(1) The department adopts and incorporates by reference the International Fuel Gas Code, 2012 edition, published by the International Code Council, IFGC, unless another edition is specifically stated, together with the following amendments:

(a) Subsection 102.8, Referenced Codes and Standards, is modified by adding the following: "Any reference to a separate specialty building regulation, by title, either in this subsection or elsewhere in this code, shall be considered deleted and replaced with the title of the model code adopted by the department and in effect at the time."

(b) The permit fees for the fuel gas code are calculated the same way as provided in ARM 24.301.172, and substituting the fuel gas system for the mechanical system. The inspection fees for the fuel gas code are the same as provided in ARM 24.301.172.

(c) Section 108 of the International Fuel Gas Code will be left as is for use by certified cities, counties, and towns. The department will use 50-60-109 and 50-60-110, MCA, in cases requiring prosecution, in lieu of Section 108. When a person fails to submit required plans, obtain a permit, correct plans, or comply with an order of the department, the department will, as authorized by 50-60-109, MCA, seek injunctive relief.

(d) Section 109 of the IFGC will be left as is for use by certified cities, counties, or towns, who by 50-60-303, MCA, must provide an appeal procedure. Cities, counties, and towns may use the board of appeals created in accordance with Section 113 of the International Building Code to serve as the board of appeals. The department and state of Montana, however, will use the applicable provisions of the Montana Administrative Procedure Act in all cases of appeal, in lieu of Section 109.

(2) The Building Codes Bureau shall not enforce the IFGC on those buildings exempted from state building codes by 50-60-102, MCA. Cities, counties, and towns that have made the state building regulations applicable to buildings exempt from state enforcement, except for mines and buildings on mine property regulated under Title 82, chapter 4, MCA, may enforce within their jurisdictional areas the International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by those units of government.

(3) As specified in 76-2-412, MCA, fuel gas codes which are not applicable to residential occupancies may not be applied to a community residential facility serving eight or fewer persons or to a day care home serving 12 or fewer children.

(4) The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation, and maintenance of heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems, incinerators, and other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances.

(5) No mechanical permit shall be issued for a building or structure, under the jurisdiction of the department, until the building permit has first been issued for that building or structure.

(6) The IFGC adopted by reference in (1) is a nationally recognized model code setting forth minimum standards and requirements for certain mechanical installations. A copy of the IFGC may be obtained from the Department of Labor and Industry, Building Codes Bureau, P.O. Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, at cost plus postage and handling. A copy may also be obtained by writing to the International Code Council, 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795, or on their web site at www.ICCSafe.org.