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Council rejects mechanical/plumbing code change on first reading after debate over limited‑plumber scope
Summary
A proposed update to Riverton's mechanical code that would clarify what limited plumbers may do failed on first reading after council split over whether the demarcation should be the building drain definition (30 inches outside) or the building envelope; council requested staff to return with revised code language.
Community Development Director Michaud presented proposed amendments to the mechanical code intended to clarify the work that limited plumbers may perform and to update outdated references. Michaud said the changes would revise definitions — including moving the water line demarcation from the curb stop to the corporation stop and explicitly defining building drain and building sewer — and would limit limited‑plumber work to specified distances from the structure unless done in collaboration with a licensed plumber.
Council members debated the proper demarcation point: some favored a code‑based definition (the current building drain definition that ends 30 inches outside the structure), while others proposed a functional “building envelope” limit so limited plumbers could complete work up to the point where lines perforate the conditioned interior. An amendment to use "building envelope" as the demarcation failed, and the ordinance failed on first reading. Mayor Tim Hancock and several council members emphasized the need to translate current practice into clearly written ordinance language and have staff return with refined language and legal review.
