Residential Construction Guidelines

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES

CITY OF PARKVILLE, MISSOURI

               CITY HALL         JOHN CONRAD / PAUL GIARRATANA

        1201 EAST STREET                   BUILDING INSPECTORS

     PARKVILLE, MO 64152               PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

            816-741-7676                          816-741-9313

       FAX: 816-741-0013

City of Parkville - JUNE 2000

GUIDELINES

The following guidelines are provided to assist property owners and contractors with the orderly construction of residential projects within the provisions of Parkville Building Codes and Zoning Ordinances. Please read them carefully and understand that they do not include all of the code requirements, but are summarized for an efficient guideline.

The codes adopted by the City are the 1997 Uniform Building Code, with all appendixes listed, with the exception of Section 1222 (CABO), 1997 Uniform Administrative Code, 1997 Uniform Building Code Standards, 1991 Uniform Building Security Code, 1997 Dwelling Construction Under the Uniform Building Code, 1997 Uniform Plumbing Code, 1997 Uniform Mechanical Code, 1996 National Electrical Code, 1991 Uniform Sign Code, Uniform Code of Building Conservation, 1991 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 1991 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and any supplements to the above listed codes.

Prior to the issuance of a building permit, a certificate of approval must be received from the Southern Platte County Fire District (SPCFD). A certificate of approval may be obtained by submitting a copy of plans to the District Station, located at 10811 N. 45 Highway, Parkville, MO 64152. The SPCFD has adopted the 1994 Fire Code and oversees the compliance of the Code on all building construction projects.

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PERMITS

In order to obtain a building permit, the building inspector needs to review the building plans and the site plan for building code and zoning regulations. The building plans should include floor plans, a foundation plan, building elevations, and a building wall cross section. The site plan should show the legal description, the property dimensions, all easements, existing and proposed buildings, lot corner, foundation, and finished floor elevations, all public utilities on or adjoining the site, and dimensions from proposed buildings to property lines.

The review of residential plans generally will take three (3) working days. The review of commercial plans will generally take five (5) working days. A permit will not be issued until the SPCFD certificate of approval is received.

Permit fees are based upon the value of the project and in accordance with the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC). Permit fee schedules are attached for your review. Fees for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are based upon the fee schedule as published in the applicable code.

Inspections are performed during construction. A minimum of twenty-four (24) hours notice is needed to allow for scheduling. At this time, it is determined by the Inspector if an engineer's soil test report and/or special design of the footing is required.

Excavation and Footing Inspections - A footing inspection is required after all steel is in place and before the concrete is poured.
Foundation Wall Inspection - A foundation inspection is required after all steel is in place and before the concrete is poured.
Sewer Inspection - A sewer inspection is required when the building sewer is connected to the sewer main and before backfilling.
Water Inspection - A water inspection by the Building Inspector is required after all underground piping, meter yoke, pit, and lid are in place. Meter and pit installation is regulated and inspected by Missouri American Water Company. (741-2991)
Ground Rough Plumbing - All underground or underslab plumbing must be inspected prior to covering.
Top Rough Plumbing - All rough plumbing must be inspected when drain/waste/vents anbd water piping is roughed in, prior to insulating or drywall stocking.
Framing Inspecting - Building framing must be inspected after all framing and furring is completed, prior to insulating or drywall stocking.
Electrical Rough Inspection - The electrical wiring must be inspected after all wiring, boxes, and recessed fixtures are installed. Boxes should be made up and home runs should extend to the service location. The inspection must be approved prior to insulating or dry wall stocking.
Mechanical Rough Inspection - Mechanical vents, ducts, and return air spaces require inspection prior to insulation or drywall.
Sheet Rock Inspection - An inspection of sheet rock insulation is required prior to taping and mudding.
Driveway/Sidewalk Inspection - Inspections are needed for driveway Approaches and public sidewalks prior to placing the concrete.
Gas Inspection - All gas piping on the building side of the gas meter needs to be inspected after all piping is installed before KPL Gas Service will install a gas meter. A 10 p.s.i. air test, or 6" mercury test shall be approved by the inspector. A 60 p.s.i. Air test is required for welded piping.
Occupancy Inspection - An occupancy inspection is required prior to any occupancy of a building or addition. All electrical connections, face plates, panels, and fixtures must be complete. Plumbing fixtures, mechanical equipment, final grade, sidewalks, driveways and safety features such as handrails, guardrail, smoke detectors, address, grinder pump, and means of egress must be completed.

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BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST

Permit information:

Lot number (and block as warranted), subdivision name.
Plat number
Address
Developer's Stamp.
Missouri registered architect stamp.
Missouri registered land surveyor's stamp.
Plot plan.

5' contours with silt control measures indicated - NPDES requirement.
Base flood elevation.
Basement floor slab elevation - indicate sewer elevation.
Top foundation wall
First floor elevation.
Zoning requirements side yard, rear yard, front square foot minimum.

8. Licensed builders,

9. Subcontractor's properly licensed

10. New Builders must get a construction guideline builders handout

11. Plan Review

1. BFE or flood management issues.

2. Grading or drainage, overflow swale construction - APWA.

3. Siltation Controls; rip-rap installed

4. Sidewalk(s) or adjacent wheelchair ramp construction.

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FOOTINGS AND FOUNDATIONS

The following guidelines are provided to assist in meeting the requirements of the 1997 Uniform Building Code for typical residential footings. Where the guidelines are not specific, please contact the Building Inspector.

A footing inspection is required after the steel is in place, and before the concrete is poured. Four hours notice is needed to assure scheduling.

When completed, the bottom of all footings must be 36" below the ground surface adjoining it.
The minimum width of any footing is 12".
Footings supporting a second story must be 15" wide.
Fottings supporting three stories must be 24" wide.
Non-engineering footins must have two #4 (1/2") reinforcing bars continuously around. Footings 24" wide require three #4 bars.
Re-bar must be supported on risers, overlapped 18" and double-tied together.
No less than 2,500 lb. concrete may be used for footings, 5% air entrainment is required if the concrete will be exposed to freezing and thawing during construction.
No less than 3,000 lb. air entrained concrete may be used for foundation walls. No less than 3,500 lb. air entrained concrete may be used for concrete slabs exposed to the weather.
Pads under masonry fireplaces must be 12" thick.
Foundation anchor bolts are required at six foot spacing and within twelve inches of the ends of each wall. Anchor bolts are also required in slabs of walk-out basements along the perimeter. Generally a 6" curb wall is needed in order to keep the siding 6" above grade.
Where footings and foundations are stepped, the footing and foundation must be continuous (in a plan view) without cantilevering of foundation walls.
Perimeter drain tiles are required where floors or crawl spaces exist below finished grade. The drain tile shall drain by gravity to daylight or drain into a sump hole, where a sump pump shall be placed to pump the water to the outside.

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FRAMING GUIDELINES

The following guidelines are provided to assist in meeting the requirements of the 1997 Uniform Building Code for typical residential buildings. Where the guidelines are not specific, please contact the Building Inspector.

A framing inspection will be done along with the plumbing and/or electrical inspections if it has not already been requested.

Treated wood is needed for plates, columns or posts on concrete foundations or floors, and for joists in crawl spaces with less than 18" of clearance to a ground level. Sec. 2516 c-3.
Washers and nuts shall be placed on anchor bolts. Sec. 2907 f.
The maximum spans of floor joists, ceiling joists, and rafters are shown on the attached "span tables".
Joists under and parallel to bearing walls shall be doubled. Sec. 2517 d-5.
Six (6) inch separation is required between finished grade and any untreated wood, framing or siding. Sec. 2516 c-7.
(a) 2 x 4 utility grade studs 16" o.c. shall support no more than a ceiling and a roof.
(b) 2 x 6 studs 16" o.c. shall be used for support of buildings over two stories.
(c) Bearing utility studs are limited to 8' length.
All headers in bearing walls and any header more than 4'0" long shall be doubled. Sec. 2517 g-5.
Purlins may be used to extend the span of rafters. Supporting struts shall extend to bearings walls within 5" of stud below. 2" x 6" purlins may span 6'. The minimum slope of the strut shall not be less than 45 degrees from the horizontal. 2 x 4 struts are limited to 8 foot length. Sec. 2517 h-6. Purlin struts shall not bear on ceiling joists or stiffbacks.
When ceiling joists run in the opposite direction to rafters, rafter ties are needed 4' o.c.. Rafter ties should be immediately above the ceiling joists. Sec. 2517 h-5.
Rafters shall be framed directly opposite each other at the ridge. The ridge board must be equal or greater in depth than the end cut of the rafter. Sec. 2517 h-3.
Joists framing from opposite sides of a beam shall overlap 3" or butt together with splice plate. Sec. 2517 d-3.
Holes bored in joists shall not be within 2" of the top or bottom. The diameter shall not exceed 1/2 of the depth of the joist. Notches in the top or bottom of joists shall not exceed 1/6 of the depth and shall not be located in the middle 1/3 of the span. Sec. 2517 d-3.
Top plates cut for plumbing or mechanical shall be strapped with 1/8" x 1 1/2" metal ties with 4-16d nails. Sec. 2517 g-6.
Firestopping must be provided to cut off all concealed draft openings between stories and between the top story and the attic. Sec. 2516 f.
(a) Solid tops or backs are needed on soffits, drop ceilings, and concealed chases for flues and plumbing.
(b) Holes for plumbing should be drilled to fit or firestopped with sheet metal.
(c) Holes for ducts should be firestopped with sheetmetal.
Access to each attic shall be provided by an opening at least 22" x 30". Thirty inches of headroom is required above the opening. Sec. 3205 (a).
One (1) layer of 15 lb. felt is required beneath all asphalt shingles. Table 32-B1.
Stairways may have a 7" maximum rise and a 11" minimum run. Sec. 3306 c.
Stair winders must have a 6" run at the most narrow point. Sec. 3306 d. Except that two 45 degree winders are allowed for a 90-degree turn without aluminum run.
6'8" headroom is required over stairs. Sec. 3306 (o).
Handrails are required for all stairways. Handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs. The top of the handrail shall be 34 to 38 inches above the nosing of treads. Sec. 3306 (i).
Guardrail shall be provided for decks, balconies, and porches which are more than 30" above grade. Guardrail must be 36" high on the deck, 34" on the stair-rail above the nosing of the stair. Intermediate rails shall be placed so that a 4" ball cannot pass through. Sec. 1712.
The fireplace chimney or metal vent opening must be 2 feet above any roof within 10 feet. Chimneys on buildings with wood shingle roofs must have spark arresters. Sec. 3703.
All sleeping rooms must have at least one operable door or window leading directly to the outside for emergency egress. Windows must have at least 5.7 sq. ft. of openable space. The minimum openable height is 24 inches, and the minimum openable width is 20 inches. The finished sill height shall be no more than 48 inches above the floor. Sec. 1204.
Walls and floors separating dwelling units shall be of 1-hour fire rated construction (5/8" fire code drywall). Sec. 1202.

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FIREPLACES

Metal fireplaces must be installed in strict accordance with its listing and manufacturers installation instructions. Clearances to adjoining combustibles, mantles, hearth trim, and adjoining walls are specified in the instructions. Hearth dimensions are also specified and must be carefully checked. Many fireplaces require 22" hearths.

The following guidelines should assist when constructing masonry fireplaces and chimneys.

Every masonry chimney shall extend at least 2 feet above the part of the roof through which it passes and at least 2 feet above the highest elevation of any portion of the building within 10 feet of the chimney.

Cleanout openings shall be provided within 6 inches of the base of every masonry chimney.

Chimneys attached to any appliance or fireplace that burns solid fuel shall be equipped with an approved spark arrester when the roof construction is combustible. The net free area of the spark arrester shall not be less than four times the net free area of the outlet of the chimney. The spark arrester screen shall have heat and corrosion resistance equivalent to 12-guage wire, 19-guage galvanized wire or 24-guage stainless steel. Openings shall not permit the passage of spheres having a diameter larger than 1/2 inch and shall not block the passage of spheres having a diameter of less than 3/8 inch.

A chimney shall not support any structural load other than its own weight.

Masonry chimneys shall be lined with fireclay flue tile not less than 5/8 inch thick or with firebrick lining not less than 2 inches thick. Chimney lines shall be carefully bedded in approved mortar with close-fitting joints left smooth on the inside.

Masonry chimneys shall be constucted of masonry units or reinforced concrete with walls not less than 4 inches thick when lined or 8 inches thick when unlined or rubble stone masonry not less than 12 inches thick.

Masonry walls of fireplaces shall be not less than 8 inches in thickness. Walls of fireboxes shall be not less than 10 inches in thickness except that where a lining of firebrick is used, such walls shall be not less than 8 inches in thickness. The firebox shall be not less than 20 inches in depth. The maximum thickness of joints in firebricks shall be 1/4 inch.

Masonry over the fireplace opening shall be supported by a noncombustible lintel.

Masonry fireplaces shall be provided with a brick, concrete, stone, or other approved noncombustible hearth slab. This slab shall be not less than 4 inches thick and shall be supported by noncombustible materials or reinforced to carry its own weight and all imposed loads. Combustible forms and centering shall be removed.

Hearths shall extend at least 16 inches from the front of and at least 8 inches beyond each side of the fireplace opening. Where the fireplace opening is 6 square feet or larger, the hearth extension shall extend at least 20 inches in front of and at least 12 inches beyond each side of the fireplace opening.

Combustible materials shall not be placed within 6 inches of the fireplace opening. Combustible material within 12 inches of the fireplace opening shall not project more than 1/8 inch for each 1 inch clearance from such opening.

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ELECTRICAL GUIDELINES

The following guidelines are provided to assist in meeting the requirements of the 1996 National Electrical Code for typical residential buildings. Where the guidelines are not specific, please contact the Building Inspector.

Two electrical inspections are required at each dwelling:

The rough-in when the wiring, boxes, and recessed fixtures are installed. The wiring should be made up and run to the service location.
The service inspection is needed before KCP&L will provide electricity. The service panel, disconnect, service entrance conductors, and grounding need to be complete. Please have the panel cover off, but available nearby. The electrical service will not be released to the utility company until all rough-in inspections are approved.

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SERVICES

100 AMP residential services shall have #4 copper or #2 aluminum service entrance conductors, with #6 copper grounding electrode conductors (ref. Art. 230-41 and Art. 250-95) connected from the service nuetral grounding bar to both an 8 ft. ground rod and the water service where it enters the building (see Art. 250-81).

200 AMP residential services shall have 2/0 copper or 4/0 aluminum service entrance conductors, with #4 copper grounding electrode conductors connected from the service neutral grounding bar to the water service where it enters the building and a #6 copper grounding electrode conductor from the neutral grounding bar to an 8 ft. ground rod (see Art. 250-81).

Grounding conductors must be protected from physical damage. Use of rigid metal conduit for conductors requires bonding at each end of the conduit (Art. 250-92 and Art. 250-71).

In every kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, parlor, library, den, sunroom, bedroom, recreation room, guest room or other similar rooms of dwelling units, receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the floor line in any wall space is more than 6 ft., measured horizontally from an outlet in that space, including any wall space 2 ft. or more in width. The fixed panel of a sliding door is considered as wall space (see Art. 210-52a).

The wall space afforded by fixed room dividers, such as free standing bar-type counters, shall be included in the 6 ft. measurement. There should never be more than 12 ft. between each receptacle on a continuous wall space. Where floor receptacles are necessary, they shall be dust-proof.

As used herein, a "wall space" shall be considered a wall unbroken along the floor line by doorways, fireplaces, and similar openings. Each wall space two or more feet wide shall be treated individually and separately from other wall spaces within the room. A wall space shall be permitted to include two or more walls of a room (around corners) where unbroken at the floor line.

Receptacle outlets, insofar as practicable, should be placed equal distances apart. Receptacle outlets in floors shall not be counted as part of the required number of receptacle outlets unless they are located close to the wall.

Counter Tops: In kitchen and dining areas of dwelling units, a receptacle outlet shall be installed at each counter space wider than 12 inches. Counter tops separated by range tops, refrigerators, or sinks shall be considered as separate counter spaces. Receptacles rendered inaccessible by appliances fastened in place or appliances occupying dedicated space shall not be considered as these required outlets. Counter top receptacles are required such that no point of the counter top is more than 24" (horizontally) from a receptacle. Island and peninsular counter tops require 1 receptacle for each 4'-0" of counter top when there are less than 6 other receptacles available over the counter tops (see Art. 210-52c).

Bathrooms: In dwelling units, at least one wall receptacle outlet shall be installed adjacent to the basin location. (GFCI required)

An exhaust fan, vented to outside air, is required if there is no operable window in the bathroom.

Outdoor outlet: For one and two-family dwellings, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed outdoors for each unit. (Weatherproof covers are required, GFCI required.)

Basements and Garages: For a dwelling unit, at least one receptacle outlet, in addition to any provided for laundry equipment, shall be installed in each basement and in each garage. Receptacles placed in the garage should be kept at least 18 inches above the floor surface. All receptacles in unfinished basements (except dedicated single receptacles) require GFCI protection (see Art. 210-8 a-4).

General: At least one wall switch controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room, guest room, in bathrooms, stairways, hallways, garages, and outdoor entrances (A vehicle door in a garage is not considered as an outdoor entrance for this purpose).

Switches are required at each floor level to control the lighting of stairways with 6 or more risers (see Art. 210-70).

At least one wall switch controlled lighting outlet shall be installed at the point of entrance to an attic, under floor space, utility room, and basement where these spaces are used for storage or containing equipment that might require service. The light shall be located near the equipment requiring service.

Hallways 10'-0" or more in length shall require at least one receptacle (see Art. 210-52).

Exceptions:

In habitable rooms other than kitchens, one or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch shall be permitted in lieu of lighting outlets.
In hallways, stairways, and outdoor entrances, remote, central or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.

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BRANCH CIRCUITS

Appliances: Outlets for a specific appliance should have the circuit rating of the appliance served. Look for the name plate rating!

Central heating equipment is required to be on a separate circuit (see Art. 422-7).

Receptacles: A maximum of 10 outlets are permitted on a typical 15 AMP circuit. A maximum of 13 outlets are permitted on a typical 20 AMP circuit.

Kitchen small appliances: Two or more 20 AMP circuits are required for the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room and dining room of a dwelling unit for the small appliance loads, including the refrigeration equipment. These circuits shall not be used for any lighting in these rooms.

Not more than 4 receptacles are allowed for each small appliance circuit.

Laundry: The laundry area shall have a 20 AMP circuit. This circuit shall be exclusively for the laundry receptacles and shall not be used for any lighting in this area.

Clothes closets: Lights in closets shall be installed with a minimum of 12 inches clearance (measured horizontally) from the front of the shelf.

Recessed fixture with solid lenses, or florescent fixtures may be installed with a minimum clearance (measured horizontally) of 6 inches from the front of the shelf.

Open incandescent fixtures and pendant fixtures are not permitted in clothes closets. Fixtures in clothes closets shall be permitted to be installed as follows:

Surface mounted incandescent fixtures with fully enclosed lamps installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling provided there is a minimum clearance of 12" between the fixture and the nearest point of a storage area.
Surface mounted florescent fixtures installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling provided there is a minimum clearance of 6" between the fixture and the nearest point of storage area.
Recessed incandescent fixtures with a completely enclosed lamp installed in the wall or the ceiling provided there is a minimum clearance of 6" between the fixture and the nearest point of storage area.
Recessed florescent fixtures installed in the wall or on the ceiling providing there is a minimum clearance of 6" between the fixture and nearest point of storage (see Art. 410-d).

Recessed fixtures: All recessed fixtures shall have thermal protection and shall be identified as thermally protected (Sec. 410-65).

Recessed fixtures installed in thermal insulation shall be identified with the listing label for installation within thermal insulation (Type IC).

Smoke detectors: Smoke detectors shall receive their primary power from the building wiring and shall be equipped with battery backup. The wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than required for over-current protection located at the main service (DO NOTconnect to the GFCI circuit).

The detectors should be mounted on the ceiling, or wall within 12 inches of the ceiling, located in the corridor or area giving access to the rooms used for sleeping and in each sleeping room. Where sleeping rooms are on an upper level, the detectors shall be placed on the ceiling in close proximity to the stairway.

In homes with more than one level and those with basements, an additional smoke detector shall be installed on each level and in the basement. These additional detectors shall be interconnected to the other detectors so as to be audible from the sleeping areas.

Furthermore, smoke detectors will be provided, as required above, for any alternations, repairs, or additions that exceed $1,000 in valuation, or whenever one or more sleeping rooms are added.

Additional detectors may be required due to unusual architectural features. Specifically, when ceiling heights of rooms open to hallways are higher than the ceiling height of the hallway.

Exception: Battery operated detectors may only be installed in existing buildings, or when unable to install permanent wire type for alterations, repairs, or additions. See U.B.C. Sec. 1210.

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GROUND-FAULT PROTECTION FOR PERSONNEL

Bathrooms: All 15 and 20 ampere receptacles installed in bathrooms shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for personnel (a bathroom is an area including a basin with one or more of the following: a toilet, a tub, or a shower).

Garages and basements: All 15 and 20 ampere receptacles installed in garages and unfinished basements shall have GFCI protection for personnel.

Exceptions:

Receptacles which are not readily accessible.
Receptacles for appliances occupying dedicated space which are cord and plug connected (single purpose).

Outdoors: All 15 and 20 ampere receptacles installed outdoors shall have GFCI protection for personnel (weatherproof covers are required). Underground 15 and 20 amp wiring buried 12" to 24" deep must have GFCI protection.

Kitchen: All counter top receptacles within 6 ft. of the kitchen sink shall have GFCI protection.

Construction sites: All 15 and 20 ampere receptacle outlets which are not a part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and which are in use by personnel shall have GFCI protection.

Spa or hot tub: Receptacles for spa or hot tub equipment, receptacles within 20 ft. of the water, and lighting within 5 ft. (measured horizontally) shall be GFCI protected.

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WIRING METHODS AND MATERIALS

Conductors of different systems: Different systems should not be run together in the same raceway unless all conductors are insulated with the maximum voltage of any conductor within the enclosure. Conductors of high voltage and low voltage systems shall not occupy the same wiring enclosure.

Communications circuits should be kept separate from other electrical circuits by 2 inches.

Protection against physical damage:

The cable shall be protected from physical damage where necessary by conduit, pipe, guard strips, or other means.

Bored holes: Where wire is installed in bored holes, they should be placed at the approximate center of the wood member so that the edge of the hole is no closer than 1-1/4 inches from the edge. If the wire is required to be closer than the 1-1/4 inches, the cable must be protected by a steel plate or busing at least 1/16 inch thick.

Any notches or holes in wood members should not weaken the structure.

Wire support: Non-metallic sheathed cable shall be secured by staples, straps or similar fittings so designed and installed as not to injure the cables. Cables shall be secured in place at intervals not exceeding 4-1/2 ft. and within 12 inches from every cabinet, box, or fitting.

Cable in cold air returns: Wire should not be run in environmental air enclosures.

Exceptions: Cable passing through joist or stud spaces where wire passes through such space perpendicular to the long dimension.

Splices and connections: All splices and connections are required to be made in junction, fixture, or switch boxes. All wires in junction boxes (including grounding conductors) must be properly spliced with twist locks or other approved devices.

At least 6 inches of conductor shall be left at each outlet and switch point for connection of fixtures and devices.

All boxes should be adequate in size to allow the proper cubic inch area for the number of wires installed therein.

Metallic boxes are required to be connected to the grounding system by connectors or clamps, and a bushing or clamp shall be used for the wire where it passes through the box.

Outlet boxes shall not be used as the sole support for ceiling fans.

Circuit identification: Each circuit breaker shall be labeled to identify its purpose.

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PLUMBING GUIDELINES

The following guidelines are provided to assist in meeting the requirements of the 1997 Uniform Plumbing Code for typical residential buildings. Where the guidelines are not specific, please contact the Building Inspector.

The following inspections are required at each dwelling:

sewer or septic inspection
water inspection
ground rough inspection
top rough inspection
gas inspection

Sewers: Piping must be laid on a firm base for its entire length, bedded in and covered with gravel, with a 1/4" per foot slope. Piping may be plastic schedule 40 PVC or ABS, SDR 35 PVC, cast iron, ductile iron, or vitrified clay pipe with neoprene gaskets.

Sewers must have clean-outs extended to grade at or in the building, and each 100 feet thereafter.

The connection of the building sewer at the public sewer needs to be visible at the time of an inspection.

Water: Underground exterior water piping must be 42 inches below grade. Type K copper must be used within 10 ft. of meter and 20 ft. of building. Copper shall extend into the building through the pressure regulator and the main shut-off valve.

3/4 inches minimum building supply is required.

Hose bibs shall be of a listed self-draining frost-proof type, with integral non-removable backflow prevention.

Water pressure regulators are required where the water pressure exceeds 80 PSI.

An accessible shut-off valve is required where the water service enters a single family dwelling, duplex unit, or apartment unit.

An accessible shut-off valve is required ahead of all water closets and dishwashers.

Water piping should be sized according to Section 1009 and Table 10-2 of the 1991 U.P.C.

Interior copper water piping shall be supported each 6 feet.

Interior plastic water piping shall be supported each 4 feet.

Solder and fluxes with a lead content exceeding .2 of 1% are prohibited.

Gas: Black iron pipe is required for all interior gas piping, unless approved appliance connectors are used.

Exception: ANSI/AGA LC 1-1991 listed corrugated stainless steel tubing is approved when approved by the Building Inspector.

Interior gas piping must withstand a 15-minute mercury gauge pressure test with 6 inch column of mercury. Welded piping, the test shall be 60 PSI for 30 minutes using air pressure only.

Exterior buried gas piping shall be coated pipe, wrapped pipe, or approved PVC or PE pipe.

Metallic piping requires 12 inches of earth cover. Plastic piping requires 18 inches of earth cover with #18 copper tracer wire attached to the piping and extended to grade.

Risers shall be metallic and be wrapped to a point 6 inches above grade.

No gas piping may be installed under any structure in or on the ground. All exposed piping shall be 6 inches above grade.

Drip legs are required for the collection of condensation ahead of all appliance connections where necessary.

Accessible shutoff valves are required on the gas supply lines outside of each appliance, ahead of the union connection, and within 3 feet of the appliance (4 feet for gas fireplaces).

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General Requirements for Residential Decks

Permits are required for decks over 30" above grade in the City of Parkville. Application shall be made to the Building Inspection Department along with one plot plan and one set of building plans.

The building plans shall show the following:

1. Pier locations, depth and size

2. Size and material of post, beams and joists.

3. Size, height and spacing of guardrails and spindles.

The site plan should show the following:

1. Property address and legal description.

2. Property dimensions.

3. All easements on the property.

4. The location of the deck, including distance from all property lines.

Note: Both plans should be drawn to scale; 1/4" per foot for the building plans and 1"=20' or 1"=30' for the site plan are normal.

The following list includes most of the building code and land use regulations for decks;

1. Side yard setbacks must be no less than 10 feet or according to zoning codes.

2. Rear yard setbacks must be no less than 35 feet or according to zoning codes.

3. Footing and piers must extend 36" below grade and bear on undisturbed soil.

4. Guardrails must extend 36" above the deck. Note: Decks less than 30" above grade are not required to have permits or guardrails.

5. 1 square foot of footing or pier is necessary for each 50 square feet of deck.

6. Handrails are required on at least one side of the stairs and all open sides. Top of handrails shall be 34" - 38" above the nosing of treads.

7. Structural requirements for decks are based solely upon loads of 40 pounds per square foot. The following should help with floor joist selections:

CCA Treated Southern Pine #2 - 24" o.c. #2 -16" o.c.

2 x 6 8'-6" 9'-9"

2 x 8 11'-3" 12'-10"

2 x 10 14'-4" 16'-5"

8. Rim joists must be sized according to their spans.

Example: 12' deck. 8' rim joist 2-2 x 8 or 2 x 10

10' rim joist 2-2 x 10

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