The term plumbing as used in this article shall be construed to mean the installation of gas or water pipes, fixtures, apparatus and the necessary connections either for supplying gas or water to premises or for the removing of liquid and water-borne wastes from premises in the city, or both such purposes, and shall also denote installing fixtures, drainage and vent systems and gas or water distribution systems as the case may be.
(Code 1994; Code 2003; Code 2015)
There is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference, for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations for the practice of plumbing and gas-fitting, including the installation, maintenance, extension and alteration of all pipes, fixtures, appliances and appurtenances in connection with sanitary sewers and public and private water and fuel gas systems, the Uniform Plumbing Code, 1997 Edition, as recommended by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, such code being made as a part of the ordinances and code of the city as if the same had been set out in full herein, all as authorized and in the manner prescribed by K.S.A. 12-3009 through 12-3012 including any amendments thereto. No fewer than three copies of the uniform code shall be marked or stamped “Official Copy as Incorporated by the Code of the City of St. Francis,” and shall be filed with the city clerk to be open to inspection and available to the public at all reasonable hours of business.
Any person violating any provisions of such code shall be punished as provided in section 1-116 of this code.
(Code 1978, 5-301; Code 1994; Code 2003; Ord. 484; Code 2015)
The following sections of this article are in addition to the provisions of the standard code incorporated by reference in section 4-402.
(Code 1994; Code 2003; Code 2015)
The mayor or his or her authorized designee shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of this article and appointment of a plumbing inspector in accordance with section 4-204 of this chapter, which apply in a like manner to this article.
(Code 1978, 5-302; Code 1994; Code 2003; Code 2015)
The mayor may assume the responsibilities of or appoint some qualified officer or employee of the city to be and perform the duties of plumbing inspector as may be required, subject to the consent and approval of the governing body.
(Code 1978, 5-302; Code 1994; Code 2003; Code 2015)
The plumbing inspector shall have the following duties:
(a) To enforce all regulations relating to plumbing construction, alteration, repair or removal;
(b) May permit, with the approval of the governing body, on the basis of duly authenticated reports from recognized sources, the use of new materials or modes of construction, not provided for in this article, and may, for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this article adopt an accepted standard of material or workmanlike practices of federal or state bureaus, national, technical organizations or fire underwriters;
(c) To examine all buildings in the process of erection, construction, alteration or relocation in the city for the purpose of determining whether the work is in compliance with the plumbing permit given and in compliance with the regulations of the city pertaining to such work, including zoning regulations; and
(d) To keep comprehensive records of applications, of permits, or certificates issued, of inspections made, of reports rendered, and of notices or orders issued. All such records shall be open to public inspection during stated office hours, but shall not be removed from the office of the building official or plumbing inspector without his or her written consent.
(Code 1978, 5-304; Code 1994; Code 2003; Code 2015)
The plumbing inspector shall have the following powers:
(a) To enter any building or structure or premises at any reasonable hour, whether complete or in the process of erection, to perform the duties contained in this chapter.
(b) To adopt and enforce all such prudent emergency measures as he or she may deem necessary and expedient for the public safety under the laws of the city;
(c) May cause any work done in violation of this chapter to be discontinued until he or she shall have satisfactory evidence that the work will be done in accordance with the plumbing regulations of the city, subject to the right of any plumber, plumbing contractor or owner to appeal to the governing body.
(Code 1978, 5-305; Code 1994; Code 2003; Code 2015)
The plumbing inspector, or his or her agent, upon proper identification, shall have authority to enter any building, structure or premises at any reasonable hour to perform his or her duties as set out in this chapter.
(Code 1994; Code 2003; Code 2015)
(a) The governing body shall be the final determiner of the scope and meaning of all provisions of the plumbing code which may be unclear, ambiguous, or requiring interpretation.
(b) The plumbing inspector shall have power to modify any of the provisions of the plumbing code upon application in writing by the owner or lessee or his or her authorized agent, when there are practical difficulties in the way of carrying out the strict letter of the code. In approving modifications, the plumbing inspector shall see that the spirit of the code is observed, public safety secured and substantial justice done. The particulars of a modification when granted or allowed and the decision of the inspector thereon shall be entered upon the records of the plumbing inspector and a signed copy shall be furnished to the applicant.
(Code 1994; Code 2003; Code 2015)
A plumber or plumbing contractor must procure and maintain a. liability insurance policy in the amount of $100,000 for the death or injury of any one person and $300,000 for the death or injury of any number of persons in any one accident and $50,000 for property damage in any one accident. Such policies of insurance shall be issued by some insurance company authorized to do business in the State of Kansas. A plumber or plumbing contractor may qualify as to the insurance requirements by filing a certificate with the city clerk executed by the resident agent of such company stating that the required policy of insurance has been issued by such company for the purpose required by this article and that such insurer will not cancel the policy except upon giving 30 days’ notice in writing to the city; and that the certificate shall be filed for an annual period beginning January 1 and ending December 31 or such year.
(Code 1994; Code 2003; Code 2015)
Nothing herein contained shall prohibit any property owner from personally installing plumbing piping or equipment within and upon his or her own residence and intended for his or her personal use and permanent occupancy; provided, the owner shall satisfy the plumbing inspector as to his or her ability to install such piping or equipment, secure a permit, pay required fees do work in accordance with this article, and apply for an inspection and receive approval. Personal installation by an owner under this section shall be by himself, herself, for himself or herself on his or her own residence, without compensation and no person shall be employed to assist him or her in any way on such work except a plumber or plumbing contractor licensed by the city.
(Code 1994; Code 2003; Code 2015)
No plumbing materials, appliances or equipment shall be installed in the city unless they are in conformity with the provisions of this article and with the approved standards of construction for safety to life and property. Conformity of materials for plumbing materials, appliances and equipment to the standards of the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. shall be prima facie evidence that the materials, devices, appliances and equipment comply with the requirements of this article.
(Code 1994; Code 2003; Code 2015)
This article shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility or liability of any party owning, operating, controlling or performing any plumbing construction for damages to persons or property caused by any defect therein, nor shall the city be held as assuming any such liability, by reason of the inspection or re-inspection authorized herein, or the certificate of approval of any work or equipment authorized or by reason of any permit or license granted herein.
(Code 1994; Code 2003; Code 2015)