posted 08-05-2003 12:14 PM         

I am buying a new house in Richmond, Texas. I feel the builder has violated an ICC code (IRC - R308.4 - Glazing glass). None of the glasses satisfying item 7 have been glazed.

My question is, who is in-charge of enforcing this rule in my area ?

The catch is: my house is outside the Richmond city limit. I called the city office and they said they are not responsible, since it is outside their jurisdiction. I called the county office, and they said they don't know since it doesn't come under any city limit. I called the TDLR (Texas dept of licensing & regulation) and they said they are not sure about who should enforce it.

But everyone agrees that the state of Texas adopts the IRC (Internation Residential Code) since Jan 1st, 2002.
(http://www.iccsafe.org/ICARL/4.0_state_local/texas.pdf) Does this mean that, if the area doesn't come under a city limit, the builders need not comply with the codes ?

Any idea to whom I can take issue ? Any pointers will be greately appreciated...

Regards,

posted 08-05-2003 02:34 PM         

quote:

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Originally posted by donbmt:

BTW Blueridge, nobody inspects outside of cities in Texas( with a few exceptions), pretty scary huh? It's amazing people can even get insurance

That is really hard to swallow that no one inspects outside the city limits, w/few exceptions of course. I do not know much about the great state of Texas, but I imagine that inspections are required for all areas in the state. If there are not enough inspectors available to cover the vast ranges there, then someone needs to allocate some expenses in their next budget to hire some inspectors. For some reason, I see the pictures of tornado's ripping through small communities leaving houses spread across the landscape. Inspections may have kept some in partial tact for future rebuilds, but then again, maybe not.
Thanks

[This message has been edited by donbmt (edited 08-05-2003).]

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posted 08-05-2003 03:14 PM         

Thanks for your posts and the inputs.

I went through the actual bill (<a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/77R/billtext/SB00365F.HTM">Texas SB-365</a> ), which states,
...
"b) The International Residential Code applies to all construction, alteration, remodeling, enlargement, and repair of
residential structures in a municipality.

(c) A municipality may establish procedures:
(1) to adopt local amendments to the International Residential Code; and
(2) for the administration and enforcement of the International Residential Code.
..."

so, WHICH IS THE MUNICIPALITY ? What is the definition of municipality ? Is it the city office ? or the County office ? or the MUD office ?

Because, as per the bill Municipality is in-charge of the enforcement ?

Thanks,

Venky.

posted 08-06-2003 06:37 AM            

Gary Mullinix

posted 08-06-2003 08:17 AM         

dan: I'll dig through HB730 to find if that can help me.
gary: I'll check if home rule is followed in texas too.
darren: yes, it does meet all the four requirements of item 7.
cda: I had never even heard of the terms ICC, IRC, IBC etc... I hired a professional inspector to inspect my house last week. He is the one who pointed this (glazing issue) out. But upon doing further inquiry, I came to understand my house is outside the city limit and there is a question of who the enforcer will be.

Thanks,