[1]
Editor's note–See corresponding note located in Appendix A of this code.
The regulations contained in Articles 28.01 through 28.18 of this chapter shall be collectively known as the building code of the City of Lubbock, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
(1983 Code, sec. 6-1; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
(a) 
The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures, as well as the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, maintenance, removal and demolition of building systems governed by the specific technical codes referenced in the following articles of this chapter:
(1) 
Article 28.09: The International Building Code, as amended;
(2) 
Article 28.10: The International Plumbing Code, as amended;
(3) 
Article 28.11: The International Mechanical Code, as amended;
(4) 
Article 28.12: The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), as amended;
(5) 
Article 28.14: The International Residential Code, as amended;
(6) 
Article 28.15: The International Fuel Gas Code, as amended;
(7) 
Article 28.16: The International Energy Conservation Code, as amended;
(8) 
Article 28.17: The International Existing Building Code; as amended;
(9) 
Article 28.18: The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; as amended.
(b) 
The general administrative provisions of this article are applicable to all work governed by the provisions of articles 28.0928.18. Supplemental administrative provisions applicable to the specific technical documents adopted in articles 28.0928.18 of this chapter are included within the applicable article, as are the technical provisions pertaining to that class of work. Articles 28.0928.18, as they existed on the date of adoption of this section, shall continue in full force and effect until such time as the specific technical codes referenced above are individually adopted.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-2; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2009-O0033, sec. 1, adopted 4/27/2009; Ordinance 2010-O0017, sec. 1, adopted 3/4/2010; Ordinance 2012-O0055, sec. 1, adopted 6/7/2012; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
[1]
Editor's note–See corresponding note located in Appendix A of this code.
Provisions in the appendices of the technical codes shall not apply unless specifically set forth in the applicable article.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-3; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation, and for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-4; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
The technical codes listed in section 28.01.002 and adopted in articles 28.09 through 28.18 shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where a conflict is determined to exist between said codes and the provisions of this article and articles 28.02 through 28.08, the provisions of the more specific code will generally govern, subject to approval of the building official.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-5; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-6; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-7; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter, section or provision of this code.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-8; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-9; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
In the event that any part or provision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-10; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
The legal occupancy of any structure or building existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is otherwise specifically provided in this code, the International Existing Building Code, the City of Lubbock's Property Maintenance Code or the International Fire Code, or as is deemed necessary by the building official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public. A building or portion of a building that has not been previously occupied or used for its intended purpose in accordance with the laws in existence at the time of its completion shall comply with the provisions of the International Building Code or International Residential Code, as applicable, for new construction or with any current permit for such occupancy.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-11; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
It shall be unlawful for any person or utility company to make any permanent or temporary connection from a utility, source of energy, fuel or power to any new building or system that is regulated by this code until released by the building official.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-80S; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
The building official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility source of energy, fuel or power for construction and other approved circumstances. It shall be unlawful for any building to be occupied by the permanent residents or tenants while temporarily connected to utilities.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-80T; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
All buildings or structures which are or hereafter become structurally unsafe, unsanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress, inadequate light and ventilation, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in relation to existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health, or public welfare, by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster damage or abandonment, or by reason of illegal or improper occupancy as specified in the Code of Ordinances or any other ordinance, are, for the purpose of this section, unsafe buildings. All such unsafe buildings are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in accordance with the procedures specified in section 34.01.001 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of Lubbock Property Maintenance Code, or by any other procedures provided by law. To the extent that repairs, alterations, or additions are made or a change of occupancy occurs during the restoration of the structure, such repairs, alterations, additions and change of occupancy shall comply with the requirements of the International Existing Building Code.
(1983 Code, sec. 6-80HH; Ordinance 2005-O0140, sec. 1, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
Provisions concerning the model codes and construction advisory board are as provided in article 2.03, division 13 of this code.
(Ordinance adopting Code; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)
Provisions concerning the building board of appeals are as provided in article 2.03, division 14 of this code.
(Ordinance adopting Code; Ordinance 2024-O0034 adopted 3/26/2024)