Long ago, I wrote a piece about the draft New Orleans Zoning Ordinance and the looming introduction of improved storm water management regulations. For what it’s worth, I did check and best I can tell, the ordinance is still being ‘drafted’ as of Sept. 2014.
In what I consider related news, the State of Louisiana will be begin enforcing the 2012 International Plumbing code in lieu of the State code, last overhauled in 1994. Among the provisions that will change come January 2016:
- Different method of calculating minimum fixtures
- Graywater/stormwater recycling use permitted for flushing and irrigation.
- Permitting occure through the Building Official *
- Alternative methods for roof drainage permitted.
- Combined storm/sanitary system permitted *
What we’ve discovered so far in our office is that under a hypothetical scenario, the minimum fixture calculation for water closets in women’s bathrooms yields half of what would have otherwise been required by State code. Now, that scenario did not involve an existing building and I’m not sure if the 2012 IPC will take into account the “documented complaints clause” (see scroll below). But, if you want to know the numbers, let me know and I’d be happy to share.
* Subject to amendment by the Plumbing Transition Commission.
lospecs.com 