Sec. 6-1.  Enforcement.

 

The director of planning and development or his or her designees (including but not limited to the zoning official and code official) shall be responsible for enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

 

Editor's note--Section 6-1, which adopted the flood insurance program and derived from Ord. No. 3488, § 2, adopted June 15, 1987, was deleted as being superseded by § 27-231 of Ord. No. 4079, the new zoning ordinance. Ord. No. 5563, § 1, 8-20-18.

 

Sec. 6-2.  Personal liability of enforcement personnel.

 

City officers or employees who are charged with the enforce­ment of this chapter and who act in good faith and without malice in the discharge of their duties, shall not be liable personally and are hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or by reason of any act or omission in the discharge of their duties.  Any suit brought against any of such officers or employees because of act or omission performed in the enforce­ment of any provision of this chapter, shall be defended by the legal department of the city until termination of the proceedings.

 

Source: Code 1962, § 4-2-6

Cross reference-City officers and employees generally, § 2-46 et seq.

 

Sec. 6-4. Reserved.

 

Source: Ord. No. 4352, §§ 1, 2, 7-6-98; Ord. No. 5024, § 1, 8-18-08

Editor’s note—Exhibit “A” attached to Ord. No. 4352, adopted on  July 6, 1998, is on file and available for inspection  in  the office of the city clerk.

 

Sec. 6-18.  Additions, insertions and changes.

 

The following sections of the building code adopted in Section 6-16 are hereby revised as follows:

 

Section (A) 101.1.  Insert:  The City of Norfolk, Nebraska.

 

Section (A) 103.1.  Creation of enforcement agency.  Amend to read as follows:

 

             The Department of Building Safety is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the building official.  The terms building official and code official shall be interchangeable as they relate to this code.

 

Section (A) 104.1.  General.  Add the following after the last sentence:

 

The code official shall also be responsible for coordination of street excavation permits and curb grind permits, with approval from the engineering division and street division and for attendance at board of adjustment meetings and all meeting pertinent to this position.

 

Insert the following after Sec. 104.7:

 

Section (A) 104.9.1.  Payment of fees:  The director of planning and development shall keep an accurate account of all fees collected and such collected fees shall be turned in daily to the city clerk.

 

Section (A) 105.2.  Amend item 1, 2, and 4 under “Building” to read as follows:

 

1.  One-story detached accessory structures used as playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 64 square feet.

 

2.  Fences not over 4 feet high.

 

4.  Retaining walls less than 48" high when measured from the top of the finished grade at base of retaining wall to top of retaining wall unless supporting a surcharge of impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids.  Retaining walls over 48" above finished grade shall be provided with a guardrail.  The guardrail shall be a minimum of 36" high.

 

Section (A) 107.1.  General.  Add following sentence to end of Exception:

 

            A plan stamped by a design professional shall not be required for pole/post and beam structures of 2400 square feet or less in R-R, S-R and A zoning district.

 

Section (A) 107.3.1  Approval of construction documents.  Delete this section.  

 

Section 109.2.  Schedule of permit fees.  Insert the Building Permit Fees as set forth in Section 2-5 of the Norfolk City Code.

 

Section (A) 111.2  Certificate issued.

 

After the code official inspects the building or structure and finds no violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department of building safety, the code official may issue a certificate of occupancy..

 

Section 114.4.  Violation penalties.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Any person who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, construct, alter or repair a building or structure in violation of an approved plan or directive of the code official or director of planning and development, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of an offense punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).  Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

 

Section 115.2.  Issuance.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Upon notice from the code official or director of planning and development, work on any building or structure that is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner shall immediately cease.  Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or to the owner's agent, or to the person doing the work.  The notice shall state the conditions under which work is authorized to resume.  Where an emergency exists, the code official or director of planning and development shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work, however, a written notice as provided for in this section shall be given as soon as practicable following the work stoppage order.

 

Section 115.3.  Unlawful continuance.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Any person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable for a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).

 

Section [A] 116.5  Restoration.  Delete last sentence.  Insert at end "If the code official finds the value of the propsed work equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the building/structure before the improvement or repair is started, the building/structure shall be removed from the property.  If the structure has historical or architectural value, the code official may issue permits for repair/rehabilitation."

 

Section 1510.3  Recovering versus replacement.  Add:

 

                4.  Architectural laminated asphalt shingles shall not be covered with an additional layer of asphalt shingles

 

Section 1612.3.  Establishment of flood hazard areas.  Amend to read as follows:

 

To establish flood hazard areas, the governing body has adopted flood hazard maps and regulations as set forth in Chapter 27 of the Official Code of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska.  The adopted flood hazard maps and supporting data are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of this section.

 

Section 3412.2.  Applicability.  Insert:  October 1, 2017

 

Adopt Appendix B – Board of Appeals.  Amend the following sections to read as follows:

 

[A] B101.1  Application.  Any person directly affected by a decision of the code official and/or director of planning and development or a notice or order issued under this code shall have the right to appeal to the board of appeals, provided that a written application for appeal is filed within 20 days after the day the decision, notice or order was served.  A fee set forth in Section 2-5 of the Norfolk City Code shall accompany each application for appeal to the board of appeals which fee shall be refunded to the applicant in the event the board of appeals finds in favor of the applicant.  The applicant shall also pay all publication costs necessitated by the filing of said application as well as all costs associated with arranging for the presence of a court reporter at the hearing and the costs for creating a transcript of the hearing.

 

[A] B101.2.1  Alternate members.  The chief appointing authority shall appoint three alternate members who shall be called by the board chairperson to hear appeals during the absence or disqualification of a member. Alternate members shall possess the qualifications required for board membership and shall be appointed for 5 years, or until a successor has been appointed.

 

[A] B101.2.2  Qualifications.  The board of appeals shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to building construction and are not employees of the jurisdiction.

 

[A] B101.3  Notice of meeting.  The board shall meet upon notice from the chairperson, within 60 days of the filing of an appeal or at stated periodic meetings.

 

Adopt Appendix F – Rodent Proofing.

 

Source: Ord. No. 4384, § 3, 11-2-98; Ord. No. 4703, § 2, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4969, § 2, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5135, § 5, 9-7-10; Ord. No. 5501, § 2, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5563, § 3, 8-20-18; Ord. No. 5688, § 2, 9-21-20;

Editor’s note—Section 3 of Ord. No. 4384, adopted Nov. 2, 1998, repealed § 6-18 and enacted new similar provisions to read as herein set out.  Former § 6-18 derived from Ord. No. 3088, adopted Sept. 7, 1982; Ord. No. 3455, adopted Feb. 17, 1987; Ord. No. 3482, adopted June 15, 1987; and Ord. No. 3789, adopted May 6, 1991.

 

Sec. 6-20.  Finished Walls.

 

1.         Sheetrock/paneling shall not be installed over existing wall/ceiling surfaces unless approved by the code official.

 

2.         Uninhabitable basements shall not have non-structural partition walls.  Basements without code compliant stairways, minimum ceiling heights and at least one egress window shall be considered to be uninhabitable.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3055, § 3, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4702, § 3, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4972, § 1, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5501, § 3, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5563, § 4, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-39.  Same--Certificate of insurance.

 

(a)   No registration shall be completed pursuant to the provisions of this division until the applicant for same furnishes and maintains during all times that the registration is in effect, bodily injury and property damage liability insurance coverage with limits of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence.

 

(b)   The registrant shall furnish the city with a certificate of such insurance coverage, which shall note that the insurance coverage shall not be terminated except upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the City of Norfolk.

 

(c)   The policy of insurance required by this section shall be purchased at the expense of the registrant, shall be in effect for at least one (1) year from the date of registration, and shall provide coverage of products, hazards and completed operations.  Expiration or cancellation of the policy shall automatically suspend the registration until a substitute policy has been obtained, and a certificate of that fact filed in the office of the city. 

 

Source: Code 1962, § 4-1-4 ; Ord. No. 4384, § 4, 11-2-98; Ord. No. 4703, § 3, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4760, § 2, 11-15-04

 

Sec. 6-41.  Same--Suspension or revocation.

 

(a)   If a registered building contractor shall willfully or repeatedly violate any ordinance or law relating to the construction of a building or structure, the board of appeals established by the building code adopted by the City may suspend such registration and such suspension shall continue unless and until the board of appeals shall terminate the suspension.  The code official or director of planning and development shall serve or cause to be served upon the registrant a notice in writing specifying the grounds for suspension.

 

(b)   Any failure on the part of a registered building contractor to comply with the provisions of this chapter or be responsible for any installation which is a hazard to life and property shall be deemed sufficient cause for revoking the building contractor’s registration, together with all rights and privileges thereunder.  The board of appeals established by the building code adopted by the City may revoke the building contractor’s registration upon the recommendation of the code official or director of planning and development following a public hearing.  The clerk is hereby authorized to refuse registration to any contractor who as an individual has had his or her registration revoked or who has acted as a principal in any business which has had its registration revoked pursuant to this section in the previous five (5) years.  Such refusal may extend to the revoked registrant and also to any business entity seeking registration in which said individual or principal is acting as a principal. 

 

Source: Code 1962, § 4-1-5; Ord. No. 3050, § 3(E), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4384, § 4, 11-2-98; Ord. No. 5563, § 6, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-54.  Same--Duties.

 

(a)   The code official shall examine or cause to be examined all electrical installations for which a permit has been issued.

 

(b)   The code official shall not be required to make inspec­tions on any electrical installations that are required to be inspected by state or federal authorities.

 

(c)   The code official is authorized to examine or cause to be examined any electrical equipment or wiring within or on any build­ing or premises.  If such is found to be defective or in an improper operating condition so as to constitute a danger to human life or a hazard to the public health, safety and welfare, the code official or director of planning and development shall give written notice to the owner of such building or premises, stating the deficiencies found to exist and the date by which these deficiencies must be corrected.  Such notice shall be addressed to the owner at his or her last known address.

 

(d)   The code official or director of planning and development is hereby vested with the authority to disconnect or order the electric utility supplier to disconnect the electrical service to any building or premises where such deficien­cies in electrical equipment or wiring have not been corrected within the time specified by such notice duly served upon the owner, and in cases of emergency where the same is necessary for the protection of life, limb or property; and is further authorized to order the electric utility supplier to disconnect service to any building or premises where a valid permit has not been issued for such electric services. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 2, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 5563, § 8, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-71. State license, city registration required--To engage in business, Fees.

 

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of installing electrical wiring or equipment for electrical light, heat, power and other purposes within the jurisdiction of the City of Norfolk except as provided herein, without having first procured a State of Nebraska electrical contractor, Class B electrical contractor, Class A master electrician, Class B master electrician, installer, special electrician, or a fire alarm installer's license, and being duly registered as such with the City of Norfolk's Planning and Development Department.  A person desiring the original issuance or renewal of any of the above registrations shall pay a registration fee as set forth in Section 2-5 of this Code to the city.  Such registration shall coincide with that of the State electrical license period. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 4(A), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3483, § 2, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 3859, § 1, 3-16-92; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4881, § 2, 5-15-06; Ord. No. 5042, § 1, 11-03-08; Ord. No. 5135, § 5, 9-7-10; Ord. No. 5289, § 2, 6-2-14; Ord. No. 5563, § 12, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-72.  Same--To install or supervise installation of wiring or equipment.

 

It shall be unlawful for any person to install or supervise the installation of electrical wiring or equipment, within the juris­diction of the City of Norfolk, except as provided herein, without first having procured the proper electrical license issued by the State of Nebraska Electrical Board. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 4(B), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3483, § 3, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 3859, § 2, 3-16-92; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 5042, § 2, 11-03-08

 

Sec. 6-73.  Unlawful acts--Generally.

 

It shall be unlawful for any person to:

 

(a)   Supervise or assign more than three (3) apprentice electri­cians to any one journeyman on any one job or project; or

 

(b)   To assign work to be done or performed by said apprentice electricians in violation of this code. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 4(C), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3483, § 4, 6-15-87

 

Sec. 6-74.  Same--Apprentice electricians; supervision of work required.

 

It shall be unlawful for an apprentice electrician to do or per­form any act of electrical installation, repair or maintenance without the supervision of an electrical contractor, master electrician, or journeyman electrician . 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 4(D), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3483, § 5, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 3859, § 3, 3-16-92; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 5042, § 3, 11-03-08

 

Sec. 6-75.  Reserved.

 

 Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 4(E), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-76.  Homeowner's privilege; permit.

 

(a)   Any homeowner may perform electrical work on his or her principal residence which is also said homeowner's domicile, and/or a detached accessory building associated with the dwelling use, if such residence is not larger than a single-family dwelling.  All electrical wiring installed by a homeowner shall be for him or her, without compensation or pay from or to any other person for such labor or installation.  The homeowner shall be required to file plans and demonstrate knowledge of code requirements as requested by the code official.  The homeowner shall apply for and secure a permit, pay the required permit fees, and call for all inspections in the manner provided by this code.

 

(b)   A homeowner shall complete a homeowner verification form that proves to the code official that he/she owns the home and he/she resides in such home in order to qualify for a homeowner's permit. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 4(F), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 5289, § 3, 6-2-14

 

Sec. 6-77.  Certificate of insurance.

 

Any firm or person, prior to obtaining registration for an electrical business, shall furnish and maintain during all times that the registration is in effect, bodily injury and property damage liability insurance coverage with limits of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000.00).  Such firm or person shall furnish the city with a certificate of such insurance coverage, which shall note that the insurance coverage shall not be terminated except upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the City of Norfolk.  The policy of insurance required by this section shall be purchased at the expense of the registrant, and shall provide coverage of products, hazards and completed operations.  Cancellation of the policy or a lapse in the certificate of insurance shall automatically suspend the registration until a substitute policy has been obtained, and a certificate of insurance evidencing that fact has been filed with the city. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 4(G), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4881, § 3, 5-15-06

 

Sec. 6-80.  Revocation or suspension of registration.

 

(a)   The code official or director of planning and development may recommend to the building code board of appeals the sus­pension of any electrical registration issued pursuant to the provisions of this division if its holder willfully or repeatedly violates any ordinances or laws relating to the installation of electrical wiring or electrical apparatus.

 

(b)   The code official or director of planning and development may recommend to the building code board of appeals the revo­cation of any such registration if its holder fails to comply with the provisions of this article, or fails to be responsible for any installa­tion which is a hazard to life and property.  The building code board of appeals may revoke such a registration upon recommendation of the code official or director of planning and development, and the clerk is hereby authorized to refuse registration to any contractor who as an individual has had his or her registration revoked or who has acted as a principal in any business which has had its registration revoked pursuant to this section in the previous five (5) years.  Such refusal may extend to the revoked registrant and also to any business entity seeking registration in which said individual or principal is acting as a principal.  The revocation of such registration shall result in the loss of all rights and privileges thereunder.

 

(c)   If an individual holds a current city electrical registration, and the State of Nebraska electrical license for an individual is revoked by the State Electrical Board, such city registration shall be revoked automatically without building code of appeals review.  

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 4(J), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 5563, § 13, 8-20-18;

 

Secs. 6-81--6-90.  Reserved.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 4(L), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-91.  Permit--Required.

 

No person, firm, corporation or qualified homeowners who meet the requirements of Section 6-76 shall install, alter or add to any electrical equipment without first obtaining a permit therefor from the code official. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 5(A), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3790, § 2, 5-6-91; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-93.  Same--Persons eligible.

 

Permits may be issued only to registered electrical contractors, master electricians or qualified homeowners who meet the requirements of Section 6-76. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 5(C), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-94.  Same--Fees.

 

Electrical permits shall be issued upon payment to the city of a fee based upon the valuation of the work for which the permit is requested, as set forth in Section 2-5 of this Code.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 5(D), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 5135, § 5, 9-7-10

 

Sec. 6-95.  Same--Issuance conditions.

 

(a)   No permit shall be issued pursuant to the provisions of this division unless the proposed work will comply with all laws and ordinances and unless the required fee has been paid.

 

(b)   The code official may require detailed electrical construction documents/specifications for a project prior to permit issuance.  Review of these documents/specifications does not constitute final approval for design or installation.  Review of construction documents/specifications will continue throughout project construction. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 5(E), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-96.  Concealment of wiring or equipment without permission.

 

No person shall conceal, or cause to be concealed, any electrical wiring or equipment without the permission of the code official.  A rough-in electrical inspection is required before any wiring is covered by construction of walls, ceilings, floors, or underground installations.  Failure to request inspection may result in removal of the covering to make inspection possible. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 5(F), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-97.  Requests for inspections.

 

A request for inspection must be made at the office of the Planning and Development Department and shall provide at least one working day's notice prior to any required inspection. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 5(G), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 5563, § 14, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-98.  Term for commencement of work under permit; expired permits.

 

(a)   Work shall be commenced under an electrical permit within one hundred eighty (180) days from date of issuance unless written permission to extend such time limitation within such one hundred eighty-day period is granted.  If not commenced within the required time, and no extension is given, the permit shall expire and must be reissued before work can be performed.

 

(b)   There shall be no refunds or credits given on unused permits which have expired.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3054, § 5(H), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-99.  Existing Electrical Installations.

 

(a)   Extensions to Existing Installations:  Extensions to existing installations shall not be made, attached or connected to any existing wiring where the existing wiring does not conform to the minimum requirements as set forth by this article.

 

(b)   Removal of Unused Electrical Wiring:  All unused and abandoned electrical equipment, wiring, conduits, and devices shall be removed from all buildings and structures.

 

(c)   Existing Electrical Wiring:  All existing electrical wiring, conduits, equipment, and devices in existing buildings, including remodeled areas of buildings, shall comply with the electrical code.

 

Source: Ord. No. 4699, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4881, § 4, 5-15-06

 

Secs. 6-100--6-105.  Reserved.

 

Sec. 6-106.  Adoption by reference.

 

A certain document, one (1) copy which is on file in the office of the city clerk of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, being marked and designated as the "2018 International Mechanical Code” and all Appendices, as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted as the mechanical code of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, as if fully set out in this section, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in section 6-107 of this article. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3052, § 1, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3486, § 1, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 3793, § 1, 5-6-91; Ord. No. 4388, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4700, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4970, § 1, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5499, § 1, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5686, § 1, 9-21-20;

 

Sec. 6-107.  Additions, insertions and changes.

 

The following sections of the mechanical code adopted in section 6-106 are hereby revised as follows:

 

Section 101.1:  Insert:  The City of Norfolk, Nebraska.

 

Section 106.5.1:  Delete this section in its entirety.

 

Section 106.5.2:  Insert the Mechanical Permit Fees set forth in Section 2-5 of the Norfolk City Code.

 

Section 106.5.3:  Amend to read as follows:

 

Fee Refunds.  The director of planning and development is authorized to establish a refund policy.

 

Section 108.4:  Amend to read as follows:

 

Violation penalties.  Any person who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements hereof or who shall erect, install, alter or repair mechanical systems in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of an offense, punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).  Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

 

Section 108.5:  Amend to read as follows:

 

Stop work orders.  Upon notice from the code official or director of planning and development, work on any mechanical system that is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner shall immediately cease.  Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or to the owner’s agent, or to the person doing the work.  The notice shall state the conditions under which work is authorized to resume.  Where an emergency exists, the code official or director of planning and development shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.  Any person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable for a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).

 

Sections 109.2 through 109.7:  Delete these sections in their entirety.

 

Section 202:  Add definition:

 

PACKAGED TERMINAL AIR CONDITIONER (PTAC).  A type of self-contained heating and air conditioning system unit commonly found in hotels, motels, senior housing facilities, hospitals, condominiums, apartments, add-on rooms, and sun rooms.

 

Section 805.3:  Factory built chimney offsets:  Delete this section in its entirety.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3052, § 2, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3486, § 2, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 3795, § 2, 5-6-91; Ord. No. 4388, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4700, § 2, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4970, § 2, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5135, § 5, 9-7-10; Ord. No. 5357, § 1, 8-3-15; Ord. No. 5499, § 2, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5563, § 15, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-108.  Mechanical contractor registration; scope of work; permit to do mechanical work required.

 

(a)   Any person desiring to do business as a mechanical contractor within the jurisdiction of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska shall first register as a mechanical contractor with the City of Norfolk and obtain a mechanical contractor’s registration from the city.

 

(b)   No person shall install or modify any mechanical systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related processes identified in the currently adopted Mechanical Code before first obtaining the necessary permits. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3486, § 4, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 4388, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4700, § 1, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-109.  Mechanical contractor's registration; experience; examination; fees; expiration date; exceptions.

 

Any person desiring a mechanical contractor’s registration shall make written application to the code official upon a form furnished by the Planning and Development Department.  Except in the case of renewal registrations no person shall be issued a mechanical contractor’s registration unless he/she has had at least three (3) years of job related experience within the last six (6) years and has successfully completed an examination approved by the plumbing board.  Proof of such experience shall be provided by the applicant.  One year of credit may be given for successful completion of a two (2) year college course in mechanical work. A registration card shall be issued by the city upon the applicant’s proof of successful examination completion and completion of a registration form filed with the plumbing board or its designee.  An applicant who has successfully completed a nationally standardized test based on the International Mechanical Code within the last ten (10) years shall not be required to retest.  A person desiring the original issuance of a mechanical contractor’s registration shall upon proof of experience and successful examination completion, pay the registration fee set forth in Section 2-5 of this Code to the city.  A person desiring the renewal of such a registration shall pay the registration fee set forth in Section 2-5 of this Code to the city.  Such registration shall expire on December 31 of each year.  Renewal registrations shall be granted, without a re-examination, upon the written application of the registrant filed with the board or its designee and a showing that his/her purposes and condition remain unchanged, unless the board determines from information provided to the board in the form of an affidavit that the applicant is no longer competent, or entitled to such renewal registration, in which event the renewal registration shall not be granted until the applicant has undergone the examination hereinbefore required.  Applications for renewal registrations may be made between December 1 and March 1.  Applications for renewal registrations after March 1 shall be required to show proof of successful re-examination to the plumbing board or its designee.  

 

Source: Ord. No. 3486, § 5, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 4388, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4700, §3, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 5135, § 5, 9-7-10; Ord. No. 5563, §16, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-109.1.  Mechanical registration; revocation; suspension.

                       

All original and renewal registrations may be renewed by the plumbing board or its designee at the date of expiration; provided any registration may be revoked or suspended by the plumbing board, at any time, upon a hearing upon sufficient written, sworn charges filed with the board showing the holder of the registration to be then incompetent or guilty of a willful breach of the rules, regulations or requirements of the board, or of the laws or ordinances relating thereto, or of other causes sufficient for the revocation of his/her registration, of which charges and hearing the holder of such registration shall have written notice.

 

Source: Ord. No. 4388, § 1, 12-7-98

 

Sec. 6-109.2.  Mechanical contractor’s certificate of insurance.

 

Any person, prior to obtaining a mechanical contractor’s registration, shall furnish and maintain during all times that the registration is in effect, bodily injury and property damage liability insurance coverage with limits of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence.  Such contractor shall furnish the city clerk with a certificate of such insurance coverage, which shall note that the insurance coverage shall not be terminated except upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the City of Norfolk.  The policy of insurance required by this section shall be purchased at the expense of the registrant, shall be in effect for at least one (1) year from the date of registration, and shall provide coverage of products, hazards and completed operations.  Cancellation of the policy shall automatically suspend the registration until a substitute policy has been obtained, and a certificate of that fact filed in the office of the city clerk.

 

Source: Ord. No. 4388, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4700, § 4, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-110.  Gas contractor registration; scope of work; permit to do gas systems work required.

 

(a)   Any person, partnership, corporation or other legal entity who installs or repairs gas systems, on the discharge side of a meter, within the zoning jurisdiction of the City of Norfolk, shall be a duly qualified gas contractor with a registration issued by the City of Norfolk.

 

(b)   No person shall install or modify any fuel-gas piping systems or other related processes identified in the currently adopted Mechanical Code before first obtaining the necessary permits. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3052, § 3, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3068, § 1, 5-3-82; Ord. No. 3088, §§ 4, 5, 9-7-82; Ord. No. 3793, § 2, 5-6-91; Ord. No. 3859, § 4, 3-16-92; Ord. No. 4388, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4700, § 4, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6 -111.  Gas contractor's registration; experience; examination; fees; expiration date; exceptions.

 

Any person desiring a gas contractor’s registration shall make written application to the code official upon a form furnished by the Planning and Development Department.  Except in the case of renewal registrations no person shall be issued a gas contractor’s registration unless he/she has had at least three (3) years of job related experience within the last six (6) years and has successfully completed an examination approved by the plumbing board.  Proof of such experience shall be provided by the applicant.  One year of credit may be given for successful completion of a two (2) year college course in gas systems work. A registration card shall be issued by the city upon the applicant’s proof of successful examination completion and completion of a registration form filed with the plumbing board or its designee.  An applicant who has successfully completed a nationally standardized test based on the International Mechanical Code within the last ten (10) years shall not be required to retest at the discretion of the code official.  A person desiring the original issuance of a gas contractor’s registration shall upon proof of experience and successful examination completion, pay the registration fee set forth in Section 2-5 of this Code to the city.  A person desiring the renewal of such a registration shall pay the registration fee set forth in Section 2-5 of this Code to the city.  Such registration shall expire on December 31 of each year.  Renewal registrations shall be granted, without a re-examination, upon the written application of the registrant filed with the board or its designee and a showing that his/her purposes and condition remain unchanged, unless the board determines from information provided to the board in the form of an affidavit that the applicant is no longer competent, or entitled to such renewal registration, in which event the renewal registration shall not be granted until the applicant has undergone the examination hereinbefore required.  Applications for renewal registrations may be made between December 1 and March 1.  Applications for renewal registrations after March 1 shall be required to show proof of successful re-examination to the plumbing board or its designee. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3052, § 4, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4388, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4700, § 4, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 5135, § 5, 9-7-10; Ord. No. 5563, §17, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-111.1  Gas Contractor’s registration; revocation; suspension.

 

All original and renewal registrations may be renewed by the plumbing board or its designee at the date of expiration; provided any registration may be revoked or suspended by the plumbing board, at any time, upon a hearing upon sufficient written, sworn charges filed with the board showing the holder of the registration to be then incompetent or guilty of a willful breach of the rules, regulations or requirements of the board, or of the laws or ordinances relating thereto, or of other causes sufficient for the revocation of his/her registration, of which charges and hearing the holder of such registration shall have written notice. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 4388, § 1, 12-7-98

 

Sec. 6-111.2  Gas contractor’s certificate of insurance.

 

Any person, prior to obtaining a gas contractor’s registration, shall furnish and maintain during all times that the registration is in effect, bodily injury and property damage liability insurance coverage with limits of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence.  Such contractor shall furnish the city clerk with a certificate of such insurance coverage, which shall note that the insurance coverage shall not be terminated except upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the City of Norfolk.  The policy of insurance required by this section shall be purchased at the expense of the registrant, shall be in effect for at least one (1) year from the date of registration, and shall provide coverage of products, hazards and completed operations.  Cancellation of the policy shall automatically suspend the registration until a substitute policy has been obtained, and a certificate of that fact filed in the office of the city clerk.

 

Source: Ord. No. 4388, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4700, § 5, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-112.  Mechanical contractor and gas contractor transferability of registration among persons; homeowner occupied exception.

 

(a)   No person who has obtained a mechanical contractor registration or gas contractor registration shall allow his/her name to be used by another person, either for the purpose of obtaining permits, or for doing business or work under the registration.

 

(b)   Nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting the homeowner of an owner occupied single family dwelling from installing or repairing their own mechanical systems or gas appliances or installing, extending, replacing, altering or repairing consumer's pipes on the premises upon which the said homeowner resides, provided however, all such work must be done in conformity with all other provisions of this chapter, including those relating to permits and inspection fees.  Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a method to circumvent the need for a mechanical contractor registration or gas contractor registration for anyone doing work on any structure to be sold, rented or leased. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3052, § 5, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4388, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4700, § 5, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-113.  Appeals.

 

Any person who is aggrieved by a decision, notice or order of the code official or director of planning and development made pursuant to this article may appeal such decision to the board of appeals established pursuant to the building code in force in the city.  The procedure for such an appeal shall be as provided in the building code in force in the city.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3052, § 6, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4388, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 5563, § 18, 8-20-18;

Cross reference-Building code, § 6-16 et seq.

 

Secs. 6-114--6-120.  Reserved.

 

Sec. 6-121. International Plumbing Code--Adopted.

 

A certain document, one (1) copy which is on file in the office of the city clerk of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, being marked and designated as the "2018 International Plumbing Code," and all Appendices as published by The International Code Council, is hereby adopted as the plumbing code of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, as if fully set out in this section, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in section 6-122 of this article. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 1, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3487, § 1, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 3795, § 1, 5-6-91; Ord. No. 4342, § 1, 4-20-98; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4974, § 1, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5503, § 1, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5690, § 1, 9-21-20;

 

Sec. 6-122.  Same--Additions, insertions and changes.

 

        The following sections of the plumbing code adopted in section 6-121 are hereby revised as follows:

 

Section 101.1 Title.  Insert: City of Norfolk, Nebraska.

 

Section 106.2 Exempt work.  Amend to read as follows:

 

The following work shall be exempt from the requirement for a permit:

 

 1.        The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.

 

2.         The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets.

 

3.        The replacement of faucets and fixtures and water closets, provided the fixtures are not being relocated.

  

Section 106.6.1  Work commencing before permit issuance.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Any person who commences any work on a plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee three times the normal permit fee.

 

Section 106.6.2  Fee Schedule.  Insert the Plumbing Permit Fees, Sanitary Sewer Line Installation and Private Water Line Installation fees set forth in Section 2-5 of the Norfolk City Code.

 

Section 106.6.3  Fee refunds.  Amend to read as follows:

 

The director of planning and development is authorized to establish a refund policy.

 

Section 108.4  Violation penalties.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Any person who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements hereof or who shall erect, install, alter or repair plumbing work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official or director of planning and development, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of an offense, punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).  Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

 

Section 108.5  Stop work orders.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Upon notice from the code official or director of planning and development, work on any plumbing system that is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner shall immediately cease.  Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or to the owner’s agent, or to the person doing the work.  The notice shall state the conditions under which work is authorized to resume.  Where an emergency exists, the code official or director of planning and development shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.  Any person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable to a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).

 

Sections 109  Means of Appeal.  Delete this section in its entirety.

 

Section 305.4  Freezing.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Water, soil and waste pipes shall not be installed outside of a building, in attics or crawl spaces, concealed in outside walls, or in any other place subjected to freezing temperature unless adequate provision is made to protect such pipes from freezing by insulation or heat or both.  Water service piping shall be installed at a minimum of 60 inches below finished grade.

 

Section 305.4.1  Sewer depth.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Building sewers that connect to public sewage disposal systems shall be installed to a minimum depth of 48 inches unless otherwise approved by the code official..

 

Section 306.3  Backfilling.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Loose earth free from rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble, shall be placed in the trench in 6-inch layers and tamped in place to existing grade.  The backfill under and beside the pipe shall be compacted for pipe support.  Backfill shall be brought up evenly on both sides of the pipe so that the pipe remains aligned.  In any instance where the manufacturer’s installation instructions for materials are more restrictive than those prescribed by code, the material shall be installed in accordance with the more restrictive requirement.

 

Section 419.5  Tempered water for public hand-washing facilities.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Tempered water shall be delivered from public hand-washing facilities.

 

Section 603.2  Separation of water service and building sewer.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Water service pipe and the building sewer shall be separated by 5 feet (1524mm) of undisturbed or compacted earth.

 

Exceptions:

 

1.        The required separation distance shall not apply where the bottom of the water service pipe within 5 feet (1524mm) of the sewer is a minimum of 18 inches (457mm) above the top of the highest point of the sewer and the pipe materials conform to Table 702.3.

 

2.        Water service pipe is permitted to be located in the same trench with a building drain, provided such building drain is constructed of materials listed in Table 702.2.

 

Insert the following after Section 603.2.1:

 

Section 603.3:  Tracer Wire:  An insulated copper tracer wire shall be installed adjacent to underground non-metallic water service piping.  The tracer wire shall not be less than 12-gauge copper wire with insulation suitable for direct burial.  The tracer wire shall be attached to the curb box cap and shall terminate at the water meter valve.

 

Section 607.1  Where required.  Amend to read as follows:

 

In residential occupancies, hot water shall be supplied to all plumbing fixtures and equipment utilized for bathing, washing, culinary purposes, cleaning, laundry or building maintenance.  In nonresidential occupancies, hot water shall be supplied for culinary purposes, cleaning, laundry or building maintenance purposes.  In nonresidential occupancies, hot water or tempered water shall be supplied for bathing and washing purposes.

 

Section 607.1.1  Water temperature limiting means.  Delete this section in its entirety.

 

Section 608.8  Stop-and-waste valves prohibited.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Combination stop-and-waste valves or cocks shall not be installed underground.  Exception:  Yard hydrants and fire hydrants.

 

Section 608.17.1.2  Coffee machines and noncarbonated beverage dispensers.  Delete this section in its entirety.

 

Section 608.17.5  Connections to lawn irrigation systems.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Where chemicals are introduced into the system, the potable water supply shall be protected against backflow by a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer.

 

Section 707.10.2  Solvent cementing.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture.  An approved primer that conforms to ASTM F 656 shall be applied.  Solvent cement not purple in color and conforming to ASTM D 2564, CSA B 137.3, CSA B 181.2, or CSA B 182.1 shall be applied to all joint surfaces.  The joint shall be made while the cement is wet and shall be in accordance with ASTM D 2855.  Solvent-cement joints shall be permitted above or below ground.

 

Section 706.3  Installation of fittings.  Delete the exception in this section.

 

Section 714.1  Sewage backflow:  Amend to read as follows:

 

Where the flood level rims of plumbing fixtures are below the elevation of the manhole cover of the next upstream manhole in the public sewer, such fixtures shall be protected by a backwater valve installed in the building drain, branch of the building drain or horizontal branch serving such fixtures.  Plumbing fixtures having flood level rims above the elevation of the manhole cover of the next upstream manhole in the public sewer may not discharge through a backwater valve.

 

Insert the following after Section 714.3:

 

Section 714.4  Cleanouts.  All cleanouts located upstream from a backwater valve shall have notification that a backwater device is installed in the drainage system.  Such notification shall be in the form of a warning label that is readily visible prior to servicing the drainage system.  An accessible cleanout shall be installed immediately downstream from the backwater valve.

 

Section 714.5  Repair or Replacement.  Backwater valves shall be installed as required when sewer service lines to existing structures are repaired or replaced.

 

Section 904.1  Roof extension.  Insert:  12 inches.

 

Section 1111.1  Subsoil drains.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Subsoil drains shall be open-jointed, horizontally split or perforated pipe conforming to one of the standards listed in Table 1102.5.  Such drains shall not be less than 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter.  Where the building is subject to backwater, the subsoil drain shall be protected by an accessibly located backwater valve.  Subsoil drains shall discharge to a trapped area drain, sump or approved location above ground.  The subsoil sump shall be required to have a gas-tight cover.  The sump and pumping system shall comply with Section 1113.1.

 

Chapter 13, Section 1303.  Delete this section in its entirety.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 2, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3487, § 2, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 3795, § 2, 5-6-91; Ord. No. 3983, § 1, 9-7-93; Ord. No. 4149, § 1, 3-8-96; Ord. No. 4342, § 2, 4-20-98; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 2, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4974, § 2, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5135, § 5, 9-7-10; Ord. No. 5503, § 2, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5563, § 19, 8-20-18; Ord. No. 5690, § 1, 9-21-20;

 

Sec. 6-123.  Termination of water service.

 

The code official or director of planning and development is hereby vested with the authority to order the disconnection of the water service to any building or premises where such deficiencies in plumbing equipment or materials have not been corrected within the time specified by a notice duly served upon the owner, developer or contractor; and in cases of emergency where the same is necessary for the protection of life or a hazard to public health, safety and welfare; and is further authorized to order the disconnection of the water service to any building or premises where a valid permit has not been issued for plumbing installation or alteration. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 5, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 5563, § 20, 8-20-18;

                       

Sec. 6-124.  Appeals.

 

Unless a specific provision of this article provides for an appeal to the plumbing board, any person who is aggrieved by a decision, notice or order of the code official and/or director of planning and development made pursuant to this article may appeal such decision to the board of appeals established pursuant to the building code in force in the city.  The procedure to such an appeal shall be provided in the building code in force in the city. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 6, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 3, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 5563, § 21, 8-20-18;

Cross reference-Building code, § 6-16 et seq.

 

Secs. 6-125--6-130.  Reserved.

 

Sec. 6-131.  Members; appointments; qualifications; terms; bond; vacancies, how filled.

 

The plumbing board shall consist of five (5) members who shall be:  (1)  the city plumbing inspector; (2) the city health inspector; (3) one plumbing contractor; (4) one journeyman plumber; and (5) one citizen from the community at large.  Said plumbers and citizen at large shall be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council.  The plumbing inspector and the health inspector shall hold office during the term of the mayor.  The plumbing contractor and journeyman plumber each shall hold a valid City of Norfolk plumber’s registration.  Three (3) members of the plumbing board shall constitute a quorum.  All vacancies in the board shall be filled by appointment by the mayor with the approval of the city council.  The terms of office of the plumbers and the citizen at large shall be for three (3) years, which terms shall be staggered.  Each member of the board shall give bond in the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), conditioned according to law, the cost of which shall be paid by the city. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 3(A), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3406, § 1, 6-2-86; Ord. No. 3487, § 3, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 3652, § 1, 6-19-89; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 4, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-132.  Organization; records.

 

The plumbing board shall, within ten (10) days after their appointments, meet and organize by selection of one of their members as chairman.  The plumbing inspector or his/her designee shall be the secretary of said board.  It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep full, true and correct minutes of meetings, and records of all registrations issued by the board, together with their kinds and dates, and the names of the persons to whom issued, in books provided by the city for such purpose, which books and records shall be open for free inspection by all persons during business hours. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 3(B), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98

 

Sec. 6-133.  Appointments; when made.

 

The appointment of the plumbing board shall be made annually, at the first meeting of the city council, in August of each year, except as provided in section 6-131 above. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 3(C), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98

 

Sec. 6-134.  Meetings.

 

The plumbing board shall fix the time and place of meetings on a scheduled basis; however, meetings may be held more often upon written call of the chairman of the board. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 3(D), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 5, 10-20-03

 

See. 6-135.  Plumbing rules and regulations; adoption; powers of board; variances.

 

The plumbing board shall have power, and it shall be its duty, to adopt rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Nebraska or the ordinances of the City of Norfolk, for the sanitary construction, alteration and inspection of plumbing and sewerage connections placed in, or in connection with, any and every building in Norfolk.  Variances from the plumbing code adopted in section 6-121 above, may be granted only by the appeals board established in accordance with the building code.  Any variance granted shall apply only to a single building and shall not be considered as a part of the ordinances or rules and regulations of the plumbing board. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 3(E), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3487, § 4, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98

Cross reference-Building code, § 6-16 et seq.

 

Sec. 6-136.  Application for registration; exam­ination; transferability of registrations among persons.

 

Any person desiring to do any plumbing, or to work at the business of plumbing, in the zoning jurisdiction of the City of Norfolk, shall make application to the code official as provided in this article. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 3(F), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 6, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-137.  Registration; term; revocation; suspension.

 

Any registration may be revoked or suspended by the plumbing board, at any time, upon a hearing upon sufficient written, sworn charges filed with the board showing the holder of the registration to be then incompetent or guilty of a willful breach of the rules, regulations or requirements of the board, or of the laws or ordinances relating thereto, or of other causes sufficient for the revocation of his/her registration, of which charges and hearing the holder of such registration shall have written notice. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 3(G), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 6, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-138.  Registration; denial; appeal.

           

Any application for a plumbing registration provided for in this article which is denied by the code official and/or director of planning and development may be appealed by the applicant to the plumbing board.  The board shall review the application at a hearing and determine whether the applicant is entitled to registration pursuant to the provisions provided in this article. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 4389, §1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 6, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 5563, § 22, 8-20-18;

 

Secs. 6-139--6-140.  Reserved.

 

Sec. 6-141.  Plumbing without registration prohibited; exceptions.

 

It shall be unlawful for any person to do any plumbing within the zoning jurisdiction of Norfolk, Nebraska, unless he/she holds a registration in accordance with this article.  Registration is not required of employees of the city water department acting within the scope of their employment, nor to a homeowner doing plumbing work in the single family residence he/she owns and is occupying or is constructing for his/her residence. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 3(H), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98

 

Sec. 6-142.  Permit for business; information required by Planning and Development Department.

 

Any person, partnership, corporation or other legal entity who installs or repairs any sanitary plumbing within the zoning jurisdiction of the City of Norfolk shall be a duly qualified plumbing contractor with a registration issued by the City of Norfolk.  Every plumber shall notify the code official of the address of his/her place of business, and the name under which such business is carried on, and shall give immediate notice of any change in either. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 4(A), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 5563, § 23, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-143.  Plumbing contractor's registration; experience; exam­ination; fees; term.

 

(a)   A person desiring a plumbing contractor’s registration shall make written application to the code official upon a form furnished by the Planning and Development Department.  No person shall be issued a plumbing contractor’s registration unless he/she has had at least two (2) years’ experience as a journeyman plumber within the last six (6) years.  Except in the case of renewal registrations, no person shall be issued such a plumbing contractor’s registration unless he/she successfully completes an examination approved by the plumbing board.  An applicant who has successfully completed a nationally standardized test based on the International Plumbing Code within the last ten (10) years shall not be required to retest.  A registration card shall be issued by the city upon the applicant’s proof of successful examination completion and completion of a registration form filed with the plumbing board or its designee.  A person desiring the original issuance or renewal of such a registration shall pay the registration fee set forth in Section 2-5 of this Code to the city.  Such registration shall expire on December 31 of each year.  Applications for renewal registrations may be made between December 1 and March 1.  Applications for renewal registrations after March 1 shall be required to show proof of successful re-examination to the plumbing board or its designee

 

(b)   No person who has obtained a plumber's registration shall allow his/her name to be used by another person, either for the purpose of obtaining permits, or for doing business or work under the registration. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 4(B), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 7, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4974, § 3, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5135, § 5, 9-7-10; Ord. No. 5563, § 24, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-144.  Journeyman plumber's registration; experience; examination; fees; term.

 

(a)   A person desiring a journeyman plumber’s registration shall make written application to the code official on a form furnished by the Planning and Development Department.  No journeyman plumber’s registration shall be issued to any person who has not had at least:

 

(1)        Three (3) years’ experience as an apprentice plumber under supervision of a plumbing contractor; or

 

(2)        Four (4) years’ experience as a plumber in areas not having codes or licensing.

 

(b)   No such registration shall be issued to any person until he or she has successfully completed a nationally standardized text based on the International Plumbing Code.  An applicant who has successfully completed such nationally standardized test within the last ten (10) years shall not be required to retest.  The applicant shall pay an initial registration fee and subsequent yearly registration fees to the city as set forth in Section 2-5 of this Code.  All fees shall be paid at the time of application.  Such registration shall expire on December 31 of each year.  Applications for renewal registrations may be made between December 1 and March 1.  Applications for renewal registrations after March 1 shall be required to show proof of successful re-examination to the plumbing board or its designee. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 4(C), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3487, § 5, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 7, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4974, § 3, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5135, § 5, 9-7-10; Ord. No. 5563, §25, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-145.  Apprentice plumber's registration; information; fee; term; supervision of work.

 

Any person desiring to be registered as an apprentice plumber shall make written application to the code official upon a form furnished by the Planning and Development Department.  The application shall contain the applicant’s name, and employer name and address.  No plumbing experience or examination is required.  The application shall be accompanied by a fee as set forth in Section 2-5 of this Code.  All such registrations shall expire on December 31 of each year.  No person shall cause any plumbing work to be done, altered or repaired by an apprentice plumber unless the apprentice plumber works directly under the supervision of a registered plumbing contractor or journeyman plumber.  Applications for renewal registrations may be made between December 1 and March 1. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 4(D), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4974, § 3, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5135, § 5, 9-7-10; Ord. No. 5563, § 26, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-146. Well driller and/or private wastewater (septic) system installer registration; information; fee; term.

 

            Any person desiring to be registered as a well driller and/or private wastewater (septic) system installer shall make written application to the code official upon a form furnished by the Planning and Development Department.  The application shall contain the applicant's name, and employer name and address.  Well drillers and/or private wastewater (septic) system installers shall maintain proper credentials with the applicable state regulatory authority.  The application shall be accompanied by a fee as set forth in Section 2-5 of this Code.  All such registrations shall expire on December 31 of each year.

 

Ord. No. 5690, § 2, 9-21-20;

 

Sec. 6-147.  Contractor's certificate of insurance.

 

Before the issuance of a registration as a plumbing contractor, such person shall furnish and maintain during all times that the registration is in effect, bodily injury and property damage liability insurance coverage with limits of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence.  The registrant shall furnish the city clerk with a certificate of such insurance coverage, which shall note that the insurance coverage shall not be terminated except upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the City of Norfolk.  The policy of insurance required by this section shall be purchased at the expense of the registrant, shall be in effect for at least one (1) year from the date of registration, and shall provide coverage of products, hazards and completed operations.  Cancellation of the policy shall automatically suspend the registration until a substitute policy has been obtained, and a certificate of that fact filed in the office of the city clerk.  Such insurance will indemnify and hold the city harmless from all liability, from any accidents or damages arising from negligence or unskillfulness in doing or protecting his/her work while performing work authorized by a permit or work requiring a permit or registration, and that he/she will also restore the street, sidewalk, pavement or other public property or right-of-way and fill all other public property or right-of-way in as good a condition as he/she found them, and to indemnify and hold the city harmless from damages suffered by his/her failure to do so, and keep and maintain them in good repair in accordance with engineering standards and specifications of the city, for a period of one year thereafter, and that he/she will pay all fines imposed upon him/her for the violation of any rule or regulation adopted by the city in force during the term of his/her registration, and that he/she will pay all fees set forth in this article. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 4(F), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 8, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-148.  Waiver of certain requirements; journeyman plumber, apprentice plumber.

 

(a)   The plumbing board may waive the requirement of the requisite years of registered service as set forth in sections 6-143 and 6-144 for a journeyman plumber or an apprentice plumber before advancement to a plumbing contractor or journeyman registration when at least four (4) members of the plumbing board believe the applicant has had equivalent training or possesses suitable proficiency.

 

(b)   Equivalent training or suitable proficiency shall be measured by one or more of the following:

 

(1)        Total number of years worked in the plumbing trade, with written verification.

 

(2)        Years of work or service in a related mechanical trade, i.e., refrigeration, heating and air conditioning, private sewage system installations, etc.

 

(3)        College courses relating to design and installation practices of the plumbing trade that are successfully passed by the applicant.  The board may grant up to one-third of the actual school time spent on education as an equivalent to the time spent in active service work. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3051, § 4(G), 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3406, § 3, 6-2-86; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 8, 10-20-03

 

Secs. 6-149--6-150.  Reserved.

 

Sec. 6-151.  Yard irrigation liability.

 

The property owner accepts all liability for placement of any yard irrigation equipment within the right-of-ways, easements, alleys or any other property owned or maintained by the City of Norfolk, which may be subject to damage due to street or utility maintenance of any nature. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3983, § 2, 9-7-93; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4704, § 8, 10-20-03

 

Secs. 6-152--6-160.  Reserved.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3983, § 2, 9-7-93; Ord. No. 4342, § 3, 4-20-98; Ord. No. 4389, § 1, 12-7-98; Ord. No. 4435, § 1, 10-18-99; Ord. No. 4704, § 8, 10-20-03

 

Sec. 6-161.  Adoption by reference.

 

A certain document, one (1) copy which is on file in the office of the city clerk of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, being marked and designated as International Residential Code, 2018 Edition as published by International Code Council, Inc., is hereby adopted as the one- and two-family dwelling code of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, as if fully set out in this section, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in section 6-162 of this article.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3055, § 1, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3484, § 1, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 3794, § 1, 5-6-91; Ord. No. 4702, § 1, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4973, § 1, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5500, § 1, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5687, § 1, 9-21-20;

 

Sec. 6-162.  Additions, insertions and changes.

 

The following sections of the one- and two-family dwelling code adopted in section 6-161 are hereby revised as follows:

 

Section R101.1:  Insert “City of Norfolk”

 

Section R102.7.1  Insert at end "If the code official finds the value of the proposed work equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the building/structure before the improvement or repair is started, the building/structure shall be removed from the property.  If the structure has historical or architectural value the code official may issue permits for repair/rehabilitation."

 

Section (A) 103.1  Creation of enforcement agency.  Amend to read as follows:

 

The department of building safety is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the building official.  The terms "building official" and "code official" shall be interchangeable as they relate to this code.

 

Section R105.2  Work exempt from permit.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Permits shall not be required for the following.  Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

 

1.        One-story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 64 square feet.

2.        Fences not over 4 feet high.

3.        Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the top of finished grade to top of wall.

4.         A plan stamped by a design professional shall not be required for pole/post and beam buildings of 2400 square feet or less in R-R, S-R, and A zoning districts.

5.        Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.

6.        Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

7.        Prefabricated above ground swimming pools.

8.        Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling.

9.        Window awnings supported by an exterior wall.

10.      Replacement of existing windows with like size windows where no structural alteration is required to affect said change.  Window opening size shall not be substantially diminished by replacement and in no instance shall a casement or slider style window be replaced with a double-hung window style, unless minimum egress standard is met.

11.       Reroofing permits shall not be required for detached uninhabitable accessory structures.

 

Section R106.3.1.  Approval of construction documents.  Delete this section.

 

Section R108.2  Schedule of permit fees.  Add the Building Permit Fees set forth in Section 2-5 of the Norfolk City Code.

 

Section 110.2  Change in use.  Delete this section.

 

Section 110.3  Certificate Issued.  Delete this section.

 

Section R110.4  Temporary occupancy.  Delete this section.

 

Section R112.1  General.  Amend to read as follows:   

 

Any person who is aggrieved by a decision, notice or order of the code official and/or director of planning and development made pursuant to this article may appeal such decision, notice or order to the board of appeals established pursuant to the current building code in force and effect in the jurisdiction of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska.  The procedure for said appeal shall be as published in said building code then currently in force and effect.

 

Section R113.4  Violation penalties.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be guilty of an offense and shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this code is committed, continued or allowed, and upon conviction of any such violation, such person shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).

 

Section R114.1  Notice to owner.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Upon notice from the code official or director of planning and development that work on any building or structure is being done contrary to the provisions of this code, such work shall immediately be stopped.  The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property involved, or to the owner’s agent, or to the person doing the work; and shall state the conditions under which work will be permitted to be resumed.

 

Section R202  Definitions.  Add definitions of "Crawl Space", “Sleeping Room” and “Building Envelope” as follows:

 

CRAWL SPACE.  An underfloor space that is not a basement.  A crawl space shall have a minimum height of 30" from bottom of floor joists to top of concrete floor.  Floor shall not be less than 3" thick.  Supply and return from HVAC system shall be provided in each crawl space area.

 

SLEEPING ROOM.  Any room in a house that is greater than 70 square feet and has built-in closet space and typically could be used as a bedroom.  This does not include rooms used for cooking, eating, family living, gathering, bathrooms, toilet rooms and halls.

 

  BUILDING ENVELOPE.  Building sections which separate inside, conditioned spaces from outside air.

 

Table R301.2(1):  Insert the following design criteria information.

 

	Roof Snow Load:	30 lbs. per square foot
	Ground Snow Load:	25 lbs. per square foot
	Wind Speed:	115 mph
	Seismic Design Category:	B
	Subject to Damage from Weathering:	Severe
	Subject to Damage from Frost Line Depth:	42 inches
	Subject to Damage from Termite:	Moderate to Heavy
	Subject to Damage from Decay:	None to Slight
	Winter Design Temp:	4 Degrees
	Flood Hazards:	Not Available

 

Section R301.5 Table R301.5  Amend all 30 pound live loads to 40 pounds.

 

Section R302.5.1  Amend.  Delete "equipped with a self-closing device."

 

Secton R302.7  Under-stair protection.  Delete this section.

 

Section R302.12  Draftstopping.  Delete this section.

 

Section R302.12.1  Materials.  Delete this section.

 

Section R302.13  Fire protection of floors.  Delete this section.

 

Section R303.7  Stairway illumination.  Amend to read as follows:

 

All interior and exterior stairways, serving a means of egress, shall be provided with a means to illuminate the stairs, including the landings and treads.  Interior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of each landing of the stairway.  Exterior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of the top landing of the stairway.  Exterior stairways providing access to a basement from the outside grade level shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of the bottom landing of the stairway.

 

Section R305.1  Minimum ceiling height. Amend to read as follows:

 

Habitable spaces, hallways, corridors, bathrooms, toilet rooms, and laundry room areas shall have a clear ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm).

 

Exceptions:

 

1.         For rooms with sloped ceilings, at least 50 percent of the required floor area of the room must have a ceiling height of at least 7 feet (2134 mm) and no portion of the required floor area may have a ceiling height of less than 5 feet (1524 mm).

 

2.         Bathrooms shall have a minimum ceiling height of 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) at the center of the front clearance area for fixtures as shown in Figure R307.1.  The ceiling height above fixtures shall be such that the fixture is capable of being used for its intended purpose.  A shower or tub equipped with a showerhead shall have a minimum ceiling height of 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) above a minimum area 30 inches (762 mm) by 30 inches (762 mm) at the showerhead.

 

R305.1.1  Basements.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Residential one- and two-family basements built prior to January 1, 2000, which contain habitable or non-habitable spaces, hallways, corridors, bathrooms, toilet rooms, and laundry rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm).  Residential basements built on or after January 1, 2000, with areas shown above in this section, shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm).

 

Exception:  Beams, girders, ducts, or other obstructions may project to within 6 feet 4 inches (1931 mm) of the finished floor.

 

Section R309.5  Fire Sprinklers.  Delete this text.  Add "Garages located less than 10 feet from a dwelling unit on the same lot shall be protected with not less than 5/8" gypsum board applied to the interior and exterior walls.

 

Section R311.7.5.1  Risers.  Add Exception:  1. Secondary stairways serving only storage and utility areas need not comply with rise height and tread depth.

 

Section R311.7.8.1  Height.  Handrail height, measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall not be less than 30 inches and or more than 38 inches.

 

Section R313  Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.  Delete this section.

 

Section R314.2.2  Alterations, repairs and additions.  Delete text and exceptions.  Replace with "All dwelling units shall have operational interconnected smoke detectors.  Smoke detectors shall be located as required by Section R314.3."

 

Section R317.1.(1)  Amend to "Wood joists or the bottom of a wood structural floor where closer than 30" to the top of the concrete crawl space floor."

 

Section R402.2  Concrete.  Add the following sentence:

 

Garage floors and driveways or unreinforced concrete shall be a minimum of 5" thick.  Reinforced concrete shall be a minimum of 4" thick.

 

Section R403.1.1  Miniumum size.  Add "Spread footings shall not be less than 16" wide or less than 8" thick with 2 courses of 1/2" rebar."

 

Section R403.1.4.1  Frost Protection.  Amend exceptions to read as follows:

 

Exception:

 

1.         Accessory buildings less than one hundred eighty (180) square feet shall not be required to be constructed with footings which extend below frost line.  Concrete for slab on grade shall be a minimum of four (4) inches thick and a grid work of number 4 rebar four (4) foot on center.

 

Section R502.3  Allowable joist spans.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Spans for floor joists shall be in accordance with Table R502.3.1(2).  For other grades and species and for other loading conditions, refer to the AF & PA Span Tables for Joists and Rafters.

 

Section R502.3.1  Sleeping areas and attic joists.  Delete this section.

 

Table R502.3.1(1)  Floor Joist Spans For Common Lumber Species.  Delete this table.

 

Section R502.3.2  Other floor joists.  Amend to read as follows:

 

Table R502.3.1(2) shall be utilized to determine the maximum allowable span of floor joists that support all areas of the building, provided that the design live load does not exceed 40 psf and the design dead load does not exceed 10 psf.

 

Section R506.2.3  Vapor retarder.  Delete this section.

 

Section R802.4.1  Rafter size.  Add "Rafter sizes of less than 2" x 6" shall not be permitted."

 

Section R908.3.1.1  Roof recover not allowed. Add:

 

4.         Architectural laminated asphalt shingles shall not be covered by an additional layer of asphalt shingles.

 

Chapter 11:  Remove this chapter from the one- and two- family dwelling code, however retain the language therefrom and adopt it as Appendix R with the following notation:

 

           “[This appendix is informative and is not part of the code and words or phrases that indicate mandatory action (i.e. “shall”) in this Appendix R shall be read and construed as words or phrases that indicate recommended action (i.e. “should”].”

 

Section M1305.1  Appliance access for inspection service, repair and replacement.  Amend.  Add after last sentence:  "Mechanical rooms containing two or more appliances shall not be less than 40 square feet in area nor less than 4 feet in width or depth.

 

Section M1502.4.1  Add after ... (No. 28 gauge): "or material as approved by code official".

 

Section M1502.4.4.1  After last sentence add:  "Dryer vent length shall not exceed rated length of dryer manufacturer".

 

Section P2603.5.1  Sewer depth.  Insert "48" inches in two locations.

 

Section P2904  Dwelling Unit Fire Sprinkler Systems.  Delete this section.

 

Adopt Appendix F - Radon Control Methods.

 

Section AF103.1  General.  Amend.  Add after last sentence: "Alternative system designs may be installed when approved by the code official".

 

Section AF103.8.1  Vent fan location.  The vent fan shall be located within three feet of attic access opening.

 

1)         Exception:  An elevated walkway above insulation is provided from attic access to vent piping.  Walkway shall be elevated a minimum of 30" above bottom of ceiling joists and a minimum of 30" below bottom of rafters.  Walkway shall be a minimum of 24" wide.

 

2)        Exception:  Attic access and radon vent are both located within the garage footprint.  Radon vent shall be exposed within the garage and within 6 feet of an electrical outlet.

 

Adopt Appendix G – Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs.

 

Adopt Appendix Q - Tiny Houses.

 

Delete AF103.3 Soil-gas-retarder.

 

Delete AF103.5.2 Soil-gas-retarder.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3055, § 2, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 3484, § 2, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 3794, § 2, 5-6-91; Ord. No. 4702, § 2, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4973, § 2, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5135, § 5, 9-7-10; Ord. No. 5500, § 2, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5532, § 1, 4-2-18; Ord. No. 5563, § 27, 8-20-18; Ord. No. 5687, § 1, 9-21-20; Ord. No. 5799, § 1, 9-6-22;

 

Sec. 6-163.  Finished Walls.

 

1.         Sheetrock/paneling shall not be installed over existing wall/ceiling surfaces unless approved by the code official.

 

2.         Uninhabitable basements shall not have non-structural partition walls.  Basements without code compliant stairways, minimum ceiling heights and at least one egress window shall be considered to be uninhabitable.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3055, § 3, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4702, § 3, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4972, § 1, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5500, § 3, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5563, § 28, 8-20-18;

 

Secs. 6-164--6-170.  Reserved.

 

Sec. 6-171.  Adoption by reference.

 

A certain document, one (1) copy which is on file in the office of the city clerk of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, being marked and designated as the "2018 International Energy Conservation Code" as published by The International Code Council, Inc. is hereby adopted as the energy conservation code of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, as if fully set out in this section, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in section 6-172 of this article. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 4972, § 2, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5505, § 1, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5692, § 1, 9-21-20;

 

Sec. 6-172.  Additions, insertions and changes.

 

The following sections of the energy conservation code adopted in Section 6-171 are hereby revised as follows:

 

Section C109.1  General.  Amend to read as follows:

 

             Any person who is aggrieved by a decision, notice or order of the code official and/or director of planning and development made pursuant to this article may appeal such decision, notice or order to the board of appeals established pursuant to the current building code in force and effect in the jurisdiction of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska.  The procedure for said appeal shall be as published in said building code then currently in force and effect.

 

Sections C109.2 and C109.3  Delete these sections in their entirety.

 

Section C402.2.2  Above grade walls.  Add after first paragraph, "Exterior wall cavities of conditioned spaces shall be filled to a minimum of 98% capacity with insulation."

 

IECC--Residential Provisions.  Delete this section in its entirety.

 

Source: Ord. No. 4972, § 2, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5692, § 1, 9-21-20;

 

Sec. 6-173.  Energy conservation standards.

 

Minimum requirements are as follows:

 

(a)   Ceiling:  R-60 insulation.  

 

(b)   Frame walls:  R-20 (combined R-value of wall elements).

 

(1)       Exterior wall cavities of conditioned spaces shall be filled to a minimum of 98% capacity with insulation.

 

(c)   Slab edge (on-grade):  R-10 insulation, from top of slab to 42" below finished grade.

 

(d)   Floors (over unheated spaces):  R-38 insulation.

 

(e)   Finished basement walls:  R-18 (Combined R-value of wall elements).

 

(f)   Crawl spaces:  R-10 insulation.  Shall be a conditioned space.  Floor shall be covered with not less than three (3) inches of concrete.

 

(g)   Windows:  Minimum of double-glazed and maximum U-factor of .30.  

 

(h)   Doors:

 

(1)       Sliding glass:  Double-glazed, maximum U-value of .30.

 

(2)       Swinging:  Maximum U-value of .35 based on testing prior to installation of glazing.

 

(i)   Weatherstripping/caulking:  Whatever is necessary to minimize infiltration.

 

(j)   HVAC equipment.

 

(1)       Heat pumps – Heating mode:

 

a.        COP=2.5/1.5 (air source).

 

b.        COP=2.5 (water source).

 

(2)       Boilers and furnaces:  Combustion efficiency equals eighty-two (82) percent.

 

(3)       Air Conditioners/heat pumps – Cooling:  SEER minimum rating 15.0.

 

(4)       Controls:  Each system controlled by thermostat; heating system capable of setback to fifty-five (55) Fahrenheit; cooling system capable of setup to eighty-five (85) Fahrenheit.

 

(5)       All duct work shall be located within the conditioned envelope of the dwelling.  Duct work within an attic shall be considered to be in a conditioned space when:

 

            a)  Immediately adjacent to conditioned living space, and 

 

            b)  Remaining surfaces are covered by not less than R-60 insulation.  Joints in duct work shall be sealed as required by HVAC equipment manufacturer. 

 

(k)   Insulate exterior of foundation of slab-on-grade heated structures or provide a thermal break between floor and exterior foundation.

 

(l)    When proposed rehabilitation of a structure exceeds 50% of current market value, the structure shall meet or exceed all energy code requirements adopted by the city.

 

(m)   Radon venting shall not be located within walls that are required to be insulated unless minimum R-values can be achieved.

 

(n)    A minimum R-value of R-44 shall be maintained above all exterior wall plates of conditioned spaces.

 

Deviations from above requirements require approval of the code official. 

 

Source: Ord. No. 3055, § 3, 2-16-82; Ord. No. 4702, § 3, 10-20-03; Ord. No. 4972, § 2, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5505, § 2, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5540, § 1, 4-16-18; Ord. No. 5692, § 1, 9-21-20;

 

Secs. 6-174--6-180.  Reserved.

 

Sec. 6-181.  Adoption by reference.

 

A certain document, one (1) copy which is on file in the office of the city clerk of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, being marked and designated as the “International Property Maintenance Code 2018 Edition,” as published by The International Code Council, Inc., is hereby adopted as the property maintenance code of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, as if fully set out in this section, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in section 6-183 of this article.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3253, § 1, 10-1-84; Ord. No. 3481, § 1, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 3792, § 1, 5-6-91; Ord. No. 4569, § 1, 1-7-02; Ord. No. 4975, § 2, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5502, § 1, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5689, § 1, 9-21-20;

State law reference-Adoption by reference authorized, R.R.S. 1943, 18-132.

 

Sec. 6-182.  Conflicts.

 

In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the publication adopted by reference in this article and any other provisions of this Code, such other provisions shall be controlling.  

 

Source: Ord. No. 4569, § 2, 1-7-02; Ord. No. 4975, § 2, 9-17-07

 

Sec. 6-183.  Additions, insertions and changes.

 

The following sections of the property maintenance code adopted in section 6-181 are hereby revised as follows:

 

Section 101.1  Title.  Insert:  the City of Norfolk, Nebraska.

 

Section 103.5 Fees.  Amend section to read as follows:

 

 “The fees for activities and services performed by the department in carrying out its responsibilities under this code shall be charged as necessary to reasonably recover costs.”

   

Section 110.1 General.  Amend section to read as follows:

 

"The code official shall order the owner of any structure or the owner of the premises upon which any structure is located that has been condemned by the code official pursuant to this code, or in the code official's judgment is so old, dilapidated or has become so out of repair as to be dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unfit for human habitation or occupancy, and such that it is unreasonable to repair the structure, to demolish and remove such structure; or if such structure is capable of being made safe by repairs, to repair and make safe and sanitary or to demolish and remove at the structure owner's or property owner's option; or where there has been a cessation of normal construction of any structure for a period of more than two years, to demolish and remove such structure.  In the event the structure and premises upon which the structure is located are in separate ownership, then both the owner of the structure and the owner of the premises shall be responsible for said removal."

 

Section 110.3  Failure to comply.  Amend section to read as follows:

 

If the owner of a premises fails to comply with a demolition order within the time prescribed, the code official may cause the structure to be demolished and removed, either through an available public agency or by contract or arrangement with private persons, and the cost of such demolition and removal shall be charged against the real estate upon which the structure is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate.

 

Section 111.1 Application for appeal.  Amend section to read as follows:

 

"Any person directly affected by a decision of the code official and/or director of planning and development or a notice or order issued under this code shall have the right to appeal to the board of appeals, provided that a written application for appeal is filed within 20 days after the day the decision, notice or order was served.  A fee set forth in Section 2-5 of the Norfolk City Code shall accompany each application for appeal to the board of appeals which fee shall be refunded to the applicant in the event the board of appeals finds in favor of the applicant.  The applicant shall also pay all publication costs necessitated by the filing of said application as well as all costs associated with arranging for the presence of a court reporter at the hearing and the costs for creating a transcript of the hearing. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply, or the requirements of this code are adequately satisfied by other means, or that the strict application of any requirement of this code would cause an undue hardship."

 

Section 111.3 Notice of meeting.  Amend section to read as follows:

 

"The board shall meet upon notice from the chairman, within 60 days of the filing of an appeal, or at stated periodic meetings."

 

Section 112.4  Failure to comply.  Amend section to read as follows:

 

             Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable to a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) or more than five hundred dollars ($500) per day, per violation. 

 

Section 302.4  Weeds.  Insert:  twelve (12) inches.

 

Section 304.14  Insect Screens.  Insert: April 1 to November 1.

 

Section 404.3  Minimum ceiling height. Amend section to read as follows:

 

Habitable spaces, hallways, corridors, bathrooms, toilet rooms, and laundry room areas shall have a clear ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm).

 

Exceptions:

 

1.         In one- and two-family dwellings, beams or girders spaced a minimum of 4 feet (1219 mm) on center and projecting a maximum of 6 inches (152 mm) below the required ceiling height.

 

2.         Basement rooms in one- and two-family dwellings occupied exclusively for laundry, study, or recreation purposes, having a minimum ceiling height of 6 feet 8 inches (2033 mm) with a minimum clear height of 6 feet 4 inches (1932 mm) under beams, girders, ducts and similar obstructions.

 

3.         Rooms occupied exclusively for sleeping, study, or similar purposes and having a sloped ceiling over all or part of the room, with a minimum clear ceiling height of 7 feet (2134 mm) over a minimum of one-third of the required minimum floor area.  In calculating the floor area of such rooms, only those portions of the floor area with a minimum clear ceiling height of 5 feet (1524 mm) shall be included.

 

R404.3.1  Basements.  Amend section to read as follows:

 

Residential one- and two-family basements built prior to January 1, 2000, which contain habitable or non-habitable spaces, hallways, corridors, bathrooms, toilet rooms, and laundry rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm).  Residential basements built on or after January 1, 2000, with areas shown above in this section, shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm).

 

Exception:  Beams, girders, ducts, or other obstructions may project to within 6 feet 4 inches (1931 mm) of the finished floor.

 

Section 602.3  Heat supply.  Amend section to read as follows: 

 

“Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling unit, rooming unit, dormitory or guestroom on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat to maintain a temperature of not less than 68 F. (20 C.) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.

 

Exception:  When the outdoor temperature is below the winter outdoor design temperature for the locality, maintenance of the minimum room temperature shall not be required provided that the heating system is operating at its full design capacity.  The winter outdoor design temperature for the locality shall be as indicated in Appendix D of the International Plumbing Code.”

 

Section 602.4  Occupiable work spaces. Amend section to read as follows: 

 

“Indoor occupiable work spaces shall be supplied with heat to maintain a temperature of not less than 65 F. (18 C.) during the period the spaces are occupied.

 

Exceptions:

 

1.        Processing, storage and operation areas that require cooling or special temperature conditions.

 

2.        Areas in which persons are primarily engaged in vigorous physical activities.”  

 

Section [F] 704.6.2  Interconnection.  Add the following to end of section: 

 

Upon change of occupant/tenant or change of ownership/offer to sell a property, the owner of the property shall verify that interconnected smoke alarms are provided as per R314.2.2 of the 2018 International Residential Code as amended by the City of Norfolk.  Smoke alarms installed after November 1, 2020 in dwellings shall be interconnected.

 

Source: Ord. No. 3088, § 13, 9-7-82; Ord. No. 3253, § 2, 10-1-84; Ord. No. 3481, § 2, 6-15-87; Ord. No. 3792, § 2, 5-6-91; Ord. No. 4569, § 3, 1-7-02; Ord. No. 4896, § 1, 9-5-06; Ord. No. 4975, § 2, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5135, § 5, 9-7-10; Ord. No. 5502, § 2, 11-6-17; Ord. No. 5533, § 1, 4-2-18; Ord. No. 5563, § 30, 8-20-18; Ord. No. 5689, § 2, 9-21-20;

 

Sec. 6-184.  Structures damaged by fire, flood, wind, disaster or other calamity.

 

Any structure becoming uninhabitable, unusable or unoccupiable as a result of fire, flood, wind, disaster or other calamity shall be completely repaired within one (1) year of the fire, flood, wind, disaster or other calamity.  If repairs are not completed within one (1) year, the structure shall be inspected by the code official.  If following the inspection, the structure is determined to be uninhabitable, unusable or unoccupiable by the code official or director of planning and development, the structure shall be demolished by the owner of the property.  In the event the structure and premises upon which the structure is located are in separate ownership, then both the owner of the structure and the owner of the premises shall be responsible for said removal.  Any appeal of the code official and/or director of planning and development's decision shall be governed by the appeal provisions contained in the property maintenance code adopted by the city.  

 

Source: Ord. No. 4975, § 2, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 5563, § 31, 8-20-18;

 

Sec. 6-191.  Adoption by reference.

 

A certain document, one (1) copy which is on file in the office of the city clerk of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, being marked and designated as the "2018 International Fuel Gas Code" and all Appendices, as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted as the fuel gas code of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, as if fully set out in this section, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in section 6-192 of this article.

 

Source: Ord. No. 5693, § 1, 9-21-20;

 

Sec. 6-192.  Additions, insertions and changes.

 

The following sections of the fuel gas code adopted in section 6-191 are hereby revised as follows:

 

Section 101.1.  Title. Insert:  The City of Norfolk, Nebraska.

 

Section 106.  Permits.  Delete this section in its entirety.

 

Section 108.4.  Violation penalties.  Amend to read as follows:

 

 Violation penalties.  Any person who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements hereof or who shall erect, install, alter or repair fuel gas systems in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provision of this code, shall be guilty of an offense, punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).  Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

 

Section 108.5.  Stop work orders.  Amend to read as follows:

 

 Stop work orders.  Upon notice from the code official or director of planning and development, work on any fuel gas system that is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner shall immediately cease.  Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property , or to the owner's agent, or to the person doing the work.  The notice shall state the conditions under which work is authorized to resume.  Where an emergency exists, the code official or director of planning and development shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.  Any person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable for a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).

 

Section 109.1.  Application for appeal.  Amend to read as follows:

 

 Application for appeal.  Any person who is aggrieved by a decision, notice or order of the code official and/or director of planning and development made pursuant to this article may appeal such decision, notice or order to the board of appeals established pursuant to the current building code in force and effect in the jurisdiction of the City of Norfolk, Nebraska.  The procedure for said appeal shall be as published in said building code then currently in force and effect.

 

Sections 109.2 through 109.7:  Delete these sections in their entirety.

 

Source: Ord. No. 5693, § 2, 9-21-20;