St. Louis City Revised Code Chapter 25.04

Chapter 25.04
PLUMBING CODE

Sections:

25.04.010 Adoption.
25.04.020 Amendments.
25.04.030 Chapter 1 amended.
25.04.040 Chapter 2 amended.
25.04.050 Section 301.1.4 amended.
25.04.060 Section 305.1 amended.
25.04.070 Section 305.2 deleted.
25.04.080 Section 310.1 amended.
25.04.090 Section 311.2 amended.
25.04.100 Section 313.9 amended.
25.04.110 Section 313.10.1 amended.
25.04.120 Section 314.7 amended.
25.04.130 Sections 314.7.1--314.7.3 amended.
25.04.140 Table 3-0 added.
25.04.150 Section 315.2 amended.
25.04.160 Section 316.2.2 amended.
25.04.170 Section 320.0 deleted.
25.04.180 Section 402.4 amended.
25.04.190 Sections 406.2 and 406.3 amended.
25.04.200 Section 406.5 amended.
25.04.210 Section 407.2 amended.
25.04.220 Section 408.5 amended.
25.04.230 Section 412.0--412.1 amended.
25.04.240 Section 412.1.1 amended.
25.04.250 Section 412.2--412.2.3 amended.
25.04.260 Sections 412.2.4--412.2.10 amended.
25.04.270 Section 413.3 amended.
25.04.280 Section 413.6 amended.
25.04.290 Table 4-1 amended.
25.04.300 Section 420.0 amended.
25.04.310 Section 501.0 amended.
25.04.320 Section 501.1 amended.
25.04.330 Section 502.6 amended.
25.04.340 Section 502.6.1 amended.
25.04.350 Section 503.0 amended.
25.04.360 Section 505.1 amended.
25.04.370 Sections 505.3.1 and 505.3.2 amended.
25.04.380 Sections 506.0--506.3 amended.
25.04.390 Sections 506.4 and 506.8 amended.
25.04.400 Section 508.1 added.
25.04.410 Section 508.4 amended.
25.04.420 Section 508.5 deleted.
25.04.430 Section 508.8 deleted.
25.04.440 Section 508.14 amended.
25.04.450 Section 508.14.1--508.14.3 added.
25.04.460 Section 602.1 amended.
25.04.470 Section 603.1 amended.
25.04.480 Section 603.3.1 amended.
25.04.490 Table 6-2 amended.
25.04.500 Section 603.3.4 amended.
25.04.510 Section 603.3.7 amended.
25.04.520 Section 603.4.6.1 amended.
25.04.530 Section 603.4.6.3 amended.
25.04.540 Section 603.4.8--603.4.11 amended.
25.04.550 Sections 603.4.14 and 603.4.15 amended.
25.04.560 Section 603.4.17 amended.
25.04.570 Section 603.4.18.5 amended.
25.04.580 Sections 603.4.20 and 603.4.21 amended.
25.04.590 Sections 604.1 and 604.2 amended.
25.04.600 Section 604.4 amended.
25.04.610 Section 604.8 amended.
25.04.620 Section 604.12 amended.
25.04.630 Section 604.13 deleted.
25.04.640 Section 604.13.1 deleted.
25.04.650 Section 604.13.2 deleted.
25.04.660 Section 605.2 amended.
25.04.670 Section 605.5 amended.
25.04.680 Section 608.2 amended.
25.04.690 Section 608.5 amended.
25.04.700 Section 609.1 and 609.2 amended.
25.04.710 Section 609.3.1 amended.
25.04.720 Sections 609.4 and 609.5 amended.
25.04.730 Section 609.10 amended.
25.04.740 Section 609.10.1 deleted.
25.04.750 Table 6-6 deleted.
25.04.760 Section 609.10.2 amended.
25.04.770 Section 610.1 amended.
25.04.780 Sections 610.7--610.9 amended.
25.04.790 Section 703.1.1 added.
25.04.800 Section 705.2.5 added.
25.04.810 Section 706.4 amended.
25.04.820 Sections 707.4.1 and 707.4.2 added.
25.04.830 Sections 707.5 and 710.6 amended.
25.04.840 Section 710.15 added.
25.04.850 Section 711.1.1 amended.
25.04.860 Tables 7-9 and 7-10 added.
25.04.870 Section 712.3 amended.
25.04.880 Sections 713.1 and 713.2 amended.
25.04.890 Section 713.3 deleted.
25.04.900 Section 713.4 deleted.
25.04.910 Section 713.5 deleted.
25.04.920 Section 713.6 amended.
25.04.930 Section 714.1 amended.
25.04.940 Section 714.2 deleted.
25.04.950 Section 713.3 deleted.
25.04.960 Section 714.4 deleted.
25.04.970 Section 715.1 amended.
25.04.980 Section 717.0 amended.
25.04.990 Section 718.3 amended.
25.04.1000 Section 719.6 amended.
25.04.1010 Section 720.0 amended.
25.04.1020 Sections 722.1 and 722.2 amended.
25.04.1030 Section 723.0 amended.
25.04.1040 Section 801.2.3 amended.
25.04.1050 Section 803.0 amended.
25.04.1060 Section 804.1 amended.
25.04.1070 Section 807.4 amended.
25.04.1080 Section 809.0 amended.]
25.04.1090 Section 811.8 deleted.
25.04.1100 Table 8-2 amended.
25.04.1110 Section 902.2 amended.
25.04.1120 Section 904.3 added.
25.04.1130 Section 905.1 amended.
25.04.1140 Section 906.1 amended.
25.04.1150 Section 906.3 amended.
25.04.1160 Section 906.7 amended.
25.04.1170 Section 907.1 amended.
25.04.1180 Section 907.3 added.
25.04.1190  Section 908.1 amended.
25.04.1200 Section 909.0 amended.
25.04.1210 Section 1001.2 amended.
25.04.1220 Table 10-1 amended.
25.04.1230 Section 1003.1--1003.3 amended.
25.04.1240 Section 1008.0 amended.
25.04.1250 Section 1009.1 amended.
25.04.1260 Section 1014.2.1 amended.
25.04.1270 Section 1014.4 amended.
25.04.1280 Section 1015.0 amended.
25.04.1290 Section 1017.1 amended.
25.04.1300 Section 1017.3 amended.
25.04.1310 Section 1101.1 amended.
25.04.1320 Section 1101.7 amended.
25.04.1330 Section 1101.11.1 amended.
25.04.1340 Section 1101.11.2.1 amended.
25.04.1350 Section 1101.11.2.5 amended.
25.04.1360 Section 1101.11.3 amended.
25.04.1370 Section 1101.12.2 amended.
25.04.1380 Sections 1102.3 and 1102.4 amended.
25.04.1390 Section 1104.3 amended.
25.04.1400 Section 1109.2.2 amended.
25.04.1410 Section 1109.2.3 deleted.
25.04.1420Section 1202.0 amended.
25.04.1430 Section 1301.0 amended.
25.04.1440 Table 14-1 amended.
25.04.1450 Section 1501.1 amended.
25.04.1460 Penalty for violation.

Prior ordinance history:

Ords. 56797, 60514, 60826, 62682, 65031 and 65932.

City Counselor Ops.: 10497, 10501

Cases:

Collateral estoppel prevented relitigation of the issue of wrongful demolition where the City had, in an earlier action, obtained a judgment on a lien against the proceeds of the condemnation award to recover the costs of demolition. Dehner v. City of St. Louis, 688 S.W. 2d 15 (Mo. App. 1985)

25.04.010 Adoption.

The Uniform Plumbing Code/2003, Twenty-Third Edition, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, three copies of which are filed on record in the Office of the Register of the City of Saint Louis, being marked and designated as the Uniform Plumbing Code, including Appendix Chapters A, B, D, E, H, I and M be and is hereby adopted as the plumbing code of the City of Saint Louis, in the state of Missouri; for the control of buildings and structures as herein provided; and that each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said building code are hereby referred to, adopted and made a part hereto, as if fully set out in this chapter with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes prescribed in this chapter. (Ord. 66615 § 2, 2004.)

25.04.020 Amendments.

The Uniform Plumbing Code/2003 is amended and changed in the following respects. (Ord. 66615 § 3 (part), 2004.)

25.04.030 Chapter 1 amended.

Delete Chapter 1 in its entirety with the following substitution:

Chapter 1

Administration

101.0 GENERAL

101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Plumbing Code of the City of St. Louis, hereinafter referred to as "this code."

101.2 Scope. This code shall regulate the design, erection, installation, alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement, addition to, removal, use, maintenance and inspection of plumbing equipment and systems within the City of St. Louis.

101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted. Appendices A, B, D, E, H, and I are hereby adopted for use by the City of Saint Louis. Appendices G, J and L are accepted as reference only and may be used as an engineered system if approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Appendix M is added.

101.3 Code intent. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life and limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, erection, installation, alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement, addition to, use, maintenance and inspection of plumbing equipment and systems. This code shall be construed to secure its expressed intent, which is to insure public health, safety and welfare insofar as they are affected by the design, erection, installation, alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement, addition to, use, maintenance and inspection of plumbing equipment and systems.

102.0 APPLICABILITY

102.1 General. The provisions of this code shall apply to all matters affecting or relating to structures and premises as set forth in Section 101. Where, in a specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive sections shall govern.

102.2 Existing installations. Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter, a provision in this code shall not require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor prevent the continued utilization and maintenance of an existing plumbing system lawfully in existence at the time of adoption of this code.

102.3 Maintenance. Plumbing systems, materials and appurtenances, both existing and new, and all parts thereof shall be maintained in proper operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe and sanitary condition. All devices or safeguards which are required by this code shall be maintained in compliance with the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner’s designated agent or the person collecting rent shall be responsible for maintenance of plumbing systems. To determine compliance with this provision, the code official shall have the authority to require any plumbing system to be re-inspected.

102.4 Additions, alterations or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to any plumbing system shall conform to that required for a new plumbing system without requiring the existing plumbing system to comply with all the requirements of this code. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing plumbing system to become unsafe, unsanitary, hazardous or overloaded.

Installed fixtures, piping or plumbing equipment of any premises found to be in an unsatisfactory or hazardous condition shall be repaired, renovated, replaced or removed immediately subsequent to the issuance of a written notice of the unsanitary or hazardous condition by the Plumbing Inspection Section of the Division of Building and Inspection, or by the Health Commissioner.

Minor additions, alteration, renovations and repairs to existing plumbing systems shall meet the provisions for new construction, unless such work is done in the same manner and arrangement as was in the existing system, is not hazardous and is approved.

102.5 Change in occupancy. It shall be unlawful to make any change in the occupancy of any structure which will subject the structure to any special provision of this code applicable to the new occupancy without approval of the code official. The code official shall certify that such structure meets the intent of the provisions of law governing building construction for the proposed new occupancy and that such change of occupancy does not result in any hazard to public health, safety or welfare.

102.6 Historic buildings. The provisions of this code relating to the construction, alteration, repair, enlargement, restoration, relocation or moving of building or structures shall not be mandatory for existing buildings or structures identified and classified by the state or City of Saint Louis as historic buildings when such buildings or structures are judged by the code official to be safe and in the public interest of health, safety and welfare regarding any proposed construction, alteration, repair, enlargement, restoration, relocation or moving of buildings.

102.7 Moved buildings. Except as determined by Section 102.2, plumbing systems that are a part of buildings or structures moved into or within the City of Saint Louis shall comply with the provisions of this code for new installations.

Before any structure that has been moved into or within the City of Saint Louis is occupied, the plumbing system shall be inspected and tested for safe operation and compliance with the requirements of this code. This testing shall be performed by a licensed plumber.

Exception: Unaltered plumbing systems within manufactured units bearing certification of the Missouri Public Service Commission.

102.8 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be those that are listed in Chapter 14 and in Appendix I and 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 the referenced standards, the most stringent provision shall apply. Referenced standards shall be permitted to be updated by the rule making authority of the code official.

102.9 Requirements not covered by code. Any requirements necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation of an existing or proposed plumbing system, or for the safety of the occupants thereof, or for the public safety, health and general welfare, not specifically covered by this code, shall be determined by the code official.

102.10 Workmanship. All work shall be conducted, installed and completed in a workmanlike and approved manner so as to secure the results intended by this code.

103.0 VALIDITY

103.1 Partial invalidity. 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 thereof, which are determined to be legal; and it shall be presumed that this code would have been passed without such illegal or invalid parts or provisions.

103.2 Segregation of invalid provisions. Any invalid part of this code shall be segregated from the remainder of the code by the court holding such part invalid, and the remainder shall remain effective.

103.3 Decisions involving existing structures. The invalidity of any provision in any section of this code as applied to existing buildings and structures shall not be held to affect the validity of such section in its application to buildings and structures hereafter erected.

104.0 SECTION OF PLUMBING REGULATIONS AND INSPECTIONS

104.1 General. There is hereby created the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspections within the Division of Building and Inspection which shall have control and enforce all codes, regulations and ordinances pertaining to plumbing and drainlaying installations and systems in accordance with this code. The head of this section shall be known as the Plumbing Inspection Supervisor, who shall be appointed by the Building Commissioner. Throughout this code, the Plumbing Inspection Supervisor, the Chief Mechanical Engineer, the Building Commissioner and their authorized employees shall be referred to as the code official. The Building Commissioner shall be the ultimate authority on the interpretation and enforcement of the Code.

104.2 Plumbing inspection supervisor (Chief Plumbing Inspector). There shall be appointed by the Building Commissioner a Plumbing Inspection Supervisor (Chief Plumbing Inspector). The Plumbing Inspection Supervisor shall have served an apprentice training program or shall have a certificate of completion in plumbing technology from an accredited trade or technical institute. The Plumbing Inspection Supervisor shall also have ten (10) years experience as a licensed plumber and possess the qualifications established by the Department of Personnel.

104.3 Plumbing inspectors. There shall be appointed by the code official a sufficient number of Plumbing Inspectors to adequately perform all inspection duties and enforce all ordinances pertaining to the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspections in accordance with subsequent sections of this code and City of Saint Louis budgetary constraints. All plumbing inspectors shall have had at least five (5) years experience as a licensed plumber and possess the qualifications set forth by the Department of Personnel.

104.3.1 Assistant to the supervisor. One such inspector shall assist the Plumbing Inspection Supervisor. The assistant shall assume the responsibilities of the Plumbing Inspection Supervisor in the Supervisor’s absence or disability.

104.3.2 Restriction of employees. An official or employee connected with the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspections, except one whose only connection is that of a member of the Board of Examiners for Master Plumber, Drainlayer and Journeyman Plumbers, or a member of the Board of Examiners for Sprinkler System Contractors, or a member of the Committee of Plumbing Review, shall not be engaged in or directly or indirectly be connected with the furnishing of labor, materials, equipment or appliances for the construction, alteration or maintenance of a building, or the preparation of construction documents thereof, unless that person is the owner of the building, or a first degree relative of the owner of the building, nor shall such code official or employee engage in any work that conflicts with official duties or with the interests of the department.

104.4 Relief from personal liability. The code official and employees charged with the enforcement of this code, while acting for the City of Saint Louis, shall not thereby be rendered liable personally, and are hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage accruing to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of official duties.

Any suit instituted against any code official or employee because of an act performed by that person in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this code shall be defended by the City of Saint Louis City Counselor’s Office until the final termination of the proceedings. The code official or any employees shall not be liable for any costs or judgment in or arising from any action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this code. Any code official or employee of the Division of Building and Inspection, Department of Public Safety, acting in good faith and without malice, shall be free from liability for acts performed under any of its provisions or by reason of any act or omission in the performance of official duties in connection therewith.

The above protection shall also extend to former employees for work performed during their period of employment with the City of Saint Louis.

104.5 Official records. An official record shall be kept of all business and activities of the department specified in the provisions of this code, and all such records shall be open to public inspection at all appropriate times.

A reasonable charge shall be established for making copies of documents. If staff time is required to assemble requested data, an estimate shall be made of personnel charges, including fringe benefits, and a signed agreement made prior to undertaking such projects. The Section

105.1 General. The code official shall enforce all of the provisions of this code and shall act on any question relative to the mode or manner of construction and the materials to be used in the erection, installation, alteration, repair, removal, maintenance or operation of all plumbing systems, devices, equipment and appliances, except as otherwise specifically provided for by statutory requirements or as provided for in Sections 105.2 through 105.7.

105.2 Applications and permits. It shall be the duty of the code official to examine all applications and construction documents of proposed plumbing and drainlaying, and if the same are in all respects found to be in conformity with the provisions of this code, the code official shall approve them. The code official shall investigate all reported cases of improper plumbing, pipefitting and sprinkler fitting work or material, old or new, and of improper sanitation as to established principles of public health. The code official shall cause an inspection to be made of all water and sewer connections and approve all permits for excavations made for the purpose of making or repairing same. The code official shall cause the inspection of the plumbing and drain laying of all buildings, public and private, in the course of erection, alteration, reconstruction or repair and cause the inspection of existing plumbing as often as may be necessary in a manner and to the extent necessary to carry out the provisions of this code regulating plumbing and drain laying.

Exception: Buildings, structures or premises owned and occupied by the United States of America or the State of Missouri.

105.3 Notices and orders. The code official shall issue all necessary notices or orders in writing to assure compliance with this code. The notice to the person having responsibility for the building, structure or premises found by the code official to be dangerous or in violation of this code shall be directed to that person by name, if known; if not known, then under the name of the owner or owners of the building, structure or premises as indicated by the records of the Assessors Office of the City of Saint Louis, and shall be served in any one of the following ways:

A. Deliver to owner--by causing said notice to be delivered to such owner, either in the City of Saint Louis or elsewhere.

B. Posting--by posting a copy of such notice upon the building or structure or premise.

C. Mailing--by mailing such notice or copy thereof enclosed in a sealed envelope, postage prepaid, directed to such owner, either at the owner’s place of business or residence address in the city or elsewhere; said notice to be deemed served twenty-four (24) hours after the mailing of said notice, in case it is directed to the business or residence address of the owner in the city. Provided that if said owner or owners be nonresidents of the city and have no business addresses or offices in the city, then the said notice shall be deemed served at the end of such period after the mailing thereof as in the ordinary course of transmission of the mail by the United States Postal Service.

D. Publication--by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Saint Louis or in "The City Journal", said notice to be deemed served twenty-four (24) hours after publication.

105.3.1 Emergency condemnation. Whenever the code official shall find any building, structure, premises or portion thereof no matter for what purpose used, to be in an unsafe or dangerous condition and that there is an actual and potential danger to the occupants or those in the proximity of any building, structure or premises which poses an immediate danger to public safety or welfare, the code official shall order the immediate evacuation of said building, structure or premises. All of the occupants so notified shall immediately vacate the building, structure, or premises and no person shall re-enter until authorized to do so by the code official.

Any person who refuses to leave, interferes with the evacuation of other occupants, or continues any operation after having been given an evacuation order by the code official, except such person(s) directed to perform work to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be deemed in violation of this section whereupon it shall be the duty of the Police Department to immediately remove such person(s) from said building, structure, or premises and prevent anyone from re-entering the building, structure or premises until such time that the Police Department shall have been notified by the Building Division that the same is in a safe condition.

Any person who shall violate any provisions of this section shall, upon conviction thereof, be penalized as set forth in Section Four.

105.3.2 Authority to placard. The code official has the authority to post a placard in a conspicuous place on a building or premises where the plumbing system has been found to be unsafe or inadequate.

105.3.3 Placarded building. Placards shall remain on said building until the required repairs, replacements or improvements have been made and accepted by the code official, and it shall be unlawful to deface or willfully remove any such placard that has been posted on a building without first obtaining consent of the code official. It shall be unlawful for any person to reside in, use, rent, lease or occupy such building for any purpose while so placarded and no person shall remove said placards without the consent of the code official.

105.4 Inspections. The code official shall make all of the required inspections, or the code official may accept reports of inspection by approved agencies, design professionals or individuals, and all reports of said inspections shall be in writing and certified by a responsible officer of said approved agency or by the responsible individual. The code official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report upon unusual technical issues that arise subject to the approval of the appointing authority. The owner shall provide such special inspections as are required by the code official.

105.4.1 Dangerous, hazardous, unsanitary, or unapproved installations. The code official shall have the authority to seal out of service plumbing equipment, devices and appurtenances covered by the Building and Plumbing Codes when, in the code official’s opinion, any of these items are in an unsafe, hazardous, or unsanitary condition, or if the installation was made without obtaining the necessary permit or permits, or if the installation violates the provisions of these codes.

105.4.2 Notice of sealing out of service. Before sealing any device out of service, the code official shall, except in cases of emergency, serve ten (10) calendar days written notice upon the building owner, occupant or collector of rent as directed in Section 105.2.

105.4.3 Unlawful to remove seal. Any device sealed out of service by the code official shall be plainly marked with a sign or tag indicating such sealing, and any defacing or removal of the sign or tag, or any tempering with or removal of the seal without approval of the code official, or operation of the sealed unit, shall constitute a violation of this code. The penalty for violation of this section shall be as set forth in Section Four.

105.4.4 Utility disconnect. Whenever the code official determines that there is an eminent danger to public safety, the code official may request that the public utilities be disconnected to that structure or premises.

105.5 Identification. The code official shall carry proper identification when inspecting structures or premises in the performance of duties under this code.

105.6 Rule making authority. The code official shall have authority as necessary in the interest of public health, safety and general welfare, to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to interpret and implement the provisions of this code to secure the intent thereof, and to designate requirements applicable because of local climatic or other conditions. Such rules shall not have the effect of waiving structural or fire performance requirements specifically provided for in this code or of violating accepted engineering practice involving public safety.

105.6.1 Accepted engineering practice. In the absence of provisions not specifically contained in this code or approved rules, the regulations, specifications and standards listed in Chapter 14 and Appendix I shall be deemed to represent accepted engineering practice in respect to the material, equipment, system or method of construction therein specified.

105.6.2 Suspensions and cancellations. The code official shall have the power and is directed to suspend for a definite time or to cancel any license granted hereunder, if, after notice and opportunity to be heard, the party named therein is found guilty by the Board of Examiners of violating rules and regulations established by the Section of Plumbing Regulation and Inspections, and do all other acts necessary to carry out these provisions. The code official shall review all notices and licenses required to be issued by the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspections and keep a record of all transactions.

105.7 Department records. The code official shall keep official records of plumbing applications received, permits issued, licenses issued, fees collected, reports of inspections, and notices and orders issued. Such records shall be retained in the official records for three (3) years, except notices and orders which have been complied need not be kept.

Original or file copies, when subpoenaed, shall be electrostatic copies certified by the code official to be true and accurate copies of original documents. Original documents shall remain in the possession of the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspections, unless filed with the Central File Section of the Division of Building and Inspection.

105.8 Right of entry. Whenever it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or whenever the code official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a building or upon any premises any condition or violation of this code which makes the building or premises unsafe, unsanitary, dangerous or hazardous, the code official shall have the authority to enter the building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed upon the code official by this code. If such building or premises is occupied, the code official shall present credentials to the occupant and request entry. If such building or premises is unoccupied, the code official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the code official has recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.

When the code official has first obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, an owner or occupant or person having charge, care or control of the building or premises shall not fail or neglect, after proper request is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the code official for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this code.

105.9 By whom work is performed. The code official shall see that all plumbing, pipefitting, sprinkler fitting, drain laying and sewer work is done in accordance with the provisions of this code and that the work is performed by licensed plumbing, drain laying, mechanical pipefitter and sprinkler fitter contractors within the City of Saint Louis.

Exception: Buildings, structures or premises owned and occupied by the United States of America or the State of Missouri.

106.0 APPROVAL

106.1 Approved materials and equipment. All materials, equipment and devices approved for use by the code official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.

106.2 Modifications. Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the code official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided the code official shall first find that the special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code impractical and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements.

106.2.1 Records. The application for modification and the final decision of the code official shall be in writing, and shall be officially recorded with the application for the permit in the records of the Division of Building and Inspection.

106.3 Used material, equipment and devices. Materials, equipment and devices shall not be reused unless such elements have been reconditioned, tested and placed in good and proper working condition and approved by the code official.

106.4 Alternative materials, methods and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or equipment or to prohibit any method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, equipment or method of construction shall be approved where the Committee of Plumbing Review and the code official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code for quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.

106.4.1 Research and investigations. The Committee of Plumbing Review and the code official shall require that a nationally accredited listing agency approve the proposed use of any material or assembly, and if it is determined that the evidence submitted is satisfactory proof of performance for the use intended, the Committee of Plumbing Review and the code official shall approve its use subject to the requirements of this code. The costs of all tests, reports and investigations required under these provisions shall be paid by the applicant or owner.

106.4.2 Research reports. Supporting data, when required by the Committee of Plumbing Review and the code official to assist in the approval of all materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in this code, shall consist of duly authenticated research reports from approved sources.

106.5 Required testing. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code, or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of this code, the Committee of Plumbing Review and the code official shall require that sufficient technical data and/or test data be submitted to substantiate the proposed use of any material, equipment, assembly or method, and if it is determined that the evidence submitted by an approved agency is satisfactory proof of performance for the use intended, the Committee of Plumbing Review and the code official shall approve its use subject to the requirements of this code. The costs of all tests, reports and investigations required under these provisions shall be paid by the applicant.

106.5.1 Test methods. Test methods shall be as specified in this code or by other recognized test standards. The code official has the authority to approve a testing procedure in the absence of recognized and accepted test methods.

106.5.2 Testing agency. All tests shall be performed by an approved independent testing agency.

106.5.3 Test reports. Reports of test shall be retained by the code official for a period required for the retention of public records.

106.6 Alternative engineered design. The design, documentation, inspection, testing and approval of an alternative engineered design plumbing system shall comply with sections 106.6.1 through 106.6.6.

106.6.1 Design criteria. An alternative engineered design shall conform to the intent of the provisions of this code, and shall provide an equivalent level of quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety. Material, equipment or components shall be designed and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

106.6.2 Submittal. The licensed 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.

106.6.3 Technical data. The licensed design professional shall submit sufficient technical data to substantiate the proposed alternative engineered design and to prove that the performance meets the intent of the code.

106.6.4 Construction documents. The licensed design professional shall submit to the Committee of Plumbing Review and the code official two complete sets of sealed, signed and dated construction documents for the alternative engineered design. The construction documents shall include floor plans and a riser diagram of the work. When appropriate, the construction documents shall indicate the direction of flow, all pipe sizes, grade of horizontal piping, loading and location of fixtures and appliances.

106.6.5 Design approval. Where the Committee of Plumbing Review and the code official determine that the alternative engineered design conforms to the intent of this code, the plumbing system shall be approved. If the alternative engineered system is not approved, the code official shall notify the licensed design professional in writing, stating the reasons.

106.6.6 Inspection and test. The alternative engineered design shall be tested and inspected in accordance with the requirements of Section 108 and 301.2.

If the alternative engineered design does not pass the test and inspection to the satisfaction of the code official, the system must be modified, re-tested and re-inspected until testing and inspection of the alternative engineered system is shown to meet the intent of the provisions of this code to the satisfaction of the code official.

107.0 PERMITS

107.1 When required. Any owner, lessee, authorized agent or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure or premises, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any work to be done, shall engage a licensed plumbing contractor who shall first make application to the code official and obtain the required permit for the work. All work shall be done by the person or corporation in whose name the permit or permits required by this section are issued. Any person who shall fail to comply with or who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to the penalty provisions of Section Four.

107.2 Permits not required. Permits shall not be required for any of the following:

A. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.

B. The cleaning of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

C. Minor Repairs as used in this section shall mean repairs to traps or cocks, opening waste or supply pipes, traps or drains or frozen pipes. Minor repairs shall not include the doing of any work where connection to soil pipes, supply pipes, waste pipes or vent pipes are disturbed or inside leader pipes are used; nor shall it include the setting or replacing of fixtures.

D. Temporary plumbing installations for demonstration purposes which are not connected to either the public water supply or the public sewer system.

Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in violation of the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances of the City of Saint Louis.

107.3 Application for permit. Each application for a permit, with the required fees, shall be filed with the code official in such written form as the code official prescribes and shall be accompanied by an adequate written description of the proposed plumbing work and its location.

107.4 By whom application is made. The application for permit shall be made by the license holder responsible for the proposed installation of all or part of any plumbing system. The applicant shall meet all qualifications established by rules promulgated with this code or by ordinance, resolution, or statute. The full names, addresses and telephone numbers of the owner, lessee, and the applicant shall be stated in the application. Any changes must be in writing and forwarded to the code official within 5 working days of the change.

107.5 Description of work. The applicant shall list the number of fixtures of each type to be installed, the location of the work, and the use and occupancy of the building in which the work is to be performed.

107.6 Construction documents. The code official is authorized to require the submission and approval of a set of construction documents showing the nature and extent of the proposed work before a permit is issued. If, in the course of the work, it is found necessary to make any change from the approved construction documents on which a permit has been issued, amended construction documents shall be submitted, and if approved, a supplementary permit shall be issued, after payment of any additional fees, to cover the change after the same conditions required to secure the original permit have been satisfied. The code official is permitted to waive the requirements for filing construction documents where the work involved is of a minor nature. When the quality of the materials is essential for conformity to this code, specific information shall be given to establish such quality, and this code shall not be cited, or the term "legal" or its equivalent used as a substitute for specific information.

A plumbing hold or denial shall be placed on construction documents that are incomplete or are not drawn in compliance with this code.

When inspection by the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspection reveals that work is not being performed in compliance with this code, the code official shall be authorized to require the submission and approval of construction documents if these documents have not been submitted and approved prior to the issue of the plumbing permit.

The code official is authorized to require the submission of specific information in order to determine compliance with this code.

All construction documents prepared by a licensed design professional shall bear the original seal, date and signature in ink of that person. On each sheet, where applicable, construction documents shall indicate how required structural and fire resistance rating integrity will be maintained, and where penetrations will be made for plumbing systems.

107.6.1 Types of construction documents. Construction documents, where required by the code official, shall include a floor plan and a riser diagram showing the work. Such documents shall show the direction of flow, pipe size, grade of horizontal piping, elevations, drainage fixture unit loads of both stacks and drains in the drain, waste and vent systems, and the supply fixture unit load for the water system and any branch supplies which serve more than one plumbing fixture, appliance or hose outlet.

107.6.2 Requirements for plumbing construction documents. Plumbing construction documents shall be available for review at the job site on every project requiring a plumbing permit except construction or renovation of:

1. Residential structures, four families or less;

2. Structures with less than twenty (20) plumbing fixtures and less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of roof area.

107.6.3 Construction document content. Plumbing construction documents submitted for review shall contain the following:

1. A plot plan drawn to scale showing sewer and water services;

2. Floor plans and roof plan;

3. Schematic stack/vent diagram indicating fixture units connected to each stack at each level, fixture unit totals carried by each stack, and totals collected by the under floor drains (ground work);

4. Pipe sizes for all piping covered above;

5. Flow line elevations for all under floor piping and outside piping; also the percent of slope on which pipe sizing is based. Depth of footings and sleeves shall be indicated. Profiles are preferred;

6. Schematic roof leader diagram, showing each roof drain, its collection area, and the leader it connects to;

7. Total roof area connected to each roof leader, total roof areas carried by connecting storm drains, and the combined load carried by the main house sewer;

NOTE: City of Saint Louis code uses six (6) inches per hour rainfall;

8. Details for pipe bracing and supports, bath trap access, size of interceptors, clean out locations, expansion joints, manholes, house traps, sump pump settings, garage traps, stack flashing, back water protection, and sub-soil drains;

9. Schematic supply riser diagrams showing total supply fixture units connected at each level, the total carried by each riser, and the total supply fixture units carried by supply headers and water service;

10. Pipe sizes for items covered above;

11. Location of pressure regulators to restrict pressure on fixtures to less than eighty (80) psi (where house pumps are used);

12. Details for backflow protection at special equipment and fire suppression systems, water heater relief valves, safe pans, hot water circulation, system and riser valves, pipe supports and bracing, and water metering arrangements.

107.6.4 Drain-waste-vent pipe (DWV). Specifications for DWV pipe materials, supply pipe materials, valves, pumps, fixtures and backflow prevention devices shall be included on the plumbing construction documents or attached thereto.

107.6.5 Seismic installations. Construction documents for installations which must meet the seismic requirements of the building code shall show the details of all pertinent anchorage and bracing and shall bear the original seal, date and signature in ink of a licensed design professional licensed to practice in the State of Missouri.

107.6.6 Engineering details. The code official shall require adequate details to be filed of plumbing work, including computations and other technical data.

The plumbing drawings submitted for a permit shall be sealed, dated and signed by a licensed professional engineer with current Missouri registration, or submitted by a Licensed Plumbing Contractor with their license number and notarized signature.

107.7 Amendments to application. Subject to the time limitations of Section 107.8, amendments to the construction documents, application or other records accompanying the same shall be filed at any time before completion of the work for which the permit is sought or issued. Such amendments shall be deemed part of the original application and shall be filed in the same manner as the original.

107.8 Time limit of application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned six (6) months after the date of filing, unless such application has been diligently prosecuted or a permit shall have been issued. The code official shall grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding six (6) months if there is reasonable cause.

107.9 Previous approvals. Except for unsafe plumbing systems, this code shall not require changes in the construction documents or plumbing work for which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued or otherwise lawfully authorized, and the installation of which shall have been actively prosecuted within ninety (90) days after the effective date of this code and completed with dispatch.

107.10 Permit issuance. The application, construction documents and other data filed by an applicant for permit shall be reviewed by the code official. If the code official finds that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this code and all laws and ordinances applicable thereto, and that the fees specified in Section 107.11 have been paid, a permit shall be issued to the applicant. A plumbing permit shall not be transferable.

If the application or the construction documents do not conform to the requirements of all pertinent ordinances of the City of Saint Louis, the code official shall reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefor.

107.10.1 Approved construction documents. When the code official issues a permit where construction documents are required, such approved construction documents shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorization from the design professional and the code official. Work shall be done in accordance with the approved construction documents.

107.10.2 Approval in part. The code official is authorized to issue a permit for the installation of a part of a plumbing system before the whole system has been submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all the pertinent requirements of this code. The holder of such permit shall proceed at their own risk without assurance that the permit for the entire plumbing system will be granted.

107.10.3 Validity. The issuance of a permit or approval of construction documents shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the City of Saint Louis. A permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code shall be invalid.

The issuance of a permit based upon construction documents and other data shall not prevent the code official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said construction documents and other data or from preventing building operations from being carried on thereunder when in violation of this code or of other ordinances of the City of Saint Louis.

107.10.4 Expiration. Every permit issued by the code official under the provisions of this code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within six (6) months from the date of such permit, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of six (6) months. Before such work recommences, a new permit shall be first obtained and a new fee paid.

107.10.5 Extensions. Any permittee holding an unexpired permit shall have the right to apply for an extension of the time within which the permittee will commence work under that permit when work is unable to be commenced within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons. The code official may grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods if there is reasonable cause, the total of which shall not exceed six (6) months.

107.10.6 Suspension or revocation of permit. The code official shall suspend or revoke a permit or approval issued under the provisions of this code in case of any false statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application or on the construction documents upon which the permit or approval was based. A permit shall also be considered for revocation under the following provisions:

1. The owner of the property or the contractor shall request cancellation in writing stating the reasons for the request for cancellation. No refund of fees shall be made.

2. The code official may revoke the permit for fraud.

3. The code official may revoke the permit for non-compliance with the code.

4. The code official may revoke the permit for failure to pay the prescribed fees.

5. A permit may be revoked if payment is returned for insufficient funds.

Before a permit is considered for revocation prior to the completion of all work, the permit holder shall request an inspection of the work that has been completed. Upon inspection, if the work complies with the code and is done in a workmanlike manner, the code official shall so indicate in writing to the person requesting revocation.

107.10.7 Work not in compliance. Should the plumbing contractor install work that is not in compliance with the plumbing, fire or building code, the contractor shall be directed by the code official to make necessary corrections to assure code compliance and no other permits shall be issued to said contractor until such work is corrected and approved by the code official.

107.10.8 Retention of construction documents. One (1) set of construction documents shall be retained by the code official until final approval of the work covered therein. One (1) set of construction documents shall be returned to the applicant and said set shall be kept at the site of the building or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress.

107.10.9 Posting of permit. A true copy of the permit shall be kept on the site of operations, open to public inspection during the entire time of prosecution of the work and until the completion of the same.

107.11.1 Work commencing before permit issuance. In case any work for which a permit required by this code is started or proceeded with prior to the permit being issued, the total normal fees applicable shall be increased by the amount as set forth in Table 107.11.1. The payment of said surcharge shall not relieve any persons from fully complying with the requirements of this code for performance or execution of the work, nor from other penalties prescribed by law.

Table 107.11.1
Schedule for Surcharge

Permit fee	Surcharge
$ 0 to $ 50	$ 30.00
$ 51 to 200	$ 90.00
$ 201 to $ 500	$ 240.00
$ 501 to $ 2,000	$ 360.00
$ 2,001 to $ 10,000	$ 480.00
Over $ 10,000	$ 1,000.00

107.11.2 Inspection fees. It shall be the duty of the code official to cause the following inspections to be made as required by this code. An inspection is to be made of each tap, water connection or extension, each sewer extension, and for repairs of water service pipe, or of sewer pipe, whether on a public or private street, alley, thoroughfare or premises. Inspection shall also be made after completion of all work and be known as a finish inspection. Mechanical pipefitting and sprinkler fitting installations shall also be inspected.

107.11.3 Fee schedule. Fees for new construction or alteration of plumbing systems and inspections thereof shall be paid to and collected by the City of Saint Louis as indicated in Table 107.11.3.

Table 107.11.3
Plumbing Fees

Type	Fee
Application Fee	$ 25.00
Tap, water connection or extension, each	$ 20.00
Sewer extension, connection or repair, each	$ 20.00
Irrigation System, each (does not include backflow device)	$20.00
Fixtures, each (floor drain, sump, water heater, reduced pressure backflow device or double gate/double check valve, roof drain or trapped outlet)	$ 5.00
Test of a reduced pressure backflow device or double gate/double check valve	$ 35.00
Late fee for all backflow tests not performed within 30 days of anniversary date, each	$25.00
Rough inspection, each	$ 20.00
Finish inspection, each	$ 20.00
Re-inspection, each	$25.00
Special inspection, each	$40.00

One rough inspection and one finish inspection for every 20 fixtures or fraction thereof; one additional rough inspection and one additional finish inspection for every 20 additional fixtures or fraction thereof.

107.11.4 Re-inspections. Re-inspections of plumbing installations and systems on any premises shall be made when deemed necessary by the code official or where a re-inspection is required to be made due to faulty workmanship or work not completed at the time of a requested inspection. Fees for a re-inspection fee shall be as indicated in Table 107.11.3.

107.11.5 Fees for abandoned work or revoked permit. Fees shall not be waived or refunded for any plumbing permit that has been abandoned, canceled or revoked.

107.11.6 Special inspections. A special inspection may be requested by the owner or occupant of a building or premises. Fees for special inspections shall be as indicated in Table 107.11.3.

108.0 INSPECTIONS AND TESTING

108.1 Required inspections and testing. The code official upon notification from the permit holder or the permit holder’s agent, shall make the following inspections and other such inspections as necessary, and shall either release that portion of the construction or shall notify the permit holder or agent of any violation which must be corrected. The holder of the permit shall be responsible for the scheduling of such inspections. All inspections are visual inspections. The contractor shall be responsible for repairing defects hidden from the inspector.

1. Underground inspections shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before any backfill is put in place. When excavated soil contains rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble which would damage, break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be on the job site next to trenches or ditches.

2. Rough-in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking, firestopping, draftstopping and bracing is in place and all sanitary, storm and water distribution piping is roughed-in, and prior to the installation of wall and ceiling membranes. Any portion of the plumbing system covered by the permit which is intended to be concealed by any permanent portion of the structure shall not be concealed until inspected. The code official shall have the authority to require any concealment to be removed. Failure to comply with this order of the code official may result in condemnation of the structure or any part thereof and prohibition of occupancy. Furthermore, the plumbing contractor shall not be issued any other permits until such work is properly inspected and approved by the code official.

3. Final inspection shall be made after the building is complete, all plumbing fixtures are in place and properly connected, and the structure is ready for occupancy. All violations of any code, any approved construction document or the plumbing permit shall be noted, and the holder of the plumbing permit shall be notified in writing of the discrepancies. All violations shall be abated before final approval. If the plumbing contractor refuses to abate any violation, the contractor shall not be issued any other permits until such violation is remedied, properly inspected and approved by the code official.

108.1.1 Approved inspection agencies. The code official shall accept reports of approved inspection agencies, provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualification and reliability.

108.1.2 Evaluation and follow-up inspection services. Prior to the approval of a closed, prefabricated plumbing system and the issuance of a plumbing permit, the code official shall require the submittal of an evaluation report on each prefabricated plumbing system, indicating the complete details of the plumbing system, including a description of the system and its components, the basis upon which the plumbing system is being evaluated, test results and similar information, and other data as necessary to the code official to determine conformance to this code.

108.1.2.1 Evaluation service. The code official shall designate the evaluation service of an approved agency as the evaluation agency, and review such agency’s evaluation report for adequacy and conformance to this code.

108.1.2.2 Follow-up inspection. Except where ready access is provided to plumbing systems, service equipment and accessories for complete inspection at the site without disassembly or dismantling, the code official shall conduct the in-plant inspections as frequently as necessary to assure conformance to the approved evaluation report or shall designate an independent approved inspection agency to conduct such inspections. The inspection agency shall furnish the code official with the follow-up inspection manual and a report of inspections upon request, and the plumbing system shall have an identifying label permanently affixed to the system indicating that factory inspections have been performed.

108.1.2.3 Test and inspection records. All required test and inspection records shall be available to the code official at all times during the fabrication of the plumbing system and the erection of the building; or such records as the code official designates shall be filed.

108.2 Special inspections. Special inspections of alternative engineered design plumbing systems shall be conducted in accordance with Sections 108.2.1 and 108.2.2.

108.2.1 Periodic inspection. The licensed design professional or designated inspector shall periodically inspect and observe the alternative engineered design to determine that the installation is in accordance with the approved plans. All discrepancies shall be brought to the immediate attention of the plumbing contractor for correction. Records shall be kept of all inspections.

108.2.2 Written report. The licensed design professional shall submit a final report in writing to the code official upon completion of the installation, certifying the alternative engineered design conforms to the approved construction documents. A notice of approval for the plumbing system shall not be issued until a written certification has been submitted.

108.3 Testing. Plumbing systems shall be tested as required in this code and in accordance with Sections 108.3.1 through 108.3.3. Tests shall be made by the permit holder and observed by the code official.

108.3.1 New, altered, extended or repaired systems. New plumbing systems and parts of existing systems, which have been altered, extended or repaired shall be tested as prescribed herein to disclose leaks and defects, except that testing is not required in the following cases:

1. In any case which does not include addition to, replacement, alteration or relocation of any water supply, drainage or vent piping.

2. In any case where plumbing equipment is set up temporarily for exhibition purposes and is not connected to the public water supply or the public sewer system.

108.3.2 Equipment, material and labor for tests. All equipment, material and labor required for testing a plumbing system or part thereof shall be furnished by the permit holder.

108.3.3 Re-inspection and testing. Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the necessary corrections shall be made so as to achieve compliance with this code. The work or installation shall then be resubmitted to the code official for inspection and testing.

108.4 Contractor’s responsibilities. It shall be the duty of every contractor who enters into contracts for the installation or repair of plumbing systems for which a permit is required to comply with adopted federal, state and local rules and regulations concerning certification and licensing.

108.5 Coordination of inspections. Whenever in the enforcement of this code or another code or ordinance, the responsibility of more than one code official is involved, it shall be the duty of the code officials involved to coordinate their inspections and administrative orders as fully as practicable so that the owners and occupants of the structure shall not be subjected to visits by numerous inspectors or multiple or conflicting orders. Whenever an inspector from any agency or department observes an apparent or actual violation of some provision of some law, ordinance or code not within the inspector’s authority to enforce, the inspector shall report the findings to the proper code official.

108.5.1 Legal compliance. All legal assistance necessary to effect compliance of the plumbing systems of such premises with this section shall be supplied to the code official by the City Counselor and other City of Saint Louis agencies. The Fire and Police Departments of the City of Saint Louis shall, upon request, assist the code official in the enforcement of this code.

108.6 Approval. After the prescribed tests and inspections indicate that the work complies in all respects with this code, a notice of approval shall be issued by the code official.

108.7 Temporary connection. The code official shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of the building or system to the utility source for the purpose of testing plumbing systems or for a temporary certificate of occupancy.

108.8 Plumbing inspection certificate. The Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspection, upon completion of repair and remodeling work, as per permit issued, shall, upon request of the property owner, the occupant or the licensed plumbing contractor, furnish a plumbing inspection certificate to the property owner or occupant who has authorized the work to be performed. The plumbing inspection certificate shall state the address of where the work was performed, name and license number of the licensed plumbing contractor performing the work, permit number, approved by inspector’s signature, the inspector’s identification number, date and time of inspection. Certificates, upon request, shall be filled out by plumbing inspectors within ninety (90) days of the final inspection.

109.0 VIOLATIONS

109.1 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, repair, remove demolish or utilize any plumbing system, or cause same to be done, in conflict with or in violation with any of the provisions of this code. All work shall be conducted, installed and completed in a workmanlike and approved manner so as to secure the results intended by this code.

109.2 Notice of violation. The code official shall serve a written notice of violation or order, as heretofore described in Section 105.3, to the person, firm, or corporation responsible for the erection, installation, alteration, extension, repair, removal, demolition or operation of plumbing equipment or systems in violation of the provisions of this code, or in violation of a detailed statement, or the approved construction documents thereunder, or in violation of a permit issued under the provisions of this code. Such order shall direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation. Failure to comply with the written order of the code official may result in revocation of the bond and/or license of that person, firm or corporation. Failure to comply with the order of the code official may result in the denial to issue any additional permits in that person’s, firm’s or corporation’s name.

109.2.1 Written notice of violation. If the building inspection, re-inspection, or test reveals failure of any new installation, addition, alteration, maintenance or replacement to comply with the provisions of this code, the installation shall be declared unlawful by the code official, and a written notice of violation shall be given or mailed to either the responsible individual, person, firm or corporation to whom the permit was issued, or to the legally authorized representative of the permit holder.

109.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied within the time stated in the notice of violation, but no longer than thirty (30) days, the code official shall request the legal counsel of the City of Saint Louis to institute the appropriate proceedings at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto. The time for compliance may be extended by the code official, upon written request, if there are extenuating circumstances.

109.4 Violation penalties. Any person, partnership or corporation who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, construct, alter or repair plumbing equipment or systems in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or license issued under the provisions of this code, shall, upon conviction thereof, be penalized as set forth in Section Four.

109.5 Stop work order. Upon notice from the code official that plumbing work is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, or without permit, or by unlicensed individuals, such work shall immediately cease. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property involved, or to the owner’s agent, or to the person doing the work. The stop work order shall state the conditions under which work is authorized to resume. Where an emergency exists, the code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work. Any person who shall continue any work on the system after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe conditions, shall be subject to immediate arrest and, upon conviction thereof, be penalized as set forth in Section Four.

109.6 Abatement of violation. The imposition of the penalties herein prescribed shall not preclude the legal officer of the City of Saint Louis from instituting appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation, or to prevent illegal occupancy of a building, structure or premises, or to stop an illegal act, the conduct of business or the utilization of plumbing equipment or systems on or about any premises.

109.7 Unsafe plumbing. Any plumbing system that is unsafe, constitutes a fire or health hazard, unsanitary condition or is otherwise dangerous to human life, as regulated by this code, is hereby declared as an unsafe plumbing system. Use of a plumbing system regulated by this code constituting a hazard to health, safety or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or abandonment is hereby declared an unsafe use. Such unsafe equipment is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal.

109.7.1 Authority to condemn plumbing systems. Whenever the code official determines that any plumbing system, or portion thereof, regulated by this code has become hazardous to life, health, property, or has become unsanitary, the code official shall order in writing that such plumbing either be removed or restored to a safe condition. A time limit for compliance with such order shall be specified in the written notice. A person shall not use or maintain a defective plumbing system after receiving such notice.

When such plumbing system is to be disconnected, written notice as prescribed in Section 109.2 shall be given. In cases of immediate danger to life or property, such disconnection shall be made immediately without such notice.

109.7.2 Authority to order disconnection of utilities. The code official shall have the authority to order disconnection of any utility supplied to a building, structure or plumbing system regulated by this code when it is determined that the plumbing system or any portion thereof has become hazardous, unsafe or unsanitary. Written notice of such order to disconnect service and the causes therefor shall be given within twenty-four (24) hours to the owner and occupant of such building, structure, or premises, provided, however, that in cases of immediate danger to life of property, such disconnection shall be made immediately without such notice. The code official shall immediately notify the serving utility in writing of the issuance of such order to disconnect.

109.7.3 Connection after order to disconnect. A person shall not make utility connections to plumbing systems regulated by this code which have been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the code official, or the use of which has been ordered to be discontinued by the code official until the code official authorizes the reconnection and use of such plumbing system.

When any plumbing system is maintained in violation of this code, and in violation of a notice issued pursuant to the provisions of this section, the code official shall institute any appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct or abate the violation.

109.7.4 Authority to order vacation of structure. When there is an actual and immediate condition which would endanger life, the code official is hereby authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate a structure forthwith. The code official shall cause to be posted at each entrance to such structure a notice reading as follows: DANGER! ALL PERSONS ARE WARNED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION IN OR AROUND THESE PREMISES. It shall be unlawful for any person to enter such structure except for the purpose of making the required repairs or removal. The procedure for this notice shall be as set forth in Section 105.3.

109.8 Time for compliance and notification to department. All notices of violation shall indicate the requirement of immediate compliance. Upon compliance of violation, the recipient of the notices, the recipient’s agent, contractor or subcontractor shall notify the code official according to the procedure set forth in this code. Upon notification, the code official shall re-inspect the premises in which the violation was found, and if compliance is shown to exist, the violation notice shall be terminated and type of inspection recorded.

109.8.1 Noncompliance. On new construction, alterations, additions or replacements, violations not abated within 10 days shall be referred to court. On existing structures which involve occupancy, general rehabilitation, or other problems which involve the development of construction documents or issuance of a building permit, restoration to original occupancy, or other problems which require concurrent action by other departments of the City of Saint Louis, the code official may make its compliance date of any violation notice with regard to any given premises coincide with the compliance date of violations against the same premises by said other departments of the City of Saint Louis.

109.8.2 Immediate compliance. The following types of violations may be followed immediately by referral to court:

1. Failure to secure any required plumbing permit or permits;

2. Operating as a Plumbing Contractor, Drainlayer, Sprinkler Fitter or Mechanical Pipefitter Contractor or as an installer of plumbing without compliance with licensing and registration requirements of this code;

3. Failure to maintain a plumbing system in a safe and/or sanitary condition;

4. Creation of a nuisance or a hazard to either health or safety.

109.8.3 Compliance. Any violation pertaining to any otherwise illegal installation of plumbing shall be referred to a court of competent jurisdiction if not abated within a reasonable time after issuance of the notice of violation by the code official.

109.8.4 City counselor. The City Counselor shall assign such employees as from time to time are necessary to prepare and present to the City Court, or if necessary, to higher courts, the facts pertaining to any violation which has exceeded the time specified in sections of this code, or if no time is specified, any reasonable time in the judgment of the code official.

109.8.5 Court dates and re-inspections. Before requesting the court to hear any incomplete violation case, the premise involved shall be re-inspected and then the code official assigned to act as a witness for the case shall set forth the facts in a record and the court shall specify the date of the hearing.

110.0 MEANS OF APPEAL

110.1 Appeals. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the code official, or any Board hereunder, may appeal said decision to the Board of Building Appeals in the manner prescribed in the building code. The fee for said appeal shall be as prescribed in said building code.

111.0 BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR MASTER PLUMBERS, MASTER DRAINLAYERS AND JOURNEYMAN PLUMBERS

111.1 How constituted. The Mayor, with the approval of the Board of Aldermen, shall appoint one (1) City of Saint Louis certified Master Plumber, one (1) City of Saint Louis licensed Master Drainlayer (not a Plumber/Drainlayer) and one (1) City of Saint Louis licensed Journeyman Plumber. Each of whom shall be a resident of the City of St. Louis, each of whom shall be a United States citizen, and each of whom shall have been actively engaged at the trade or business of plumbing for five (5) years in the Saint Louis metropolitan area. These three (3) members, together with the Health Commissioner or the Health Commissioner’s duly appointed representative, who shall be Chairman Ex Officio, shall constitute the Board of Examiners.

111.2 Term of office, compensation. The members of the Board of Examiners, except the Health Commissioner or the Health Commissioner’s duly appointed representative, shall hold office for a term of four (4) years or until their successors are duly qualified, unless removed by the Mayor. They shall, except the Health Commissioner or the Health Commissioner’s duly authorized representative, receive compensation for their services, as provided by separate ordinance on a per-meeting basis.

111.3 Powers and duties of the Board of Examiners. It shall be the duty of the Board of Examiners to meet on the fourth Monday of each month (the Board may make variances when a holiday falls on this date) to: hear and determine any charges or complaints which may be lawfully made against any Master Plumber, Drainlayer or licensed Journeyman Plumber; approve apprentice applications; and/or transact any other lawful business of the Board. Additional meetings may be held at the request of the Chairman of the Board. Suitable quarters for the use of the Board of Plumbing Examiners shall be provided.

1. Administration--The Board of Examiners shall receive applications and they shall approve or deny licenses as described herein based on Sections 111.7, 111.8, 111.9, 111.10 and 111.11.

2. Test--The Board of Examiners shall prescribe the administration, form and content of tests for Master Plumbers, Master Drainlayers, Journeyman Plumbers and the form and content of licenses as described herein. The Board shall also determine the passing grade for each test.

3. Notice--All complaints by citizens concerning plumbing or drainlaying procedures or rules and regulations shall be made to the Board of Examiners in writing. After a thorough investigation, the Board shall respond in writing to each complaint.

4. Adoption of Rules--The Board of Examiners shall adopt rules and regulations, when and as required at the discretion of the Board, consistent with the provisions of this ordinance and the laws of the City of Saint Louis, related to the Board’s powers and duties as herein stated. Such rules and regulations adopted by the Board shall be posted in the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspections for two weeks prior to becoming effective.

5. Inspection--The Board of Examiners shall order the inspection of any plumbing or drain system whenever deemed necessary for the public safety.

6. Revocation/Suspension of Licenses--After investigation and hearings in accordance with Section 111.12, the Board may revoke or suspend any license that it has issued.

7. Review Committee--The Board of Examiners shall appoint two members of the Plumbing Section and/or Health Division to interview individuals applying for licensing, as to their qualifications and experience. Each recommendation of the Review Committee shall be presented to the Board of Examiners. The Board of Examiners may request to review all qualifications.

111.4 Secretary of the board, duties. The code official or his duly appointed representative shall act as Secretary to the Board of Examiners. The Secretary of the Board shall be nonvoting. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to:

1. keep full and complete records of the proceedings of said Board;

2. keep a file of the name, residence and place of business of every licensed person engaged in or working at the business of plumbing and drainlaying in the City of Saint Louis (these records shall be updated within ninety days of the renewal period stated in Section 111.5);

3. give all applicants for examination a written notice of the date and place of examination. The Secretary shall give the applicant an informational letter on examination procedures with an outline of suggested study for the examination applied for; and

4. return all incomplete applications to the applicants.

All records shall be open to supervised public inspection during normal working hours, subject to staff availability. Test questions and answers shall not be open to the public.

111.5 Renewal date for licenses. The renewal of all licenses for Master Plumbers, Master Drainlayers and Journeyman Plumbers shall be due on December 31, 2006, and every three (3) years thereafter. Licenses shall be renewed within a grace period of thirty (30) days prior to or thirty (30) days following the renewal date. Following the grace period, any Master Plumber, Master Drainlayer or Journeyman Plumber that has not renewed his license, at the discretion of the Board of Examiners, shall be required to re-apply and be re-tested in order to obtain a new license.

111.5.1 Licenses obtained between renewal dates. Any new license issued more than thirty days prior to the renewal date shall expire on the renewal date. There shall be no prorating of license fees.

111.5.2 Failure of master plumber or master drainlayer to renew. The failure of any Master Plumber or Master Drainlayer to renew their license during the grace period shall terminate their license, and no permit for doing work under this or any other ordinance of the City of Saint Louis shall be issued them until after they have obtained a new license following re-application and re-testing (if necessary), and they shall be disqualified from carrying on any work authorized to be done under any permit theretofore issued to them or any job unfinished at the date of termination of their license.

111.5.3 Inactive license. Upon written application to the Plumbing Inspection Supervisor, a master plumber or master drainlayer shall be allowed to make his license inactive. If approved, the Plumbing Inspection Supervisor will approve the written application and return it to the license holder. It shall be the license holder’s responsibility to keep this document and present it to the Section of Plumbing Regulation and Inspection if the license is to be re-activated. In order to keep an inactive license as a Master Plumber, the license holder must maintain an active license as a Journeyman Plumber.

111.6 Fees. Fees for applications, testing and licensing shall be as established in Table 111.6.

Table 111.6
Application, Testing and Licensing Fees

111.7 License as a master plumber. An applicant shall successfully complete all of the following requirements in order to receive a license as a master plumber:

1. Applicant shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

2. Applicant shall complete application provided by the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspections and pay the application fee shown in Table 111.6.

3. Applicant shall have served a five (5) year apprenticeship and have five (5) years’ experience as a licensed journeyman plumber or the applicant shall have ten (10) years’ experience as a licensed journeyman plumber. Equivalent training and experience shall also be considered. Equivalent training and experience shall mean a degree in engineering from an accredited university in which the applicant shall have received at least nine (9) semester hours training in plumbing design, planning and installation of plumbing and sewer systems, house drainage and ventilation, and has had three (3) years of experience in the design, planning and installation of plumbing systems, house drainage and venting and must be a licensed professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of Missouri.

4. Applicant shall be interviewed by the Review Committee of the Board of Examiners as to qualifications and experience. The applicant shall provide proof of knowledge, training and experience through transcripts from educational institutions, apprenticeship agreements, reference letters from employers and other documents as requested by the Review Committee or by the Board of Examiners.

5. Applicant’s qualifications shall be presented to the Board of Examiners for approval to take the written examination.

6. Approved applicant shall be notified by the Secretary of the Board as to the date and place of the written examination. The Secretary shall also give the applicant an informational letter on the examination procedures with an outline of suggested study for the examination. The applicant is responsible for all testing fees.

7. Applicant shall successfully complete the written examination and receive a passing grade on all parts of the examination.

8. Applicant shall be notified in writing by the Secretary of the Board of the examination results. Applicants that pass shall be notified to come to the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspection and obtain their license within ninety (90) days. Applicants that have not passed the examination for the first time shall be notified that they may re-take the examination after six (6) months. Applicants that have failed the examination twice within the last twelve (12) months shall be notified that they shall wait a minimum of twelve (12) months before re-application and re-testing.

9. Successful applicant shall bring a 3/4" by 3/4" color photograph, a certificate of liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage in the amount of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) naming the applicant as an additionally insured, and the license fee required by Table 111.6 to the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspections in order to be issued a license as a master plumber.

No Journeyman Plumber shall be allowed to hold a Master Plumber’s license. When a Journeyman Plumber qualifies as a Master Plumber, the Journeyman must relinquish the Journeyman Plumber’s license to the Board of Plumbing Examiners before a Master Plumber license can be issued.

111.8 License as a Master Drainlayer. An applicant shall successfully complete all of the following requirements in order to receive a license as a Master Drainlayer:

1. Applicant shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

2. Applicant shall complete application provided by the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspections and pay the application fee shown in Table 111.6.

3. Applicant shall have worked a minimum of four (4) years in the business of drainlaying and have a thorough knowledge in the planning, design, supervision and installation of public and private sewers. Equivalent training and experience shall also be considered. Equivalent training and experience shall mean a degree in engineering from an accredited university in which the applicant shall have received at least nine (9) semester hours training in plumbing design, planning and installation of plumbing and sewer systems, house drainage and ventilation, and has had three (3) years of experience in the design, planning and installation of plumbing systems, house drainage and venting and must be a licensed professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of Missouri.

4. Applicant shall be interviewed by the Review Committee of the Board of Examiners as to qualifications and experience. The applicant shall provide proof of knowledge, training and experience through transcripts from educational institutions, apprenticeship agreements, reference letters from employers and other documents as requested by the Review Committee or by the Board of Examiners.

5. Applicant’s qualifications shall be presented to the Board of Examiners for approval to take the written examination.

6. Approved applicant shall be notified by the Secretary of the Board as to the date and place of the written examination. The Secretary shall also give the applicant an informational letter on the examination procedures with an outline of suggested study for the examination. The applicant is responsible for all testing fees.

7. Applicant shall successfully complete the written examination and receive a passing grade on all parts of the examination.

8. Applicant shall be notified in writing by the Secretary of the Board of the examination results. Applicants that pass shall be notified to come to the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspection and obtain their license within ninety (90) days. Applicants that have not passed the examination for the first time shall be notified that they may re-take the examination after six (6) months. Applicants that have failed the examination twice within the last twelve (12) months shall be notified that they shall wait a minimum of twelve (12) months before re-application and re-testing.

9. Successful applicant shall bring a 3/4" by 3/4" color photograph, a certificate of liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage in the amount of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) naming the applicant as an additionally insured, and the license fee required by Table 111.6 to the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspections in order to be issued a license as a Master Drainlayer.

111.9 License as a Journeyman Plumber. An applicant shall successfully complete all of the following requirements in order to receive a license as a Journeyman Plumber:

1. Applicant shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

2. Applicant shall complete application provided by the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspections and pay the application fee shown in Table 111.6.

3. Applicant shall have a minimum of five (5) years experience as an apprentice in the installation of plumbing and drainage systems under the direct personal and immediate supervision of a certified Journeyman or Master Plumber in the City of St. Louis, or have a license issued by another licensing authority in another jurisdiction, or equivalent training and experience prior to the date of the examination. Equivalent training and experience shall also be considered. Equivalent training and experience shall mean the satisfactory completion of a one thousand eighty hour (1,080) course in practical plumbing, house drainage and plumbing ventilation at a trade or technical school. The applicant shall receive a one (1) year credit toward their five (5) year apprenticeship training when presenting a certificate of completion from a trade or technical school recognized by the Board of Examiners. Any applicant living within fifty (50) miles of the limits of the City of Saint Louis during the applicant’s apprenticeship must have held a valid City of Saint Louis apprentice plumber registration for a minimum of four (4) years.

4. Applicant shall be interviewed by the Review Committee of the Board of Examiners as to qualifications and experience. The applicant shall provide proof of knowledge, training and experience through transcripts from educational institutions, apprenticeship agreements, reference letters from employers and other documents as requested by the Review Committee or by the Board of Examiners.

5. Applicant’s qualifications shall be presented to the Board of Examiners for approval to take the written examination.

6. Approved applicant shall be notified by the Secretary of the Board as to the date and place of the written examination. The Secretary shall also give the applicant an informational letter on the examination procedures with an outline of suggested study for the examination. The applicant is responsible for all testing fees.

7. Applicant shall successfully complete the written examination and receive a passing grade on all parts of the examination.

8. Applicant shall be notified in writing by the Secretary of the Board of the examination results. Applicants that pass shall be notified to come to the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspection and obtain their license within ninety (90) days. Applicants that have not passed the examination for the first time shall be notified that they may re-take the examination after six (6) months. Applicants that have failed the examination twice within the last twelve (12) months shall be notified that they shall wait a minimum of twelve (12) months before re-application and re-testing.

9. Successful applicant shall bring a 3/4" by 3/4" color photograph and the license fee required in Table 111.6 to the Section of Plumbing Regulations and Inspections in order to be issued a license as a journeyman plumber.

111.10 Registration as an Apprentice Plumber. Every applicant learning the business or trade of plumbing within the City of