Title
Consider and take action on Ordinance 2023-38 amending Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of League City entitled, "Building and Building Regulations" to adopt the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code - Second Reading (Executive Director of Development Services)
Council approved first reading, 8-0-0 on September 26, 2023.
Background:
Building codes are enacted to protect the public, health, safety, and welfare of citizens. The International Codes (I-codes) are a family of codes developed and maintained by the International Code Council, Inc. (ICC) which establish minimum standards for conditions and maintenance of buildings, structures, and property to ensure that structures are safe, sanitary, and fit for occupancy and use. The ICC publishes new editions of the I-Codes every three years.
The City adopted the 2021 I-Codes on April 12, 2022. This adoption appears to have inadvertently failed to include the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). By adopting the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, all applicable ICC Codes will be referenced in City Standards.
In 2019, the State of Texas enacted HB 2858 which adopted the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. If the Council decides to not adopt the 2021 ISPSC, development will be required to follow the 2018 code.
The primary differences between the 2018 and 2021 ISPSC appear to be the following:
o 202 - Definition - Chemical Storage Space
Addition: A space in an aquatic facility used for the storage of pool or spa chemicals such as acids, salt, or corrosive or oxidizing chemicals.
o 305.1.1 - Construction Fencing Required
Addition: The construction site for in-ground pools and spas shall be provided with construction fencing to surround the site from the time any excavation occurs to the time that the permanent barrier is completed. The fence shall be not less than 4 feet in height.
o 305.3.3 - Latch release
Modification: Where door and gate latch release mechanisms are accessed from the outside of the barrier and are not of the self-locking type, such mechanism shall be located above the finished floor or ground surface in accordance with the following:
▪ At public pools and spas, not less than 52 inches and not greater than 54 inches.
▪ At residential pools and spas, not less than 54 inches.
Modification: Where door and gate latch release mechanisms are of the self-locking type such as where the lock is operated by means of a key, an electronic opener, or the entry of a combination into an integral combination lock, the lock operation control and the latch release mechanism shall be located above the finished floor or ground surface in accordance with the following:
▪ At public pools and spas, not less than 34 inches and not greater than 48 inches.
▪ At residential pools and spas, at not greater than 54 inches.
o 324 - Equipment Rooms
Addition: New section lays out detailed requirements for equipment rooms for public pools, spas, and aquatic recreation facilities. New requirements include room size, egress, lighting, floor finish, ventilation, electrical standards, door hardware, and signage. The code also includes details regarding chemical storage.
o 325.1 - Indoor air quality
Addition: Indoor public pool and spa air-handling system design, construction and installation shall comply with the International Mechanical Code or ASHRAE 62.1.
Approval of this ordinance will adopt the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and staff recommends that this code be in place for all new applicable permits submitted on or after December 1, 2023. This will not impact permits in review prior to December 1st, just new permits.
Attachments:
1. Data Sheet
2. Ordinance 2023-38
FUNDING
{X} NOT APPLICABLE
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor #8, Quality Built Environment