TITLE 16.ECONOMIC REGULATION

Part 4. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

Chapter 60. TEXAS COMMISSION OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

Subchapter B. ORGANIZATION

16 TAC §60.64

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation proposes amendments to §60.64 concerning duration of advisory committee/boards/councils governed by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.

The amendments to §60.64 proposes to amend the rule to indicate that the Auctioneer Education Advisory Board and the Property Tax Consultants Advisory Council is in effect until September 1, 2004.

The Texas Government Code §2110.008(a) states that a state agency that is advised by an advisory committee shall establish by rule a date on which the committee will automatically be abolished. The advisory committee may continue in existence after that date only if the governing body of the agency affirmatively votes to continue the committee in existence. The Auctioneer Education Advisory Board plays a significant role by advising the Commissioner on what institutions should receive education grants and the Property Tax Consultants Advisory Council's input and advice is integral to the operations of this program. At their May 22, 2000 meeting the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation voted unanimously to continue the Auctioneer Education Advisory Board and the Property Tax Consultants Advisory Council until September 1, 2004. The proposed amendments reflect these changes.

William H. Kuntz, Executive Director, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, has determined that for the first five-year period this section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for any municipality as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed rule.

Mr. Kuntz also has determined that for each year of the first five years this section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing this section will be an opportunity to advise the Commissioner on the public impact of matters relating to auctioneers and property tax consultants.

There is no economic cost anticipated for licensee's relating to the duration of the Auctioneer Education Advisory Board or the Property Tax Consultants Advisory Council as proposed. There will be no additional cost to small businesses or to persons who may be required to comply with this section as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Carlos Celestino, General Counsel, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, facsimile 512/475-2872, or electronically: carlos.celestino@license.state.tx.us. The deadline for comments is 30 days after publication in the Texas Register .

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 51, which authorizes the Commissioner to adopt rules as necessary to implement this chapter and any other law establishing a program regulated by the department.

The Code affected by the proposed amendments is the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 51.

§60.64.Duration of Advisory Committee/Boards/Councils.

In accordance with Texas Government Code Annotated, §2110.008 the Commission establishes the following automatic abolishment dates for the committees/boards/councils as indicated unless the Commission subsequently establishes a different date:

(1)

Architectural Barriers Advisory Committee - 09/01/2001;

(2)

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Advisory Council - 09/01/2001;

(3)

Auctioneer Education Advisory Board - 09/01/2004 [ 09/01/2000 ];

(4)

Board of Boiler Rules - 09/01/2002;

(5)

Elevator Advisory Board - 09/01/2001;

(6)

Property Tax Consultants Advisory Council - 09/01/2004 [ 09/01/2000 ]; and

(7)

Water Well Driller Advisory Council - 09/01/2001.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on March 28, 2001.

TRD-200101800

William H. Kuntz

Executive Director

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 13, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-7348


Chapter 70. INDUSTRIALIZED HOUSING AND BUILDINGS

16 TAC §§70.20, 70.22, 70.50 ,70.73

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation proposes amendments to §§70.20, 70.22, 70.50, and 70.73 concerning industrialized housing and buildings.

The changes to §70.20 add the requirement that the industrialized builder certify, at the time of registration, that the installations performed under this registration shall be in accordance with the mandatory codes, engineered plans, and department rules and shall be inspected in accordance with the site inspection procedures established by the Texas Industrialized Building Code Council. This certification at time of registration is being substituted for the certification now required on the builder's monthly reports, which are being eliminated. The changes to this section also clarify the differences between registration as an industrialized builder and installation permits.

The changes to §70.22 add the requirement for an accessibility reviewer to the criteria for approval of design review agencies. This will ensure better compliance with the accessibility requirements in the plans reviewed and approved by design review agencies.

The changes to §70.50(a) clarify the reporting requirements of manufacturers. The changes to §70.50(b) eliminate monthly reports of industrialized builders, adds the record keeping requirements of industrialized builders, and provides for yearly audits of the builder's records. This will eliminate time spent by the department on administrative cases of builders failing to report or reporting late. The yearly audits will allow the department to assure that the builders are in compliance with the installation requirements of the law and rules governing industrialized housing and buildings. Section 70.50(d) was deleted and the requirements of this section integrated into §70.50(a).

The changes to §70.73 clarify that the requirements for building site inspections are applicable to installation permit holders as well as industrialized builders. Section 70.73(b) adds the minimum requirements for information that must be included in a site inspection report prepared by third party inspectors. This clarifies the record keeping requirements of industrialized builders as outlined in the changes to §70.50(b).

Jimmy Martin, Director of the Enforcement Division of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, has determined that for the first five-year period that these sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed changes.

Mr. Martin also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be clearer implementation of the statute and a higher level of industrialized housing and building safety, quality, and compliance with the mandatory state building codes.

The anticipated economic effect of small businesses and persons who are required to comply with the sections as proposed will be minimal.

The cost of compliance will be minimal.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Jimmy Martin, Director of the Enforcement Division, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, PO Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, facsimile (512) 475-2872, or by email: jimmy.martin@license.state.tx.us. The deadline for comments is 30 days after publication in the Texas Register .

The amendments are proposed under Texas Revised Civil Statutes, Article 5221f-1, which authorizes the Commissioner of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to promulgate and enforce a code of rules and take all action necessary to assure compliance with the intent and purpose of the article.

The Article and Code affected by the amendments is Texas Revised Civil Statutes, Article 5221f-1 and Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 51.

§70.20.Registration of Manufacturers and Industrialized Builders.

Manufacturers and industrialized builders shall not engage in any business activity relating to the construction or location of industrialized housing or buildings without being registered with the department.

(1)

An application for registration shall be submitted on a form supplied by the department, and shall contain such information as may be required by the department. The application must be verified under oath by the owner of a sole proprietorship, the managing partner of a partnership, or the [ chief executive or chief operating ] officer of a corporation. The application must be accompanied by the fee set forth in §70.70 of this title (relating to Commission Fees).

(2)

The industrialized builder shall verify under oath at the time of registration that the foundation and installation of all units installed under this registration shall be constructed in accordance with the mandatory state code, the engineered plans, and department rules, and shall be inspected in accordance with the site inspection procedures established by the Texas Industrialized Building Code Council.

(3)

[ (2) ] A person who does not purchase industrialized housing or buildings from a manufacturer for sale or lease to the public may file for an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder. A person [ who is not registered as an industrialized builder and ] who buys or leases industrialized housing or buildings from an industrialized builder and assumes responsibility for the installation of the unit or units , but who is not purchasing these units for sale or lease to the public, may [ shall ] apply for an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder . The application shall be submitted on a form supplied by the department and shall contain such information as may be required by the Department. A separate application must be submitted for each building containing industrialized housing and buildings modules or modular components. The application must be accompanied by the fee set forth in §70.80 of this title (relating to Commission Fees).

(4)

[ (3) ] The registration shall be valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually. Every corporate entity must be separately registered. Each separate manufacturing facility must be registered; a manufacturing facility is separate if it is not on property that [ which ] is contiguous to a registered manufacturing facility. An industrialized builder must register each separate sales office but is not required to register each job location.

(5)

[ (4) ] A registered manufacturer or industrialized builder shall notify the department in writing within 10 days if:

(A)

the corporate or firm name is changed;

(B)

the main address of the registrant is changed;

(C)

there is a change in 25% or more of the ownership interest of the company within a 12-month period;

(D)

the location of any manufacturing facility is changed;

(E)

a new manufacturing facility is established; or

(F)

there are changes in principal officers of the firm.

(6)

[ (5) ] A manufacturer certified pursuant to §70.61 of this title (relating to Responsibilities of the Department - Plant Certification), whose registration expires shall have his certification revoked if the registration is not renewed within 30 day of the expiration date. A manufacturer whose certification has been revoked must undergo another certification inspection to reinstate the certification.

(7)

[ (6) ] An application for original registration or renewal may be rejected if any information contained on, or submitted with, the application is incorrect. The certificate of registration may be revoked or suspended or a penalty or fine may be imposed for any violation of the Act, violation of the rules and regulations in this chapter or administrative orders of the department, or violations of the instructions and determinations of the council in accordance with §70.90 of this title (relating to Sanctions - Administrative Sanctions/Penalties), and §70.91 of this title (relating to Revocation or Suspension because of a Criminal Conviction).

§70.22.Criteria for Approval of Design Review Agencies.

An agency seeking council approval as a design review agency (DRA) shall submit a written application to the commissioner. The application will indicate the agency's name, address, and the telephone number of each office in which design review services are to be performed. The application will include the following information:

(1)

An organizational chart indicating the names of the managerial or technical personnel responsible for design review functions within the agency. The chart must indicate the area or areas of review for which the technical personnel are responsible;

(2)

A resume for each person listed in the organizational chart indicating academic and professional qualifications, experience in related areas, and specific duties within the agency. The minimum personnel requirements and qualifications shall be as follows.

(A)

The manager or chief executive officer shall have a minimum of four years of plans examination, design, construction, or manufacturing experience in the building industry, or any combination thereof, and registration as a professional engineer or architect in the State of Texas (NOTE: The applicant's registration number must be included on the resume).

(B)

Technical staff members may qualify for more than one discipline. Therefore, the agency need not have an individual staff member for each discipline. Required certifications need not be from the same code agency for the different disciplines. For example, a DRA may have a structural reviewer, a mechanical reviewer, and an electrical reviewer with the required certifications through ICBO while the plumbing reviewer, building planning reviewer, and fire safety reviewer have the required certifications through SBCCI. The DRA is not limited to one code group when filling positions in the different disciplines. The technical staff shall consist of the following positions.

(i)

The structural reviewer shall have a bachelor's degree with specialized course work in structures in civil, structural, or architectural engineering or service equivalent in accordance with subparagraph (C) of this paragraph; a minimum of one year structural engineering experience related to buildings; and certification as either a building plan examiner as granted by SBCCI, as a plans examiner as granted by ICBO, or as a building plans examiner as granted by BOCA. Any certification expiration dates must also be submitted.

(ii)

The mechanical reviewer shall have a bachelor's degree in engineering with specialized course work in HVAC Systems or service equivalent in accordance with subparagraph (C) of this paragraph; a minimum of one year mechanical engineering experience related to buildings; and certification as a mechanical inspector as granted by either SBCCI, ICBO, or BOCA. Any certification expiration dates must also be submitted.

(iii)

The electrical reviewer shall have a bachelor's degree in engineering with specialized course work in electrical engineering or service equivalent in accordance with subparagraph (C) of this paragraph; a minimum of one year electrical engineering experience related to buildings; and certification as either a commercial electrical inspector as granted by SBCCI or as an electrical inspector as granted by either ICBO or BOCA. Any certification expiration dates must also be submitted.

(iv)

The plumbing reviewer shall have a bachelor's degree in engineering with specialized course work in hydraulics or service equivalent in accordance with subparagraph (C) of this paragraph; a minimum of one year plumbing experience related to buildings; and certification as a plumbing inspector as granted by either SBCCI, ICBO, or BOCA. Any certification expiration dates must also be submitted.

(v)

The building planning reviewer shall have a bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture or service equivalent in accordance with subparagraph (C) of this paragraph; a minimum of one year experience related to building planning; and certification as either a building plan examiner as granted by SBCCI, as a plans examiner as granted by ICBO, or as a building plans examiner as granted by BOCA. Any certification expiration dates must also be submitted.

(vi)

The fire safety reviewer shall have a bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture or service equivalent in accordance with subparagraph (C) of this paragraph; a minimum of one year experience in fire protection engineering related to buildings; and certification either as a building plan examiner as granted by SBCCI, as a plans examiner as granted by ICBO, or as a building plans examiner as granted by BOCA. Any certification expiration dates must also be submitted.

(vii)

The accessibility reviewer shall have a bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture or service equivalent in accordance with subparagraph (C) of this paragraph; a minimum of one year experience in accessibility reviews related to buildings; and satisfactory completion of the Texas Accessibility Academy with a test score of 80% or higher.

(C)

A minimum of eight years of creditable experience in engineering or architectural practice indicative of growth in engineering or architectural competency and responsibility is an acceptable service equivalent for academic requirements. This experience may be counted concurrently for those wishing to show service equivalency in more than one field. To be considered creditable, experience must satisfy the requirements outlined in the Texas State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers Board Rules of Practice and Procedure or the Texas Board of Architectural Examiner Rules and Regulations of the Board Regulating the Practice of Architecture.

(D)

In lieu of a registration number issued by the Texas State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, an applicant currently registered in some other state and applying for registration in Texas under the provisions of the Texas Engineering Practice Act, §20(a) and (b), may satisfy the requirement by providing a copy of an application for registration and a letter from the Board acknowledging receipt and authorizing interim practice;

(3)

complete documentation, including examples of data sheets or other forms used to analyze construction and equipment; preliminary and final reports; and an agency compliance assurance manual to substantiate the agency's ability to evaluate building systems and compliance control manuals for compliance with standards. Evidence must be presented in the areas of structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, building planning, and fire safety. The documentation should include an example of a building system or compliance control manual which the agency has evaluated for compliance with a code or set of standards;

(4)

a properly notarized statement of certification signed by the agency manager or chief executive officer that:

(A)

its board of directors, as a body, and its managerial and technical personnel, as individuals, are free to exercise independence of judgment in the performance of their duties within the agency;

(B)

its activities pursuant to the discharge of responsibility as a design review agency will not result in financial benefit to the agency via stock ownership or other financial interest in any producer, supplier, or vendor of products involved, other than through standard fees for services rendered;

(C)

the agency will consistently and uniformly implement the policies and determinations of the council with regard to interpretations of the standards and rules;

(D)

the agency will not provide design services or prepare compliance control manuals for manufacturers for whom it acts as a design review agency;

(E)

all information contained in the application for approval as a design review agency is true, timely, and correct; and

(F)

all future changes will be immediately communicated to the department;

(5)

A list of states in which the agency is currently approved to provide similar services.

§70.50.Manufacturer's and Builder's Monthly Reports.

(a)

The manufacturer shall submit a monthly report to the department, of all industrialized housing, buildings, modules, and modular components that [ which ] were constructed and to which decals and insignia were applied during the month. The manufacturer shall keep a copy of the monthly report on file for a minimum of five years. Any corrections to reports previously filed shall clearly indicate the corrections to be made and the month and date of the report that is being corrected. [ The report must state the name and address of the industrialized builder to whom the structures, modules, or modular components were sold, consigned, or shipped. If any such units were produced and stored, the report must state the storage location. ] The report shall [ also ] contain:

(1)

the serial or identification number of the units;

(2)

the decal or insignia number assigned to each identified unit;

(3)

the name and registration number of the industrialized builder (as assigned by the department) , or the installation permit number (as assigned by the department) of the person, to whom the units were sold, consigned, and shipped . The requirements contained in §70.20(2) (relating to Registration of Manufacturers and Industrialized Builders) shall apply when an installation permit is reported in lieu of the registration number of an industrialized builder [ or the installation permit number issued by the Department ];

(4)

the address to which the units were shipped;

(5)

an identification of the type of structure for which the units are to be used, e.g., single family residence, duplex, restaurant, equipment shelter, bank building, hazardous storage building, etc.;

(6)

any other information the department may require; and

(7)

an indication of zero units if there was not activity for the reporting month.

(b)

Each industrialized builder shall keep records of all industrialized housing, buildings, modules, and modular components that were sold, leased, or installed. These records shall be kept for a minimum of five years from the date of sale, lease, or installation and shall be made available to the department for review upon request. An annual audit of units sold, leased, or installed by the builder shall be conducted by the Department. The audit will identify the modules or modular components by the name and Texas registration number of the manufacturer of each unit and the assigned Texas decal or insignia numbers and the corresponding identification, or serial, numbers as assigned by the manufacturer. The builder shall report or provide the following information to the Department for each unit identified in the audit within the timeframe set by the audit: [ Each industrialized builder shall submit a monthly report to the department of all industrialized housing, buildings, modules, and modular components that were installed during the month. A copy of the report shall be kept on file by the industrialized builder for a minimum of five years. The report shall contain: ]

(1)

evidence of compliance with §70.75 of this title (relating to Responsibilities of Registrants - Permit/Owner Information);

[(1)

the specific address of each building site on which the industrialized builder has performed any on-site construction work during the month;]

(2)

the address where each unit was installed. If the builder is not responsible for the installation, then the address to where each unit was delivered;

(3)

the occupancy use of each building containing modules or modular components, i.e., classroom, restaurant, bank, equipment shelter, etc; and

(4)

[ (2) ] identification of the type of foundation system, either permanent or temporary, on which each [ the ] unit was installed, in accordance with the following . [ : ]

(A)

If [ if ] the builder is responsible for the installation and site work, then the builder : [ shall provide a notarized statement certifying that the unit was installed and inspected in compliance with the engineered plans, applicable codes, department rules, and site inspection procedures for industrialized housing and buildings; or ]

(i)

shall, for units installed outside the jurisdiction of a municipality, keep a copy of the foundation plans and, for units installed on a permanent foundation, keep a copy of the site inspection report in accordance with §70.73 of this title (relating to Responsibilities of the Registrants - Building Site Inspections). A copy of these documents shall be made available to the department upon request; or

(ii)

shall, if installed within the jurisdiction of a municipality, provide the name of the city responsible for the site inspection.

(B)

If [ if ] the builder is not responsible for the installation and site work, then the builder shall provide identification of the installation permit number, assigned [ issued ] by the Department, or builder registration number, assigned by the Department, of the person responsible.

[(3)

the decal and insignia numbers and unit identification numbers of all modules or modular components assembled or installed at a building site during the month;]

[(4)

any other information the department may require on the form or by separate instruction letter; and]

[(5)

an indication of zero units if there was no activity for the reporting month.]

(c)

The manufacturer's and industrialized builder's monthly reports must be filed with the department no later than the 10th day of the following month.

[(d)

Any change in destination (from that reported on the manufacturer's or builder's monthly report) of a module or modular component prior to installation of the module or modular component must be reported to the Department by the manufacturer or builder responsible for the change. The change shall be reported on the manufacturer's or builder's monthly report and shall clearly indicate that this is a change in destination for a previously reported module or modular component. The report shall include the serial or identification number of the unit, the decal or insignia number, the site to which the unit was originally shipped, the new destination information, and the registration number of the industrialized builder responsible for the installation if the unit was transferred or sold to another industrialized builder.]

§70.73.Responsibilities of the Registrants - Building Site Inspections.

(a)

When the building site is within a municipality that [ which ] has a building inspection agency or department, the local building official will inspect all on-site construction done at the site and the attachment of the structure to the permanent foundation to assure completion and attachment in accordance with the design package, the on-site construction documentation, and any unique foundation system or on-site detailed drawings.

(b)

When the building site is outside a municipality, or within a municipality that [ which ] has no building department or agency, a third party inspector will perform the required inspections. The on-site inspection is normally accomplished in three phases: site preparation, set inspection, and final inspection. The builder, , or installation permit holder, is responsible for scheduling each phase of the inspection with the third party inspector [ inspecting agency ]. Additional inspections will be scheduled as required for larger structures and to correct discrepancies. [ If a council approved third party inspector is approved by the department and completes the inspection, fees may be paid directly to the third party inspector. The third party inspector must notify the department of the time, date, and location of the inspection, at least three working days prior to the inspection. ] The industrialized builder , or installation permit holder, may utilize a different third party inspector [ inspection agencies ] for different projects, but may not change the inspector [ inspection agency ]for a project once started without the written approval of the department. The inspector shall provide the builder or permit holder a copy of the site inspection report and shall keep a copy for a minimum of five years. The report may be in whatever format the inspector desires as long as the following information is included on the inspection report:

(1)

dates of all inspections;

(2)

the name, Texas registration number or license number, and signature of the inspector who performed the inspection;

(3)

the name and Texas industrialized builder registration number, or the installation permit number, of the person responsible for the foundation and installation. Installation permit numbers are assigned by the Department in accordance with §70.20 of this title (relating to Registration of Manufacturers and Industrialized Builders);

(4)

the name and Texas registration number of the manufacturer of the modules or modular components inspected;

(5)

the name and address of the owner of the building or buildings inspected;

(6)

the complete site address of the modules or modular components inspected;

(7)

the Texas decal or insignia numbers and manufacturer's identification or serial numbers of the modules or modular components inspected;

(8)

the building codes the modules or modular components were designed to meet in accordance with the data plate on the building;

(9)

the occupancy group and the building construction type of the building in accordance with the data plate on the building;

(10)

a record of all system testing observed; and

(11)

the date and description of any deviations to the approved plans, unique site completion documentation, or mandatory codes and the corrective action, including the date of the corrective action, taken by the industrialized builder, or installation permit holder. If no deviations were observed, then this shall be noted on the report. The inspector shall notify the department of any deviations that cannot be corrected or that the builder, or installation permit holder, refuses to correct.

(c)

Destructive disassembly shall not be performed at the site in order to conduct tests or inspections, nor shall there be imposed standards or test criteria different from those required by the approved installation instructions, on-site construction documentation, and the applicable mandatory code. Nondestructive disassembly may be performed only to the extent of opening access panels and cover plates.

(d)

If an inspector finds a structure, or any part thereof, at the building site to be in violation of the approved design package and/or the unique on-site plans and specifications, the inspector shall immediately post a deviation notice and notify the industrialized builder or installation permit holder . The industrialized builder , or installation permit holder, is responsible for assuring that all deviations are corrected and inspected prior to occupation of the building.

(e)

The industrialized builder , or installation permit holder, shall not permit occupancy of a structure until a successful final inspection has been completed and a certificate of occupancy issued by the local authorities . The industrialized builder , or installation permit holder, shall keep a copy of the inspection report for the site inspection in the files for a minimum of five years.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on March 28, 2001.

TRD-200101801

William H. Kuntz, Jr.

Executive Director

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 13, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-7348


16 TAC §70.100, §70.101

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation proposes amendments to §§70.100 and 70.101 concerning industrialized housing and buildings.

The amendments to §§70.100 and 70.101 adopt the latest editions of the applicable building codes. The justification for the changes is that the Texas Industrialized Building Code Council has determined that the revisions are in the public interest in accordance with Texas Revised Civil Statutes, Article 5221f-1, §2(c).

Jimmy Martin, Director of the Enforcement Division of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, has determined that for the first five-year period that these sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed changes.

Mr. Martin also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be clearer implementation of the statute and a higher level of building safety, quality, and compliance with the mandatory state building codes.

The anticipated economic effect of small businesses and persons who are required to comply with the sections as proposed will be minimal.

The cost of compliance will be minimal.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Jimmy Martin, Director of the Enforcement Division, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, PO Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, facsimile (512) 475-2872, or by email: jimmy.martin@license.state.tx.us. The deadline for comments is 30 days after publication in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Revised Civil Statutes, Article 5221f-1, which authorizes the Commissioner of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to promulgate and enforce a code of rules and take all action necessary to assure compliance with the intent and purpose of the article.

The Article and Code affected by the amendments is Texas Revised Civil Statutes, Article 5221f-1 and Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 51.

§70.100.Mandatory State Codes.

All industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components, shall be constructed in accordance with the following codes : [ and their appendices: ]

(1)

National Fire Protection Association - National Electrical Code, 1999 Edition , including appendices;

(2)

The International Building Code, 2000 edition, including appendices C and F, published by the International Code Council, the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, the International Conference of Building Officials, and the Southern Building Code Congress International;

(3)

the International Fuel Gas Code, 2000 edition, published by the International Code Council, the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, the International Conference of Building Officials, and the Southern Building Code Congress International;

(4)

the International Plumbing Code, 2000 edition, including appendices B, C, D, E, F, and G, published by the International Code Council, the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, the International Conference of Building Officials, and the Southern Building Code Congress International;

(5)

the International Mechanical Code, 2000 edition, published by the International Code Council, the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, the International Conference of Building Officials, and the Southern Building Code Congress International; and

(6)

the International Residential Code, 2000 edition, including appendix K, published by the International Code Council, the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, the International Conference of Building Officials, and the Southern Building Code Congress International.

[(2)

either:]

[(A)

the Uniform Building Code, 1997 Edition, published by the International Conference of Building Officials; or]

[(B)

the Standard Building Code, 1997 Edition, published by the Southern Building Code Congress International; and]

[(3)

the International Fuel Gas Code, 1997 Edition, published by the International Code Council, the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, the International Conference of Building Officials, and the Southern Building Code Congress International; the International Plumbing Code, 1997 Edition, published by the International Code Council, the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, the International Conference of Building Officials, and the Southern Building Code Congress International; and the International Mechanical Code, 1998 Edition, published by the International Code Council, the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, the International Conference of Building Officials, and the Southern Building Code Congress International.]

§70.101.Amendments to Mandatory State Codes.

(a)

The council shall consider and review all amendments to these codes which are approved and recommended by ICBO or SBCCI, and if they are determined to be in the public interest, the amendments shall be effective 180 days following the date of the council's determination or at a later date as set by the council.

(b)

Any amendment proposed by a local building official, and determined by the council following a public hearing to be essential to the health and safety of the public on a statewide basis, shall become effective 180 days following the date of the council's determination or at such later date as set by the council.

(c)

The 1999 Edition of the National Electrical Code shall be amended as follows.

(1)

Add to Article 310-1 the following statement: "Aluminum and copper-clad aluminum shall not be used for branch circuits in buildings classified as a residential occupancy; aluminum and copper-clad aluminum conductors, of size number 4 AWG or larger, may be used in branch circuits in buildings classified as occupancies other than residential."

(2)

Add to Article 110-14 the following statement: "Aluminum and copper-clad aluminum conductors shall be terminated using approved compression-type crimp lugs with approved inhibitors."

(d)

The International Building Code shall be amended as follows.

(1)

Revise §101.1 to read "These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program, hereinafter referred to as 'this code.'"

(2)

Delete chapter 11 and replace with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) of the Architectural Barriers Act, Article 9102, Texas Civil Statutes, dated April 1, 1994. Buildings subject to the requirements of the Texas Accessibility Standards are described in Administrative Rules of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 68, §68.21(a) and (c) (relating to Registration - Subject Buildings and Facilities.)

(3)

Revise Chapter 35, Referenced Standards, as follows.

(A)

Delete ICC A 117.1-98, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

(B)

Add Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) dated April 1, 1994.

(4)

Wherever reference elsewhere in the code is made to ICC/ANSI A117.1, the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) shall be substituted.

(e)

Revise §101.1 of the International Fuel Gas Code to read "These regulations shall be known as the Fuel Gas Code of the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program, hereinafter referred to as 'this code.'"

(f)

The International Plumbing Code shall be amended as follows.

(1)

Revise §101.1 of the International Plumbing Code to read "These regulations shall be known as the Plumbing Code of the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program, hereinafter referred to as 'this code.'"

(2)

Revise Chapter 13, Referenced Standards, as follows.

(A)

Delete ICC/ANSI A117.1-98, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

(B)

Add Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) dated April 1, 1994.

(3)

Wherever reference elsewhere in the code is made to ICC/ANSI A117.1, the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) shall be substituted.

(g)

Revise §101.1 of the International Mechanical Code to read "These regulations shall be known as the Mechanical Code of the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program, hereinafter referred to as 'this code.'"

(h)

Revise §R101.1 of the International Residential Code to read "These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings of the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program, and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as 'this code.'"

[(d)

The 1997 Edition of the Uniform Building code shall be amended as follows.]

[(1)

Amend Appendix Chapter 13, §1302.2 to read: "To comply with the purpose of this appendix, buildings shall be designed to comply with the requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code promulgated by the International Code Council, dated 1998."]

[(2)

Accessibility requirements for the physically handicapped shall be amended as follows.]

[(A)

Delete Chapter 11 and Appendix Chapter 11 and replace with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) of the Architectural Barriers Act, Article 9102, Texas Civil Statutes, dated April 1, 1994. Buildings subject to the requirements of the Texas Accessibility Standards are described in Administrative Rules of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 68, §68.21(a) and (c) relating to Registration - Subject Buildings and Facilities, dated June 1, 1994.]

[(B)

Wherever reference elsewhere in the code is made to the Council of American Building Officials (CABO)/American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A117.1 (CABO/ANSI A117.1), The Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) shall be substituted.]

[(3)

Amend Appendix Chapter 3, Division III, Section 332 to read: "Buildings regulated by this division shall be designed and constructed to comply with the requirements of the International One and Two Family Dwelling code, 1998 Edition (as it applies to detached one and two family dwellings), as promulgated by the International Code Council."]

[(e)

The 1997 Edition of the Standard Building Code shall be amended as follows:]

[(1)

Amend Appendix E as follows.]

[(A)

Amend Section E101.2 as follows: "All buildings, except those listed below, shall be designed in accordance with the International Energy Conservation Code."]

[(B)

Delete Section E102.]

[(2)

Accessibility requirements for the physically handicapped shall be amended as follows:]

[(A)

Delete Chapter 11 and replace with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) of the Architectural Barriers Act, Article 9102, Texas Civil Statutes, dated April 1, 1994. Buildings subject to the requirements of the Texas Accessibility Standards are described in Administrative Rules of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 68, §68.21 (a) and (c) relating to Registration - Subject Buildings and Facilities, dated June 1, 1994.]

[(B)

Wherever reference elsewhere in the code is made to the Council of American Building Officials (CABO)/American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A117.1 (CABO/ANSI A117.1), the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) shall be substituted.]

[(3)

Revise Chapter 35, Reference Standards, Section 3502 as follows.]

[(A)

Delete "CABO/ANSI A117.1-92, Accessible and Usable Building, and Facilities, delete CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code, 1995 edition, and delete CABO Model Energy Code, 1995 edition.]

[(B)

Add Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), dated April 1, 1994, add International One and Two Family Dwelling Code, 1998 edition, and International Energy Conservation Code, 1998 edition.]

[(4)

Delete Appendix B, Recommended Schedule of Permit Fees.]

[(5)

Amend Appendix C as follows: "All one and two family dwellings not more than three stories in height and their accessory structures shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the International One and Two Family Dwelling Code as promulgated by the International Code Council. All structures constructed in accordance with this appendix shall meet the height and area requirements for Group R3 occupancies in Table 500 of the Standard Building Code.]

[(f)

Amend the 1997 edition of the International Plumbing Code by deleting Appendix A, Plumbing Permit Fee Schedule.]

[(g)

Amend the 1998 edition of the International Mechanical Code by deleting Appendix B, Recommended Permit Fee Schedule.]

[(h)

Revise Chapter 49 of the 1998 edition of the International One and Two Family Dwelling Code, "ASCE 7-1988, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures" to read: "ASCE 7-1995, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures."]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on March 28, 2001.

TRD-200101803

William H. Kuntz, Jr.

Executive Director

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 13, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-7348