HomeMy WebLinkAbout5825-02.16.2026_Mechanical.docxDocusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
Prepared by Martin Petersen, City Attorney, City of Waterloo, Iowa, 715 Mulberry Street,
Waterloo, Iowa, 50703, 319-291-4598.
ORDINANCE NO. 5825
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF WATERLOO
CODE OF ORDINANCES BY REPEALING AND REPLACING
CHAPTER 5, MECHANICAL SYSTEMS, OF TITLE 9,
BUILDING REGULATIONS WITH A NEW CHAPTER 5,
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS, OF TITLE 9, BUILDING
REGULATIONS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATERLOO, IOWA AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Chapter 5, Mechanical Systems, of Title 9, Building Regulations, of the Code
of Ordinances of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, are hereby repealed and replaced as follows:
CHAPTER 5
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
SECTION:
9-5-1: Title
9-5-2: Application And Scope
9-5-3: Mechanical Inspector
9-5-1: Defective Work; Unsanitary Conditions
9-5 Maintenance; Change Of Occupancy
9-5-6: Application For Permit
9-5-7: Installation By Owner
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9-5-8: Notification For Inspection
9-5-9: Applicability
9-5-1: TITLE:
This chapter shall be known as the WATERLOO MECHANICAL CODE and may be so cited
and may be referred to hereinafter as "the code" or "this code". (Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022)
9-5-2: APPLICATION AND SCOPE:
The provisions of this chapter shall include and apply to all mechanical and fuel gas
systems, appliances and equipment regulated by the adopted mechanical and fuel gas
codes hereinafter installed, constructed, altered, serviced or repaired in, for, or about any
new, remodeled or relocated building or structure in the city. (Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022)
9-5-3: MECHANICAL INSPECTOR:
A. Appointment: The applicant for mechanical inspector shall fulfill all applicable civil
service requirements for the position of mechanical inspector. The building official will
appoint the new mechanical inspector. The appointment shall go to the mayor and city
council for approval. The mechanical inspector shall work under the direction of the
building official.
B. Qualifications: The appointee shall have had at least four (4) years of practical
experience in the design, planning, supervision and contracting for installation of heating,
air conditioning and ventilation systems. Two (2) years of experience may be substituted for
four (4) years of schooling if the study is in engineering or a related field. Schooling shall be
from a recognized school of continuing education; possession of a valid driver's license;
shall possess the ability and aptitude for the performance of required duties and shall have
thorough knowledge of the standard materials and methods used in the installation and
maintenance of heating, air conditioning and ventilation equipment; shall be versed in
methods of construction for safety to persons and property, the statutes of the state
relating to air quality and air pollution control and any orders, rules and regulations issued
by authority thereof, and in the uniform mechanical code.
C. Restrictions: It shall be unlawful for the mechanical inspector to engage in the
business of the sales, installation, or maintenance of heating, air conditioning and
ventilation equipment, either directly or indirectly, and the inspector shall have no financial
interest in any concern engaged in such business in the city at any time while holding the
position as mechanical inspector for the city.
D. Powers And Duties:
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1. The mechanical inspector is empowered to inspect any and all buildings or
structures, public or private, and to, as herein provided, order removed or remodeled and
put into proper and safe condition all heating, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment
and related systems for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare.
2. The mechanical inspector shall have authority to enforce this chapter and may bring
before the mechanical board proposals for modifications or alternate materials, methods,
and equipment to determine compliance with the intent of this chapter, provided that the
individual or entity affected provides satisfactory documentation to the board.
3. The building official shall be the executive official and administrative authority for the
administration of the mechanical code of the city.
E. Right Of Entry: Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the
provisions of this chapter, or whenever the mechanical inspector has reasonable cause to
believe that there exists, in any building or upon any premises, any HVAC condition which
makes such building or premises unsafe, the mechanical inspector may enter such
building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty
imposed upon by this chapter; provided, that if such building or premises be occupied,
they shall first present proper credentials and request entry; and if such building or
premises is unoccupied, they shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or
other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If
such entry is refused, the mechanical inspector or authorized representative shall have
recourse to every remedy by law to secure entry. (Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022)
9-5-4: DEFECTIVE WORK; UNSANITARY CONDITIONS:
Whenever it shall come to the knowledge of the mechanical inspector that the mechanical
or fuel gas system, appliance or equipment governed by this code in a building or structure
is defective or otherwise becomes a hazard to health or life, it shall be the duty of said
inspector to make an inspection of such system, appliance or equipment and render a
report to the proper party, setting forth the necessary repairs or alterations required to
make such heating, air conditioning or ventilation system conform to this chapter. The
inspector shall set a limit of time within which such repairs or alterations are to be made,
and upon the refusal or neglect of the owner, agent, lessee, or tenant to comply with said
notice within the time stated, the mechanical inspector shall cause such repairs or
alterations to be made or such nuisance abated and the expense of such work shall be
taxed against such property and become a prior lien thereon and as a personal judgment
against the property owner; or the inspector may order the premises vacated and closed to
further occupancy until such time as the required repairs or alterations have been made,
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all at the mechanical inspector's sole discretion based upon health or life safety concerns.
(Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022)
9-5-5: MAINTENANCE; CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY:
When a single-family structure is changed to multi -family occupancy, the following shall
specifically apply in addition to any requirements identified in the mechanical code:
A. Each unit shall be provided with a heating unit that will maintain room temperature in
accordance with the housing code of the city.
B. Transfer of conditioned air between units is prohibited. (Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022)
9-5-6: APPLICATION FOR PERMIT:
A. Permit To Do Work Required: It shall be unlawful for any person to construct or install
any fuel burning, space heating, air conditioning or incinerator equipment or
appurtenances subject to and covered by the provisions of this chapter in or for any
building or to alter, repair or convert any such existing fuel burning, space heating, air
conditioning or incinerator equipment or appurtenances as are subject to the provisions of
this chapter without first making written application for a permit therefor setting forth the
nature and extent of the work to be performed. (Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022)
9-5-7: INSTALLATION BY OWNER:
In cases where the owner/occupant desires to do heating, air conditioning and ventilation
work in the owner's own residence, the owner shall appear before the mechanical
inspector and show competency in the installations of heating, air conditioning and
ventilation systems. Upon such showing of competency and approval and payment of
required fees, a mechanical permit shall be issued. Said permit authorizes owner to do
heating, air conditioning and ventilation work only in the dwelling owned and occupied by
said owner without licensing, certificate of insurance or help from other than family
members. Said person performs all labor in connection therewith, has the necessary
inspections made and complies with code requirements. (Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022)
9-5-8: NOTIFICATION FOR INSPECTION:
A. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to notify the inspector that the work is ready for
inspection or test. All inspections require twenty four (24) hours' notice.
B. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to make sure the work will stand the test
prescribed before giving notification.
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C. If the inspector finds that the work will not stand a required test, or corrections are
required, the journeyman HVAC shall be required to notify the inspector when the
necessary corrections are complete for re -inspection. If the journeyman HVAC calls for a
re -inspection where corrections were required and the corrections were not made, a re -
inspection fee will be assessed to the contractor. The re -inspection fee shall be paid before
additional inspections are made.
D. If the inspector fails to appear within twenty four (24) hours, during normal working
hours, of the time set for each inspection or test, the inspection or test shall be deemed to
have been made, but the journeyman HVAC doing the work shall be required to file an
affidavit with the mechanical inspector that the work was installed with the ordinance and
permit, and that it was free from defects and that the required test had been made and the
system was found free from leaks. (Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022)
9-5-9: APPLICABILITY:
If an existing building is damaged by fire or otherwise or altered in a manner to require the
replacement of fifty percent (50%) or more of the structure as determined by the authority
having jurisdiction, the entire building shall conform to this chapter's requirements for new
buildings. (Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022)
ARTICLE A. MECHANICAL CODE
SECTION:
9-5A-1: Mechanical Code Adopted
9-5A-2: Amendments
9-5A-1: MECHANICAL CODE ADOPTED
The International Mechanical Code and N.F.P.A. 54 fuel gas code are adopted by this
reference except as added to, deleted, modified or amended otherwise herein, and there is
adopted as the mechanical code of the city, that certain mechanical code known as the
International Mechanical Code, 2024 edition, N.F.P.A. 54, 2024 edition, as prepared by the
International Code Council (ICC). (Ord. 5664)
9-5A-2: AMENDMENTS:
Where this chapter uses the phrase heating, air conditioning, and ventilation; fuel gas and
mechanical systems appliances, and equipment shall be understood to be included.
The following sections of the 2024 International Mechanical Code (ICC) and 2024 N.F.P.A.
54 fuel gas code are amended as follows:
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Section 101.1 Insert: city of Waterloo.
Section 101.2 Delete: Exception.
Section 105.2 of the 2024 International mechanical code Add: item #9, electric baseboard
heating system.
Section 108.2 of the 2024 international mechanical are hereby amended to read:
Permit fees. All mechanical permits fees shall be established by resolution of the city
council and paid prior to issuance of a permit or re -inspection.
Section 108.6 of the 2024 international mechanical are -hereby amended as follows:
Fee Refunds. Not more than 80 percent of the permit fee paid when no work has been done
under a permit issued in accordance with this code.
Section 113.1 Article B. Mechanical Board for Licensing and Appeals.
Section 114.4 of the 2024 international mechanical code are hereby amended as follows:
114.4.1 Any person, firm or corporation failing to comply with or violating any of the terms
or provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a municipal infraction and upon
conviction thereof, be punished accordingly.
114.4.2 If any mechanical work, including construction or repair, is performed within the
city contrary to the provisions of this ordinance, it shall be deemed a municipal infraction
and in addition to penalties described, shall be corrected in accordance with this
ordinance.
114.4.3 The omission or failure to perform any act or duty required by this ordinance or the
performing of any act which is prohibited or declared to be unlawful by this ordinance, an
offense or a municipal infraction pursuant to this ordinance or the international
mechanical code and/or N.F.P.A. 54 fuel gas code is punishable by a fine of up to five
hundred dollars ($500.00) for the first offense and up to seven hundred fifty dollars ($460
750.00) for each subsequent offense.
Delete section 108.4 of the 2021 international mechanical code and 2021 international fuel
gas code of the 2024 international mechanical code.
Amend section 507.2 of the 2024 international mechanical code.
Add sections 507.2.9 to the 2024 international mechanical code.
Section 507.2.9 Cooking appliances used in commercial -type occupancies such as places
of worship, fellowship halls, lodge halls, employee kitchens, and classrooms may need to
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be provided with a hood based on the type of appliances and processes in accordance with
sections 507.2, and 507.2.1. Light -duty appliances that produce heat or moisture and do
not produce grease or smoke may need to be provided with a hood in accordance with
sections 505.1, 501.1 exception 1, and 505.2. At the discretion of the building official or
designee, in all applications, portable fire extinguishing equipment shall be provided as
directed by the fire marshal.
Exception: If a type 1 hood with fire suppression system is not needed or installed, a
permanent etched sign with background contrasting letters at least 2 inches in height shall
be installed in plain sight on or near the hood stating "NO FRYING, GRILLING, SAUTEING
OR GREASE ALLOWED".
1. Complete and submit a use agreement form available at the building department.
2. The equipment is limited to a maximum of two domestic light -duty appliances in
any one location.
3. Complete hood coverage of the cook area is provided, and hood is ducted in
compliance with the mechanical code requirements for type II hoods.
4. Cooking practices are limited to tenants of the building.
5. Frying, sauteing, grilling or other grease producing activities that produces more
than minimal amounts of grease or grease vapor are prohibited.
6. Portable fire extinguishing equipment shall be provided as directed by the city.
7. A permanent etched sign shall be installed in plain sight on the hood stating, "ONLY
MINIMAL FRYING, GRILLING, OR SAUTEING ALLOWED".
8. Where the cooking equipment is to be used as training equipment, it shall not be
used by students without direct supervision of an instructor.
9. The approved use is tenant based. If the tenant changes, the occupancy changes, or
the type of cooking changes, approval of the alternative hood is voided.
10. City inspectors shall have the authority to immediately void the approval if any of
the above conditions are found to be in violation.
(Amend chapter 6 of the international mechanical code, 601.5.
Exception #5 will not apply to existing unaltered structures. All new single family or
existing single family converted to multi -family living will not be exempt.)
The following is added to national fuel gas code:
1. Maximum gas delivery pressure into a dwelling shall not exceed 14" water column
("w.c.").
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2. Pipe used for the installation, extension, alteration or repair of gas piping shall be
standard weight wrought iron or steel (galvanized or black). Corrugated stainless
steel tubing (C.S.S.T.) may be permitted for residential use only.
2A. Inspection Procedure For C.S.S.T.
(a) An air pressure test of a minimum ten (10) pounds for a minimum of fifteen (15)
minutes must be performed after the piping is installed in rough construction.
(Before cover of interior walls and ceiling are finished.)
(b) Another air test of the same requirement must also be performed after the cover
of walls and ceiling are complete. Both of which tests must be witnessed by the
mechanical inspector. At no time before this, will gas service be released to the
building.
(c) After final pressure test, piping can be connected to the gas service, a gas shut
off will be required before each connection is made into existing pipe, and
C.S.S.T. must terminate at ceiling or floor joist and hard piped with a shut off to
each appliance.
3. Gas piping larger than 2" (50.8 mm) in size regardless of gas pressure and any size
gas pipe carrying 1 pound p.s.i. or more gas pressure shall be welded black pipe
with welding performed by a certified welder and pressure tested to a minimum 50
pounds p.s.i. for no less than one (1) hour.
4. In lieu of the NEC, HVAC air handling equipment with a blower motor or electric
elements in a duct needs to be provided with disconnect means within reach of the
unit.
5. Fullway Valve/ Gas Valve. A fullway valve or gas valve controlling outlets shall be
installed on the discharge side of each gas meter and each unmetered gas supply.
Gas piping supplying more than one building on one premise shall be equipped with
a separate fullway valve to each building, so arranged that the gas supply can be
turned on or off to an individual or separate building provided. Such shutoff valves
shall be accessible, and on the exterior of the structure. This shall be in all new
construction, re -pipe, and gas shut off releases. (Ord. 5664)
ARTICLE B. MECHANICAL BOARD FOR LICENSING AND APPEALS
SECTION:
9-5B-1: Board Established; Composition
9-5B-2: Appointment, Terms
9-5B-3: Quorum
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9-5B-4: Powers And Duties
9-5B-1: BOARD ESTABLISHED; COMPOSITION:
A. Board Established: There is hereby established a mechanical board for licensing and
appeals, hereinafter referred to as the board, with authority and responsibility as follows:
1. To act as a board of appeals as provided in the heating, air conditioning and
ventilation code.
2. To periodically review the provisions of the heating, air conditioning and ventilation
code and recommend to the building official for improving and updating said ordinance.
B. Composition Of Board: The board shall consist of five (5) members, all of whose place
of business or residence is located in the city. All members shall be qualified by experience
and training to pass judgment upon matters pertaining to the installation of heating, air
conditioning, and ventilation systems. The membership shall be as follows: three (3)
certificate of competency holders, and two (2) members at large, with no one company or
interest being represented by more than one member of the board. The city mechanical
inspector or building official's designee shall act as secretary to the board. (Ord. 5664, 9-
19-2022)
9-5B-2: APPOINTMENT, TERMS:
A. Appointment Of Members: The members of the mechanical board for licensing and
appeals shall be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council.
B. Terms: After the initial appointment of the board, the terms of the members shall be
for three (3) years except that the initial terms shall be so arranged and staggered that the
terms of no more than two (2) members shall expire on December 31 of any one year. A
vacancy within any term shall be filled by appointment of the mayor with the approval of
the city council for the unexpired portion of that term only.
C. Compensation: The members of the board shall serve without compensation.
D. Organization: The board shall designate a member as chair and vice chair and shall
adopt reasonable rules for conducting its investigations and proceedings and shall render
all decisions and findings in writing to the building official with a duplicate copy to the
appellant and may recommend to the city council new legislation as is consistent
therewith. (Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022)
9-5B-3: QUORUM:
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Three (3) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business,
provided that a decision on a matter relating to a specific license shall not be valid unless
decided in the presence of a board member who holds a similar valid license. Any vote
taken for the purpose of suspending or revoking a contractor's license shall require a
majority vote of all members of the board. (Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022)
9-5B-4: POWERS AND DUTIES:
The mechanical board for licensing and appeals shall have the following powers and
duties:
A. To hold regular meetings when determined necessary for the purpose of conducting
examinations of applicants for mechanical certificates of competency or heating, air
conditioning and ventilation appeals.
B. To act upon reports of violations by licensed contractors as filed by the mechanical
inspector with the board.
C. To prescribe rules consistent with the provisions of this chapter for hearings before
the board to suspend, revoke, or reinstate licenses.
D. To keep a complete record of the official proceedings of the board; to preserve all
documents, books, and papers relating to appeals, examinations for licenses, and hearings
of complaints and charges for at least three (3) years.
E. To hear appeals from the decision of the mechanical inspector and to rule on
interpretations of the provisions of the heating, air conditioning and ventilation code. (Ord.
5664, 9-19-2022)
ARTICLE C. MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS
SECTION:
9-5C-1: License Required
9-5C-2: Conditions Of License
9-5C-3: Revocation Of License
9-5C-1: LICENSE REQUIRED:
A. License: No person other than those holding a current state mechanical contractor
license, in addition to their state master HVAC license shall be allowed to work at the trade
of heating, air conditioning, and ventilation in the city of Waterloo.
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B. Unlawful To Lend License: It shall be unlawful for any person to lend that person's
license, or to borrow the license of another person, nor shall any person offer to assume
the responsibility of another person's work, when such person's work would require that
person to be licensed under the provisions of this chapter.
C. Exemption: Homeowners working on their principal residence shall be exempt from
state licensing. (Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022)
9-5C-2: CONDITIONS OF LICENSE:
A. Advertising Without License: No person shall advertise in any way that they possess
the qualifications to engage in or carry on the heating, air conditioning and ventilation trade
or business in the city unless they are a bona fide holder of a valid contractor's license as
provided in section 9-5C-1 of this article.
9-5C-3: REVOCATION OF LICENSE:
A. Appointment Of Members: The members of the mechanical board for licensing and
appeals shall be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council.
B. Terms: After the initial appointment of the board, the terms of the members shall be
for three (3) years except that the initial terms shall be so arranged and staggered that the
terms of no more than two (2) members shall expire on December 31 of any one year. A
vacancy within any term shall be filled by appointment of the mayor with the approval of
the city council for the unexpired portion of that term only.
C. Compensation: The members of the board shall serve without compensation.
D. Organization: The board shall designate a member as chair and vice chair and shall
adopt reasonable rules for conducting its investigations and proceedings and shall render
all decisions and findings in writing to the building official with a duplicate copy to the
appellant and may recommend to the city council new legislation as is consistent
therewith. (Ord. 5664, 9-19-2022).
Section 2. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its final passage, approval,
and publication as required by law.
INTRODUCED: January 20, 2026
PASSED 1st CONSIDERATION: January 20, 2026
PASSED 2nd CONSIDERATION: February 2, 2026
PASSED 3rd CONSIDERATION: February 16, 2026
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of February 2026.
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ATTEST:
Signed by: AA ee
It IG�Grf id &
Keli yr elcte, City Clerk
CERTIFICATE
[Signed by:
2iMM-4, bet,SUA,
Vie
Davi oesen, Mayor
I, Kelley Felchle, City Clerk of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, do hereby certify that the
preceding is a true and complete copy of Ordinance No. 5825 as passed and adopted by the City
Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, on the 16th day of February 2026.
Witness my hand and seal of office this 16th day of February 2026.
Signed by:
Fticat
SEAL Kelley F efchle, City Clerk