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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