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[Derived from Art. III of Ch. XI of the Charter and Ordinances, 1974]
For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the meanings defined herein:
CONDUCTOR
Any inside roof drainpipe draining a roof or that part of any outside roof drainpipe permanently connected with the sewer system.
FACTORY-CERTIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN
A person employed by a factory or plant which manufactures equipment, devices, fixtures, components, assemblies, controls, and other similar parts for the electrical, elevators, fuel devices or plumbing trades, who has the working knowledge of the trade manufactured for and of the equipment, etc., manufactured by such factory, and has been trained and certified by such manufacturer as being knowledgeable and capable of installing and servicing the equipment and components, etc., in the field wherever it is installed.
[Added 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL
For a commercial building, one of the following categories:
[Added 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
A. 
The individual property owner (or owners), who is capable and has a working knowledge of repairs and replacements in-kind in the fields of work called for in properly maintaining his/her building and site.
B. 
Any employee(s) in the direct employ of the owner(s), not as a contractor or subcontractor, but as an actual employee, whose job it is to maintain the property and who is capable and has a working knowledge of repairs and replacements in-kind in the fields of work called for in properly maintaining the building and site that he/she has been employed by the owner to maintain.
PLUMBING FIXTURES
Includes any receptacle or conduit carrying or discharging waste or water, or both, connected directly or indirectly with the plumbing system, including the hot- or cold-water lines or hot-water tanks or heaters, and which is connected directly or indirectly with the City water or sewer services. Repair parts added to or replaced on any fixture shall not be considered as a fixture in the charging of fees herein.
REINSPECTION
An additional inspection where it is found by the Division of New Construction that the work has not been done in a satisfactory manner or not in compliance with this article, the rules and regulations for the registration of plumbers and installation of plumbing and drainage in the City of Buffalo and other applicable ordinances of the City of Buffalo.
[Added 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
A. 
All work, materials, parts, elements, components, finishes, equipment and/or fixtures, assemblies and systems shall comply with the requirements of the Plumbing Code of New York State irrespective of the requirement for a plumbing permit or payment of plumbing permit fees.
B. 
All work shall comply with the provisions of the codes and ordinances of this Charter irrespective of requirement for a plumbing permit or payment of plumbing permit fees.
C. 
All work is subject to all other applicable approvals and reviews and their attendant fees irrespective of requirement for a plumbing permit or payment of plumbing permit fees.
D. 
The owner of a building, structure or lot is the primary responsible party in building permit and building permit fee matters. The use or employment of any agent, a licensed design professional, or a licensed contractor does not obviate the owner's responsibilities.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003]
Plumbing work shall not be commenced until a permit for such work has been issued by the Commissioner. A plumbing permit shall only be issued to a City of Buffalo Licensed Master Plumber. A plumbing permit is not transferable. A plumbing permit may be issued to an individual resident owner, who has proven to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services that they are personally qualified to perform such plumbing work within their own home.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003; 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
A. 
Repairs to existing plumbing installations in existing one- and two-family dwellings which are limited to:
(1) 
The repair in part or whole of any faucet, or supply tubes and fixture stops attached to said faucet;
(2) 
The unblocking of stoppages of drains, which does not entail cutting out any section of drain past the fixture trap;
(3) 
The repair of tubular drain assemblies and their connection to any sink or bathtub;
(4) 
The repair of water closet stop valves, supply tubes, and flushing mechanisms;
(5) 
The repair of any existing plumbing fixture, excluding hot water tanks; and
(6) 
The repair of sections of piping for the water distribution system to repair leaks, provided the piping is located aboveground or above the floor in a basement or cellar, and the repair does not encompass more than 20 lineal feet of piping.
Resident homeowners and appropriately licensed plumbing contractors may make such repairs to existing installations, consistent with the definition of "repairs," without applying for and obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees. However, even when plumbing permits are not required, all installations, materials, parts, elements, components, fixtures, fittings, assemblies or systems used in such Repairs must conform to current plumbing code requirements, as well as current BCNYS Building and Energy Code requirements and City Charter, codes and ordinances.
No other plumbing repairs may be made in existing one- and two-family dwellings without first obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees.
B. 
Repairs to existing plumbing installations in existing commercial buildings which are limited to:
(1) 
The repair in part or whole of any faucet or supply tubes and fixture stops attached to said faucet;
(2) 
The unblocking of stoppages of drains, which does not entail cutting out any section of drain past the fixture trap;
(3) 
The repair of tubular drain assemblies and their connection to any sink or bathtub;
(4) 
The repair of water closet stop valves, supply tubes, and flushing mechanisms; and
(5) 
The repair of urinal flush valve systems.
Maintenance personnel and appropriately licensed plumbing contractors may make such repairs to existing installations, consistent with the definition of "repairs," without applying for and obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees. However, even when plumbing permits are not required, installations, all materials, parts, elements, components, fixtures, fittings, assemblies or systems used in such repairs must conform to current plumbing code requirements, as well as current BCNYS Building and Energy Code requirements and City Charter, codes and ordinances.
No other plumbing repairs may be made in existing commercial buildings without first obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees.
C. 
Replacements in-kind to existing plumbing installations at existing one and two family dwellings which are limited to:
(1) 
The replacement in-kind in part or whole of any faucet, or supply tubes and fixture stops attached to said faucet;
(2) 
The unblocking of stoppages of drains, which does not entail cutting out any section of drain past the fixture trap;
(3) 
The replacement in-kind of tubular drain assemblies and their connection to any sink or bathtub;
(4) 
The replacement in-kind of water closet stop valves, supply tubes, and flushing mechanisms;
(5) 
The replacement in-kind of any existing plumbing fixture, excluding hot water tanks; and
(6) 
The replacement in-kind of sections of piping for the water distribution system to repair leaks provided the piping is located aboveground or above the floor in a basement or cellar, and the repair does not encompass more than 20 lineal feet of piping.
Resident homeowners and appropriately licensed plumbing contractors may make such replacements in-kind to existing installations, consistent with the definition of "replacements in-kind," without applying for and obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees. However, even when plumbing permits are not required, all installations, materials, parts, elements, components, fixtures, fittings, assemblies or systems used in such replacements in-kind must conform to current plumbing code requirements, as well as current BCNYS Building and Energy Code requirements and City Charter, codes and ordinances.
No other replacements in-kind of plumbing parts, elements, components, fixtures, fittings, assemblies or systems may be made in existing one and two family dwellings without first obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees.
D. 
Replacements in-kind to plumbing installations at existing commercial buildings which are limited to:
(1) 
The replacement in-kind in part or whole of any faucet, or supply tubes and fixture stops attached to said faucet;
(2) 
The unblocking of stoppages of drains, which does not entail cutting out any section of drain past the fixture trap;
(3) 
The replacement in-kind of tubular drain assemblies and their connection to any sink or bathtub;
(4) 
The replacement in-kind of water closet stop valves, supply tubes, and flushing mechanisms; and
(5) 
The replacement in-kind of urinal flush valve systems.
Maintenance personnel and appropriately licensed plumbing contractors may make such replacements in-kind to existing installations, consistent with the definition of "replacements in-kind," without applying for and obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees. However, even when Plumbing Permits are not required, all installations, materials, parts, devices, assemblies, systems and fixtures used in such Replacements in-kind must conform to current plumbing code requirements, as well as current BCNYS Building and Energy Code requirements and City Charter, codes and ordinances.
No other replacements in-kind of plumbing parts, elements, components, fixtures, fittings, assemblies or systems may be made in existing commercial buildings without first obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees.
E. 
Service work to existing plumbing installations at existing one- and two-family dwellings which is limited to:
(1) 
Fixtures;
(2) 
Appliances;
(3) 
Hot water tanks; and
(4) 
Pumps.
Resident homeowners, factory-certified service technicians, and appropriately licensed plumbing contractors may perform periodic service work on such installations without applying for and obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees. However, even when Plumbing Permits are not required, all installations, materials, parts, devices, assemblies, systems and fixtures used in such service work must conform to current plumbing code requirements, as well as current BCNYS Building and Energy Code requirements and City Charter, codes and ordinances.
F. 
Service work to existing plumbing installations at existing commercial buildings which is limited to:
(1) 
Fixtures;
(2) 
Appliances;
(3) 
Hot water tanks; and
(4) 
Pumps.
Factory-certified service technicians, maintenance personnel, and appropriately licensed plumbing contractors may perform periodic service work on such installations without applying for and obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees. However, even when plumbing permits are not required, all installations, materials, parts, devices, assemblies, systems and fixtures used in such service work must conform to current plumbing code requirements, as well as current BCNYS Building and Energy Code requirements and City Charter, codes and ordinances.
A City licensed Master Plumber or Journeyman Plumber who is supervised by a Master Plumber, both of whom are licensed by the City of Buffalo, may, as an employee of a factory or plant, perform plumbing work in such factory or plant.
G. 
Installation of listed portable plumbing equipment and appliances at existing one- and two-family dwellings. Homeowners and appropriately licensed handymen and plumbing contractors may make such plumbing replacements in-kind, consistent with the definition of "replacement in-kind," or installations without applying for and obtaining a plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees.
H. 
Installation of listed portable plumbing equipment and appliances at existing commercial buildings. Maintenance personnel and appropriately licensed handymen, plumbing contractors, and construction managers may make such plumbing replacements in-kind, consistent with the definition of "replacement in-kind," or installations without applying for and obtaining an plumbing permit and paying plumbing permit fees.
I. 
All other plumbing work must be performed by a plumbing contractor, licensed by the City of Buffalo.
J. 
All other plumbing work requires a plumbing permit and the payment of a plumbing permit fee. See Flat Fee and Area-Calculated Fee Schedules.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 175, Fees.
Application for a permit for plumbing work shall be made on forms prepared and provided by the Commissioner and shall be accompanied by an adequate description of the proposed plumbing work.
If a permit is denied, written notice of the reasons for denial shall be provided to the applicant who may submit such revised plans and specifications as are necessary to obtain approval.
Every permit issued by the Commissioner under the provisions of this article shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within one year from the date of issuance 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 one year. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be obtained.
A. 
The Commissioner may require the submission and approval of plans and specifications in triplicate 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 plans and specifications on which a permit has been issued, amended plans and specifications shall be submitted; and, if approved, a supplementary permit shall be issued to cover the change after the same conditions required to secure the original permit have been satisfied.
[Amended 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
B. 
Plans and specifications where required by the administrative authority in Subsection A shall include a plan view and a riser diagram showing the work. Such plans shall show the direction of flow, pipe size, grade of horizontal piping, elevations and drainage fixture unit loading of both stacks and drains on drain, waste and vents, and the supply fixture unit load for water system and any branch supplies which serve more than one plumbing fixture, appliance or hose outlet. Symbols used thereon shall be in accordance with accepted engineering practice. In addition, submissions shall conform to the following:
[Amended 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
(1) 
Site work. Plans shall show all water, sanitary, storm, and gas piping for any work on the building exterior or paved areas, and shall show any work on exterior and interior downspouts. All work must be shown on drawings labeled "site drawing."
(a) 
All roof, pavement, or storm piping must list the total square footage of drainage being picked up by each individual section of piping being run. The piping pitch, in inches per foot, for piping being installed shall be included.
(b) 
All catch basins for pavement drainage must be five feet by three feet exterior dimensions. If site conditions preclude this size (for example bedrock), prior permission must be received by the Plumbing Department. All catch basins must list the square footage of area collected. All catch basins must be piped off the main storm line. Piping may only exit a catch basin, not enter it. Prior approval from the Plumbing Department is required for any design with piping entering a catch basin. Catch basins shall be centrally located to the area being drained whenever possible, to prevent rainwater from having to run long distances. Catch basins shall be trapped internally according to catch basin details standards acceptable to the Plumbing Department.
(c) 
Conductor piping, when entering a City combination sewer, must be trapped, either individually or a single trap not to exceed 10 inches in diameter. These traps shall include a cleanout to grade. Single traps shall be installed, whenever possible, within five feet of the outside of exterior walls.
(d) 
Storm and sanitary piping shall not be combined without approval of the Buffalo Sewer Authority and the Plumbing Department. When combined, this shall occur on the building exterior, downstream of any traps.
(e) 
Plans and calculations for storm water retention must be submitted to the Buffalo Sewer Authority for approval. The Plumbing Department requires retention systems to be made via oversized piping or a piping field. Any alternate systems must first receive permission from the Buffalo Sewer Authority and the Plumbing Department.
(f) 
All site sanitary piping shall show the total fixture load being conveyed, as well as the pitch per foot of each run of piping. (Exception: Fixture counts are not required for one- or two-family dwellings). A house trap with fresh-air inlet shall be installed on all building sewers. Such trap shall be located five feet from the foundation wall. Slight distance variations will be permitted to keep the trap from being located under an undesirable area (for example in a sidewalk)
(g) 
All required cleanouts and manholes must be shown on the site drawing.
(h) 
Standard Buffalo Sewer Authority detail must be shown for any tie-ins to the sewer authority system.
(i) 
Water main location and size for potable water must be shown. Water fixture unit count for the incoming service shall be listed.
(j) 
Gas service piping, and size, for the building must be shown.
(k) 
Any utilization of existing services shall be noted on drawing, including the size. Utilization of existing services must be approved by the Plumbing Department. (Where applicable, approval by the Buffalo Sewer Authority or Buffalo Water Department for using existing services is required.) Existing services shall not be used for new one- or two-family homes, nor for townhouses capable of being individually owned.
(2) 
Interior or building plumbing. All the following must be shown on listed P-drawings (but may also be shown on the architectural or floor plan drawings):
(a) 
A piping plan, with sizes, for all water, drainage, vent, and gas piping shall be shown. Additionally, a detailed isometric drawing for same shall be shown. The fixture unit count for all stacks, building drains and building drain branches shall be listed.
(b) 
All required shutoffs shall be shown.
(c) 
A detailed drawing of the mechanical room, with emphasis on the incoming water service, including meter and RPZ valve details, shall be shown. The hot water tank and recirculation system, where applicable, must be detailed.
(d) 
An access panel to service the bathroom or whirlpool waste and overflow, for any without easy basement access, shall be included and shown.
(e) 
All cleanouts as required shall be shown. Cleanouts shall not be installed in any overhead location. Cleanouts shall not be installed in a crawlspace with less than a four-foot clearance. Such clearance must be direct, with no floor height or overhead obstructions to impede transfer or rodding equipment. Excluding one- or two-family dwellings, cleanouts on horizontal runs shall be installed above the flood level of the highest fixture whenever possible.
(f) 
Floor drains subject to evaporation, or not designed to receive a sufficient flow of water to maintain their seals, shall be equipped with a trap primer device. Such device shall be accessible.
(g) 
Except for residential use, all plumbing drawings shall list the use/occupancy classification, including the anticipated number of patrons and employees expected during periods of peak use.
(h) 
All building serving food of any kind (which has not been purchased and sold prepackaged) with disposable eating utensils shall have a three-compartment sink and separate hand sink for employee use, in the kitchen area. An adequately sized grease trap shall be required for establishments serving any grease- or oil-containing foods, or such used in food preparation.
(i) 
Oil interceptors, where required, shall not tie into the sanitary system until downstream of the house trap.
(j) 
All elevator pits shall be drained. If sump pumps are installed, the discharge piping shall exit beneath the pit floor, and may then rise attached to the pit wall exterior. Oil interception devices shall not be required as long as acceptable maintenance is provided. The inclusion, as necessary, of interception devices shall be at the discretion of the design professional.
(k) 
Sump pumps shall be indirectly installed into a conductor line. Any other tie-in must receive prior permission from the Plumbing Department.
C. 
All plans and specifications required to be submitted shall be examined by the Commissioner for conformance with the provisions of this article.
Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent the Commissioner from issuing a permit for the installation of part of a plumbing system before the entire plans and specifications of said plumbing system have been submitted or approved, if adequate information and detailed statements have been presented for the same and have been found to comply with this article.
A permit to begin work for new construction or alteration shall not be issued until the fees prescribed have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit necessitating an additional fee because of the additional work involved be approved until the additional fee shall have been paid.
A. 
It shall be the duty of the Commissioner to enforce the provisions of this article and to make such inspections and tests as may be required under Chapter 249, Inspections.
B. 
The Commissioner or his authorized representative shall carry proper credentials of his respective office for the purpose of inspecting any and all buildings and premises in the performance of his duties under this article during usual business hours.
The Commissioner shall condemn any used plumbing material or equipment which is so worn, damaged, defective or constructed as to constitute a sanitary or safety hazard, and such condemned material or equipment shall not be reused for plumbing purposes.
Written notice of any violation of this article shall be given any violators thereof, and upon his failure to remove the violation within a reasonable time but not more than seven days, prosecution for violation of this article shall be commenced against him.
Permits shall be issued in duplicate, one copy to be given to the applicant and one copy to remain on record in the office of the Division of New Construction, upon the applicant's compliance with this article and upon the payment of the fees as provided in Chapter 175, Fees.
[Amended 7-20-2004, effective 8-2-2004]
Whenever the Commissioner has reasonable grounds to believe that work on any building, structure, or lot is being performed in violation of the provisions of the applicable building laws, ordinances or regulations or not in conformity with the provisions of the accepted permit application, plans or specifications and revisions thereof or in an unsafe and dangerous manner or without a required permit, the Commissioner shall notify the owner of the property or the owner's agent to suspend all work, and any such persons shall forthwith stop work and suspend all building activities until the stop-work order has been rescinded. Such order and notice shall be in writing, shall state the conditions under which the work may be resumed and may be served either by delivering it personally or by posting it conspicuously where the work is being performed and sending a copy of it by mail to the address set forth in the permit application.