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
28.09—
28.18. Supplemental administrative provisions applicable to the specific technical documents adopted in articles
28.09—
28.18 of this chapter are included within the applicable article, as are the technical provisions pertaining to that class of work. Articles
28.09—
28.18, 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)
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)