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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-O-07 - Electrical OrdinaceORDINANCE NO. 1985-7 ELECTRICAL ORDINANCE CITY OF STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE OFFICE OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR AND THE ELECTRICAL BOARD AND DEFINING THEIR RESPECTIVE DUTIES, REGULATING THE WAY AND MANNER IN WHICH ELECTRICAL WIRES AND APPARATUS SHALL BE INSTALLED IN BUILDINGS IN THE CITY OF STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS, AND PROVIDING FOR THE GENERAL INSPECTION OF SUCH WORK; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSES AND PERMITS; PROVIDING FOR THE FEES TO BE CHARGED FOR SUCH LICENSES AND/OR PERMITS REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS: SECTION 1. That certain document, one (1) copy of which is on file in the office of the City Secretary of the City of Stephenville, Texas, being marked and designated as "NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE" including all appendices, 1984 edition as amended by the National Fire Protection Association, be and the same is hereby adopted as the Code of the City of Stephenville, Texas. This code, together with the regulations as set forth in this ordinance shall govern and regulate the way and manner in which electrical wires and apparatus shall be installed in buildings in the City of Stephenville, Texas; pro- viding for the general inspection of such work; issuance of licenses and permits; the fees for such licenses and permits; and repealing all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith and pro- viding a penalty for violation of this ordinance and declaring an emergency and providing an effective date. SECTION 2. That the Ordinance of July 3, 1973 of the City of Stephenville entitled "STEPHENVILLE ELECTRICAL ORDINANCE" and all other ordinances or parts of ordi- nances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION 3. That if any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City of Stephenville, Texas, hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance, and each sec- tion, subsection, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sec- tions, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases be declared unconstitutional. SECTION 4. That this ordinance shall be and is hereby declared to be in full force and effect, from after thirty (30) days from this date of final passage and appro- val. PART I ADMINISTRATIVE CHAPTER 1 TITLE, SCOPE, AND GENERAL TITLE Sec.101. The regulations shall be known as the "Stephenville Electrical Ordinance" may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as this ordinance. 137 PURPOSE Sec.102. The purpose of this ordinance is to provide for the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. This ordinance has adopted the National Electrical Code, 1984 edition as published by the National Fire Protection Association; together with the regula- tions as provided for in the remainder of this ordinance. SCOPE Sec.103. The provisions of this ordinance shall apply to the installation, repair and replacement of electric conductors and equipment within or on public or private buildings and other structures, including mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and floating dwelling units; and other premises such as yards, car- nival, parking and other lots and industrial substations. Additions, alterations, repairs and changes of use or occu- pancy in all buildings and structures shall comply with the pro- visions new buildings and structures except as otherwise provided in this ordinance. Where there is a conflict between the National Electrical Code and the requirements specified in the remainder of this ordinance, the requirements of this ordinance shall apply. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall apply. APPLICATION TO EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES Sec.104.(a) General. Buildings and structures to which additions, alterations or repairs are made shall comply with all the requirements of this ordinance for new facilities except as specifically provided for in this section. (b). Additions, Alterations or Repairs. Additions, altera- tions or repairs may be made to any building or structure without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with all the requirements of this ordinance, provided the addition, alteration or repair conforms to that required for a new building or structure. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing building or structure to become unsafe or overloaded. (c). Existing Installations. Buildings in existence at the time of the adoption of this ordinance may have their existing use or occupancy continued, if such use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of this ordinance, provided such con- tinued use is not dangerous to life. Any change in the use or occupancy of any existing building or structure shall comply with the provisions of this ordinance pertaining to that occupancy. (d). Maintenance. All buildings and structures, both existing and new, and all parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe condition. All devices or safeguards which are required by this ordinance shall be maintained in conformance with the ordinance under which installed. The owner or his designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings and structures. To determine compliance with this subsection, the Chief Electrical Inspector may cause any structure to be reinspected. (e). Moved Buildings and Temporary Buildings. Buildings or structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this ordinance for new buildings or structures. (f). Historic Buildings. Repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or continued use of a building or structure may be made without con- formance to all the requirements of this ordinance when authorized by the Chief Electrical Inspector, provided: 1. The building or structure has been designated by offi- cial action of the legally constituted authority of this jurisdiction as having special historical or architec- tural significance. 138 2. Any unsafe conditions as described in this ordinance are corrected. 3. The restored building or structure will be no more hazardous based on life safety and fire safety than the existing building. ALTERNATE MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION Sec.105. The provisions of this ordinance are not intended to prevent the use of any material or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this ordinance, provided any alternate has been approved and its use authorized by the Chief Electrical Inspector. The Chief Electrical Inspector may approve any such alter- nate, provided he finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of this ordinance and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this ordinance in suitability, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety. The Chief Electrical Inspector shall require that sufficient evi- dence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding its use. The details of any action granting approval of an alternate shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency. MODIFICATIONS Sec.106. Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this ordinance, the Chief Elect- rical Inspector may grant modifications for individual cases, pro- vided he shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of this ordinance impractical and that the modification is in conformity with the intent and purpose of this ordinance and that such modification does not lessen any fire protection requirements or any degree of safety. The details of any action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency. TESTS Sec.107. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with any of the provisions of this ordinance or evi- dence that any material or construction does not conform to the requirements of this ordinance, the Chief Electrical Inspector may require tests as proof of compliance to be made at no expense to this jurisdiction. Test methods shall be as specified by this ordinance or by other recognized test standards. If there are no recognized and accepted test methods for the proposed alternate, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall determine test procedures. All tests shall be made by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be retained by the Chief Electrical Inspector for the period required for the retention of public records. CHAPTER 2 ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT CREATION OF ENFORCEMENT AGENCY Sec.201. There is hereby established in this jurisdiction a code enforcement agency which shall be under the administrative and operational control of the Chief Electrical Inspector. POWERS AND DUTIES OF CHIEF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR Sec.202.(a). General. The Chief Electrical Inspector is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this ordinance. For such purposes, he shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer. (b). Deputies. In accordance with prescribed procedures and with the approval of the appointing authority, the Chief Electrical Inspector may appoint Inspectors and other employees as shall be authorized from time to time. 139 (c). Right of Entry. Whenever necessary to make an inspec- tion to enforce any of the provisions of this ordinance, or when- ever the Chief Electrical Inspector or his authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any condition or ordinance violation which makes such building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the Chief Electrical Inspector or his authorized representative may enter such building or premises at all reaso- nable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the Chief Electrical Inspector by this ordinance, provided that if such building or premises be occupied, he shall first present proper credentials and request entry; and if such building or premises be unoccupied, he shall first make a reaso- nable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If such entry is refused, the Chief Electrical Inspector or his authorized representative shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry. When the Chief Electrical Inspector or his authorized repre- sentative shall have first obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occupant or any other persons having charge, care or control of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the Chief Electrical Inspector or his authorized representative for the purpose of inspection and examination pur- suant to this ordinance. (d). Stop Orders. Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions of this ordinance, the Electrical Inspector may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, and any such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the Chief Electrical Inspector to proceed with the work. (e). Liability. The Chief Electrical Inspector, or his authorized representative charged with the enforcement of the ordinance, acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of his duties, shall not thereby render himself per- sonally liable for any damage that may accrue to persons or pro- perty as a result of any act or by reason of any act or omission in the discharge of his duties. Any suit brought against the Chief Electrical Inspector or employee because of such act or omission performed by him in the enforcement of any provision of this ordinance shall be defended by legal counsel provided by this jurisdiction until final termination of such proceedings. This ordinance shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating or controlling any building or structure for any damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the ordinance enfor- cement agency or its parent jurisdiction be held as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this ordinance or any certificates of inspection issued under this ordinance. (f). Cooperation of Other Officials and Officers. The Chief Electrical Inspector may request, and shall receive so far as is required in the discharge of his duties, the assistance and cooperation of other officials of this jurisdiction. UNSAFE BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES Sec.203.(a). All electrical installations or equipment regulated by this ordinance which are electrically unsafe, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life are, for the purpose of this section, unsafe. Any use of installations or equipment constituting a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or abandonment is, for the purpose of this section, an unsafe use. All such unsafe installations or equipment are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation or removal. When electrical equipment is found by the inspector to be dangerous to persons or property because it 140 is defective or improperly installed, the person, firm, or cor- poration owning the electrical equipment shall be notified in writing and shall have any changes or repairs made as required by the Chief Electrical Inspector which will place such equipment in safe condition. If such work is not completed within the period spe- cified by the Chief Electrical Inspector in the notice, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall have the authority to disconnect or order the disconnection of electric service to the dangerous electrical equipment. In cases of emergency, when necessary for safety to persons or property, or when electrical equipment interfere with the work of the Fire Department, the senior officer of the Fire Department at the site shall have the authority to immediately cause the disconnection of any electri- cal equipment. The Chief Electrical Inspector is herein given authority to inspect and reinspect the wiring of all places of public assembly and when said electrical wiring is found to be in a condition dangerous to life or property, he shall notify, in writing, the owner or occupant of such buildings to repair such defects as may be found. If corrective work is not completed within the time limit specified, the Inspector may authorize the disconnec- tion of the service to the building. The Chief Electrical Inspector or other employee or official of this jurisdiction as designated by the governing body, may institute any other appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct or abate the violation. ELECTRICAL EXAMINING BOARD Sec.204.(a). General. An Examining board is hereby created to be known as the Electrical Examining Board. The Board shall consist of at least five (5) members to be appointed by the Mayor and City Council. One member shall be appointed from the personnel of Texas Power & Light Company, and the remaining members shall have a working knowledge of the electrical field or be engaged in a business which is related thereto. (b). Powers and Duties of Board. 1. Examinations. The Board shall have the power to make its own rules and govern its own meetings. It shall have the power to examine all applicants for master contractor and journeyman electrician licenses to determine if applicants are competent to do electrical work in compliance with the Electrical Ordinance. 2. Disputes. The Examining Board shall settle all disputes arising from decisions of the Chief Electrical Inspector, and in case of dispute interpret the National Electrical Code and rules of the City Ordinance governing installation of electri- cal equipment. 3. Appeal From Ruling of Chief Electrical Inspector. An appeal may be taken from any ruling, interpretation, requirement, or decision made by the Chief Electrical Inspector by filing an application for a hearing before the Electrical Board and the decision of the Electrical Examining Board at said hearing shall be final. All appeals made to the Board shall be in writing and the decisions and findings of the Board shall be made in writing to the Chief Electrical Inspector with a duplicate copy to the appellant. (c). Electrical Inspector to Serve as Secretary. The Chief Electrical Inspector shall serve as the Secretary of the Board; but shall not be a member thereof. He shall keep a record of the activities and actions of the Board of Examiners and their deter- minations, receive and file applications for licenses, notify applicants of the time and place of examinations and results thereof, file examination and answer papers, and perform such other duties as are consistent with those prescribed in this paragraph and as may be necessary for the enforcement of this ordinance as requested by the Board of Examiners. 141 (d). Members to Serve Without Pay. The members of the Board shall serve without pay and may be called into session at any time by the Chief Electrical Inspector, or by a majority of the Board, provided that each member must be given at least twenty- four hours advanced notice. Written notice shall be issued as to time and place by the Chief Electrical Inspector. VIOLATIONS Sec.205. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or cor- poration to install, alter, repair, improve, convert, equip or maintain any electrical installation, equipment or apparatus or permit the same to be done in violation of this ordinance. CHAPTER 3 LICENSES LICENSE REQUIRED Sec.301.(a).General. All persons, firms, individuals, co- partnerships, and corporations (except public telephones, telegraphs, messenger call, light and power companies having a franchise granted by the City, or persons installing equipment requiring less than 30 volts or home owners who are doing work on their own home property) desiring to engage in the business of installing wires, apparatus, fixtures, electric signs, or outline lighting, as a contractor or electrician shall, before doing such work, make application to the Chief Electrical Inspector for a license and pass an examination by the examining board, obtain a license and make bond acceptable to the City, and obtain a permit therefor in accordance with this ordinance. (b). Exemption From Ordinance 1. Home Owner. Nothing herein contained shall prohibit any bona fide home owner from personally installing electrical conductors or equipment within his own home (place of residence), provided that the owner shall apply for and secure a home -owner's permit, pay required fee, do work in accordance with this ordi- nance, employ no help, apply for an inspection and receive certificate of approval. Rental property shall not qualify as a person's home or residence. 2. Power Company. The provisions of this ordinance shall not apply to the installation, alteration, or repair of electrical equipment installed for or by an electricity supply agency for the use of such agen- cies in the generation, transmission, distribution, or metering of electricity. CLASSIFICATION AND QUALIFICATION FOR LICENSES Sec.302.(a). Master Contractor. The term "Master Contractor" shall mean any person engaged in the business of installing or altering, by contract, electrical conductors or equipment. It shall include any authorized person who subcontracts to do such work, but does not include bona fide employees employed by such contractor to do or supervise such work. A Master Contractor's certificate shall entitle the holder thereof to engage in the business of, and to secure permits for, the installation, addi- tion, alteration, servicing, replacing, removing or repair of any electrical conductors, apparatus, appliances, devices and equipment. 1. Qualifications. Applicants shall be not less than 21 years old, and shall have had at least 8 years experience in the installation, alteration, repair, and maintenance of electrical conductors and equip- ment, or an equivalent experience thereto. Every applicant shall be required to answer a reasonable number of questions in writing to show that he has sufficient knowledge and technical training to do electrical work. 142 (b). Journeyman Electrician. A Journeyman Electrician shall be any person who holds a license as such, issued by the City of Stephenville, Texas; and is employed by a Master Contractor. A Journeyman Electrician shall be qualified to work under the supervision of a Master Contractor but it shall not be required that a Master Contractor be upon the premises at all times where electrical work is being carried on. 1. Qualifications. Applicants shall have had at least four (4) years experience in the installation, alteration, repair and maintenance of electrical con- ductors and equipment, or an equivalent experience thereto. Every applicant shall be required to answer a reasonable number of questions in writing to show that he has sufficient knowledge and technical training to do electrical work. (c). Temporary Journeyman Electrician. If an applicant holds a nonexpired journeyman's license issued by another city and if he satisfies the electrical inspector that he is qualified, he may be issued a temporary journeyman's license which will be effective until the next regular examination, and shall entitle him to be in active charge of electrical work. Should he fail to take or pass the examination, his temporary permit will be automatically revoked, and he shall thenceforth work on electrical jobs only as a laborer, directly under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or contractor, until such time as he shall pass the the examination. (d). Laborers and Apprentices. A Master Contractor may have laborers or apprentices on any of his jobs, but they must at all times be under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or contractor, until such time as he shall pass the examination. Such laborers and apprentices shall not be required to take a written examination unless he wishes to apply for another grade of license; but shall be issued an Apprentice License by the Chief Electrical Inspector. (e). Maintenance Electricians. Personnel regularly employed by any person and who performs work on the confines of the building, in or on the premises or outside electrical ser- vices shall be known as "Maintenance Electricians." Companies engaging only in electrical maintenance shall have a Master Contractor, all work shall be under the direct supervision of a Master Contractor or Journeyman Electrician and all laborers and apprentices shall have an Apprentice License. Electrical maintenance work shall mean the keeping in safe repair of any and all electrical installations, apparatus, equip- ment and appliances within the building in or on the premises where the Maintenance Electrician as defined above is regularly employed on a permanent basis, for which a permit is not required under the terms and provisions of the code, but does not include the installation of new and additional work, electrical equip- ment, apparatus or appliances. Sec.303. Carrying of License Card. A Licensed Master Contractor, Journeyman, and Apprentice Electrician shall carry on their person at all times while performing electrical work, the license card issued to them by the City; and shall produce and present such licenses immediately upon request by an Electrical Inspector. Sec.304. Revocation of License. A license may be suspended, repealed or revoked by the Mayor and City Council upon the recommendation of the Electrical Board for the violation of any of the provisions of this ordinance as amended. Sec.305. Identification of Vehicles. Each licensed Master Contractor shall have his Electrician's License number as follows: E , or approved universal number, permanently affixed on each front door of each truck or vehicle which said electrician operates in connection with the installation, altera- tion or repair of electrical wiring, equipment within the city, 143 in letters and numerals of at least two and one-half (21/2) inches in height. Such number shall be the same for all vehicles operated by any one licensed Master Electrician. Such number shall not be of the magnetic type. VIOLATIONS Sec.306.(a). Engaging In Electrical Work Without License. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of electrical contractor, journeyman electrician or in any manner engage in the business of installation of electrical wiring without having acquired a license therefor and made bond in full accordance with Section 301, 302, and 307 of this ordinance. (b). License Non -Transferable. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation holding a license to transfer the same or allow the use of the same, directly or indirectly, by any other person, firm or corporation, for the purpose of obtaining a permit to do any electrical work herein specified. BONDING Sec.307. Bond. Surety bonds for all master contractors shall be made out to the City to insure faithful performance of all the provisions of this ordinance. Said bonds shall be for the amount of $2,000.00 shall be renewed each year, as of December 31 of each year, and shall be written for the term of the license only. EXAMINATION PROCEDURE Sec.308.(a). General. Examinations will be conducted by the Tarrant County Electrical Board at that Board's regular meetings. (b). Application For Examination. Application for examination shall be made in writing on forms provided by the Chief Electrical Inspector. Employer Certification forms will be furnished by the Chief Electrical Inspector and must be completed by the applicant's past or present employers. The application and proper fee as prescribed by the Tarrant County Electrical Board must be filed in the office of the Chief Electrical Inspector no later than the last day of the month prior to the month of examination. (c). Reciprocation. The City of Stephenville may enter into reciprocal agreement with other cities for the purpose of licensing applicants from other cities without passing a written examination. Such applicants may apply for same or comparable grade of license which he holds elsewhere, provided the following conditions are met: 1. A letter is presented to the Chief Electrical Inspector, if the same is not already on file, stating that the city in which the applicant holds a license will also accept applications from applicants from the City of Stephenville; 2. A letter over the signature of the Chief Electrical Inspector of the city in which the applicant holds such license stating the name and address (residence and place of business) of the applicant, the grade of license which he holds and that the license is valid, name of company or employer. After the above are received, the Electrical Board, at their next regular meeting shall review the individual application and ascertain as to whether or not the applicant is qualified for licensing. If the Board is satisfied as to the qualifications, the applicant will be issued a license after paying the fees spe- cified in Sec. 308(f) of this Ordinance as amended. (d). Examination Fees. The examination fees will be as set by the Tarrant County Electrical Board. (e). Examination. The examination will be based upon the National Electrical Code. Assistance from any source other than that authorized by the Tarrant County Electrical Board will result in rejection of examination paper and disqualification for future examinations. 144 Removal of any test questions in any form from examina- tion room will result in rejection of examination paper and disqualification for future examinations. (f). Passing Examination. Upon passing the examination, the following fees must be paid to obtain a license in the City of Stephenville. Master Contractor ----------------- $100.00 Journeyman Electrician ------------ $ 25.00 Any applicant who passes an examination for any grade of license and fails to obtain the license for the grade of license prescribed herein within a period of 60 working days of such exa- mination date shall forfeit his right to obtain such license until he again qualifies himself by passing another examination or applies for a license as required herein. (g). Annual Renewal Fees. The annual renewal fees shall be as follows: 1. Master Contractor: Twenty -Five ($25.00) dollars. 2. Journeyman Electrician: Ten ($10.00) dollars. 3. Apprentice Electrician: Three ($3.00) dollars. W . Lapse Of License. Licenses which are allowed to lapse, less than 30 days, shall upon renewal, be dated back to the expiration date of the old license, and a license which has expired more than 30 days shall be required to pass a written examination, as would a new applicant, before obtaining a license. CHAPTER 4 PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS PERMITS. Sec.401.(a). Permits Required. Any company, firm, co- partnership, corporation or individual (excepting public telepho- nes, telegraphs, messenger calls, light and power companies having a franchise granted by the City, or persons installing equipment requiring less than 30 volts) who desires to install electrical wiring, fixtures, or electrical work of any kind or description in the corporate limits of the City of Stephenville, Texas, shall before such installation is commenced make appli- cation to the Chief Electrical Inspector for a permit to do such work. (b). Exempted Work. Permits shall not be required for the normal replacement of bulbs, fixtures, switches, receptacles, circuit breakers and similar items. Exemption from the permit requirements of this ordi- nance shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this ordinance or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. APPLICATION FOR PERMIT. Sec.402.(a). Application. (a). Prior to commencing any electrical work, the Master Contractor or his representative shall give notification of his intention to the Chief electrical Inspector. Such notification may be by phone or in person. The placing of a Master Contractor's name on a Combination Building Permit by a General Contractor shall be deemed as proper notifi- cation. (b). The Chief Electrical Inspector may require plans, spe- cifications and/or other information if necessary. (c). Information on Plans and Specifications. Plans and specifications shall be drawn to scale upon substantial paper or cloth and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the loca- tion, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this ordinance and all other relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. 145 PERMITS ISSUANCE Sec.403. (a). Issuance. The application, plans and specifica- tions, and other data, filed by an applicant for permit shall be reviewed by the Chief Electrical Inspector. Such plans may be reviewed by other departments of this jurisdiction to verify compliance with all applicable laws under their jurisdiction. If the Chief Electrical Inspector finds that the work described in an application for a permit and the plans, specifications and other data filed therewith conform to the requirements of this ordi- nance and other pertinent laws and ordinances and that the fees specified in Section 404 have been paid, he shall issue a permit therefor to the applicant. n When the Chief Electrical Inspector issues the permit where j) plans are required, he shall endorse in writing or stamp the plans and specifications "APPROVED". Such approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorizations from the Chief Electrical Inspector and all work shall be done in accordance with the approved plans. (b). Retention of Plans. One set of approved plans, spe- cifications and computations shall be retained by the Chief Electrical Inspector for a period of not less than 90 days from date of completion of the work covered therein; and one set of approved plans and specifications shall be returned to the appli- cant, and said set shall be kept on the site of the building or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress. (c). Validity of Permit. The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this ordinance or of any other ordinance or code of the jurisdiction. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this ordinance shall be valid. The issuance of a permit based upon plans, specifica- tions and other data shall not prevent the Chief Electrical Inspector from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans, specifications and other data, or from preventing work being carried on thereunder when in violation of this ordi- nance or of any other ordinance or code of this jurisdiction. (d). Expiration. Every permit issued by the Chief Electrical Inspector under the provisions of this ordinance shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 180 days from the date of such permit, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of 180 days. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained to do so, and the fee therefor shall be one half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work; and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which he may commence work under that permit when he is unable to commence work within the time required by this Section for good and satisfactory reasons. The Chief Electrical Inspector may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding 180 days upon written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken. No permit shall be extended more than once. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee. (e). Suspension or Revocation. The Chief Electrical Inspector may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the pro- visions of this ordinance whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in viola- tion of any code or regulation or any of the provisions of this ordinance. 146 FEES Sec.404. Permit Fees. The permit fees shall be as set by the City Council. The current approved fee schedule is as follows: For the issuance of each permit $ 3.00 Service 0-600 Volts Residential 5.00 Commercial 10.00 Over 600 Volts 15.00 Outlets and Fixtures 1-10 2.00 Over 10 each outlet .15 Motors 0-10 HP 2.00 Over 10-50 HP 3.00 Over 50-100 HP 4.00 Over 100 HP 5.00 Appliances 2.00 Swimming Pools 7.50 Other 3.00 Re -inspection 3.00 License Reciprocation Letter 5.00 INSPECTIONS Sec.405.(a). General. All construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Electri- cal Inspector. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to be accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the Electrical Inspector nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection. (b). Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the Electrical Inspector that such work is ready for inspection. The Electrical Inspector may require that every request for inspec- tion be filed at least one working day before such inspection is desired. Such request may be in writing or by telephone at the option of the Electrical Inspector. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by this ordinance to provide access to and means for proper inspection of such work. (c). Approval Required. No work shall be done in any part of the installation or equipment beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the Electrical Inspector. Such approval shall be given only after an inspection shall have been made of each successive step in the construction as indicated by each of the inspections required in Subsection (d). There shall be a final inspection and approval of all electrical equipment and installations when completed and ready for use. (d). Required Inspections. The Electrical Inspector, upon notification from the permitee or his agent, shall make the following inspections and shall either approve that portion of the installation as completed or shall notify the permittee or his agent wherein the same fails to comply with this ordinance: 1. Temporary Electrical Pole Inspection. To be made after any such poles are set and ready to be con- nected to the service utility's conductors. 2. Groundwork Electrical Inspection. To be made after all in -slab or under -floor conduit, outlet boxes, junction boxes and other similar equipment items are in place but before any concrete is poured or floor sheathing installed, including the subfloor. 147 3. Rough Electrical Inspection. To be made after the installation of all electrical conductors, outlet and device boxes, breaker panels, conduit (where required) and all other equipment which is to be installed within the framing but before any lathing, gypsum or other wall coverings are installed. 4. Permanent Service Inspection. To be made when the structure is ready for permanent connection to the service utility's conductors. 5. Final Inspection. To be made after all switches, devices, appliances and other equipment are in place and structure is ready for occupancy. (e). Other Inspections. In addition to the called inspec- tions specified above, the Electrical Inspector may make or require other inspections of any electrical installation to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this ordinance and other laws which are enforced by the code enforcement agency. M . Reinspections. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made. This subsection is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this ordinance, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection. To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall file an application therefor in writing upon a form furnished for that purpose and pay the reinspection fee in accordance with Section 404. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid. i � PART II CHAPTER 5 INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS Sec. 501. General. All installation of electrical wiring and equipment shall conform to the 1984 edition of the National Electrical Code (National Fire Protection Association No. 70-1984) except as modified by the provisions of this Ordinance as amended. Sec. 502. Relocated Buildings. Any building or structure, regardless of size, type or occupancy classification which has been moved into or relocated within the city limits of the City of Stephenville shall, before being occupied, be made to conform fully to the requirements of this ordinance and any other appli- cable codes and ordinances pertaining to the occupancy classifi- cation for which the building or structure is intended to be used. Sec. 503. Fire Zone No. 1 and Places of Public Assembly. All buildings located within the limits of Fire Zone No. 1 as established on the Fire Zone Map in the office of the inspector, and all buildings and structures except single family, two family and multi -family dwellings shall have all wiring installed in rigid metal conduit, IMC, EMT, or other approved raceway. When any building of this type is vacated or changes owner, tenants or occupants; the serving utility shall discontinue electrical service to the building and shall not reconnect the same without the approval of the Electrical Inspector. Before approval may be given to reconnect the service, the wiring in such building must be made to conform fully to the requirements of this section. 148 Sec. 504. Temporary Service and Temporary Poles. (a). Wiring for Temporary Service. Wiring for temporary service such as open air tent exhibitions, carnivals, or any other wiring used in conjunction with public gatherings shall be done in such a manner that the Electrical Inspector can satisfy himself that the wiring is safe from fire hazard. (b). Temporary Poles. Temporary service poles for construction purposes shall be adequately braced and safely constructed electrically. Such poles shall be wired with no smaller than #12 A.W.G wire with ground, shall have no less than two outlets and shall be safely fused with multi -circuit breakers in an all-weather panel. There shall be a ground wire of minimum #8 A.W.G. extending from the meter base to the bottom of the pole, looped back up and extending at least to grade level and shall be stapled every fourteen inches. The point of attachment for the serving utilities conductors shall be a minimum of twelve feet above finished grade. Sec. 505. Grounding Electrode System. Supplementary grounding shall not be required: 1. When using the water pipe a grounding electrode provided that there is twenty feet or more of rigid metal or copper piping buried in the earth beneath the foundation steel. This shall always be used as the grounding electrode system when available in the building; 2. When using a 1/2" x 8' driven ground, only when the above requirements cannot be met. Neither 1 or 2 above will relieve the requirment that all metal water piping and building steel be bonded into the grounding electrode system. Sec. 506. Metering Specifications. All meters shall be located on the outside of the building or structure, four to six feet above finished grade, measured to the center of the meter. It is not permissable to remove soil to obtain this requirement. Where meters originally installed in accessible locations satis- factory to the electricity supply agency are rendered inac- cessible by virtue of alterations or new construction, such meters shall be relocated in accordance with the provisions of the code at the expense of the owner of the building or the per- son causing it to be inaccessible. Sec. 507. Service and Service Entrance Requirements. (a). Point of Attachment. The point of attachment for the serving utility's conductors shall be a minimum of twelve feet above finished grade when using an overhead service. The attach- ment shall be made by the use of hooks or insulator which are adequate in strength and which will maintain the required height at all times. It is not permissable to remove soil to obtain the required height. (b). Service Masts. The minimum requirements for service masts shall be two inch rigid metal conduit or IMC. (c). Length of Conductor at Service Head. Not less than eighteen inches of conductor shall be left at the service head for connection to the service drop. (d). Multiple Occupancy Buildings. All Buildings which have more than one occupancy or tenant space and have separate services or meters shall have a fused disconnect device installed at each meter and be identified as to which space or building it serves. (e). Multi -Family Dwellings. All multi -family dwellings containing three or more units shall have the service and service feeder conductors installed in rigid metal conduit, IMC, EMT, or rigid nonmetallic conduit. There shall be a fused main discon- nect device installed at each meter and a breaker panel installed in each dwelling unit. 149 (f). Single and Two -Family Dwellings. Any single or two- family dwelling which does not have the main disconnect panel installed at the meter or immediately opposite the wall from the meter, shall have a fused main disconnect device installed at the meter. When the length of the conductors is less than twenty- five feet (251), the disconnect device may be omitted provided the conductors are installed in rigid metal conduit, rigid non- metallic conduit, IMC or EMT. (g). Location of Overcurrent Devices. Overcurrent devices may be located in closets, but must maintain the required working space. Sec. 508. Branch Circuit Requirements. (a). Fire Zone No.l and Places of Public Assembly. All buildings and structures located within the limit of Fire Zone No.l as established on the Fire Zone Map in the office of the inspector, and all buildings and structures except single and two-family dwellings and multi -family dwellings shall have all branch circuit conductors installed in rigid metal conduit, IMC, EMT, or other approved raceways. (b). Multi -Family Dwellings. 1. More than three stories. All multi -family dwellings of more than three stories in height shall have all branch circuit conductors installed in rigid metal conduit, IMC, EMT, or rigid nonmetallic conduit. 2. Three stories and less. All multi -family dwellings of three stories and less in height and of wood frame construction, may have the branch circuit conductors installed in nonmetallic sheathed cable except that any branch circuit that passes through an apartment other than the one it serves (air conditioning, security lighting, etc.) shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, IMC, EMT, or rigid nonmetallic conduit. (c). Two -Family Dwellings. The branch circuit conduc- tors in all two-family dwellings may be installed in nonmetallic sheathed cable except that any branch circuit that passes through a dwelling unit other than the one it serves (air conditioning, etc.) shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, rigid non- metallic conduit, EMT or IMC. W . Single Family Dwellings. The branch circuit con- ductors on all single family dwellings may be installed in non- metallic sheathed cable. Sec. 509. Branch Circuit Rating. Places of Public Assembly. All buildings and struc- tures except multi -family dwellings and single and two-family dwellings shall have all branch circuits rated at no less than 20 amps. Sec. 510. Number of Outlets Per Circuit. (a). Places of Public Assembly. All buildings and struc- tures except multi -family dwellings and single and two-family dwellings shall have no more than four current consuming outlets per 20 amp branch circuit. This shall not pertain to general lighting. (b). Residential. All multi -family dwellings and single and two-family dwellings shall have no more than eight current consuming outlets per 15 amp branch circuit nor more than ten outlets per 20 amp circuit. (c). Small appliance Branch Circuits. Twenty (20) amp small appliance branch circuits in the kitchen shall have no more than two current consuming outlets per circuit, except that one light fixture or vent hood may be added to each circuit. 150 Sec. 511. Appliance Circuits and Connections. (a). Dishwashers, Disposals and Range Vents. Dishwashers and disposals may be installed on the same circuit and shall have a rating of no less than 20 amps. No other outlets will be allowed on such circuit except one light or vent hood. Dishwashers, disposals and range vents shall be connected by the use of plug in receptacles located in the walls and shall be of U-type ground, 20 amp rated. Connection cords shall be of three wire ground type. (b). Microwave Ovens. All microwave ovens shall be installed on separate circuits of no less than 20 amp rating, on which circuits no other outlets shall be allowed. (c). FREE STANDING ELECTRIC RANGES. Free standing electric ranges shall be connected by the use of plug in recep- tacles. Sec. 512. Grounding Metal Boxes. Bonding jumpers are not required for bonding grounded receptacles to metal boxes. Sec. 513. Continuity of Grounded Conductors. The continuity of grounded conductors may be dependent upon device connections, such as lampholders, receptacles, etc. Sec. 514. GROUND -FAULT CIRCUIT -INTERRUPTERS. Ground -fault circuit -interrupters are not required in the garage area. Sec. 515. Prohibited Installations. (a). Aluminum Conductors. The use of aluminum conductors for branch circuits shall be prohibited. Aluminum may be used for services and feeders only. (b). Armored Cable. The use of armored cable (BX Cable) shall be prohibited except that it may be used in additions and alterations to existing installations where approved by the electrical inspector. (c). Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing. The use of electrical nonmetallic tubing (flexible PVC) shall be prohibited. CHAPTER 6 PENALTIES Sec. 601. Revocation of License. The licenses provided for in Chapter 3 may be revoked at any time by the order of the Mayor and City Council upon the recommendation of the Electrical Board for the violation of any of the provisions of this Ordinance. The offending persons, firms, or cor- porations, shall thereafter be prohibited from engaging in such work in the corporate limits of the City until such license is reinstated by order of the Electrical Board. Sec. 602. Fines. Any person constructing or installing any wiring ox maintaining any wiring in violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and each and every day such violation exists shall be deemed a separate offense; upon conviction thereof, such person shall be fined not less than Ten Dollars ($10.00) nor more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00). This ordinance shall go into effect thirty (30) days from and after its passage and publication as provided in Section 4. PASSED AND APPROVED this 4th day of June, 1985. C y cretary David C ayto Mayor 151