Chapter 15.12
GAS PIPING INSTALLATION REGULATIONS
Sections:
15.12.020 Installation, conversion, maintenance, operation and safety standards.
15.12.050 Right of inspection.
15.12.060 Final pressure test of house piping.
15.12.070 Test required if gas shut off at customer meter.
15.12.080 Defective work or unapproved materials.
15.12.090 Discontinuance or refusal of service by gas company.
15.12.100 Responsibility of gas installer.
15.12.110 Liability of city officials or employees.
15.12.010 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following words, terms and phrases are defined in this section and shall have the meaning herein given to them:
A. “Consumer” means any person using gas, including residential, commercial and industrial users.
B. “Gas” means natural, manufactured or mixed gas.
C. “Gas appliances” means any appliance or device used for burning gas.
D. “Gas company” means any person or persons holding and exercising a franchise to distribute gas within the corporate limits of the city.
E. “Gas fitter” means any person who does gas fitting work on any gas system or gas appliance.
F. “Gas fitting system” means all gas piping, duct work, appliances and accessories installed or used in connection with consumption of gas on a consumer’s premises beyond the outlet of the gas meter.
G. “Gas fitting work” means the installation, alteration, extension, repair or maintenance, from the outlet of the gas meter, of gas piping, venting and appliances.
H. “Gas installer” means any person who has a Gas Mechanic 1 License or better who engages or employs licensed gas fitters, service men and/or apprentices, to install gas equipment and accessories in the city.
I. “Gas piping system” means all gas piping from the outlet of the gas meter installed or used in connection with consumption of gas on a consumer’s premises.
J. “Person” means any person, firm, association, corporation or municipal corporation.
K. “Premises” means the property of the consumer up to the property line and including any buildings or structures thereon. (Ord. 811 § 3, 2004; Ord. 232 § 1.1, 1967)
15.12.020 Installation, conversion, maintenance, operation and safety standards.
The provisions of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, National Fire Protection Association Section 54 and 58, on file in the office of the city clerk are adopted by reference as to installation, conversion, maintenance, operation and safety standards of the city; provided, that in the event any provisions of these standards conflict with any provisions of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall govern and be observed. (Ord. 811 § 2, 2004; Ord. 232 § 2.1, 1967)
15.12.030 License – Required.
Before starting an installation, a gas installer shall have in his possession an up-to-date valid gas fitter’s license indicating said gas installer has successfully passed a gas fitter’s examination given by the cities of Spokane, Colville or Spokane County, or other municipal corporations with requirements as stringent as those cities listed above. The license shall be good only in the calendar year issued; provided, however, that the owner of any single-family dwelling occupied by him shall not be required to have a gas fitter’s license to do gas fitting work on such premises if such work is to be done by the owner or a member of his immediate family, in which case such owner shall obtain the necessary permit, perform the work and tests in accordance with other provisions of this chapter, subject to the work being overseen by a licensed gas fitter, and subject to approval of the gas inspector; except, however, that an owner not being permitted to do gas fitting work in any building which is used as a place of business, apartment house, rental unit or a house to be offered for sale. (Ord. 811 § 3, 2004; Ord. 232 § 3.1, 1967)
15.12.040 Permit – Required.
No person shall do gas fitting work without first obtaining a permit from the building official. Such a permit shall indicate the licensed gas installer or homeowner personally responsible for performing the work. The city shall collect a fee for each gas installation permit as provided in DPMC 15.04.010(C)(1). (Ord. 811 § 3, 2004; Ord. 232 § 3.3, 1967. Formerly 15.12.050)
15.12.050 Right of inspection.
At all reasonable times, the city shall have the right to enter upon a premises to inspect any gas pipes, gas vents or gas appliance installations. (Ord. 811 § 3, 2004; Ord. 232 § 3.4, 1967. Formerly 15.12.060)
15.12.060 Final pressure test of house piping.
Final test of piping shall include a pressure test witnessed by the gas inspector or his authorized agent. After the inspector determines such piping has been installed in conformity with this chapter, he shall remove the locking pin on the downstream valve of the meter. Underground or concealed piping must be inspected and approved before the piping is covered or concealed or gas appliances connected thereto. It is unlawful for any person to turn gas on to any appliances until so authorized by the city. (Ord. 811 § 3, 2004; Ord. 232 § 4.1, 1967. Formerly 15.12.070)
15.12.070 Test required if gas shut off at customer meter.
A new inspection shall be required for a consumer’s premises that has already been piped for gas, but where gas service has been terminated for a period of 12 consecutive months or more. (Ord. 811 § 3, 2004; Ord. 232 § 4.2, 1967. Formerly 15.12.080)
15.12.080 Defective work or unapproved materials.
If an inspection indicates that unapproved materials have been used or defective workmanship has been performed in the installation, alteration, repair or extension of any gas piping, fixture or appliance in or on any consumer’s premises, such defective materials or work shall be replaced by the installer prior to placing gas service on-line and another inspection shall be made. (Ord. 811 § 3, 204; Ord. 232 § 4.4, 1967. Formerly 15.12.100)
15.12.090 Discontinuance or refusal of service by gas company.
The gas company is authorized to discontinue or refuse to supply gas for any gas pipe, fixture or appliance in such condition as to endanger life or property, and shall discontinue or refuse to supply gas service when so requested by the city gas inspector or his authorized agent. In such case, the gas company shall immediately give notice of discontinuance or refusal of service to the occupant of the consumer’s premises, where such gas supply is discontinued or refused. It is unlawful for any person to reconnect such gas piping, fixture or appliance until repaired by a licensed gas fitter. (Ord. 811 § 3, 2004; Ord. 232 § 4.5, 1967. Formerly 15.12.110)
15.12.100 Responsibility of gas installer.
The certified gas fitter shall have full responsibility for all gas appliances or parts thereof. (Ord. 811 § 3, 2004; Ord. 232 § 5.1, 1967. Formerly 15.12.120)
15.12.110 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 gas 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 inspections. (Ord. 811 § 3, 2004; Ord. 232 § 5.2, 1967. Formerly 15.12.130)