Ord 25-2022 Amending Chapter 22 and Adopting the 2017 NEC-not approved 07/19/2022 Ordinance No. 25-2022
Ordinance amending Chapter 22 Article III of Buildings and Building
Regulations to formally adopt the 2017 National Electric Code and
removing reference to the Board of Electrical Examiners and making
grammatical and semantic clarifications, and providing for codification
WHEREAS, City Staff has identified that previous understanding of adoption of the
National Electric Code was not codified formally in City Ordinances; and,
WHEREAS, after receiving and reviewing the error, the City Council is moving
forward with the formal adoption of the 2017 version of the National Electric Code (NEC)
and all local amendments as previously approved; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that a public hearing was held by the City Council
on May 17, 2022 in which people were encouraged to discuss, and did discuss, the
proposed adoption of the 2017 NEC; and,
Whereas, the City Council finds that the City of Wichita Falls has published notice
of this proposed action to adopt the 2017 NEC conspicuously on its internet website for
over 21 days prior to this action; and,
Whereas, the City Council finds that the City of Wichita Falls sent out electronic
communications to approximately 5,000 local contractors and builders letting them know of
the proposed action to adopt the 2017 NEC; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council has approved additional ordinance language to remove
references to the local Board of Electrical Examiners so as to remove any confusion in the
roles and duties of staff and the Construction Board of Appeals and Adjustments;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
1. The following amendments to Article III of Chapter 22 of the City's Code of
Ordinances, Buildings and Building Regulations, to formally adopt the 2017 National
Electric Code and local amendments.
ARTICLE III. ELECTRICITY
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Sec. 22-56. Declaration of policy.
The Board of Elcctrical Examincrs Chief Building Official has determined that there
is a need to update and modernize those sections of this Code that establish the city
electrical code, and it is in the best interest of the health and safety of the city's citizens that
such sections of this Code be kept current with modern electrical codes and regulations.
Sec. 22-57. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a
different meaning:
Apprentice electrician must be at least 16 years of age and be engaged in the
process of learning and assisting in the installation of electrical work under the supervision
of a registered master electrician.
Board. The city Board of Elcctrical Examincrs
Chief Building Official. The officer charged with the administration and enforcement
of this code or his designee.
Code. The city electrical code.
Direct supervision. The review and inspection of all electrical work done by a
supervisor, who shall be either a registered journeyman electrician, master electrician, or
industrial electrician, and who shall be actually present at the job site at all times while
electrical work is in progress.
Electrical maintenance work. The keeping in safe repair and operating condition of
any and all electrical installations, apparatuses and equipment within or without any
building or structure or located in or upon any lot or premises within the city.
Electrical work:
(1) All wiring, circuits, fixtures, appurtenances and appliances for the supply of
electrical power, for all personal, domestic and commercial purposes in and about buildings
or other structures where persons live, work or assemble; all wiring, circuits, fixtures,
appurtenances and appliances outside such buildings or structure connecting the building
with the source of electricity;
(2) The installation, repair and maintenance of all wiring, circuits, fixtures,
appurtenances and appliances in and about buildings or structures where persons live,
work or assemble, for a supply of electricity; and
(3) All other activities, including demolition of structures where energized circuits
exist, installations or measures incidental to the distribution or electrical energy which are
covered, regulated or in any fashion controlled by the specific section of this article.
Engineer. A person who is registered to practice engineering in the state and is
actively engaged in electrical design or consulting services within the state.
Graduate engineer. A person who holds a degree in electrical engineering from any
accredited college or university.
Industrial electrician. Any person licensed by the state as an industrial electrician.
Inspector. The electrical inspector or his designated representative, qualified in
electrical code inspections, who shall have the duty of inspecting any and all electrical work
for electrical code compliance.
Job site. The specific premises or installation described in the electrical permit under
which electrical work is being performed.
Journeyman electrician. Any person licensed by the state as a journeyman
electrician.
Maintenance electrician. A person with at least two years' experience in the electrical
trade who is a full-time employee of a company or business and whose duty it is to maintain
the existing electrical system, including all fixtures and appurtenances contained in a
building, structure, lot or premises owned or operated by his employer.
Master electrician. Any person licensed by the state as a master electrician.
N.E.C.. The National Electrical Code, as adopted by the city in section 22-401,
compiled by the National Fire Protection Association.
Sign. Any physical device, panel or installation attached to or located on a building,
premises or structure, used to display any message or communicate any thought or idea
and which uses electrical current for its intended operation.
Secs. 22-58-22-85. Reserved.
DIVISION 2. ADMINISTRATION
Subdivision I. In General
Secs. 22-86-22-110. Reserved.
Subdivision II. Electrical Inspector
Sec. 22-111. Office established.
(a) There is established within the Building and Code Administration Division of
the Community Development Department, under the direction of the Chief Building Official,
the office of electrical inspector. The electrical inspector and assistants shall be charged
with the enforcement of this article under the direct administration of the building and code
administrator.
(b) The electrical inspector and assistants shall be appointed by the building and
codc administrator Chief Building Official with the approval of the city managcr City
Manager. Appointment and removal of the electrical inspector or assistant electrical
inspectors shall be in accordance with the requirements of this article and the city's
personnel rules and regulations.
(c) The electrical inspector shall possess adequate supervisory and administrative
abilities as are required for the performance of duties and shall have a thorough knowledge
of current approved methods and practices relating to the electrical code adopted in this
article and electrical installations. The electrical inspector shall have at least five years'
experience as a journeyman or master electrician in the practice of his trade or as an
electrical inspector. In lieu of such experience, the electrical inspector may possess
equivalent qualifications as approved by the building and codc administrator Chief Building
Official.
(d) Assistant electrical inspectors shall be knowledgeable in current and approved
methods and practices relating to the electrical code adopted in this article and electrical
installations. They shall have at least two years' experience as a master or journeyman
electrician in the practice of their trade. In lieu of such experience, an assistant electrical
inspector may possess equivalent qualifications as approved by the building and code
administrator.
(e) An applicant for the position of electrical inspector or assistant electrical
inspector shall be required to pass a written examination for journeyman electrician prior to
employment or shall have passed such examination within five years prior to such
application.
Sec. 22-112. Enforcement duties.
It shall be the duty of the electrical inspector to enforce the provisions of the city
electrical code and to discharge the responsibilities assigned to him by this article.
Sec. 22-113. Identification cards.
The electrical inspectors shall have identification cards in their possession at all times when
engaged in the enforcement of this article.
Sec. 22-114. Delegation of duties.
It shall be the duty of the electrical inspector to enforce this article; however, the
electrical inspector is authorized to designate qualified employees serving under his
direction and control to assist in the discharge of such duty.
Sec. 22-115. Conflict of interest.
No person discharging the duties of electrical inspector under this article shall be an
employer or employee of or have any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in any business,
firm, company or association engaged in any phase of electrical work within the city.
Sec. 22-116. Right of entry; interference with entry.
(a) Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the sections of
this article, or whenever the electrical inspector has reasonable cause to believe that there
exists in any building or upon any premises any condition or electrical code violation which
makes such building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the electrical inspector
may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the building or
premises or to perform any duty imposed upon the electrical inspector by this article.
However, if such building or premises is occupied, he shall first present proper credentials
and request entry; if such building or premises is unoccupied, he shall first make a
reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the
building or premises and request entry. If such entry is refused, the electrical inspector shall
have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.
(b) When the electrical inspector shall have first obtained a proper inspection
warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occupant or any other
person having charge, care or control of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after
proper request is made as provided in this section, to promptly permit entry therein by the
electrical inspector for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this article.
Sec. 22-117. Notice of violation.
When the electrical inspector observes or if it comes to his attention that any
electrical work is installed contrary to or in violation of this article, it shall be his duty to
immediately notify the responsible master electrician, industrial electrician, other permitted
electricians or the owner or occupant of the premises to immediately correct such
installation or cease work on the entire installation until the violation is corrected.
Secs. 22-118-22-145. Reserved.
Subdivision 111 Board of Electrical Examiners
Sec. 22 116. Created.
Thcrc is crcatcd a Board of Elcctrical Examincrs for thc city to bc appointcd by thc
city council. The administration of the appeal and registration provisions of thc city cicctrical
codc shall bc vcstcd in thc board.
Sec. 22-147. Membership.
without compcnsat+ee— ficsc mcmbcrs shall includc two master electricians, one
journcyman cicctrician, onc mcmbcr who is an cmploycc of thc local cicctric utility
company, onc mcmbcr who shall bc a rcprcscntativc of industry, onc mcmbcr who shall
bc a homebuilder or othcrwisc associated with the homebuilding industry, and one member
wh hall be designat ,s am eea me This-msmbbs-r-s4all-notes connected with
the electrical contracting industry for monctary gain.
Sec. 22-148. Terms of office; officers; removal; vacancies.
(a) All appointmcnts of mcmbcrs to thc Board of Elcctrical Examincrs shall bc
terms. Terms shall be staggered and shall end on July 31 . Members shall serve until thcir
succcssors arc appointcd.
(b) Thc chairperson and vicc chairperson shall bc cicctcd by the members of
the board annually. When good cause exists, a member may be removed by the city
bc rcplaccd by thc council.
Sec. 22 149. Supplies.
The city shall provide the Board of Electrical Examiners with proper books of record,
blank forms, sta i cr .„pplies proper and adequate fnr the conduct of its business
Sec. 22-150. Quorum.
Any four of thc scvcn mcmbcrs of thc board of cicctrical cxamincrs shall conctitutc
a quorum fnr the+rra actfin of all business b re the o.��ex pt wherc a grcater
numbcr is spccifically rcquircd by othcr scctions of this articic.
Sec. 22-151. Rules, policies.
(a) Thc Board of Elcctrical Examincrs is dircctcd to adopt such policics and
promulgatc such rulcs and rcgulations, not inconsistcnt with this articic and thc Chartcr
administration of such dutics as arc in this articic dcicgatcd to thc board. All policies,
rulcs and rcgulations which shall bc adoptcd by thc board shall bc rcduccd to writing and
rcasonablc timcs.
(b) All mastcr cicctricias and industrial cicctricians registcrcd as providcd
Sec. 22 152. Recommendation for improvement of electrical code.
Thc Board of Elcctrical Examincrs is dircctcd to submit to thc city council its writtcn
rccommcndations, as ncccssary, for thc improvcmcnt of this articic and thc cicctrical codc
adopted in this article.
Sec. 22-153. Powers and duties.
Thc cicctrical inspcctor shall act as thc sccrctary of thc Board of Elcctrical
Examiners with +he power and duty to:
(1) Kccp and maintain a full rccord of all procccdings of thc board.
(2) Administcr oaths in hcarings hcld beforc thc board conccrning thc granting,
dcnying, suspcnsion or rcvocation of a rcgistration, rcqucstcd or icucd, pursuant to thio
article.
(3` Certify all official acts of the board.
(11) Issi ie si bpoenas for attendance of wi sses and prod c n of hooks
�'7��a�c�aupvcrta-s-rv-rcrcc ca-�rrcr
and papers at all hca g-s bcforc thc board conccrning thc granting, dcnying,
si ispension or revocation of a registration roof ested or issi ed pi irs,cant to this
articic.
(5) To thc cxtcnt rcqucstcd by thc board, assist thc board in kccping all forms
up to datc with thc provisions of thc cicctrical codc.
Sec. 22 154. Registration.
(a) A persen-l.iecn,,c y the state- s an el ri„ n-;zGtar el ri„ n
contractor who sccks to perform cicctrical work in thc city shall rcgistcr his statc liccnsc
with thc Building and Codc Administration Division prior to work bcing donc.
(b) I Ipon registration of a stat�aense an electrical contaa�- y perform
��vpvnTc9rTcrcr rrc.rn--yr-cr-a crr��� crrvur-vvrr crTv�mT
cicctrical work in thc city, providcd such work is within thc scopc of his state liccnsc and
city ordinances.
Sec. 22-155. Interpretation of electrical code.
((aa) When r per apppQal has e n ma in accordaannGe �n�c with sectio'rrz O3,,
word, clausc, sentence, paragraph or othcr provision containcd in thc city cicctrical codc.
Whcn a question arising by appeal is actcd upon by thc board, such action shall bc by a
be reduced to writing and filcd in thc officc of thc cicctrical inspcctor.
()€ach deci Tendered by wi ubss n (a) of
this scction shall bc final, subjcct, however, to such remedy as any aggricvcd party might
havc at law or in equity.
(c) Any dccision rcndcrcd by the board in accordancc with this scction may bc
modified or revoked when the board finds that facts and circumstances warrant such
action. Any decision made under this subsection which substantially changes, modifics,
or revokes a prior decision of the board made under this section shall not bccomc
cffcctivc until ten days aftcr the dccision of thc board has bccn filed in thc officc of thc
cicctrical inspcctor, unless specifically ordered to thc contrary by the board.
(d) This section shall never by construed as granting any legislative powcr to the
board, such power bcing exclusively in the city council.
(e) A copy of any decision of the board rendered under this scction shall bc
mailed to every registered master electrician or industrial electrician within the city
affected by such dccision and to any other person designated by the board to receive thc
dccision.
Sec. 22-156. Procedure for conduct of hearings.
When a public hearing is authorized or required to be held by the Board of Electrical
Examiners, the following procedures shall be followed:
(1) A record of the entire proceedings shall be made by taps rccording or by any
other means of permanent rccording determined to be appropriate by the board.
(2) In addition to the record of the proceeding made by the board, any person
appcaring before the board may, at his expense, have the proceeding recorded by
a duly ccrtificd court rcportcr. Whcn a court reporter is employed, the person
employing thc rcportcr shall furnish a transcript of thc h aring as produccd by the
rcportcr to thc board at no cost to thc board.
(3) Thc board may grant a continuancc of a hcaring for good causc shown.
('l) The chairperson of the board or the board's secretary shall havc thc power
try administer oaths or affirmations at any hearing conducted by the board
(5) Noticc of any hcaring hcld by thc board shall bc scnt to any person affcctcd
by certified moil rota irn receipt req jested and shall be in si ibstantially the
o
following form:
NOTICE OF HEARING
TO (Name)
ADDRESS
"Yoi i ore hereby notified that a hearing will be held before the City
of to Calls Board of Eectri ersaton
day of , 20 at thc hour of o'clock .m.
Thc subjcct mattcr of thc hcaring is as follows:
You may bc prcscnt at thc hcaring and may rcprcscnt yoursclf or
bc represented by lcgal counscl of your choicc.
You may prcscnt any relevant cvidcncc on your behalf concerning
the subjcct matter of the hcaring and will bc given the full
opportunity to cross cxaminc all witnesses offering cvidcncc
against you.
You may rcqucst the iscuancc of subpoenas to compel thc
attendance of witnesses and the production of books, documents,
papers or other mattcrs by filing a writtcn rcqucst for such
subpocna with thc Secretary of the Board."
(6) The sccrctary of thc board shall issue all subpoenas rcqucstcd in writing by
any party to a h tiring before the board. It shall, howcvcr, bc thc obligation of thc
rcqucsting party to furnish to the secretary of the board all necessary information
for the proper icuancc of any subpoena.
(7) The board itself, in addition to any party to a hcaring held by the board, may,
by motion, rcqucst a subpocna to be icucd to compel thc attendance of any
witness or the production of books, papers, documents or other things in the
interest of fairness.
(8) The sccrctary of thc board shall not issue any subpoena when the
rcqucsting party fails to provide the necessary information to the secretary for its
issuance.
(9) The right to cross examination shall be allowed to all parties to a hcaring
held bcforc the board.
(10) Thc right to bc rcprcscntcd by lcgal counscl shall bc cxtcndcd to all partics
to a hcaring bcforc the board.
(11) Thc right to call a witness on his bchalf shall bc cxtcndcd to all parties to a
hcaring bcforc this board.
(12) In every sass whcrc thc subject matter of the hearing before the board is
thc suspension or revocation of thc registration of any statc liccnscc, thc burden of
proof shall be upon the person commencing such action.
(13) During a hcaring hcld bcforc thc board, any mcmbcr of thc board shall
have the right to direct any question to either party to such hcaring.
(1'l) Oral e� alull be-taken onl i on oath or affirmat� � e wi ess
offering such evidence.
(15) Any rcicvant cvidcnce may bc admitted if it is thc type of cvidcncc on which
rcsponsiblc persons arc accustomed to rcly in thc conduct of scrious affairs,
rcgardlcss of thc existence of any common law or statutory rulc which might makc
improper the admission of such evidence over objection in civil actions in courts of
competent jurisdiction in this state.
(16) Thc board shall have in mind that it is conducting an administrativc hcaring
and consistent with this section may adopt any n files necessoni to condi ict si ich
o
hcaring hcld bcforc it.
(17) The board shall render its decision in writing within fivc days of the
conch scion of any hearing held before it
Subdivision I-V III. Permits
Sec. 22466146. Required.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to undertake any electrical work within the
city without having obtained a permit authorizing the person to undertake such work.
(b) There shall only be one electrical permit issued or outstanding at the same
time for any electrical work undertaken at any job site within the city. However, the electrical
inspector shall be authorized to issue two or more permits for a job site when the electrical
work to be undertaken at a job site is to be done in separate phases and the electrician
applying for the permit is to be responsible for one or more phases of the electrical work,
but not the total work required for completion of the job.
(c) When a master electrician has obtained a permit to undertake electrical work
and the electrician is seeking to undertake less than the total electrical work at a job site,
the following requirements apply:
(1) The master electrician shall, prior to the issuance of such permit, supply
to the electrical inspector drawings, diagrams or plans which show the exact
scope of the work to be undertaken.
(2) The master electrician shall be solely responsible for all electrical work
to be undertaken by such electrician at the job site.
(3) The master electrician who has obtained a permit to do electrical work
at a job site when such work is a phase or part of the total work, but less than
the total work required at the job site, shall do only such work at the job site
authorized by his permit.
(4) When there is more than one electrical permit issued for a job site within
the city, where two or more master electricians are working on different parts
or phases of the electrical work at such site, it shall be the joint responsibility
of all such electricians so permitted to see that the individual work undertaken
is compatible with all other electrical work undertaken at the job site and in
conformity with the approved plans for the job and this article.
(5) When two or more master electricians have performed phases or work
at a job site, the electrical inspector shall make one final electrical inspection
at the job site, which shall cover all electrical work undertaken or done at the
job site, and shall not pass the work unless all electrical work undertaken at
the job site is found to comply with this article.
(d) The electrical inspector shall issue only one electrical permit per job site for
the same or identical work with the following exceptions:
(1) When the master electrician has failed to complete the work, and such
fact is communicated by the general contractor or property owner.
(2) When the electrical inspector is notified in writing by the master
electrician that his contract for the electrical work is no longer in effect.
(3) When the electrical inspector has been notified in writing by the general
contractor permitted at the job site that the master electrician originally
permitted to do the work at the job site has been replaced with a new
electrician.
(e) When the electrical inspector determines that a new permit will be issued, the
person requiring such permit shall pay the full fee for the permit, and no refund shall ever
be made on the original permit issued.
(f) The electrical inspector is authorized to require any other type of evidence from
the general contractor or master electrician which he deems necessary prior to the
issuance of a new electrical permit.
(g) The issuance of a new permit under this section shall release the first permitted
electrician of any responsibility for compliance with this article for work completed by such
electrician, and the new permitted electrician shall be responsible for compliance with this
article for the entire job site.
(h) The cicctrical inspcctor Chief Building Official shall require the owner, general
contractor or subcontractor or other interested person to execute an indemnity agreement
agreeing to hold harmless and defend the city and building and codc administrator Chief
Building Official from any and all liability which may be alleged as a result of the issuance
of a new electrical permit under this section and to require such agreement to be secured
by bonds and insurance deemed appropriate unless a release is signed by all parties.
Sec. 22487 147. Exemptions.
(a) No permit shall be required for a registered electrician or a homeowner to
undertake minor electrical work, which by way of illustration and not limitation is as follows:
(1) Repairing flush and snap switches.
(2) Replacing fuses.
(3) Changing lamp sockets and receptacles.
(4) Replacing neon tubing in or on an existing sign erected in compliance
with this article.
(5) Changing lamp or ballast.
(b) No permit shall be required to attach or repair electrical wiring or install service
to electrical apparatuses or equipment which are a part of a refrigeration, heating or air
conditioning system or unit or any motor unit driving other equipment. Nothing in this
subsection shall be construed as allowing any person to install new electrical wiring to or
in a building or premises in order to install any of the equipment listed in this subsection,
and this section shall be construed to allow a person to connect to existing wiring only.
(c) No permit shall be required, after original installation and inspection, to change
an electrical fixture or repair or replace an electrical fixture unless the work will require a
change in the size of the wiring supplying current to such fixture.
Sec. 22-1-88148. Classification.
The following types of permits for electrical work may be issued by the clectrical
inspcctor Chief Building Official:
(1) General electrical permit. A general electrical permit shall only be issued to a
master electrician and shall authorize the electrician to perform any type of electrical work
at a specific job site for which his registration qualifies.
(2) Homeowner's permit.
a. A homeowner's electrical permit shall only be issued to a person who
owns and resides in a single-family home and may be used by such
homeowner to do electrical work on the premises used by the homeowner as
his residence. The electrical inspector shall be authorized to require proof of
ownership and residence for any permit issued under this subsection.
b. Exception. A homeowner's permit shall not include any electrical
installation for a swimming pool, hot tub or spa, and all such electrical work
shall only be allowed by a general electrical permit issued to a master
electrician.
(3) In-house electrical permit. An in-house electrical permit shall only be issued to
a person registered as an industrial electrician, and shall authorize such electrician to
perform any type of electrical work for his employer for which his registration qualifies. No
permit issued to an industrial electrician shall ever authorize such electrician to perform any
electrical work for any person other than the employer of such electrician and upon the
buildings, grounds or equipment owned or leased by such employer.
Sec. 2248 149. Applications.
Application forms for any type of electrical permit authorized by scction 22 188
section 22-148 shall be obtained from the clectrical inspector Chief Building Official and
shall be fully completed by the individual seeking the permit and returned to the electrical
inspector. The aectrical inspector Chief Building Official shall not issue the permit
requested if he finds any of the following:
(1) The proposed electrical work does not comply with this article.
(2) Plans and specifications for the work to be done under the requested permit
are insufficient to allow the electrical inspector to determine if the work proposed to
be done under the requested permit complies with this article.
(3) The individual is seeking a permit to perform electrical work which he is not
qualified to perform under the registration issued to such person by theChief Building
Official .
(4) If for a homeowner's permit, the individual applying therefor is not the owner
and resident of the premises for which the permit is sought.
(5) If for a homeowner's permit, the individual seeking the permit has failed to
demonstrate a working knowledge of this article.
(6) The individual seeking the permit has failed to furnish the certificate of
insurance required by section 22-349, or such insurance has been canceled or
reduced in coverage. This defect may be cured by compliance with the terms of
section 22-349.
Sec. 22490150. Plans and specifications required.
(a) Two sets of electrical plans and specifications may be required by the cicctrical
inspector Chief Building Official prior to the issuance of a permit for the following electrical
work:
(1) All new construction for which a building permit is required in
accordance with this Code.
(2) All alterations to existing buildings or structures for which a building
permit is required in accordance with this Code.
(b) In addition to subsection (a) of this section, the clectrical inspector Chief
Building Official may require two sets of electrical plans and specifications when, in the
opinion of the Chief Building Official, such plans and specifications are necessary for the
c,ectrical inspector Chief Building Official to determine if the proposed electrical work to be
undertaken, if a permit is issued, will comply with this article.
(c) When plans and specifications are required by this section, they shall contain
the following information:
(1) The size of the feeders and subfeeders and their length when there are
more than four branch circuits.
(2) All current connected device locations.
(3) All circuitry to panels.
(4) All panels and the service entrance must be sized on the plans.
(d) In addition to the requirements set forth in subsection (c) of this section, the
electrical inspector may require the calculations for the plans prior to the issuance of a
permit.
(e) The plans required by this section shall be sealed or certified as follows:
(1) All commercial building plans shall bear the seal of an electrical
engineer or a certification by a master electrician or industrial electrician that
the plans are approved by him. However, all plans must bear the seal of an
engineer licensed to practice in the state when required by the Texas
Occupations Code.
(2) All other plans shall be approved and bear the seal or certification of
any one of the following persons:
a. An engineer licensed by the state.
b. A registered master electrician who is contracted for the job.
c. A homeowner who is performing electrical work on his own
residence.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this subsection to the contrary,
a registered industrial electrician may certify plans for electrical work for his
employer, if such plans do not require the seal of a licensed engineer in this
state pursuant to the Texas Occupations Code.
Sec. 22494 151. Issuance; contents.
(a) When the electrical permit fee, as established by separate ordinance, is paid
and all other applicable sections of this article are complied with, the c,ectrical inspector
Chief Building Official shall issue the permit requested.
(b) The permit shall specify the following:
(1) The type of permit issued.
(2) The proposed work to be done.
(3) The location of the job site.
(4) The name and address of the registered electrician receiving the permit
or, if a homeowner, his name and address.
(5) The name and address of any company, firm, business, partnership or
corporation with whom the registered electrician is an officer, employee or
partner.
(6) The date of issuance and the signature of the electrical inspector.
(7) The signature of the electrician or homeowner receiving the permit and
responsible for electrical code compliance.
Sec. 22492 152. Temporary installations.
(a) The c,ectrical inspector Chief Building Official is authorized, in addition to other
permits allowed by this article, to issue temporary permits for a period of time not to exceed
90 days. All electrical work undertaken under a temporary permit shall nonetheless comply
with all other sections of this article, unless the electrician seeking such temporary permit
shall prove to the clectrical inspector Chief Building Official that a lesser standard will
provide a safe installation for the period of time the permit is enforced.
(b) Upon the expiration of the time set forth in any temporary permit issued in
accordance with this section, the person obtaining such permit will do the following:
(1) Apply for and secure a regular permit for electrical work to either
complete the temporary work or bring such work into full compliance with this
article; or
(2) Remove all such temporary electrical work installed or undertaken
under the temporary permit issued and restore the building or premises to full
code compliance.
Sec. 22 193 153. Ready-built homes.
Where buildings are constructed in lumberyards or on premises other than where
the building is on a permanent foundation and where such building is to be moved into and
located within the city limits, wiring installation shall be made by an insured and registered
master electrician in conformity with this article, and permits shall be applied for.
Sec. 22494 154. Emergency work necessitating new wiring.
If an emergency occurs necessitating immediate new wiring or repairs to electrical
wiring at a time when the office of the Building and Code Administration is closed, the work
may be carried out without first obtaining a permit. Thereafter, a written application shall be
submitted to the Building and Code Administration for a permit during the next day that
such office is open. Before the permit shall be issued, all requirements for its issuance must
be complied with.
Secs. 2249-5 155-22-220. Reserved.
Subdivision V IV. Inspections
Sec. 22-221. Required.
All electrical work for which a permit has been issued in accordance with this article
shall be inspected by the electrical inspector for compliance with this article. The electrical
inspector in discharging this duty shall make the following inspections:
(1) Rough-in inspection. The registered electrician or homeowner who has
secured the permit for electrical work shall be responsible for notification to
the Building and Code Administration that the electrical work is ready for a
rough-in inspection at such time that all raceways, panel board cabinets,
service equipment, outlet boxes, junction boxes, conduit, conductors and
conductor splices are installed and ready for visible inspection. The electrical
inspector shall refuse to make any rough-in inspection when the electrical
work has been covered from view.
(2) Final inspection. The registered electrician or homeowner who has
secured the permit for electrical work shall be responsible for notification to
the Building and Code Administration that the electrical work is ready for a
final inspection. Electrical work shall be considered ready for final inspection
when such work has passed all prior inspections made by the electrical
inspector, or when such work has been corrected to comply with this article
where a violation has been found to exist upon prior inspection, and where
the electrical work has been completed in accordance to plans and
specifications by the registered electrician or homeowner who has secured
the permit. The electrical inspector shall have the option of requiring the
presence of the permitted electrician or journeyman in charge of the work at
any final inspection.
(3) Additional inspections. In addition to the inspection required to be made
by the electrical inspector under subsections (1) and (2) of this section, such
inspector is further required to make any and all additional inspections he
shall deem necessary to ensure that all electrical work undertaken or existing
in the city is in compliance with this article.
(4) Sign inspections. The master electrician securing a permit for electrical
work in connection with any sign to be installed within the city shall be
responsible for notification to the electrical inspector that the electrical work,
for which the permit is issued, is ready for inspection. Electrical work
necessary for installation or erection of a sign shall be considered ready for
inspection when all work necessary for its installation or erection has been
completed by the person holding the permit. The electrical inspector shall
have the authority to require a sign to be opened or uncovered when
necessary to complete the inspection required by this subsection.
Sec. 22-222. Request for inspections.
(a) Every registered electrician or homeowner securing a permit under this article
to undertake electrical work shall be responsible for notifying the electrical inspector of any
requested inspection. The electrical inspector shall complete such inspection within 24
working hours after receipt of the notice requesting such inspection.
(b) A request for inspection may be made in writing or by telephone and shall
contain or specify the following information:
(1) The address where the work is located.
(2) The permit number if requested by the electrical inspector.
(3) The electrical contractor's name and address or the name of the
homeowner.
(4) The type of inspection requested, which shall be as follows:
E 1 Construction tap
E2 Rough in (before work is covered)
E3 Final (all work complete, power on)
E4 Reinspection (when work is rejected)
E5 Courtesy inspection (to discuss or plan work)
E6 Electrical system safety check (before power is connected or occupancy
change to existing service)
E9 Temporary power on (to power system before final inspection. If the
structure is occupied or code violations are noted, the electrical
inspector may request immediate disconnect of service to the electrical
utility)
Sec. 22-223. Procedure for identifying results.
The electrical inspector, after completing any inspection required or authorized by
this article, shall identify the results of such inspection in the following manner:
(1) If the electrical inspector determines upon inspection that the electrical work
inspected complies in every respect with this article, he shall attach or affix, at a
visible and accessible point, a notice which will signify that the work has been
inspected and was found to be in compliance with this article. The notice shall be
signed by the inspector making the inspection, shall be dated, shall set forth the
address of the job site where the inspection was made, and shall authorize the
electrician or homeowner to continue with the work.
(2) If the electrical inspector determines upon inspection that the electrical work
inspected does not comply with this article, he shall attach or affix, at a visible and
accessible point, a notice which will signify that the work has been inspected and
was found not to comply with this article. The notice shall be signed by the inspector,
shall be dated, shall contain a statement that the work has not passed the inspection,
and shall contain a warning that it is a violation of this article to proceed with the
electrical work until such work has passed inspection, and that a reinspection fee
will be paid before reinspection. The inspector shall also note on the back of the
notice the violation of this article discovered during his inspection and any other
information deemed relevant.
(3) When the electrical inspector is requested to make a final inspection on any
electrical work, he shall determine at such inspection if the electrical work complies
with this article and is ready to be connected to a source of electrical current. If the
electrical inspector approves and passes the work inspected, he shall attach or affix,
at a visible and accessible point, a notice which shall signify that the work has been
inspected and found to be in compliance with this article, and is ready to be
connected to a source of electrical current. The notice shall be signed by the
inspector, shall be dated, shall set forth the address of the job site, and upon
issuance, the inspector shall notify the utility company to provide service to the site
in accordance with section 22-224.
(4) For minor violations of this article where electrical work will remain open to
view, the electrical inspector may issue a notice of approval with notations of minor
violations. Such notice shall be attached or affixed at a visible and accessible point
of the work. The notice will signify that the work has been inspected and minor
violations of this article were discovered upon inspection. Any registered electrician
or homeowner who has received a notice of approval with minor violations shall
make all necessary corrections to the electrical work found to be a minor violation of
this article prior to the next inspection by the electrical inspector or within ten days
after receipt of the notice, whichever period is the shortest period of time. The notice
shall be signed by the inspector, shall be dated, shall set forth the location of the job
site and shall point out the items of work that must be corrected. If the registered
electrician or homeowner has failed to make corrections to electrical work as listed
on the notice within the time period in this subsection, the inspector shall issue a
rejection notice following the procedures set forth in subsection (b) of this section to
such electrician or homeowner.
Sec. 22-224. Clearance to connect electrical service.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to connect, reconnect or cause connection
or reconnection of electrical service to any building, structure, installation, construction tap,
sign or outdoor lighting system without a clearance from the electrical inspector except a
registered master electrician connecting service in an emergency, as allowed in section 22-
154.
(b) No electric utility company furnishing electric service within the city shall
furnish electric service in any of the following cases until authorization to connect has been
secured from the electrical inspector:
(1) New service to any new building, structure, tent, installation, sign or
outdoor lighting.
(2) Electrical service has been terminated due to the alteration or repair of
any building, structure, installation, sign, premises or outdoor lighting.
(3) Electrical service has been terminated due to fire, flood, windstorm,
earthquake, explosion or any other similar disaster to any building, structure,
installation, sign, premises or outdoor lighting.
(4) Electrical service has been terminated due to unsafe electrical
conditions existing at or in any building, structure, installation, sign, premises
or outdoor lighting, and the utility has been made aware of such fact by the
electrical inspector.
(5) Electrical service has been discontinued or there has been a change of
occupants to any building or premises, except private residences and
apartments where service is carried over for a continuing occupancy.
Secs. 22-225-22-254. Reserved.
Subdivision VI-V. Fees
Sec. 22-255. Permit and inspection fees.
(a) A fee shall be assessed for each permit required by this article. Such fee shall
be established by separate ordinance. All permit fees shall be paid upon application for the
permit.
(b) When any electrical work is commenced within the city and no permit as
required by this article has been issued prior to the commencement of such work, the fee
for issuance of the required permit may be charged and assessed at twice the amount
required by separate ordinance. This subsection shall not, however, apply when the
electrical work has been undertaken as an emergency in accordance with section 22-154.
(c) Permit fees as established by separate ordinance shall not be assessed for
permits involving work for any of the following:
(1) School districts within the city limits.
(2) The city.
(3) The county.
(d) When a permit has been issued and the electrical work has been inspected
by the electrical inspector, and such inspector determines upon inspection that the
electrical work failed to comply with this article and issues a rejection notice for such work
pursuant to section 22-223(b), a reinspection fee shall be charged, as established by
separate ordinance.
Sec. 22-256. Fee adjustments.
All fees and charges as established and set forth by separate ordinance are and
shall be subject to adjustment in accordance with this Code.
Secs. 22-257-22-285. Reserved.
DIVISION 3. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
Subdivision I. In General
Secs. 22-286-22-345. Reserved.
Subdivision II. Licenses
Sec. 22-346. Required.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to do or undertake to do any electrical work
within the city unless licensed by the state to perform such work in accordance with this
article, except where a person is performing electrical work for a class of business that is
exempt from this article as set forth in section 22-404, or the person is a homeowner
performing electrical work or wiring on his own residence and is exempt from this article as
set forth in section 22-404.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in or carry on, directly or indirectly,
or to advertise or to hold himself out as engaging in or carrying on electrical work or to
perform any act as a master electrician, industrial electrician, journeyman electrician,
maintenance electrician, master sign electrician, journeyman sign electrician, residential
wireman, or apprentice electrician, as defined within this article, without first obtaining an
appropriate license from the state.
(c) In addition to any license required in this section, any person who shall engage
in the business of electrical contracting shall, prior to making contracts or subletting the
contracts, obtain a registration, referred to as an "electrical contractor registration." Such
electrical contractor registration shall be issued by Building and Code Administration,
contingent upon compliance with the applicable sections of this article and the following:
(1) The business for which the registration is issued shall be owned by or
have in its employment at least one registered master electrician, and such
master electrician shall be designated on the registration application as
responsible for the daily supervision of all electrical work of the business so
registered.
(2) Such designated master electrician's name, address and telephone
number shall be provided to the Building and Code Administration upon
application for the electrical contractor registration.
(3) Such master electrician shall make himself available during the normal
working hours of the Building and Code Administration in order to meet with
the electrical inspector either at the job site or at the inspector's office
regarding any electrical work performed by that business. When such
designated master electrician may be unavailable, such as in cases of
emergency, illness, or absence from the city, the electrical inspector may
allow the business to designate an alternate master or journeyman electrician
as the city contact during such period of absence.
(4) At any time the designated master electrician's registration is
suspended, revoked, or expires, or such master electrician leaves the
employment of the business so registered under this subsection, the electrical
contractor registration shall become null and void until such master electrician
registration has been reinstated or another master electrician has been
designated by the business.
(5) An electrical contractor's registration shall expire on December 31 and
may be renewed thereafter.
(6) A fee shall be charged for each electrical contractor registration, issued
in accordance with the fee established by separate ordinance.
(7) No permits shall be issued to any master electrician whose contractor's
registration is not current.
(d) A master electrician or industrial electrician shall not use his registration to
obtain electrical permits issued under this article for any other class of electrician who is
not a full-time employee of the master electrician's or industrial electrician's company and
under his direct supervision and control. Business records of the electrical contractor may
be required by the Chief Building Official to substantiate the master's involvement with the
business.
Sec. 22-347. Unlawful work; false claims.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any registered electrician to perform or hold himself out
as being able to perform any type or class of electrical work not expressly included under
coverage of his registration.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to advertise or to hold out or to state to the
public or to any customer, either directly or indirectly, that any electrical work or installation
complies with the city electrical code unless such work has in fact been inspected and
approved by the electrical inspector.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person or the owner, agent or occupant of any
premises to aid or abet an electrical contractor in the violation of this article or connive in
its violation.
Sec. 22-348. Unregistered electricians.
It shall be unlawful for any registered electrician to allow any unregistered electrician
or unregistered apprentice to work at any job site or electrical installation project under his
control or supervision.
Sec. 22-349. Fee and insurance requirements.
chall pay a fcc to thc sccrctary of thc Board of Elcctrical Examincrs in thc amount sct forth
any cicctrical work within thc city until such timc as thc fcc has bccn paid. The fcc rcquircd
shall be paid to thc sccrctary, who shall pay such fcc ovcr to thc city's gcncral fund.
(a) Any person engaged in the electrical contracting business in the corporate city
limits shall obtain and have in full force and effect a policy of liability insurance, insuring
against claims or actions for personal injuries or property damage occurring or claiming to
have occurred upon or growing out of engaging in the electrical contracting business with
limits as prescribed by state licensing requirements. A current certificate of insurance
meeting or exceeding these limits must be on file in the cicctrical inspector Building and
Code Administration's office prior to the issuance of any permit. The insurance coverage
shall include a provision that if such coverage is canceled or reduced, the insurance carrier
shall notify the clectrical inspector Chief Building Official at least ten days prior to such
cancellation or reduction in coverage.
(b) No electrical permit shall be issued to any master electrician until such time as
the certificate of insurance required in subsection (b)of this section is filed with the clectrical
inspector Chief Building Official.
(c) It shall not be necessary, however, for a master electrician to furnish a
certificate of insurance as required by this section if such electrician does not actively
engage in the electrical business as a master electrician and files with the cicctrical
inspector Chief Building Official a letter so stating. A master electrician may engage in his
electrical business at any time by so advising the Chief Building Official in writing and
furnishing the required insurance certificate.
(d) The requirements of this section shall not apply to the following:
(1) A homeowner seeking a homeowner's permit to do work on his own
residence.
(2) An industrial electrician seeking an in-house electrical permit as
provided in section 22-148(3) to do work outlined by such permit.
Sec. 22-350. Possession.
The holder of any electrical registration shall, when on the job site of any electrical
installation, have in his immediate possession a wallet-size identification of such
registration. The registrant shall, upon request, present such registration for identification
to the electrical inspector or any of his deputies. In addition to the identification requirement
in this section, each master electrician and industrial electrician shall cause to be posted in
a prominent place at his place of business or employment the certificate of qualification
which is issued by the secretary at the time his registration is issued.
Sec. 22-351. Business address.
(a) Every master electrician and industrial electrician shall file with the cicctrical
inspcctor Chief Building Official a written statement setting forth the current business
address and phone number of such electrician. It shall be the responsibility of the electrician
to advise the electrical inspector of any changes to the information required in this
subsection.
(b) The clectrical inspector Chief Building Official shall not issue any permit
required by this article to any master electrician or industrial electrician who has not
complied with this section.
Sec. 22-352. Transferability.
Any electrical registration issued in accordance with this article shall be
nontransferable.
Sec. 22-353. Employment of journeyman or apprentice.
(a) Every master electrician or industrial electrician shall be responsible for and
exercise supervision and control over every journeyman electrician or apprentice electrician
performing work upon any job site for which the master electrician or industrial electrician
has secured a permit in accordance with this article. Consistent with the responsibility of
the master electrician or industrial electrician to exercise supervision and control over
journeyman electricians and apprentices, no master electrician or industrial electrician shall
use the services of a journeyman electrician or apprentice on any job who is not a full-time
employee of the same company as the master electrician or industrial electrician.
(b) The cicctrical inspcctor Chief Building Official may require the master
electrician or industrial electrician to produce payroll records, quarterly federal withholding
reports, or other information to verify the employee relationship.
Sec. 22-354. Supervision of journeyman electrician.
It shall be a violation of this article and an additional reason for revocation or
suspension of a journeyman's registration if a journeyman electrician is found to be
undertaking or engaged in performing electrical work when a permit for such work has not
been issued to the master electrician or industrial electrician who is employed on a full-time
basis by the same company as the journeyman electrician.
Sec. 22-355. Notification of employment.
(a) The holder of a journeyman electrician registration shall notify the clectrical
inspector Chief Building Official in writing if the holder of such a registration changes places
of employment. The notice shall contain the name, address and telephone number of the
new employer, together with the date of new employment.
(b) The holder of a maintenance electrician registration shall follow the same
procedure as set forth in subsection (a) of this section if he changes places of employment.
(c) The holder of an industrial electrician registration shall follow the same
procedure as set forth in subsection (a) of this section if he changes places of employment.
(d) The notification required by this section shall be made to the clectrical
inspector Chief Building Official no later than ten days after the commencement of new
em ployment.
Sec. 22-356. Supervision of apprentice electrician.
No class of registered electrician shall have more than three apprentice electricians
working under his direct supervision and control.
Sec. 22-357. Expiration and renewal.
(a) Each electrician's registration issued under this article shall expire at 12:00
midnight on December 31 of each year.
(b) Every holder of any class of registration issued in accordance with this article
may make written application for renewal of his registration; however, such application shall
be filed with the clectrical inspector Chief Building Official prior to the expiration of his
current registration.
(c) Application forms for renewal of any registration issued in accordance with this
article shall be furnished by the aectrical inspector Chief Building Official.
(d) A fee shall be charged for each renewal registration issued in accordance with
the schedule of fees established by separate ordinance.
(e) The cicctrical inspcctor Chief Building Official shall refuse to renew any
registration issued in accordance with this article where the applicant for renewal thereof
fails to maintain his license through the state, complete the required application, maintain
insurance as required, and tender the fees for renewal.
Sec. 22-358. Vehicle and other identification.
(a) Each vehicle used in the business of electrical contracting work in the city shall
be properly identified by the placement of a sign or lettering on such vehicle. The sign shall
display the name of the person doing business, and the lettering for such sign shall be at
least two inches in height in contrasting colors. These signs shall be placed on both front
doors of each vehicle or on both upper side panels of each van.
(b) In addition to subsection (a) of this section, all trucks or other vehicles used by
any master electrician shall also have, placed upon the left-hand side of such vehicle, the
registration number of the master electrician, in numbers a minimum height of two inches
in size. These numbers shall be placed above the door signs or included as part of the sign.
(c) Every master electrician shall include his registration number on all printed or
written advertising used or employed by such electrician.
Sec. 22-359. Procedure forrevocationC or suspension.
� c
� he-w Roard of Ele cal E7t ers=s-autherized-either to susp nd
period of time not to exceed one year) or revoke the registration of any statc licensee for
proper causc as set forth in section 22 360.
(b) Thc board shall follow thc following proccdurcs in exercising thc powers set
forth in subsection (a-) of-this section:
(1) Whcn thc board is to dctcrminc whcthcr or not an electrician's
rcgistration is to be suspended or rcvokcd, thc board shall procccd upon a
sworn affidavit of thc cicctrical inspcctor or upon thc sworn affidavit of any
person aggricvcd by thc action of such cicctrician. Thc affidavit shall sct
forth thc grounds upon which thc affiant rclics to suspend or rcvokc thc
registration in question, together with sufficient facts in support thcrcof.
2)— f en-t elec�pector g�neved-p� ;-seeks to
commcncc action to suspend or rcvokc the rcgistration of an cicctrician, he
shall prcparc thc required affidavit in writing and shall filc thc original and
kith the electnSpecter, , shall-note ate-and-t of
filing of ci ich affidavit and chall forward a cony to the chairpercon of the
board and to thc cicctrician who is thc subject of thc allegations. Thc
elec�pecto� a rotas f the affidavi #ilex The
lw-lTTffQ'LrOT TfG7�l1T
cicctrical inspector shall forward the copy of thc affidavit to thc cicctrician
named in thc affidavit by ccrtificd mail, rcturn rcccipt requested.
(3) Thc cicctrician namcd in thc affidavit shall havc tcn day., from tho
datc of rcccipt of such affidavit to filc a sworn rcsponsc to thc charges set
forth in the affidavit. Thc cicctrician in question shall filc thc rcsponsc and
two copics with the secretary of thc board, who shall forward one copy to
the chairperson of the board and one copy to the person filing thc affidavit
to which the rcsponsc is directed. The cicctrical inspector shall rctain thc
original rcsponsc in his office.
(11) Thc chairperson of the board, upon rcccipt of an affidavit of complaint
for suspension or revocation of the registration of any electrician, shall givc
notice of such affidavit of complaint to cach mcmbcr of thc board. Aftcr
ch mcmbcr of thc board has been notificd of thc affidavit of complaint,
the hoard shall moot at a regi filar mooting or a special mooting called hey the
chairperson for thc purposc of cntcring an ordcr of thc board sctting a datc
and timc at which the board shall enter upon a h ring to determinc
whether or not the electrician in question should have his registration
cuspcndcd or rcvokcd. Thc board shall causc a copy of its ordcr sctting a
hcaring in thc mattcr to bc scrvcd upon thc cicctrician namcd in thc affidavit
of complaint hey certified moil reti irn receipt req jested at least ten days
o
prior to thc datc of thc hcaring sct by thc board.
(5) Thc board shall thcrcaftcr mcct at thc timc and placc sct forth in it&
order and enter i ipon a hearing to determine whether or not the hoard shall
ordcr thc rcgistration of thc cicctrician in qucstion suspcndcd or rcvokcd.
(6) Thc board shall causc a copy of its final ordcr to bc scrvcd upon the
electrician in q iestion hey certified moil reti irn receipt req jested and shall
o
filc a copy of its order with the electrical inspector.
(7) Whcn thc chairperson of thc board has rcccivcd thc affidavit of
complaint which, in thc unanimous opinion of thc board, scts forth
allcgations that would causc immcdiatc dangcr to lifc or property, thc board
may, by unanimous votc, cntcr its ordcr tcmporarily suspcnding thc
registration of the electrician named in the affidavit of complaint fora period
of time not to exceed 20 days. When the board enters a temporary ordcr of
suspension a- authorized in this subsection, it shall enter its final
dctcrmination on thc mcrits of thc complaint prior to thc cxpiration of thc
temporary order of suspension.
(8) Whcn an cicctrician has had his rcgistration suspcndcd by ordcr of
thc board, he shall not bc cligiblc to undcrtakc any cicctrical work within thc
city during thc timc of suspcnsion sct forth in thc board's ordcr. At thc
conclusion of the term of suspension, the electrician's registration shall
automatically bc rcinstatcd or rcncwcd in accordancc with this articic, and
he may oncc again undcrtakc cicctrical work within thc city.
(9) Whcn an cicctrician has had his rcgistration rcvokcd by ordcr of thc
board, he shall not be cligiblc to undcrtakc any cicctrical work within thc city
i intil si ich time as he has si iccessfi illy q ialified fora new registration as
provided in this article. Any electrician whose registration has bccn rcvokcd
shall rt�gi e to pply Te r Jura} n f pperiod of one year
from thc datc of thc ordcr of thc board rcvoking samc.
Sec. 22 360. Grounds for suspension or revocation.
(a) One or more of the following shall constitute cause for suspension or
revocation for an y class of electrical registration issi ied b y the Board of Electrical
Examiners:
(1) The failure or rcfusal by an electrician, after due notice from tho
eleG�spector t Tect any electrical work fo ind tobbe i a' n of
this articic or thc cicctrical codc.
(2) Thc furnishing of fa1sc or incorrcct information in any application
submitted to the board for licensing under the board's powers.
(3\ Knowingly r allowing wiring to he covered or concealed from
C �vu�cvPcrca-vrcvrrccurca�-rvrrr
sight prior to inspcction by thc cicctrical inspcctor.
(11) Thc rcfusal to uncovcr or makc availablc for inspcction by tho
cicctrical inspcctor any cicctrical wiring or work inadvcrtcntly covcrcd or
conccalcd by thc cicctrician.
(5) A final conviction in a court of law of any violati-e-n-ef-t-h+s articic or thc
c ectrical code.
(6) A pica of nolo contcndcrc cntcrcd by any cicctrician licensed by thc
state to any complaint or charge against him in which hc is charged with a
viola#ae ^f articic or thc cicctrical codc and upon which thc court has
cntcrcd a judgmcnt of conviction against thc cicctrician.
(7) Thc habitual viola of this articic or thc cicctrical codc. Thc term
"habitual violation" shall mcan thrcc or morc scparatc violations of a similar
or idcntical naturc occurring at scparatc job sites within any 12 month
period, except minor violations of subdivision II of division 11 of this article.
(8) Any violation of this articic or thc cicctrical code, which violation is a
clear and present danger to life or property
(9) Thc failurc of any rcgistcrcd mastcr cicctrician or industrial cicctrician
t� main n ad peryision over all iourneyn an and others registered
c�--n�uirrta�rracre�C�te�Fcivr.�rvrrv-� i�-ern--crr�rvcr-r�Tsrc9rzccrccr
undcr this articic, working dircctly undcr or for him on any projcct or job for
which a permit has bccn secured by thc mastcr cicctrician or industrial
c,ectrician. The term "adequate supervision," for thc purpose of this
ccction, shall m n that thc mastcr cicctrician or industrial cicctrician
chall maintain such contact with a job or projcct for which hc has obtaincd a
permit as necessary to ensure that those electricians under his control and
direction arc complying and have complicd with all applicable sections of
this articic and provisions of thc cicctrical codc.
(b) It shall be a ground for suspension or rcvocation of a registration issued to a
,
cicctrician if thc board of cicctrical cxamincrs finds by a prcpondcrancc of cvidcncc that
such cicctrician has obtaincd a permit undcr this articic or thc cicctrical codc and has
allowcd any othcr cicctrician to work upon thc job or projcct for which thc permit was
issucd othcr than thosc cicctrician rcgistcrcd by thc board undcr his dircct employment
projcct in qucstion thc fact that thc projcct is to bc a joint vcnturc is notcd upon thc permit
will havc immediate responsibility and control ovcr thc job or projcct from which the
permit is obtained.
(c) It shall be a ground for revocation of any registration issucd to any cicctrician
that thc cicctrician in qucstion has had his rcgistration suspcndcd by thc board on two
ccparatc occasions within an 18 month period of timc.
(d) It shall bc a ground for suspension of a registration issucd by thc Board of
Electrical Examiners if a holder of a registration required to furnish a certificate of
,
insurancc in accordance with this articic, fails to furnish such ccrtificatc or maintain thc
rcquisitc insurancc coverage such ccrtificatc cvidcnccs.
(c) It shall bc a ground for suspcnsion of any rcgistration issued by thc board of
cicctrical cxamincrs if an applicant for rcncwal of such rcgistration fails or rcfuscs to
furnish any information rcqucstcd by thc board in writing concerning thc applicant's
ability, training, experience or performance as an cicctrician.
(f) It shall be a ground for suspension or revocation of a registration issucd to a
such cicctrical work is not undcr thc supervision of a mastcr cicctrician or industrial
cicctrician.
(g) It shall bc a ground for suspcnsion, only of a rcgistration issued to a mastcr
telephone ni amber and addresson file with the electrical inspector.
(h) It shall bc a ground for rcvocation of a rcgistration issucd to any class of
rcgistration has bccn suspcndcd by thc board.
(i) It shall bc a ground for suspension or rcvocation of a registration for any
cicctrician authorizcd by this articic to obtain permits for cicctrical work to undcrtakc any
cicctrical work without first obtaining thc required permit, unlcss spccifically authorizcd by
this article to secure such per tat a later dote
aurcrv-r� cvarc��vrrFr rc-cr-rcrccT-crcrc�
(j) It shall bc a ground for suspension ^o 4cv^cation of a registration issued to
undertaken under the terms of the registration held by such cicctrician.
(k) It shall he a groi and for si ispension or r ocation of a r ued to
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any mastcr cicctrician or industrial cicctrician to allow any person to perform cicctrical
work on a job sitc for which thc cicctrician has sccurcd a permit when such person is not
authorizcd by this articic to perform such cicctrical work.
Sec. 22 361. Appeal of revocation or ,u-spencion.
(a) Any person whosc rcgistration has bccn rcvokcd or suspcndcd by action of
thc Board of Elcctrical Examincrs or any applicant for any clad of rcgistration who fccls
that he has bccn aggricvcd by thc action of thc board bccausc of any allcgcd arbitrary or
capricious action of thc board, may app al this dccision to the city council within tcn days
aftcr the writtcn dccision of the board has bccn filcd in the officc of the sccrctary of the
board and a copy has bccn scrvcd on the rcgistrant. The filing of the noticc of appcal by
the registrant whose registration has bccn suspcndcd or rcvokcd shall operatc to stay thc
suspcnsion or rcvocation ordcr until the city council renders its decision.
(b) The sccrctary of the board shall notify the city managcr upon rcccipt of
writtcn noticc of appcal filcd in accordancc with this scction. The city managcr shall, upon
such noticc, placc the app I on the ncxt convcnicnt city council agcnda in accordanco
with this Codc. The city council may affirm, modify or vacatc any finding of the board of
cicctrical cxamincrs or cntcr any ordcr which it may dccm ncccssary. On cntry of such
ordcr, the board shall within a rcasonablc timc comply with such ordcr, not to cxcccd /15
days from the execution of such ordcr by the city council.
Sec. 22 362 359. City licensees.
An electrician licensed by the city on October 19, 2004, may continue to perform
electrical work in the city provided his city license is registered, timely renewed and is
otherwise maintained in good standing. Except for the licensing requirements of section
32-346(a), an electrician performing work under a city license shall comply with all
requirements and shall be subject to all disciplinary action for a state licensee under this
article. In the event a city licensee shall fail to renew his license within 31 days of expiration,
he shall be required to obtain a state license before performing any electrical work that
requires a license.
Secs. 22-363-22-400. Reserved.
DIVISION 4. ELECTRICAL STANDARDS*
Subdivision I. In General
Sec. 22-401. National Electrical Code adopted by reference.
The National Electrical Code, 2005 20` edition, ANSI/NFPA 70, published by the
National Fire Protection Association, is adopted as a part of this article as fully as if copied
at length in this division. A copy of the National Electrical Code, i05 2017 edition, shall be
filed with the City Clerk's office as a public record. If a conflict occurs with any provision of
the National Electrical Code and this article, the sections of this article shall control.
Sec. 22-402. Scope.
All electrical work installed within the city shall be installed in conformity with this
article, and it is declared to be unlawful for any person to install any electrical work in
violation of this article and the provisions of the electrical code as adopted.
Sec. 22-403. Interpretations; appeals.
(a) It shall be the duty of the electrical inspector or Chief Building Official to
interpret the sections of this article as may be necessary to administer and enforce this
article.
(b) Any person, jointly or scvcrally, who may be aggrieved by the interpretation of
the electrical code rendered by the electrical inspector may appeal the decision of the
electrical inspector to the Board of Elcctrical Exam incrs Construction Board of Adjustment
and Appeals.
(c) Any person seeking to appeal the decision of the electrical inspector rendered
in accordance with this section shall comply with the following:
(1) Written notice of the appeal must be made to the Board of Elcctrical
Examiners Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals within five days of
the date on which the electrical inspector rendered his decision.
(2) The appeal must clearly set forth the decision of the electrical inspector,
together with the position of the person taking the appeal to the board.
(3) The person seeking the appeal must set forth his reasons in support of
his position, together with evidence in support of his position.
(4) The written appeal shall be filed with the sccrctary of thc board City
Clerk.
(5) The electrical inspector shall have a period of five days from rcccipt of
thc appcal to filc a rcsponsc thcrcto with thc board. Within 30 days, the Chief
Building Official shall call a regular meeting of the Construction Board of
Adjustment and Appeals to hear the appeal.
(6) In an emergency to life or property, which emergency shall be
specifically set forth in the written appeal filed with the board Construction
Board of Adjustment and Appeals, the board Construction Board of
Adjustment and Appeals shall render a decision on such appeal within 24
hours from the time such appeal is filed with the board. The board shall
determine in any such case whether or not a true emergency exists, and its
decision in this regard shall be final.
(7) In every case to be heard by the board on an emergency basis, the
electrical inspector shall be present and shall be allowed to present his
position to the board.
(8) The decision of the board on any appeal taken under this section shall
be final and binding.
Sec. 22-404. Exceptions.
(a) This article shall not apply to any of the following:
(1) Any electrical work performed by any electrical public utility holding a
certificate of service from the state public utility commission and operating
within the city.
(2) Any electrical work undertaken by the city in conjunction with street
lighting or traffic-control signals.
(3) Any electrical work performed by a telephone, telegraph or district
messenger company operating under a franchise issued by the city.
(4) Any electrical work performed by any broadcast transmission business
or entity.
The exceptions from this article in this subsection do not, however, authorize any of
such classes of business named to perform electrical work for the general public or to do
any other type of electrical work except that which is necessary and customary to the class
of business involved.
(b) Notwithstanding the exception set forth in subsection (a) of this section, this
article shall apply to the wiring and installation for light, heat and power for all buildings
containing equipment or housing employees of any class of business excepted by
subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed to require a property owner to obtain
a registration or furnish a certificate of insurance before doing electrical work in or on a
building occupied by himself as a single-family residence, provided the following conditions
exist:
(1) He has applied for and obtained a permit from the electrical inspector
to do the electrical work.
(2) He has presented a set of plans showing the electrical work to be
undertaken and such plans are found to conform to this article.
(3) He agrees to call for all inspections required by this article.
(4) He is able to demonstrate to the electrical inspector that he has a
working knowledge of this article and the ability to do electrical work in conformance
with the provisions of the electrical code.
(5) He agrees to correct any violations of this article found or discovered
upon any inspection performed by the electrical inspector.
Sec. 22-405. Premises involved in fire; reinstatement of service.
(a) It shall be the duty of the Fire Chief or the Fire Marshal to have the premises
involved in a fire fully inspected by the electrical inspector when the Chief of the Fire
Department or the Fire Marshal determines that a fire originated due to any of the following
causes:
(1) Faulty electrical wiring;
(2) Overloading of electrical equipment;
(3) Overloading of electrical lines;
(4) Unauthorized electrical installation; or
(5) Any damage to the electrical system by the fire.
(b) When the electrical inspector finds that a fire has caused damage to the
electrical system or originated for any of the reasons set forth in subsection (a) of this
section, no electrical service shall be reinstated or reconnected to the property by any
electrician or by the owner of such property until such time as the conditions have been
repaired in compliance with this article and approved by the electrical inspector.
(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the clectrical inspector
Chief Building Official may approve temporary electrical service necessary to complete
repairs or reconstruction of the property in question.
Sec. 22-406. Improperly installed or defective equipment.
(a) If any part of any electrical equipment or wiring in or about any building, facility,
installation, premises or lot within the city is found to have been installed or connected in
violation of this article, it shall be the duty of the electrical inspector to notify in writing the
owner of the premises or the tenant of the premises or the person in possession of the
premises to immediately cease using electrical current in any such violation identified by
the electrical inspector.
(b) If any part of any electrical equipment or wiring in or about any building, facility,
installation, premises or lot within the city is found to have fallen into a state of disrepair
which would render the use of such electrical equipment dangerous to life or property, it
shall be the duty of the clectrical inspector Chief Building Official to notify in writing the
owner of the premises or the tenant of the premises or the person in possession of the
premises to immediately cease using electrical current in any such violation or condition
identified by the electrical inspector.
(c) The written notice required in this section shall state the following:
(1) The date that the inspection was made by the electrical inspector where
a violation of this article or a condition dangerous to life or property is found.
(2) The section of this article or the electrical code which the inspection
reveals has been violated.
(3) For conditions dangerous to life or property, a brief description of such
conditions.
(4) A specified time, not to exceed ten days from the date of the written
notice, to correct all violations identified or to correct all conditions identified
as dangerous to life or property.
(5) A statement advising the owner, tenant or person in control and
possession of the building, facility, installation, premises or lot that, if there
are any persons using the area in question who require electrical service for
life support, it is the duty of the person receiving this notice immediately and
without failure to notify the electrical inspector of such fact.
(d) If the owner, tenant or person in possession of the premises identified in the
written notice given pursuant to this section fails to take action necessary to correct any
and all such violations or conditions dangerous to life or property within the time limit
specified in the written notice, the electrical inspector shall take the following action:
(1) The cicctrical inspcctor Chief Building Official shall serve upon the
owner, tenant or person in possession of the property an order to cease use
of the property, facility, installation, premises or lot until such time as proof is
presented to the electrical inspector that all defects have been corrected and
such work is verified by inspection.
(2) When the violation of this article found to exist is of such a nature as to
cause immediate danger to life or property, the electrical inspector shall issue
an order to the public utility supplying such power to immediately terminate
such electrical service until such time as all violations are corrected.
(3) If the owner, tenant or person in possession of the building, facility,
installation, premises or lot fails to comply with an order of the electrical
inspector issued under subsection (d)(1) of this section within three days of
receipt of such order, the electrical inspector shall issue his order as provided
in subsection (d)(2) of this section to the public utility providing the electrical
services.
(4) Notwithstanding any provision set forth in subsections (d)(1) through
(3) of this section, when the electrical inspector Chief Building Official has
been notified by the owner, tenant or person in possession of the building,
facility, installation, premises or lot that there is a person residing within any
of such structures or areas who requires electrical service for life support, the
Chief Building Official is authorized to take one or all of the following courses
of action:
a. Notify the owner, tenant or person in possession of such structure
or area to immediately make arrangement to provide an alternative
location for the person involved.
b. Withhold taking action to terminate electrical service for a
reasonable period of time not to exceed ten days.
c. Terminate all electrical service not necessary for the life support
of the person involved.
d. Request the city attorney to seek a proper court order requiring
the relocation of the person involved.
Sec. 22-407. Liability for defective work.
This article shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person
owning, operating, controlling or installing any electrical wiring connections, fixtures,
appliances, apparatus, machinery, equipment or work, inside or outside, overhead or
underground, in the city for damages to any person injured by defects therein, nor shall the
city be held as assuming any liability because of the inspection authorized by this article or
certificate or permit issued as provided for and regulated.
Sec. 22-408. Construction against implicit repeal of article.
This article being a general ordinance intended as a unified coverage of its subject
matter, no part of it shall be deemed to be implicitly repealed by subsequent ordinances if
such construction can reasonably be avoided.
Sec. 22-409. Control of zoning ordinance.
Whenever there is a conflict between the sections of this article governing signs and
the provisions of the city zoning ordinance in appendix B to this Code, the provisions of the
zoning ordinance shall control.
Secs. 22-410-22-435. Reserved.
Subdivision II. General Specifications
Sec. 22-436. General installation of wiring, fixtures and apparatus.
(a) In the installation of all wiring, fixtures and apparatus, the rules and
requirements adopted by section 22-401 shall be complied with, together with the rules
contained in this article and such additional requirements as may from time to time be
adopted.
(b) When an electrician or any homeowner has sought to install any type of
electrical equipment and such equipment has been found not to comply with this article,
the electrician or homeowner shall have the right to appeal the decision of the cicctrical
inspector Chief Building Official to the Board of Electrical Examiners Construction Board of
Adjustment and Appeals. The board shall, upon such hearing, determine whether or not
the type of electrical equipment sought to be installed by the electrician or homeowner is
equivalent to the sections of this article. When the board determines that the equipment in
question is equivalent to that required by this article, it shall enter an order to such effect,
and the cicctrical inspcctor Chief Building Official shall be governed by the terms of such
order in all future cases where the same type of equipment is sought to be installed.
Sec. 22-437. Wiring.
(a) All electrical wiring shall be installed in rigid metallic conduit, electrical metallic
tubing, approved metallic raceways, approved metal-clad cable, approved nonmetallic
conduit and raceway or approved multi-outlet assemblies. However, all single-family and
multifamily residences not exceeding three stories and outbuildings on the same premises
may be wired in nonmetallic sheathed cable as a minimum requirement. However, if any
part of a residence or other building is converted to any commercial purposes not within
such exceptions, the entire building shall be classified as a business premises, and the
entire building shall be rewired. All conduit installed for electrical use shall be installed under
the requirements of this article.
(b) Electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) shall not be used in any location except
where NM cable is acceptable in the city.
(c) Manufactured wiring systems as approved by electrical code adopted in this
article shall be acceptable.
(d) No electrical metallic tubing (EMT) shall be permitted in any electrical
installation where such tubing is in contact with the ground or earth or is embedded in a
concrete slab.
(e) All MC cable shall have a green grounding conductor.
Sec. 22-438. Size of conductors; aluminum conductor.
(a) Aluminum conductors may be installed on service and feeders only and must
be terminated properly using approved compression-type crimp lugs installed with a proper
tool and with an approved inhibitor (Petrox).
(b) No aluminum conductors shall be installed on any branch circuits or grounding
in dwellings.
Sec. 22-439. Residence circuits.
An electrical conduit of not less than three-fourths inch trade size shall be installed
from the panel to an accessible crawl space in the attic, under the floor or to the outside of
the house if it has no attic and has a concrete floor. This conduit is to facilitate the future
installation of the two space circuits to be left open as spares in all residential panels.
Sec. 22-440. Commercial circuits.
Commercial electrical circuits shall be installed as required by the electrical code
adopted in this article.
Sec. 22-441. Service entrance.
(a) All-metal entrances. An all-metal complete electrical service entrance shall be
used from the point of contact with the electric company to the service switch or distribution
panel except as provided in this article. Underground service entrance may be schedule 40
PVC.
(b) Busway entrance. Installations using a busway as a service entrance shall be
made with a totally enclosed busway assembly and accessories approved for use as
service entrance equipment and shall have totally enclosed weatherproof construction
where used outside of a building.
(c) Overhead service drops. Overhead service drops shall be installed in
accordance with the following:
(1) New installations. When a new electrical installation is to be served with
an overhead service drop, a means of attachment shall be provided. When
an electrical installation is started before the electric company facilities are
placed, it shall be the responsibility of the electric company to determine the
location of the facility from which the service drop for the electrical installation
will be installed. The means of attachment shall be a clamp on a service mast
or a galvanized hook bolt or eye bolt, rigidly attached to a rafter or stud to
give adequate support to the service drop. Landing and meter heights shall
comply with the utility company guidelines.
(2) Additions to existing installations. When an addition is to be made to an
existing building that requires that the service entrance be relocated to the
new portion of the building, the service entrance shall comply with the rules
established for all new installations.
(3) Existing installations. When the meter loop is changed on an existing
installation, the installation shall reasonably comply with the electrical code
and this section without altering the roof of the existing building. The means
of attachment shall be changed by the master electrician or the homeowner
and shall be at the maximum height that can be maintained on the building.
The new means of attachment shall be an eye bolt or hook bolt, rigidly
attached to a rafter or stud and to give adequate support to the service drop.
Other suitable means of attachment, including insulators attached with a
single lag screw, may be approved by the electrical inspector if commonly
accepted within the trade.
(d) Service mast. If a service mast is used to attain the height required by the
electrical code, the service mast shall be a minimum two-inch IMC or rigid conduit having
adequate strength to withstand the strain of the service drop and shall meet minimum
standards established by the electric company and approved by the Board of Elcctrical
Examiners Chief Building Official as defined in the publication, "National Electrical Safety
Code," from the electric company.
(e) Providing for metering. The master electrician or homeowner shall provide for
and install facilities to accommodate metering of an electrical installation in accordance
with uniform practices established by the electric company in accordance with the
franchises granted by the city which conform to this article. The meter enclosure shall be
mounted on the outside of a building near the point of contact between the electrical
installation and the electric company service lines at a location that does not subject the
enclosure to physical damage and will cause the meter to be readily accessible to
representatives of the electric company for installing, replacing, removing, inspecting,
testing and reading. Exceptions to the outside location may be made only by specific
agreement with the electric company and with the approval of the electrical inspector.
(f) Enclosed metering. If the addition or alteration of any building encloses the
metering installation such that it will no longer be in an accessible outside location, the
metering installation shall be relocated to a point outside the addition or alteration,
maintaining strict conformance to this article.
(g) Existing inside metering locations. Metering installations which are located
inside a building shall be moved to an outside location at such time that changes, alterations
or additions are made to the service entrance of the electrical installations. Metering
installations moved outside shall conform to this article.
(h) Disconnecting switches. All disconnecting switches accessible to the general
public under 200 amperes shall have raintight and dead-front panels. All disconnecting
switches 200 amperes or over that are exposed or accessible to the general public shall
have raintight and locked or bolted closed panels.
(i) Minimum conductor use. The service entrance shall conform to the electrical
code, except that the entrance conductor size shall not be less than the equivalent of
number 6 THW copper.
Sec. 22-442. Underground service entrance.
(a) Conductors. Electrical conductors and cables on underground service
entrances may be installed in approved raceways or may be buried directly in the earth
when approved direct burial cables are used.
(b) Mechanical protection. Rigid metal raceways or electrical metallic tubing shall
be used on all underground service entrance conductors to provide mechanical protection
where needed. Raceways approved for the purpose shall be provided for underground
service entrance conductors entering under any projection of a building, such as, but not
limited to, porches, patios, concrete driveways, walkways or pads adjacent to a building
which does not provide adequate space between driveways, walkways or pads in order to
permit repair or replacement of conductors, and the raceway shall be continuous from the
point of entry under any projections to the service entrance switch or panel.
Sec. 22-443. Underground feeder circuits and branch circuits.
Electrical feeder circuits and branch circuits installed underground shall comply with
the full requirements of section 22-442 for underground service entrances.
Sec. 22-444. Encroachment on public way.
Neither feeder circuits nor branch circuits on any private electrical installation shall
extend into or cross over or under any street, alley or public way which has been dedicated
for public use, except that an electrical installation which is confined within a building or
structure where a license and hold harmless agreement has been approved by the city and
projects into or crosses over or under a dedicated street, alley or public way will not be
affected by this section.
Sec. 22-445. Buildings moved to location.
The electrical installation in any building or structure which is moved from outside of
the city or within the city shall conform to the requirements of this article as though the
building, structure or residence had been newly constructed on the location.
Sec. 22-446. Building remodeling and additions.
In a building, structure or residence which is altered, remodeled or added to, the
electrical installation within the altered, remodeled or added-on portion shall conform to this
article.
Sec. 22-447. Electric signs and outline lighting.
(a) New installation. All electric signs and outline lighting shall be installed in
compliance with the electrical code adopted in this division, this Code, and this article.
(b) Existing installation. The clectrical inspector Chief Building Official, when he
determines that any electric sign or outline light constitutes a hazard impairing safety of life
or property, shall require that the sign or outline lighting installation be revised to meet the
minimum standards established by this article and shall specify the time allowed for such
revisions. If the required revisions are not completed within the time allotted, the Chief
Building Official shall order the electric sign or outline lighting disconnected from the power
supply and the installation removed. Failure to comply with such a disconnect or removal
order shall constitute a violation of this article.
(c) New installation. Any electrical installation on an electric sign after such sign
is delivered to its permanent location shall be performed by a registered electrician. All new
electric sign installations shall also require a permit and inspection and approval of the
electrical installation by the electrical inspector.
(d) Sign installations to conform to zoning. No electrical permit shall be issued for
any sign in a district where signs are prohibited by this zoning ordinance in appendix B to
this Code, nor shall any permit be issued for any sign which does not conform to the zoning
requirements of the area in which the sign is to be placed.
Sec. 22-448. Construction tap service posts.
(a) Specifications. The post used for a construction electrical tap service shall be
equivalent to a four-inch by four-inch structural grade timber and shall have an overall
length of not less than 16 feet.
(b) Installation. The construction tap service post shall be installed such that the
post extends not less than three feet into undisturbed earth and shall be securely tamped
in place. The post installation shall include supports, braces or guys necessary to maintain
the post in a vertical position safely under the strain of the service drop conductors.
(c) Equipment. The construction tap service post shall be equipped with a raintight
service entrance including metallic conduit from a raintight and dead-front service switch or
panel board of adequate size to provide sufficient branch circuits to weatherproof
receptacles. The service entrance shall have a minimum conductor size of number 6 THW
copper wire and shall be grounded in accordance with this article. Receptacles only shall
be used to supply power to extension cords, tools and special equipment. Receptacles
shall be the grounding type and shall be rated for the voltage and current requirements of
the load to be served. All 120-volt receptacles shall be GFI protected.
(d) Load wiring. All wiring connected to construction tap branch circuit receptacles
shall be attached with approved plugs and shall comply with the requirements of the
electrical code and this article.
(e) Use restricted. Construction tap service posts shall be used only for supplying
specific construction project loads during the construction period and within the time period
specified on the construction tap permit.
(f) Permits. Permits for construction tap service post shall only be issued to master
electricians.
Sec. 22-449. Mobile homes and travel trailers.
Electrical service entrance equipment for mobile homes and travel trailers shall be
considered as permanent electrical installations and shall meet the full requirements of this
article.
Sec. 22-450. Temporary electrical installations.
(a) Permits. The electrical inspector is permitted to issue special limited permits
for temporary electrical installations where, in his opinion, the installation is necessary or
advisable for the benefit and protection of the public.
(b) Wiring methods. Wiring methods other than those required by this article may
be allowed for temporary electrical installations, provided that such wiring methods shall be
safe and adequate for the specified purpose and use and to the satisfaction of the electrical
inspector.
(c) Time limitation. Permits for temporary electrical installations shall be for a
specified time set by the electrical inspector and shall not exceed 90 days.
(d) Inspection. Any temporary installation shall be inspected and approved by the
electrical inspector before it is connected to a power source. The use of any temporary
installation shall be disconnected immediately upon expiration of the permit.
(e) Time extensions. If the temporary electrical installation is needed beyond the
90-day period, subsequent permits may be issued. An inspection shall be made before the
issuance of any subsequent permit, and each subsequent permit shall be for a period not
to exceed 90 days.
Sec. 22-451. Materials and equipment standards.
(a) Approved equipment. All electrical equipment, including materials,
apparatuses, fixtures and appliances used on electrical installations, shall conform to
standards set by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., and shall bear an Underwriters'
Laboratories label or be certified as listed by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
(b) Equipment use. Such electrical equipment shall be used only for the specific
purpose for which it has been labeled or listed.
(c) Unstandardized equipment. Electrical equipment which has not been approved
or for which standards have not been established by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., may
be used on electrical installations, provided such electrical equipment is approved by the
electrical inspector.
(d) Unapproved equipment. The electrical inspector shall deny approval for use
of any electrical equipment which is not labeled or listed by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.,
when he reasonably believes the use of such equipment is unsafe or hazardous.
Sec. 22-452. Electrical fences.
All electrical fence installations shall require a permit in accordance with section 22-401.
The materials and equipment used shall conform to the requirements of section 22-451.
Sec. 22-453. Low-voltage wiring.
(a) A low-voltage electrical system to be used to operate any mechanical system,
air conditioning unit, central heating unit and other such system shall be installed under the
supervision of a registered master electrician. This subsection is not to be construed as
including self-generated control systems.
(b) All low-voltage transformers, such as may be used for doorbells, floor furnaces
and other such installations, shall be installed in a convenient and readily accessible place.
(c) All wiring, line voltage or low voltage used for data processing or energy control
and like systems shall be considered electrical work and must conform to this article.
(d) All other wiring shall conform to the electrical code adopted in this article.
Sec. 22-454. Existing installation.
Any electrical system or electrical equipment lawfully installed prior to the effective
date of the ordinance from which this article is derived may have its existing use,
maintenance or repair continued if the use is in accordance with the original design and
location, and such system is not dangerous to public health, safety and welfare and is
approved by the electrical inspector.
Secs. 22-455-22-480. Reserved.
2. The amendments established by this ordinance shall be made available to the
public through the Office of the City Clerk, and be published online in such a manner as to
be available to the public.
3. Should any section or provision of this ordinance be declared by a court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, that decision shall not affect the validity of the ordinance
as a whole or any part thereof, other than the part so declared to be invalid.
4. This ordinance shall take effect 30 days following its approval by City Council and
it is so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 19th day of July 2022.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
City Clerk