_{Significant Changes in the 1997 Uniform
Building Code}

1996 National Electrical Code	1997 Uniform Plumbing Code
1997 Uniform Mechanical Code	1997 Uniform Fire Code

The Building Oracle gratefully acknowledges the many code officials from around the state of California who are in part responsible for the creation of this list, with special thanks to L.A. Basin's Ron Darville, Education Committee Co-Chair. Ron brings you building code seminars through the CALBO Training Institute (CTI) and CALBO Education week; check out his site at http://www.icbolabc.org/seminars.htm

_{UBC Section 1001.1}

_{Chapter 10, Means of Egress,
has been revised in its entirety. The term "exit" now refers to one of the three
parts of the means of egress system. Previously, "exit" or "exiting"
was generally used to describe the entire exit system, what is now referred to as the
means of egress.}

_{Chapter 10, Means of Egress,
has been revised to include the three-part means of egress: the exit access, the exit, and
exit discharge.}

_{UBC Section 1003.2.3.2
and Table 10-B}

_{Exit width multipliers have
been increased for H-1, H-2, H-3, H-7 and 1-2 Occupancies.}

_{UBC Section 1003.2.4}

_{The means of egress system
shall have a clear height of not less than 7 feet measured vertically from the walking
surface to the lowest projection from the ceiling or overhead structure.}

_{UBC Section 1003.2.9.2}

_{Emergency backup power
systems, when required, have been expanded, and shall now be installed in accordance with
the Electrical Code, Article 700-12.}

_{UBC Section1003.3.1.1}

_{All additional doors
installed for egress purposes shall conform with the width, height, leaf width, door
swing, floor level, lock or latch, and panic hardware provisions.}

_{UBC Section 1003.3.1.2}

_{Requirements for Special
Doors, Width and Height, Door Leaf Width, and, Swing & Opening Force, now apply when
the occupant load reaches 10 or more.}

_{UBC Section 1003.3.1.10}

_{The use of special time
delay egress control devices have been expanded to include Group F-2 and all Group S
Occupancies. This change brings this Section in alignment with the original requirements
found in Section 3304 (e) of the 1991 UBC.}

_{UBC Section1004.2.2
Exception 3}

_{Travel distance through
intervening rooms has been modified slightly so that the number of occupants that may pass
through more than one room is now limited to less than 10. The code previously permitted a
cumulative occupant load of 10 or less to exit through more than on intervening room.}

_{UBC Section 1004.2.2
Exception 5}

_{A provision has been added
which will permit access to two required exits through an adjoining or intervening room
from one- or two-story offices and similar administrative areas of H-5, Group F and Group
S Occupancies.

UBC Section 1004.2.2 and
1004.3.3.1}

_{The term "hallway"
has been introduced. Essentially, a hallway is the non-rated version of a corridor, and
for exit-access purposes, shall be considered as an intervening room.}

_{UBC Section 1004.3.4.3.}

_{General fire-resistive
requirements for corridors will now be triggered by the intervening room provisions of
1004.2.2 instead of by occupant load (with the exception of Group I and R-1 Occupancies).}

_{UBC Section 1004.2.2}

_{The term, "interior
court" (enclosed on all sides) has been introduced, and will be considered as an
interior intervening room, and thus, part of the exit access. Previously, exit courts were
required to discharge into a public way or exit passageway.}

_{UBC Section 1004.2.5.1}

_{Travel distances are now
measured in a straight line along the available path, instead of at right angles, around
permanent construction features and building elements.}

_{UBC Section 1004.2.5.2.1
and 1004.2.5.2.2}

_{Travel distances for
non-sprinklered and sprinklered buildings have been increased by 50 feet.}

_{UBC Section 1004.3.4.3
Exception 6}

_{A new exception has been
added that will allow non-rated corridors within Group B office buildings under certain
conditions, regardless of the occupant load.}

_{UBC Section
1004.3.4.3.2.1}

_{20-minute smoke- and
draft-control door and frame assemblies must bear an approved label followed by the letter
"S".}

_{UBC Section
1004.3.4.3.2.2}

_{Glazing adjacent to
20-minute smoke and draft control assemblies within a corridor requires three- fourths
hour protection, and is limited to 25% of the area of a common wall.}

_{UBC Section 1005.3.4.3
and 1005.3.4.4}

_{Exit passageway which are
400 feet or longer must be 2-hour fire-resistive construction. Interior doors into the
passage way now require 1 or 1-1/2hour protection. Previously, only3/4hour protection was
required.}

_{UBC Section 1006.1,
exception}

_{An exception has been added
that will allow the exit access to lead to a safe dispersal area on the same property as
the building being exited. Previously, the Code required exits to be a continuous and
unobstructed means of egress to a public way.}

_{UBC Section 1004.2.5 and
1006.2.3}

_{Travel distance in the exit
discharge, at other than at grade, is now regulated. This is in addition to the
traditional travel distance which is regulated within the exit access portion of the
building under 1004.2.5 and 1006.2.3}

_{UBC Section 1007.4.5}

_{Panic hardware is now
required for Group H, Division 6 and 7 Occupancies.}

_{UBC Section 1007.5.9 and
601.5.8}

_{The "suite"
concept has been introduced for Group 1, Division 1. 1, 1.2 and 2 Occupancies. One- hour
corridors are not required in a suite.}

_{UBC Table 1O-A, line 4}

_{Gaming areas have been added
to the less-concentrated use assembly uses.}

_{UBC Section 1105.2.2}

_{Unisex toilet rooms are
required in Group A and M Occupancies where an aggregate of six or more male and female
water closets are required.}

_{UBC Section 1203.3,
exception}

_{Natural or mechanical
ventilation of laundry rooms is no longer required in Group R, Division 3 Occupancies.}

_{UBC Section 1402.5
(see also, UBC 310.4)}

_{A new provision has been
added which requires window wells to extend below the window sill height for drainage
purposes:}

_{UBC Section 1605.2.3}

_{In seismic zones 3, concrete
or masonry walls and the diaphragm must have a positive direct connection to resist
horizontal forces. Embedded straps shall be attached or hooked around the reinforcing
steel.}

_{UBC Section 1806.6.1}

_{In seismic zone 3, anchor
bolt diameter and spacing for three-story raised wood floor buildings shall be
specifically designed by a professional.}

_{UBC Section 1806.6.1}

_{All anchor bolts shall be
provided with 3/16" thick 2" X 2" plate washers.}

_{UBC Section 1806.7.2.}

_{On foundations with
stemwalls, one number 4 reinforcing bar is required at the top of the stem wall and one
number 4 reinforcing bar is required at the bottom of the footing. UBC Sec. 1806.7.1. Slab
on grade footings with typical "turned-down" footings are to have one number 4
reinforcing bar at the top and bottom (monolithic slabs are may have one number 5
reinforcing bar).}

_{UBC Table 23-11-B-2,
footnote 1}

_{Roof nailing must now be
designed for roof heights over 35 feet.}

_{UBC Section 2406.4}

_{Polished wire glass may no
longer be used for fixed or operable panels adjacent to a door, or in other individual
fixed or operable glass panels. 2406.4, item 6 and 7}

_{UBC Section 3102.4.5}

_{Changes in size or shape of
a masonry chimney is prohibited within 6 inches above or below any chimney penetration of
a combustible floor, ceiling or roof component. UBC Sec. 3102.4.5}

_{UBC Section 3102.7.10}

_{Masonry that is
self-supporting does not require the installation of a noncombustible lintel over the
fireplace opening.}

_{UBC Appendix Table A-15-A}

_{UBC Appendix Table A-15-A
summarizes the allowable overlays to an existing roof.}

_{UBC Section 307.11}

_{Extensive revisions have
been made to semiconductor factories, Group H, Division 6 Occupancies to correlate with
the requirements found in Article 51 of the Uniform Fire Code.}

_{UBC Section Table 3-B}

_{Group S, Division 2
Occupancy separations have been reduced.}

_{UBC Table 3-E}

_{The basic exempt amounts of
hazardous materials presenting a health hazard in Table 3-E have been reduced in many
instances.}

_{UBC Section 403.7, #2}

_{Smoke detectors which are
required in high-rise elevator lobbies may now be installed in accordance with their
listing. This will now permit wall-mounted installations.}

_{UBC Section 404.5.2,
exception 2}

_{An occupancy separation is
not required between a food court and the adjacent tenant spaces, or, between the food
court and the mall.}

_{UBC Section 405.3.3.2}

_{Roof vents over a stage now
must be of "an approved type." Previously, the Code required that they be
"labeled by an approved agency:"}

_{UBC Section 406.7,
exception.}

_{A new exception now requires
a lavatory and water closet only in projection rooms where a projectionist is in
attendance for projection or rewinding film.}

_{UBC Section 503.4.8}

_{When work is exempt from
permit, wall and opening protection is not required for one-story Group U, Division I
detached accessory buildings which are accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy.}

_{UBC Section 506
Exception 2}

_{One-story Group F, Division
1 buildings used for the manufacture of aircraft may now have unlimited height:}

_{UBC Section 509.2}

_{Guardrails are now required
in specific seating areas where an elevation change of 30" or less occurs between an
aisle parallel to the seats and the adjacent floor or grade below.}

_{UBC Table 5-B, Footnote
10}

_{The maximum heights of Group
I, Division 1. 1 Occupancies have been reduced.}

_{UBC Section 1133B.4.4.}

_{Unenclosed stairways in
buildings of Type I or Type II F.R. construction may now have treads and risers finished
with any materials permitted by the Code. This will allow carpet to be used on unenclosed
stairways. UBC Sec. 602.4, exception and UBC 603.4, exception. Warning stripes are
required per California State.}

_{UBC Section 708.2.2}

_{Loose-fill insulation
material shall not be used as a fire block, unless specific testing supports its use.
Testing must demonstrate its ability to remain in place and to retard the spread of fire
and hot gases.}

_{UBC Section 709.6 and
709.7}

_{New provisions require
membrane penetrations to be protected the same as through penetrations, i.e., part of an
approved rated assembly, or, protected by an approved penetration fire-stop system.}

_{UBC Section 713.3}

_{Fire doors which protect
openings into an exit enclosure now require that the maximum 450' temperature rise
requirement be included on the approved label.}

_{UBC Section 1005.3.4.4 and 1005.3.5.3}

_{The maximum transmitted
temperature end point for exit passageway doors and horizontal exit doors is limited to a
maximum of 450'F after 30 minutes.}

_{UBC Section 713. 10}

_{UBC Section 713. 10 lists
five methods of how smoke damper actuation is to occur. Previous editions of the Code
didn't say how the damper was to be activated.}

_{UBC Section 714}

_{A new paragraph has been
added to UBC Section 714 which addresses sleeves that pass through fire- rated assemblies.}

_{UBC Section 801.1}

_{Spray applied fireproofing
will now comply with the interior finish requirements of Chapter 8.}

_{UBC Table 8-B}

_{A number of changes have
been made to the maximum flame-spread requirements in Table 8-B.}

_{UBC Section 904.2.7}

_{Approved quick-response or
residential sprinklers are now required throughout patient sleeping areas of Group 1,
Division 1. 1 and 2 Occupancies.}

_{UBC Section 905.2.4}

_{Opening protection in smoke
barriers now will permit the use of self-closing devices.}

_{UBC Section 1004.2.2}

_{A means of egress serving
other than Group H Occupancies shall not pass through rooms that contain Group H
Occupancies.

TOP OF PAGE}

_{Significant Changes in the 1996
National Electrical Code}

_{TOP OF
PAGE}

_{NEC Section 210-8(a).}

_{Additions and changes to
this Section now require GFCI's for all of the following:}

_{At grade-level of unfinished
accessory buildings used for storage or work areas, except those that are not readily
accessible.}
_{All exterior outlets.}
_{Crawl spaces at or below
grade level.}
_{All receptacles that serve
countertop surfaces in a kitchen, even if more than 6 feet from a sink. Note that the
requirements for wet bars have not changed.}

_{NEC Section 210-52(a)}

_{This change allows outlets
located in a floor to be counted as part of the required number, provided they are within
18 inches of the wall.}

_{NEC Section 210-52(b)}

_{The exception that allowed
an exterior receptacle to be part of the two small appliance circuits for the kitchen has
been deleted. The exterior receptacles must now be separate.}

_{NEC Section 210-52(c)(5).}

_{This addition limits
required countertop receptacles to a maximum height of 18 inches above the countertop.
This new section does not restrict receptacles above this height from being installed, but
they cannot be counted as part of the required number.}

_{NEC Section 210-52(d).}

_{Bathroom receptacles are now
required to be on a separate circuit and may not be located in a face-up position on the
countertop. No other outlets may be on this circuit.}

_{NEC Section 210-52(e).}

_{The Code now limits the
height of required outdoor receptacles to 6 feet, 6 inches.}

_{NEC Section 230-46 Exception 6.}

_{The basic rule for service
entrance conductors is that they are not permitted to be spliced. This new exception will
allow splicing provided a listed underground splice kit is used. This only applies to
existing installations and when specifically approved by the Building Official.}

_{NEC Section 230-70(a).}

_{This new section restricts
the service disconnecting means from being placed in a bathroom. This is an extension of
Section 240-24(e) which prohibits overcurrent devices in a bathroom.}

_{NEC Section 240-24(b) Exception 2}

_{Provided all conditions are
met, access to overcurrent devices are no longer required for each occupant of a hotel or
motel since hotels and motels that have continuous building management supervision are
similar to the multiple-occupancy building in Exception 1.}

_{NEC Section 250-50(b) Exception.}

_{Grounded-type receptacles
are required to have an equipment grounding conductor. This can be a problem when the
existing system has utilized non-grounded-type receptacles. The change in this exception
will allow, when necessary, replacing a non-grounded-type receptacle with a GFCI, which is
just as safe as going to the grounded service equipment.}

_{NEC Section 250-60(b).}

_{In the previous code, the
grounded conductor, neutral, was permitted to be used as the equipment grounding conductor
for grounding electric ranges, ovens, cook tops, and dryers. The new Code was revised and
the neutral conductor can no longer be used for grounding these appliances. This means
120/240 volt appliances will have to be installed with four wires. A new exception has
also been added limiting this to new installations only.}

_{NEC Section 250-113.}

_{Sheet metal screws are no
longer allowed to connect grounding conductors to an enclosure. Sheet metal screws only
have about one thread in contact with a box, thus making for an unreliable connection.
Self-tapping machine screws are not considered sheet metal screws since they have finer
threads and make a solid connection with a box.}

_{NEC Section 300-5(j).}

_{This new section fulfills
the need for the protection of conductors and equipment where there are potential problems
with earthquake, frost or other ground movements. This requirement can be met by an
expansion joint in the pipe riser, a flexible connection to the equipment, or by an
"S" loop in the underground cable.}

_{NEC Section 300-11(a)(1) & (2).}

_{This revised section
clarifies the code's intent that no wiring, fittings, or equipment is permitted to be
supported by the ceiling assembly unless specifically tested and approved as part of the
assembly. The Construction Review Committee and the Building Official have modified this
section by adding an exception which allows 3/4 inch or smaller conduit to be supported by
the ceiling assembly.}

_{NEC Section 331-4 (9).}

_{Electrical nonmetallic
tubing will become brittle and shatter when exposed to cold after being exposed to the
direct rays of hot sunlight. This addition prohibits exposure of nonmetallic tubing to
sunlight unless it is listed as "sunlight resistant".}

_{NEC Section 336-4(c) & 336-30(a)(3).}

_{A new type of
nonmetallic-sheathed cable "NMS" , as defined in Section 336-30(a)(3), is being
used in the construction of "smart homes". This type of cable includes
communication and signaling conductors in the familiar NM cable. It is permitted for
exposed and concealed work in dry locations and may be installed in the voids of masonry
or tile where not subject to excessive moisture. Its limitations are the same as for other
nonmetallic-sheathed cables.}

_{NEC Section 338-3(b).}

_{Previously Type SE service
entrance cable was allowed, without insulation on the neutral conductor, to be used as the
branch circuit conductor for electric ranges, ovens, cook tops, dryers, etc. The new
Section deletes this portion in order to coincide with Section 250-60 ending the use of
the neutral as the equipment grounding conductor.}

_{NEC Section 410-4(d).}

_{The title of this section
has been changed from "Pendant" to "Above Bathtubs", and has added
lighting track and ceiling fans to the list of prohibited items within the restricted
zone.}

_{NEC Section 210-8(b).}

_{Changes to this Section now
require GFCI's for all receptacles on a rooftop.}

_{NEC Section 210-52(b)(1).}

_{This change allows a
refrigerator outlet to be part of the two small appliance branch circuits or on a separate
circuit. Except for these two conditions it may not be connected to any other circuit.}

_{NEC Section 220-3(c)(6).}

_{Possible loads from signs
and outline lighting, must be included when doing load calculations on commercial and
industrial buildings.}

_{NEC Section 225-8(d) & 230-2(b).}

_{Whenever there is more than
one service, feeder, branch circuit, or any combination of these, in the same structure or
when serving two separate structures, a permanent plaque or directory must be provided at
each location that shows the location of all other disconnecting means.}

_{NEC Section 250-119.}

_{All terminals for the
grounding conductor, when not easily seen, are required to have a means of identification.
This can be accomplished by the works "green" or "ground", the letters
"G" or "GR", the standard grounding symbol, or a distinctive green
color.}

_{NEC Section 333-7 & 334-10.}

_{This addition to the Code
will now allow armored cable or metal-clad cable to be run horizontally through bored or
punched holes in wood or metal studs without additional support except within 12 inches of
any termination. Support for vertical runs has not changed.}

_{NEC Section 380-8(a).}

_{The maximum height for a
switch has been raised one inch to 6 feet 7 inches. The measurement is from the working
platform or floor to the center of the handle. Also, handicap codes restrict the height of
switches that are required to be accessible}

_{NEC Section 410-57(c).}

_{This new section prohibits
receptacles from being installed within a tub or shower space. This does not restrict the
installation of a GFCI in the space under a tub such as occurs with a cord and plug
connected spa/tub motor.}

_{NEC Section 422-18.}

_{The Code did not formerly
address how ceiling fans that weighted more than 35 pounds were to be attached. This
addition specifies that these ceiling fans must be supported independently of the outlet
box. The method of support must be as required in Section 370-23.}

_{NEC Section 500-2.}

_{The previous Code allowed
conduit in a hazardous location to have a bonding jumper where a wrench- tight joint was
impractical. This change now requires wrench-tight, threaded joints at all conduit
connections without regard to the job site conditions.}

_{NEC Section 501-4(a) Exception 1.}

_{In a Class I hazardous
location, rigid nonmetallic conduit is permitted where it is encased in two-inch thick
concrete, buried two feet below the surface, and with the last two feet of the underground
run in rigid or intermediate metal conduit. An equipment grounding conductor is required.}

_{NEC Section 514-5(a).}

_{The change to this section
requires the disconnect for gasoline dispensing equipment to be "clearly identified
and readily accessible". An important item to note, although the NEC does not
specifically locate this disconnect, the Uniform Fire Code, Section 5201.5.3, requires a
disconnect not less than 25 feet nor more than 75 feet from the dispensing equipment.}

_{NEC Section 680-4.}

_{Of the changes in this
section, the most important is the criteria for what is considered a permanent or
storable, swimming or wading pool. The 18 foot maximum dimension requirement was dropped
from the definition of a storable pool, thus any pool deeper than 42 inches, regardless of
other dimensions, is considered a permanent pool. Also, pools with nonmetallic, molded
polymer or inflatable fabric walls are considered storable regardless of size. The
definition of a permanent pool was revised to include all pools located indoors,
regardless of size or depth. Therefore, all electrical installations near an indoor pool
must comply with all Code requirements.}

_{NEC Section 110-12c.}

_{Internal parts of electrical
equipment shall not be contaminated with any paint or plaster or cleaner that will
deteriorate working parts of equipment.}

_{NEC Section 210-7 (d) 2.}

_{When an existing non-GFCI
type 120-volt receptacle is replaced in an area where current code requires GFCI
protection, the replacement receptacle shall meet current code and be GFCI type.}

_{NEC Section 210-8(a)7.}

_{GFCI protection required on
all receptacles serving wet bars and sinks of any kind.}

_{NEC Section 411-6.}

_{Lighting systems operating
at 30 volts or less shall be supplied from a maximum 20 amp branch circuit.}

_{NEC Article 625.}

_{New NEC Article regarding
electric vehicle charging system equipment.}

_{NEC Section 680-6(a)(2).}

_{Where a permanent pool is
installed, the location of a required receptacle is limited to a maximum of 6 feet 6
inches above the floor, platform, or grade level serving the pool. Other receptacles
located within 20 feet of the pool edge are not restricted in height.}

_{NEC Section 680-6(a)(3).}

_{Receptacles within 20 feet
of a fountain are now required to have GFCI protection. This dimension is measured from
the inside wall of the fountain or pool along a line that a supply cord would follow.}

_{NEC Section 680-6(b)(1) Exception 1.}

_{This exception has been
modified to require, lighting fixtures, lighting outlets, and ceiling fans, located less
than 5 feet from any pool or spa, to be protected by a GFIC. This applies only to existing
fixtures.}

_{NEC Section 680-12.}

_{Although this is a new
section, it is for clarification only. There is no change to the required location since
Section 430-102 already requires equipment to be "within sight from".}

_{NEC Section 680-20(b)(1).}

_{Liquidtight flexible
nonmetallic conduit may now be used to connect to wet-niche underwater light fixtures,
provided a minimum #8 insulated copper equipment grounding conductor is installed.}

_{NEC Section 680-42 & Exception.}

_{A self-contained or packaged
spa or hot tub assembly must be protected by a GFCI. The exception allows for a
"listed" assembly to be marked to indicate that integral GFCI protection is
provided for all electrical parts within the unit. This includes all parts of the
assembly.

TOP OF PAGE}

_{Highlights of 1997 Uniform Plumbing
Code Changes}

_{TOP OF
PAGE}

_{UPC SECTION 402.6

Metered Faucets.
Self-closing or automatic metering faucets shall be installed on lavatories intended to
serve the transient pubic, such as those in, but not limited to, service stations, train
stations, airports, restaurants and convention halls. Metered faucets shall deliver not
more than 0.25 gallons of water per use.}

_{UPC SECTION 409.1

Water closet bowls for
public use shall be of the elongated type. In nurseries, school and other similar places
where plumbing fixtures are provided for the use of children under six I 6) years of age,
water Closets shall be of a size and height suitable for children's use.}

_{UPC SECTION 412.2

Location of floor drains.
Floor drains are to be installed in commercial kitchens, in laundry rooms in commercial
buildings and common laundry rooms in multi-family dwellings, and in non-residential
restrooms containing two or more water closets or a urinal and water closet.}

_{UPC SECTION 412.8

Shower Receptors. The
weep holes located in the subdrain clamping ring shall be protected from clogging.}

_{UPC SECTION 603.4.8

Faucets with pull-out
spouts shall be in compliance with the appropriate standards listed in Table 14-1 that
include these specific types of faucets and require an atmospheric vacuum breaker to
protect the water supply,}

_{UPC SECTION 603.4.14

Water Treatment Units.
Reverse osmosis drinking water treatment units shall meet the requirements of the
appropriate standards referenced in Table 14-1. Waste or discharge from reverse osmosis or
other types of water treatment units shall enter the drainage system through an airgap.}

_{UPC SECTION 609.10

Water Hammer. All
building water supply systems in which quick-acting valves are installed shall be provided
with devices able to absorb high pressures resulting from the quick closing of these
valves. These pressure-absorbing devices shall be either air chambers or approved
mechanical devices. Water pressure shock arrestors shall be installed as close as possible
to quick-acting valves at the end of long pipes, near batteries of fixtures or both.}

_{UPC SECTION TABLE 7-3

Drainage fixture unit
table revised.}

_{UPC SECTION 1101.13

All rainwater sumps
serving "public occupancy" buildings shall be provided with dual pumps arranged
to function alternately in case of overload or failure.}

_{UPC SECTION I 1 0 5. 2

All roof drains and
overflow drains, except those draining to hanging gutters, shall be equipped with
strainers extending not less than four inches above the surface of the roof immediately
adjacent to the drain. Strainers shall have a minimum inlet area above the roof level of
not less than one and one-half times the area of the conductor or leader to which the
drain is connected.}

_{UPC SECTION 1211. 3

No gas piping shall be
installed in or on the ground under any building or structure unless installed in gastight
conduit.

The conduit shall be of material approved for installation underground beneath buildings
and not less than Schedule 40 pipe. The interior diameter of the conduit shall be not less
than ½" larger than the outside diameter of the gas piping.

The conduit shall extend to a point at least 12" beyond any area where it is required
to be installed or to the outside wall of the building. The outer ends are not to be
sealed. Where the conduit terminates within a building, it shall be readily accessible and
the space between the conduit and the gas piping shall be sealed to prevent leakage of gas
into the building.}

_{UPC SECTION 1211.6

Underground ferrous gas
piping shall be electrically isolated from the rest of the gas system with listed or
approved isolation fittings installed a minimum of 6" above grade.

TOP OF PAGE}

_{Highlights of Changes to the 1997
Uniform Mechanical Code}

_{TOP
OF PAGE}

_{UMC SECTION 307.5

Equipment on roofs or
elevated structures shall be provided with an approved means of permanent access, the
extent of which shall be from grade or floor level to the equipment and it's level service
space. Such access shall not require climbing over obstructions greater than 30" high
or walking on roofs having a slope greater than 4:12. The previous exception allowing
equipment access to start eight feet above grade has been deleted.

EXCEPTION 1. Equipment may be accessed by a portable ladder for the single-story portion
of residence, garage or carport.

EXCEPTION 2. Equipment may be accessed by a portable ladder for the single-story portion
of an existing building if it does not exceed 16 feet.}

_{UMC SECTION 402.4

Make-up air. Ventilation
air supply shall be sufficient to provide make-up for exhaust systems when required by
this code or the Uniform Building Code. Make-up air systems shall be electrically
interlocked with their associated exhaust systems.}

_{UMC SECTION 601.5

Factory-made air ducts
shall be approved for the use intended or shall conform to the requirements of UL 181.
Each portion of a factory-made air duct system shall be identified by the manufacturer
with a label or other suitable identification indicating compliance with UL 181 and it's
class designation.}

_{UMC SECTION 702.1

Combustion air openings.
Exception will now allow one combustion air opening in an enclosure if it is located
within the upper 12" of the enclosure, the air is taken from the outdoors and the
appliance served has a minimum free air clearance of 1" on the sides and 6" on
the front.}

_{UMC SECTION 906.3

Installation of a listed
cooking appliance or microwave oven above another listed cooking appliance shall conform
to the conditions of the manufacturer's installation instructions.}

_{UMC SECTION 1004.1.1

Water heater pressure
relief valves shall be installed in the shell of the water heater tank or in the hot water
outlet. Where installed in the hot water outlet, the thermo-bulb shall extend into the
tank as to be actuated by the water at the top 6" of the tank.}

_{UMC SECTION 1311

Material for gas piping.
Corrugated stainless steel tubing may be permitted provided that it is part of a system
listed by a nationally recognized approval agency.

TOP OF PAGE}

_{Highlights of Changes to the 1997
Uniform Fire Code}

_{TOP
OF PAGE}

_{UFC Section 1006.2.4

Automatic Power fuel and
ventilation shutoff. The change is now to interconnect and arrange to automatically shut
off all cooking equipment and electrical receptacles, which are located under the hood,
when the system is actuated.}

_{UFC Section 1007.7.2.2.2

System initiation in
Group "A" occupancies.}

_{The original adoption of
requirements for Group "A" occupancies required automatic voice communication
systems was not appropriate for smaller assembly occupancy. The change is to include only
assembly occupancies with occupancy load of 1000 or more.}

_{UFC Section 1007.2.9.2}

_{Existing Group
"R". occupancies. This revision requires that both new and existing Group
"R" occupancies must be provided with single-station smoke detectors.}

_{UFC Section 1109.8}

_{Requirements for use of
candles and other open flame Decorative Device. These provisions apply to assemblies and
all drinking and dining areas whether or not they are classified as a Group "A"
occupancy. Also, in this requirement is a restructuring which clearly separates candles
and other open-flame Decorative Devices from flaming food and Beverage preparation.}

_{UFC Section 2901}

_{Repair Garages Article 29.
This section has specific ventilation requirements for repair garages dealing with natural
gas and hydrogen-fueled vehicles. The reason for different ventilation requirements is
because these gases are lighter than air.}

_{UFC Section 4901}
_{Hot Work.}

_{This section has been
rewritten to address an extremely repetitive fire ignition source, which is responsible
for untold life and dollar losses. This article now addresses fuel gas welding and arc
welding. This rewrite is designed to focus on the use of hot-work equipment and the fire
and safety issues surrounding its use. The title has also been changed to reflect a more
general ignition source hot work rather than welding.}

_{UFC Section 8101.1}

_{General Fire-Protection and
Life-Safety Features Section 8105 was added which deals with automated storage. Section
8102.31 correlates the separation of storage uses with Building Code. The previous edition
of the Building Code bundled many types of non-hazardous occupancies in Group
"B" Division "2"-occupancy classification; some form of separation was
needed for high-piled storage area. The change now classifies high-piled storage area as
Group "S" occupancies and provided requirements for this classification.}

_{UFC Section 8201

Liquid Petroleum Gases.}

_{Previously the use of L-P
Gas for residential or commercial cooking that was not considered demonstration was
prohibited. The present requirements are to allow a limited amount of L.P.G. with specific
controls.

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The Building Oracle gratefully acknowledges the many code officials from around the state of California who are in part responsible for the creation of this list, with special thanks to L.A. Basin's Ron Darville, Education Committee Co-Chair. Ron brings you building code seminars through the CALBO Training Institute (CTI) and CALBO Education week; please check out his site at http://www.icbolabc.org/seminars.htm