HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 2000-14 - Electrical CodeORDINANCE No. 000
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS,
REPLACING CHAPTER 15.16, OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN
CODE OF ORDINANCES PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE
1999 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE AND VARIOUS OTHER
PROVISIONS RELATING TO ELECTRICAL LICENSING AND
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS; REPEALING
CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS; INCLUDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; INCLUDING A PENALTY FOR
VIOLATION; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, it is the desire of, the City Council of Georgetown, Texas to replace Chapter
15.16 of the Georgetown Municipal and provide for the adoption of the 1999 National Electrical
Code in order to provide requirements for the installation of electrical systems for alI types of
buildincr construction as outlined in Exhibit A. and
'UHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the adoption of the National Electrical
Code is necessary to protect the public for safety, health and general welfare within the city limits
of Georgetown and the extra -territorial jurisdiction of Georgetown; and
��'HEREAS, the Building Standards Commission, appointed by the City Council, has
reviewed the effect of these regulations and recommends that the City Council adopt the
proposed electrical code standards and licensing and construction requirements; and
WHEREAS, the caption of this ordinance was printed in the Williamson County Sun on
February ?, 2000 in compliance with the City Charter of the City of Georgetown;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, THAT:
Section 1. The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this ordinance are thereby
declared to be true and correct, and are incorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof,
as if copied verbatim. The City Council hereby funds that this ordinance implements Housing
Policy 10.0 of the Century Plan -Policy Plan Element, which states: "The City cooperates with
builders. developers, and propert7 owners to provide safe and adequate housing opportunities for
all citizens", and further, finds that the enactment of this ordinance is not inconsistent or in
conflict with any other Century Plan Policies, as required by: Section 2.03 of the Administrative
Chapter of the Policy Plan,
Electrical Code Ord.N-o
Page 1 of 2
Section 2. The Electrical Code is hereby adopted by the City Council of the City of Georgetown
by replacing Chapter 15.16 of the Georgetown Municipal Code of the City of Georgetown, Texas
as provided in Exhibit A.
Section 3. All ordinances and resolutions, or parts of ordinances and resolutions, in conflict with
this ordinance are hereby repealed, and no longer of any force and effect.
Section 4. If any provision of this ordinance or application thereof to any person or
circumstance, shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions or
application thereof, of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or
application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.
Section 5. The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign this ordinance and the City Secretary to
attest. This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force and effect in ten (10) days on
and after publication in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the City of Georgetown.
PASSED A',N`D APPROVED on first reading on the
of , 2000.
PASSED AND APPROVED on second reading on the ;Z2/„ of,��,� , 2000.
ATTEST:
Sandra D. Lee, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Marianne Landers Banks
City Attorney
Electrical Code Ord. No.
Page 2 of 2
THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN:
/ttu j i�jk) /
Mary Ellen Kersch, Mayor
Exhibit "A"
Chapter 15.16
ELECTRICAL ORDINANCE
Sections:
Article II. Licenses
15.16.070
Article 1, General
15.16.010
Definition
15.16.080
Enforcement of Code Provisions
15.16.020
Application of Article Provisions to Military Personnel
15.16.090
Penalty for Violation of Chapter
15.16.030
Categories of Electricians
15.16.100
Licenses, Permits Required
15.16.040
Supervision
15.16.110
Supervision of Placement Wires, Etc,
15.16.050
Qualifications - Requirements for Licenses
15.16.120
When Wire is to be Disconnected
15.16.060
Application for Licenses
15.16.130
Reserved
15.16.160
Article II. Licenses
15.16.070
16.170
Definition
15.16.080
Application of Article Provisions to Military Personnel
15.16.090
Categories of Electricians
15.16.100
Supervision
15.16.110
Qualifications - Requirements for Licenses
15.16.120
Application for Licenses
15.16.130
Examinations of Electricians
15.16.140
Permanent Address
15.16.150
Fees
15.16.160
15,
16.170
15.16.180
15.16.190
15.16.200
15.16.210
15.16.220
15.16.230
15.16.240
15.16.250
15.16.260
15.16.270
15.16.280
15.16.290
15.16.300
15.16.310
15.16.320
15.16.330
Issuance
Expiration
Renewal
Transfer
Reciprocal Licenses
Revocation of License
Probation, Suspension, Revocation
Hearing and Procedure
Suspension/ Penalties
Surrender and Return of License
Right of Appeal
Article 111. Permits and Inspections
Inspection Does Not Relieve Owner Responsibility
Permits Required
To Whom Permits Shall be Issued
Permit Fees
Issuance, Electrical Permit
Construction Power Service, General
Inspections
Elect. Ord._00_- /``
Page 1 of 23
15.16.340 Work Not to be Concealed
15.16.350 Fuses, Breakers to be Installed for Permanent Power Inspection
15.16.360 Approval Tag
15.16.370 Defective Workmanship
15.16.380 Certificates of Inspection
15.16.390 Effect of Nonconforming Existing Work on Issuance of Certificates of
Inspection
15.16.400 Refusal of Certificate of Inspection
15.16.410 Routine Inspection
15.16.420 Commercial Buildings --Raceways
Article IV, Technical Provisions
15.16.430 1999 National Electrical Code
15.16.440
Services --Location
15.16.450
Service --Support
15.16.460
Service --Entrance
15.16.470
Service --Mast
15.16.480
Service Lateral
15.16.490
Service Disconnects
15.16.500
Meters --Types
15.16.510
Meters --Installation
15.16.520
15.16.530
15.16.540
15.16.550
15.16.560
15.16.570
15.16.580
15.16.590
Circuit Wire Sizes, Copper
Aluminum Conductors
Installation of Outlets, Switches,, Receptacle Boxes
Outlets --Residential
Grounding
Safeguards
Installation of Cabinets and
Engineer Seal Required
Attachment "A"
Attachment "B"
Elect. Ord._a0li'",f,r
Page 2 of 23
Panel Requirements
Article 1. General
15.16.010 Enforcement of Code Provisions
The administration and enforcement of this chapter shall primarily devolve upon the
City Building Official or his/her representative. They shall have the right to inspect and
enter upon all premises and surrounding property and the public as a whole when applying
current state law allowing right of entry. The Police Department, City Electrical Department
and the Fire Department shall also be charged with the enforcement of this chapter and
shall, so far as possible, act to enforce this chapter.
15.16.020 Penalty for Violation of Chapter
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter or who shall fail
to comply with the requirements of this chapter, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
Each and every day's continuance of any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall
constitute and be deemed a separate offense. In case of any such corporation, the officers
and agents, and person or persons actually performing the work for such corporation shall
be subject to the penalties herein provided. Any person violating any provision of this
chapter or the 1999 National Electrical Code as adopted is subject to punishment as
provided in Section 1.08.010 of the City of Georgetown Code of Ordinances.
15.16.030 Licenses, permits Required
No person shall enter upon the erecting, construction, alteration or change of any
electrical installation, work, wiring or fitting or electrical machinery covered by this chapter
until such person shall have first secured a Masters license and permit as required by this
chapter.
15.16.040 Supervision of Placement of Wires. Etc.
The City Electrical Department or a regular franchised utility company, is hereby
authorized, empowered, and directed to have general supervision over the placing,
stringing or attaching of telegraph, telephone, electric light or other wires and cables, and
the placing of all poles and appliances, within their own system, so as to prevent fires,
accident or injury to persons or property; to cause all such wires and electric lights to be
so placed, constructed, and guarded as not to cause fire, accident, or endanger the life or
property of any inhabitant of the city; and all such lights and wires or electrical apparatus
now existing, as well as those hereafter constructed and placed, shall be subject to such
supervision.
15.16.050 When Wire is to be Disconnected
A. In time of fire, severe weather conditions, or other emergency, where in the
safety of lives or property may be endangered by the continued operation of electrical
service wires or apparatus providing electrical current, such may be ordered disconnected
by the City Electrical Department, the Mayor, the City Manager, the Fire Marshal, Fire
Chief, Emergency Operation Coordinator, the Building Official, the Inspection Services
Staff or the Chief of Police. Any such order shall be binding on every person owning or
Elect. Ord. 100
Page 3 of 23
controlling such wire or apparatus and such wires or apparatus as may be designated by
any of the above authorized officials shall be promptly disconnected and left disconnected
until authorization from the City Building Official or designee is given to the electrical utility
company for reconnection.
B. The City Utility Department shall request the electrical service to be disconnected
from any building and/or premises, except private residences and/or apartment buildings
used as residences, each time such buildings or premises have a change of occupants
and shall not be reconnected until authorized by the City Building Official or designee.
C. The City Utility Billing Department shall request the electrical service be
disconnected for private residences and/or apartment buildings when the occupant or
owner, or the City Building Official or designee requests such action. The utility company
shall not again supply electricity to such residence and/or apartment building until
authorized to do so by the City Building Official or designee.
D. The owners and/or the new occupants of such disconnected buildings and/or
premises shall make application to the City Building Official or designee for the inspection.
The fee for such inspection shall be set by the City Council. The electrical inspector shall
make the inspection as soon as practicable, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and
holidays, after such application is made.
15.16.060 Reserved
ARTICLE II. Licenses
15.16.070 Definition
For the purpose of this chapter, the "Commission" shall mean the Building
Standards Commission of the City of Georgetown.
15.16.080 Application of Article Provisions to Military Personnel
Any holder of any valid, unexpired electrical license issued by the City, under the
terms of this ordinance who becomes, or has become a member of the Armed Forces of
the United States of America, is hereby exempt from the payment of any renewal on their
license so long as they remain in such armed forces, and for six months after their
discharge therefrom. Any person coming under this section who shall make application
to the City Building Official or designee for the same type of license held by him at the time
he/she entered the armed forces within the six month period from discharge, shall be
issued such license upon the payment of the renewal fee for the year such application is
made.
15.16.090 Categories of Electricians
An electrical license is required for each of the following categories of electricians
and only those duties or tasks outlined thereof are authorized to be performed by that
licensee.
Elect. Ord. 4000 "/s
Page 4 of 23
A. Master Electrician
The Master Electrician's license shall entitle the holder thereof to contract for and
engage in the business of installing, erecting, or repairing electrical wires, conductors,
devices, systems or instruments and construction according to this chapter. The Master
Electrician shall be entitled to employ Journeyman Electricians, Journeyman Electrician
Restricted, and Apprentice Electricians in the performance of work for which their license
authorizes them to do. He/she shall be required to pass an examination required for a
Master Electrician,
B. Journeyman Electrician
A Journeyman Electrician's license shall entitle the holder to work as an electrician
for and under the holder of a Master Electrician's license, according to the provisions of this
chapter.
He/she
shall
be
under the general supervision of a Master Electrician. He/she shall
be required to
pass
an
examination required for a Journeyman Electrician,
C. Journeyman Electrician (Restricted)/Residential Electrician
A Journeyman Electrician (Restricted) license shall entitle the holder to do work as
an electrician for and under the holder of a Master Electrician's license according to the
provisions of this chapter as it applies to dwelling units only and further restricted to 115-
230 volt, single phases service installations of 200 amperes or less. He/she shall be under
the general supervision of a Master Electrician. He/she shall be required to pass an
examination required for a Journeyman Electrician as it applies to dwelling units and 115-
230 volt, single phase service installations of 200 amperes or less.
D. Building Maintenance Electrician
A Building Maintenance Electrician's license shall entitle the holder thereof to
maintain and repair electrical installations in a particular building or buildings, for a
designated employer according to the provisions of this ordinance, but shall not entitle him
to otherwise engage himself/herself as either a Master Electrician or Journeyman
Electrician. The holder of a Building Maintenance Electrician's license shall be entitled to
repair and maintain electrical wiring, apparatus, equipment, and machinery upon the
premises specifically covered by his/her license, with such employers use or occupation
of the premises or business conducted thereon. This will allow replacing
equipment with like equipment but shall not allow performing work that requires a permit
or produces additional load. He/she shall be required to pass an examination required for
a Building Maintenance Electrician,
02
Elect. Ord.e7Ct —
Page 5 of 23
E. Apprentice Electrician
The holder of an Apprentice Electrician license shall be entitled to engage
himself/herself under the employment of any holder of a Master Electrician license and
shall work only under the direct supervision of a Master Electrician, Journeyman
Electrician, or Journeyman Electrician (Restricted). The supervisor of an Apprentice
Electrician shall be present at the job site with the Apprentice at all times.
15.16.100
A.
Electrician.
Supervision
All work shall
be done under the general supervision of a licensed Master
B. No more than six Apprentice Electricians shall be supervised by the same
supervisor at the same time.
15.16.110 Qualifications- Requirements for Licenses
A. Master Electrician- Persons applying for a Master Electricians license shall
be at least 21 years of age and shall be required to furnish suitable evidence showing the
applicant has a total of six (6) years experience, three (3) years of such experience shall
be as a Journeyman Electrician. Master Electricians shall be required to maintain a
permanent mailing address and a working telephone answered by a competent person or
an answering device which is checked daily.
B. Journeyman Electrician- Persons applying for a Journeyman Electrician
license shall be at least 18 years of age and shall be required to furnish suitable evidence
showing the applicant has a total of three years experience. The time spent earning an
associate degree of an electrical course at a state technical training school shall count as
two years experience towards the three year requirement. A successfully completed
accredited journeyman electrician apprentice program approved by the Department of
Labor will also fulfill required qualifications.
C. Journeyman Electrician (Restricted)- Persons applying for a Journeyman
Electrician (Restricted) license shall be at least 18 years of age and shall be required to
furnish evidence of two years qualification as an Apprentice Electrician.
D. Building Maintenance Electrician- Persons applying for a Building
Maintenance Electrician license shall be required to furnish the same evidence of
qualifications as a Journeyman Electrician,
E. Apprentice Electrician- Persons applying for an Apprentice Electrician license
must be at least 16 years of age, and need only to complete an application and pay fees.
Elect. Ord.
Page 6 of 23
15.16.120 Application for Licenses
A. The Commission shall approve the type of examination given.
B, Every application for an original license or any form of renewal license
(expired, revoked or suspended) shall be made upon a form furnished by the City Building
Official or designee with an administrative application fee of $10.00 to be paid in full,
C. Every application for any of such licenses shall state the full name, date of
birth, weight, height, color of eyes, color of hair, sex, residence address, business address,
and a photo ID of the applicant issued by a governmental agency. Every original
application for a license shall be accompanied by;
1. Verification letters from the company the applicant has been employed
with stating the period of time employed, the position held, and that they
were and left in good standing with the company. This letter must be on
company letterhead, signed by an official of the company.
2. Verification letters from cities in which electrical licenses are currently
held, stating the applicant has passed a written exam, how long the
applicant has been licensed there, and that the license is current. These
letters as well must be on city letterhead and signed by an official of the
city. A copy of the licenses must also be included.
3. A copy of a photo ID issued by a governmental agency and specified
experience of the applicant which shall state whether the applicant has
been licensed as an electrician, and if so, when and by what state,
country, or city; whether any such license has ever been suspended,
revoked or refused and if so, the date and reason for such suspension,
revocation or refusal.
D. Any applicant for a renewal Master Electrician's license may elect to apply
for an inactive Master Electrician's license. An inactive Master Electrician may not secure
permits to perform electrical contracting work. However, an inactive Master Electrician
licensed under this chapter may be licensed as a Master Electrician upon full payment of
the Master Electrician's renewal fee for current year at time of renewal. This clause would
lapse after (5) five years unless this applicant can show proof of continued work in this
field.
15.16.130 Examinations of Electricians
A. An examination for a master's license shall be of such a nature as to show
the applicant's satisfactory knowledge of the 1999 National Electrical Code as adopted,
and its amendments and other recognized requirements pertaining to electrical work, and
his/her ability to correctly diagram and to instruct other persons in the making of practical
Elect. Ord. a000 /
Page 7 of 23
electrical installations with correct sizes and values of required materials and devices.
B. An examination for any other category of license shall be of a such a nature
as to show the applicant's satisfactory ability to follow written and verbal instructions and
satisfactory knowledge of the 1999 National Electrical Code, as adopted, and recognized
requirements pertaining to electrical work he/she is required to perform under the license
sought.
C. If the applicant desires to do electrical work only in a restricted field provided
for in this chapter, he/she shall be required to pass a special examination applicable only
to that restricted field.
D. Examinations for license shall be held in an area approved by Southern
Building Code Congress International, "SBCCI".
E. Re-examinations are set by SBCCI while meeting the local requirements.
15.16.140 Permanent Address
Each holder of an electrical license of any class issued by the City under the
provisions of this article shall furnish the City Building Official or designee with his/her
current mailing address. Licensee shall also provide any changes to his/her address within
30 days of such changes.
15.16.150 Fees
Licenses to be issued under the provisions of this article shall be issued only after
the payment and collection of the following fees:
CLASS
Master Electrician
Journeyman Electrician
Journeyman Electrician (Restricted)
Building Maintenance Electrician
Apprentice Electrician
Master Electrician (Inactive)
15.16.160 Issuance
N 11 '
$200.00
10.00
10.00
10.00
5.00
$75.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
2.50
10.00
When an applicant for a license has fully complied with all provisions of this article,
the Commission shall cause to be issued to such applicant the license applied for. The
licensee shall be required to have his/her license in his/her possession while on the job.
Z41
• •
Page 8 of
15.16.170 Expiration
Every license issued under the provisions of this article shall expire on the 31 st day
of December following the day of issuance.
15.16.180 Renewal
Each licensee under the provisions of this article shall be entitled to renew his/her
license upon the payment of the renewal fee set forth in 15.160.150, provided such
payment is made on or before the expiration date.
A.
If a
licensee permits
his/her
license to expire,
he may
renew his/her license
within six
months
of expiration, by
paying
the amount of an
original
license fee.
B. Existing reciprocal licensing has the same SBCCI requirements for renewal
as Subsection A above. if license is not renewed within 6 months of the expiration date,
the original licensing requirements will apply and the provisions of 15.16.200 will also
apply.
15.16.190 Transfer
It is unlawful for any person to transfer his/her electricians license or to allow the use
of this license directly or indirectly by another person for the purpose of obtaining a permit
to do electrical work. It is unlawful for any person not holding a license to use the license
of another, for purpose of doing electrical work or securing a permit to do electrical work.
15.16.200 Reciprocal Licenses
Reciprocation is not accepted from other cities. The Commission will only accept
the current approved testing procedures of SBCCI.
15.16.210 Revocation of License
A. An electrical license of any class issued by the City under the provisions of this
ordinance may be suspended or revoked upon the unanimous decision of the Commission.
B. Licenses may be suspended or revoked should the holder violate any provisions
of the 1999 National Electrical Code as adopted, State Law or City Ordinance or regulation
relating to or governing electrical wiring, repairing or construction. In the event termination
of a suspension or revocation of an electrical license should fall within the next licensing
year, the electrician shall be required to pay for that new licensing year in full.
Elect. Ord. 1000/
Page 9 of 23
C. No license shall be suspended or revoked unless the licensee shall have been
given an opportunity to appear and be heard by the Commission. The licensee shall have
at least ten (10) days written notice specifying the reason(s) for suspension or revocation.
D, Certain Acts Prohibited
It shall be a violation of this Code for any person:
1. To display, permit to be displayed or to have in one's possession, any
instrument purporting to be a license issued pursuant to this Code, knowing such
instrument to be fictitious, canceled, suspended, revoked or altered.
2, To knowingly lend, transfer or permit the use of any license for the purpose
of performing or obtaining a permit for electrical work, to any person not entitled thereto
under the provisions of this Code.
3. To fail or refuse to surrender to the City Building Official or designee, on
demand, an electrician's license which has been canceled, suspended, revoked or altered
as provided by law.
4. To apply for, or have in one's possession, more than one (1) current license
of the same type provided for in this Code.
5. To use
a false
or fictitious
name or address in any license application,
renewal, or duplicate
request,
or knowingly
make a false statement, conceal a material fact
or otherwise commit
fraud in
making said
application, renewal or duplicate request.
6. To employ as a Master, Journeyman, or Apprentice Electrician any person
not then licensed as provided in this Code.
7. To perform any electrical work requiring a license, without said license or
while said license is suspended or canceled.
8. To perform electrical work in any manner in violation of any restrictions
imposed on a licensee.
9. To perform electrical work as a Journeyman or Apprentice Electrician on a
job while not employed under the supervision of the Master Electrician of record of said job.
10. To fail to request a final inspection upon completion of all electrical wiring and
installation requiring a permit.
Elect. Ord.
Page 10 of 23
15.16.220 Probation. Suspension, Revocation
A. The Commission may place a licensee on probation or suspend any electricians
license issued by the Commission for a period of not more than one (1) year, or revoke
said license, after determining at a proper hearing, as set out in this article, that the
licensee has violated any provision of this Code, state law, City Ordinance or regulation
relating to or governing electrical wiring, repairing or construction, including, but not limited
to:
1. Permitting an unlawful or fraudulent use of said license.
2. Habitually violating this Code. (Habitual shall mean three (3) or more
separate violations within a one year period.)
3. Failing or refusing to make corrections necessary to cure defects in electrical
work performed in violation of this Code.
4. Performing any electrical work in violation of this Code or the 1999 National
Electrical Code which is found to be the cause or a contributing cause of a
fire, whether or not there is any actual damage or loss.
5. Performing any electrical work in violation of any restrictions imposed on a
license.
B. If a licensee who has been placed on probation by the Commission shall
violate any of the provisions contemplated above while serving said probationary period,
then said licensee may have his/her license suspended pursuant to 15.16.240 below.
15.16.230 Hearing and Procedure
A. In determining charges pursuant to Section 15.16.210 (D) the Commission shall
proceed upon a sworn complaint furnished it by the City Official, or by any person
aggrieved by the action (s) of an electrician in the performance of electrical work for which
an electrical permit is required by this Code.
B. Complaints shall be in writing and verified by the person familiar with the facts
therein. Three (3) copies of the same shall be filed with the City Secretary who shall retain
one (1) copy for the official records of the city shall convey two (2) copies to the
Commission.
C. The Commission, if it deems the information sufficient to support further action
on its part, shall order a hearing which shall be open to the public.
D. A copy of the order and complaint shall be served upon the accused by certified
mail no less than ten (10) days before the scheduled date of the hearing.
E. The accused shall appear in person, by counsel, or both, at the time and place
named in the order and make his defense to the same. The City Attorney and the accused
......................................... .
Elect. Ord. c<GIe"Icl
Page 11 of 23
shall be entitled to present evidence and argument at said hearing.
F. If the accused fails or refuses to appear at said hearing, the Commission may
proceed to hear and determine the charges in his/her absence.
G. If the accused admits the truth of the charges, and the Commission by
unanimously vote to find them to be true, it may enter an order suspending the license of
said electrician.
H. The Commission shall have the power, through its chairman or secretary, to
administer oaths and to compel the attendance of witnesses before it by subpoena issued
over the signature of the chairman.
1. When the Commission has completed said hearing and made its decision, it shall
cause one (1) copy of its decision to be filed with the City Building Official or designee, one
(1) copy with the City Attorney and cause a certified copy thereof to be forwarded to the
affected license holder.
15.16.240 Suspension/Penalties
A. The license of any person may be suspended upon determination by the
Commission that said licensee has committed any of the following offenses:
1. Taking out a permit in the name of person authorized to do the
electrical work and thereafter permitting a person not authorized by this Code to perform
the electrical work.
2. Tampering with, diverting from or in anyway interfering with the proper
action or registration of any electric meter.
3. Violating any provision of this Code, State law, City Ordinance or
regulation relating to or governing electrical wiring, repairing, or construction while on
probation imposed by the Commission.
4. Violating a term of probation or suspension.
B. Suspension provided for in this Code shall in the first instance be for a period
of up to six (6) months. For subsequent offenses said suspension shall be for a period of
up to one (1) year.
C. The suspension of any license may be extended for a like period as the
original suspension upon a final determination by the Commission that a licensee has been
performing electrical work while his/her license is suspended. Said suspension extension
may be in addition to any other penalty assessed, as provided in this Code.
Elect. Ord.`s`
Page 12 of 23
D. Suspensions are appealable in accordance with section 15.16.260 below.
15.16.250 Surrender and Return of License
Any license which has been suspended pursuant to this Code shall be surrendered
to and retained by the City Building Official or designee. At the end of the period of
suspension, the surrendered license shall be returned to the licensee and be valid under
the provisions in this Code, provided:
A. no further violations of this Code are committed by licensee during the
suspension period; and
B. if the period of suspension extends beyond the normal expiration date of said
license, the licensee has paid all license fees in accordance with this Code.
15.16.260 Right of Appeal
Any person denied a license or whose license has been suspended or revoked by
the Commission, shall have the right to request a hearing before the City Council. Said
request must be filed within ten (10) days of receipt of said denial, suspension or
revocation specifying the reason(s) therefor. The City Council shall set the matter for
hearing upon fourteen (14) days written notice to the aggrieved person. The City Council
shall determine, whether in accordance with the provisions of this Code, there is
substantial evidence to support the Commission's decision.
ARTICLE III. Permits and Inspections
15.16.270 Inspection Does Not Relieve Owner Responsibility
This article shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibilities of any
person who owns, operates, or installs electrical wires, appliances, apparatus construction,
or equipment for the damage to property or persons, injured by any defect therein nor shall
the City or any agent thereof be deemed to assume any such liability by reason of the
inspection authorized herein or the certificate of inspection issued by the City Building
Official or designee.
15.16.280 Permits Required
A. No person shall commence the erection, construction, alteration or change of any
electrical installation, machinery, apparatus, work or wiring in the City until a permit has
been issued by the City Building Official or designee covering each installation to be made.
Elect. Ord. 4/c,/V
Page 13 of 23
B. When any wiring or apparatus is installed in such a manner that the same could be
used for electric light or power purposes, it shall be deemed that the wiring or apparatus
is used for such purposes and permit shall be required and inspection made as provided
for such purpose.
C. It shall be unlawful for the City Electric Department to do any wiring of any nature
in or on any building, except power houses and substations of electric light, heat and power
companies operating under a franchise granted by the City, for which a permit has not
been issued, or to make any electrical connections to any building or electrical wiring or
apparatus until a certificate of inspection or written statement authorizing connection has
been issued by the City Building Official or designee. All persons operating under a regular
franchise granted by the City shall, upon written notice by the City Building Official or
designee, disconnect any circuit, main service wires, branch feeder wires, or distribution
system, as designated by such notice, and shall not reconnect such installation except
upon written permission from the City Building Official or designee.
D. No permit shall be required for the installation of wires to operate telephone,
telegraph or district messenger services, or repair or replacement of the same electrical
equipment wiring or apparatus.
15.16.290 To Whom Permits Shall Be Issued
Permits required by the provisions of this article shall be issued only to those persons who
have secured a Master Electrician's License or his/her representative under the provisions
of this ordinance or to a person whose home is owned and occupied by him/her.
15.16.300 Permit Fees
A.
Permit fees
for
Electrical work shall be set forth by the City Building Official
or designee
and
adopted
by
the City Council.
B. In case any work, for which a permit is required by this chapter, is started
prior to obtaining said permit, the fee above specified shall be doubled. The payment of
such doubled fee shall not relieve any person from fully complying with the requirements
of this chapter in the execution of work nor from other penalties prescribed herein.
15.16.310 Issuance Electrical Permit
The City Building Official or designee shall issue an electrical permit showing the
permit number, the building or house number, a description of the work to be conducted,
and the name of the contractor.
15.16.320 Construction Power Service General
Construction power services shall be authorized for a period of time necessary for
Elect. Ord.
Page 14 of 23
completion, final inspection, and testing of the building or structure's electrical system.
This service is not to exceed six months for dwelling unit or one year for commercial or
institutional occupancies. An extension may be granted by the City Building Official or
designee for up to three months on dwelling unit construction sites and six months on
commercial or industrial sites. Construction power service can be ordered disconnected
at any time by the City Building Official or designee when the installation is declared unsafe
or construction work ceases for a period of one month. Reconnection of construction
service thus ordered shall not be reconnected until approved by the City Building Official
or designee and a renewal fee is paid to the City utility department.
A. Temporary Construction Power Poles
A temporary construction power pole shall be authorized to service not more
than one construction site and only when the following requirements are met:
1. The responsible contractor applies for service at the City Utility Office;
furnishes the assigned address for the site involved; certifies that a temporary metered
construction power pole meeting city standards has been erected on the site within 60 feet
of utility pole which is capable of providing the service; and the site has been marked with
an address -sign clearly visible from the street.
2. The temporary power pole is to be constructed as per drawing E- 031
the City of Georgetown Construction Standards and Specifications. (See attached "A".)
Pole shall be long enough in length to be a minimum of 12 to 14 feet above grade after
installation. Pole shall be set in the earth, as per attachment "A", and shall be guyed to
withstand lateral pressures of the service under normal weather and wind conditions and
will provide a 12' clearance over driveways and a 18' clearance over public streets.
3. The temporary power pole shall be grounded as per City of
Georgetown requirements and have a metered service of sufficient size to meet the
construction needs. Receptacle outlets shall be protected by G.F.C. over current devices
compatible with the outlets and all 120 volt single phase outlets protected for human
safety, as required by updated approved version.
B. Permanent Construction Service
Permanent construction service may be authorized for a building or structure
under construction provided that:
1. The permanent service equipment has been installed and the building
is dried -in.
2. The service disconnect and service grounding system has been
completed.
Ord.
! ++r
3. All construction feeders and branch circuits to be activated are
installed and properly safe -guarded from electrical shock and
overload.
4. A notice is posted on the main disconnect and all activated main and
sub -panels indicating they are in-service and are not to be opened
except by the responsible electrical contractor.
5. The system has been inspected and approved by the City Building
Official or designee.
Permanent construction service will be required on the building or structure prior to final
inspection and certification by the City Building Official or designee.
15.16.330 Inspections
Inspections by the City Building Official or designee shall be requested by the
person performing electrical work for which a permit has been issued. The electrical
inspector shall make the inspection as soon as practicable exclusive of Saturdays,
Sundays, and holidays. The electrical contractor or the Master Electrician responsible may
be required to be present at the construction site during the final inspection.
15.16.340 Work Not to be Concealed
Work will not be concealed until inspected and approval given of such work by the
City Building Official or designee.
15.16.350 Fuses. Breakers to be Installed for Permanent Power Inspection
The fuses in the main disconnect switch or the breaker shall be in place when the
City Building Official or designee makes the permanent power inspection of the electrical
work.
15.16.360 Approval Tag
After inspecting any electrical wiring, the City Building Official or designee shall
leave notice in the form of a tag or label attached to the service entrance switch; which
such notice shall clearly state whether the wiring is approved or is to be kept open for
correction.
15.16.370 Defective Workmanship
Any person engaged in the business of electrical construction or the installation of
wiring or apparatus for electric light or power in the City who shall fail to correct any
Elect. Ord. X49670.le
Page 16 of 23
defect(s) in any work done by him after having been notified of such defect(s) by the City
Building Official or designee and given a specified period of time within which to make such
correction and fails or refuses within such time to correct such defect(s) in conformity with
this ordinance or the lawful orders of the City Building Official or designee, shall not be
issued any further permits until such defect's) have been corrected. On any case in which
any person shall continue to or persistently violate the provisions of this ordinance or the
orders of the City Building Official or designee in relation to the same, the license of such
person may be suspended or revoked upon recommendation by the Commission.
15.16.380 Certificates of Inspection
On the satisfactory completion of the work covered by a permit in accordance with
all ordinances and laws, the City Building Official or designee shall issue a certificate of
inspection. The certificate of inspection shall certify that the work is in accordance with the
rules governing the respective class to which it belongs.
15.16.390 Effect of Nonconforming Existing Work on Issuance of Certificate of
Inspection
Where a permit is issued for an addition to existing work, wherein the new work is
satisfactorily completed, but the existing work to which it is connected does not conform
to the rules laid down by this ordinance, the City Building Official or designee shall issue
a written statement to the effect that the new work complies with the rules, but that the
existing work may not comply with the provisions of this ordinance. This statement shall
constitute notice to the owner or other interested party that the entire installation may not
comply with the provisions of this ordinance and may not prevent the issuance of a
completion certificate for the new work.
15. 16.400 Refusal of Certificate of Inspection
The City Building Official or designee is hereby given the authority to refuse to issue
a certificate of inspection for any addition, or extension to any electrical wiring in or on any
building wherein it is determined that the wiring is in an unsafe condition. The City Building
Official or designee shall refuse to issue a Certificate of Inspection and no electric light and
power company shall connect electrical current to the same if any violations of this
ordinance exist.
15.16.410 Routine Inspection
It shall be the duty of the City Building Official or designee to inspect all electrical
wiring and apparatus in the city at any time in order to ascertain whether such electrical
wiring or apparatus is in any respect dangerous to life or property; and, if any part of such
electrical wiring or apparatus is found to be in a defective or dangerous condition, the City
Building Official or designee shall have the authority to take whatever action is necessary
for safety of life and property. City Building Official or designee shall notify the property
Elect. Ord. ° 141
Page 17 of 23
owner or tenant within a reasonable time of any defect and/or action taken. If the owner
of such defective wiring or equipment shall refuse or fail to comply with this requirement,
he/she shall be held to be in direct violation of this ordinance.
15.16.420 Commercial Buildings --Raceways
A. All commercial buildings, shall be wired in raceways;
B. All existing commercial buildings and those buildings used as
residential -use buildings and thereafter converted to commercial
usage, the requirement for the installation of raceway will be
determined on a case by case basis by the City Building Official or
designee and/or Building Standards Commission.
ARTICLE IV. Technical Provisions
15.16.430 1999 National Electrical Code
The governing edition of the 1999 National Electrical Code shall be that edition
accepted by an adopting Ordinance approved by the Commission and enacted by the City
Council for the City of Georgetown.
In the installation, construction, erection, repair, and maintenance of all electrical
wiring and apparatus, the rules and the requirements of the 1999 National Electric Code,
as published by the National Fire Protection Association, together with such requirements
and rules as are provided herein, shall be complied with and become a part of this Code.
In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this ordinance and the National
Electrical Code, the more stringent of the two Codes, as interpreted by the City Building
Official or designee, shall prevail.
15.16.440 Services --Location
All service entrance wires into a building shall be located at a point on the building
specified by the City Electrical Department. Where practical, all service conduits shall be
extended through the outside building wall on a street or alley side at such point as will
avoid open service wires being placed over roofs or through courts, light and ventilating
shafts, and over adjoining property.
15.16.450 Service—Support
Where service wires enter a building through stucco, tiles, brick or other masonry
walls, substantial support for the service wires must be provided, such support to consist
of not less than one 5/8 inch galvanized bolt and shall be installed by the contractor during
the construction of the supporting wall and the location of same shall be designated by the
Ord.
/ ,t► I
Page 18.
City Electrical Department.
Where service wires enter a building through other type walls, substantial support
for the service must be provided, such support to consist of an approved one point terminal
insulator of sufficient size to support the service for the distance and size wire involved,
bolted through a major structural member of the building or structure and installed prior to
the electrical rough -in inspection by the contractor.
15.16.460 Service --Entrance
All service entrance wires making overhead entrances into buildings shall be carried
in metal conduit with weatherproof service head, and the conduit shall be brought from the
entrance to the fuse switch or breaker. The service entrance to the service switch cabinet
shall be as short as possible, but in no case greater than three feet within the building
without the special permission from the City Building Official or designee. Length of
outside service wire extension beyond service head shall not be less than two feet.
15.16.470 Service --Mast
A service mast is a service which penetrates a roof or supports a service drop.
Wherever a service mast is used, rigid metal conduit or intermediate conduit shall be
required. There shall be a continuous conduit above the lowest point of the roof line. All
service mast fittings required for a weather proof installation shall be properly installed as
required by the City Building Official or designee.
15.16.480 Service Lateral
A. Underground secondary service conductors shall be run in 2 inch schedule
40 PVC conduit or better.
B. Conduit trenches shall be left open until they are inspected and approved by
the City Building Inspection Department or the City Electrical Department,
C. Example of service lateral/ underground- see attachment "B"
15.16.490 Service Disconnects
Single Family residences shall have a single current limiting service
disconnect located with or adjacent to its primary service equipment.
This disconnect must be located on the building and not be a part of city
distribution equipment.
15.16.500 Meters --Types
location,
The City Electric Department shall determine the type of metering and its
Elect. Ord. v<Vi.
Page of
15.16.510 Meters --Installation
A. The meter shall be installed outside the building unless special permission
is granted by the City Electrical Department.
B. Under no circumstances shall any meter be moved or relocated unless
authorization is given by employees of the City Electrical Department,
C. For 1 & 2 applications- meters shall be placed between (4) four feet and (6)
six feet above the finished grade measured to center of meter can. The City Electrical
Department will furnish the meter can, but the contractor shall install them. If the height
exceeds 6' special permission is required by the City Electrical Department.
D. For 3 or more meters installed in any one location, meters shall be installed
not less than 4' from finished grade and no more than 6' from finish grade. Special
installation shall be approved by the City Inspection Department or City Electrical
Department.
15.16.520 Circuit Wire Sizes, Copier
A. Wire of size not smaller than No. 12 AWG shall be used for lighting
distribution circuits from panels to outlets.
B. Exceptions are in residential installations wherein No. 14 AWG wire may be
used for switch legs serving not more than 600 watts. All utility outlets shall be minimum
No. 12 AWG.
C. Control wiring maybe No. 14 AWG wire and must be fused by not more than
15 amperes.
15.16.530 Aluminum Conductors
A. Aluminum and copper -clad aluminum conductors of sizes smaller than No.
6 AWG shall not be used.
B. Aluminum and copper -clad aluminum conductors of sizes No. 6 AWG and
larger may be used with approved devices and terminals provided suitable oxidation
inhibitors are used on all terminals, and splices are made as specified in a UL listing for the
device being used.
15.16.540 Installation of outlets Switches Receptacle Boxes
A. All lighting outlets, switches, and receptacle boxes shall be attached to the
wood, steel, drywall or masonry framing of the building in accordance with the
manufacturer's written instruction.
Elect. Ord. 4000
'Page 20 of 23
B. All outlet and switch devices installed that are 20A circuits or less shall be U.L
approved.
15.16.550 Outlets --Residential
A. For general wiring of dwellings restricted to residential use, including
apartments, hotels and motels, not more than twelve (12) outlets shall be permitted on any
one (1) branch circuit.
B. Refrigerator shall be on a dedicated circuit.
C. In the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar area of a
dwelling unit, the two or more 20 ampere small appliance branch circuits shall consist of
no more than 6 outlets on each circuit.
15.16.560 Grounding
The grounding and bonding methods shall comply with 1999 National Electrical
Code as adopted and as specified by this section for each service installed, including but
not limited to:
A. An underground metallic water pipe shall not be used as the only grounding
electrode for a service;
B. Primary Electrode: Due to the amount of rock in the Georgetown area, Article
250-50(c), "Concrete -Encased Electrode" shall apply to that of all new cons4.
truction within
the corporate city limits and the ETJ areas where the City of Georgetown supplies and
inspects for Electrical service installations;
C. The grounding and bonding systems for the new construction of Commercial
and metal or steel structures shall meet the requirements of the 1999 National Electrical
Code and those as specified herein;
D. Bonding and/ or grounding conductors shall be installed so as to prevent
contact between dissimilar metal(s);
E. No gas piping shall be permitted to be used for grounding purposes;
F. For that of existing structures where the encasement of the primary electrode
in concrete is not feasible for a service up -grade, change out, repair, or addition of
services, at least one (1) grounding electrode of the type specified in Article 250-50 and/or
250-52 of the 1999 National Electrical Code as adopted shall apply;
G. The interior metal water piping system shall be bonded to the service
grounding system with a conductor as per the 1999 National Electrical Code as adopted,
Elect. Ord. 4000
Page 21 of 23
the point of attachment shall be accessible. This requirement shall apply to both new
construction and up -grade, change out, repair, or addition of services of existing structures.
H. All water softener systems shall have a bonding jumper, #6 or larger,
between incoming water supply piping and outgoing treated water piping; and shall be
installed with an approved bonding clamp inside the wall with accessibility to the clamps.
15.16.570 Safeguards
A. Color coding of conductors:
1. Single Phase 120/240 Volt System
Phase:
A Black
B Red
Neutral White
2, Three Phase 120/240 Volt center tap Delta System.
Phase:
A Black
B Orange (high leg)
C Red
Neutral White
3, Three Phase 480 Volt Delta System
Phase:
A Brown
B Yellow
C Purple
4, Three Phase 120/208 Volt WYE System
Phase:
A
Black
B
Red
C
Blue
Neutral
White
5, Three Phase 277/480 Volt WYE System
Phase:
A Brown
B Yellow
C Purple
Neutral Natural Gray
B. Terminal Blocks are to be used in the connection of conductors within gutters.
Elect, Ord. '900 ' 141
Page 22 of 23
C. Reserved
15.16.580 Installation of Cabinets and Panel Requirements
A. All main and branch circuit panels shall be attached to wall or panel
mountings with screws, studs, or toggle bolts.
B. All panels installed for electrical disconnecting means shall be installed with
spare spaces and raceways for future use:
1. For each panel in residential buildings, a minimum of one (1) spare
one -inch raceway shall be installed from the panel to an accessible location in the attic or
crawlspace for recessed panels only. All disconnect panels installed in residential
occupancies must be large enough to accommodate the present load requirements and
have at least three (3) spare circuits for future use.
2. For each panel installed in commercial buildings, the requirements for
that of paragraph (1) of this section shall apply, except that all disconnect panels installed
in commercial occupancies shall provide at least four (4) spare circuits for future use.
15.16.590 Engineer Seal Required
In accordance with the Texas Engineering Practice Act, all drawings
pertaining to non -dwelling construction projects of five thousand (5,000) square feet or
more shall bear the seal of an engineer licensed in the State of Texas. The Building
Official is hereby authorized to require at his/her discretion, said seal to be placed upon
drawings for non -dwelling construction projects of lessor square footage.
Elect. Ord.
Page 23 of 23
ATTACHMENT A
ISSUE Gnrt raunk� ays`
RE`t1Si0NS
'PGRT S
I IN p L'
LL
I
QST
CHOR (TR' TR,
TO 2 X 4
AMIHG 'lt4lU
TEMPORARY SERVICE POLE
COMMUNITY OWNED uTILMES
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS AND DETAILS
i�
FNIS; ; GWE - SL IKWE IN 7RE7E CROSSINGS
rCMPAC t� SE 4 SACK = L
z 8" LIFE (MAiX.)i
REL ..� i,KA.I_ MARKING iAPz
L SECCNDAPI/S"'RVi " r^
I.... r " S rE 'Gr r NDi!I i'
SAND DEDDING
i
t
5_CONLr) Y/SES`✓ICE A.ND S' II LIG' = =DOING
l�y OF �-�+ pwG .
LT _.
RL�11S(ONS
E04A.0
SECONDARY ELECTRIC TRENCH DETAIL
OELc:ED NOTE `MRS
REv1s�k TRENCH FIL MRs COMMUNITY OWNED U-1710ES
aEDOING 01MENSIO4_
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS AND DETAILS