3 CCR 720-1
1.0 STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE
1.1 Following are the adopted changes in the Rules and Regulations of the Colorado State Examining Board of Plumbers, for general clarification, for efficient management and expeditious procedures of the Board and for the safeguard of the General public, in compliance with Title 12, Article 58, of the Colorado Revised Statutes: Accepted through formal public hearing and approved by the Attorney General.
2.0 STANDARDS
2.1 DELETE RE UPC
2.1 The Examining Board of Plumbers hereby adopts Chapter 1, Section 101.2, 102, Chapters 2-13; Appendices B, D, E, F, G, of the International Plumbing Code, 2003 edition, promulgated by the International Code Council, 1st printing, February 2003. This Code will be known as the Colorado Plumbing Code. This rule does not include later amendments to or editions of the International Plumbing Code, 2003 edition.
Editor’s note: This code is effective July 1, 2005.
2.1.1 The Examining Board of Plumbers hereby adopts Chapter 1 Section 101, 102, Chapters 2-8 Appendices A-D of the International Fuel Gas Code, (IFGC), 2003 edition, promulgated by the International Code Council, 1st printing, January, 2003. The Colorado Plumbing Code sets forth the minimum standards governing the installation, alteration, and repair of plumbing equipment and systems throughout this state. To the extent the International Fuel Gas Code as adopted herein conflicts or is otherwise not consistent with the standards set forth in the Colorado Plumbing Code, deference must be given to the standards of the Colorado Plumbing Code and should be considered controlling. This rule does not include later amendments to or editions of the International Fuel Gas Code, 2003 edition.
Editor’s note: This code is effective July 1, 2005.
The administrative office of the Examining Board of Plumbers maintains a certified copy of the International Fuel Gas Code, 2003 edition, as amended, available for public inspection during regular business hours. Certified copies of the International Fuel Gas Code, 2003 edition, will be provided at cost, upon request. The Program Administrator of the Examining Board of Plumbers located at 1580 Logan Street, Suite 550, Denver, Colorado 80203 will provide information regarding how the International Fuel Gas Code, 2003 edition, may be obtained or examined. A copy of the materials that have been incorporated by reference may be examined at any state publications depository library.
2.1.2 The Examining Board of Plumbers hereby adopts Chapter 1 section 101, 102, Chapters 2-15 and appendix A of the International Mechanical Code, (IMC), 2003 edition, promulgated by the International Code Council, 1st printing, February, 2003. The Colorado Plumbing Code sets forth the minimum standards governing the installation, alteration, and repair of plumbing equipment and systems throughout this state. To the extent the International Mechanical Code as adopted herein conflicts or is otherwise not consistent with the standards set forth in the Colorado Plumbing Code, deference must be given to the standards of the Colorado Plumbing Code and should be considered as controlling. This rule does not include later amendments to or editions of the International Mechanical Code, 2003 edition.
Editor’s note: This code is effective July 1, 2005.
The administrative office of the Examining Board of Plumbers maintains a certified copy of the International Mechanical Code, 2003 edition, as amended, available for public inspection during regular business hours. Certified copies of the International Mechanical Code, 2003 edition, will be provided at cost, upon request. The Program Administrator of the Examining Board of Plumbers located at 1580 Logan Street, Suite 550, Denver, Colorado 80203 will provide information regarding how the International Mechanical Code, 2003 edition, may be obtained or examined. A copy of the materials that have been incorporated by reference may be examined at any state publications depository library.
2.1.3 The Examining Board of Plumbers hereby adopts Chapter 1 Section R101, R102, Chapters 2-42 Appendices A-E of the International Residential Code, (IRC), 2003 edition, promulgated by the International Code Council, 1st printing, January, 2003. The Colorado Plumbing Code sets forth the minimum standards governing the installation, alteration, and repair of plumbing equipment and systems throughout this state. To the extent the International Residential Code as adopted herein conflicts or is otherwise not consistent with the standards set forth in the Colorado Plumbing Code, deference must be given to the standards of the Colorado Plumbing Code and should be considered as controlling.
This rule does not include later amendments to or editions of the International Residential Code, 2003 edition.
Editor’s note: This code is effective July 1, 2005.
The administrative office of the Examining Board of Plumbers maintains a certified copy of the International Residential Code, 2003 edition, as amended, available for public inspection during regular business hours. Certified copies of the International Residential Code, 2003 edition, will be provided at cost, upon request. The Program Administrator of the Examining Board of Plumbers located at 1580 Logan Street, Suite 550, Denver, Colorado 80203 will provide information regarding how the International Residential Code, 2003 edition, may be obtained or examined. A copy of the materials that have been incorporated by reference may be examined at any state publications depository library.
2.2 DELETE
2.3 The administrative office of the Examining Board of Plumbers maintains a certified copy of the International Plumbing Code, 2003 edition. Certified copies of the International Plumbing Code, 2003 edition, will be provided at cost, upon request. The administrative office of the Examining Board of Plumbers maintains one copy of the Colorado Plumbing Code, as amended, available for public inspection. The Program Director of the Examining Board of Plumbers located at 1580 Logan Street, Suite 550, Denver, Colorado 80203 will provide information regarding how the International Plumbing Code, 2003 edition may be obtained or examined. A copy of these materials that have been incorporated by reference may be examined at any state publications depository library.
2.3.1 Alternate Materials and Methods Review
A. Criteria for Board Approval As an Alternate Material or Method 1. The Board shall consider requests for approval of materials or methods under the procedures and limitations of section 105 of the most recently adopted edition of the International Plumbing Code.
2. Approval under section 105 of the International Plumbing Code will result in an amendment to the Colorado Plumbing Code stating the type of material and/or method, the allowable uses, and the acceptance criteria.
3. The Board will not require a petition under this rule for materials and/or methods that have been included in the International Plumbing Code or have received an unconditional/unrestrictive certification for the material and/or method against the applicable criteria from an ANSI accredited third-party certifier.
B. Procedures:
1. Petitions for Approval . Any interested person may petition the Board to amend the Colorado Plumbing Code so as to approve the use of an alternate material or method; pursuant to section 105 of the most recently adopted edition of the International Plumbing Code. Such petition must conform to the requirements in B.2. Incomplete petitions will not be processed.
2. Petition contents . Each petition filed under this rule must comply with the following requirements:
3. Timeline .
4. Notice of Denial . When it is determined that a petition filed under this rule should be denied, either before or after the institution of rulemaking proceedings, a letter indicating the denial and the reasons for denial shall be mailed to the petitioner within thirty (30) days.
5. Reconsideration of Board Action . Any petitioner whose petition has not been fully granted by the Board may apply for reconsideration of the Board's decision within thirty (30) days of the mailing of the Board's notice of denial, publication of notice of termination, or publication of the Board rule that partially granted the petition. A request for reconsideration shall be in writing and shall explain why reconsideration is warranted. Action on any request for reconsideration is within the sole discretion of the Board.
2.3.2 When the phrase “the most recently adopted International Plumbing Code” is referred to in any rule contained in 3CCR 720-1, that reference is to the International Plumbing Code, 2003 edition.
2.4 Amendments and Exceptions to the Colorado Plumbing Code.
DELETE RE UPC - Chapter 2, Section 218.0 Definitions Chapter 1, Section 105.2 Add the following table:
Table 105.2 Approved Alternate Materials and Methods Material or Method Requirements Approved Uses IPC § amend. Type PEX-AL-PEX pipe -nps (1) Pipe must comply Potable and non-potable §605.4 1/2", 5/8", 3/4" and 1" with ASTM F 1281- 97; water distribution. with associated fittings. (2) Fittings must comply with ASTM F 1974 - 99;
PE-AL-PE pipe - nps (1) Pipe must comply Potable and non-potable §605.4 1/2", 5/8". 3/4" and 1" with ASTM F 1282- 97; water distribution. with associated fittings. (2) Fittings must comply with ASTM F 1974 - 99;
DELETE TABLE 3-1A Air Admittance Valves (“AAVs” )
Addition to existing section Section 105.4(a)
Definition. Engineered Plumbing System: A system designed for a specific building project with drawings and specifications indicating plumbing materials to be installed, all as prepared by a person licensed by the State of Colorado as a professional engineer. DELETE RE UPC - Addition of new section 301.2.4.3 DELETE RE UPC - Section 604.11.2 Section 608.1 Add to existing wording: The premise owner or responsible person shall have the backflow prevention assembly tested by a certified backflow assembly tester at the time of installation, repair, or relocation.
Section 702.5 Add to existing wording: Material such as CPVC Corrosive Waste Drainage Systems are approved for usage.
DELETE RE UPC - Section 705.1.4 DELETE RE UPC - Section 708.0 Section 802.1.6 Addition of a New Section 802.1.6(a) No domestic dishwashing machine shall be directly connected to a drainage system or food waste disposer without the use of an approved dishwasher airgap fitting on the discharge side of the dishwashing machine. Listed airgaps shall be installed with the flood level (FL) marking at or above the flood level of the sink or drainboard, whichever is higher, or separately trapped with the airgap located on the stand pipe. DELETE RE UPC - Section 811.2 – Addition to existing wording DELETE RE UPC - Section 911.0 Horizontal Wet Venting DELETE RE UPC - Section 911.1 DELETE RE UPC - Section 911.1(a)
DELETE RE UPC - Section 911.1(b)
DELETE RE UPC - Section 911.1(c)
DELETE HORIZONTAL WET VENTING ILLUSTRATION Add to Section 1003.2(a): Special regulations by the waste water and/or sanitation district into which the grease trap or interceptor effluent is transported and/or treated may supersede this requirement. Section 1003.3.1(a) Addition to current Section: Recommended procedures for sizing grease interceptors for school cafeterias: Use the following formula for sizing school cafeterias. To acquire peak meals per hour divide the total students that utilize the cafeteria by hours of daily use. Then proceed by peak meals per hour x flow x rate retention time.
Section 1003.5 Illustration for the minimum requirements for grease trap, grease interceptor, oil or sand trap.
Section 1015.0 Exception: Special regulations by the waste water and/or sanitation district into which the grease trap or interceptor effluent is transported and/or treated may supersede this requirement. DELETE RE UPC - Chapter 13 - Health Care Facilities and Medical Gas and Vacuum Systems Addition to existing wording in the International Fuel Gas Code of Section 403.5.4 Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) gas pipe and fittings is allowed, provided it meets with ANSI LC-1b, 2001 CSA 6.26B-2001, is marked as such, and is installed as per manufacturer installation guidelines. All CSST must be installed by a qualified installer who has passed the individual manufacturers' certification program.
3.0 EXAMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
3.1 Applications for all examinations and requests for re-examination shall be submitted to: DIVISION OF REGISTRATIONS1560 BROADWAY SUITE 1350DENVER CO 80202 3.2 The applicant must present positive photo identification in order to be admitted to the examination area.
3.3 If an applicant wishes to submit a request for reconsideration of a board action, accompanied by additional information or documentation, or to request a personal interview before the Board, these requests must be submitted within 45 days of the date on which the Board made the decision. No requests for reconsideration or interviews will be considered by the Board if they are not filed within this time limit.
3.4 An approved applicant for licensure by examination who does not take the examination within one year from the original approval date shall be required to submit an updated application and application processing fee.
3.5 An application for a license by examination or endorsement submitted without all required fees and documentation will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will be retained for one year from the date originally submitted, after which applicants must begin the process again including payment of the application fee.
3.6 Examination results will be provided in writing to each examinee. No results will be given in any other manner. In keeping with widely accepted testing practices, applicants who pass the examination will not be given a numerical score.
3.7 Examinations shall not be subject to review by applicants.
3.8 DELETED
3.9 [Expired 05/15/2006.]
4.0 TEMPORARY WORK PERMITS
4.1 Pursuant to §12-58-112, a temporary work permit may be issued at the time of approval for an examination. The temporary permit will be valid for a period of no more that 30 days after the date of approval or as otherwise limited in §12-58-112, C.R.S., (2004).
4.2 A temporary work permit shall not be accepted to meet the requirements for contracting plumbing work.
(a) Exception: A temporary master plumber work permit may be issued to a qualified applicant of an existing plumbing contractor pursuant to 12-58-112(4).
5.0 QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE
5.1 Any applicant for the residential or journeyman plumber's license must furnish evidence as to his training and experience to qualify for the examination by:
a. A record of employment as an apprentice doing plumbing work, exact dates so employed, and, at time of application, submission of original documented written evidence, verified by the master license holder to include a specific job description and a breakdown (commercial, residential, industrial and/or maintenance/service) of the actual work performed.
b. If training and experience were obtained outside the state of Colorado, the applicant must provide the Board with documented, written evidence verified by the employer of actual work performed.
c. If training includes school courses in plumbing work from an accredited trade school or community college, a transcript must be included with the application. Such education will replace actual field experience under a licensed master as follows: one hour for every six hours' training or experience up to a maximum of one year.
d. Military training or experience in plumbing work must be detailed and submitted for evaluation with the application. Such experience will replace actual field experience under a licensed master as follows: one month for every six months' training or experience up to a maximum of one year.
e. The minimum hours of practical experience required for examination are:
f. The minimum years of experience required for the master examination is five years or (60 full time months). One month is equivalent to 163 hours.
5.2 Work experience gained in the plumbing maintenance/service field that is not required to be performed under a permit, inspection or the direct supervision of a licensed plumber may replace actual field experience as follows: one month credit for each two months experience up to a maximum of one-half of the applicable experience requirement for a license issued under Article 58, and pursuant to 12-58-107.5.
5.3 Licensees from another state may be eligible for licensure by endorsement providing that the applicant meets the requirements of 12-58-111, and all of the following conditions:
a. Completion of a state or federally approved apprenticeship program, or completion of the required years and type of experience for the comparable license.
b. Successful completion of a comparable state plumbing examination based on the current or most previous edition of the International Plumbing Code adopted by the Colorado Examining Board of Plumbers.
c. Currently holds an active license by the endorsing state.
6.0 MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Licensees from another state may be eligible for licensure by endorsement providing that the applicant meets the requirements of 12-58-111, and all of the following conditions:
a. Completion of a state or federally approved apprenticeship program, or completion of the required years and type of experience for the comparable license.
b. Successful completion of a comparable State plumbing examination based on the current or most previous edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code adopted by the Colorado Examining Board of Plumbers.
c. Currently licensed by that state and have held that license for a minimum of six (6) months.
6.2 Persons working as plumbers, shall be required to carry on their person, their license, permit or registration.
6.3 The Board or its administrative officer may revoke a permit that was issued In error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied by the applicant.
6.4 Persons requesting a plumbing inspection shall provide reasonable access to the Inspection area during the normal working hours of the Board.
6.5 Reinspections shall not be performed until after the fees have been received by the Board.
6.6 Additions, alterations or repairs may be made to any plumbing system and equipment without requiring the existing plumbing system and equipment to comply with all the requirements of the Examining Board of Plumbers standards, provided that the addition, alteration or repair conforms to that required for a new plumbing system and equipment, and provided further that no hazard to life, health or safety will be created by such additions, alterations or repairs.
6.7 Existing plumbing systems may continue to be utilized provided that they were lawfully installed and that they present no hazard to life, health or property.
6.8 Temporary and moved buildings shall comply with the standards of the Examining Board of Plumbers for new installations. The existing plumbing system may be re-connected provided that a plumbing contractor gives written verification to the Board that the existing plumbing installation presents no hazard to life, health or property. Permits and inspections shall be required.
6.9 Any individual who has acquired both master and journeyman licenses by examination issued by the state of Colorado, and who has dropped the journeyman license and holds the master license, may renew the journeyman license without re-examination.
6.10 If a permit application is not filed in advance of the commencement of an installation, the inspection fee shall be twice the amount prescribed.
6.11 Pursuant to Article 58, Title, 12, Section 104(1)(d), of the Colorado Revised Statutes, any individual licensed as a residential plumber, journeymen plumber, or master plumber as provided in Article 58 of Title 12 of the Colorado Revised Statutes intending to install, alter, or repair "pumping equipment" as defined by §37-91-102(13), C.R.S., to be any pump or other device used or intended for use in withdrawing or obtaining ground water, including, but not limited to, well seals and other safeguards to protect the ground water from contamination and any waterlines up to and including the pressure tank and any coupling appurtenant thereto, must apply for and obtain licensure with the Water Well Construction and Pump Installation Contractors Board prior to commencing any such activity. Failure to comply with the licensure requirements set forth herein shall be, if proven, a violation of §12-58-110(b), C.R.S.
7.0 FEE SCHEDULE
7.1 Licensing, permit and inspection fees shall be established pursuant to Section 24-34-105, C.R.S., and shall be categorized as follows:
(a) Master plumber license or temporary permit (b) Renewal of master plumber license (c) Journeyman plumber license or temporary permit (d) Renewal of journeyman plumber license (e) Residential plumber license or temporary permit (f) Renewal of residential plumber license (g) Examination for master plumber (h) Examination for journeyman plumber (i) Examination for residential plumber (j) Plumber apprentice registration (k) All other fees shall be computed on the dollar value of the plumbing installation, including plumbing materials and items, and the total cost to the consumer. Fee categories shall be as follows:
8.0 INSPECTIONS
8.1 A pressure test of 10 PSI for no less than 15 minutes on screwed pipe and 60 PSI for 30 minutes on a welded pipe shall be required prior to supplying gas to the piping system. On manufactured housing units, which have had the required 10 PSI air test performed at the factory, a test with a water manometer or equivalent device to a pressure of an 11 inch water column with no indication of loss or gain of pressure for a minimum of three (3) minutes will be accepted.
8.2 A waste and vent system must be tested by either of the methods listed below:
a. A 10' head of water b. An uninterrupted 15 minute 5 pound air test
8.3 Water piping must be tested by either of the methods listed below:
a. Under full working water pressure b. An uninterrupted 15 minute 50 pound air test
9.0 Declaratory Orders
9.1. Any person 1 may petition the board for a declaratory order to terminate controversies or to remove uncertainties as to the applicability to the petitioner of any statutory provision or of any rule or order of the board.
1 Refer to existing definition of “person” in APA, rules or statute, if any. 9.2. The board will determine , in its discretion and without notice to the petitioner, whether to rule upon any such petition. If the board determines that it will not rule upon such a petition, the board shall promptly notify the petitioner of its action and state the reasons for such action. 9.3. In determining whether to rule upon a petition filed pursuant to this rule, the board will consider the following matters, among others:
a. Whether a rule on the petition will terminate a controversy or remove uncertainties as to the applicability to petitioner of any statutory provision or rule or order of the board.
b. Whether the petition involves any subject, question or issue which is the subject of a formal or informal matter or investigation currently pending before the board or a court involving one or more of the petitioners.
c. Whether the petition involves any subject, question or issue which is the subject of a formal or informal matter of investigation currently pending before the board or a court but not involving any petitioner.
d. Whether the petition seeks a ruling on a moot or hypothetical question or will result in an advisory ruling or opinion.
e. Whether the petitioner has some other adequate legal remedy, other than an action for declaratory relief pursuant to rule 57, Colo. R. Civ.P., which will terminate the controversy or remove any uncertainty as to the applicability to the petitioner of the statute, rule or order in question.
9.4. Any petition filed pursuant to this rule shall set forth the following:
a. The name and address of the petitioner and whether the petitioner is licensed pursuant to/the organic act/.
b. The statute, rule or order to which the petition relates.
c. A concise statement of all of the facts necessary to show the nature of the controversy or uncertainty and the manner in which the statute, rule or order in question applies or potentially applies to the petitioner.
9.5. If the board determines that it will rule on the petition, the following procedures shall apply:
a. The board may rule upon the petition based solely upon the facts presented in the petition. In such a case:
b. The board may, in its discretion, set the petition for hearing upon due notice to petitioner, for the purpose of obtaining additional facts or information or to determine the truth of any facts set forth in the petition or to hear oral argument on the petition. The notice to the petitioner setting such hearing shall set forth, to the extent known, the factual or other matters into which the board intends to inquire. For the purpose of such a hearing, to the extent necessary, the petitioner shall have the burden of proving all of the facts stated in the petition, all of the facts necessary to show the nature of the controversy or uncertainty and the manner in which the statute, rule or order in question applies or potentially applies to the petitioner and any other facts the petitioner desires the board to consider. 9.6. The parties to any proceeding pursuant to this rule shall be the board and the petitioner. Any other person may seek leave of the board to intervene in such a proceeding, and leave to intervene will be granted at the sole discretion of the board. A petition to intervene shall set forth the same matters as required by section 4 of this rule. Any reference to a “petitioner” in this rule also refers to any person who has been granted leave to intervene by the board. 9.7. Any declaratory order or other order disposing of a petition pursuant to this rule shall constitute agency action subject to judicial review pursuant to C.R.S., 24-4-106.
10.0 RENEWAL AND REINSTATEMENT
a. A licensee shall have a sixty-day grace period after the expiration of his or her license to renew such license without the imposition of a disciplinary sanction for practicing on an expired license. During this grace period a delinquency fee will be charged for late renewals.
b. A licensee who does not renew his or her license within the sixty-day grace period shall be treated as having an expired license and shall be ineligible to practice until such license is reinstated. If the licensee practices with an expired license, the Board may impose disciplinary actions.
c. An expired license may be reinstated by submitting a reinstatement application and paying the current renewal fee plus a delinquency fee.
1. If the license has expired for more than two years, the licensee must demonstrate competency to practice by satisfactorily passing the State plumbing examination.