HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-2005-2079-H (original 1996)
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ORDINANCE NO. 96-2079-H
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 82 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE; BY AMENDING CHAPTER 82
"BUll.DINGS AND BUll.DING REGULATIONS," ARTICLE IV
"ELECTRICAL CODE" DIVISION 1 "GENERALLY"; DIVISION 3
"PERMITS"; DIVISION 4 "INSPECTIONS"; DIVISION 5 "STANDARDS";
PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING THAT ANY
PERSON VIOLATING THE TERMS OF TIllS ORDINANCE SHALL BE
DEEMED GUll.TY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND UPON CONVICTION
SHALL BE FINED IN A SUM NOT TO EXCEED TWO THOUSAND
DOLLARS; PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE CAPTION
HEREOF; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS:
Section 1.
as follows, to-wit:
Section 82-101, "Definitions", is hereby amended and shall hereafter read
"Section 82-101. Definitions.
Apprentice electrician means the holder of an apprentice electrician license."
Section 2. Section 82-102, "Electrical work to be done only by or under licensed
master electrician", is hereby amended and shall hereafter read as follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-102. Electrical work to be done only by or under licensed master
electrician.
a) Except as provided in this article, it shall be unlawful for any person to do
electrical work within the city unless such person is a master electrician licensed
under the provisions of the Electrician's Occupations Code (a.k.a. The Texas
Electrical Safety and Licensing Act), or unless such person does such electrical
work under the supervision, direction and control of a master electrician licensed
under the provisions of said code.
b) Nothing in the Electrician's Occupations Code (a.k.a. The Texas Electrical Safety
and Licensing Act) shall ever be construed or operate to prevent any person from
doing electrical work in or on his property which he owns, where he resides and
which he maintains as a homestead. Such homeowner shall not be required to be
a licensed electrician but shall otherwise conform to all other requirements of said
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code. In doing electrical work on his own property, as provided in this
subsection, such owner shall not use any hired assistant unless such assistant is
duly licensed under the terms of said code."
c) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no electrical work shall be
performed by any person not the holder of the required license. No person, firm
or corporation shall employ any other person for doing electrical work unless such
person proposed to be employed is the holder of the proper license.
Section 3. Section 82-104, "Tampering", subsections (c) and (d) are hereby amended
and shall hereafter read as follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-104. Tampering.
c) It shall be unlawful for any person to make connection from a source of electrical
energy to any electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and
equipment for the installation of which a permit is required until it shall have
received an approval by the inspector.
d) It shall be unlawful for any person to make connection from a source of electrical
energy to any electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and
equipment which have been disconnected by the inspector or the use of which has
been ordered by the inspector to be discontinued until approval has been issued by
the inspector."
Section 4. Section 82-284, "Insurance Requirements", subsection (a) is hereby
amended and shall hereafter read as follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-284. Insurance Requirements.
(a) No permit shall be issued until the master electrician shall have arranged to carry
the minimum insurance as required by the Administrative Rules of the Texas
Department of Licensing and Regulation, 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter
73; Section 73.40."
Section 5. Section 82-309, "Certificate of Approval", is hereby amended and shall
hereafter read as follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-309. Authorization for Electrical Service.
If the work is found to be in compliance with the provisions of this article, the inspector,
subject to the other applicable provisions of this article, shall issue a final approval to the
public utility corporation furnishing the electrical service or the person supplying the
energy, which approval shall authorize connection of such approved work to the source
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of energy of the electrical service, the turning on of current and the use of the installation.
No connection shall be made until such authorization and final approval is given."
Section 6. Section 82-310, "Reinspection; correction of unsafe conditions", is hereby
amended and shall hereafter read as follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-310. Reinspection; correction of unsafe conditions.
The inspector shall make, upon information or belief that faulty conditions exist, a
thorough reinspection of any electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures
and equipment now installed or that may hereafter be installed and within the scope of
this article, and when the installation of such wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances,
fixtures and equipment is found to be at variance with the original permit issued, or to be
in a dangerous or unsafe condition, or if it is found that the electrical measuring device
has been tampered with so as to create a condition dangerous to the continuity of the
electrical service or to property, the person owning, using or operating the same shall be
notified in writing and shall make the necessary repairs or changes required to place such
wiring, apparatus, devices and equipment in safe condition so as to relieve the hazards
created by such unauthorized conditions, and shall have such work completed within ten
(10) days, or any reasonably longer period specified by the inspector in the written
notice. "
Section 7. Section 82-340, "Residential capacity and branch circuits", is hereby
amended and shall hereafter read as follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-340. Residential capacity and branch circuits.
(a) All services for 1 & 2 family dwellings, shall be a minimum of 100 Amp capacity
and shall have a minimum of two (2) spare breaker slots.
(b) All underground services shall be installed in a minimum of Schedule 40
Conduit. "
Section 8. Section 82-341, "Window air conditioners and space heaters", is deleted
and shall hereafter read as follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-341. Reserved."
Section 9. Section 82-342, "Wiring within buildings", is hereby amended and shall
hereafter read as follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-342. Wiring within Buildings.
Nonmetallic sheathed cable shall be used only for residential work, apartment houses,
hotels, motels and similar occupancies equal to and less than three (3) stories in height.
Conductors in or on all tile and masonry walls of such buildings shalI be encased in rigid
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conduit, flexible conduit, PVC conduit or electrical metallic tubing. Minimum size
nonmetallic sheathed cable shall be limited to No. 12 A WG."
Section 10. Section 82-343, "Ground contact", is deleted and shall hereafter read as
follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-343. Reserved."
Section 11. Section 82-344, "Meter cabinets", is hereby amended and shall hereafter
read as follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-344. Meter Cabinets.
Meter cabinets or meter sockets shall be approved by the electric public service company
and installed in accordance with Section 82-102(a) of this Chapter. Meter cabinets shall
be installed in accordance with electric public service company standards and the
National Electrical Code (NEC)."
Section 12. Section 82-345, "Feeders", is hereby amended and shall hereafter read as
follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-345. Feeders.
All services, except residential and interior feeders, shall be installed in rigid metal
conduit, electric metallic tubing or approved busways, except that underground services
and feeders may be installed in approved ducts or plastic conduit. The portion of the
service ahead of the meter cabinet shall not be run through attic spaces."
Section 13. Section 82-349, "Suspension of approval of materials", is hereby amended
and shall hereafter read as follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-349. Suspension of Approval of Materials.
The Building Codes Appeals Board (BCAB) may, for good and justifiable reasons,
suspend or revoke the approval of certain materials or wiring. "
Section 14. Section 82-350, "Prohibition of installation of nonconforming goods",
subsection (a), is hereby amended and shall hereafter read as follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-350. Prohibition of installation of nonconforming goods.
(a) No electrical materials, apparatus, devices appliances, fixtures or equipment shall
be installed in the city unless they are in conformity with the provisions of this
article and the statutes of the State."
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Section 15. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the terms of this
ordinance are hereby repealed; provided, however, that such repeal shaH be only to the extent of
such inconsistency and in all other respects this ordinance shall be cumulative of other
ordinances regulating and governing the subject matter covered by this ordinance.
Section 16. If any section, sentence, phrase, clause, or any part of any section, sentence,
phrase, or clause, of this Ordinance shall, for any reason, be held invalid, such invalidity shall
not affect the remaining portions of this Ordinance, and it is hereby declared to the intention of
this City Council to have passed each section, sentence, phrase, or clause, or part thereof,
irrespective of the fact that any other section, sentence, phrase, or clause, or part thereof, may be
declared invalid.
Section 17. Any person, as defined in Section 1.07 (27), Texas Penal Code, who
shall violate any provision of the ordinance, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and
upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not to exceed TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS
($2,000.00).
Section 18. This Ordinance shall be effective sixty (60) days after its passage and
approval. The City Secretary shall give notice of the passage of this ordinance by causing
the caption hereof to be published in the official newspaper of the City of La Porte at least
twice within ten (10) days after the passage of this ordinance.
Section 19. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites and declares that a
sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City Council is
posted at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the city for the time required by law
preceding this meeting, as required by the Chapter 551, Tx. Gov't Code; and that this meeting
has been open to the public as required by law at all times during which this ordinance and the
subject matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formaHy acted upon. The City Council
further ratifies, approves and confirms such written notice and the contents and posting thereof
PASSED AND APPROVED this the /(}I daYOf~h1/Jfr ,2005.
CITY ~F LA PORTE 1)
By:~t.l~
Mayor
ATTEST: .d::i
~W
ity Secretary
AP~
Td~.
City Attorney
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Memo
To:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
T~ Campbell, Chairman of the Building Codes Appeals Board
All Building Codes Appeals Board Members
Debbie S. Wilmore, Chief Building Official
August 30, 2005
Adoption of Local Electrical Code Amendments
From:
CC:
Date:
Re:
At the June 25, 2005 meeting, Council considered the Building Codes Appeals
Board's recommendation to adopt the 2005 Ed. of the National Electrical Code
(NEC). The Board's recommendation was to adopt the new edition of the NEC (as
mandated by the State) without amending the existing local electrical amendments at
that time. Council approved Ordinance #96-2079F on that date and the ordinance
provided an implementation date of September 1, 2005.
The Board has now completed their review of the "current" local electrical
amendments. Attached to this memo you will find our recommendation and an
adoption ordinance. In accordance with past practices, the ordinance includes a
delayed implementation date. This will allow for mail notifications to electrical
contractors as well as required amendments to handouts for the public, staff
paperwork and the city website.
Members of the Board plan to be at the September 12, 2005 meeting and will be
available for questions. Thank you for your consideration.
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STAFF AND BOARD REVIEW COMMENTS
COPY OF EXISTING LOCAL AMENDMENTS
WITH PROPOSED CHANGES IDENTIFIED
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~ 82-68
LA PORTE CODE
Sec. 82.68. Plumbing and mechanical contractors; liability insurance requirements.
) No permit shall be issued for any plumbing contract work, as such work's defined
withi the city codes adopted in sections 82-31 and 82-66 until the plumbing c ractor or his
employe shall have arranged to carry the following:
(1) Wor rs' compensation insurance on each and everyone of hi mployees as required
and in cordance with the provisions of the Workers' Co ensation Act of the State
of Texas;
a.
han $300,000.00 for all claims arising in any
(2)
b.
c. A coverage amount
one-year period.
Such insurance s be written by an accredite
missioners of the state.
(c) Eviden of compliance with the above insurance require nts shall be considered as
having b met when the policy, a copy thereof, or a certificate 0 surance has been filed
with d approved by the chief building official of the city. Such po shall include an
e orsement thereon that the chief building official will be notified at I t ten days in
advance in the event of the policy or policies being cancelled or expiring before t expiration
date of the license.
(Code 1970, ~ 8-29; Ord. No. 1786, ~ 7, 10-14-91; Ord. No. 2079, ~ 4, 11-13-95)
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ARTICLE ~ ELECTRICAL CODE
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DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Sec. 82.101. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
A . l .. th h ld f t' It" I,' s~e"~e · ~ .
pprentlce e ectrlclan means e 0 er 0 an appren Ice e ec rIClan E:ef'ul.~ea..e. ~
Electrical work means the installing, maintaining, altering, repairing or erecting of any 0 k
electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment for which a permit is
required under the terms and provisions of the electric code.
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BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
~ 82-104
Inspector shall mean the chief building official of the city or any of the division construction
inspectors under herlhis supervision.
Journeyman electrician means the holder of a journeyman electrician license. 0 k
Master electrician means the holder of a master electrician license.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~~ 10.01, 1.03, 2.05, 2.15, 2.21, 2.22, 2.30), 3-13-89; Ord. No. 96-2079-E, * 3,
5-10-04)
Cross reference-Definitions generally, * 1-2.
Sec. 82.102. Electrical work to be done only by or under licensed master electrician.
(a) Except as provided in this article, it shall be unlawful for any person to do electrical
work w~in the city unless such person is a master electrician licensed under the provisions
~is ~tri8 88E1e, or unless such person does such electrical work under the s1J~rvision,
direction and control of a master electrician licensed under the provisions of tRt~~etFi8 code.
(b) Nothing in tfte e~trie e68e shall ever be construed or operate to prevent any person
from doing electrical work in or on his property which he owns, where he resides and which he
maintains as a homestead. Such homeowner shall not be re!uir.e!\ to be a licensed electrician
but shall otherwise conform to all other requirements of the ~~ie code. In doing electrical
work on his own property, as provided in this subsection, such own:~:~ll€l: use any hired
assistant unless such assistant is duly licensed under the terms of S ; . code.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no electrical work shall be performed
by any person not the holder of the required license.er eertiiieate. No person, firm or
corporation shall employ any other person for doing electrical work unless such person
proposed to be employed is the holder of the proper license,sF eerti:f.ieate.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(1.02), 3-13-89)
Sec. 82.103. Reserved. C K
Editor's note-Ordinance No. 96-2079-E, * 3, adopted May 10, 2004, repealed * 82-103 in
its entirety. Formerly, such section pertained to electrical maintenance work to be done by
licensed maintenance electricians; exceptions and derived from Ord. No. 1637, * 1(2.23),
3-13-89.
Sec. 82.104. Tampering.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to bridge, tamper with or change from its original
installation, except upon the approval of the inspector, and then only after a proper permit for
alteration has been issued, any fuse of the plug, cartridge type or link type, installed in panel
boards, main switches or switchboards, or to alter or change circuit breakers so that the
original calibration will be affected, or to tie down or secure any circuit breaker so that it will
not function properly.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person, in any manner, to interfere with any electrical
wiring installed or being installed in, or on, within or without any structure or building. If in
the course of erection of a building or structure the wiring is in such position as to interfere
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~ 82-104
LA PORTE CODE
with the erection or completion of the building or structure as called for by the plans, notice
shall immediately be given the person installing the wiring and the needed change shall be
made by such person.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to make connection from a Jurce of electrical energy
to any electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fIxtur~and equipment f9r thi.
stallation of .which a permit is required until it shall have received, a1 ~1'8~~ ilt'l(k~
I e. Or-. . .
.,
iS6HeeI BY tae iaSfleetsF aatlasFili!!iag SYea eSRReetisfl aReI tae ase sf SHea 'l:iFIRg, aflflaFatY8,
eIeviees, afifi1iaflees, iintl:1FE'lS aReI eEll:1iflH'l.eRt.
--FrOM
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to make connection.fep. a source of electrical energy
to any electric wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fIxtures and equipment which have been
disconnected by the inspector or the use of which has been ordered by the inspector to be
discontinued until Q ee:Aiifisate gf approval has been issued ~y the inspector.as f1Fe-;itled iR tki!
seetieR.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(1.04), 3-13-89)
Sees. 82-105-82-150. Reserved.
DIVISION 2. RESERVED*
Sees. 82-151-82-280. Reserved.
DIVISION 3. PERMITS
Sec. 82-281. Required; exceptions.
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(a) No wiring, poles, duct line, guy anchors, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or
equipment for the transmission, distribution or utilization of electrical energy for any purpose
shall be installed within the city limits, nor shall any alteration or addition be made in any 0 k
such existing wiring, poles, duct lines, guy anchors, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or
equipment without fIrst securing a permit therefor from the inspector, except that no permit
shall be required for the following:
(1) Replacing fuses or lamps or the connection of portable devices to suitable receptacles
which have been permanently installed or for repairs to portable appliances.
(2) Minor repair work, such as repairing or replacing flush and snap switches, receptacles
and lamp sockets, or minor repairs on permanently connected electric apparatus,
appliances, fixtures or equipment, or the installation of light globes.
*Editor's note-Ordinance No. 96-2079-E, ~ 3, adopted May 10, 2004, repealed ~~ 82-
151-82-259 in their entirety. Formerly, such sections pertained to licenses and certificates
and derived from Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1,3-13-89.
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BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
~ 82-282
(3) The installation, maintenance or alteration of wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances
or equipment for telegraph, telephone, signal service or central station protective 0 k
service used in conveying signals or intelligence, except where electrical work is done
on the primary side of the source of power from the power company at a voltage over
50 volts and which generates more than 500 watts of energy.
(4) Poles and guy anchors, for the installation, maintenance or alteration of electric
wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances or equipment to be installed by an electric
public service corporation for the use of such corporation in the generation, transmis-
sion, distribution, sale or utilization of electrical energy. However, an electric public 0 1<..
service corporation shall not do any wiring on a customer's premises other than wiring
which is part of the company's distribution system, nor shall any of its employees do
any work other than that done for the company as provided for in this section, by virtue
of this exemption.
(5) The installation of temporary wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances or equipment 0 1<
used by a recognized school in teaching electricity.
(b) Where no permit is required for the installation or repair of wiring, apparatus, devices
or equipment for the transmission, distribution or utilization of electrical energy for any () 1<.
purpose, the wiring, apparatus, devices or equipment shall be installed or repaired in
conformity with the provisions of this article.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(4.01), 3-13-89)
Sec. 82-282. Application and issuance.
(a) The application for a permit shall describe the work to be done and shall be made in
writing by a master electrician or his company representative. The permit, when issued, shall
be issued to such applicant to cover such work as described and detailed. Any changes or t!) k
additions must be covered by additional permits at the time changes are made. The application
shall be accompanied by such plans, specifications and schedules as may be necessary to
determine whether the installations, as described, will be in conformity with the requirements
of this article.
(b) Reserved.
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(c) Reserved.
(d) If it is found that the installation, as described, will, in general, conform to the
requirements of this article, and if the applicant has complied with all provisions of the
ordinances of the city, a permit for such installation shall be issued. The issuance of a permit
will not be taken as permission or as a license to violate any of the requirements of this article
or any other ordinance of the city.
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(e) The inspector may issue and enforce any rules or regulations he may deem necessary
covering the granting of emergency permits, where real emergencies exist.
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~ 82-282
LA PORTE CODE
(f) Before a permit is issued, fees shall be paid to the city in amounts listed in appendix A 0 1<.
of the city's Code of Ordinances.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(4.02), 3-13-89; Ord. No. 96-2079-E, * 3, 5-10-04)
Sec. 82-283. Reserved.
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Editor's note-Ordinance No. 96-2079-E, ~ 3, adopted May 10, 2004, repealed ~ 82-283.
Formerly, such section pertained to display and derived from Ord. No. 1637, * 1(4.03),3-13-89.
Sec. 82-284. Insurance requirements.
illsyrallse sRalllils ill asssrelaess with the ~Fsvisiges aetBe 'Narker's Csm~eA.satisA. .'\et .
sf tae state;
(~) Paalie liaaility ias\u'aaee l1s tae enteat sf $69,999.00 fer aay efte aeeisent Iins
. $188,999.98 faI 8ft) one pers6n, ails
. (~) Pr9~eFty aamaS's iRsYFQase ts tae mEteat sf $19,999.99 rSF 8a-y eRe aeeiaeRt IiRS
$199,988.99 in. tft~ aggregate.
Stll:a ift3t1ranee saMI ae -.\ntten 19, 8R aeeresites eemp8R-y \:lRSer tae s\:l13ernsiaR aftae aears
sf iRsQI"Bnse ssmmissisReFB sf the state.
(b) Evidence of compliance with the insurance requirements of subsection (a) of this section
shall be considered as having been met when a certificate of insurance has been filed with and
approved by the city. Such policy shall include an endorsement thereon that the city will be
notified at least ten days in advance in the event of the policy being cancelled.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(1.10), 3-13-89; Ord. No. 96-2079-E, ~ 3, 5-10-04)
Sees. 82-285-82-305. Reserved.
DIVISION 4. INSPECTIONS
Sec. 82-306. Inspector's responsibilities.
The inspector shall, upon application, cause to be issued permits for the installation and
alteration of electrical wiring, devices, appliances, fixtures, apparatus and equipment, and
certificates of final approval therefor, and shall be responsible for inspection of all new
electrical installations and reinspections of all electrical installations, all as provided in this
article. He shall keep complete records of all permits issued, inspections and reinspections
made, and other official work performed in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(3.01), 3-13-89)
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BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
~ 82-309
Sec. 82-307. Entry upon private property.
The inspector shall have the right from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday) or in
emergency situations, to enter any building in the discharge of his official duties or for the
purpose of making any inspection, reinspection or test of the installation of electrical wiring,
apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and electrical equipment contained therein, and shall
have the authority to cause the turning off of all electrical currents and to cut or disconnect in
cases of emergency any wire where such electrical currents are dangerous to life and property,
or where such wires may interfere with the work of the fire department. The inspector is
hereby empowered in emergencies to disconnect and to order the discontinuance of electrical
service to any electric wiring, apparatus, device, appliance, fixture or equipment found to be
dangerous to life or property because of its being defective or defectively installed or otherwise
not in conformity with the provisions of this article until such wiring, apparatus, device,
appliance, fixture and equipment and their installation have been made safe as directed by
himlher in conformity with this article.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(3.02), 3-13-89; Ord. No. 96-2079-E, ~ 3, 5-10-04)
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Sec. 82-308. Installations to be concealed.
When any part of a wiring installation is to be concealed by the permanent placement of
parts of a building, the master electrician to whom the permit has been issued shall notify the
inspector, provided that on such installation as the concealment of parts of the wiring must, in
the discretion of the inspector, necessarily proceed continuously, the master electrician to
whom the permit has been issued shall give the inspector due notice, and inspection shall be C) k
made periodically during the progress of the work. Where, in the discretion of the inspector, it
is necessary, he shall post notice upon the premises stating that work is approved and may be
covered, or is not approved and may not be covered, until such further inspection as is
necessary has been made. Any person destroying, altering or defacing such notice without the
consent of the inspector, shall be deemed guilty of an offense under this section, and any work
described in the notice shall be stayed pending the further necessary inspection. Upon the
completion of the work which has been authorized by the issuance of a permit, it shall be the
duty of the master electrician to whom the permit has been issued to immediately notify the
inspector, who shall inspect such installations within three days, exclusive of weekends and
holidays, of the time such notice is given.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(3.03),3-13-89; Ord. No. 96-2079-E, * 3, 5-10-04)
f?:i
Sec. 82-309. Cel'tifieaie 9fappP9"1al. A-\A.+hO....j"l..~ttol1 fol'- EI t~+...,~A.l Se)..V,-ee._
If the work is found to be in compliance with the provisions of this article, the inspector,
subject to the other applicable provisions of this article, shall issue a final tCltHie.lltc of
approval to the public utili~ corporation furnishing the electrical service or the person
supp~ying the energy, which~shall authorize connection of such approved work to
the source of energy of the electrical service, the turning on of current and th~ ..~J>! the
ip,s.illation. No connection shall be made until such authorization and final~ is
~.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(3.04),3-13-89)
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* 82-310
LA PORTE CODE
Sec. 82-310. Reinspection; correction of unsafe conditions.
The inspector shall make, upon information or belief that faulty conditions exist, a thorough
reinspection of any electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment
now installed or that may hereafter be installed and within the scope of this article, and when ~
the installation of such wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment is found 'Iff
to be at variance with the original permit issued, or to be in a dangerous or unsafe condition,
or if it is found that the electrical measuring device has been tampered with so as to create a
condition dangerous to the continuity of the electrical service or to property, the person owning,
using or operating the same shall be notified in writing and shall make the necessary repairs
or changes required to place such wiring, apparatus, devices and equipment in safe condition
so as to relieve the h3zards created by such unauthorized conditions, and shall have such work
completed within ~ days, or any reasonably longer period specified by the eleetl'ieal inspector
in the~ ~~rtttn
(Ord. No. 1637, * 1(3.05),3-13-89)
Sec. 82-311. Schedule of fees for inspection.
The master electrician making or supervising installation or alteration of electric wiring,
apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment, shall pay to the city fees in such
amounts as established by the city and listed in app~ndix A of this Code.
(Ord. No. 1637, * 1(3.06), 3-13-89)
OK
Sec. 82-312. Reserved.
OK
Editor's note-Ordinance No. 96-2079-E, * 3, adopted May 10, 2004, repealed * 82-312.
Formerly, such section pertained to failure to pay inspection fees and derived from Ord. No.
1637, * 1(3.07), 3-13-89.
Sees. 82-313-82-335. Reserved.
DMSION 5. STANDARDS
The Na 'onal Electrical Co ,2002 edition, is hereby adopte as the regu tions to govern
and to be served and follow d in all elect . c wiring and in all electric
installation, r air, alteration, op ation and m 'ntenance of elec ic wiring, paratus and
fixtures, except r the amendments dopted in se ions 82-337 thro h 82-350
(Ord. No. 1637, ** (1.11),3,3-13-89; 0 . No. 96-163 -A, * 1,7-22-96; d. No. 96 079-B, * 3,
3-8-04)
BY
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o RliMJrce
Sec. 82-337. Same-Amendments.
The electrical code adopted in section 82-336 is amended to read as provided in sections
82-338 through 82-350.
(Code 1970, * 8-40)
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BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
~ 82-343
Sec. 82-338. Aluminum conductors.
Aluminum conductors may not be used in any wmng within buildings, nor in any
underground service conductors. Aluminum conductors may only be used as outside aerial
conductors from a weatherhead to a pole, from a pole to a pole, and from a weatherhead to a
weatherhead.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(5.01), 3-13-89)
Sec. 82-339. Reserved.
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Editor's note-Section 1 ofOrd. No. 97-1637-B, adopted July 14,1997, repealed ~ 82-339
in its entirety. Formerly, ~ 82-339 pertained to conduit in commercial buildings and derived
from ~ 1(5.02) of Ord. No. 1637, adopted March 13, 1989.
spaTe.
~
(h) Ne" Iesidel.ce.!l of 1,969 or mOTe IHltlal'e feet Elf Ii-viRg apea, elfeltlaiag ettaekea ga:rages,
!lhall have seI vice elltrance capaei~ Elf not less thaR tRrce REl. 2 eElppel' aRa Bl'aReR eil'etlit
facilities ElfllOb less bRaR tell El-;el'eeTl'eRt ae.iees, t."El ofwRieR mest be left lift1'lsed as spal'ea.
(~ All underground services shall be installed in ~edule 40 conduit.l Q., M i h; M lA. M
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(5.03), 3-13-89)
Sec. 82-341. Wil~a~ Ji-~~~i~8~el's aRd sllaee lteatel!s
Bra ch circuit wirl g for Wind~air condi . oning units~reSistanc~ype spa e heaters
shall no be smaller tha: no. 12 Jtl copper wir or its equiv lent and not ore tha one air
conditioni unit or air conditionin receptacle hall be in talled on one si Ie or
multiwire b nch circuit.
Sec. 82-342. Wiring within buildings.
Nonmetallic sheathed cable shall be used only for residential work~ apartment house:;;,
Conductors in or on all tile and masonry walls of such buildings shall be encased in rigid
conduit, flexible conduit, PVC conduit or electrical metallic tubing. Minimum size nonmetallic
sheathed cable shall be limited to No. 12 AWG.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(5.05), 3-13-89; Ord. No. 96-2079-E, ~ 3, 5-10-04)
RE-5.€RVE ~ .
Sec. 82-343. .GF8\1REI e8Rtaet.
EJlt"..t~~(;al Jn~tallk tl:1biI.g, iatermeaiate 1'I.etallic tliBiftg aRel BRest metall:leues sRall B9t 99
liSta iR eElfttaet with the tariR.
(Old. No. 1631, ~ 1(5.86),13 13 89) - C) K
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~ 82-344
LA PORTE CODE
Sec. 82-344. Meter cabinets.
(a) 1.'I.lc U.J.ctc~ ,",ab~.l.u::;li:) CILia clc",l~.i\..c:J JlLcLcJ.iuo t:i'-iu.il-'J.J.u::a.ll LIJ.J.uuol.l vvb..i\...l.l .,C.L VU..C .io:)
pesaerea BY tfte eleetrie ~tlBlie sel"viee eoft'l~a~ 1:0 dOMcstic e!tablisl.m.ent~ aud buildiug",
esft'lBisiRg asmestie estaBlishments -.ntft eSlfiftlereial SY indtlsbial tls8g'C al.ail b~ i..stalled
arr8.Rgea iR ~"e tiel's, ';li.-tfttfte efleaiRgs fer tfte meter Eli8ls iR lewel" tiel' 8.S Real' 86 ~1'8.etie8.Ble
to fi. c fed aBove meaR g'fetlRd It:-nl8.Rd tfte SeeSI'll:! tier ~18.eea 8.S Real' as ~raetieaBle aBeve the
first. ",Y8Crt: s~aee lilfiit84JieRs v;ill Rst flermit fllaeiag sf meter eaeiaets as 9yt1illea ill tb.iE
I stlBseetieR, tBe eleetrie fltlBlie seMee eSRlfl8.lt,Y, StlBjeet ts tae aflfll'Sval sf tae iRsfleetsF, Rlay
aetermiRe tae aFl'8fl.gemeRt te Be tlsea. 1\1.1 seFViee etlth:t3 sftall Be 18eated 138 as to ~cnnit
~laeiRg the eleetrie fltlBlie s~ee eORl~aflj 's sel"\ iee n ire3 OR the naIl ofthe btlilding lI.ext to
tae S1iflPly.
(b) The ectric public servi company shall not equire the plac g of meters O~he front
of the buildi g or str~et side of he building withou the written con ent of the ow rs, and
where not pra tical to place mete g devices on the ex rior of the buH 'ng, such locati shall
be at points, co venient to the elec . c public service co pany's service, s determined by the
company's engin er.
(Ord. No. 1637, * 1(6.01), 3-13-89; Ord. No. 96-1637-A, ~ 1, 7-22-96)
Sec. 82-345. Feeders.
All services, except residential and interior feeders, shall be installed in rigid metal conduit,
electric metallic tubing or approved busways, except that underground services and feeders
may be installed in approved ducts or plastic conduit. OVl:ahcad ",c...~(.e! or feedel.!l bet\.een
FIve BtlHaiRgs less t8.8.R sHe feet aflart saall Be iRstallea iR rigia Rletal eSRatlit, eleetrie RletaUie
ttlbiftg, afll'l'o. ed B68 n a, 8 Of' dtlet. Where -./iriRg is iRstaHed iR a~~r8"/ed .ft8ftlfietallie 8tlet eF
esaaHit, a e8RaRHStlS g'f'stlfta "J1"ire, sil!lea iR aees]"aasee v;ita tae NatisRal Eleetrieal Csae, Baall
Be iR8taHed .ntkis tae atlet to esstlf'e eestistlity sf g:Fs I:lsa , aHa 1;8e estH-e '!;;irisg system myst
be in.!ltl.l.lled it. 1.1. manner a~I'Hhed b) the eiey. ",1fh.e:re a~~F8.ed tlRdeFgi'8tlRa dtlet is Hseel, it
saall is aB ease 8e sHlalIe]" taas t..;s iseaes issiae aiaRleter, Bl:lriea at least 18 iHe8.eS ~elsw tae
~8H8.a sliPfase.. The portion of the service ahead of the meter cabinet shall not be run through
attic spaces. ".vl.~. e "Ouddit fittings AI (. tlscd llhead sf meter eaBinets, SHea iittiags saall 8e Bf
seMllble t,pe aud shall be pllllhl) .i.!l~ble. Sl1bfet-dels i.. ll';sidMtil'.l.:l (siligle dud .nttltiple)
Btlildiflgs Jfta) Be ft6f1.lfietallie 3heat:l.cd cabl~, grol11l.ded Qpe.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(6.02), 3-13-89; Ord. No. 96-2079-E, * 3, 5-10-04)
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BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
~ 82-380
Sec. 82-346. Flexible conduit.
Flexible metallic conduit may be used, provided that such flexible metal conduit meets all
specifications of the National Electrical Code; provided, however, that the wiring method of
BX/Armour Clad is specifically prohibited.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(6.03),3-13-89)
Sec. 82-347. Specific regulations for dwellings.
General lighting load in single-family residences shall be divided into not less than three
circuits and shall be balanced as nearly as possible. Circuits may be of either 15 or 20 ampere
capacity or may be mixed. Not more than eight outlets may be connected to any 15-ampere
circuit, nor more than ten outlets to any 20-ampere circuit. For purposes of this section an
outlet is considered to be a receptacle or fixture outlet.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(6.04),3-13-89)
Sec. 82-348. Franchise to install equipment in streets.
No person or public service company that does not operate under a franchise granted by the
city shall have the right to install any electrical conduit, wires, ducts, poles or equipment of
any character for the transmissions, distribution or utilization of electrical energy, or for the
operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence on, over or under the streets in the city,
without first obtaining from the city council a franchise right or grant for the particular
installation so desired to be made. Any such installation so made under such franchise or grant
shall be in strict conformity with all rules and regulations and ordinances of the city.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(6.05), 3-13-89)
Sec. 82-349. Suspension of approval of mat~ri,ls. )
}lB\.tilti"'S Codt.! ~ppW.s; B~a"'t(. (BM8
The ~ may, fOr good and justifiable reasons, suspend or revoke the approval of certain
materials or wiring. Su...h 6uSpeu&~on 01 dho.:;atlotl of aplhovalshall t.ot Lc...vuu:, cffc....Liv"" uuLil
thir~ (39) s&y'5 aReF tfie elate sf sl:lsh RetiG9.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(7.01), 3-13-89; Ord. No. 96-2079-E, ~ 3, 5-10-04)
Sec. 82-350. Prohibition of installation of nonconforming goods.
(a) No electrical materials, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment sha.l~
installed in the city unless they are in conformity with the provisions of this article,flthe
statutes of the state.aRel the nlles afts regl:llatisss issues By tike state inanstrial c.oLUu.i""ivu
1:isser tfie atltfisrity ef tfis state atattltes.
(b) The maker's name, trademark or other identification symbol shall be placed on all
electrical materials, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment used or installed
under the provisions of this article.
(Ord. No. 1637, ~ 1(7.02), 3-13-89)
Sees. 82-351-82-380. Reserved.
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REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Agenda Date Requested: 9/12~
Requested By: D_ Wilmore
Aoorooriation
Source of Funds: N/A
Department:
PlalUliag
Account Number:
Report: X Resolution:
OrdinaDce: X
Amount Budgeted:
Exhibits:
Recommendation Memo from Board
Amount Requested:
Exhibits:
Staff' & Board Review Comments
Budgeted Item: YES NO
Exhibits:
Ordinance #96-2079-H
SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION
Working within a time frame created by the State mandate regarding adoption of the 2005 Ed. of the National
Electrical Code (NEC), the Building Codes Appeal Board reviewed the new code edition prior to their review of the
local electrical amendments. Their recommendation for adoption of the new code edition was forwarded to City
Council and the ordinance was passed at the June 27, 2005 meeting. The language in that previously passed
ordinance included a delayed implementation date of September I, 2005.
The Board has now had an opportunity to review the local electrical amendments and their recommendation is
outlined in their memo included with this packet. In keeping with past practices, the new proposed ordinance
includes a sixty (60) delayed implementation date.
The ordinance being presented for Council's consideration includes an effective date of November 12, 2005. This
delay will allow for mail notification to electrical contractors as well as required amendments to handouts for the
public, staff paperwork and the city website.
Staff is requesting this item be placed on the consent agenda.
Action Reauired bv Council:
Consider accepting the Building Codes Appeals Board recommendation and pass the ordinance adopting the local
electrical amendments with an implementation date of November 12,2005.
Aooroved for City Council Aeenda
D~b~~~~
t/_& --OS-
Date