HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-1744 - Ordinance - 03/24/1988ORDINANCE NO. _1744_
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION AMENDING CHAPTER 5,
OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF COLLEGE STATION,
TEXAS: ADOPTING THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 1987 EDITION;
STATING RULES, REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ELECTRICAL
WORK WITHIN THE CITY; AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR THE
VIOLATION OF ITS PROVISIONS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE
STATION, TEXAS:
That Chapter 5, of the Code of Ordinances, City of
College Station, Texas is hereby amended to read as follows:
The National Fire Protection Association Pamphlet No.
70-1987, entitled National Electrical Code, 1987 Edition
is hereby adopted, an authentic copy of which is filed
with the City Secretary, as part of this chapter, shall
govern and be observed and followed in all electrical
wiring, and in the construction, installation, repair,
alteration, operation, and maintenance of electrical
wiring, apparatus, or fixtures, except insofar as it may
conflict with the provisions of this chapter or any other
ordinance now existing or hereafter adopted regulating
electrical work in the City of College Station. All in-
stallations of electrical wiring, materials, and
equipment shall be reasonably safe to persons and
property and in conformity with this City of College
Station Electrical Code Chapter, and all applicable or-
dinances, rules, and regulations issued by the authority
thereof."
Section 1(B). This ordinance shall not be construed to
relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any party owning,
operating or controlling any electric wiring, apparatus, devices,
appliances, fixtures or equipment for damages to person or
property caused by any defect therein, nor shall the City be held
assuming by this ordinance any such liability of reason of the
inspection authorized herein, or the Certificates of Approval
issued as herein provided.
Section 1(C). Any person, firm, corporation or the agent of
same, violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall
upon conviction thereof, be fined not less than Five Dollars
($5.00) nor more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00); and eachnQ 5 2 31
Ordinance 41744 Page 2
day's failure of compliance with any such provision shall
constitute a separate violation. In case of willful and
continuous violation of the provisions of this ordinance by any
such person or his agent, the City Council shall have the power
to revoke and repeal all permits, licenses and priviledges
granted to said person or agent.
Section 1(D). In any case where a provision of this
ordinance is found to be in conflict with a provision of any
other ordinance or code of the City of College Station existing
on the effective day of this ordinance, the provision which
establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection
of the health and safety of the people shall prevail. This.
ordinance repeals Ordinance No. 1520.
Section 1(E). If any section, subsection, paragraph,
sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance should be declared
invalid for any reason whatsoever, such decision shall not effect
the remaining portions of this ordinance which shall remain in
full force and effect, and to this end, the provisions of this
ordinance are hereby declared to be severable."
SECTION ?,L LICENSING
A� Licensing Al Master Electrician Required
It shall be unlawful for any person to do electrical
work within the City of College Station unless such person
is licensed under the provisions of this ordinance by the
City of College Station as a master electrician, or unless such
electrical work is performed under the personal control,
supervision, direction and responsibility of such a licensed
master electrician. The term "electrical work" as used in this
ordinance shall mean the installing, maintaining, altering,
repairing or erecting of any electrical wiring, apparatus,
devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment for which a permit is
required under the terms and provisions of this ordinance, except
poles and guy anchors installed by an electric telephone,
telegraph, signal or public service company as a part of its
distribution system.
D Electrical Board Created ±Q Administer Licensing Provisions
There is hereby created an Electrical Board consisting of five
(5) members. The five members of the Board shall be appointed by
the City Council. The five shall not be employees of the City, and
one shall be licensed as a master electrician by the City. The Board
shall select its own chairman.
The members of the Board shall serve at the pleasure of the City
Council except any Board member shall be replaced any time he
fails to meet the criteria for appointment or if his attendance
at called meetings falls below seventy percent (70%) for any
twelve month period or he fails to attend three consecutive
meetings. The Board shall review applicants for license,
determine if their experience is such that they are qualified to
take the examination, grade said examinations, and determine by
majority vote of the Board that a license shall or shall not be 00523•
Ordinance #1744 Page 3
Issued. Said Board shall determine, by majority vote of the
Board, as hereafter provided, when licenses shall be revoked for
cause. If said Board revokes a license for cause, the individual
whose license is revoked shall cease all electrical work within
the City unless or until said action of the Board is altered by
action of the City Council or a court of law. Also serving with
the Board will be an employee from the City who will serve as a
staff liaison.
-Q� Qualifications Z= Master Electrician License
Anyone desiring to qualify for a" Master Electrician's
License" shall proceed in the following manner:
(1) Aoolication Z-Qr Examination: Fgg
Apply in writing to the Secretary of the Electrical
Board to take the qualifying examination. The application shall
state the qualifications and experience of the applicant and
shall be accompanied by an examination fee of $50.00, which fee
shall be refundable if the Electrical Board denies the applicant
the opportunity to take the examination because his
qualifications or experiences are unacceptable. (The minimum
required experience shall be four (4) years full time employment
in electrical work under direct supervision of a licensed master
electrician.) Along with the application shall be two letters of
recommendation. The letters shall be from Master Electricians
or Electrical Inspectors who can recommend the applicant for
examination.
121 Examination: Administration 9t
Take the examination prescribed by the Electrical Board,
which examination may be written, oral, or both, and shall relate
to their qualification to install, repair, alter and maintain
electrical appliances, wiring, apparatus, devices, fixtures or
equipment, for which a permit is required under the terms and
conditions of this ordinance and as to their qualifications to
plan installations of electrical wiring and equipment, to plan
changes, to interpret plans and specifications, and to supervise
various types of electrical installations for which a permit is
required. Examinations will be scheduled during the first week
of each month and an applicant may take the examination not
earlier than two weeks or later than eight weeks after he is
certified eligible to do so by the Board. Failure of the
applicant to appear for the examination after written notice he
is eligible to do so or failure to satisfactorily pass the
examination shall result in forfeiture of his $50.00 fee.
13_)_ Examination Records
A complete record of the examination given, consisting
of the questions, answers, grades and final results shall be kept
in the records of the Electrical Board for a period of not less
than one year. The applicant will not be allowed to review his
examination papers, he will only be told his grade.
(4) I9snance DI License: Terms VL 005233
Ordinance f1744 Page 4
Upon certification by majority of members of the Board
present, that he has passed the examination, and is eligible for
the license as a "Master Electrician", he shall be issued said
license by the Secretary of the Electrical Board upon payment of
a $25.00 fee and filing a bond, in a form as issued by acompany
satisfactory to the City, in the amount of One Thousand Dollars
($1000.00), conditioned upon compliance with the ordinances of
the City regulating electrical work and faithful performance of
all contracts. Said license shall be good for a period of one
year from date of issue unless revoked by the Electrical Board
for due cause.
JU License Renewala: }l@
At least one month prior to the expiration date of the
license, licensee shall apply for renewal for the subsequent
year. Unless said license is denied by the Electrical Board for
due cause, the Secretary of the Electrical Board is authorized to
issue a renewal of the license upon payment of a renewal fee of
$25.00.
I-LI Ineligibility
Anyone licensed under the provisions of this or previous
ordinances pertaining thereto who does not practice his
profession within the City of College Station for two consecutive
years after the date he received his license or any subsequent
renewal thereof, shall not be eligible for renewal of his license.
He may, at any later date, requalify according to the provisions
of this ordinance.
FDA
The City of College Station may negotiate reciprocal
agreements with other municipalities wherein the license
requirements are deemed to be equal to those of this
ordinance. Under said reciprocal agreements, a license may be
issued to anyone possessing a valid license in the municipality
with which the reciprocal agreement exists without the applicant
being required to take the written and oral examinations provided
for in this ordinance. Said applicant shall be
required to fulfill all other requirements and pay all fees
provided herein.
1i Forfeiture Qg Any Bonds
The amount realized upon the forfeiture of any
bond over and above the expense involved in its forfeiture, shall
be expended in making the necessary changes in the electric work
found to be contrary to the provisions of this ordinance or
deficient in quality or other particulars as specified in the
contract or contracts entered into and covered by the bond, and
the unused balance, if any, shall be paid into the City Treasury.
SECTION ji EL.ECTRICAL. INSPECTOR
A� Qgfice Created: Aeooinjzent: Qualifications: Bond 005234
Recuired
The Office of Electrical Inspector in and for the City of
Ordinance #1744 Page 5
College Station, is hereby created and shall be hired and
employed by the City Manager. Said Electrical Inspector shall
be a person well versed in the rules and requirements of the
National Electrical Code. Before assuming authority
conferred by this ordinance, the Electrical Inspector shall
take the oath usually administered to other City
Officials, and shall give bond to the City of College Station in
the penal sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1000.00) conditioned upon
the faithful performance of his duties.
$� Assistants
The Electrical Inspector shall have the power to deputize one
or more assistants, and each one of said assistants shall in every
case be known to be competent to dischargethe duties of Electrical
Inspector. The rights and priviledges conferred upon the
Electrical Inspector are hereby conferred upon each
Assistant to the Electrical Inspector when properly
appointed. Unless specifically stated otherwise, all references
in this ordinance to the Electrical Inspector shall include the
Electrical Inspector or any of his assistants.
S.._ Duties
It shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector
to enforce the provisions of this ordinance or any ordinance now
in force which may hereafter be adopted concerning electrical
work in the City of College Station. The Electrical Inspector
shall have the right to make routine inspections of any
electrical installations from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. , Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays excepted, or at such other times as he shall
have cause to believe that an imminent hazard to life or property
exists to enter any premises in the discharge of his official
duties or for the purpose of making any inspection, re -inspection
or test of the installation of electric wiring, apparatus,
devices, appliances, fixtures and electrical equipment contained
therein. In the event that the Electrical Inspector is excluded
from or otherwise prohibited entry on premises he shall seek a
warrant from the Municipal Court Judge. The Electrical Inspector
shall have the authority to disconnect and to order the
discontinuance of electrical service to any electric wiring,
apparatus, device, appliance, fixture or equipment found to be
installed, repaired, altered, operated or maintained in
violation of the provisions of this or any other City of
College Station Ordinance regulating electrical work as
defined herein, until such wiring, apparatus, device, appliance,
fixture or equipment and its installation has been made to comply
with all such ordinance requirements. The Electrical Inspector
shall have the power to file complaints on behalf of the City
with the appropriate law enforcement agency for violations of any
of the provisions of this ordinance and to compel the suspension
of any electrical work being done that is in conflict with the
provisions of this ordinance.
j� Electrical Inspector la Maintain Records 005235
The Electrical Inspector shall cause to be kept a full and
complete record of all work done, permits issued, examination
Ordinance #1744 Page 6
made or other official work performed as required by this
ordinance.
SECTION A� ELECTRICAL. INSPECTIONS AM PERMITS
A� When Inspection Shows Variance With Chapter
The Electrical Inspector may, as he deems necessary,
make an inspection of all electrical wiring, apparatus,
devices, appliances, fixtures and equipment now
installed or that may hereafter be installed with the City and
within the scope of this ordinance. 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 violation of the requirements of this
ordinance; or to be in a dangerous or unsafe condition; or 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 life or property; the person owning,
using or operating the same shall be notified in writing; shall
make the necessary repairs or changes required to place such
wiring, apparatus, devices, fixtures and equipment in full
compliance with ordinance requirements and in safe condition so
as to entirely relieve the hazards created by such unauthorized
conditions, and shall have such work completed within a
reasonable time to be specified by the Electrical Inspector in
said notice. The amount of time allowed shall be based upon the
time necessary to relieve the unauthorized conditions.
IL._
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 to any such existing
wiring, poles, duct lines, guy anchors, apparatus, devices,
fixtures or equipment without first securing a permit therefor
from the Electrical Inspector, except as stated in the following
paragraphs:
ilk_ Replacing Fuses
No permit shall be required for replacing fuses of
like rating or lamps or the connection of portable
appliances to suitable receptacles which have been
permanently installed or for repairs to portable
appliances.
L22 Replacing Flush QC Snap Switches
No permit shall be required for replacing flush or
snap switches, receptacles, lamp sockets, the install-
ation of lamps, or minor repairs on permanently
connected electrical appliances.
j_U Conveying Signals
No permit shall be required for the installation,
maintenance or alteration of wiring, poles and down
guys, apparatus, devices, appliances or equipment for 005236
Ordinance #1744 Page 7
telegraph, telephone, signal service or central
station protective service used in conveying signals
or intelligence, except where electrical work is done
on the primary side of the source of power at a
voltage over 50 volts and of more than 500 watts.
JA). Wiring hl Rlectric Public Service Company
No permit shall be required for the installation,
maintenance or alteration of electric wiring,
apparatus devices, appliances or equipment to be in-
stalled by an electric public service company for the
use of such company in the generation, transmission,
distribution, sale or utilization of electrical
energy. However, an electric public service company
shall not do any wiring on a customer's distribution
system, including metering equipment wherever located
and transformer vaults in which company's transformers
are located, nor shall any of its employees do any
work other than done for said company as hereinbefore
provided for by virtue of this exception.
J.0 Temporary Wiring
No permit shall be required for the installation of
temporary wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances or
equipment used by a recognized electrical training
school or college.
L_ Railway Crossing Signal Devices
No permit shall be required for the installation and
maintenance railway crossing signal devices, when such
is performed by due authority of the railroad and in
accordance with the standards of the American Railroad
Association, and in collaboration with and approval of
the Department of Public Works of the City of College
Station.
_Q, Permits: Term jU Issuance
(1Z Unlawful SQ Change original Installation Without
Permit
It shall be unlawful for any person to bridge, tamper
with or change from its original installation (except
upon the approval of the Electrical Inspector, and
then only after a proper permit for alteration has
been issued), any fuse of the plug, cartridge type or
link type, or a circuit breaker installed in panel
boards, main switches or switchboards, so that it will
not function properly.
121 Home Owner Permits
No permit, other than a Homeowner's permit shall be issued
to any person who is not the holder of the proper
Electrician's license. The Electrical Inspector may issue a
Homeowner's permit to a person who is both the owner and occupant
of the single family dwelling in which the work is to be done
when the applicant agrees to do all of the permitted work n05237
Ordinance #1744 Page 8
personally, and when the applicant shows, to the satisfaction of
the Electrical Inspector, that he is qualified to execute the
proposed work.
L_ Where )LQ Permit Required
Where no permit is required for the installation or
repair of wiring, apparatus devices or equipment for the
transmission, distribution, or utilization of electric energy for
any purpose, the wiring, apparatus, devices or equipment shall be
installed or repaired in conformity with the provisions of this
ordinance.
(4) Permit application
The application for a permit shall describe the work
to be done and shall be made in writing by a person holding the
proper Electrician's license or his authorized agent. The permit
when issued shall be issued to such applicant to cover such work
as described and detailed. Any changes or 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 or not the
installation as described will be in conformity with the
requirements of this ordinance.
LIU Holder Q€ Proper License 12 Submit Plans
No plans, specifications and schedule shall be
submitted and no plans, specifications and schedule will be
examined under the provisions of this ordinance, unless the same
are submitted by the holder of the proper Electrician's license
or his authorized agent. If it is found that the installation as
described will in general conform to the requirements of this
Section, and if the applicant has complied with all provisions of
this ordinance, and all applicable ordinances of the City, a
permit for such installation shall be issued; provided, however,
that the issuance of a permit will not be taken as permission or
as a license to violate any of the requirements of this ordinance
or any other ordinance of the City pertaining thereto.
LU Permit 12 A& Displayed
On all new construction, the permit for electrical
work shall be displayed in a readily accessible location, as
directed by the Electrical Inspector, throughout the time such
installation, as is covered by the permit, is being installed.
iu Additions TQ Previous Installations
On all installations where wiring, apparatus, devices,
appliances, fixtures or equipment are added to previous
installations, or where changes are made on wiring, apparatus,
devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment on previously
completed and accepted installations, the permit for such
installations or changes shall be delivered to the one person for
whom the installation is to be made or posted on the building or
structure as directed by the Electrical Inspector before the
installation or change is started. On small installations, a
notice of a job may be telephoned to the Inspection Department in
n0523,
Ordinance n1744 Page 9
lieu of the above requirement, prior to the start, and the permit
may be secured within 24 hours without penalty. The Electrical
Inspector may issue and enforce any rules or regulations he may
deem necessary covering the granting of emergency permits, where
real emergencies exist.
], procedures IQ Obtain Permits
(II 9oolicatson Forms
To obtain an Electrical Permit the applicant shall first file
an application therefor in writing on a form furnished for that
purpose. Every such application shall:
(a) Identify and describe the work to be covered by the
permit for which application is made;
(b) Describe the land on which the proposed work is to done
by street address, or similar description that will
readily identify and definitely locate that proposed
building or work;
(a) Show the use or occupancy of the building;
(d) Be accompanied by Plans and Specifications as required
below;
(a) Be signed by the permitter, or his authorized agent, who
may be required to submit evidence to indicate such
authority.
12i Plans AMA SDeeifieations TQ gQ submitted
with each application for an electrical permit, two
sets of plans and specifications shall be submitted, unless
waived by the Building Official or his representative.
(1) When Seal DE Licensed Engineer Recuired
Where the nature and scope of the work requires, in the judgment
of the Electrical Inspector, such plans and specifications shall
be prepared and designed by and bear the seal of a Registered
Professional Electrical Engineer licensed by the State of Texas
to practice as such. In the event that the applicant objects to
the decision of the Electrical Inspector he may appeal to
the Electrical Examining Board. TheElectrical Board shall review
the applicants request within 30 days of the appeal and provide
the applicant a hearing upon 5 days written notice.
(4) Rlect UDALLInsoeator.Z2 ReviegPlans",Issue Permits
(a) The application, plans and specifications filed by an
applicant for an electrical permit shall be checked by the Chief
Electrical Inspector. Such plans may be reviewed by other
Departments of the City to check compliance with laws and
ordinances under their jurisdiction. If the Electrical Inspector
is satisfied that the work described in an application for permit
and plans filed therewith conform to the requirements of this
ordinance and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and that the
fees as specified have been paid, he shall issue a n 0 5 2 7 d
Ordinance #1744 Page 10
permit therefor to the applicant. When the Electrical Inspector
issues the permit, he shall endorse in writing or stamp on both
sets of plans and specifications, "APPROVED".
(b) The Electrical Inspector may issue an electrical permit
covering part of a building or structure before the entire plans
and specifications for the whole building or structure have been
submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed
statements have been made complying with all pertinent
requirements of this ordinance. The holder of such permit may
proceed without assurance that the permit covering the work in
the entire building or structure will be granted.
LU Issuance Df Permit H&Lt T4 Ag Construed As A Permit f_Qr ALI
Violation = Chapter
The issuing or granting of a permit or approval of
plans and specifications shall not be construed to be a permit
for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of
this ordinance. No permit presuming to give authority to violate
or cancel the provisions of this ordinance shall be valid, except
insofar as the work or use which it authorizes is lawful. The
issuance of a permit based upon plans and specifications shall
not prevent the Electrical Inspector from thereafter requiring
the correction of errors in said plans and specifications or from
preventing building operations from being carried on thereunder
when in violation of any provision of this ordinance or any other
ordinance of the City pertaining thereto.
LU Expirations
Every permit issued by the Electrical Inspector under
the provisions of this ordinance shall expire by limitations and
become null and void, if the building or work authorized by such
permit is not commenced within sixty (60) days from the date of
such permit, or if the building or work authorized by such permit
is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced
for a period of one hundred and twenty (120) days. Before such
work can be recommenced a new permit shall be first obtained to
do so, and the fee shall be one-half (1/2) the amount required
for a new permit for such work; and provided, further, that such
suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year.
j7_)_ Suspensions ADA Revocations
(a) The Electrical Inspector may, in writing, suspend or
revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this ordinance
whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of
incorrect information supplied or when in violation of any
ordinance, regulation or any of the provisions of this ordinance.
(b) A permit may be cancelled upon notification by the owner
of the property that the contractor is no longer employedto do
work on said property after written notification by the
Electrical Inspector and a hearing by the Electrical Examining
Board.
(a) Failure onthe part of any licensed master electricianto
005240
Ordinance #1744 Page 11
correct any defect, error or deficiency in any work installed
under the authority of an electrical permit issued to him within
ten (10) calendar days after written notification thereof from the
Electrical Inspector, the Electrical Inspector shall, without
further notice, stop the issuance of permits to such licensed
master electrician until such corrections have been made,
inspected and approved. This provision shall be cumulative of
all other pernalties provided herein.
L. Electrical Inspection Fees
Before a City permit for electrical work will be issued to the
applicant, inspection fees in an amount computed in
accordance with the provisions of this section shall be paid.
The fees for the service of the Electrical Inspector in
inspecting the work done by those licensed under this ordinance
shall be computed as follows:
(1) For single family dwellings one cent per square foot of
heated area with a minimum of $20.00
(2) For duplex and multiple family dwellings one cent per
square foot of heated area with a minimum of $10.00 per
unit.
(3) For commercial buildings one cent per square foot up to
15,000 square feet, then 1/2 cent thereafter with a
minimum of $10.00.
(4) For alterations and additions to existing structures,
the highest of $10.00 or the fee computed according to
the above schedule considering only the additional area.
(5) If more than one inspection is required because of
failure of the materials or workmanship to comply with
the Code or Ordinances, City of College Staion, the
inspection fee for the second inspection shall be
$15.00. For third and following re -inspections the fee
will be the same as the original fee.
Notifications gad Final Approvals
L_ Electrician 12 Notify Electrical Inspector
When any part of a wire installation is to be hidden from view
by the permanent placement of parts of a building, the
licensed electrician to whom the permit has been issued, shall
notify the Electrical Inspector, provided that on such installation
the concealment of parts of wiring must, at the discretion of the
Electrical Inspector or his Assistant, necessarily proceed
continuously. The licensed electrician to whom the permit has
been issued shall give the Electrical Inspector due notice and
inspection shall be made periodically during the progress of the
work, and where at the discretion of the Electrical Inspector or his
Assistant, it is necessary, he shall post notice on the premises
stating that work is approved and may be covered,
or it is not approved and may not be covered,
until such further inspection as is necessary has been made. Any 005241
Ordinance 11744 Page 12
person removing, destroying, altering or defacing said notice
without the consent of the Electrical Inspector, shall be deemed
guilty of an offense under this Section, and any work described
in said notice shall be stayed pending the further necessary
inspection. Upon completion of the work which has been
authorized by the issuance of a permit, it shall be the duty of
the licensed electrician, to whom the permit has been issued, to
immediately notify the Electrical Inspector, who shall inspect or
cause to be inspected, such installation within thirty-six (36)
hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, of the time
such notice is given.
12 1 final Caro f icatas 2f AnnroVal
If the work is found to be in compliance with the provisions
of this ordinance, the Electrical Inspector, subject to the other
applicable provisions of this ordinance, shall issue a final
Certificate of Approval to the public utility company furnishing
the electrical service or to the person supplying the energy
which certification shall authorize connection of such approved
work to the source of energy of the electrical service, the
turning on of the current, and the use of the installation. No
connection shall be made until such authorization and
final certificate is issued.
This ordinance shall be effective on and after its passage and
publication.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the
ATTEST
City Se ret ry
24th day of
APPROVED
March
1988.
n05242