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Houston Amendments tothe 2012 InternationalBuilding CodeAdopted by Ord. No. 2015-1108Passed 11/10/2015, Effective 01/01/2016Amended by Ord. No. 2015-1289Passed 12/16/2015, Effective 02/01/2016Amended by Ord. No. 2015-1316Passed 12/22/2015, Effective 02/01/2016
CHAPTER 1SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATIONPART 1-SCOPE AND APPLICATION[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the City of Houston Building Code of[NAME OF JURISDICTION], hereinafter referred to as "this code."The City of Houston Construction Code collectively includes this volume and certainother codes, pamphlets, specifications and documents that are adopted in or by referencethrough the adopting ordinance, City of Houston Ordinance No. 2015- 1, which appears inthe preamble of this code. A predecessor document to this code was known as the City ofHouston Building Code–General Provisions, and any reference to the City of Houston BuildingCode–General Provisions in other jurisdiction ordinances shall be construed to mean this code.In certain instances, references to the building code will be found in ordinances, contracts, andother documents of the jurisdiction. In any instance in which that reference was intended toencompass the codes that collectively constitute the City of Houston Construction Code, then itshall be so construed.[A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration,relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location,maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenancesconnected or attached to such buildings or structures, except work located primarily in a publicway, public utility towers and poles, mechanical equipment not specifically regulated in thiscode, and hydraulic flood control structures.Exception: Except as noted in Section 101.4.7, detached Detached one- and twofamily dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than threestories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessorystructures shall comply with the International Residential Code.[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specificallyadopted. Appendices E, K, L, M, N, and R, including any amendments thereto adoptedby this jurisdiction, are hereby adopted and shall be incorporated into and made part ofthis code.[A] 101.4 Referenced codes. The other codes listed in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.67 andreferenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code tothe prescribed extent of each such reference.[A] 101.4.1 Gas. The provisions of the International Fuel Gas Plumbing Code, asdefined in Chapter 2, shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point ofdelivery, gas appliances and related accessories as covered in this code. Theserequirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to inletconnections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential andcommercial gas appliances and related accessories. This code includes numerousreferences to the International Fuel Gas Code. For the sake of convenience and cost*City Secretary shall insert number of adopting ordinance.-1-Chapter 1-IBC
savings to the public in the preparation of Houston Supplement pages to this code, thosereferences have not been revised unless the text of the provision in which they appearhas otherwise been revised by this jurisdiction. Any such references shall be regardedas references to the corresponding code as adopted by this jurisdiction from time totime. This jurisdiction reserves the right to adopt codes based upon promulgations oforganizations other than the International Code Council, including but not limited to theUniform Series Codes, to the extent permitted by state law. Any reference to a specificchapter, section, or provision of a code that has not been adopted by this jurisdictionshall be construed to mean the corresponding provision of the corresponding code asadopted by this jurisdiction.Exception: Work governed by the Residential Code.[A] 101.4.2 Mechanical. The provisions of the International Mechanical Code, asdefined in Chapter 2, shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacementof mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/orappurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigerationsystems, incinerators and other energy-related systems. This code includes numerousreferences to the International Mechanical Code. For the sake of convenience and costsavings to the public in the preparation of Houston Supplement pages to this code, thosereferences have not been revised unless the text of the provision in which they appearhas otherwise been revised by this jurisdiction. Any such references shall be regardedas references to the corresponding code as adopted by this jurisdiction from time totime. This jurisdiction reserves the right to adopt codes based upon promulgations oforganizations other than the International Code Council, including but not limited to theUniform Series Codes, to the extent permitted by state law. Any reference to a specificchapter, section, or provision of a code that has not been adopted by this jurisdictionshall be construed to mean the corresponding provision of the corresponding code asadopted by this jurisdiction.Exception: Work governed by the Residential Code.[A] 101.4.3 Plumbing. The provisions of the International Plumbing Code, as defined inChapter 2, shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbingsystems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, andwhere connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system.The provisions of the International Private Sewage Disposal code shall apply to privatesewage disposal systems. This code includes numerous references to the InternationalPlumbing Code. For the sake of convenience and cost savings to the public in thepreparation of Houston Supplement pages to this code, those references have not beenrevised unless the text of the provision in which they appear has otherwise been revisedby this jurisdiction. Any such references shall be regarded as references to thecorresponding code as adopted by this jurisdiction from time to time. This jurisdictionreserves the right to adopt codes based upon promulgations of organizations other thanthe International Code Council, including but not limited to the Uniform Series Codes, tothe extent permitted by state law. Any reference to a specific chapter, section, orprovision of a code that has not been adopted by this jurisdiction shall be construed tomean the corresponding provision of the corresponding code as adopted by thisjurisdiction.Exception: Work governed by the Residential Code.[A] 101.4.4 Property maintenance. The provisions of the International PropertyMaintenance Code, as defined in Chapter 2, shall apply to existing structures and-2-Chapter 1-IBC
premises; equipment and facilities; light, ventilation, space heating, sanitation, life andfire safety hazards; responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants; and occupancyof existing premises and structures. This code includes a number of references to theInternational Property Maintenance Code. For the sake of convenience and cost savingsto the public in the preparation of Houston Supplement pages to this code, thosereferences have not been revised unless the text of the provision in which they appearhas otherwise been revised by this jurisdiction. Any such references shall be regardedas references to the corresponding code as adopted by this jurisdiction from time totime. Any reference to a specific chapter, section, or provision of a code that has notbeen adopted by this jurisdiction shall be construed to mean the corresponding provisionof the corresponding code as adopted by this jurisdiction.[A] 101.4.5 Fire prevention. The provisions of the International Fire Code, as defined inChapter 2, shall apply to matters affecting or relating to structures, processes andpremises from the hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or useof structures, materials or devices; from conditions hazardous to life, property or publicwelfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and from the construction, extension,repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression, automatic sprinkler systems and alarmsystems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.This code includes numerous references to the International Fire Code. For the sake ofconvenience and cost savings to the public in the preparation of Houston Supplementpages to this code, those references have not been revised unless the text of theprovision in which they appear has otherwise been revised by this jurisdiction. Any suchreferences shall be regarded as references to the corresponding code as adopted bythis jurisdiction from time to time. This jurisdiction reserves the right to adopt codesbased upon promulgations of organizations other than the International Code Council,including but not limited to the Uniform Series Codes, to the extent permitted by statelaw. Any reference to a specific chapter, section, or provision of a code that has notbeen adopted by this jurisdiction shall be construed to mean the corresponding provisionof the corresponding code as adopted by this jurisdiction.101.4.6 Energy. The provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code, asdefined in Chapter 2, shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction ofbuildings for energy efficiency. This code includes a number of references to theInternational Energy Conservation Code. For the sake of convenience and cost savingsto the public in the preparation of Houston Supplement pages to this code, thosereferences have not been revised unless the text of the provision in which they appearhas otherwise been revised by this jurisdiction. Any such references shall be regardedas references to the corresponding code as adopted by this jurisdiction from time totime. This jurisdiction reserves the right to adopt codes based upon promulgations oforganizations other than the International Code Council, including but not limited to theUniform Series Codes, to the extent permitted by state law. Any reference to a specificchapter, section, or provision of a code that has not been adopted by this jurisdictionshall be construed to mean the corresponding provision of the corresponding code asadopted by this jurisdiction.101.4.7 Electrical. The provisions of the Electrical Code, as defined in Chapter 2, shallapply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement,equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.-3-Chapter 1-IBC
[A] 102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specificrequirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, differentsections provisions of the City Code, the Energy Conservation Code, the Residential Code, theElectrical Code, the Mechanical Code, the Plumbing Code, and this code specify differentmaterials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.Where, in any specific instance, the applicable provisions of this code, the City Code, theEnergy Conservation Code, the Residential Code, the Electrical Code, the Mechanical Code, orthe Plumbing Code specify different materials, methods of construction, or other requirementsthan the Fire Code, and the building official and the fire marshal are unable to mutually reconcilethe requirements by issuing a written interpretation, then either of them may refer the matter tothe General Appeals Board created under this code, which shall conduct a review of the matterand issue a written code interpretation based upon the apparent intent of the codes involved.Notwithstanding any other provision, interpretations that are issued by the General AppealsBoard shall not be subject to further appeal. Wherever in this code reference is made to anappendix, the provisions in the appendix shall not apply unless specifically adopted.[A] 102.6 Existing and annexed structures. The legal occupancy of any structure existing onthe date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as isspecifically covered in this code, the International Property Maintenance Code or theInternational Fire Code, or as is deemed necessary by the building official for the general safetyand welfare of the occupants and the public.102.6.1 Existing structures. A building in existence within the jurisdiction at the time ofthe adoption of this code may have its existing use and occupancy continued if:1.Such use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of this code;2.The building is in compliance with all applicable provisions of Appendix L;and3.The continued use and occupancy is not unsafe pursuant to theprovisions of Section 116.102.6.2 Annexed structures. Any building in existence prior to the annexation into thejurisdiction of the land on which it is situated may have its use and occupancy continuedif:1.Such use or occupancy was legal under the building design andconstruction codes and related laws applicable in the jurisdiction in whichthe building was situated at the time immediately prior to its annexation;2.The building is in compliance with all applicable provisions of Appendix L;and3.The continued use and occupancy is not unsafe pursuant to theprovisions of Section 116.-4-Chapter 1-IBC
PART 2-ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENTSECTION 103DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING SAFETY CODE ENFORCEMENT BRANCH[A] 103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The Department of Building Safety Building CodeEnforcement Branch is hereby created within the jurisdiction's Department of Public Works andEngineering, and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the building official.[A] 103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and withthe concurrence of the appointing authority, the building official shall have the authority toappoint a deputy building official, the related technical officers, inspectors, plan examiners andother employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the building official. Forthe maintenance of existing properties, see the International Property Maintenance Code.[A] 104.6 Right of entry. Where it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisionsof this code, or where the building official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in astructure or upon a premises a condition which is contrary to or in violation of this code whichmakes the structure or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official isauthorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform theduties imposed by this code, provided that if such structure or premises be occupied thatcredentials be presented to the occupant and entry requested. If such structure or premises isunoccupied, the building official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or otherperson having charge or control of the structure or premises and request entry. If entry isrefused, the building official shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secureentry.When, due to an emergency, immediate entry is necessary to make an inspection toprotect life or property, or when the building official has obtained a proper inspection warrant orother remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occupant or any other person havingcharge, care or control of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request ismade as herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the building official for the purposeof inspection and examination pursuant to this code.[A] 104.8 Liability. The building official, member of the board of appeals or employee chargedwith the enforcement of this code, while acting for the jurisdiction in good faith and withoutmalice in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent law or ordinance,shall not thereby be rendered liable personally and is hereby relieved from personal liability forany damage accruing to persons or property as a result of any act or by reason of an act oromission in the discharge of official duties. Any suit instituted against an officer or employeebecause of an act performed by that officer or employee in the lawful discharge of duties andunder the provisions of this code shall be defended by legal representative of the jurisdictionuntil the final termination of the proceedings. The building official or any subordinate shall not beliable for cost in any action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions ofthis code. Except as otherwise provided by law, the building official shall not personally be liablein damages for any act or omission arising out of any official action taken to implement andenforce the provisions of this code. Additionally, except as otherwise provided by law, thebuilding official shall not personally be liable in damages for any act or omission taken in the-5-Chapter 1-IBC
course and scope of employment. Where and to the extent consistent with the provisions ofChapter 2, Article X, of the City Code, this jurisdiction shall provide legal representation andindemnification for any suit brought against the building official because of acts or omissionsperformed in the enforcement of this code. This code shall not be construed to relieve from orlessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating, or controlling any building or structurefor any damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the code enforcementagency or its parent jurisdiction be held as assuming any such liability by reason of theinspections authorized by this code or any permits or certificates issued under this code.104.12 Discontinuation of use; notice to vacate. Whenever any building or structure orequipment located therein is being used contrary to the provisions of this code or otherwise is inviolation of this code, the building official may, by notice to the owner or the owner’srepresentative and to all users of the structure, order that any or all uses of the structure bediscontinued or that the structure, or portion thereof, be vacated within such time and for as longas the building official reasonably prescribes.If the use or occupancy of the structure creates a serious and immediate hazard tohuman life or to property, the building official shall order the use discontinued immediately andmay order the structure, or portion thereof, vacated immediately.In the absence of a serious and immediate hazard to human life or to property, thebuilding official shall not order a use discontinued and shall not issue an order to vacate untilfive business days after the building official has given the required notice of a right to a hearingpursuant to Sections 104.12.1 and 117. For the purposes of this section,1.An “owner” of a structure is the record owner(s) of the structure, according to theofficial public records of real property maintained by the clerk of the county inwhich the structure is located;2.An “owner’s representative” is a person whom the building official reasonablybelieves to be a representative of an owner;3.A “use” of a structure includes its use as a residence or for any commercialpurpose; and4.The “users” of a structure include the structure’s residential and commercialtenants but do not include customers of commercial tenants or other personswho have no independent right to enter the structure.104.12.1 Right to hearing. Whenever pursuant to this code the building official ordersthe discontinuation of a use of a structure or equipment or or
sewage disposal systems. This code includes numerous references to the International Plumbing Code. For the sake of convenience and cost savings to the public in the preparation of Houston Supplement pages to this code, those references have not been revised unless the text of the
