building official, upon examination, the inspector may give in writing to the owner or architect a permit if, in his judgment, the conditions demand the use of fixtures or traps, providing anti-siphon traps are used as approved by the building official. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1807 §8, 2000; Ord. 303 §15, 1951).

15.12.280 Tests and inspections.

When the plumbing work is sufficiently advanced in any building for inspection and the plumber notifies the inspector of plumbing and drainage that work is ready for inspection, he shall within forty-eight hours after such notification inspect the work and, if found free from leakage and the work done as prescribed by this chapter, sign his name in full in space provided on the plumbing permit and accept or reject the work under consideration. In case the work is rejected, the necessary changes or additions must be made and the inspector notified for inspection as in the previous performance. No work shall be considered ready for inspection until all pipes are securely strapped in place. No water shall be turned into any building or buildings until the building or buildings are connected with the public sewer or private septic tank, and the water permit signed by the inspector of plumbing. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1807 §9, 2000; Ord. 303 §16, 1951).

15.12.290 Inspector--Powers.

The inspector of plumbing and drainage shall have the power in all cases where there is a building being erected or remodeled to enter and examine all work pertaining to plumbing at any time, and, where there is a public sewer in any street or alley, to cause any owner of land upon or adjoining such street or alley, his agent or tenant, to make sufficient drain and proper sewer connections for his or her house, yard or lot, closet or premises whenever, in his opinion, the same is necessary. He shall have the power to examine all buildings, during reasonable hours, as to the plumbing, drainage and ventilation thereof and when, in his judgment, and, upon approval by the building official, the plumbing fixtures are found to be defective or unsanitary, he shall have the power to order their removal or repair or substitution of other fixtures and to require the ventilation and drainage of such buildings to be placed in a sanitary condition, and he shall thereupon give the owner, agent or tenant or person occupying the building or premises notice in writing, specifying the time when any defective drain, sewer connection or unsanitary plumbing fixtures must be completed. He shall keep a copy of such notice in a book which shall be kept in his office and open to inspection by the public during his office hours. If said agent, owner or tenant neglects to carry out said order within the time specified, he or they shall be subject to a fine of not less than the general penalty, and any owner, agent or tenant shall be jointly and severally liable therefor. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1807 §10, 2000; Ord. 303 §17, 1951).

15.12.310 Plans and specifications.

A. Copies of plans and specifications of all proposed plumbing installations must accompany the application for a plumbing permit when deemed necessary by the building official. If such plans and specifications comply with all of the provisions of this chapter, the building official is authorized to issue a permit.

B. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring bond, examination or license from any person for doing his own work or emergency work, provided the work otherwise complies with the rules and regulations. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1807 §11, 2000; Ord. 303 §19, 1951).

15.12.320 License.

A. Each person or firm conducting a plumbing business within the jurisdiction of this chapter shall have a city license and shall pay a license fee prescribed under Section 5.04.090.

B. No license shall be issued to any person or firm to conduct a plumbing business until they have been registered with the State Department of Commerce, Building Codes Division, and hold a current, valid plumbing contractor’s license. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1367 §7, 1979; Ord. 303 §20, 1951).

15.12.330 Inspector--Duties.

The inspector of plumbing (or his deputy) shall perform the duties as hereinbefore outlined and shall, upon being notified, examine all plumbing and drainage inside of property lines before the same are covered. If, upon examination, he finds requirements of this chapter are violated, he shall report the same to the contracting plumbers or property owner for immediate corrections. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1807 §12, 2000; Ord. 303 §21, 1951).

15.12.340 Permits--Plumbing work.

No person shall perform plumbing or drainage work or install or replace plumbing or drainage work or install or replace plumbing or drainage fixtures in any building or on any premises without a plumbing permit. Plumbing permit fees shall be those fees established by the city plumbing permit fee schedule. (Ord. 1991 §1(part), 2014; Ord. 1791 §2, 1998; Ord. 1459 §1, 1982; Ord. 1367 §8, 1979; Ord. 1138 §1, 1974; Ord. 303 §25, 1951).


1

For statutory provisions authorizing the adoption of plumbing codes by reference, see ORS 221.330; for the provisions of the State Plumbing Code, see ORS Ch. 447.