The Chicago Plumbing Code

§ 18-29-105

Approval

§ 18-29-105.1 Modifications.

Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the building commissioner shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided the building commissioner shall first find that unique reasons make application of the strict letter of this chapter impractical and the modification is in conformity with the intent and purpose of this chapter and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety and sanitation requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the plumbing inspection department.

(Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, 48; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, 1)

§ 18-29-105.2 Alternative materials, methods and equipment.

The provisions of this chapter are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any method of construction not specifically prescribed by this chapter, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material or method of construction shall be approved where the building commissioner finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this chapter, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this chapter in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety.

(Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, 48; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, 1)

§ 18-29-105.3 Required testing.

Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this chapter, or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of this chapter, or in order to substantiate claims for alternate materials or methods, the building commissioner shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the jurisdiction.

(Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, 48; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, 1)

§ 18-29-105.3.1 Test methods.

Test methods shall be as specified in this chapter, including section § 18-29-303.4.1 or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the building commissioner shall approve the testing procedures.

(Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, 48; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, 1)

§ 18-29-105.3.2 Testing agency.

All tests shall be performed by an approved agency.

§ 18-29-105.3.3 Test reports.

Reports of tests shall be retained by the building commissioner for the period required for retention of public records.

(Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, 48; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, 1)

§ 18-29-105.4 Alternative engineered design.

The design, documentation, inspection, testing and approval of an alternative engineered design plumbing system shall comply with Sections § 18-29-105.4.1 through § 18-29-105.4.6.

§ 18-29-105.4.1 Design criteria.

An alternative engineered design shall conform to the intent of the provisions of this chapter and shall provide an equivalent level of quality, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety. Material, equipment or components shall be designed and installed in accordance with the manufacturers installation instructions.

§ 18-29-105.4.2 Submittal.

The registered design professional shall indicate on the permit application that the plumbing system is an alternative engineered design. The permit and permanent permit records shall indicate that an alternative engineered design was part of the approved installation.

§ 18-29-105.4.3 Technical data.

The registered design professional shall submit sufficient technical data to substantiate the proposed alternative engineered design and to prove that the performance meets the intent of this chapter.

§ 18-29-105.4.4 Construction documents.

The registered design professional shall submit to the building commissioner two complete sets of signed and sealed construction documents for the alternative engineered design. The construction documents shall include floor plans and a riser diagram of the work. Where appropriate, the construction documents shall indicate the direction of flow, all pipe sizes, grade of horizontal piping, loading, and location of fixtures and appliances.

(Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, 48; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, 1)

§ 18-29-105.4.5 Design approval.

Where the building commissioner determines that the alternative engineered design conforms to the intent of this chapter, the plumbing system shall be approved. If the alternative engineered design is not approved, the building commissioner shall notify the registered design professional in writing, stating the reasons therefor.

(Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, 48; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, 1)

§ 18-29-105.4.6 Inspection and testing.

The alternative engineered design shall be tested and inspected in accordance with the requirements of Sections and § 18-29-312.*

* Note As set forth in Coun. J. 3-28-01, p. 55444, 1; appears that additional section(s) have been omitted.
§ 18-29-105.5 Material and equipment reuse.

§ 18-29-105.5 Material and equipment reuse.

Materials, equipment and devices shall not be reused unless such elements have been reconditioned, tested, placed in good and proper working condition, and approved.