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Home My WebLink About02-19-13 Building Codes Appeals Board BUILDING CODES APPEALS BOARD Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Building Codes Appeals Board to be held on February 19, 2013, at 6:00 P.M. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, regarding items of business according to the agenda listed below: 1.Call to order 2.Consider approval of minutes from the January 15, 2013meeting 3.Public Comments (Limited to five minutes per person) 4.Review, discuss and consider arecommendation to City Council relating toapossible change to the City’s electrical code local amendments(Chapter 82, Code of Ordinances) 5.Administrative Reports 6.Board Commentson matters appearing on agendaor inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information ofexisting policy 7.Establish next meeting date, time and topics 8.Adjourn A quorum of City Council members may be present and participate in discussions during this meeting; however, no action will be taken by Council as a governing body. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of La Porte will provide for reasonable accommodations for persons attending public meetings. To better serve attendees, requests should be received 24 hours prior to the meetings. Please contact Patrice Fogarty, City Secretary, at 281.470.5019. CERTIFICATION I certify that a copy of the February 19, 2013agenda of items to be considered by the City of La Porte Building Codes Appeals Board was posted on the City Hall bulletin board on the day of ,2013. Title: Out of consideration for all attendees of the meeting, please turn off all cell phones and pagers, or place on inaudible signal. Thank you for your consideration. Building Codes Appeals Board Minutes of January 15,2013 Members Present:Tom Campbell, Ken Schlather, Paul Larson, J. P. Jackson, Mark Follis and Lindsay Pfeiffer Members Absent:Terry Bunch City Staff Present:Mark Huber, Deputy Building Official Others Present:Rick Lordand John Mata CALL TO ORDER 1. Meeting called to order at 6:00P.M. by Chairman Tom Campbell. CONSIDER APPROVING MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 13, 2012 2. MEETING Motion to approve the November 13, 2012minutes, as written, was made by Lindsay Pfeiffer.Second by J. P. Jackson.Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS(LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES PER PERSON) 3. John Mata of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) advised the Board that he supports the prompt adoption of the new codes since it helps the City’s ISO rating. He advised the Board that the State Board of Plumbing Examiners recently adopted the 2012 Uniform Plumbing code He also requested confirmation that the Cityreceived the refund on the code book purchases. Mark Huber confirmed receipt. REVIEW, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO CITY 4. COUNCIL TO ADOPT THE 2012 CODE EDITIONS WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS (RESIDENTIAL, BUILIDNG, PLUMBING, ENERGY & MECHANICAL) Motion by Ken Schlather to recommend City Council adopt the 2012 codes with local amendments as presented in the packet. Second by Mr. Pfeiffer. Voting in favor of the motion were Mr. Campbell, Mr. Jackson, Mr.Schlather and Mr. Pfeiffer. Mr. Follis and Paul Larsonvoted in opposition. Motion passed. Building Codes Appeals Board Minutes of January 15, 2013 Page 2 of 2 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 5. Mark Huber provided the Board with areport on building activity. BOARD COMMENTS ON MATTERS APPEARING ONAGENDA OR INQUIRY OF 6. STAFF REGARDING SPECIFIC FACTUAL INFORMATION OF EXISTING POLICY Paul Larson stated that the Uniform Plumbing and Mechanical Codes do not publish books on the significant changes. He suggested that the Board look at the International Codes in the future. Mr. Follis discussed the City’s current 120 m.p.h. windload requirement. ESTABLISH NEXT MEETING DATE, TIME AND TOPICS 7. Motion by Mr. Pfeiffer, next meeting date to be February 19, 2013at 6:00 p.m. and topic will be the review of the electrical code local amendments. Second by Mr. Schlather. Motion passed unanimously. ADJOURN 8. A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Pfeifferwith a second by Mr. Schalther.Motion passed unanimously.Meeting adjourned at 6:40p.m. Respectfully submitted, Mark Huber Deputy Building Official ARTICLE IV. -ELECTRICAL CODE DIVISION 1.GENERALLY Sec. 82-101. Definitions. Thefollowingwords,termsandphrases,whenusedinthisarticle,shallhavethemeanings ascribedtotheminthissection,exceptwherethecontextclearlyindicatesadifferentmeaning: Apprenticeelectricianmeanstheholderofanapprenticeelectricianlicense. Electricalworkmeanstheinstalling,maintaining,altering,repairingorerectingofany electricalwiring,apparatus,devices,appliances,fixturesorequipmentforwhichapermitis requiredunderthetermsandprovisionsoftheelectriccode. Inspectorshallmeanthechiefbuildingofficialofthecityoranyofthedivisionconstruction inspectorsunderher/hissupervision. Journeymanelectricianmeanstheholderofajourneymanelectricianlicense. Masterelectricianmeanstheholderofamasterelectricianlicense. Sec. 82-102. Electrical work to be done only by or under licensed master electrician. (a)Exceptasprovidedinthisarticle,itshallbeunlawfulforanypersontodoelectrical workwithinthecityunlesssuchpersonisamasterelectricianlicensedundertheprovisionsof theElectrician'sOccupationsCode(a.k.a.TheTexasElectricalSafetyandLicensingAct),or unlesssuchpersondoessuchelectricalworkunderthesupervision,directionandcontrolofa masterelectricianlicensedundertheprovisionsofsaidcode. (b)NothingintheElectrician'sOccupationsCode(a.k.a.TheTexasElectricalSafetyand LicensingAct)shalleverbeconstruedoroperatetopreventanypersonfromdoingelectrical workinoronhispropertywhichheowns,whereheresidesandwhichhemaintainsasa homestead.Suchhomeownershallnotberequiredtobealicensedelectricianbutshallotherwise conformtoallotherrequirementsofsaidcode.Indoingelectricalworkonhisownproperty,as providedinthissubsection,suchownershallnotuseanyhiredassistantunlesssuchassistantis dulylicensedunderthetermsofsaidcode. ElectricalRegulations,CityCodeofOrdinancesPage2 (c)Exceptasprovidedinsubsection(b)ofthissection,noelectricalworkshallbeperformed byanypersonnottheholderoftherequiredlicense.Noperson,firmorcorporationshallemploy anyotherpersonfordoingelectricalworkunlesssuchpersonproposedtobeemployedisthe holderoftheproperlicense. Sec. 82-103. Reserved. Sec. 82-104. Tampering. (a)Itshallbeunlawfulforanypersontobridge,tamperwithorchangefromits originalinstallation,exceptupontheapprovaloftheinspector,andthenonlyafteraproper permitforalterationhasbeenissued,anyfuseoftheplug,cartridgetypeorlinktype,installedin panelboards,mainswitchesorswitchboards,ortoalterorchangecircuitbreakerssothatthe originalcalibrationwillbeaffected,ortotiedownorsecureanycircuitbreakersothatitwillnot functionproperly. (b)Itshallbeunlawfulforanyperson,inanymanner,tointerferewithanyelectrical wiringinstalledorbeinginstalledin,oron,withinorwithoutanystructureorbuilding.Ifinthe courseoferectionofabuildingorstructurethewiringisinsuchpositionastointerferewiththe erectionorcompletionofthebuildingorstructureascalledforbytheplans,noticeshall immediatelybegiventhepersoninstallingthewiringandtheneededchangeshallbemadeby suchperson. (c)Itshallbeunlawfulforanypersontomakeconnectionfromasourceofelectrical energytoanyelectricalwiring,apparatus,devices,appliances,fixturesandequipmentforthe installationofwhichapermitisrequireduntilitshallhavereceivedanapprovalbytheinspector. (d)Itshallbeunlawfulforanypersontomakeconnectionfromasourceofelectrical energytoanyelectricalwiring,apparatus,devices,appliances,fixturesandequipmentwhich havebeendisconnectedbytheinspectorortheuseofwhichhasbeenorderedbytheinspectorto bediscontinueduntilapprovalhasbeenissuedbytheinspector. Secs.82-105–81-150.Reserved. ElectricalRegulations,CityCodeofOrdinancesPage3 DIVISION 2. RESERVED. Secs. 82-151 –82-280. Reserved. DIVISION 3. PERMITS Sec.82-281.Required;exceptions. (a)Nowiring,poles,ductline,guyanchors,apparatus,devices,appliances,fixturesor equipmentforthetransmission,distributionorutilizationofelectricalenergyforanypurpose shallbeinstalledwithinthecitylimits,norshallanyalterationoradditionbemadeinanysuch existingwiring,poles,ductlines,guyanchors,apparatus,devices,appliances,fixturesor equipmentwithoutfirstsecuringapermitthereforfromtheinspector,exceptthatnopermitshall berequiredforthefollowing: (1)Replacingfusesorlampsortheconnectionofportabledevicestosuitable receptacleswhichhavebeenpermanentlyinstalledorforrepairstoportableappliances. (2)Minorrepairwork,suchasrepairingorreplacingflushandsnapswitches, receptaclesandlampsockets,orminorrepairsonpermanentlyconnectedelectricapparatus, appliances,fixturesorequipment,ortheinstallationoflightglobes. (3)Theinstallation,maintenanceoralterationofwiring,apparatus,devices,appliances orequipmentfortelegraph,telephone,signalserviceorcentralstationprotectiveserviceusedin conveyingsignalsorintelligence,exceptwhereelectricalworkisdoneontheprimarysideofthe sourceofpowerfromthepowercompanyatavoltageover50voltsandwhichgeneratesmore than500wattsofenergy. ElectricalRegulations,CityCodeofOrdinancesPage4 (4)Polesandguyanchors,fortheinstallation,maintenanceoralterationofelectric wiring,apparatus,devices,appliancesorequipmenttobeinstalledbyanelectricpublicservice corporationfortheuseofsuchcorporationinthegeneration,transmission,distribution,saleor utilizationofelectricalenergy.However,anelectricpublicservicecorporationshallnotdoany wiringonacustomer'spremisesotherthanwiringwhichispartofthecompany'sdistribution system,norshallanyofitsemployeesdoanyworkotherthanthatdoneforthecompanyas providedforinthissection,byvirtueofthisexemption. (5)Theinstallationoftemporarywiring,apparatus,devices,appliancesorequipment usedbyarecognizedschoolinteachingelectricity. (b)Wherenopermitisrequiredfortheinstallationorrepairofwiring,apparatus,devices orequipmentforthetransmission,distributionorutilizationofelectricalenergyforany purpose,thewiring,apparatus,devicesorequipmentshallbeinstalledorrepairedinconformity withtheprovisionsofthisarticle. Sec. 82-282. Application andissuance. (a)Theapplicationforapermitshalldescribetheworktobedoneandshallbemadein writingbyamasterelectricianorhiscompanyrepresentative.Thepermit,whenissued,shallbe issuedtosuchapplicanttocoversuchworkasdescribedanddetailed.Anychangesoradditions mustbecoveredbyadditionalpermitsatthetimechangesaremade.Theapplicationshallbe accompaniedbysuchplans,specificationsandschedulesasmaybenecessarytodetermine whethertheinstallations,asdescribed,willbeinconformitywiththerequirementsofthisarticle. (b)Reserved. (c)Reserved. ElectricalRegulations,CityCodeofOrdinancesPage5 (d)Ifitisfoundthattheinstallation,asdescribed,will,ingeneral,conformtothe requirementsofthisarticle,andiftheapplicanthascompliedwithallprovisionsofthe ordinancesofthecity,apermitforsuchinstallationshallbeissued.Theissuanceofapermitwill notbetakenaspermissionorasalicensetoviolateanyoftherequirementsofthisarticleorany otherordinanceofthecity. (e)Theinspectormayissueandenforceanyrulesorregulationshemaydeemnecessary coveringthegrantingofemergencypermits,whererealemergenciesexist. (f)Beforeapermitisissued,feesshallbepaidtothecityinamountslistedinappendixA ofthecity'sCodeofOrdinances. Sec. 82-283. Reserved. Sec. 82-284. Insurance requirements. (a)Nopermitshallbeissueduntilthemasterelectricianshallhavearrangedto carrytheminimuminsuranceasrequiredbytheAdministrativeRulesoftheTexasDepartment ofLicensingandRegulation,16TexasAdministrativeCode,Chapter73;Section73.40. (b)Evidenceofcompliancewiththeinsurancerequirementsofsubsection(a)ofthis sectionshallbeconsideredashavingbeenmetwhenacertificateofinsurancehasbeenfiled withandapprovedbythecity.Suchpolicyshallincludeanendorsementthereonthatthecity willbenotifiedatleasttendaysinadvanceintheeventofthepolicybeingcancelled. Secs. 82-285 –82-305. Reserved. ElectricalRegulations,CityCodeofOrdinancesPage6 DIVISION4.INSPECTIONS Sec.82-306.Inspector’sresponsibilities. Theinspectorshall,uponapplication,causetobeissuedpermitsfortheinstallationand alterationofelectricalwiring,devices,appliances,fixtures,apparatusandequipment,and certificatesoffinalapprovaltherefor,andshallberesponsibleforinspectionofallnewelectrical installationsandreinspectionsofallelectricalinstallations,allasprovidedinthisarticle.He shallkeepcompleterecordsofallpermitsissued,inspectionsandreinspectionsmade,andother officialworkperformedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthisarticle. Sec. 82-307. Entry upon private property. Theinspectorshallhavetherightfrom7:30a.m.to5:30p.m.(Monday—Friday)orin emergencysituations,toenteranybuildinginthedischargeofhisofficialdutiesorforthe purposeofmakinganyinspection,reinspectionortestoftheinstallationofelectricalwiring, apparatus,devices,appliances,fixturesandelectricalequipmentcontainedtherein,andshall havetheauthoritytocausetheturningoffofallelectricalcurrentsandtocutordisconnectin casesofemergencyanywirewheresuchelectricalcurrentsaredangeroustolifeandproperty,or wheresuchwiresmayinterferewiththeworkofthefiredepartment.Theinspectorishereby empoweredinemergenciestodisconnectandtoorderthediscontinuanceofelectricalserviceto anyelectricwiring,apparatus,device,appliance,fixtureorequipmentfoundtobedangerousto lifeorpropertybecauseofitsbeingdefectiveordefectivelyinstalledorotherwisenotin conformitywiththeprovisionsofthisarticleuntilsuchwiring,apparatus,device,appliance, fixtureandequipmentandtheirinstallationhavebeenmadesafeasdirectedbyhim/herin conformitywiththisarticle. ElectricalRegulations,CityCodeofOrdinancesPage7 Sec.82-308.Installationstobeconcealed. Whenanypartofawiringinstallationistobeconcealedbythepermanentplacementof partsofabuilding,themasterelectriciantowhomthepermithasbeenissuedshallnotifythe inspector,providedthatonsuchinstallationastheconcealmentofpartsofthewiringmust,inthe discretionoftheinspector,necessarilyproceedcontinuously,themasterelectriciantowhomthe permithasbeenissuedshallgivetheinspectorduenotice,andinspectionshallbemade periodicallyduringtheprogressofthework.Where,inthediscretionoftheinspector,itis necessary,heshallpostnoticeuponthepremisesstatingthatworkisapprovedandmaybe covered,orisnotapprovedandmaynotbecovered,untilsuchfurtherinspectionasisnecessary hasbeenmade.Anypersondestroying,alteringordefacingsuchnoticewithouttheconsentof theinspector,shallbedeemedguiltyofanoffenseunderthissection,andanyworkdescribedin thenoticeshallbestayedpendingthefurthernecessaryinspection.Uponthecompletionofthe workwhichhasbeenauthorizedbytheissuanceofapermit,itshallbethedutyofthemaster electriciantowhomthepermithasbeenissuedtoimmediatelynotifytheinspector,whoshall inspectsuchinstallationswithinthreedays,exclusiveofweekendsandholidays,ofthetimesuch noticeisgiven. Sec. 82-309. Authorization for electrical service. Iftheworkisfoundtobeincompliancewiththeprovisionsofthisarticle,theinspector, subjecttotheotherapplicableprovisionsofthisarticle,shallissueafinalapprovaltothepublic utilitycorporationfurnishingtheelectricalserviceorthepersonsupplyingtheenergy,which approvalshallauthorizeconnectionofsuchapprovedworktothesourceofenergyofthe electricalservice,theturningonofcurrentandtheuseoftheinstallation.Noconnectionshallbe madeuntilsuchauthorizationandfinalapprovalisgiven. ElectricalRegulations,CityCodeofOrdinancesPage8 Sec. 82-310. Reinspection; correction of unsafe conditions. Theinspectorshallmake,uponinformationorbeliefthatfaultyconditionsexist,a thoroughreinspectionofanyelectricalwiring,apparatus,devices,appliances,fixturesand equipmentnowinstalledorthatmayhereafterbeinstalledandwithinthescopeofthisarticle, andwhentheinstallationofsuchwiring,apparatus,devices,appliances,fixturesandequipment isfoundtobeatvariancewiththeoriginalpermitissued,ortobeinadangerousorunsafe condition,orifitisfoundthattheelectricalmeasuringdevicehasbeentamperedwithsoasto createaconditiondangeroustothecontinuityoftheelectricalserviceortoproperty,theperson owning,usingoroperatingthesameshallbenotifiedinwritingandshallmakethenecessary repairsorchangesrequiredtoplacesuchwiring,apparatus,devicesandequipmentinsafe conditionsoastorelievethehazardscreatedbysuchunauthorizedconditions,andshallhave suchworkcompletedwithintendays,oranyreasonablylongerperiodspecifiedbytheinspector inthewrittennotice. Sec. 82-311. Schedule of fees for inspection. Themasterelectricianmakingorsupervisinginstallationoralterationofelectricwiring, apparatus,devices,appliances,fixturesorequipment,shallpaytothecityfeesinsuchamounts asestablishedbythecityandlistedinappendixAofthisCode. Sec.82-312. Reserved. Secs. 82-313 –82-335. Reserved. ElectricalRegulations,CityCodeofOrdinancesPage9 DIVISION5.STANDARDS Sec. 82-336. National Electrical Code –Adoption. (a)TheNationalElectricalCode,2008Edition,isherebyadoptedastheregulationsto governandtobeobservedandfollowedinallelectricwiringandinallelectricalconstruction, installation,repair,alteration,operationandmaintenanceofelectricwiring,apparatusand fixtures,exceptfortheamendmentsadoptedinsections82-337through82-350,ofthischapter. (b)Ifasectionofthisarticleisfoundtobeinconflictwithaprovisionofanyzoning, building,fire,safetyorhealthordinanceoranyregulationadoptedpursuanttheretooranyother ordinanceorcodeorregulationofthecity,theprovisionwhichestablishesthehigherstandard forthepromotionofthehealthandsafetyofthepeopleshallprevail. (c)Anypersonwhoshallviolateanyprovisionofthestandardsadoptedorestablished inthisarticleshallbedeemedtohavecommittedaclassCmisdemeanoranduponconviction shallbepunishedbyafineinanamountasprovidedinappendixBofthisCode. (d)AllapplicablefeesshallbeinaccordancewithappendixAofthisCode. Sec.82-337.Same–Amendments. Theelectricalcodeadoptedinsection 82-336isamendedtoreadasprovidedinsections 82-338through82-350. Sec.82-338.Aluminumconductors. Aluminumconductorsmaynotbeusedinanywiringwithinbuildings,norinanyunderground serviceconductors.Aluminumconductorsmayonlybeusedasoutsideaerialconductorsfroma weatherheadtoapole,fromapoletoapole,andfromaweatherheadtoaweatherhead. ElectricalRegulations,CityCodeofOrdinancesPage10 Sec. 82-339. Installation of electrical devices. Allelectricaldevices(includingbutnotlimitedtooutletsandswitches)shallbeinstalled withthescrew-wraporapprovedscrewclampinstallation.Backorquickstabinstallationis prohibited. Sec. 82-340. Residential capacity and branch circuits. (a)Allservicesfor1and2familydwellings,shallbeaminimumof100Ampcapacity andshallhaveaminimumoftwosparebreakerslots. (b)Allundergroundservicesshallbeinstalledinaminimumofschedule40conduit. Sec. 82-341. Reserved. Sec. 82-342. Wiring within buildings. Nonmetallicsheathedcableshallbeusedonlyforresidentialwork,apartmenthouses, hotels,motelsandsimilaroccupanciesequaltoandlessthanthreestoriesinheight.Conductors inoronalltileandmasonrywallsofsuchbuildingsshallbeencasedinrigidconduit,flexible conduit,PVCconduitorelectricalmetallictubing.Minimumsizenonmetallicsheathedcable shallbelimitedtoNo.12AWG. Sec. 82-343. Reserved. Sec. 82-344. Meter cabinets. Metercabinetsormetersocketsshallbeapprovedbytheelectricpublicservicecompany andinstalledinaccordancewithsubsection82-102(a)ofthischapter.Metercabinetsshallbe installedinaccordancewithelectricpublicservicecompanystandardsandtheNational ElectricalCode(NEC). ElectricalRegulations,CityCodeofOrdinancesPage11 Sec.82-345.Feeders. Allservices,exceptresidentialandinteriorfeeders,shallbeinstalledinrigidmetal conduit,electricmetallictubingorapprovedbusways,exceptthatundergroundservicesand feedersmaybeinstalledinapprovedductsorplasticconduit.Theportionoftheserviceaheadof themetercabinetshallnotberunthroughatticspaces. Sec. 82-346. Flexible conduit. Flexiblemetallicconduitmaybeused,providedthatsuchflexiblemetalconduitmeetsall specificationsoftheNationalElectricalCode;provided,however,thatthewiringmethodof BX/ArmourCladisspecificallyprohibited. Sec. 82-347. Specific regulations for dwellings. Generallightingloadinsingle-familyresidencesshallbedividedintonotlessthanthree circuitsandshallbebalancedasnearlyaspossible.Circuitsmaybeofeither15or20ampere capacityormaybemixed.Notmorethaneightoutletsmaybeconnectedtoany15-ampere circuit,normorethantenoutletstoany20-amperecircuit.Forpurposesofthissectionanoutlet isconsideredtobeareceptacleorfixtureoutlet. Sec.82-348.Franchisetoinstallequipmentinstreets. Nopersonorpublicservicecompanythatdoesnotoperateunderafranchisegrantedby thecityshallhavetherighttoinstallanyelectricalconduit,wires,ducts,polesorequipmentof anycharacterforthetransmissions,distributionorutilizationofelectricalenergy,orforthe operationofsignalsorthetransmissionofintelligenceon,overorunderthestreetsinthecity, withoutfirstobtainingfromthecitycouncilafranchiserightorgrantfortheparticular installationsodesiredtobemade.Anysuchinstallationsomadeundersuchfranchiseorgrant shallbeinstrictconformitywithallrulesandregulationsandordinancesofthecity. ElectricalRegulations,CityCodeofOrdinancesPage12 Sec. 82-349. Suspension of approval of materials. Thebuildingcodesappealsboard(BCAB)may,forgoodandjustifiablereasons,suspend orrevoketheapprovalofcertainmaterialsorwiring. Sec. 82-350. Prohibition of installation of nonconforming goods. (a)Noelectricalmaterials,apparatus,devicesappliances,fixturesorequipmentshallbe installedinthecityunlesstheyareinconformitywiththeprovisionsofthisarticleandthe statutesofthestate. (b)Themaker'sname,trademarkorotheridentificationsymbolshallbeplacedonall electricalmaterials,apparatus,devices,appliances,fixturesandequipmentusedorinstalled undertheprovisionsofthisarticle. Secs. 82-351 –82-380. Reserved.