2023-91 Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 26 Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors

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Chapter 68—Mechanical Code International Mechanical Code Establishes minimum regulations for mechanical systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.The IMC was developed with broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials, methods and design. New in the 2021 IMC: • Clothes dryer exhaust terminals required to be at least 3 feet from any opening into a building. • Polyurethane spray-applied foam on the exterior of ducts in attics and crawl spaces required to meet specific smoke and flame index limits. • Fire and smoke dampers must be provided with approved access for inspection and maintenance. • Refrigerant tables updated to include new refrigerants. • Addition of condensate termination identification markings and discharge restrictions. • Approved factory-built combination intake/exhaust terminations permitted, relaxing separation requirement. • 30%reduction in minimum mechanical ventilation for whole-house balanced ventilation systems. • Continuous operation requirement for manicure and pedicure station exhaust systems. • Grease duct horizontal cleanout required within 3 feet of a horizontal discharge fan. New in the 2018 IMC: • Added coverage of pollution control units. • A new exception was added to recognize Type I kitchen hoods listed for clearances to combustibles of less than 18 inches. • Added coverage for a newer type of non-metallic duct, phenolic duct. • New coverage for high volume large diameter fans(HVLD), also referred to as high volume low speed (HVLS)fans. • Relaxed requirements for sealing of duct joints and seams for Snap-and Button-lock duct joints located within the thermal envelope. International Fuel Gas Code Addresses the design and installation of fuel gas systems and gas fired appliances through prescriptive and performance requirements. New in the 2021 IFGC: • The termination of concealed condensate piping requires marking to indicate if it is the primary drain or the secondary drain. • Press-connect joints are acceptable for high pressure(over 5 psig)applications indoors. • Commercial cooking appliances are not allowed within dwelling units. New in the 2018 IFGC: • A new Section was added to recognize arc-resistant CSST products. • The code now allows Schedule 10 steel pipe to be used,whereas previously, Schedule 40 was the lightest steel pipe material allowed. Schedule 10 steel pipe joints are allowed to be welded, brazed, flanged or assembled with press-connect fittings. Schedule 10 pipe cannot be threaded. • The code clarifies that appliance shutoff valves located behind movable appliances,such as ranges and clothes dryers,are considered to be provided with the required access. • The code now calls for the plastic vent pipe material to be labeled as complying with the standards for the specific pipe material as called out by the manufacturer. • The clearances between direct-vent appliance vent terminals and openings in the building exterior that could allow combustion products to enter the building have been revised.