OR 86-351 Adopts an Electrical Code of the City AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS
ORDINANCE NO. 86351
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS, ADOPTING AN
ELECTRICAL CODE FOR THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS; PROVIDING THAT IN THE
EVENT SAID CODE IS NOT CLEAR, OR IS SILENT, THEN THE RULES AND
REQUIREMENTS OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1984 EDITION, AS AMENDED
ARE ADOPTED; PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF ELECTRICAL WORK WITHIN
THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS; DEFINING CERTAIN TERMS; PROVIDING
SPECIFICATIONS, MATERIALS AND METHODS OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION;
REPEALING ALL PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT WITH THIS ORDINANCE;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF
THIS ORDINANCE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00)
FOR EACH OFFENSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COPPELL,
TEX AS:
SECTION 1. TITLE.
This ordinance shall be known as the "City of Coppell Electrical Code" and
Article 15-2 of the City Code shah be amended to reflect its adoption.
SECTION 2. ADOPTION OF COPPELL ELECTRICAL CODE
There is hereby adopted by the City of Coppell, Texas, for the purpose of
providing requirements for the safeguarding of persons and property and promoting the
welfare of the public, that certain "ELECTRICAL ORDINANCE" attached hereto as
Attachment #1 and in the event such ordinance be not clear or is silent, then the rules
and requirements of the National Electrical Code, 1984 Edition, as adopted by the
National Fire Protection Association, as amended, are adopted. A copy of said National
Electrical Code, 1984 Edition is attached hereto as Attachment #2 and Attachment #1
and Attachment #2 are made a part hereof, the same as if fully set out at length
herein, and from the date this ordinance shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall
be controlling within the corporate limits of the City.
SECTION 3. REPEALING CLAUSE.
All parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this
ordinance are hereby repealed.
However, the repeal of existing ordinances by this ordinance shall not affect
or prevent the prosecution or the punishment of any person for any act done or committed
prior to the effective date of this ordinance in violation of any ordinance hereby
repealed; and the prosecution of such offenses may be instituted and causes presently
pending prosecuted as if such prior ordinance or ordinances had not been repealed.
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE.
If any article, paragraph or subdivision, clause, phrase or provision of this
ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or held unconstitutional, the same shall not affect
the validity of this ordinance as a whole or any part or provision thereof, other than
the part so decided to be invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 5. PENALTY CLAUSE.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this
ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined
not to exceed the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each offense, and each
and every day such offense is continued shall constitute a new and separate offense.
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This ordinance shall take effect immediately from and after its passage and
publication of its caption, as the law in such cases provides.
SECTION 7. SPECIAL HANDLING OF ORDINANCE.
Due to the size of the volumes attached hereto, it is hereby directed that
the original of this ordinance, with attachments, be kept as a separate file in the office
of the City Secretary, and that a duplicate original of this ordinance, with a photocopy
of the cover sheet of such volumes, be placed in the official ordinance book.
DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Coppe]l,
APPROVED:
7~'MAyOR
ATTEST:
E
APPROVED AS TO FORM: d
CO86-0316
. :.
Attachment
ELECTRICAL ORDINANCE
Sec, 1, Definitions,
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall, for the
purpose of this article, have the respective meanings ascribed to them:
Electrical Cons~-uction: All work and materials used in installing,
maintaining, or extending a system of electrical wiring and all appurtenances, apparatus,
or equipment used in connection therewith, inside of or attached to any building, structure,
lot or premises.
Electrical Contractor: Any person engaged in the business of installing
or altering, by contract, electrical conductors or equipment. It will include any authorized
person who subcontracts to do such work, but does not include bona fide employees employed
by such contractor to do or supervise such work.
Electrical Wiring: The installation of electrical wires, fixtures,
appliances, or apparatus, or the addition to any wires, fixtures or apparatus used or to
be used on or in any building for the purpose of transmitting electrical current for electric
light, heat, house power, lighting fixtures, or for any purpose, of any kind, nature, or
description.
Journeyman Electrician: Any individual who possesses the necessary
qualifications, training, and technical knowledge to install, maintain and extend electrical
conductors and equipment. Further, such person shall be capable of doing such work in
accordance with plans and specifications furnished to such person and in accordance with
standard rules and regulations governing such work.
Licensed: When used with the words "electrical contractor",
"electrician", or the like, shall mean that the person has made application to the electrical
examinating board and has satisfied the board that: that applicant is qualified to do the
work stated in the application, that applicant has paid the necessary registration fees
to date, and that applicant's name is carried in the records of the Building Inspections
Division as a person authorized to do electrical work as defined in this article.
Maintenance Electrician: Any individual who possesses the necessary
qualifications, training, and technical knowledge to repair, operate, and replace electrical
conductors and equipment in specific buildings or premises for one employer.
Master Electrician: Any individual who possesses qualifications, training
and techincal knowledge to plan, lay out, and supervise the installation, maintenance and
extension of electrical conductors and equipment.
Qualified Person: One familiar with the construction and operation of the
apparatus and the hazard involved and one who has satisfactorily passed examination of
the electrical examining board.
Sec. Z Modification or Waiver of regulations.
The electrical regulations of this article may be modified or waived by special
permission in particular cases where such modification or waiver is reasonable, does not
differ from the intent of this article, and does not create an injustice. Such permission
shall in all cases be obtained from the building official upon written request and granted
thereof in writring.
Sec. 3 Electrical Inspector-Creation of Office.
(a) There is hereby established within this department on Inspection of the
City, the office of electrical inspection.
(b) Electrical inspectors, as shall be authorized, shall be under the direct
supervision of the building official.
Sec. 4-Powers and Duties; Correction of unsafe Condition; Disconnection by Fire
Department.
(a) The electrical inspectors shall enforce the provisions of this article,
any may, upon application, grant permission for the installation, extension, or alteration
of electrical conductors, and equipment, and shall make inspections of all electrical work,
as hereinafter provided. Such inspectors shall keep complete records of all permits issued,
inspections and reinspections made and other official work performed in accordance with
the provisions herein.
(b) The electrical inspector shall have the right daring reasonable hours
to enter any building or premises in the discharge of official duties, or for the purpose
of making an inspection, reinspection or test of the electrical equipment or installation
contained therein.
(c) When electrical wiring or equipment is found by an inspector to be
dangerous to person or property because it is defective or improperly instailed, the person,
firm or corporation owning the electrical equipment shall be notified in writing and shall
have any changes or repaLrs made as required by the electrical inspector which will place
such equipment in safe condition. If such work is not completed within the period specified
by the inspector in the notice, the inspector shall have the authority to disconnect or
order the disconnection of electric service to the dangerous electrical equipment.
(z)
(d) In cases of emergency, when necessary for safety to persons or property,
or when electrical equipment may interfere with the work of the fire department, the
senior officer of the fire department at the site shall have the authority to immediately
cause the disconnection of any electrical equipment.
(e) An electrical inspector may be called upon as many times as required
to inspect electrical installations in the course of construction, upon request. In order
not to delay construction, the inspection of such work shall be made within forty eight
(48) hours from the time notice is received, Sundays and holidays excepted.
(f) An electrical inspector shall have the authority to require building
contractors to open such work that in any manner conceals electrical wiring that has been
closed without the inspector's knowledge or permission, and in no case shall an inspector
issue clearance until he is satisfied that all work is in accordance with the provisions of
this article. An electrical inspector shall also have the right to refuse to issue clearance
on any wiring that is concealed in such a manner that the inspector cannot fully satisfy
himself that it has been done in accordance herewith.
(g) An electrical inspector is herein given authority to inspect and reinspect
the wiring of all public and mercantile buildings and when said electrical wiring is found
to be in a condition dangerou. s to life or property, such inspector shall notify, in writing,
the owner or occupant of such buildings to repair such defects as may be found. If
corrective work is not completed within the time limit specified, the inspector may
authorize the disconnection of the services to the building.
Sec. 5 Same-Nonliability.
Where action is taken by electrical inspectors to enforce the provisions
of this article, such acts shall be done in the name of, and on behalf of the city, and the
inspectors in so acting for the city shall not render such inspections personally liable for
any damage which may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act committed
in good faith in the discharge of such inspector's duties, and any suit brought against the
inspectors by reason thereof, shall be defended by the city attorney until final temination
of the proceedings contained therein.
Sec. 6 Electrical Examining, Advisory and Appeals Board - Created.
There is hereby created an electrical examining, advisory and appeals board
consisting of five (5) members who shall serve as an advisory board under the terms hereof
and shall make recommendations to the city council relating to electrical codes and
electrical related matters.
(3)
Sec. 7. Same-Term of Office.
Each member of the electrical examining, advisory and appeals board shall
serve for two (Z) years, except for two (Z) of the initial members appointed whose terms
shall be for one year and whose replacements shall be for two (Z) years.
Sec. 8 Same-Membership Requirements.
The members of the electrical examining, advisory and appeals board shall
be qualified as follows=
(1) Two (Z) members shall be master electricians.
(Z) Two (Z) members shall be journeyman electricians.
(3) One member shall be a representative of Texas Power & Light Company.
(4) The building official or his representative shall be a nonvoting ex officio
member.
Sec. 10. Same-Meetings.
The electrical examining, advisory and appeals board shall meet at least
once every two (Z) months and at such other times as is necessary to conduct its business.
Three (3) members of the board shall constitute a quorum. At its first meeting after
appointments are made each year, the electrical examining, advisory and appeals board
shall select from among its members a chairperson.
Sec. 10. Same-Meetings.
(a) Examinations. The board shall have the power to make its own rules
and govern its own meetings. It shall examine all applicants for master, journeyman and
maintenance electrician's licenses to determine if applicants are competent to do electrical
work in compliance with the electrical code.
(b) Disputes. The voting members of the board shall settle all disputes arising
from decisions of the building official, and in case of dispute, interpret the National
Electrical Code and rules of the city governing installation of electrical equipment.
(c) Appeal from Ruling of Building Official. An appeal may be taken from
any ruling, interpretation, requirement or decision made by the building official by filing
of an application with the building official for a hearing before the board; the decision
of the board at said hearing shall be final.
(d) Appeal Procedure. Notice of appeal shall be in writing and shall be
filed within thirty (30) days of the decision rendered by the building official.
(4)
QUAI.IFICATION AND REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICIANS
Sec. 11. Registration Required; Exceptions.
(a) No person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of electrical
construction or cause to make any repairs, alterations, additions, or changes to an existing
system of electrical conductors, wiring, aparatus, or equipment within the city unless:
(1) the person, firm or corporation is registered as a qualified
contractor or electrician in accordance with the provisions of
this chapter;
(Z) the persons, firm or corporation is registered in a classification
as stated in subsection (b) of this section:
(3) a person who is an employee of an electrical utility company
and who is conducting work described in Sec. Z. and Sec. 10.
of this ordinance, or
(4) a person who is engaged in work described in Sec. Z. of this
ordinance.
(b) Electrical registration shall be in the classifications listed below:
(1) Electrical Contractor
(Z) Master Electrician
(3) Journeyman Electrician
(4) Maintenance Electrician
(5) Temporary Journeyman Electrician
(6) Temporary Maintenance Electrician
(c) A person registered in a classification stated in subsection (b) of this
section shall be permitted to perform the work of that classification as defined in this
chapter.
(d) To secure a certificate of registration as a qualified electrician in any
of the classes designated in subsection (b), a person shall apply in writing to the building
offical upon a form furnished by the building inspection division.
(e) Applicants for a certificate as electrical contractor, shall file with the
application an affidavit setting for the the name or names of the persons who are responsible
for the business. Applicants shall appear in person if requested by the board and be
examined as provided in this ordinance.
Sec. 12. Prerequisites for Electricians License.
(a) New applicants for a certificate as a master electrician shall be at least
Z1 years of age and:
(1) have been registered for at least one year as a journeyman
electrician with the city, or
(Z) file with the application, affidavits from past or present employers
showing no less than five years experience in the installation,
alteration, and maintenance of electrical equipment.
Evidence required in Paragraph (Z) may be waived by a vote of the board.
One half of the time spent in attendance at an electrical techincal school may be considered
toward satisfaction of the required five years experience.
(b) Applicants for a certificate as a journeyman or maintenance electrician
shall be at least Z0 years of age and:
(1) have been registered with the city as an electrician in any
classification for at least four years, or
(Z) file with the application, affidavits from past or present employers
showing not less than four year experience in the installation,
alteration, or maintenance of electrical equipment.
Evidence required in paragraph (Z) may be waived by a vote of the board.
One half of the time spent in attendance at an electrical technical school may be considered
toward satisfaction of the required four years experience.
Sec. 13. Examination and Issuance.
(a) Applicants for a certificate as a master electrician, journeyman
electrician, or maintenance electrician, shall appear in person before the board and be
examined as prescribed in this chapter except as provided in Sec. 4.
(b) After an applicant has been certified by the board and has paid the
required registration fee, the building inspection division shall register the name of the
applicant in the records and shall issue to the applicant a certificate of registration.
Sec. 14. Recognition of IZicenses of Certificates of Registration From Other Cities.
(a) An electrician holding a currently valid license or certificate of
registration in another city may apply for and receive a similar Iicense or certificate
or registration in this city without taking an examination if they:
(1) submit evidence satisfactory to the board that:
(a) their license or certificate of registration was issued under
conditions not less restrictive than required by this ordinance
for issuance of a similar license or certificat or registration,
and
(6)
(b) an electrician holding a certificate of registration issued
by this city would be permitted to apply for and receive a
similar certificate of registration or license in the other
city under reciprocal conditionsl and
(Z) show proof of being currently licensed or registered:
(a) in a reciprocal city which participates in the Dallas or Tarrant
County electrical examinations, or
(b) for at least one year in the same capacity in a reciprocal
city which does not participate in the Dallas or Tarrant County
electrical examinations; and
(3) pays the registration fee required and complies with all other
requiremients of this code.
(b) The electrical examining, advisory and appeals board shall approve all
such reciprocal electrical licensing agreements.
Sec. 15. Tr~n~ferability: Display of Certificate
A person shall not lend, rent, or transfer his certificate of registration to
any other person. It is unlawful for a person other than the building official or an electrical
inspector to alter a certificate of registration in any manner. Every holder of a certificate
as an electrical contractor shall display their certificate in a conspicuous place in their
principal place of business. Every holder of a certificate as registered master, joarneyman,
or maintenance electrician shall carry their registration card or certificate on their person
at all times while doing electrical work and shall produce and exhibit it when requested
by an inspector or officer of the city.
Sec. 16. Renewal: Expiration.
(a) Except for renewal licenses issued starting December I for the coming
year or new licenses issued from December 1 through December 31 of the present year,
a certificate or registration required by this chapter expires at midnight on December
31 of any ~zear shall be dated to expire December 31 of the next year. In any event, all
licenses shall be renewed annualiy by the building inspections division upon application
and payment to the city of the required rene~val fee; provided, however, that if during
the preceding year the certificate holder has been convicted of a violation of this code
ov no longer meets the originaI certification requirements, the building official shall require
the application for renewal be reviewed by the board.
(b) A certificate of registration that has expired for more than one month
but less than one year may be renewed upon application and payment of the required renewal
fee, plus a penalty equal to the registration fee set forth in Table 1, Sec. Z0 of this code
of the classification of electrician in which the certificate holder was registered.
(7)
A certificate that has expired for one year or lon[~er is nq/renewable. A new certificate
may be obtaiped by complying with the requirements of Sec. Z. and 3 or 4 of this code.
(c) An electrician renewing a license must submit satisfactory evidence
that their license or certificate of registration was issued under conditions that were not
less restrictive than those required by this ordinance. A waiver of this evidence or
requirement may be given by a vote of the board.
Sec.. 17. Suspension cr Revocation of Certificate.
(a) The board shall have the power to suspend or revoke the certificate
of registration of any class of electrician who is found guilty of:
(1) the practice of any fraud or deceit in obtaining a certificate
of registration.
(Z) intentionally violating any provision of this code;
(3) any gross negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in the
performance of electrical work Wi~uin the city.
(bY In considering charges under this section, ~he board shall proceed upon
~':vort~ information furnished by an official of the city, or by some person aggrieved by the
action of an electrician in the performance of electrical work for which an electrical permit
is required,
Such information shall be in writing and shall be duly ~e~-ified by the person familiar with
the allegations made. The board, if it deems the information sufficient to support further
action on its part, shall issue an order setting th~ matter for hearing at a specified time
and place, the building official, with the advice of the cit}, atto.rney, shall cause a copy
of the board's order and of the information ~o be served upon the electrician by certified
mail, return receipt requested, at least fifteen days before ~he ~ate set for the hearing.
The electrician may appear in person or by counsel, at the ~ime and place named in the
order and present their defense to the board. The city attcrney shall provide counsel for
the bom-d. If the electrician fails or refuses to appear, the board may proceed to hear
and determine the charge in their absence. If they plead E-uflty, o~.if~,~pon a hearing Lf
the charge, the board finds any of the char~es to be true it real' enter an order suspending.
or revoking the certificate of registration of the electrician.
(c) When the board has completed the hearing, it shall cause a record of
its finding and decision to be filed wi~h the City Secretary ~d shall cause a certified copy
to be forwarded to the electrician.
(d) The board shall, in reciting its decision make provision for reinstatement
based upo~ written notice by the board at the expiratio_n of
suspended person satisfactorily passing an examination ~ven for the same grade of
electrician from which they are suspended.-An order~.f reinstatement shall be filed as
a part of the record and a copy shall be made and given or mailed to the electrician'
concerned.
(e) Any person who may feel themselves aggrieved by any action or decision
of the board may, within 30 days' after receiving notice of the boards's final order, file
suite in the district court of Dallas County, to correct an.v error of law in the decision.
The suit shall be filed a~ainst the board as defendant and service of process may be made
upon the board by serving the City Secretary.
(BY
(f) A person whose rights under a certificate of registration have been
suspended or revoked by the board, shall not engage in or electrical construction for which
a permit is required.
Sec. 18. Examination and Registration Fees.
(a) In addition to an annual registration fee, new applicants or those required
to take an examination shall pay the examination fee specified in Table 1 of this section,
which must be submitted with application to the building inspections division. An applicant
who fails to take the first examination following the date of their application forfeits
his fee unless they notify the building inspections division before the examination date
and unless he files a new application before the next scheduled examination.
(b) After an applicant has been certified by the board, they shall pay an
annual registration fee as specified in Table 1 of this secion. The fee, which is due by
January 1 of each year, must be paid at the building inspection division before the issuance
of a certificate of registration. Renewal aplzlications will be accepted starting December
1 of the preceding year.
(c) A person desiring to take an examination at a time other than at the
scheduled examination time may file an application for a special examination with the
board, together with a receipt showing that the sum of $500 has been paid to the building
inspection division as a special fee paid in addition to the fee specified in Table 1 to offset
the increased expense of conducting a special examination. License issued under special
examination cannot be reciprocated.
(d) Examinations:
(1) The board shall prescribe a reasonable examination of a uniform,
fair and impartial nature, testing the knowledge and skill of
each applicant to do electrical work, involving the installation,
alteration, repair, and maintenance of electrical conductors
and equipment.
(Z) Examinations shall be in writing.
(3) The board shall conduct examinations with utmost fairness and
patience. Should any applicant fail an examination, the board
shall, so far as 'it may be practicable, apprise the applicant wherein
they are deficient, or fails to meet in a reasonable manner the
requirements of the examination.
(9)
(4) An unsuccessful applicant may make application for re-examination
at such time as may be prescribed by the rules adopted by the
board. No applicant, however, may be re-examined before the
expiration of two months from the date of his previous
examination.
An applicant that is unsuccessful in two successive examinations
shall be required to wait six months before being allowed to
make application for re-examination. An applicant that is
unsuccessful in three successive examinations shall be required
to wait twelve months before being allowed to make application
for re-examination.
(5) An spplicant shall not be denied an examination or certificate
on account of their affiliation with any person or any lawful
organization, union, or association.
(6) The board sbsll be diligent and tolerant in aiding and assisting
all applicants by enlightening them concerning the rules prescribed
by the boara for examinations.
(7) The board shall authorize the building inspections division to
issue each applicant who passes the examination a certificate
of registration.
(e) Records: The building official shall keep a record of all persons qualified
by the board to whom certificates of registration have been issued and shall not be
responsible for the record of any person whose registration has not been renewed for a
period of one year.
TABLE 1 EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION FEES
Examination Annual or
Fee Registration
Fee
k. Electrical Contractor $75.00
B. Master Electrician $10.00 $10.00
C. Journeyman Electrician $5.00 $5.00
D. Mainenance Electrician $5.00 $5.00
E. Temporary Journeyman Electrician $Z5.00
F. Temporary Maintenance Electrician $Z5.00
Sec. 19- False Representation as to Registered Class of Electrician and Registration and Regulation
Generally.
(a) A person shall not represent themselves as a registered electrician of
any class set out in this chapter or use the works of similar import or meaning on signs,
cards, stationary, or by any other manner, unless the person is the holder of a valid
certificate or registration in the class for which they are representing themselves as being
registered.
(b) A person shall not engage in the business of electrical contracting without
being registered in the manner required by this section.
(c) An electrical contractor shall not establish, maintain, or advertise a
place of business at any location within the city under any name other than that registered
with the building official.
(d) Any person desiring to engage in the business of electrical contracting
shall make application for registration at the buidling inspection division office. After
the application has been approved by the board, and upon payment of the registration
fee required by this subchapter, the building official shall register the applicant and issue
to the applicant a certificate of registration. The certificate of registration must include
the proper address of the applicant's established place of business.
Upon request, the building official may grant permission for an applicant
for electrical contractor's license to begin work on a single project before approval of
their electrical contractor's license 13y the board if in the opinion of the building official
the applicant meets all the requirements of the provisions of this ordinance. An applicant
for contractor's license temporarily qualified by this method shall at the time of application
submit a fee in the form of a cashiers check or money order with their application which
shall be made payable to the City of Coppell in the amount as specified in Table 1 and
such payment as received shall not be refundable under any circumstance.
(e) An electrical contractor's certificate shall entitle the holder to engage
in the business of, and to secure permits for, the installation, addition, alteration, devices,
and equipment.
(f) An electrical conctractor shall not engage in an electrical contracting
business within the city unless the business is qualified by a master electrician who:
(1) is an owner or full-time employee of the business; and
(Z) actively supervises the daily operation of the business; and
(~l)
(3) is not engaged in or employed by any other business at the same
time that the electrical contracting business is registered to
perform electrical work within the city unless the master is
an owner/operator; and
(4) is authorized to order employees of the business to correct defects,
errors, and deficiencies in electrical work installed or performed
by the business.
(g) The building official is authorized to withhold inspections from, and
the issuance of permits to, any registered contractor who:
(1) fails to correct a defect, error, or deficiency in work installed
under the authority of an electrical permit within 10 calendar
days after written notification from the office of the building
official and/or
(Z) fails to pay any indebtedness, when due, to the city for inspection
fees charged for permits obtained.
(h) Master Electrician
(1) A person .who has been employeed as a master electrician by
a registered electrical contractor shall register with the building
official in writing on a form to be furnished by the building
inspections division. When an applicant has complied with the
requirements of this code, the b~ilding official shall certify them
as a master electrician for a specific registered electrical
contractor by placing their name on the contractor's registration
certificate and by identification card issued to the registered
master electrician.
(Z) When a master electrician has not acted in the capacity of a
master electrician or in a supervisory position on electrical work
in the city for a continuous period of two (Z) years, the building
official may require them to be re-examined before they are
certified as a registered master electrician.
(3) A master electrician who qualifies an electrical contracting
business assumes responsibility for the business complying with
the provisions of this code in its entirety, including payment
for indebtedness to the city of permit fees.
(1z)
(4) Whenever a master electrician leaves or is discharged from the
employ of a person who is required by this code to employ a
master electrician, a notice in writing shall be given immediately
by both the employer and themaster electrician to the building
official, and the permit priviledges of the employer shall, without
further order or action, be suspended until the employment and
qualifying of another master electrician.
(5) A master electrician shall not qualify more than one electrical
contracting business at any one time.
(6) A master electrician shall not knowlingly permit their name
to be used or themselves to be held out as the master electrician
who qualifies a specific electrical contracting business unless
they:
(a) are an owner or full-time employee of the business; and
(b) actively supervises the daily operation of the business; and
(c) are not engaged in or employed by any other business at the
same time that the electrical contracting business is registered
to perform electrical work within the city unless the master
is an owner/operator; and
(d) is authorized to order employees of the business to correct
defects, errors, and deficiencies in electrical work installed
or performed by the business; and
(e) resides within the trade area of the city in which the electrical
contracting business is located.
(i) Journeyman Electrician. A journeyman elcetrician's certificate or a
temporary journeyman's certificate shall entitle the holder to engage themselves in the
employ of any person registered under the provision of this code as an electrical contractor.
~) Maintenance Electrician. A maintenance electrician's license shall entitle
the holder to engage such holder in the maintenance of electrical equipment for one
employer. Such mainenance electrician shall only perform work for that specific employer.
A maintenance electrician shall be examined as a journeyman electrician.
(13)
(k) Temporary Journeyman Electrician. If an applicant holds a nonexpired
journeyman's license issued by another city and/or if such person satisfies the building
official that such person is qualified, a temporary journeyman electrician's license will
be issued to such applicant which will be effective until the next regular examination,
and shall entitle such person to be in active charge of electrical work. Should such applicant
fail to take or pass the examination, their temporary license will be automatically revoked,
and such person shall thenceforth work on electrical jobs only as a laborer, directly under
the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician until such time as they
shall pass the examination.
(I) Temporary Maintenance Electrician. If an applicant holds a nonexpired
maintenance electrician's license issued by another city and/or if such person satisfies
the building official that such applicant is qualified, a temporary maintenance electrician's
license will be issued to such applicant, which will be effective until the next reguiar
examination, and shall entitle such applicant to be in active charge of electrical work.
ShouId such applicant fail to take or pass the examination, the temporary permit will
be automatically revoked and thenceforth such person shall work on electrical jobs only
as a laborer, d~rectly under the supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician,
maintenance electrician or master electrician until such time as such person shall pass
the examination.
(m) Supervision. An electrical contractor may have laborers or apprentices
on any of such contractor's jobs, but they must at all times be under the direct supervision
of a licensed journeyman, maintenance or master electrician, until such time as they pass
the examination. Direct supervision shall mean that a licensed electrician shall be on
the job side or project site at all times when electrical installations are being made or
maintained. There may be no more than three (3) laborers or apprentices supervised by
a licensed journeyman electrician and there may be no more than (7) laborers or apprentices
on any job without the direct supervision of a licensed master electrician.
Sod, 20. Certain Work Exempt From Registration Requirements.
(a) The following classes of work may be carried out by persons who are
not registered electricians:
(1) The replacement of lamps, fuses, and the connection of portable
devices to suitable receptacles which have been permanently
installed;
(Z) The instailation, alteration, or repairing of any wiring devices
or equipment for the operation of signals or the transmission
of intelligence, where such wiring, devices, appliance, or equipment
operates at a voltage not exceeding 30 volts between conductors
and does not include gorerating or transforming equipment;
(14)
(3) The installation, alteration, or repair of electric wiring, devices,
appliance, and equipment installed by or for an electrical public
service corporation operating under a franchise from the city,
when for the use of the corporation in the generation, transmission,
distribution, or metering of electrical energy;
(4) Any work involved in the manufacture or test of electrical
materials, devices, appliances, or apparatus, but not including
any installation of wiring other than that required for testing
purposes if the equipment is approved by the building official
before it is installed or used within the city.
(5) The installation, alteration, or repair of any wiring devices or
equipment installed by or for a cable television company operating
under a franchise from the city when such devices or equipment
is used soley for the transmission or distribution of a television
signal.
(b) A homeowner may personally install electrical conductors or equipment
with that person's own home if the owner files with the building official approved plans
and specifications, has satisfied the building official as to that person's ability to install
electrical wiring, applies for and secures a permit, pays required fees, does work in
accordance with this article, and applies for inspection. Work performed by a homeowner
under the provisions of this section must be done by such homeowner on homestead premises
owned and occupied by such homeowner, without compensation. A homeowner shall not
employ another person to assist such homeowner in any way on the work.
(c) The provisions of this article shall not apply to the installation, alteration,
or repair of electrical equipment instailed for or by an electric utility company for the
use of such company in the generation, transmission, districution, or metering of electricity.
Sec. Zl. Permits Required.
All companies, firms, co-partnerships, corporations or individuals (excepting
public telephones, telegraph, messenger calls, cable television, electric utility companies
having a franchise granted by the city, or persons installing equipment requiring less than
thirty (30) volts) who desire to install electrical wiring, fixtures, or electrical work of
any kind or description in the corporate limits of this city shall make application to the
building official for a permit and receive such permit to do the work before such installation
is commenced.
Sec. ZZ. Permits Issued to Licensed Contractors and License Exempt Persons Only.
Permits will issued only to contractors who are licensed with the city as
provided herein, and to qualified homeowners as defined under section Z0 of this article.
Permit validations for new construction will be issued only to electrical contractors who
are licensed with the city as provided herein.
(~s)
Sec. Z3. Procedures on Securing Permits and Inspections.
Written procedures on securing permits and all inspections may be secured
from the inspection division and they may be changed as often as the city council may
desire without affecting in whole or in part this article, or requiring publication of same.
Sec. Z4. Inspection Requests;Correct Address Required.
{a) Only qualified homeowners, electrical contractors, or their authorized
representatives, or representatives of the city, shall request electrical inspections or
make application for permits. Electrical contractors shall be responsible for submitting
and maintaining a current written list of such authorize personnel upon issuance and renewal
of electrical licenses.
(b) Electric,a.l_ contractors or authorized representatives and other permit
applicants must in all cases give correct addresses upon application for permtis, and
insepctions, and whenever an incorrect address may be given, a charge of fifteen ($15.00)
dollars shall be made.
Sec. Z5. Inspections Required.
All wiring or electrical installations shall be inspected by the electrical
inspector during the course of installation thereof at such stages of completion as the
electrical inspector shall deem necessary to insure conformance of such installation with
the provisions of this article.
Sec. Z6. Permit and Inspection Fees.
(a) The permit fee for the installation of electrical equipment in new
construction, additions, alterations, repairs or fire damage shalI be included in and paid
for by the person or firm to whom the building permit has been issued as outlined under
building permit fees and which include the following:
(1) All dwelling structures;
All nondwelling buildings;
(3) Detached buildings;
(4) Swimming pools;
(5) Temporary buildings;
(6) Lawn sprinkler systems;
(7) Demolition permits;
(8) Gasoline tanks;
(9) Temporary power; and,
(10) signs
For any inspection not herein prescribed, a minimum charge of ten dollars ($10.00) shall
be made for each inspection.
(16)
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Sec. Z7. Unlawful to Interfere with Wiring.
It shall be unlawful for any owner, contractor or workman, other than
authorized electrician, in any manner to interfere with any electrical wiring being installed
in or on any building. If in the course of construction of a building, the wiring is in such
a position as to interfere with its erection or completion as called for by plans, notice
shall immediately be given to the person installing the wiring, or the electrical contractor,
and the needed change shall be made by such persons.
Sec. 28. Connection of Service Conductors without Clearance Prohibited; Notice of Change
in Responsible Party.
(a) Unlawful for Electrical Utility Company to Connect Service Conductors
Without Clearance.
It shall be unlawful for any electrical utility company serving the city to
connect service entrance conductors of any description except to maintain its own
equipment without first obtaining clearance from the building of flea1. Whenever a
nondwelling, mobile home or recreational vehicle electrical service in the city limits is
disconnected for any cause whatsoever (except nonpayment of bill), clearance from the
building official shaI1 be necessary before reconnecting.
(b) Electrical Utility Company to Notify of Change In Responsible Party
for Electrical Service.
When the responsible party, as listed by the electric utility company, for
a nondwelling electrical service relinquishes that responsibiIity and another party assumes
the responsibility for that electflea1 service, the electric utiIity company shall notify
the building official by written notice within ten (10) calendar days .of the date of such
change giving the name of the party assuming responsibility and the address of the electrical
service.
Sec. Zg. Electric Utility Company to make Permanent Connection of Service.
Only authorized employees of the electric utility company will be permitted
to make the connection which will energize the customer's service entrance conductors
except in an unforeseen emergency involving an existing service connection. In such
emergencies, the building official shall be notified within twenty-four (Z4) hours after
the service entrance conductors are energized.
Sec. 30. Unlawful to Connect Service Without Approval
It shaI1 be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to make connection
to a supply of electricity or to supply electricity to any electrical equipment for which
a permit is required, or which has been disconnected by the order of an electrical inspector
except an electric utility company, until a notice of approval has been issued by the
electrical inspector authorizing the connection and use of such equipment except as provided
in Section 29.
So.c. 31. Unlawful to Connect Unapproved Fixtures.
It shall be unlawful for any person to use or install any electrical apparatus,
material, appliance, or fixture for use in connection with wiring of any kind unless such
apparatus, material, appliance of fixture has been tested, listed and labeled by an approved
testing laboratory acceptable to the building official.
Sec. 3Z. Liability of Contractor and City unch~Sed.
This article shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsiblity
or liability of any party owning, operating, constructing, or installing any electrical
equipment which attributes damages to persons or property caused by any defect therein;
nor shall the city' be held as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspection or
reinspection authorized heroin, or the certificate of approval issued as heroin provided,
or by reason of the approval or disapproval of any equipment authorized heroin.
Set` 33. ~n-vice Requirements.
(a) General: There shall be no service installed in the ciIy with less than
a one hundred (100) ampere rating; provided, however, this shall not ~'
pole service, billboards, and signs, which shall be of any ampere ra~i:.~ ap~- ..... ~ ...
building official.
(b) Disconnect Devices: Under no circumstances shall a panel or main line
switch be used as a junction box. If in any case a panel or disconnect device is tapped more
than one time, approved lugs shall' be provided. On all reworked services with subfeeders
to existing panels, a disconnecting means shall be installed at the point of service. One
main disconnecting device must be installed in all serwices.
(c) Location of Disconuectln~ Device: The service disconnecting means
shall be installed outside of a building or other su'ucture on all occupancies except those
classified as Group R, Division 3 occupancies. The disconnecting means for Group R, Division
3 occupancies shall be located in the garage. Alternate locations must be approved by
the building official.
(d) Number of Disconnecting Means. There shall be no more than one main
disconnecting device for each service. Alternate installations must be approved by the
building official.
(e) _ Service M_ast~ Raceway: The minimum raceway to be used on service
mas~s shall be two (Z) inch rigid steel galvanized conduit. ~ .~
(f) Protection of Service Entrance C,~ductcrs ~ S~ ,;co Lateral~ Service
entrance conductors and service laterals outside of the building shall be protected by rigid
or intermediate metallic conduit except for service risers above metering equipment and
service conductors of any type installed underg~oand.
(g) Service Entrmace Conductcrs lq. aceways: Service entrance conductor
raceways at ~ny location above the ground or ~lab level that are not accessible shall be
of rigid or intermediate metallic conduit.
..............
Sec. 34. General Specifications.
(a) Number of Receptacles for Equipment: On wall areas behind bars or
serving counters, or which electric signs or similar devices are likely to be placed, not
less than one receptacle shall be placed for each six (6) linear feet or major fraction thereof
measured horizontally along such walls parallel to the floor or ceiling line. For ceiling
areas in lounges, bars, taverns, or other locations where signs or similar electrical equipment
are likely to be attached, receptacles shall be installed in sufficient number that no point
on such ceilings will be at a distance greater than twenty (Z0) feet from at least one such
receptacle. In all lounges, bars and taverns a receptacle outlet shall be installed in each
toilet room within eighteen (18) inches of the ceiling and shall be ground fault protected.
(b) Built-in cooking appliances: All built-in electric ovens and surface cook
tops shall be installed on separate branch circuits of an ampacity not less than the rating
of the appliance.
Sec. 35. General Specifications.
The following general specifications shall apply to all wiring installed in
the city:
(1) Any addition to, alteration of, or any building or structure
hereafter erected in any zoning district less restrictive than
multifamily, as same is defined in the zoning ordinance of the
city, shall have all wiring installed in rigid metallic conduit,
steel tube or metal molding system above the ground or slab
level.
Exception No. 1: Approved cable tray and busways shall not
be prohibited.
Exception No. Z: Underground installation of polyvinyl chloride
conduit containing feeder or branch circuit conductors shall
be permitted to extend above ground level or floor grade to a
maximum length of five (5) feet where not subject to mechanical
inlay.
(b) Relocating Buildings. Wiring in any building or residence moved into
or relocated within the city limits shall be installed in a manner prescribed for its
classification as to use or occupancy and shall meet all presently adopted wiring codes,
ordinances and standards.
(c) Ground Clamps, All clamps for wiring system grounds shall be placed
so as to be readily accessible at all times.
(d) Inside Wiring: Exterior of BuildIng Must be Complete. Electrical
apparatus shall not be installed inside of buildings until the interior of such buildings have
been phsically protected from the weather.
(19)
(e) Methods of Motor Wlrin~. (shops,. factories~ etc.) Each motor or each
isolated ~roup of motors serving a single machine shall have a disconnecting means within
reacl~ of the machine operator. Such disconnects shall be installed so as to be readily
accessible, not to exceed six (6) feet in height, nor be lower than four (4) feet from the
floor to center line of disconnect.
(f) Unclergro,,~ Conduit. All conductors installed underground shall be
installed in galvanized rigid metal or polyvinyl chloride conduit. Conductors which are
directly buried shall have sleeves under a11 sidewalks, driveways, slabs or other construction.
{g) Alumiv~m Conductors Aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors
shall not be used or installed in the city as a wiring method. This requirement shall not
limit the use of materiMs of the Electrical Utility Company.
(h) Flexible Metal Conduit and Armored Cable. Flexible metal conduit shall
not be installed in wet locations or classified as a ~rounding conductor. Armored cable
{known as bx cable) shall not be installed in the city as a wiring method.
{i) Receptacler. Split wiring of receptacles is hereby prohibited.
~) Spas ~n~ Flot TubS. Lighting fixtures and lighting outlets located over
a hydromassage bathtub, spa, or hot tub or within S feet from the inside walls of the fixtures
shall be a minimum of 6 feet above the maximum water level and shall be protected by
a around-fault circuit-interrupter.
(k) Temporary Poles Ground fault circuit interrupters shall not be required
on temporary poles.
(1) Gro-nd Fault Circuit Interrupters, Ground fault circuit interrupters
(GFCI) shall be required to be incorporated into all bathroom receptacles, all receptacles
that are not completely enclosed within a building (except temporary poles), and residential
garages. There shall be a minimum of two seperate GFCI circuits installed in each residential
dwelling. Receptacles installed inside the dwelling shall not be on the same GFCI circuit
a.; ~he receptacles that are either outside of the dwelling or in the garage.
Sec. 36. Adoption of National Electrical Code. ~ .
Im the event that the wording or intention of any section of this article is
not clear, or this article is silent, then the rules and requirements of.'~he National Electrical
Code, 1984 Edition, as amended shall be used, and where interpretation of the city or its
employees is quesitoned the decision of the electrical board~ having jurisdiction of same,
shall be final A true and correct copy of said edition of the National Electrical Code is
filed in the office of the city secretary, and is hereby incorporated herein by reference
for all purposes.