The board of alderman hereby adopts the following “codes” regarding the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, use, height, area and maintenance of building or structures in the city:
(1) 
International Building Code, 2015 edition;
(2) 
International Mechanical Code, 2015 edition;
(3) 
International Residential Code, 2015 edition;
(4) 
International Energy Conservation Code, 2015 edition;
(5) 
International Fuel Conservation Code, 2015 edition;
(6) 
International Plumbing Code, 2015 edition;
(7) 
International Existing Building Code, 2015 edition;
(8) 
National Electrical Code, 2014 edition; and
(9) 
International Fire Code, 2015 edition Amendment option B to apply to all codes.
(Ordinance 10132016, sec. 1, adopted –/–/16; Ordinance adopting Code)
Specific amendments or exceptions to the provisions of the International Building Code, 2015 edition:
(1) 
For the purpose of carrying out provisions of the building code, the board of alderman shall act as the board of appeals and any reference in the code to “the board of appeals” shall mean the board of alderman of the city.
(2) 
Where in any specific case, the general sections of the building code and more specific sections of another code or ordinance of the city (including, but not limited to such ordinances as the city subdivision ordinances) specify different material, methods of construction or other requirements, the specific requirements shall be applicable without affecting the validity of the remaining provisions of the building code dealing with the same subject.
(3) 
Local amendment adopted.
This local amendment only applies to infill lots.
R401.2 Requirements. Foundation construction shall be capable of accommodating all loads in accordance with Section R301 and of transmitting the resulting loads to the supporting soil. Fill soils that support footings and foundations shall be designed, installed and tested in accordance with accepted engineering practice. Gravel fill used as footings for wood and precast concrete foundations shall comply with Section R403.
R401.3 Drainage. Surface drainage shall be diverted to a storm sewer conveyance or other approved point of collection that does not create a hazard. Lots shall be graded to drain surface water away from foundation walls. The grade shall fall a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) within the first 10 feet (3,048 mm).
Exception: Where lot lines, walls, slopes or other physical barriers prohibit 6 inches (152 mm) of fall within 10 feet (3,048 mm). drains or swales shall be constructed to ensure drainage away from the structure. Impervious surfaces within 10 feet (3,048 mm) of the building foundation shall be sloped a minimum of 2 percent away from the building.
R401.4 Soil tests. Where quantifiable data created by accepted soil science methodologies indicate expansive, compressible, shifting or other questionable soil characteristics are likely to be present, the building official shall determine whether to require a soil test to determine the soil's characteristics at a particular location. This test shall be done by an approved agency using an approved method.
R401.4.1 Geotechnical evaluation. In lieu of a complete geotechnical evaluation, the load-bearing values in Table R401.4.1 shall be assumed.
R401.4.2 Compressible or shifting soil. Instead of a complete geotechnical evaluation, where top or subsoils are compressible or shifting, they shall be removed to a depth and width sufficient to ensure stable moisture content in each active zone and shall not be used as fill or stabilized within each active zone by chemical, dewatering or presaturation.
(Ordinance 10132016, sec. 2, adopted –/–/16; Ordinance 09082022-01 adopted 9/8/2022)
It shall be unlawful and an offense hereof for any person, firm or entity to violate or fail to comply with any provision of this article (and including without limitation any portion or provision of the 2015 edition of the International Building Code). Any person, firm or entity who violates, disobeys, omits or refuses to comply with or who resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine in accordance with the general penalty provided in section 1.01.009 of this code. Each such person, firm or entity shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion of a day thereof during which any violation of this article is committed or continued and upon conviction of any such violation such person, firm or entity shall be punished within the limits above.
(Ordinance 10132016, sec. 4, adopted –/–/16; Ordinance adopting Code)