§ 10-2. Purpose and scope of chapter; referenced codes.

(a)

Purpose. This chapter shall be construed to secure its expressed intent, which is to provide minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare, insofar as they are affected by building construction, through structural strength, adequate means of egress facilities, stability, sanitary equipment, light and ventilation, energy conservation, fire safety, and in general to promote safety to life and property from fire and other hazards incident to the construction, design, erection, installation, alteration, addition, removal, demolition, replacement, repair, location, relocation, moving, quality of materials or use and occupancy, maintenance and operation of building, structures or premises, and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

The purpose of this chapter is not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by the terms of this chapter.

(b)

Scope. Article I of this chapter provides the administrative procedures to be followed by all persons engaged in the construction, design, erection, installation, alteration, addition, removal, demolition, replacement, location, relocation, land disturbance, moving, quality of materials, or use and occupancy, maintenance and operation of buildings, structures or premises, as regulated by this chapter. All references to any provisions in the administrative chapters of the referenced model codes are construed to be a reference to the provisions of article I unless otherwise noted.

(c)

Referenced codes. The other codes and standards listed in subsections (1) through (6) and referenced elsewhere in this chapter are considered part of the requirements of this chapter to the prescribed extent of each such reference. See article II through article XI of this chapter.

(1)

Building. The provisions of the International Building Code , as amended in article III, apply to the construction, design, erection, installation, alteration, addition, removal, demolition, replacement, repair, location, relocation, land disturbance, moving, quality of materials, or use and occupancy of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

Exceptions:

a.

Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height shall comply with this Code or the International Residential Code , as amended in article IV of this chapter.

b.

Existing buildings and structures undergoing repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and/or relocation of existing buildings shall be permitted to comply with the International Existing Building Code , as amended in article V of this chapter.

(2)

Electrical. The provisions of the National Electrical Code , as amended in article VI of this chapter, shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.

(3)

Mechanical. The provisions of the International Mechanical Code , as amended in article VII of this chapter, shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs, and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators, and other energy-related systems.

(4)

Gas. The provisions of the International Fuel Gas Code , as amended in article VIII of this chapter, shall apply to the installation of fuel gas piping from point of delivery, fuel gas appliances, gaseous hydrogen systems and related accessories as covered in this Code. These requirements apply to fuel gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of gas appliances and related accessories. Piping system requirements shall include design, materials, components, fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, inspection and operation and maintenance.

(5)

Plumbing. The provisions of the International Plumbing Code , as amended in article IX of this chapter, shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair, relocation, addition to, use or maintenance and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures and fittings and appurtenances. The code shall also regulate nonflammable medical gas, inhalation anesthetic, vacuum piping, nonmedical oxygen systems and sanitary and condensate vacuum collection systems.

(6)

Energy. The provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code , as amended in article X of this chapter, shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.

(7)

Property maintenance. The provisions of the San Antonio Property Maintenance Code shall apply to existing structures and premises; equipment and facilities; light, ventilation, space heating, sanitation, life and fire safety hazards; responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants, and occupancy of existing premises and structures.

(8)

Fire prevention. The provisions of the International Fire Code , as amended in City Code chapter 11, shall apply to matters affecting or relating to structures, processes and premises from the hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; from conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and from the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression, automatic sprinkler systems and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.

(9)

Existing buildings. The provisions of the International Existing Building Code , as amended in article V of this chapter, shall apply to matters governing the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.

(Ord. No. 2018-06-21-0493 , § 1, 6-21-18)