TITLE: Relating to the adoption of county and municipal building codes for the insulation and protection of piping in new residential construction.

SUMMARY: Relating to the adoption of county and municipal building codes for the insulation and protection of piping in new residential construction.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the adoption of county and municipal building codes for the insulation and protection of piping in new residential construction. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 250, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Section 250.011 to read as follows: Sec. 250.011. RESIDENTIAL PIPE INSULATION. (a) In accordance with Subchapter G, Chapter 214, a municipality shall adopt the building code regulations described by this section. (b) A county to which Subchapter F, Chapter 233, applies shall in accordance with that subchapter adopt the building code regulations described by this section. (c) A building code regulation adopted under this section must: (1) apply to new residential construction beginning on or after January 1, 2022; and (2) require a pipe to be: (A) insulated to an R-value of not less than 3 if the pipe is: (i) associated with a mechanical system; and (ii) designed to carry a fluid at a temperature of not less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit and not more than 105 degrees Fahrenheit; and (B) protected from sunlight, moisture, and wind with appropriate shielding materials not including adhesive tape if the pipe is: (i) described by Paragraph (A); and (ii) exposed to outside weather conditions. (d) In addition to the requirements under Subsection (c), the regulations must require a pipe associated with service hot water to be insulated to an R-value of not less than 3 if the pipe: (1) is three-fourths inch or greater in diameter; or (2) leads to a kitchen outlet, a distribution manifold, or multiple dwelling units. SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2022, a municipality or county to which this Act applies shall take the necessary actions to implement Section 250.011, Local Government Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.