HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-1996-2079-J
F
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Agenda Date Requested: 01/08107
Qj~
Requested By: D. Wilmore
Appropriation
u;
Source of Funds: N/A
Department:
PllInnina:
Account Number:
Report: X Resolution:
Ordinance: X
Amount Budgeted:
Amount Requested:
Exhibits: Recommendation Memo from Board
Budgeted Item: YES NO
Exhibits: Ordinance #96-2079-.1
Exhibits:
SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION
At the December 11, 2006 City Council meeting staff was directed to prepare an ordinance to
implement a local electrical amendment prohibiting the use of "back-stab" installation of
electrical devices for residential and non-residential structures.
As directed by Council, staff has prepared Ordinance #96-2079-J which implements those
changes as recommended by the Building Codes Appeals Board (BCAB). For your
convenience, we have included the BCAB memo along with Ordinance #96-2079-1.
The ordinance language establishes the following city amendment:
All electrical devices (including but not limited to outlets and switches) shall be installed with
the screw-wrap or approved screw clamp installation. Back or quick stab installation is
prohibited
In accordance with past practices, the ordinance has a 60-day implementation period
(effective March 10, 2007) to allow mail notification to electrical contractors as well as
counter handouts for the public.
Action Required bv Council:
Consider approval of Ordinance #96-2079-J
.!jP/o 7
Memo
CC:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
Tom Campbel~ Chairman of the Building Codes Appeal Board tlfj,
Building Codes Appeals Board Members; Debbie S. Wilmore, Chief
Building Official; Wayne Sabo, Director of Planning; John E. Joerns,
Interim City Manager
11/6/2006
Local Amendment to the Building Codes
To:
From:
Date:
Re:
In June 2006, the Board began discussion regarding a possible local residential and
commercial electrical code amendment to prohibit the use of "quick stab" push-in
type/spring connections on all electrical devices (outlets, switches. etc.). The
discussion by the Board began following a concern raised by Mr. Tommy Moser, a
lo~ state licensed master electrician. Mr. Moser expressed concerns over the use of
this method of installation and approached me as Chairman. Following our
conversation, I added this discussion item to the board agenda.
Mr. Moser attended the Board's October 19, 2006 meeting and discussed the matter
based on his expertise in the electrical field. Following his presentation to the Board,
members voted to develop a Board memorandum to City Council recommending the
change in the local electrical regulations. The Board's recommendation for
Council's consideration is as follows:
All electrical devices (outlets, switches, etc.) shall be installed with the screw-wrap
or "approved screw clamp" installation (back or quick stab installation is
prohibited).
The Board recommends Council support the amendment as outlined in this memo
and direct staff to prepare an ordinance with a 60-day implementation period. This
delay would allow mail notification to electrical contractors as well as counter
handouts for the public. As Chairman, I plan to attend the Council meeting and be
available for questions.
1
ORDINANCE NO. 96-2079-J
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 82 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE BY AMENDING CHAPTER 82
"BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS," ARTICLE IV
"ELECTRICAL CODE", DIVISION 5 "STANDARDS", SECTION 82-339
"RESERVED", BY ADDING NEW REGULATIONS REGARDING
INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL DEVICES; PROVIDING A REPEALING
CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; FINDING COMPLIANCE
WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; PROVIDING THAT ANY PERSON
VIOLATING THE TERMS OF THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE DEEMED
GUILTY 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. Chapter 82 "Buildings and Building Regulations", Article IV "Electric
Code", Division 5 "Standards", Section 82-339 "Reserved", ofthe Code of Ordinances of
the City of La Porte is hereby amended and shall hereafter read as follows, to-wit:
"Section 82-339. Installation of Electrical Devices.
All electrical devices (including but not limited to outlets and switches) shall be installed
with the screw-wrap or approved screw clamp installation. Back or quick stab
installation is prohibited."
Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the terms of this
ordinance are hereby repealed; provided, however, that such repeal shall 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 3. 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.
Ordinance #96-2079-J
Page 2
Section 4. 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 5. 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 6. 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 formally acted upon. The City Council further ratifies, approves and confirms such
written notice and the contents and posting thereof.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the ~ day of<.1lrlv U4f(
CITYOFLAPORTE D
at.. N .\tyL~
By: ~G . t-~
Mayor
,2007.
ATIEST:
Lfr!ttrtlJ4- ~
City Secretary
APPROVED:
~/~~
City Attorney
2