[Derived from Art. III of Ch. XI of the Charter and Ordinances,
1974]
For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall
have the meanings defined herein:
Any inside roof drainpipe draining a roof or that part of
any outside roof drainpipe permanently connected with the sewer system.
A person employed by a factory or plant which manufactures
equipment, devices, fixtures, components, assemblies, controls, and
other similar parts for the electrical, elevators, fuel devices or
plumbing trades, who has the working knowledge of the trade manufactured
for and of the equipment, etc., manufactured by such factory, and
has been trained and certified by such manufacturer as being knowledgeable
and capable of installing and servicing the equipment and components,
etc., in the field wherever it is installed.
[Added 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
For a commercial building, one of the following categories:
[Added 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
The individual property owner (or owners), who is capable and
has a working knowledge of repairs and replacements in-kind in the
fields of work called for in properly maintaining his/her building
and site.
Any employee(s) in the direct employ of the owner(s), not as
a contractor or subcontractor, but as an actual employee, whose job
it is to maintain the property and who is capable and has a working
knowledge of repairs and replacements in-kind in the fields of work
called for in properly maintaining the building and site that he/she
has been employed by the owner to maintain.
Includes any receptacle or conduit carrying or discharging
waste or water, or both, connected directly or indirectly with the
plumbing system, including the hot- or cold-water lines or hot-water
tanks or heaters, and which is connected directly or indirectly with
the City water or sewer services. Repair parts added to or replaced
on any fixture shall not be considered as a fixture in the charging
of fees herein.
An additional inspection where it is found by the Division
of New Construction that the work has not been done in a satisfactory
manner or not in compliance with this article, the rules and regulations
for the registration of plumbers and installation of plumbing and
drainage in the City of Buffalo and other applicable ordinances of
the City of Buffalo.
[Added 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
A.
All work, materials, parts, elements, components, finishes, equipment
and/or fixtures, assemblies and systems shall comply with the requirements
of the Plumbing Code of New York State irrespective of the requirement
for a plumbing permit or payment of plumbing permit fees.
B.
All work shall comply with the provisions of the codes and ordinances
of this Charter irrespective of requirement for a plumbing permit
or payment of plumbing permit fees.
C.
All work is subject to all other applicable approvals and reviews
and their attendant fees irrespective of requirement for a plumbing
permit or payment of plumbing permit fees.
D.
The owner of a building, structure or lot is the primary responsible
party in building permit and building permit fee matters. The use
or employment of any agent, a licensed design professional, or a licensed
contractor does not obviate the owner's responsibilities.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003]
Plumbing work shall not be commenced until a permit for such
work has been issued by the Commissioner. A plumbing permit shall
only be issued to a City of Buffalo Licensed Master Plumber. A plumbing
permit is not transferable. A plumbing permit may be issued to an
individual resident owner, who has proven to the satisfaction of the
Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services that they are personally
qualified to perform such plumbing work within their own home.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003; 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
A.
Repairs to existing plumbing installations in existing one- and two-family
dwellings which are limited to:
(1)
The repair in part or whole of any faucet, or supply tubes and fixture
stops attached to said faucet;
(2)
The unblocking of stoppages of drains, which does not entail cutting
out any section of drain past the fixture trap;
(3)
The repair of tubular drain assemblies and their connection to any
sink or bathtub;
(4)
The repair of water closet stop valves, supply tubes, and flushing
mechanisms;
(5)
The repair of any existing plumbing fixture, excluding hot water
tanks; and
(6)
The repair of sections of piping for the water distribution system
to repair leaks, provided the piping is located aboveground or above
the floor in a basement or cellar, and the repair does not encompass
more than 20 lineal feet of piping.
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Resident homeowners and appropriately licensed plumbing contractors
may make such repairs to existing installations, consistent with the
definition of "repairs," without applying for and obtaining a plumbing
permit and paying plumbing permit fees. However, even when plumbing
permits are not required, all installations, materials, parts, elements,
components, fixtures, fittings, assemblies or systems used in such
Repairs must conform to current plumbing code requirements, as well
as current BCNYS Building and Energy Code requirements and City Charter,
codes and ordinances.
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No other plumbing repairs may be made in existing one- and two-family
dwellings without first obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing
permit fees.
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B.
Repairs to existing plumbing installations in existing commercial
buildings which are limited to:
(1)
The repair in part or whole of any faucet or supply tubes and fixture
stops attached to said faucet;
(2)
The unblocking of stoppages of drains, which does not entail cutting
out any section of drain past the fixture trap;
(3)
The repair of tubular drain assemblies and their connection to any
sink or bathtub;
(4)
The repair of water closet stop valves, supply tubes, and flushing
mechanisms; and
(5)
The repair of urinal flush valve systems.
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Maintenance personnel and appropriately licensed plumbing contractors
may make such repairs to existing installations, consistent with the
definition of "repairs," without applying for and obtaining a plumbing
permit and paying plumbing permit fees. However, even when plumbing
permits are not required, installations, all materials, parts, elements,
components, fixtures, fittings, assemblies or systems used in such
repairs must conform to current plumbing code requirements, as well
as current BCNYS Building and Energy Code requirements and City Charter,
codes and ordinances.
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No other plumbing repairs may be made in existing commercial
buildings without first obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing
permit fees.
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C.
Replacements in-kind to existing plumbing installations at existing
one and two family dwellings which are limited to:
(1)
The replacement in-kind in part or whole of any faucet, or supply
tubes and fixture stops attached to said faucet;
(2)
The unblocking of stoppages of drains, which does not entail cutting
out any section of drain past the fixture trap;
(3)
The replacement in-kind of tubular drain assemblies and their connection
to any sink or bathtub;
(4)
The replacement in-kind of water closet stop valves, supply tubes,
and flushing mechanisms;
(5)
The replacement in-kind of any existing plumbing fixture, excluding
hot water tanks; and
(6)
The replacement in-kind of sections of piping for the water distribution
system to repair leaks provided the piping is located aboveground
or above the floor in a basement or cellar, and the repair does not
encompass more than 20 lineal feet of piping.
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Resident homeowners and appropriately licensed plumbing contractors
may make such replacements in-kind to existing installations, consistent
with the definition of "replacements in-kind," without applying for
and obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees. However,
even when plumbing permits are not required, all installations, materials,
parts, elements, components, fixtures, fittings, assemblies or systems
used in such replacements in-kind must conform to current plumbing
code requirements, as well as current BCNYS Building and Energy Code
requirements and City Charter, codes and ordinances.
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No other replacements in-kind of plumbing parts, elements, components,
fixtures, fittings, assemblies or systems may be made in existing
one and two family dwellings without first obtaining a plumbing permit
and paying plumbing permit fees.
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D.
Replacements in-kind to plumbing installations at existing commercial
buildings which are limited to:
(1)
The replacement in-kind in part or whole of any faucet, or supply
tubes and fixture stops attached to said faucet;
(2)
The unblocking of stoppages of drains, which does not entail cutting
out any section of drain past the fixture trap;
(3)
The replacement in-kind of tubular drain assemblies and their connection
to any sink or bathtub;
(4)
The replacement in-kind of water closet stop valves, supply tubes,
and flushing mechanisms; and
(5)
The replacement in-kind of urinal flush valve systems.
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Maintenance personnel and appropriately licensed plumbing contractors
may make such replacements in-kind to existing installations, consistent
with the definition of "replacements in-kind," without applying for
and obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees. However,
even when Plumbing Permits are not required, all installations, materials,
parts, devices, assemblies, systems and fixtures used in such Replacements
in-kind must conform to current plumbing code requirements, as well
as current BCNYS Building and Energy Code requirements and City Charter,
codes and ordinances.
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No other replacements in-kind of plumbing parts, elements, components,
fixtures, fittings, assemblies or systems may be made in existing
commercial buildings without first obtaining a plumbing permit and
paying plumbing permit fees.
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E.
Service work to existing plumbing installations at existing one-
and two-family dwellings which is limited to:
(1)
Fixtures;
(2)
Appliances;
(3)
Hot water tanks; and
(4)
Pumps.
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Resident homeowners, factory-certified service technicians,
and appropriately licensed plumbing contractors may perform periodic
service work on such installations without applying for and obtaining
a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees. However, even when
Plumbing Permits are not required, all installations, materials, parts,
devices, assemblies, systems and fixtures used in such service work
must conform to current plumbing code requirements, as well as current
BCNYS Building and Energy Code requirements and City Charter, codes
and ordinances.
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F.
Service work to existing plumbing installations at existing commercial
buildings which is limited to:
(1)
Fixtures;
(2)
Appliances;
(3)
Hot water tanks; and
(4)
Pumps.
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Factory-certified service technicians, maintenance personnel,
and appropriately licensed plumbing contractors may perform periodic
service work on such installations without applying for and obtaining
a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees. However, even when
plumbing permits are not required, all installations, materials, parts,
devices, assemblies, systems and fixtures used in such service work
must conform to current plumbing code requirements, as well as current
BCNYS Building and Energy Code requirements and City Charter, codes
and ordinances.
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A City licensed Master Plumber or Journeyman Plumber who is
supervised by a Master Plumber, both of whom are licensed by the City
of Buffalo, may, as an employee of a factory or plant, perform plumbing
work in such factory or plant.
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G.
Installation of listed portable plumbing equipment and appliances
at existing one- and two-family dwellings. Homeowners and appropriately
licensed handymen and plumbing contractors may make such plumbing
replacements in-kind, consistent with the definition of "replacement
in-kind," or installations without applying for and obtaining a plumbing
permit and paying plumbing permit fees.
H.
Installation of listed portable plumbing equipment and appliances
at existing commercial buildings. Maintenance personnel and appropriately
licensed handymen, plumbing contractors, and construction managers
may make such plumbing replacements in-kind, consistent with the definition
of "replacement in-kind," or installations without applying for and
obtaining an plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees.
I.
All other plumbing work must be performed by a plumbing contractor,
licensed by the City of Buffalo.
Application for a permit for plumbing work shall be made on
forms prepared and provided by the Commissioner and shall be accompanied
by an adequate description of the proposed plumbing work.
If a permit is denied, written notice of the reasons for denial
shall be provided to the applicant who may submit such revised plans
and specifications as are necessary to obtain approval.
Every permit issued by the Commissioner under the provisions
of this article shall expire by limitation and become null and void
if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within one
year from the date of issuance of such permit or if the work authorized
by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work
is commenced for a period of one year. Before such work can be recommenced,
a new permit shall be obtained.
A.
The Commissioner may require the submission and approval of plans
and specifications in triplicate showing the nature and extent of
the proposed work before a permit is issued. If, in the course of
the work, it is found necessary to make any change from the approved
plans and specifications on which a permit has been issued, amended
plans and specifications shall be submitted; and, if approved, a supplementary
permit shall be issued to cover the change after the same conditions
required to secure the original permit have been satisfied.
[Amended 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
B.
Plans and specifications where required by the administrative authority in Subsection A shall include a plan view and a riser diagram showing the work. Such plans shall show the direction of flow, pipe size, grade of horizontal piping, elevations and drainage fixture unit loading of both stacks and drains on drain, waste and vents, and the supply fixture unit load for water system and any branch supplies which serve more than one plumbing fixture, appliance or hose outlet. Symbols used thereon shall be in accordance with accepted engineering practice. In addition, submissions shall conform to the following:
[Amended 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
(1)
Site work. Plans shall show all water, sanitary, storm, and gas piping
for any work on the building exterior or paved areas, and shall show
any work on exterior and interior downspouts. All work must be shown
on drawings labeled "site drawing."
(a)
All roof, pavement, or storm piping must list the total square
footage of drainage being picked up by each individual section of
piping being run. The piping pitch, in inches per foot, for piping
being installed shall be included.
(b)
All catch basins for pavement drainage must be five feet by
three feet exterior dimensions. If site conditions preclude this size
(for example bedrock), prior permission must be received by the Plumbing
Department. All catch basins must list the square footage of area
collected. All catch basins must be piped off the main storm line.
Piping may only exit a catch basin, not enter it. Prior approval from
the Plumbing Department is required for any design with piping entering
a catch basin. Catch basins shall be centrally located to the area
being drained whenever possible, to prevent rainwater from having
to run long distances. Catch basins shall be trapped internally according
to catch basin details standards acceptable to the Plumbing Department.
(c)
Conductor piping, when entering a City combination sewer, must
be trapped, either individually or a single trap not to exceed 10
inches in diameter. These traps shall include a cleanout to grade.
Single traps shall be installed, whenever possible, within five feet
of the outside of exterior walls.
(d)
Storm and sanitary piping shall not be combined without approval
of the Buffalo Sewer Authority and the Plumbing Department. When combined,
this shall occur on the building exterior, downstream of any traps.
(e)
Plans and calculations for storm water retention must be submitted
to the Buffalo Sewer Authority for approval. The Plumbing Department
requires retention systems to be made via oversized piping or a piping
field. Any alternate systems must first receive permission from the
Buffalo Sewer Authority and the Plumbing Department.
(f)
All site sanitary piping shall show the total fixture load being
conveyed, as well as the pitch per foot of each run of piping. (Exception:
Fixture counts are not required for one- or two-family dwellings).
A house trap with fresh-air inlet shall be installed on all building
sewers. Such trap shall be located five feet from the foundation wall.
Slight distance variations will be permitted to keep the trap from
being located under an undesirable area (for example in a sidewalk)
(g)
All required cleanouts and manholes must be shown on the site
drawing.
(h)
Standard Buffalo Sewer Authority detail must be shown for any
tie-ins to the sewer authority system.
(i)
Water main location and size for potable water must be shown.
Water fixture unit count for the incoming service shall be listed.
(j)
Gas service piping, and size, for the building must be shown.
(k)
Any utilization of existing services shall be noted on drawing,
including the size. Utilization of existing services must be approved
by the Plumbing Department. (Where applicable, approval by the Buffalo
Sewer Authority or Buffalo Water Department for using existing services
is required.) Existing services shall not be used for new one- or
two-family homes, nor for townhouses capable of being individually
owned.
(2)
Interior or building plumbing. All the following must be shown on
listed P-drawings (but may also be shown on the architectural or floor
plan drawings):
(a)
A piping plan, with sizes, for all water, drainage, vent, and
gas piping shall be shown. Additionally, a detailed isometric drawing
for same shall be shown. The fixture unit count for all stacks, building
drains and building drain branches shall be listed.
(b)
All required shutoffs shall be shown.
(c)
A detailed drawing of the mechanical room, with emphasis on
the incoming water service, including meter and RPZ valve details,
shall be shown. The hot water tank and recirculation system, where
applicable, must be detailed.
(d)
An access panel to service the bathroom or whirlpool waste and
overflow, for any without easy basement access, shall be included
and shown.
(e)
All cleanouts as required shall be shown. Cleanouts shall not
be installed in any overhead location. Cleanouts shall not be installed
in a crawlspace with less than a four-foot clearance. Such clearance
must be direct, with no floor height or overhead obstructions to impede
transfer or rodding equipment. Excluding one- or two-family dwellings,
cleanouts on horizontal runs shall be installed above the flood level
of the highest fixture whenever possible.
(f)
Floor drains subject to evaporation, or not designed to receive
a sufficient flow of water to maintain their seals, shall be equipped
with a trap primer device. Such device shall be accessible.
(g)
Except for residential use, all plumbing drawings shall list
the use/occupancy classification, including the anticipated number
of patrons and employees expected during periods of peak use.
(h)
All building serving food of any kind (which has not been purchased
and sold prepackaged) with disposable eating utensils shall have a
three-compartment sink and separate hand sink for employee use, in
the kitchen area. An adequately sized grease trap shall be required
for establishments serving any grease- or oil-containing foods, or
such used in food preparation.
(i)
Oil interceptors, where required, shall not tie into the sanitary
system until downstream of the house trap.
(j)
All elevator pits shall be drained. If sump pumps are installed,
the discharge piping shall exit beneath the pit floor, and may then
rise attached to the pit wall exterior. Oil interception devices shall
not be required as long as acceptable maintenance is provided. The
inclusion, as necessary, of interception devices shall be at the discretion
of the design professional.
(k)
Sump pumps shall be indirectly installed into a conductor line.
Any other tie-in must receive prior permission from the Plumbing Department.
C.
All plans and specifications required to be submitted shall be examined
by the Commissioner for conformance with the provisions of this article.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent the Commissioner
from issuing a permit for the installation of part of a plumbing system
before the entire plans and specifications of said plumbing system
have been submitted or approved, if adequate information and detailed
statements have been presented for the same and have been found to
comply with this article.
A permit to begin work for new construction or alteration shall
not be issued until the fees prescribed have been paid, nor shall
an amendment to a permit necessitating an additional fee because of
the additional work involved be approved until the additional fee
shall have been paid.
A.
It shall be the duty of the Commissioner to enforce the provisions of this article and to make such inspections and tests as may be required under Chapter 249, Inspections.
B.
The Commissioner or his authorized representative shall carry proper
credentials of his respective office for the purpose of inspecting
any and all buildings and premises in the performance of his duties
under this article during usual business hours.
The Commissioner shall condemn any used plumbing material or
equipment which is so worn, damaged, defective or constructed as to
constitute a sanitary or safety hazard, and such condemned material
or equipment shall not be reused for plumbing purposes.
Written notice of any violation of this article shall be given
any violators thereof, and upon his failure to remove the violation
within a reasonable time but not more than seven days, prosecution
for violation of this article shall be commenced against him.
Permits shall be issued in duplicate, one copy to be given to the applicant and one copy to remain on record in the office of the Division of New Construction, upon the applicant's compliance with this article and upon the payment of the fees as provided in Chapter 175, Fees.
[Amended 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
Whenever the Commissioner has reasonable grounds to believe
that work on any building, structure, or lot is being performed in
violation of the provisions of the applicable building laws, ordinances
or regulations or not in conformity with the provisions of the accepted
permit application, plans or specifications and revisions thereof
or in an unsafe and dangerous manner or without a required permit,
the Commissioner shall notify the owner of the property or the owner's
agent to suspend all work, and any such persons shall forthwith stop
work and suspend all building activities until the stop-work order
has been rescinded. Such order and notice shall be in writing, shall
state the conditions under which the work may be resumed and may be
served either by delivering it personally or by posting it conspicuously
where the work is being performed and sending a copy of it by mail
to the address set forth in the permit application.
