HOMEOWNERS FOR BETTER BUILDING 
P.O. Box 791438
San Antonio, Texas 78279
210-402-6800 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 PRESS RELEASE  
City Council to Hear Appeal on Hot Water Heater Issue
City Council Chambers 

Thursday, October 26, 2000 -3:30 P.M.

            San Antonio, Texas (October 26, 2000)  --  The City Council will hold a hearing to review a decision by the Electrical Examining and Supervising Board.  A recent fire at 5226 Spring Arrow, built by Centex Homes, prompted a review of the installation of a water heater in the return air plenum of the heating and air conditioning system.  Rayco, now Kaufman & Broad, began the practice and has expanded its use.  However, other local municipalities or states, because of the National Electrical Code and the fire hazard it poses, have not allowed it.

 The National Electrical Code prohibits equipment and devices in return air plenums if their use is NOT necessary for their direction action upon or sensing of the contained air.   

At issue is whether the Chief Building Official, Gene Carmargo, has authority to override the National Electrical Code without amendment of the code by a vote of the City Council.  Mr. Carmargo claims he has “discretion and immunity” to deviate from the National Code adopted by the City, HUD, VA & FHA.  The code states: “…interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformance with the intent and purpose of the code.”  

HOBB National Board of Directors
          Janet Ahmad - San Antonio    Laura Munoz - Austin    Judy Doyle - California    Tom Davey - Dallas    Linda Armstrong - Florida   Flo Roberts/Osteen & Brenda Tom linson - Georgia   John Cobarruvias - Houston   Charles & Ainslie Vice - Kentucky   Gloria Adams - South Carolina