HomeMy WebLinkAbout12604 ORD - 04/23/1975, J
AN ORDINANCE
ADOPTING THE SOUTHERN STANDARD BUILDING CODE, 1973
EDITION, AND THE 1974 REVISION THERETO, AS THE BUILD -
IND CODE OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI; WITH CERTAIN
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS THERETO; PROVIDING FOR ADMINIS-
TRATION AND ENFORCEMENT; ESTABLISHING CERTAIN FEES;
REPEALING tONFLICTING PORTIONS OF CHAPTERS 3, 11,
AND 15 :OF-THE CORPUS CHRIST CITY CODE, 1958, AS
AMENDED; MAKING VIOLATIONS A MISDEMEANOR PUNISHABLE
BY FINE NOT EXCEEDING $200; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION
BY NOTICE; PROVIDING A SAVING CLAUSE;
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The book entitled "Southern Standard Building Code, 1973
Editioa" and t e 1974 revision thereto, and including Appendices D, I, and J
thereof, (a copy of which, authenticated by the signatures of the Mayor and
the City Secretary, and made a public record by this section, is on -file in
the City Secretary's office) is hereby adopted as the Building Code of the City
as fully as if copied At length in this ordinance, but with the following changes.
therein and additions thereto:
1. Chapter-1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 1 - ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 101 - TITLE AND SCOPE
101.1 - TITLE
The provisions embraced within the following chapters and sections shall
constitute and be known and may be cited as "The Building Code" hereinafter
referred to as "this code."
101.2 - CODE REMEDIAL
This code is hereby declared to be remedial, and shall be construed to secure
the benefical interests and purposes thereof which are public safety, health, and
general welfare - through structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate
light and ventilation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards
incident to construction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, use and
occupancy,of buildings, structures, or premises.
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101.3 - SCOPE
The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration,
repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and de-
molition, of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or
attached to such buildings or structures.
101.4 - EXISTING BUILDINGS
(a) If, within any period of twelve months, alterations or repairs
costing in excess of fifty percent of the then physical value of
the building are made to an existing building, such building shall
be made to conform to the requirements of this code for new build-
ings. '
(h). If an existing building is damaged by fire or otherwise in excess
of fifty percent of its then physical value before such damage is
repaired, it shall be made to conform to the requirements of this
code for new buildings.
(c) If the cost of such alterations or repairs, or the amount of such
damage, is more than twenty -five but not more than fifty percent of
the then physical value of the building, the portions to be altered
or repaired shall be made to conform to the requirements of this
code for new buildings to such extent as the Building Official.may
determine.
(d) For the - purpose of this section physical value of the building shall
be determined by the Building Official.
(e) If the occupancy of an existing building is entirely changed the'
building shall be made to .conform to the'requirements of this coda
for the new occupancy. If the occupancy of only a portion of an
existing building is changed and that portion is separated from the
remainder as stipulated in Section 412, then only such portion need
be made to conform.
(f) Repairs and alterations, not covered by the preceding paragraphs of
this section, restoring a building to its condition previous to damage
or deterioration, or altering it in conformity with the provisions
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Of this code or in such manner as will not extend or increase an exist-
ing non - conformity or hazard, may be made with the same kind of mate-
rials as those of which the building is constructed; but not more than
twenty -five percent of the roof covering of a building shall be re-
placed in any period of twelve months unless the entire roof covering
is made to conform with the requirements of this code for new buildings.
101.5 - XUNTENANCE
All buildings or structures, both existing and new, and all parts thereof,
shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. All devices or safeguards
which are required by this code in a building when erected, altered, or repaired,
shall be maintained in good working order. The owner, or his designated agent,
shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings and structures.
SECTION 102 - ORGANIZATION
102.1 - BUILDING OFFICIAL
There is hereby established a division of the Department of Inspections
And Operations to be called the Building Inspection Division, which shall be
in the charge of the Building Official.
102.2 - DELEGATION OF AUTRORITr
The Building Official is hereby designated as the person responsible for
the administration and enforcement of the Building Code. The Building official
may delegate said authority to assistants, inspectors, and other employees of
the Building Inspection Division as may be required to carry out his duties.
102.3 - RESTRICTIONS ONL EMpLOYEES
No officer or employee of the Building Inspection Division, shall be
financially interested in the furnishing of labor, material, or appliances for
the construction, alteration, or maintenance of a building, or in the making'
of plans or of specifications therefor, unless he is the owner of such building.
102.4 - RECORDS
The Building Official shall keep, or cause to be kept, a record of the
business of the division. The records of the division shall be open to public
inspection.
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SECTION 103 - POWERS AND DUTIES OF BUILDING OFFICIAL
103.1 - RIGHT OF ENTRY
The Building Official shall enforce the provisions of this code, and he,
or his duly authorized representative, may enter any building, structure, or
premises to perform say duty imposed upon him by this code.
103.2 - STOP WORK ORDERS
Upon notice from the Building Official that work on any building or structure
is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or un-
safe manner, such work shall be immediately stopped. Such notice shall be in
writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or to his agent, or
to the person doing the work, and shall state the conditions under which work
may be resumed. Where an emergency exists, no written notice shall be required
to be given by the Building Official.
103.3 - REVOCATION OF PERMITS
The Building Official may revoke a permit or approval, issued under the
provisions of this act, in case there has been any false statement or misre-
presentation as to a material fact in the application or plans on which the
permit or approval was based or whenever the permit or approval was issued in
error.
103.4 - UNSAFE BUILDINGS
(a) All buildings or structures which are unsafe, unsanitary, or not .
Provided with adequate egress, or which constitute a fire or wind-
storm hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in
relation to existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health by
reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, or
abandonment, are severally in contemplation of,this section, unsafe
buildings. All such unsafe buildings are hereby declared illegal
and shall be abated by repair and rehabilitation or by demolition in
accordance with the following procedure.
(1) Whenever the Building Official shall find any building
or structure or portion thereof to be unsafe, as defined in
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this section, he shall, in accordance with established
procedure for legal notices, give the owner, agent, or
person in control of such building or structure written
notice stating the defects thereof. This notice shall
require the owner with a stated time either to complete
specified repairs or improvements, or to demolish and
remove the building or structure or portion thereof.
(2) .If necessary, such notice shall also require the building,
structure or portion thereof to be vacated forthwith and
not reoccupied until the specified repairs and improve-
ments are completed, inspected and approved by the Build-
ing Official. The Building Official shall cause to be
posted at each entrance to such building a notice: "THIS
BUILDING IS UNSAFE AND ITS USE OR OCCUPANCY HAS BEEN
PROHIBITED BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL." Such notice
shall remain posted until the required repairs are
made or demolition is completed. It shall be unlawful
for any person, firm or corporation or their agents, or
other servants, to remove such notice without written
permission of the Building Official, or for any person
to enter the building except for the purpose of making
the required repairs or of demolishing same.
(3) The owner, agent or person in control shall have the rights,
except in cases of emergency, to appeal from the decision
of the Building Official,•as provided hereinafter, and
to appear before the Building Code Board of Appeals at
a.specified time and place to show cause why he should
not comply with said notice.
(4) In case the owner, agent, or person in control cannot
be found within the stated time limit, or,•if such owner,
agent, or person in control shall fail, neglect, or refuse
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to comply with notice to repair, rehabilitate, or to
demolish and remove said building or structure or pro -
tion thereof, the Building Official, after having ascer-
tained the cost, shall cause such building or structure
or portion thereof, to be demolished, secured, or required
to remain vacant.
(5) The decision of the Building Official shall be final in
cases of emergency which, in his opinion, involve imminent
danger to human life or health. He shall promptly cause
such building, structure, or portion thereof to be made
safe or removed.- For this purpose he may at once enter
such structure or land on which it stands, or abutting
land or structures, with such assistance and at such cost
as he may deem necessary. He may vacate adjacent structure
and protect the public by appropriate fence or such other
means as may be necessary, and for this purpose may close
a public or private way.
(6) Costs incurred under paragraphs 103.4(a)(4) and 103.4
(a)(5) shall be charged to the owner of the premises
involved and shall be collected in the manner provided
by law.
103.5 — REQUIREMENTS NOT COVERED BY CODE
Any requirement necessary for the strength or stability of an existing or
proposed building or structure, or for the safety or health of the occupants
thereof, not specifically covered by this code, shall be determined by the
Building Official subject to appeal to the Building Code Board of Appeals.
103.6 — ALTERNATE MATERIALS AND ALTERNATE METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION
(a) -The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use
of any material, or method of construction not specifically pre-
scribed by this code, provided any such alternate has been approved
and its use authorized by the Building Official. The Building
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Official shall approve any such alternate, provided he finds that
the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions
of Chapter XII, and that the material, method, or work offered is,
for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed
in the code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire - resistance,
durability, and safety. The Building official shall require that
sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claim
that may be made regarding its use. If, in the opinion of the
Building Official, the evidence and proof are not sufficient to
Justify approval, the applicant may refer the entire matter to the
Building Code Board of Appeals as stipulated in Section 111.
(b) Wherever reference is made herein to "approved" materials or devices,
unless otherwise expressly provided for, such "approved" materials
or devices shall be those as officially filed from time to time by
the Building Official in the written "Approved Materials and Devices
File" of the office of the Building Official, available during all
regular hours of business of said office for public inspection,
promulgated conformable to all applicable State Laws and the Charter
and ordinances of the City. Unless other guidelines are set forth
herein, the Building Official shall be guided by the standards and
approvals issued by the National Bureau of Standards, the American
Society of Testing Materials, and the Underwriters' Laboratories,
Inc., and similar agencies, and the periodic Bulletins, Letters,
Announcements, and Recommendations of the Southern Building Code
Congress.
103.7 - LIABILITY
Any officer-or employee, or member of the Building Code Board of Appeals,
charged with the enforcement of this code, acting for the applicable governing
body in the discharge of his duties, shall not render himself liable personally,
and he is hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage that may
accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the
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discharge of his. duties. Any suit brought against any officer or employee
because of such act performed by him in the enforcement of any provision of
this code shall be defeAded by the Legal Department until the final termination
of the proceedings.
SECTION 104 - TESTS
The Building Official may require tests or test reports as proof of com-
pliance. Tests, if required, are to be made at the expense of the owner, or
his agent,'by an approved testing laboratory or other approved agency. Copies
of such test reports or the results of all such test shall be kept on file in
the office of the Building Official
SECTION 105 - APPLICATION FOR PEBMIT
105.1 - WHEN REQUIRED
(a) Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to
construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or
change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to
erect or construct a sign of any description, or to in-
stall or alter fire extinguishing apparatus, elevators,
engines, or to install a steam boiler, furnace, heater,
incinerator or other heat producing apparatus, or other
appurtenances, the installation of which is regulated
by this code or to install a mobile home for occupancy
upon a lot, or to erect, construct, fabricate apply
or repair any roof covering or to cause any such work
to be done, shall first make application to the Building
Official and obtain the required permit therefor.
(b) A general permit shall carry with it the right to install
in any building or structure, or part thereof, heating
apparatus, elevators, sidewalk elevators, vaults, chutes,
coal holes, lifts, cranes derricks, steam power boilers,
steam, oil, gas or vapor engines provided the same are
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shown on the drawings and set forth in the specifications
filed with the application for the permit; but where
these are not shown on the drawings and covered by the
specifications submitted with said application, special
permits shall be required.
(c) Ordinary minor repairs may be made without a permit subject
to the approval of the Building Official; provided that
such repairs shall not violate any of the technical pro-
visions of this coda.
(d) See Section 504 for Temporary Structures
105.2 FOYA
(a) Each application for a permit with the required fee, shall
be filed with the Building Official, on a form furnished
by him, and shall contain a general description of the
proposed work and its location. The application shall be
signed by the owner, or his authorized agent.
(b) Each application for a permit shall indicate the proposed
occupancy of all parts of the building and of that portion
of the site or lot, if any, not covered by the building or
structure, and shall contain such other information as may
be required by the Building Official.
105.3 - DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS
(a) When required by the Building Official, two or more copies of
specifications, and of drawings drawn to scale with sufficient
clarity and detail to indicate the nature and character of the
work, shall accompany every application. Such drawings and
specifications shall contain information, in the form of notes
or otherwise, as to the quality of materials, where quality
is essential to conformity with this code. Such information
shall be specific, and this code shall not be cited as
whole or in part, nor shall the term "legal" or its
equivalent be used, as a substitute for specific information,
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(b) The Building Official may require details, computations, stress
diagrams, and other data necessary to describe the construction
and basis calculations and they shall bear the signature of the
person responsible for the design.
(c) All drawings, specifications, and accompanying data shall bear
the name and address of the designer. In the case of buildings
or structures of Group C. D, and E Occupancy, and all buildings
or structures exceeding two stories in height or 5000 square-
feet in area, except one and two family dwellings, such designer
shall be an architect or engineer legally registered under the
laws of this state regulating the practice of architecture of
engineering and shall affix his official seal to said drawings,
specifications and accompanying data.
(d) Plans and specifications for all buildings shall-indicate how required
structural and fire - resistive integrity will be maintained where a
penetration of a required fire - resistive wall, floor or partition will
be made for electrical, mechanical, plumblag and communi.atioa conduits,
pipes and systems and also indicate in sufficient detail how the
fire integrity will be maintained where required fire- resistive floors
intersect the exterior walls.
105.4 - PLOT DIAGRAM
The Building Official shall require drawings showing the location of the
proposed building or structure and of every existing building or structure on
the site or lot. He may also require a boundary line survey, if necessary,
prepared by a qualified surveyor.
105.5 - LIMITATION
An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have
been abandonded six months after the date of filing, unless before then a per-
mit shall have been issued.
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105.6 - ExAMTtamow OF DRAWINGS
The Building Official shall examine each application for permit and the
drawings and computations filed therewith and shall ascertain by such examina-
tions whether the construction indicated and described appears to be in accordance
with the requirements of this code and all other pertinent laws or ordinance.
SECTION 106 - PERMITS
106.1 - ACTION ON APPLICATION
(a) No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge,
alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any
building or structure in the applicable jurisdiction, or install
a mobile home for occupancy upon a lot, or cause the some to be
done, without first obtaining a separate building permit for such
buildings, or structures or mobile homes from the Building Official.
A permit shall be required for the erection, construction, fabrication.
application, or repair of any 100 square feet of roof covering as set
forth in this code.
(b) If the Building Official is satisfied that the work described in
an application for permit and the drawings filed therewith appear
to conform to the requirements of this code and other pertinent
laws and ordinances, he shall issue a permit therefore to the applicant.
(c) If the application for a permit and the drawings filed therewith
describe work which does not appear to conform to the requirements
of this code or other pertinent laws or ordinances the Building Official
shall refuse to issue such permit. Such refusal shall, when requested,
be in writing and shall contain reasons therefore.
106.2 - CONDITIONS OF THE PERMIT
The Building Official shall act upon an application for a permit with plans
as filed, or as amended, without unreasonable or unnecessary delay. A permit
issued shall be construed to be a license to proceed with the work and shall not
be construed as authority to violate, cancel, alter, or set aside any of the
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provisions of this code, nor shall such issuance of a permit prevent the Building
Official from thereafter requiring a correction of errors in plans or in con-
struction, or of violations of this code. Any permit issued shall become invalid
unless the work authorized by it shall have been commenced within six months after
its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permits is suspended or abandoned
for a period of one year after the time the work is commenced; provided, that,
for cause, one or more extensions of time, for periods not exceeding ninety days
each, may be allowed in writing by the Building Official.
106.4 - DRAWINGS TO BE KEPT AT SITE
When the Building Official issues a permit, he shall endorse in writing
or stamp both sets of plans "cleared ". One set of drawings so cleared shall be
retained by the Building Official and the other set shall be returned to the
applicant who shall keep said drawing at the site of the work and available for
inspection by the Building Official or his authorized representative.
106.5 - HAVARmus OR cOMPLE% WORK
Whenever the work to be covered by a permit involves construction under
conditions which, in the opinion of the Building Official, are hazardous or complex,
the Building Official shall notify the owner. The owner shall require that one.
architect or engineer who made the drawings or computations shall supervise such
work, be responsible for its conformity with the approved drawings, and forthwith
upon its completion make and file with the Building Official a written affidavit
that the work has been done in conformity with the approved plans and with'the
structural provisions of the code. In the event such architect or engineer is
not available, the owner shall employ in his stead a competent person or agency
whose qualifications are approved by the Building Official.
106.6 - FOUNDATION PERMITS
When application for permit to erect or enlarge a building has been filed
and pending issuance of such permit, the Building Official may, at his discre-
tion, issue a special permit for the foundations of such building. The holder
of such a special permit shall proceed at his own risk and without assurance that
a permit for the superstructure will be granted.
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106.7 - PERMITS NOT REQUIRED
(a) "Where any industry occupies a site of twenty (20) or more acres in
the use of said plant site and the conduct of general operations is such
that the plant site is inaccessible to the general public and the operations
on the plant site involve the assembly, disassembly, reassembly, alterations
or improvements under the supervision of a Registered Professional Archi-
tect or a Registered Professional Engineer, no permit shall be necessary
and no inspection shall be performed by the City for the erection of the
plant or the assembly, disassembly, reassembly, remodeling, alterations
or imporvements of the plant pr any portions thereof used in any manu-
facturing process, pilot plant use, laboratory testing or use of any
mechanical process equipment or laboratory testing of chemical or chemical
manufacturing equipment.
"Any building used principally as office building, shipping docks,
assembly room, restrooms, warehousing, and not for any purpose related to
the manufacturing or testing of equipment or operations, shall not be
exempt under this section from the necessity of obtaining a permit and
any .construction or repair of any such building or structure shall be
required to have a permit and shall be permitted only under a permit as
for the same type of building elsewhere within the City limits.
"In order to qualify for an exemption of the provisions hereof, an
affidavit shall first be filed in the office of the Building Inspection
Division of the Department of Inspections and Operations of the City of
Corpus Christi, setting forth sufficient facts to show that the af£iant
is entitled to the exemption requested, on the form provided by the
Department of Inspections and Operations.
(b) Permits and inspections are not required for construction, repair
or alteration of any building which is being used exclusively in
connection with the ranching or agricultural use of any tract of land
of ten acres or more in area, within the City of Corpus Christi, at
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the time of annexation so long as the entire premises being used for
agricultural or ranching purposes at the time of annexation is not
converted to any other use. Any building for residential occupancy
shall not be exempt under this section from the requirements for
permits and inspections.
SECTION-107 - FEES
107.1 - GENERAL
No permit shall be issued until the fees prescribed in this section shall
have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be approved until the ad-
ditional fee, if any, due to an increase in the estimated cost of the building
or structure, shall-have been paid, except as hereinafter provided.
107.2 - FAILURE TO OBTAIN A PERMIT
If any person commences any work on a building or structure before obtaining
the necessary permit from the applicable governing body, he shall be subject
to the penalty prescribed herein.
107.3 - ACCURATE RECORDS
The Building Official shall keep a permanent and accurate accounting of all
permit fees and other monies collected, the names of all persons upon whose
account the same was paid, the date and amount thereof.
107.4 - SCHEDULE OF PERMIT FEES
On all buildings, structures or alterations requiring a building permit,
fee shall be paid as required at the time of filing application, in accordance
with the following schedule:
(a) Permit Fees
1. Where the valuation does not exceed $100.00, no fee shall
be required, unless an inspection is necessary, in which
case there shall be a $1.50 fee.
2. For a valuation over $100.00, up to and including $15,000.00,
the fee shall be $3.00 per thousand or fraction thereof.
3. For a valuation over $15,000.00, up to and including $100,000.00,
the fee shall be $45.00 for the first fifteen thousand plus $2.00
for each additional thousand or fraction thereof.
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4. For a valuation over $100,000.00, the fee shal be $215.00 for the
first one hundred thousand plus $1.00 for each additional thousand
or fraction thereof.
(b) Moving of Building or Structures
For the moving of any building or structure, the fee shall be $10.00. -
(c) Demolition of Building or Structures
For the demolition of any building or structure, the fee shall be
$4.00.
107.5 - BUILDING PERMIT VALUATIONS
If, in the opinion of the Building Official, the valuation of building,
alteration, or structure appears to be underestimated on the application, permit
shall be denied, unless the applicant can show detailed estimated cost to meet
the approval of the Building Official. Permit valuations shall include total
cost, such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical equipment and other systems.
107.6 - SQUARE FOOT BASIS FOR ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS -
'An alternate fee schedule for permits for construction of one and two family
dwellings is as follows:
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
Concrete Slab Foundation
Pier or Piling Foundation
FEE FOR FIRST
FEE FOR EACS SQUARE
1,500 SQUARE FEET _
FOOT OVER 1,500
1st Floor 2nd Floor
1st Floor' 2nd Floor
3.6C /SF 3.00 /SF
2.4C /SF 2.00SF
2.7¢ /SF 2.250 1SF
1.8C/SF 1_Sp /SF
107.7 - FAILURE TO OBTAIN PERMIT BEFORE WORK ON JOB IS COM4ENCED
In the event that work for which a permit is required by this code 1s;
commenced prior to the issuance of the required permit, the permit fee shall .
be doubled.
107.8 - INVESTIGATION FEE
If the Building Official causes an inspection to be made, and the resultant
discovery of the inspector is that any work, for which a permit is required by this
code, is started or proceeded with prior'to obtaining said permit, then an inves-
tigation fee of $10.00 shall be paid in addition to the fee specified in sections
107.4(a) and 107.7.
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107.9 - MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION FEE
The fee for a building permit for the installation of a mobile home for oc-
cupancy upon a lot shall be $10.00.
107.10 - REDUCED FEES
Agencies of the federal, state, and county governments are exempt from the
payment of fees in connection with the construction or repair of building used,
owned, and located on property owned by said governmental agencies. Permit
fees for public schools, other political subdivisions having ad valorem tax -
exempt status, and for church sanctuaries and all other state constitutionally
exempt ad valorem tax entities, shall- be fifty percent of the regular permit
. fee.
107.11 - INSPECTIONS OUTSIDE THE CITY
(a) Fees for permits which require inspection outside the.city limits
shall be increased by ten ($10.00) dollars.
(b) Permit fees for buildings which are manufactured and inspected
outside the city limits prior to being moved into the city may be
Increased by the Building Official once annually per manufacturing
plant by twenty ($ .20) cents per mile plus twenty ($20.00) dollars
per 200 miles for the distance between the city and the plant, to
allow for annual in -plant inspections.
SECTION 108 - INSPECTIONS
108.1 - INSPECTIONS - GENERAL
(a) Before issuing a permit, the Building Official may examine or cause to
be examined any building for which an application has been received
for permit to enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the
occupancy thereof.
(b) When deemed necessary by ham, the Building Official shall make an
inspection of materials or assemblies at the point of manufacture of
fabrication.
(c) The Building Official may make, or cause to be made, the inspections
of all buildings and structures from time to time, during and upon
completion of the work, for which a permit was issued. He may accept
reports of inspectors of recognized inspection services provided that
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after investigation he is satisfied as to their qualifications and
reliability. No certificate called for by any provision of these
requirements shall be based on such reports unless the same are in
writing and certified by a responsible officer of such service.
108.2 - INSPECTIONS REQUIRED
(a) The Building Official shall inspect or cause to be inspected at
various intervals all construction or work for which a permit is
required, and a final inspection shall be made of'every building
of structure upon completion, prior to the issuance of the Cer-
tificate of Occupancy, as required in Section 109.
(b) The permit holder or his agent shall notify the Building Official
so that he may make the following inspections of buildings and
such other inspections as may be necessary.
FOUNDATION INSPECTION: To be made after trenches
are excavated and forms erected.
FRAME INSPECTION: To be made after the roof, and
framing, fire - blocking and bracing is in place and all
pipes, chimneys, and vents are complete.
FINAL INSPECTION: To be made after the building
is completed and ready for occupancy.
(c) No work shall be done on any part of a building or structure be-
yond the point indicated in each successive inspection without
first obtaining the written approval of the Building Official.
Such written approval shall be given only after an inspection
shall have been made of each successive step in the construction
as indicated by each of the foregoing four inspections.
(d) No reinforcing steel or structural frame work of any part of
any building or structure shall be covered or concealed in any
manner whatsoever without first obtaining the approval of the
Building Official, the designing architect or engineer.
(e) In all buildings where plaster is used for fire protection pur-
poses, the permit holder or his agent shall notify the Building
Official after all lathing and backing is in place. No plaster
shall be applied until the approval of the Building Official has
been received (See Chapter B).
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(f) When an inspection made by the Building Official, after receipt
of notification from the permit holder or his agent, reveals that
the portion of the construction as completed fails to comply with
the law, and a re- inspection is therefore required, then the permit
holder or his agent shall pay a re- inspection fee of $5.00 prior
to the conducting of said re- inspection.
(g) Special Hurricane Inspections
During such periods of time as are designated by the United
States Weather Center as being a hurricane warning or alert,
the Building Official shall make inspections to ensure that all
furniture, display racks, material and similar loose objects in
exposed outdoor locations, shall be lashed to rigid construction
or stored in buildings. Orders issued by the. Building Official
shall be oral or written and shall be given to the person on the
premises responsible for the custody, or management or care or
maintenance of said premises, or his employee or agent, and such
orders shall be carried out before winds of hurricane velocity
are anticipated.
SECTION 109 - CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
109.1 - WHEN REQUIRED'
No new building shall be occupied and no change in occupancy of a building
or part of a building shall be made until after the Building Official shall have
issued a certificate of occupancy therefor.
109.2'- CONTENTS OF CERTIFICATE
Upon completion of a building hereafter erected in accordance with approved
plans, and after the final inspection herein referred to, and upon application
therefor, the Building Official shall issue a certificate of occupancy stating
the nature of the occupancy permitted, in accordance with the provisions of this
code.
109.3 - TOTORARY OCCUPANCY
A temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued for a portion or portions
of a building which may safely be occupied prior to final completion of the build-
ing.
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109.4 - EXISTING BUILDINGS
A certificate of occupancy for any existing building may be obtained by
applying to the Building Official and supplying the information and data neces-
sary to determine compliance with the code for the occupancy intended. When ne-
cessary, in the opinion of the Building Official, two sets of detailed drawings,
or a general inspection, or both, may be required. When, upon examination and in-
spection, it is found that the building conforms to the provisions of this code
for such occupancy, certificate of occupancy shall be issued. A fee of $5.00
shall be paid at the time of application.
SECTION 110 - POSTING FLOOR. LOADS
110.1 - FLOOR LOADS
(a) No existing or new building shall be occupied for any purpose
which will cause the floors thereof to be loaded beyond their
safe capacity. The Building Official may permit occupancy of a
building for mercantile, commercial, or industrial purposes, by
a specific business, when he is satisfied that'it appears that
such capacity will not thereby be exceeded.
(b) It shall be the responsibility of the owner, agent, proprietor
or occupant of Group F and G Occupancies, or any occupancy where
excessive floor loading is likely to occur, to employ a competent
architect or engineer in computing the safe load capacity. All
such computations shall be accompanied by an affidavit from the
architect or engineer stating the safe allowable floor load on
each floor in pounds per sq. ft. uniformly distributed.
110.2 - SIGNS REQUIRED
In every building or part of a building used for business storage, in-
dustrial or hazardous purposes, the safe floor loads, as approved by the
Building Official, shall be marked on plates of approved design which shall
be supplied and securely affixed by the owner of the building in a conspicuous
place on each story to which they relate. Such plates shall not be removed
or defaced, and if lost, removed or defaced, shall be replaced by the owner
of the Building.
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110.3 - LOADS IN EXCESS OF POSTED CAPACITY
No such owner shall place, or permit to be placed, on any floor of a
building a greater load than the safe load so determined and posted.
SECTION III - BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
111.1 - APOUM]ENT
There is hereby established a board to be called the Building Code Board
of Appeals, which shall consist of five (5) members. Such board shall be com-
posed of one Architect, one General Contractor or Engineer and three members at
large from the building industry. The said Board shall be appointed by the City
Council.
111.2 - TERM OF OFFICE
Of the members first appointed two shall be appointed for a term of one year,
two for a term of two years, one for a term of three years, and thereafter they
shall be appointed for terms of four years. vacancies shall be filed for an
unexpired term in the manner in which original appointments are required to be
made. Continued absence of any member from regular meetings of the Board shall
render any such member liable to immediate removal from office.
111.3 - QUORUM
Three members of the board shall constitute a quorum. In varying the ap-
plication of any provisions of this code or in modifying an order of the Building
Official, affirmative votes of the majority present, but not less than three af-
firmative votes, shall be required. No board member shall act in a case in which
he has a personal interest.
111.4 - RECORDS
The Building Official shall act as Secretary of the Building Code Board of
Appeals and shall make a record of all its proceedings.
111.5 - PROCEDURE
The board shall establish rules and regulations for its own procedure not
inconsistent with the provisions of this code. The board shall meet at regular
intervals, to be determined by the Chairman, or in any event, the board shall
meet within ten days after notice of appeal has been received.
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SECTION 112 - APPEALS
112.1 - TIME LIMIT
(a) whenever the Building Official shall reject or refuse to approve
the mode or manner of construction proposed to be followed or
materials to be used in the erection or alteration of a building
or structure, or when it is claimed that the provisions of this
code do not apply, or that an equally good or more desirable form
of construction can be employed in any specific case, or when it is
claimed that the true intent and meaning of this code or any of
the regulations thereunder have been misconstrued or worngly in- .
terpreted, the owner of such building or structure, or his duly
authorized agent, may appeal from the decision of the Building
Official to the Building Code Board of Appeals. Notice of appeal
shall be in writing and filed within 90 days after the decision is
rendered by the Building Official. A fee of $25.00 shall accom-
pany such notice of appeal.
(b) In case of a building or structure which, in the opinion of the
Building Official, is unsafe or dangerous, the Building Official
may in his order, limit the time for such appeal to a shorter
period. Appeals hereunder shall be on forms provided by the Building
Official.
SECTION 113 - DECISIONS OF THE
BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
113.1 - VARIATIONS AND WDIFICATIONS
(a) The Building Code Board of Appeals, when so. appealed to and after a
hearing, may vary the application of any provision of this code to
any particular case when, in its opinion; the enforcement thereof
would do manifest injustice, and would be contrary to the spirit and
purpose of this code or public interest, or when, in its opinion the
interpretation of the Building Official should be modified or reversed.
(b) A decision of the Building Code Board of Appeals to vary the appli-
cation of any provision of this code or to modify an order of the
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2.
3.
Building Official shall specify in what manner such variation of
modification is made, the conditions upon which it is made and the
reasons therefor.
113.2 - DECISION
(a) Both the Building Official and the individual filing an appeal shall
have the right to appeal the decision of the Building Code Board of
Appeals to the City Council.
(b) The Building Code Board of Appeals shall, in every case, reach a
decision without unreasonable or unnecessary delay.
Chapter III and subsection 412.8 of Chapter IV are hereby deleted.
Chapter XII is hereby amended by deleting Figure 1205.1 and by amending
Table 1205.1 to -read as follows:
"TABLE 1205.1
BASIC WIND LOAD PRESSURES IN POUNDS PER SQUARE FOOTb'c
(Based on 100 year recurrence of fastest wind of 105 mph)
HEIGHT ABOVE GROUHDa, FEET
0-
30
31-
50
51-
100
101 -'
200
201—
300
301 -
400
401— -
500
501-
800
800 - 1,000
over 1,000
BASIC WIND LOAD PRESSURE,
POUNDS PER SQUARE FOOT
23.1
30.7
36.7
44.7
51.7
56.0
61.2
68.0
74.6
]6.9
a - Measured above the average level of the ground adjacent to the
structure.
b - To be modified by shape factors.
c - Velocity pressures are based on the formula:
P - 0.00256 x V2 x g�g0] 2/7 where
-
V = Wind speed in mpb; and
H - The height above grade (in feet) of the pressure
being computed."
4. Chapter 13 is hereby amended by adding a new subsection 1305 and
a new figure 1305.1 to read as follows:
"1305 - Floating Slab Foundations.
Floating slab foundations for one story buildings shall be in
accordance with figure 1305.1, except that in the areas known as Corpus
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Christi Beach and Flour Bluff where a stable sand and /or shell base exists,
the design of the slab reinforcement may be of 6" x 6" x 06 gauge steel
mesh."
5. Amend Section 2204 by adding new subsections 2204.72 2204.8, and 2204.9,
2204.10, 2204.11, and 2204.12, to read as follows:
"2204.7 — Housemover's License Required.
Moving permits shall be issued only to holders of current and valid
house mover's licenses. Any person, firm, or corporation engaged is or
desiring to engage iu.moving houses, buildings, or other *structures in
the City of Corpus Christi as defined above, shall apply to the Building
Official for a housemover's license, and iu such application shall state
the name and address of all persons owning any interest in said house
wing business. Said applicant shall pay at the time of application as
annual hous ver's license fee of $25.
2204.8 — Amount of Housemover's Bond.
The amount of the bond required by Section 2204.4 of this code shell
be $20,000. In lieu of said bond In the amount of $20,000; the applicant
may file a bond iu.the principle sum of $2,000 provided that in addition
to said $2,000 bond the applicant shalt file with the city by delivery to
the Building Official a public liability and property damage insurance
policy certificate naming the applicant as the assured and providing for
the payment of any liability imposed by 1sw upon such applicant to the
extent of $10,000 for each person for bodily injury and $20,000 for bodily
injury liability for each accident, and $5,000 for property liability
damage for each accident, and with certificate shell show that said in-
surance is in "force for the period for which the license is requested.
Said person, firm, or corporation may give as surety upon said bond a
good and reliable surety company or may give a sufficient personal bead
with two or more financially responsible persons as sureties. Before be-
coming effective, said bond requires the approval of the City Attorney of
the City of Corpus Christi, Texas. Said bond shall also be conditioned
that it shall not be discharged by one recovery thereon, but that the
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x!
C
--G CCU md L.-I
ST 1, AP
. v .
EZ"
O 0
L ev I- I
LT STfZZAP or COLT
71
2st Concrete w
I U11%;f VIC
round Laval
00TIMIGS Tour blocl;'End pad wqethcf.'
1
--#.-, —1STUP- or DOLT
Poured concrge. . e All Goncruto ' w.v:;t ba 2SC)Op_4
P '11-- or strops me 'Orr Ord
Ic ps mdo. -Y
cite-rioir P-Tafs. * -
—�Z .' •
Z. Ground 1.0 -f
C'J I
-24-
FIGURE 1305..1
4•.� #
#._ ;
LAY 4
;,�;: �y;� —
obligation is a continuing one, effective for all renewals of such license.
2204.9 - Term of License and Renewal.
A housemover's license shall be valid for one year from the date of
issuance, unless sooner revoked. A housemover's license may be renewed
at the end of its term by filing an application for renewal and paying
the license fee.
2204.10 - Improvements by Owner Required.
The owner of any house, building, or structure proposed to be moved
shall make all necessary improvements required in order for said house,
building, or structure to comply with the requirements of the building
code, electrical code, plumbing code, and zoning ordinance of the City
of Corpus Christi within. 90 days from the date of the issuance of the
moving permit. Extensions of such time as deemed reasonable may be
granted by the Building Official upon a showing of delay caused by
matters beyond control of the owaertand /or housemover. The application
for the moving permit shall be accompanied by am application for a
building permit, accompanied by complete plans and specifications showing
the changes and /or conditions of said house, building, or structure as
the same as proposed to be when moving, and all contemplated improvements,
signed by the owner or the owner's agent.
2204.11 - Nofificatioa, payments, and revocation of license.
(a) Any licensed housemover shall before moving any house, building,
or structure within the City of Corpus Christi give notice to all persons,,
firms, or corporations having poles, lines, wires, or other such fixtures
that may be affected along the route over which said house, building, or
structure may be moved, at least 24 hours before said house, building, or
structure shall be moved.
(b) Upon the completion of the wing operation and the final deter-
mination of the expenses, including time and material incurred by the city
by reason of services and material, all of which shall be shown by an
itemized statement furnished to the permit holder, the latter shall there-
upon pay such expenses to the City of Corpus Christi. Failure to pay
these amounts within 10 days after the receipt of such statement shall
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automatically cancel the housemover's license of such person, firm, or
corporation engaged in the business of house moving in the City of Corpus
Christi, Texas and a letter from the Building Official to such person, fir,
or corporation shall be sufficient to cancel such permit.
(c) The Building Official may revoke at any time a housemover's license,
if the holder of said license violates the terms of this code or of
any other ordinance of the city.
2204.12 - Exemptions for moving small buildings.
Any building or structure for which the maximum dimensions are less
than 13 feet 6 inches in height, 8 feet 0 inches in width, and 55 feet
0 inches in length may be moved without a housemover's license or moving
permit. Any mobile home bearing the inspection sticker of the Texas Bureau
of Labor Statistics Mobile Home Division may be moved without a housemover's
license or moving permit. The owner of any temporary field office building
not exceeding 12 feet in width and having a total height when loaded of
not exceeding 13 feet above the ground level may move such building to a
construction site or from a construction site to a contractor's storage
yard without having first obtained a valid housemover's license or moving
permit.
6. Subsection 2301.2 - CLASSIFICATIONS is hereby amended by amending paragraph
(b) thereof to read as follows:
"(b) Ground Sign - means an "Outdoor Advertising Display Sign" when
such sign is supported by uprights or braces in or on the
up ground; or
when such sign is mounted upon a vehicle, trailer, or mobile structure
principally used for the purpose of advertising.
7. Section 2301.3 is amended to hereafter read as follows:
"2301.3 - PERMITS REQUIRED
No outdoor advertising display sign shall hereafter be erected, con-
structed, altered or maintained except as provided in this code until after
permit for same has been issued by the Building Official as specified in
sections 105 and 106 and the fee paid as specified in section 107, Fees.
-26-
Before a permit is issued for erection-of a sign more than twenty -five
feet above natural grade, there shall be a registered architect or engin-
neer`s certificate provided by the applicant stating that structural members
will stead the stress to be placed upon them and that they are suitably
fire protected."
B.• Section 2301.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
2301.4 - PERMITS NOT REQUIRED
No permit shall be required for a shiingle'sign over a window or door
of a store or business establishment, annouaciug without display or ela-
boration, only the name of the proprietor and nature of the business; nor
shall a permit be required for a temporary ground sign advertising pro-
perty for sale or -rent or advertising a political message, providing such
sign is not more than fifteen square feet in area.
9i Section 2301.5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
23 01. 5 - MOBILE SIGNS
It is the expressed intention of this code that signs mounted on
vehicles, trailers, or other mobile structures used principally for the
purpose of advertising shall be required to comply with all of the pro-
visions of this code. Said signs shall be securely anchored to the ground
In an approved manner, or an approved alternate method of compliance with
structural requirements for wind pressure shall be used.
10. A new Chapter•XXX is hereby added, to read as follows:
"CHAPTER XXX
EXPOSED, GRADED, UNCOVERED LANDS
SECTION 3001 - GENERAL
(a) Exposed, graded and uncovered lands within the corporate limits of
the City of Corpus Christi, owing to its location on a coastal prairie, and
those lands within 5,000 feet of its said corporate limits, particularly
susceptible to denudation through wind - blowing of soils shall be considered
a detriment of the environment, an extreme annoyance and discomfort to the
inhabitants within the City and within the 5,000 foot zone adjacent thereto,
and a peril to traffic and, a hazard to the respiratory health of the people.
(b) Such lands in actual, present cultivation for agricultural purposes
do not pose a problem of like kind to the City and, in prevailing, good soil
-27-
management practice shall not foreseeably constitute such detriment, problem,
peril and hazard.
SECTION 3002 - SCOPE
This Chapter includes within its scope all lands, except lands presently
and actually under cultivation for agricultural purposes, within the corporate
limits of the City as the same may from time to time now and hereafter
exist and within five thousand feet of such corporate limits, and further
except for those plots defined in "Exposed land."
SECTION 3003 - DEFINITIONS
(a) "Aeolian Soil" is one that is capable of being transported out of
place on the tract or parcel of land where it occurs by a sustained fresh
wind, or a wind of lesser velocity, in a duration of not less than five (5)
seconds and by one or more of such durations within any total period of
two (2) hours outside of the bounding property lines within which it was
situated prior to any such transportation. An " aeolian soil" is also any
fine gravel, coarse sand, medium sand, fine sand, or very fine and falling
within the soil separate diameter limit ranges taken from the United States
Department of Agriculture as follows:
Fine gravel or very coarse sand ....................2 to 1. mm.
Coarse sand .......... ..............................1 to 0.5 mm.
Medium sand ............ ............................0.5 to 0.25 mm.
Fine sand ............... ...........................0.25 to 0.10 mm.
Very fine sand .......... ...........................0.10 to 0.05 mm.
Silt.................... ...........................0.05 to 0.002 mm.
Clay ..................... ..........................O.00Z to 0.001 mm.
Colloidal clay.......• .... ..........................Below 0.001 mm.
(b) "Exposed Land" is topsoil plowed, turned, graded, or uncovered, other
than land presently and actually in cultivation for agriculture, so that its
natural or artificial cover, if any, has been substantially removed or plowed
under, rendering such land subject to aeolian deposit in measurable quantities
or abutting land or lands. A plot of such land containing an area of less than
ten (10) square feet and situated, at its nearest edge, more than sixty (60)
-28-
feet from the nearest property line enclosing such plot shall not be subject to
the terms of this ordinance and shall be deemed not within its scope.
(c) "Fresh Wind" is a wind ranging in velocity from 19 -24 mph on the 0 -12
Beaufort Scale as modified by the United States Weather Bureau and shall be deemed
to be prima facie evidenced by the Inspector's reported observation of swaying
motion of small trees in leaf or of crested wavelets forming on inland waters where
such observations of such features occur within the subject tract or parcel or
within a radius of 300 feet of a property line of the subject tract or parcel.
Alternatively, a portable anemometer reading shall constitute such evidence.
(d) "Sands "; "Sandy Losms". For purposes of further definition hereunder of
soil textural classification the following rules from the modified Davis - Bennet
Triangle shall apply:
"Sand" or "Sands" contain 80% or more of sand.
'. "Sandy Loams" contain more than 50% but less than 80% sand and have less than
20% clay.
(e) "Watered" is the sprinkling of water on the exposed land so that the
subject land is completely covered thereby to an average three (3) inch penetration
in depth below the topsoil surface as evidenced by five (5) equally distanced 6"
borings and whereby such core samples each contain a ratio of *not less than 3 parts
water to 10 parts of soil.
SECTION 3004 - TESTS
For purposes of this code a soil shall be deemed prima facie properly classified
if the same is positively tested in. conformity with the following described mechanics
analysis or a demonstrably more refined and accurate variant thereof:
Place exactly-100 grams of soil into a pint bottle.
Add 10 cc of a saturated solution of Na2CO3 and fill the bottle three- fourths
full with tap water.
Stopper the bottle and shake it for five minutes in order to bring the soil into
suspension.
Wash the sand sticking to the sides down into the bottle and allow the solution
to stand for about two minutes.
Theoretically, only silt and clay are now in suspension. Carefully pour
off the suspended silt and clay, being careful to lose none of the sand.
-29-
Refill the bottle with water, shake vigorously a few times, wash down the
material sticking to the sides of the bottle, and again allow it to stand until
all of the sand has settled. Decant the silt and clay as before, repeating this
process until the supernatant liquid is clear when the sand has settled.
Wash the sand carefully into a large evaporating dish and allow to settle
again, then pour off as much of the water as possible.
Place the dish on a ring stand and heat gently with Bunsen burner until the
sand is dry.
After allowing the sand to cool, separate it into the various separates by
use of sieves arranged in the following order 20 mesh, 40 mesh, 60 mesh, and 80
mesh.
The material on top of the 20 mesh sieve is fine gravel; that on top of the
40 mesh is coarse sand; that on top of the 60 mesh sieve is medium sand; that on
top of the 80 mesh sieve is fine sand; the material passing the 80 mesh sieve is
very fine sand.
SECTION 3005 - OFFENSE DEFINED
It shall be unlawful for any person, as owner or as custodian, to cause
or permit to exist or be maintained exposed land within the corporate limits
of the city within five thousand feet of such corporate limits except lands
presently and actually under cultivation for agricultural purposes containing
aeolian soil or sandy loam therein, subject to transportation as stated in
the definition of "Aeolian soil," unless watered as herein defined and provided.
Every day such person causes or permits the existence of such unlawful condi-
tion shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 3006 - ENFORCEMENT
(a) The Building Official is hereby empowered to go upon any tract or
parcel subject hereof, irrespective of ownership or custody, for the purpose
of enforcing this ordinance, and for the purpose of removing one (1) 100 -gram
soil sample, more or less, not more often than once in a twenty -four (24)
hour period as to such tract or parcel, and may remove, take, and test such
sample as herein provided, and may retain custody of such sample until final
disposition of any civil or criminal action filed in relation thereto or for
one (1) year, whichever first occurs, without charge, damage, debt, or
liability therefor, his supervisors, or the City of Corpus Christi or its
officers. After such first occurrence the sample shall be returned to the
owner or custodian of such land upon demand.
-30-
(b) By this same police power license the Building Official may enter and
measure, without charge, damage, debt, or liability therefor, the perimeter
dimensions of any exposed land in a subject tract or parcel.
(c) By the same police power license the Building Official may enter, make,
and take the watered -test borings described in the definition of "altered ",.herein.
(d) Pherever there is observed by the Building Official or his assistants,
corrobroated by one witness, an accumulating deposit of aeolian or wind- driven soil
on the private land of one person, or upon any public street, way, or place,
such deposit occupying thereon an area of six (6) square feet or more, proceeding
presently from the exposed land of another person, having ownership therein or
custody thereof and such condition substantially persists for fifteen (15) seconds,
the offense and condition herein denounced and declared shall be deemed, prima
facie, complete and actionable .°
11.- A new Chapter RW is hereby added, to read as follows:
"CHAPTER MMI
PIERS AND PILINGS
SECTION 3101
It shall be unlawful, unless specifically provided by this code, for any
person, firm or corporation to place, build or construct or maintain any pier
or piling, post, pipe or pole in the waters of Corpus Christi Bay, within
the City limits of the City of Corpus Christi, or to maintain or fail to re-
move the same after receiving notice as hereinafter provided.
SECTION 3102 - PERMITS nquIRED
The Building Official shall issue permits for the placing, building or
construction of any pier or any piling, post, pipe or pole in the Corpus Christi
Bay waters, within the City limits of the City of Corpus Christi, Each permit
shall be for a specific pole, pipe, post, piling or for the construction of a
pier or other structure at a specific locality within the Bay waters of the City
and shall specify the dimensions and the type of materials to be used and de-
scribe the upland to which said placement or structure is attached. Such permit
-31-
shall be issued only upon furnishing of information to the Building Official suf-
ficient to place such information in the permit requested. Compliance with the
provisions in the obtaining of a permit shall not relieve any person, firm or
corporation from obtaining authority from any other governmental body for the
placing of any facility or structure in Bay waters of the City.
All poles, pipes, posts, piling, piers and /or other structures heretofore
placed in the Corpus Christi Bay waters of the City within limits set forth,
shall be registered by application for a permit for an existing facility or
structure or removed without the requirement of any notice. The Building Official
shall make inspection of the Bay waters of the City, and upon discovery of any pole,
Pipe. post, piling of pier which has not been registered the Building Official
shall issue written notice requiring the removal of such facility or structure
ten (10) days from the date of delivery of such notice.
SECTION 3103 - EXISTING STRDCTDRES
Any upland owner who has in existence any pole, pipe, piling, post, pier
and /or other structure in the water area riparian to his land and within the Bay
waters of Corpus Christi Bay and extending from the shore within the extension of
the property lines into the Corpus Christi Bay waters of the City of Corpus
Christi for a distance of 1,000 feet from the shore shall immediately comply with
any notice from the Building Official and shall comply with the registration
and permit requirements. No fee shall be cahrged for registration of the existence
of such pole, pipe, post, piling, pier and /or other structure, but a fee as
provided in Section 107 shall be paid for each permit for repair or construction.
SECTION 3104 - BOAT AND FISHING FEIRS
(1) All boat piers and fishing piers are to be reinforced concrete and /or
heavy timber construction.
(2) Wood piles used to support boat and fishing piers shall be pressure im-
pregnated with coal tar creosote to a minimum final retention of 20 pounds per
cubic foot in accordance with Appendix "C ".
• (3) The piles shall be driven to a minimum penetration below the mud line
equivalent to 1/2 the length of the cut -off pile,
-32-
t
(4) All piers shall be designed to withstand a total live load of 100 pounds
per square foot.
(5) All wooden structural members below the walkway level (caps, stringers,
braces, etc.) shall be pressure impregnated with coal tar creosote to a minimum
final retention of 12 pounds per cubic foot.
(6) The primary pier walkway or platform shall be of a minimum elevation
of 6 feet above mean tide level as established in the U. S. Coast & Geodetic Sur-
vey Bench Mark Datum.
(7) Piers constructed inside the breakwater or within protected waters
may be built at an elevation lower than 6 feet.
(8) A11 wooden caps, stringers, beams, etc., shall be positively connected
to its supporting member in such a manner so as to completely resist their dis-
placement by wave action.
(9) Wooden decking shall be one inch (1 ") rough sawn untreated lumber
nailed to its supporting member in such a manner to allow the decking to be dis-
placed by wave action.
(10) All hardware is to be hot -dip galvanized in accordance with ASTI
Standard A153 -61.
(11) All piers are to be designed by an engineer or architect licensed by
the State of Texas.
(12) Damaged piers may be rebuilt at their original elevation providing that
at least 75% of the existing pilings are sound. The Building Official shall make
this determination. All piers not meeting this requirement shall be removed.
(13) Damaged piers not completely rebuilt shall be completely removed.
The preceding subparagraphs numbered (1) through (13) shall apply* to all
boat and fishing piers extending into Nueces Bay and Corpus Christi Bay from
land lying within Nueces County.
SECTION 3105
All piers shall be* designed to withstand a total live load of 50 pounds per
square foot.
-33-
Wooden decking may not exceed 2" thickness and shall be nailed to its sup-
porting member in such a manner to allow decking to be displaced by wave action."
12. A new Chapter XMI is hereby added, to read as follows:
"CHAPTER X MX
MINIMUM ELEVATION ABOVE
MEAN TIDE LEVEL FOR STRUCTURES
3201 - General
No building or structure shall be erected in the corporate limits of the City
having a first floor elevation of less than seven (7') feet above mean tide level
as established by the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Bench Mark Datum and no build-
ing or structure shall be erected upon a natural grade of less than seven (7')
feet elevation above mean tide level as established by the U. S. Coast and Geodetic
Survey Bench.Mark Datum, except as hereinafter expressly provided.
3202 - Residential Buildings
(a) All buildings classified as Group "A" - Residential Occupancy and
all occupied mobile homes shall have a minimum first floor elevation of twelve
(12) feet above mean tide level as established by the U. S. Coast and Geodetic
Survey Bench Mark Datum, except in those areas specified by Figure 3202.1,
where the minimum elevation shall be thirteen (13) feet, fourteen (14) feet,
fifteen (M) feet, sixteen (19) feet, or seventeen (17� feet as indicated.
(b) In addition, all other buildings or structures having a minimum
first floor elevation less than the minimum required for buildings classi-
fied as Group "A" - Residential Occupancy shall be designed by a registered
architect or engineer; shall use methods, materials, and anchorage to minimize
floor damage; shall be flood proofed to the level of the minimum first floor
elevation required for buildings classified as Group "A" - Residential
Occupancy; and shall locate and protect water and sewer systems to avoid
impairment or contamination during flooding.
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FlRure 3202 7 f--.
3203 - Areas Protected by Seawalls
The foregoing minimum floor elevation and design requirements shall
not apply in areas protected by sea walls of elevation equal to or greater
than the minimum first floor elevation requirement for buildings classified
as Group "A" - Residential Occupancy where such areas are completely enclosed
within that control elevation.
3204 - protection Of Windows
Store front display windows and other windows larger than six (6) square feet
In area in such buildings or structures which are not protected by a sea wall of
the minimum required feet elevation shall be protected by a removable storm pro-
tection readily installable designed to withstand the action of wind'and rising
water.
3205 - Pilings Used To Elevate Structures
All wood pilings used to support structures shall have a minimum top
diameter of ten inches and a minimum preservative treatment of twelve pounds per
cubic foot. Tops of pilings shall be notched to receive sills. Fasteners used to
secure sills to pilings shall be minimum five- eights inch galvanized bolts with
galvanized ogee washers to supplement effective nailing. Nails used to secure Sim
to pilings shall be 20d or larger. Pilings used to elevate structures shall be
driven or placed a minimum of eight feet below natural grade, and all wood pilings
shall be effectively knee- braced.
13. Appendix D is hereby amended to read as follows:
"APPENDIX 'D'
HURRICANE REQUIREMENTS
D-1 - HURRICANE PRECAUTIONS
During'such periods of time as are designated by the Baited States Weather
Center as being a hurricane warning or alert, the owner, occupant or user of a
property shall take precaution for the securing of buildings and equipment. Canvas
awnings and swing signs shall be lashed to rigid construction, tents shall be taken
down and stored or lashed to the ground, and such other precautions shall be taken
for the securing of buildings or structures or material or equipment as may be
reasonably required.
-35-
D-Z - CANTILEVERED PROJECTIONS
Cantilevered projections, iucluding but not limited to exterior balconies,
on the exterior of buildings shall be designed for not less than 60 pounds
per square foot live load or 200 pounds per linear foot live load applied at
the outer edge.
D-3 - PARAPET WALL LOADS
Parapet walls shall be designed to withstand all applicable loading, in-
cluding but not limited to wind loads, as specified in this -Code.
D-4 - CONTINUOUS ANCHORING
Metal strap anchors, or other approved anchoring devices designed to
resist hurricane uplift and overturning loads, shall be used to secure rafters
or joists to top plats and top and bottom plates to studs in order to achieve
a positive continuous anchorage from roof structure to the foundation; anchorage
shall be at a spacing of 48" on center or at every third stud, whichever is
the lesser in distance. Metal strap anchors shall be galvanized steel, and a
minimum thickness of 19 gage.
D-5 - EXTERIOR WALLS AND TIE BEAMS
Exterior walls constructed of hollow concrete masonry units shall be not
less than a nominal thickness of 8 inches.
In all one and two family residences a reinforced tie beam shall be placed
around the perimeter at each floor and roof level on exterior walls of masonry
units. Reinforcing shall be not less than one No. 5 reinforcing bar. Beam size
shall not be less than eight inches. This beam may be constructed with approved
masonry units poured solid and tamped with concrete.
In all buildings (except one and two family residences) Of nonreinforced
masonry construction, hollow masonry units, masonry bonded walls and cavity walls
shall not exceed 240 square feet without approved vertical and horizontal sup-
port where the nominal wall thickness is eight inches and units are laid in Type
M, S. or N Mortar. Such walls when a nominal thickness of 12 inches and laid in
Type M, N, or S Mortar shall not exceed 360 square feet without approved vertical
and horizontal support.
-16-
Grouted Brick Masonry, when laid in Type M, Na or S Mortar, shall be supported
vertically and horizontally in areas not to exceed 1.20 times that allowed for
hallow unit masonry of comparable wall thickness.
Plain solid Masonry, when laid in Type M. N. or S Mortar, shall be supported
vertically and horizontally in areas not to exceed 1.10 times that allowed for
hollow unit Masonry of comparable wall thickness.
D-6 - cORNEgS- ROLLOV MASONRY CONSTRUCTION
Ia hollow masonry unit construction each unit cell shall be reinforced
with at least one No. 5 bar at all corners; poured solid and tamped with
concrete; such reinforcing shall be properly tied into the footing and
spandrel beam.
D-7 - WOOD TRUSS RAFTERS -ROOF CONSTRUCTION
All such members shall be securely fastened to the exterior walls with
approved hurricane anchors or clips.
.14- Appendix I is amended by adding a new section I -7 to read as follows:
"I -7 - ANCHORAGE - MINIM(JM HURRICANE TIE -DOWN REQUIREMENTS"
All mobile homes shall be anchored and tied down in a manner equiva-
lent to or better than the following. Approved blocking and Anchorage
is illustrated in Figure 1.
a. Number of Ties
I. Up to 30' mobile home length - 2 frame ties per side
2. 30' to 50' mobile home length - 3 frame ties per side
3. 50' to 70' mobile home length - 5 frame ties per side
4. Over 70' mobile home length - 5 frame ties per side
5. Plus - Over - the -home ties as Close to each end as possible
with straps at stud and rafter location.
b. Anchors
Soil test to assure that following will withstand. 3750 lbs. of
pull per 10' of mobile home.
1. Auger of dead man, 6 ".in diameter - arrowhead 8".
2. Auger or arrowhead depth 4'•- dead man 5'. All augers must
be screwed into the earth the full four -foot depth.
3. Anchor rod 5/8" diameter with welded eye at top. Must be
hooked into concrete when used in dead man anchors.
4. Anchors to slabs must equal above in pull resistance.
5. All augers, arrowhead or anchors shall be of galvanized steer.
-37-
C. Connections
1. Galvanize
or d or stainless steel cable - 318" (7x7 -7 wires each).
2. Galvanized aircraft cable - 1/4" (7x14 -7 strands of 19 wires
each), or
3. Steel strap - 1 -1/4" x . 035" - 8alvanized, with tensioning device._
4- Cable ends secured by 2 U-bolt clamps.
3. Steel rods - 5/8 "with ends welded closed to form an eye.
6. Turnbuckles 5/8 drop forged - closed eyes. Other tensioning
devices of similar strength approved.
d. Piers and Footings
1. Spaced at 10' intervals on both frame rails with end ones on
further than 5' from end of mobile home.
2- Footings of solid concrete 16" x 16" x 4 "."
3: Piers of standard 8" x 8" x 16" solid concrete block.
4. Wood blocks used for leveling shall not exceed a maximum thickness
of four (4) Inches. Such blocks must be of nominal 8 *' x 16"
dimensions.
5. Other equivalent piers accepted. An adjustable screw- anchor-
type colunu fastened to both frame rail and to a concrete
Pad of 4" thickness extending the length and width of the
mobile home is especially recommended.
e. Patio and Cabana Roofs
1. Two rows of vertical supports bars*- spacing 12'. Second row
to be down middle or at mobile home edge, anchored to concrete
floor or equivalent footings.
2. Other structures on lot must be secured.
3. Tip -out room's to be held by over - the -home tie at outer edge -
4. Clerestory roof requires over- the -home tie at end of each
raised session.
•f. Travel Trailers (Local Rule)
Travel Trailers to be left, or left, at parking site during United
States Weather Center hurricane warning or alert periods shall be
lashed to rigid construction and lashed to the ground, or stored
securely in permanent buildings, conformable as practicable to the
terms and conditions of Sections 101.6 and 108.3 of this Code-
A "Travel Trailer" is a vehicular, portable structure built on
a chassis and designed to be used without a permanent foundation as
a dwelling, primarily and independently of utility connections at
the parking site.
-38-
�Jr Gr1.1-. -• :::n, .�:...... �I':1:. :':-••] r.::• ?:. - . ". / ;tr' � 7 7 ) _ '
1 Min. cliam. ga.ty. "r1.ii•crait,, ,Whir: x a!j
!- - sit r��,,,.r�J� ;jt;�• ,�,,./�j ° .
e.
. 2 cable clamps r'
required
i
;1� ih = -ible x'4" r-
it
Drop fo�ged X X%
L10 eye j rt .
hPPa OVED
t -ti ni- ua Recommended blocking
.E-- dia - -eter 548t1
i °
Use steel or wood blocks
.Drop to distribute prtssure'
=`or ed f�^
Uiniarun
diameter 5/8 " --�.
- •• ii flri'd: tWa / rr. k�.lr4'�1 -� .:1fp� ;1.I i... �•
Jaw
aAuger type
I-beam frame ScYew artcho
rQOCd block IV
r`��-op of anchor• 4" Max. Thickness '
1 1 / F ;f 1
<--Solid concrete blocks _
Rat L !i ;� (t i
K ^j
FFooter - lo" x 15i1 x Ott < -6 "-
APPi20VED '. Approved blocking
-39-
i
SECTION 2
Appendices D. I and J are made fully a part of this code, and the requirements set
forth in appendices D. I. and J are requirements of this code. Other appendices are
solely for the purpose of providing information and recommended practices, and said
other appendices (not including appendices D, I, and J) shall not have the force and
effect of law.
SECTION 3
For the purpose of this code, there shall be no Fire District established in the
City of Corpus Christi.
SECTION 4
Ordinances No. 5941, passed October 26, 1960, No. 7797 passed November 17, 1965,
No. 8645 passed November 25, 1967, No. 8653 passed November 1, 1967, No. 8932
passed July 10, 1968, No. 9672 passed March 11, 1970, No. 9915 passed September
9. 1970, No. 9975 passed October 28, 1970, No. 10096 passed February 10, 1971,
No. 10238 passed April 7, 1971, No. 10379 passed July 28, 1971, No. 10636 passed
December 29, 1971, No. 11286 passed January 31, 1973, No. 11817 passed December
12, 1973, No. 11931 passed February 27. 1974. and No. 12427 passed January 15, 1975,
are hereby repealed.
Articles II, III, and V of Chapter 11 of the Corpus Christi City Code, 1958, as Z
amended, are hereby repealed.
Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) of section 15 -5 of the Corpus Christi City
Code, 1958, as amended, are hereby repealed.
Sections 3-4, 3 -7, and 3--8 of Article I. and all of Article II of Chapter 3 of
the Corpus Christi Code, 1958, as amended, are hereby repealed.
SECTION 5
Any person, firm or corporation who violates a provision of this code, or fails
to comply therewith or with any of the requirements thereof, or who erect, constructs,
alters, demolishes, or moves any building or structure in violation of a detailed
statement of drawing submitted and approved thereunder, shall be guilty of a mis-
demeanor and shall be liable to a fine of not more than $200. Each such person,
-4o-
r�
firm, or corporation shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day
during which any violation of any of the provisions of this code is committed -or
continued. The owner or owners of any building or structure failing to comply
with any of the provisions of this code, and the owner or owners of any premises
wherein a violation of the provisions of this code occurs, and any architect,
engineer, designer, builder, contractor, agent, person, firm, or corporation employed
therewith and who has assisted in the commission of any such violation, shall be
guilty of a separate offense.
SECTION 6. If for any reason any section, paragraph, subdivision,
clause, phrase, word, or provision of this ordinance shall be held invalid or
unconstitutional by final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall
not affect any other section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, word or
provision of this ordinance, for it is the definite intent of this City Council
that every section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, word or provision
hereof be given full force and effect for its purpose.
SECTION 7. This ordinance shall take effect from and after its final
passage and publication one time in the official publication of the City of
Corpus Christi, which publication shall contain the caption stating in summary
the purpose of the ordinance.
•4 v 3v ,
That the foregoing ordinance w read for t first time an passed
to its second reading on this the _ day of
�- 19�, by the
following vote:
Jason Luby
James T. Acuff
Rev. Harold T. Branch
Thomas V. Gonzales
Ricardo Gonzalez
Gabe Lozano, Sr.
J. Howard Stark
That the foregoing ordinance was read fo the second time and passed
to its third reading on this the % day of 19,ZC�, by the
following vote:
Jason Luby
James T. Acuff
Rev. Harold T. Branch
Thomas V. Gonzales
Ricardo Gonzalez
Gabe Lozano, Sr.
J. Howard Stark
That the foregoing ordinance r ad for the third time and passed
finally on this the day of —l� 19�, by the following vote:
Jason Luby
James T. Acuff Q J
Rev. Harold T. Branch
Thomas V. Gonzales
Ricardo Gonzalez
Gabe Lozano, Sr.
J. Howard Stark
PASSED AND APPROVED, this the
ATTEST: _A;W_
Se ary W.
APPROVED:
.—DAY 0A.amle 19 ! f
AGTIrIt City Attorney
19 73
MAY �
THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
PUBLISHER'S AFFIDAVIT
STATE OF TEXAS, lss:
County of Nueces. 1
Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, this day personally came....._.__.__
who being first duly sworn, according to law, says that he is the
m Aaa_ m�vArrt cinv of the Corpus Christi Caller and The Corpus Christi Times,
Daily Newspapers published at Corpus Christi, Texas, in said County and State, and that the publication of
�,,,•,,,•nnnl'N rr.F SID�11- --- t,}��t>>ildtn code of the .i V R� Cer&.1� -. +.o
of which the annexed is a true copy, was published in .
T
on the 26 day of _ Anri 19..75.,E
l _Times. Mpy1915 ®.
Bill Horton lass. Adv.
Subscribed and sw t °eethti��°' - ._.......•».•day of
Be Notary' Public, Nueces nty. Texas
1