necessary to describe the construction and basis of calculations and they shall bear the signature of the person responsible for the design.
103.4. MANDATORY LICENSE REQUIREMENTS.
(a)Only partnerships or corporations engaged in the business of plumbing contracting, installation or repairing shall be entitled to a permit under this Code for such business activities where there is regularly connected with such partnership or corporation a person or persons, actually engaged in the business of plumbing contracting, installation or repairing, who holds a valid Plumbing Contractor's License issued by the State of Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board.
(b)Only a person engaged in the business of plumbing contracting, installation or repairing shall be entitled to receive a permit under this Code for such business activities where such person holds a valid Plumbing Contractor's License issued by the State of Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board.
(c)All work requiring a permit under this Code shall be performed by an individual, firm, or corporation holding a valid business license in the City of Atlanta unless said work is by a homeowner in the single family dwelling occupied by that individual.
SECTION 104. PERMITS
104.1. ACTION ON APPLICATION.
(a)In accordance with Section 103.4 (Mandatory License Requirements), applications for permits shall be examined, within a reasonable time after filing. If, after examination, no objection is found to the same and it appears that the proposed work will be in compliance with the laws and ordinances applicable thereto, the application shall be approved and a permit issued for the proposed work. If examination reveals otherwise, such applications shall be rejected and the applicant notified by a written report or otherwise informed.
(b)The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of any violation of any of the provisions of this Code. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this Code shall be valid, except insofar as the work or use which it authorizes is in accordance with this Code.
(c)The issuance of a permit based on applications, plans and/or specifications shall not prevent the Director of the Bureau of Buildings from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said applications, plans and/or specifications or from preventing the work from being carried on thereunder when in violation of this Code or of other ordinances of the City of Atlanta.
104.2. PLUMBING PERMITS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THIS CODE.
The following equipment or systems do not require the issuance of permits in accordance with this Code provided such equipment or systems are installed in accordance with manufacturers requirements and applicable state and federal laws regulating such installation:
For repairs which involve only the working parts of a faucet or valve, the clearance of stoppages, the repairing of leaks where such repairing does not require the replacement of more than five feet of pipe, the replacement of defective faucets or valves or the removal. For repair of appliances already permitted may be made without permit provided no alterations are made in the existing piping fixtures.
104.3. PERMITS REQUIRED UNDER THIS CODE AND FEE SCHEDULES.
The following equipment or systems are required to be permitted in accordance with this Code, and Table I Fee Schedules.
(a)Any person obtaining a permit shall pay to the City of Atlanta fees in accordance with Table I, City of Atlanta Plumbing Division/Schedule of Permit Fees.
(b)Table I. City of Atlanta Plumbing Division.
Schedule of Permit Fees No plumbing permit shall be valid until the fees prescribed in this section have been paid to the City of Atlanta. Schedule of permit fees is as follows:
Permit Inspection Fees Minimum Permit Fee .
$50.00 Each Plumbing fixture 10.00 Each Plugged or Future Opening . . . . . . . . .
10.00 Residential House Sewer -New or Replaced . . . . . .
10.00 Roof Drain or Area Drain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.00 Water Heater . . . . . . . . .
20.00 Any Repairs, Alterations or Replacement of Fixture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20.00 Residential Disposal Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.00 Commercial Disposal Unit (not to exceed 1½ H.P.)
20.00 Commercial, Industrial and Multi-family Sew-ers, per foot . . . . . . . . . .
0.50 Commercial Industrial and Multi-family Wa-ter Service Mains, per foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.50 Residential Water Service Lines . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.00 Mobile Homes—Each unit (Same rate per fixture as residential)
Lawn Sprinkler System—Each . . . . . . . . . . .
30.00 Autopsy Table with Drain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15.00 Repair or Alteration of Drainage or Vent Piping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.00 Vacuum Breakers or Backflow Preventers or Protection Devices . . . .
10.00 Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems—Per Head Oil or Grease Interceptors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manhole under Jurisdiction of Plumbing Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection of Sewer Plug, Standpipes, per Outlet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Public Utility Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change of Contractor/ Company . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Miscellaneous Plumbing Fixture . . . . . . . . . . .
0.40 10.00 10.00 10.00 50.00 50.00 10.00 Where additional trips are required to inspect inferior work or installations which have been rejected by the plumbing division, a reinspection fee of $50.00 shall be imposed for each reinspection after the initial inspection when a written notice has been issued requiring the correction of inferior work.
(c)At the discretion of the director, a fee of double the usual permit shall be charged for any installation to which work has begun without a permit in lieu of serving citations to Municipal Court. Such permit fee penalty shall not exceed $1,000.00.
(Ord. No. 1998-9, § 3, 2-16-98; Ord. No. 2002-11, § 3, 3-5-02; Ord. No. 2002-35, § 3, 5-28-02)
104.4. CONDITIONS OF PERMIT.
(a)All work performed under a permit issued shall conform to the approved application and plans and all codes or ordinances governing the work or equipment for which permits were issued. All work shall be performed by an individual, contractor, firm or corporation licensed to perform such work except when performed by an individual installing, altering or repairing plumbing, plumbing fixtures, air conditioning and heating, air conditioning and heating fixtures, or electrical services in a single family dwelling owned and occupied by him.
(b)Individuals, contractors, firms or corporations licensed to perform work governed by this Code shall register their Georgia State Plumbing Contractor's license number with the Director of the Bureau of Buildings, with current and accurate information regarding address and phone number, before obtaining permits.
(c)One set of approved plans and specifications shall be retained by the Director and one set of approved plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant, which shall be kept on such building or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress.
104.5. EXPIRATION OF PERMIT.
A permit under which no work is commenced within six (6) months after issuance, or where the work commenced is suspended or abandoned for six (6) months, shall expire by limitation, and fees paid shall be forfeited. The application, plans, and specifications shall be reviewed and a new permit required before work is started or resumed.
The Director of the Bureau of Buildings may revoke a permit or approval, issued under the provisions of this Code, in case there have been any false statements or misrepresentations as to a material fact in the application or plans on which the permit or approval was based.
104.7. NEW CONTRACTOR OR ALTERNATE CONTRACTOR ON JOB.
(a)In the event that a contractor leaves or abandons a job to which a permit has been issued before the final inspection, that contractor remains responsible for any work on that job that is not in compliance with this Code.
(b)Any new contractor on any job which has not received final approval must apply for a new permit for all work on that job that has not been finalized and assume all responsibility. A minimum fee permit may be issued in accordance with Section 104.3(b).
104.8. REFUND OR PERMIT FEES.
Within six (6) months from the date of issuance of a permit, a refund request may be granted, as follows:
(a)When a permit has been issued in error as determined by the Director, the total fee may be refunded provided no work has commenced on that permit; or
(b)When a permit has been issued and the job has been cancelled, 50% of the permit fee may be refunded provided no work has commenced on that permit.
(c)Any overpayment or refund request of $50.00 or less shall not be refunded.
(d)No refund shall be issued for less than $50.00.
All applications for refunds shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the request. (Ord. No. 1998-9, § 3, 2-16-98; Ord. No. 2002-11, § 3, 3-5-02)
SECTION 105. UNSAFE SYSTEMS, APPLIANCES OR EQUIPMENT
105.1. UNSAFE SYSTEMS, APPLIANCES OR EQUIPMENT.
(a)Systems, appliances or equipment covered by this Code that may be or shall be found upon inspection to have become dangerous or unsafe, shall unless made safe and so certified by the Director of the Bureau of Buildings, shall be removed or the use of such equipment or systems discontinued.
(b)The term dangerous or unsafe systems, appliances or equipment shall include systems, appliances or equipment structurally unsafe, unstable or unsanitary; constituting a fire hazard, unsuitable or improper for the use to which they are put; constituting a hazard to health or safety because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or obsolescence; or otherwise dangerous to life or property.
105.2
105.2. NOTICE OF UNSAFE SYSTEMS, APPLIANCES OR EQUIPMENT.
(a)Upon receipt of information that systems, appliances or pieces of equipment covered by this Code are unsafe, the Director of the Bureau of Buildings shall make or cause to be made an inspection; and if it is found that an unsafe condition exists, shall serve or cause to be served on the owner, or someone of the owners, executors, administrators, agents, lessees or other persons who may have a vested or contingent interest in the same, a written notice containing a description of the particulars in which the systems, appliances or equipment are unsafe, and an order requiring the same to be made safe, as may be deemed necessary by him.
(b)If the person to whom such notice and order is addressed cannot be found, after diligent search, then such notice and order shall be sent by registered mail to the last known address of such person; and a copy of such notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises to which it relates. Such mailing and posting shall be deemed adequate notice.
105.3. DISREGARD OF NOTICE.
If a person served with a notice or order to remove existing unsafe conditions from systems, appliances or equipment or discontinue the use of same, should fail within a reasonable time as set by the Director of the Bureau of Buildings to comply with the requirements thereof, the Director of the Bureau of Buildings shall institute an appropriate action in the courts to compel a compliance.
SECTION 106. VIOLATIONS
106.1. NOTICE.
Whenever the Director of the Bureau of Buildings is satisfied that systems, appliances or equipment, or any work in connection therewith that is covered by this Code, is being erected, installed, altered or repaired in violation of the provisions or requirements of this code, or in violation of plans or specifications submitted and approved thereunder, or of a permit issued thereunder, a written notice or order shall be served by the Director upon the person responsible therefor directing discontinuance of such illegal action and the remedying of the condition that is in violation of the provisions or requirements of this Code.
106.2. STOPPING WORK.
Whenever, in the opinion of the Director of the Bureau of Buildings, defective or illegal work in violation of a provision or requirement of this Code is in progress, he shall order, in writing or otherwise, such work to be stopped, and may require suspension of all work until the condition in violation has been corrected.
106.3. PENALTIES.
(a)Any person who shall violate a provision of this Code or fails to comply therewith or with any of the requirements thereof shall be deemed guilty of an offense and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in Section 18-1008 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Atlanta. Where any offense continues from day to day, each day's continuance thereof may be deemed a separate offense.
(b)The owner of a building, structure or premises, where anything in violation of this Code shall be placed or shall exist, and an architect, engineer, builder, contractor, agent, person or corporation employed in connection therewith and who may have assisted in the commission of such violation shall each be guilty of a separate offense and upon conviction thereof shall be fined as herein provided.
(c)Any work performed after the issuance of a Stop Work Order shall be demolished promptly and completely at the expense of the responsible party. Demolition shall be carried out in accordance with applicable regulations and safety standards.
(d)No permits shall be issued for further construction, renovation, or alteration of the structure in question until it has been restored to its state as of the date the Stop Work Order was issued. (Ord. No. 2024-49(24-O-1093), § 3, 8-19-24)
106.4. ABATEMENT.
The imposition of the penalties herein prescribed shall not preclude the City of Atlanta from instituting an appropriate civil action or proceeding to prevent an unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use, or to restrain, correct or abate a violation, or to prevent the use of any equipment, appliance or system covered by this Code.
SECTION 107. ADVISORY BOARD
107.1. APPOINTMENT.
There is hereby created a Board to be known as the Plumbing Advisory Board, consisting of five (5) members to be appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Council. Each member shall be either an engineer or contractor with not less than six (6) years experience in the field of plumbing. The Board will elect one of its members as Chairman. Three members of said Board shall constitute a quorum thereof for the transaction of any and all business properly coming before.
All terms shall be for a period of two (2) years, except that any term shall be automatically extended until such time as the Mayor appoints a successor.
107.2. RECORDS.
The Bureau of Buildings shall provide secretarial services to the Advisory Board and shall make a detailed record of all its proceedings, which shall set forth the reasons for the decisions and the vote of each member participating therein, the absence of a member, and the failure of a member to vote. These records shall be submitted to the Board for their approval and then kept on file as a public record in the Bureau of Buildings.
107.3. 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 (10) days after notice of appeal has been received.
107.4. APPEALS.
Whenever any person shall be dissatisfied with any ruling, decision or order of the Director of the Bureau of Buildings, such person may make a written request to the Chairman of the Advisory Board for a hearing thereon. The Chairman of the Board shall thereupon call the Board to meet to hear and investigate such complaints. After a full and complete hearing on all questions in controversy, the Advisory Board shall render its opinion, concurring in, or recommending such changes in the order, ruling or decision of the Director of the Bureau of Buildings as it may deem fit or proper under the circumstances. Each action of the Board shall be by resolution, copies of which shall be certified to the Director of the Bureau of Buildings and the complaining party or parties. When the Director of the Bureau of Buildings has a question relating to any matter affecting this Code, the Director may call for the Board to meet to advise the Bureau on the problem.
107.5. EXPENSE TO APPELLANT.
Any appellant, or complaining party requesting a hearing before the Advisory Board shall pay the sum of Fifty ($50.00) Dollars to the City of Atlanta.
107.6. COMPENSATION.
Each member of the Advisory Board shall be paid Twenty-Five ($25.00) Dollars by the City of Atlanta for each meeting attended by him.
SECTION 108. LIABILITY
This Code shall not be construed as imposing upon the municipal, county or state authority any liability or responsibility for damages to any person or property caused by any defect in any piping or appliance mentioned herein, or by installation thereof, nor shall the local governing body or any official or employee thereof, be held as assuming any such liability or responsibility by reason of the inspection authorized hereunder or the certificate of approval issued by the Inspector.
SECTION 2: That Section 202, Definition of Terms, be altered by adding the following definitions in their proper places, and that the definition on "Safe Waste System" be replaced as follows:
DIRECTOR: The Director of the Bureau of Buildings is the administrative authority to administer and enforce the provisions of this Code as adopted or amended.
SAFE WASTE SYSTEM: A horizontal waste system composed of main waste line, branch waste lines, auxiliary vents and a master trap with a fresh air vent. (See Section 1605 and Drawings A15, A16 and A17 of Appendix K.)
SECTION 3: That Section 404 entitled Trenching, Excavation and Backfill be amended by adding, Section 404.6 entitled Excavating and Trenching Safety, to read as follows:
"All excavations or trenching over 5 feet deep shall be sloped or supported and provided with an adequate means of exit, in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration Federal Register 29CFR 1926.650, 1926.651 and 1926.652."
SECTION 4: That Section 504 entitled Limitations of use of materials listed in Table 500 be amended by deleting, Section 504.8.1 and substituting the following in lieu thereof:
"504.8.1 Approved air admittance valves may be permitted for installation in plumbing systems five branch intervals or less, with prior approval from the Director of the Bureau of Buildings, or his authorized representative. Such valves shall comply with ASSE 1051 listed in Table 500."
SECTION 5: That Chapter 9, entitled Plumbing Fixtures, be amended as follows:
1.That Section 914.1.4 be deleted and the following substituted in lieu thereof:
"914.1.4 Floor drain trap seals subject to evaporation shall be fed from an approved plumbing fixture or by means of an approved automatic priming device designed and approved for that purpose."
2.That a new Section 921.9 entitled Thermal Expansion, be added as follows:
921.9 Thermal Expansion.
(a)When water is heated in a distribution system or branch of the system that has been closed by the installation of a backflow preventer, a pressure reducing valve, or any other checking device, an approved auxiliary relief valve shall be installed at an accessible location downstream from the check device to limit thermal expansion of the heated water to not more than 80 psi no-flow pressure at any fixture on the system. A discharge line not less than 1/4-inch inside diameter shall be piped to an approved location where no water damage would result from the discharge, and any water in the discharge pipe would drain by gravity, and be protected from freezing.
(b)The auxiliary relief valve shall be in addition to the water heater safety relief valve. This thermal expansion control device shall be designed and trimmed for repeated operation. The valve shall be a minimum 1/2-inch pipe size, shall be adjustable and calibrated, and shall include a tag describing its function. The maximum adjustable range of the thermal expansion valve shall be not more than 125 pounds (psi). The maximum setting of the calibrated relief valve shall provide not more than 80 pounds static (no-flow) pressure at any fixture in the system, but in no case shall the setting be less than 25 pounds below that of the water heater safety relief valve.
EXCEPTION: In lieu of the above auxiliary relief valve, an approved pre-charged expansion chamber that is permanently separated from the water may be used. The chamber shall have a rated working pressure not less than the pressure setting of the water heater 109.03 safety relief valve, and a corresponding temperature rating not less than 210°F. The chamber shall have the capacity to limit thermal expansion to the above specified 80 psi maximum.
109. CAR WASH REQUIREMENTS.
(a)This section and all sections beginning with "109" in Appendix C of Part III ("Land Development Code") of the Atlanta City Code shall be collectively known as the "City of Atlanta Car Wash Water Recycling Ordinance" and may be referred to throughout sections beginning with "109" as "this ordinance."
(b)The City of Atlanta has the authority to adopt this ordinance pursuant to Article 9, Section 2, Paragraphs II and III of the Constitution of the State of Georgia; Title 12, Chapter 5, Article 10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A. § 12-5-570 et seq.), and Section 1-102(c)(9) of the Atlanta City Charter (1996 Ga. L. (Act No. 1019), p. 4469). (Ord. No. 2010-71(10-O-1972), § 1, 12-15-10)
109.01. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a)Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this ordinance is to reduce water consumption from commercial car wash facilities by requiring all new conveyor car washes to install operational recycled water systems.
(b)Applicability. This ordinance applies to all new conveyor car washes permitted and constructed after January 1, 2011.
(c)Exemptions. The following are exempt from this ordinance:
(1)Conveyor commercial car washes that were permitted or constructed before January 1, 2011; and
(2)Self-service car washes or in-bay car washes.
(Ord. No. 2010-71(10-O-1972), § 2, 12-15-10)
109.02. DEFINITIONS.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Car Wash means any commercial enterprise operated for profit and open to the public for the purpose of cleaning, washing, waxing, vacuuming, polishing, detailing, or a combination thereof.
Conveyor Car Wash means a commercial car wash where the car moves on a conveyor belt during the wash, and the driver of the vehicle remains in the vehicle or waits outside of the vehicle.
In-Bay Automatic Car Wash means a commercial car wash that utilizes mechanical equipment to wash, rinse, and sometimes dry a stationary occupied vehicle. The vehicle remains stationary while a machine moves back and forth over the vehicle to clean it, instead of the vehicle moving through a tunnel.
Owner means any and all person(s) who have any ownership interest in the car wash establishment.
Self-Service Car Wash means a car wash operating without the assistance of a full-time on-site attendant where the customers wash their cars themselves with spray wands and brushes.
Water Recycling System means a plumbing system that captures and reuses water previously used in wash or rinse cycles. (Ord. No. 2010-71(10-O-1972), § 3, 12-15-10)
109.03. CONVEYOR CAR WASH WATER RECYCLING REQUIREMENTS.
Conveyor car washes permitted and constructed after January 1, 2011 which utilize City of Atlanta water shall install, utilize, and maintain a water recycling system which recycles and reuses at least fifty (50) percent of wash and rinse water. Failure to install, utilize, or maintain the water recycling system shall be a violation of this code. (Ord. No. 2010-71(10-O-1972), § 4, 12-15-10)
3.That Section 922 entitled Minimum Plumbing Facilities, be deleted in its entirety and substitute the following in lieu thereof:
922 MINIMUM PLUMBING FACILITIES
922.1. MINIMUM NUMBER OF FIXTURES.
Plumbing fixtures shall be provided for each type of building occupancy in accordance with Table 8-1, Minimum Number of Plumbing Fixtures and Occupancy Content. Theoretical populations shall be based on occupancy load factors, or conditions, with the general proportioning of toilet facilities between men and women based upon a 50-50 distribution with a maximum travel distance to a rest room not to exceed 200 feet.
922.2. SEPARATE FACILITIES.
In other than residential installations and Section 922.3 where toilet and bathing facilities are 1205.7 installed remotely from the backflow preventer provided such relocations do not interfere with the normal testing of the device and shall be readily accessible for testing.
(h)The shut-off valves required for periodic testing of a backflow preventer shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for the intended service and the inlet valve shall include an approved test cock on the inlet side of the valve.
NOTE: See definitions of contaminant and pollutant.
(i)To distinguish between systems used exclusively for fire service, and those used for both fire service and domestic water service, the following definitions shall apply:
(1)Combined System: Consists of bulk and express risers that supply both standpipe and sprinkler systems. This system is for fire service only.
(2)Combination System: A standpipe riser that supplies both fire service and domestic water service.
[Table 12.1. Minimum Air Gaps for Plumbing Fixture (Copy illegible)]
1204.9. TANKS AND VATS—BELOW RIM SUPPLY.
(a)Where a potable water outlet terminates below the rim of a tank or vat and the tank or vat has an overflow of diameter not less than the following:
Maximum Capacity of Water Supply Line to Tank 0—13 gpm 14—55 gpm 56—100 gpm 101—165 gpm 166—855 gpm Diameter of Overflow Pipe (Inches ID)
1½ 2 2½ 3 4 Maximum Capacity of Water Supply Line to Tank 356—640 gpm 641—1040 gpm over 1040 gpm Diameter of Overflow Pipe (Inches ID)
5 6 8 *[Copy illegible] The overflow pipe shall be provided with an air gap as close to the tank as possible.
(b)The potable water outlet to the tank or vat shall terminate a distance not less than 1½ times the height to which water can rise in the tank above the top of the overflow. This level shall be established at the maximum flow rate of the supply to the tank or vat and with all outlets closed except the air-gapped overflow outlet.
(c)The distance from the outlet to the high water level shall be measured from the critical point of the potable water supply outlet.
2.That a new Section 1205.7 entitled Dielectric Protection, be added as follows:
1205.7. DIELECTRIC PROTECTION
(1)Galvanized steel service-piping that is connected to copper-based distribution piping shall be protected from the junctions of the dissimilar metals.
(2)Iron-based safety and control devices that are installed in copper-based piping, or on copper-based vessels, shall be protected from accelerated corrosion by installing dielectric fittings between the dissimilar metals.
(3)When galvanized piping is connected to copper-based vessels, the steel piping shall be protected from accelerated corrosion by installing dielectric fittings at the connection(s).
(4)Copper-based safety and control devices may be installed in galvanized piping, or on iron-based vessels, without dielectric fittings, provided they are of the copper devices exposed to water is not more than five percent of the area of the galvanized pipe, or the iron-based vessel, also exposed to water.
(5)When copper-based is connected to iron-based vessels, the iron vessels shall be protected from accelerated corrosion by installing dielectric fittings at the connection(s).
(6)Piping, vessels, and safety/control devices that consist of stainless steel, monel, or similar alloys, shall be deferred to corrosion engineer for dielectric-protection guidance.
(7)All dielectric fittings used on plumbing systems shall have a rated working pressure not less than the pressure setting of water heater safety relief valve and a corresponding temperature rating not less than 210°F.
SECTION 7: That Chapter 14 entitled Vents and Venting, be amended as follows:
1.That Section 1414.1 entitled Battery Venting be deleted in its entirety and the following substituted in lieu thereof:
"A branch soil or waste pipe of uniform diameter throughout its length to which are connected a minimum of three (3) but not more than eight (8) water closets with a total connected load not exceeding 50% of the fixture units allowed by column two of Table 1305.2 may be vented by a circuit or loop vent system which shall be connected in front of the last upstream fixture drain. In addition, lower-floor battery vented branches shall be provided with a relief vent connect in front of the first fixture connection. Shower stalls or floor drains may be connected to the horizontal branch but must be vented separately. When lavatories or similar fixtures having a fixture unit rating of four or less and a maximum 2-inch fixture drain discharge from above such branches, each vertical branch shall be provided with a continuous vent. Fixtures having fixture unit ratings greater than four shall not discharge into such branch from above unless all fixtures in the battery group are individually vented. Fixtures from an upper floor shall not discharge into a battery vented branch."
2.That Section 1414 entitled Circuit and Loop Venting, Sub-section 1414.3.3, be modified as follows:
1414.3.3 Fixtures, other than water closets, connected to a circuit and loop venting system horizontal branch through a wye and one-eight bend installed in a horizontal position shall be individually vented.
SECTION 8: That Chapter 16 entitled Alternate Designed Plumbing Systems, be amended as follows:
1.That Section 1603 entitled Single Stack Plumbing Systems, be deleted in its entirety without substitution.
SECTION 9: That Appendices H and J be deleted in their entirety without substitution:
SECTION 10: That Appendices A, B, C, E, F, G, and I be adopted in their entirety without amendment.
SECTION 11: That Appendix K entitled illustrations, be deleted in its entirety and substitute the following in lieu thereof:
APPENDIX K. ILLUSTRATIONS
The following illustrations (diagrams) have been included to aid in interpreting this Code. The diagrams are not to be construed as superseding the written text, but merely to illustrate. The various methods indicated diagrammatically do not limit other configurations of design of plumbing, soil, waste and vent systems, water piping, accessories, etc., when in compliance with the written text. It is further suggested that the users of these illustrations refer to the appropriate sections and standards regarding any of the diagrams to avoid misunderstanding.
1206. Installation of rain sensor shut-off switch.
All residential and commercial automatic sprinkler systems installed for the purpose of landscape irrigation shall be equipped with a functioning rain sensor/shut-off device that ensures the automatic irrigation system will not operate during times of precipitation, or when the temperature reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit (zero degrees Celsius) or below. (Ord. No. 2007-77(07-O-2521, § 1, 12-11-07)
Section 1300. Potable Rainwater Catchment Systems
1300.1. Preliminary Information.
(a)An individual seeking to install a potable rainwater catchment system for single-family residential use shall request approval from the City of Atlanta. A building official or inspector shall recognize the installation of potable rainwater catchment systems in accordance with this appendix. The Bureau of Buildings, Chief Plumbing Inspector may maintain a list of registered City of Atlanta contractors and laboratories that may be contacted with specific technical questions regarding potable rainwater catchment systems and treatment. Maintenance of said list shall not constitute a warranty or create liability on the part of the city or by any officer or employee thereof for any injury or damages that result from reliance on this list.
(b)Rainwater catchment systems used for potable water applications present potential risks if not installed, maintained and properly operated. The City of Atlanta does not oversee the maintenance and therefore safety of private potable water systems. It is the sole responsibility of the owner of the system to maintain and use the system in a safe and responsible manner. This appendix is intended to set out construction standards dealing with the initial installation of the system components, recommended materials, water treatment and frequency of water testing. Following the standards of this appendix will improve the quality of the water collected and help the installer recognize potential safety problems. The proper system design, maintenance and use are the responsibility of the building owner. This ordinance shall not create liability on the part of the city or by any officer or employee thereof for any damages or injury that results from reliance on this ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.
(c)Building owner shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City of Atlanta, its agents and employees from and against any and all liabilities, claims, losses, lawsuits, judgments and/or expenses including attorney fees, arising, either directly or indirectly, from any act or failure to act by the City of Atlanta or any of its officers or employees, that occur during or arise from the rainwater catchment systems for potable and non-potable uses in residential areas. The building owner understands that he/she is choosing to harvest rainwater for potable and/or non-potable uses at his/her own risk.
(d)The applicant shall provide an agreement holding the City of Atlanta harmless for liability for the construction and maintenance of said rainwater catchment system, and the owner shall record the agreement in land records of the county or counties in which the property is located that assigns all legal responsibility to the owners for construction and maintenance of said rainwater catchment system.
(e)As used in this Section 1300, the term "Single-Family Residential" means one-family dwelling or single family dwelling as defined in Atlanta Zoning Ordinance Section 16-29.001(12)(a)(1), as amended, and includes a "Bed and Breakfast Inn," as defined in Atlanta Zoning Code Chapter 19, Section 19-29.001(78), as amended, with a potable rainwater catchment system installed prior to the effective date of this Section 1300. This Section 1300 shall become effective upon its approval by the mayor or upon its becoming law without such approval.
(f)All requirements of a "Single-Family Residential" potable rainwater catchment system shall apply to a Bed and Breakfast Inn that is eligible for a permit pursuant to this ordinance. In addition, the following requirements shall apply to a Bed and Breakfast Inn that is eligible for a permit pursuant to this ordinance:
i.Bed and Breakfast Inns must explicitly disclose to all persons the presence of their potable rainwater catchment system. At least one sign a minimum of eight inches by ten inches stating, "Private potable rainwater system in use, municipal water available for consumption upon request," in a minimum of one inch, easily visible lettering, shall be prominently displayed in every room with any fixture(s) connected to the potable rainwater catchment system. In each room with said fixture, at least one sign shall be within 12 inches of a fixture connected to the potable rainwater catchment system.
ii.Bed and Breakfast Inns must have municipal water available for consumption to all customers and visitors to their establishment.
iii.In addition to the testing requirements outlined in Section 1300.13, potable rainwater used at a Bed and Breakfast Inn shall be tested for general water quality parameters at least once every six months and such records shall be available for public inspection upon request.
(Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.2. System Requirements.
(a)Potable rainwater catchment systems shall have chlorination, UV, ozone or iodine treatment.
(b)A plumbing permit and licensed plumber are required for the installation of a potable rainwater catchment system. Other permits may be required on a case by case basis as determined by the appropriate City of Atlanta department, including: (1) an electrical permit for the pump and other electrical controls; (2) building permits for cistern footings, foundations, enclosures and roof structures; and (3) grading and erosion control permits for system construction.
(c)Potable rainwater catchment systems are intended for single-family homes and shall be maintained in functioning order for the life of the system. It is solely the property owner's responsibility to maintain thesystem according to manufactures recommendations and keep written documentation of maintenance provided for each year of service of the system. Filtration and disinfection shall be serviced according to manufactures recommendations,
(d)Potable rainwater catchment system abandonment and potable water installations require a permit, inspection and approval. If the owner of a potable rainwater catchment system elects to cease use of, or fails to properly maintain such system, they shall abandon the system and either (1) remove the system entirely, or (2) replace the potable rainwater catchment pipe system with an approved potable water supply pipe system. Where an existing potable pipe system is already in place, fixtures may be re-connected to the existing system; and (3) the abandonment shall be recorded by the department of watershed management noting the deletion of the system. (Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.3. Materials.
(a)All building materials that may come into contact with water collected in the potable rainwater catchment system shall meet national standards and be non-toxic and incapable of leaching into the collected water. This includes under normal conditions or conditions of lowered pH caused by acid rain.
(b)All surfaces, tanks and equipment shall be washed clean before it is put into service.
(c)All float switches shall be non-mercury. (Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.4. Water Uses.
(a)Harvested rainwater may be used for private potable uses if it has been treated to EPA Primary Drinking Water Standards. (Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.5. Rainwater Collection.
(a)Potable rainwater shall only be collected from roof surfaces. Roof surfaces shall be constructed of asphalt, tar, slate, metal, tile, concrete, fiberglass, or other approved material. Roofing of wood, gravel, asbestos, or composite shingles shall not be used. Painted roof surfaces shall be coated in a NSF/ANSI 61 standard coating. Copper roofing materials (including gutters and roofing conveyance materials) and lead flashing are not approved for potable water.
(b)Roof catchment surfaces shall be thoroughly washed before used to collect potable rainwater.
(c)A City of Atlanta on-site potable rainwater catchment system shall be protected from cross connection in accordance with the International Plumbing Code. A backflow prevention device shall be fitted to the potable rainwater catchment system. The department of watershed management shall provide an on-site evaluation or inspection of the potable rainwater catchment system in order to determine which type of backflow preventer will be required. The department of watershed management will also issue applicable permits and perform inspections as necessary. If the department of watershed management determines at any time that a serious threat to the public health exists, the water service will be terminated immediately.
(d)Manhole openings shall have a minimum diameter of 16 inches, and have a watertight cover with edges projecting above the level of the surrounding surface. (Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.6. Gutters.
(a)It is recommended that gutters are designed to keep out leaves, debris and other large contaminants. At minimum, gutters shall be cleared of debris on a regular basis with the frequency depending on the amount of debris that accumulates. Failure to do so can cause poor water quality.
(b)It is recommended that gutters have a continuous grade with a minimum slope of one-sixteenth inch per foot to the outlet leader with no sags or flat portions where water will collect or stand. Gutters shall be cleaned prior to use and maintained in a clean manner on a regular basis. Run off of wash water shall be diverted from the storage tanks to a location which will not cause damage to property or cause erosion.
(c)Gutter outlets may be connected indirectly to the rain leader with a screened leaf protected receptor inlet. Pad filters are recommended to provide a higher degree of filtration and mosquito protection.
(d)Gutters intended to capture rainwater for catchment shall be the continuous or seamless type. Lead-bearing soldered seams are prohibited. (Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.7. Downspouts, Rain Leaders and Piping.
(a)Except for first-flush diverters, no section of piping shall be installed in a manner that will hold water and not drain completely. All sections of wet piping shall be drainable. Trapping of piping is prohibited.
(b)Metal rain leaders shall be seamless aluminum or be coated with an approved non-toxic material. Copper and lead-bearing soldered joints are prohibited.
(c)Piping from downspouts shall be a minimum of two inches interior diameter. Piping into the storage tanks shall be a minimum of three inches interior diameter. The overflow device shall consist of a pipe three inches in diameter minimum or a pipe with a cross sectional area equal to or greater than the total of all downspouts.
(d)There shall he no direct connection of any rainwater catchment pipe system and any domestic potable water pipe system without an approved backflow prevention device. (Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.8. Pre-Filtration and First-Flush Diverters.
(a)All potable rainwater catchment systems shall be fitted with a pre-filtration device. It is recommended that pre-filter screens are a maximum of one-thirty-second inch. The screen should be washed clean of debris after each rain event.
(b)All potable rainwater catchment systems shall have a first-flush diverter installed in a manner which will divert the first flow of water from the catchment surface. First-flush diverters shall be installed after the pre-filtration device.
(c)Water drained from the first-flush diverter will be piped away from the storage tank and terminate in a location which will not cause damage to property or erosion.
(d)First-flush diverters shall be sized so that the minimum volume of the water diverted is at least equal to one gallon (3.8L) per each 100 square foot (9.3 m2) of catchment area served.
(e)First-flush diverter vessels shall have a cleanout fitting in the bottom of the device. Cleanouts shall be removed and the accumulated debris washed out as per manufacturer recommendations. First-flush diverters shall be provided with an automatic means of self draining between rain events. (Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.9. Storage Tanks.
(a)Above ground storage tanks shall be opaque or painted to prohibit algae growth.
(b)Storage tanks shall be listed for use with potable water in accordance with NSF/ANSI 61, including liners or epoxy coatings when specified. Storage tanks that have been previously used for other purposes or manufactured from recycled materials are prohibited. Storage tanks shall be completely covered and any vent or other opening screened to prevent mosquito breeding. Covers shall be sturdy and constructed in such a way that they will not allow water to pond or collect on the surface. Covers shall be adequately secured to prevent unauthorized access.
(c)Storage tanks shall provide adequate access for cleaning and maintenance purposes.
(d)Storage tanks shall be as close to the catchment area as is practical and protected from direct sunlight in an approved manner. Adequate protections shall be implemented to protect the tank and connected piping from freezing.
(e)Storage tanks shall be provided with an overflow equal or greater in size to the tank inlet. Overflows shall be piped away from the tank and the water shall be disposed of in a manner that will not cause damage to property or erosion. Overflow drains shall be equipped with durable animal guards or screens. The discharge location of the overflow water shall be in accordance with City of Atlanta Codes and ordinances.
(f)Above ground storage tanks shall be placed on a stable, level surface of sufficient strength to accommodate the size and weight of a full tank.
(g)Buried plastic storage tanks shall be reinforced and able to withstand the weight of the surrounding fill and soil and full capacity of water. Underground tanks shall also have physical protection from surface water intrusion. Concrete tanks which are above ground or underground shall be constructed to withstand the load of water capacity and any other applicable structural forces.
(h)Tanks shall be vented. The vent shall be equipped with a screen with no opening greater than one-sixteenth inch (approximately 2 mm). (Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.10. Sewer Charges Applicable to Potable Rainwater Systems.
Owners or occupants of a lot, parcel of land, premises or facility discharging wastewater, industrial wastewater, or other liquids which either directly or indirectly enter into the city's water pollution control facilities, or ultimately enter the facilities, that is primarily supplied with water from potable rainwater catchment systems shall be exempt from the requirement in Atlanta City Code section 154-277.
(a)to install and maintain a meter on the supplies from the potable rainwater catchment system. Said owner or occupant shall instead be charged a flat annual sewer charge. Said flat annual charge shall be calculated by charging the lowest tier rate per 100 cubic foot of water usage. Where it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of the Department of Watershed Management that a significant portion of the water utilized from a customer's potable rainwater catchment system does not enter the City's wastewater system, then a 30 percent discount on the lowest tier rate shall be applied. For purposes of said flat annual sewer charge, 100 cubic feet of water usage shall be equivalent to 75 gallons of storage capacity in the potable rainwater catchment system's cistern and/or in-ground storage tank. For purposes of said flat annual sewer charge, storage capacity measurements shall be rounded to the nearest 75 gallon increment. Said flat annual sewer charge shall be in addition to any applicable base sewer service charge.
(Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.11. Pressure Tanks and Pumps.
(a)If pressure tanks and pumps are used, they shall be manufactured and installed in accordance with the International Plumbing Code.
(b)It is recommended that water intake supply from storage tanks are from a floating, submerged intake screen. If a non-floating intake pipe is used, the pipe shall not be less than four inches (101.6 mm) above the bottom of the tank. (Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.12. Water Treatment.
(a)All potable rainwater catchment systems shall be treated to prevent sediment and water borne organisms that may exist from reaching the end point of use. Treatment shall occur between the storage tank and point of end use.
(b)Sediment filtration of five microns or less shall be provided for reduction of contaminants that may mask bacteria or cloud the water before disinfection. All filters shall be of adequate size to extend service time. Cartridge filter elements shall be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer. All filters shall be NSF/ANSI 51: Food Equipment Materials (plastics, materials and components used in food equipment).
(c)Carbon filtration shall be provided for improving taste and reduction of odor and organic chemicals. All filters shall be NSF/ANSI 51.
(d)All filtration shall be installed before disinfection systems according to manufacturer's recommendations. Filtration and disinfection systems shall be located as close to the final point of use as possible.
(e)Following the above filters an automatic disinfection device either chemical injection, ozone generators, or ultraviolet (UV) light shall be installed.
(f)If ozone generators are used, provisions shall be made for venting per manufacturer recommendations.
(g)UV light systems shall be sized based upon the maximum rated flow. UV lamps shall be maintained as per the manufacturers requirements but shall be replaced after not more than 10,000 hours of operation. UV light systems shall have a bulb life monitor that provides some indication when the bulb life is dying or dead. NSF/ ANSI 55 standard for Class A UV treatment systems or units with comparable performance capabilities are recommended for UV light systems. Ozone generators or chorine pump injectors shall be sized and maintained as per the manufacturer's recommendation. A failsafe in any automatic unit is recommended to shut off a valve, preventing water flow if any fault occurs in the unit.
(h)Installation of a manual city water hand valve after the backflow prevention device is recommended to be able to switch to city water in the event of a power outage. (Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.13. Testing.
(a)Harvested potable rainwater shall be tested (1) whenever a new system is constructed, (2) when major repairs occur to an existing system, and (3) whenever the residential building changes ownership to ensure an analytical testing laboratory finds the rainwater safe before drinking.
(b)Testing for general water quality parameters at least every six months is recommended. Standard coliform tests for microbial contaminants are also recommended at least every six months. Potable rainwater catchment system owners should contact an approved analytical testing laboratory to learn the proper method of obtaining a sample for testing. If chemical disinfectants are used, chemical residual levels should be tested as recommended by the disinfection system manufacturer. Chemical testing for heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, at a minimum) are also recommended at least once a year.
(c)System owners shall remedy any failure of any water quality test. Until an approved analytical testing laboratory deems the potable rainwater catchment system safe, the system shall not be active. This includes reconnecting to the city water system until the potable rainwater catchment system passes subsequent general water quality parameter and coliform tests. A host of chemical contaminants can be found in collected rainwater from environmental sources, animal sources and from materials used in and around the neighborhood from which the rainwater is collected. Insects, animals, bacteria, viruses and parasites create potential sources of contamination of a water supply that is not properly serviced and maintained. (Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)
1300.14. Severability.
If the provisions of any section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision or clause of Section 1300 shall be adjudged invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of any section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision or clause of Section 1300. (Ord. No. 2011-43(11-O-0740), § 1, 9-28-11)