HOME »

Commercial Permits

Discover valuable information on the most common violations encountered during commercial building inspections. By familiarizing yourself with these issues, you can ensure that your commercial project progresses smoothly and successfully.

  • CONTACT INFORMATION
  • building@amarillo.gov
  • 806-378-3041
  • 806-378-3085
  • Simms Municipal Building
    808 S Buchanan St
    Suite 104
    Amarillo, TX 79101
  • Office Hours:
    Monday – Friday
    8:00 am – 5:00 pm

commercial permit information

Common Commercial Building Inspection Violations

Approved numbers or addresses shall be provided for all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property.

An approved set of plans bearing the department stamp of approval shall be on site and available to the building official or a duly authorized representative at time of inspection.

Mandated that toilet facilities are provided for construction workers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these facilities in a sanitary condition. Failure to furnish adequate and clean sanitary facilities for construction personnel not only violates regulations but also poses health and hygiene concerns on the construction site.

In fire-resistant rated construction, openings or penetrations through walls or floors should be sealed with fire-stop systems to prevent the spread of fire. Through penetrations must be protected by an approved fire-stop system installed according to specific testing standards outlined in ASTM E 814 and UL 1487.

Lack of fire-stop systems or unsealed penetrations compromise the integrity of fire-resistant rated construction, increasing the risk of fire spread and jeopardizing building safety.

Fire-resistant stairwells/elevator shafts must have continuous membrane assemblies without penetrations. Failure to maintain membrane continuity compromises the fire resistance of stairwells/elevator shafts, increasing the risk of fire spread.

Rooms or areas designated for assembly occupancy must display conspicuously posted occupant load signs indicating the maximum number of people allowed. Posted signs will be generated by the Building Safety Department.

Means of egress, including exit discharge, must be illuminated whenever the building space served by the means of egress is occupied.

Every required area of refuge or designated space within a building, where individuals can seek temporary shelter during emergencies as mandated by IBC Section 1007.6, must have direct access to enclosed stairways or elevators, as specified in IBC Sections 1007.3, 1007.4, 1020.1, and 1020.17.

Main exterior doors must be equipped with readily openable locks/latches from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge. Providing easy egress during emergencies.
Doors in Group A, E, and H occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more, as mandated by IBC Section 1008.1.9, must be equipped with panic or fire exit hardware for swift egress during emergencies.
Handrails must be continuous, without interruptions by newel posts or obstructions, and their height must be uniform, measured above stair tread nosing or the finish surface of the ramp.
Design professional in charge, acting as the owner’s agent, must hire one or more special inspectors to conduct inspections during the construction of fabricated steel, concrete, and masonry work.
IBC Section 2406 outlines the requirement for safety glazing in areas prone to human impact loads, including swinging doors, sliding doors, storm doors, and various enclosures such as those for pools, tubs, saunas, steam rooms, bathtubs, and showers.
Common Commercial Plumbing Inspection Violations

It is the responsibility of the permit holder or their representative to inform the building official when plumbing work is prepared for inspection. The person requesting inspections is obligated to ensure access and means for inspecting the work. Adherence to these duties is crucial to facilitate efficient and accurate inspections in compliance with the plumbing code.

This guideline outlines the requirements for testing the piping system for leaks and defects. The system must endure the specified test pressure without exhibiting any signs of leakage or defects. If pressure gauges indicate a reduction in test pressures, it is assumed to indicate a leak unless an alternative cause can be readily identified. Strict adherence to these standards is essential to ensure the integrity and reliability of the piping system, as deviations may indicate potential issues that need prompt attention and resolution.

Guidelines emphasizing the need for protective shield plates to prevent physical damage to concealed pipes in residential construction.

P2603.2.1
Protection against physical damage. In concealed locations, where piping, other than cast-iron or galvanized steel, is installed through holes or notches in studs, joists, rafters, or similar members less than 1.5 inches (38mm) from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by shield plates. Protective shield plates shall be a minimum of 0.062-inch-thick (1.6 mm) steel, shall cover the area of the pipe where the member is notched or bored and shall extend a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm) above sole plates and below top plates.

Guideline emphasizing the minimum burial depth for underground gas piping systems.

Minimum burial depth. Underground piping systems shall be installed a minimum depth of 12″ (305 mm) below grade, except as provided for in Section G2415.12.1.

Guideline addresses the protection of water, soil, or waste pipes from freezing. The guideline specifies measures such as insulation or heat provision to safeguard pipes installed outside buildings, in exterior walls, attics, crawl spaces, or areas prone to freezing temperatures.

P2603.5 Freezing. In localities having a winter design temperature of 32°F (0°C) or lower as shown in Table R301.2(1) of this code, a water, soil or waste pipe shall not be installed outside of a building, in exterior walls, in attics or crawl spaces, or in any other place subjected to freezing temperature unless adequate provision is made to protect it from freezing by insulation or heat or both. Water service pipe shall be installed not less than 12 inches (305 mm) deep and not less than 6 inches (152mm) below the frost line.

Addresses the correct provision of air for combustion, ventilation, and dilution of flue gases for appliances within buildings.

G2407.1 (304.1)
General. Air for combustion, ventilation, and dilution of flue gases for appliances installed in buildings shall be provided by application of one of the methods prescribed in Sections G2407.5 through G2407.9. Where the requirements of Section G2407.5 are not met, outdoor air shall be introduced in accordance with one of the methods prescribed in Sections G2407.6 through G2407.9. Direct-vent appliances, gas appliances of other than natural draft design and vented gas appliances other than Category I shall be provided with combustion, ventilation, and dilution air in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.

 Incorrect gauge usage in gas pressure tests.

 G2417.4 (406.4) Test pressure measurement. Test pressure shall be measured with a manometer or with a pressure-measuring device designed and calibrated to read, record, or indicate a pressure loss caused by leakage during the pressure test period. The source of pressure shall be isolated before the pressure tests are made. Mechanical gauges used to measure test pressures shall have a range such that the highest end of the scale is not greater than five times the test pressure.

Protective depth for water service pipes mandated at a minimum depth.

P2603.6 Freezing.
In localities having a winter design temperature of 32°F (0°C) or lower as referenced in Table R301.2(1) of this code, a water, soil or waste pipe shall not be installed outside of a building, in exterior walls, in attics or crawl spaces, or in any other place subjected to freezing temperature unless adequate provision is made to protect it from freezing by insulation or heat or both. Water service pipe shall be installed not less than 12 inches (305 mm) deep and not less than 6 inches (152mm) below the frost line.

Mandated installation of an accessible main shutoff valve near the entrance of each dwelling unit.

P2903.9.1 Service valve.
Each dwelling unit shall be provided with an accessible main shutoff valve near the entrance of the water service. The valve shall be of a full-open type having nominal restriction to flow, with provision for drainage such as a bleed orifice or installation of a separate drain valve. Additionally, the water service shall be valved at the curb or property line in accordance with local requirements.

Common Commercial Mechanical Inspection Violations

It is the responsibility of the permit holder or their representative to inform the building official when mechanical work is prepared for inspection. The person requesting inspections is obligated to ensure access and means for inspecting the work. Adherence to these duties is crucial to facilitate efficient and accurate inspections in compliance with the plumbing code.

R109.3
Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the building official that such work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by this code to provide access to and means for inspection of such work.

Proper air for combustion in buildings must comply with prescribed methods. Outdoor air should be introduced if requirements are not met.

G2407.1 (304.1) General. Air for combustion, ventilation, and dilution of flue gases for appliances installed in buildings shall be provided by application of one of the methods prescribed in Sections G2407.5 through G2407.9. Where the requirements of Section G2407.5 are not met, outdoor air shall be introduced in accordance with one of the methods prescribed in Sections G2407.6 through G2407.9. Direct-vent appliances, gas appliances of other than natural draft design and vented gas appliances other than Category I shall be provided with combustion, ventilation, and dilution air in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.

Water-level monitoring devices are required for down-flow units and coils without secondary drains.

M1411.3.1.1 Water level monitoring devices.
On down-flow units and all other coils that have no secondary drain and no means to install an auxiliary drain pan, a water-level monitoring device shall be installed inside the primary drain pan. This device shall shut off the equipment served if the primary drain becomes restricted. Externally installed devices and devices installed in the drain line shall not be permitted.

Air economizers are mandatory for cooling systems over specified capacities.

IEEC 403.5 Economizers. Supply air economizers shall be provided on each cooling system.

Economizers shall be capable of providing 100-percent outdoor air, even if additional mechanical cooling is required to meet the cooling load of the building. Systems shall provide a means to relieve excess outdoor air during economizer operation to prevent over pressurizing the building. The relief air outlet shall be located to avoid recirculation into the building. Where a single room or space is supplied by multiple air systems, the aggregate capacity of those systems shall be used in applying this requirement.

Secondary drains or auxiliary drain pans are required for coils without secondary drains.

M1411.3.1 Auxiliary and secondary drain systems.
In addition to the requirements of Section M1411.3, a secondary drain or auxiliary drain pan shall be required for each cooling or evaporator coil where damage to any building components will occur because of overflow from the equipment drain pan or stoppage in the condensate drain piping. Such piping shall maintain a minimum horizontal slope in the direction of discharge of not less than 1/8 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (1-percent slope). Drain piping shall be a minimum of 3/4-inch (19 mm) nominal pipe size.

Attics with appliances must have clear passageways for access, meeting specified dimensions.

M1305.1.2 Appliances in attics.
Attics containing appliances requiring access shall be provided with an opening and a clear and unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide and not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) long when measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. The passageway shall have continuous solid flooring in accordance with Chapter 5 not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide. A level service space at least 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present along all sides of the appliance where access is required. The clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm) by 762 mm), where such dimensions are large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance.

Exceptions

  1. The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance can be serviced and removed through the required opening.
  2. Where the passageway is unobstructed and not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide for its entire length, the passageway shall be not more than 50 feet (15 250 mm) long.

Gas vents for fuel-fired appliances, specifically those using gas, must adhere to strict termination requirements. The use of the “Texas Pattern Roof Jack” for termination is prohibited. Instead, gas vents must extend through the roof flashing, roof jack, or roof thimble, terminating with a listed cap. Violating this guideline, as outlined in code G2427.6.6 (503.6.7) under Roof terminations, may compromise safety and result in non-compliance.

G2427.6.6 (503.6.7) Roof terminations.
Gas vents shall extend through the roof flashing, roof jack or roof thimble and terminate with a listed cap or listed roof assembly. G2422.1.2.1 (411.1.3.1) Maximum length. Connectors shall have an overall length not to exceed 6 feet (1829 mm). Measurement shall be made along the centerline of the connector. Only one connector shall be used for each appliance.

Mechanical and gravity outdoor air intake openings must be a minimum of 10 feet away from contaminants.

R303.4.1 Intake openings.
Mechanical and gravity outdoor air intake openings shall be located a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from any hazardous or noxious contaminant, such as vents, chimneys, plumbing vents, streets, alleys, parking lots and loading docks. Where a source of contaminant is located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of an intake opening, such opening shall be located a minimum of 3 feet (914 mm) below the contaminant source.

Disposal of condensate from cooling coils must be made only to approved locations. Discharging condensate into inappropriate areas is a violation of code standards.

M1411.3 Condensate disposal. Condensate from all cooling coils or evaporators shall be conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved place of disposal. Condensate shall not discharge into a street, alley, or other areas where it would cause a nuisance.

Privacy Policy
Disclaimer
Jobs
Contact Us
Municipal Code