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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