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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC ORD 1989-1972 Amends. Ch. 15.24, National Electrical Code (15.24)ORDINANCB NO. ii77;L., AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1987 EDITION, AS AMENDED, ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS, RULES AND STANDARDS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AND MATERIALS, WITHIN THE CITY AND AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1914 AND CHAPTER 15.24 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of National City as follows: Section 1. The City Council of the City of National City adopts the National Electrical Code, 1987 Edition. Section 2. The City Council of the City of National City hereby amends and deletes certain sections, and adds sections to the National Electrical Code, 1987 Edition, and amends Ordinance No. 1914 and Chapter 15.24 of the National City Municipal Code, to read as follows: hereby SECTIONS 15.24.002 15.24.010 15.24.015 15.24.020 15.24.025 15.24.030 15.24.035 15.24.040 15.24.045 15.24.050 15.24.055 15.24.060 15.24.065 15.24.070 15.24.075 15.24.080 15.24.085 15.24.090 15.24.095 15.24.100 15.24.105 15.24.110 15.24.115 15.24.120 CHAPTER 15.24 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE Findings and declaration..added Code adopted..added Title —added Application to existing electrical systems and equipment..added Definitions..Article 100-Definitions..added Conflicting provisions..added Modifications..added Test..added Powers and duties of Building Official..added Unsafe electrical systems or equipment..added Board of Appeals..added Violations..added Permits..added Application for permits..added Permit issuance..added Feet..added Inspections..added Connection approval..added Article 320-opening wiring on insula- tors..deleted Article 324-concealed knob and tubing wir- ing..deleted Article 331-electrical non-metallic tub- ing..deleted Article 333-armored cable..deleted Article 334-metal clad cable..deleted Article 336(3)-uses permitted..amended 15.24.002 Findings and declaration. The city council does specifically and expressly find and declare that the nature and uniqueness of the climate, terrain, location. environment, and rate of population growth of the city does necessitate and demand specific changes in, and variations from the National Electrical Code, 1987 Edition, which are notes in and made a part of this chapter. 15.24.010 Code adopted. There is adopted by the city council, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing the installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of all electric wiring and electrical apparatus within the city, t' certain code known as the National Electric Code, :including the Uniform Administrative Code provisions, prepared by the National Fire Protection Association being particularly the 1987 edition thereof and the whole thereof, save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, added, modified or amended, of which code one copy has been and is now filed in the office of the city clerk; and the same is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein, and from the date on which the ordinance codified in this chapter takes effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the city limits. 15.24.015 Title. These regulations shall be known as the "Electrical Code", may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this code". 15.24.020 Application to Existing Electrical Systems and Equipment. (a) Additions, Alterations or Repairs. Additions, alterations or repairs may be made to any electrical system and equipment without requiring the existing electrical system and equipment to comply with all the requirements of this code, provided the addition, alteration or repair conforms to that required for a new electrical system and equipment and provided further that no hazard to life, health or safety will be created by such additions, alterations or repairs. Minor additions, alterations and repairs to existing electrical system and equipment may be made in accordance with the law in effect at the time the original installation was made, when approved by the building official. (b) Existing Installations. Electrical systems and equipment lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of this code may have their use, maintenance or repair continued if the use, maintenance or repair is in accordance with the original design and no hazard to life, health or property has been created by such electrical system and equipment. (c) Changes in Building Occupancy. Electrical systems and equipment which are a part of any building or structure undergoing a change in use or occupancy, as defined in the Building Code, shall comply with all requirements of this code which may be applicable to the new use or occupancy. (d) Maintenance. All electrical systems and equipment, both existing and new, and all parts thereof shall be maintained in a proper operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe and hazard -free condition. All devices oN safeguards which are required by this code shall be maintained in conformance with this code. The owner or his designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of the electrical system. . To :fridetermine compliance with this subsection, the building official may cause any electrical system to be reinspected. (e) Moved Building. Electrical systems and equipment which are a part of buildings or structures moved into or within this jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this code for new installations. 1.5.24.025Definitions..Article 100 - definitions..added General. For the purpose of these provisions, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this section. Where terms are not defined, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context with which they are used. Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged, copyright 1981, shall be considered as providing ordinarily accepted meanings. Words used in the singular include the plural and the plural the singular. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and the feminine the masculine. APPROVED, as to materials, equipment and method of construction, refers to approval by the building official as the result of investigation and tests conducted by him. or by reason of accepted principles or tests by recognized authorities, technical or scientific organizations. APPROVED AGENCY is an established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services when such agency has been approved by the building official. BUILDING CODE is the Uniform Building Code promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by this jurisdiction. BUILDING OFFICIAL is the officer charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or his duly authorized representative, and is the authority having jurisdiction for this code. CHIEF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR shall be the person providing expertise for the building official in the area of electrical regulations. CODE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY is the department, division or agency of this jurisdiction charged with the function of code enforcement and shall be under the administration and operational control of the building official. ELECTRICAL CODE is the National Electrical Code promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, as adopted by this jurisdiction. FIREWALL is the same as an area separation wall as used in the Building Code. LISTED and LISTING are terms referring to equipment and materials which are shown in a list published by an approved testing agency, qualified and equipped for experimental testing and maintaining an adequate periodic inspection of current productions and whose listing states that the equipment complies with recognized safety standards. MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY BUILDING is a building having more than one tenant and may be of single or mixed use groups as classified by the building code. OCCUPANCY is the purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used or intended to be used. 15.24.030 Conflicting Provisions. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. tel 15.24.03.5 Modifications.p, Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the building official may grant modifications for individual cases, provided he shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code impractical and the modification is in conformity with the intent and purpose of this code, and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements. The details of actions granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency. 15.24.040 Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with any of the provisions of this code or evidence that materials or construction do not conform to the requirements of this code, the building official may require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to this jurisdiction. Test methods shall be as specified by this code or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods for the proposed alternate, the building official shall determine test procedures. All tests shall be made by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be retained by the building official for the period required for the retention of public records. 15.24.045 Powers and Duties of BuildinE Official. (a) General. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this code. For such purposes, he shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer. (b) Deputies. In accordance with prescribed procedures and with the approval of the appointing authority, the building official may appoint a chief electrical inspector and other related technical officers and inspectors and other employees as shall be authorized from time to time. (c) Right of entry. When necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this code or reasonable cause to believe that there exist in any building or upon any premises a condition or code violation which make such building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official, San Diego County Health Department and/or their authorized representatives may request entry as specified in Chapter 1.12 of the National City Municipal Code. (d) Stop Orders. Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions of this code, the building official may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, and any such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the building official to proceed with the work. (e) Authority to Disconnect Utilities in Emergencies. The building official or his authorized representative shall have the authority to disconnect any electric power or energy service supplied to the building, structure or building service equipment therein regulated by this code in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property. The building official shall whenever possible notify the serving utility, the owner and occupant of the building, structure or electrical system or equipment of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action, and shall notify such serving utility, owner and occupant of the building, structure or building service equipment, in writing, of such disconnection immediately thereafter. (f) Authority to Condemn Electrical System and Equipment. Whenever the building official ascertains that any electrical system or equipment regulated in this code has become hazardous to life, health or property, he shall order in writing that such electrical system or equipment either be removed or restored to a safe condition, whichever is appropriate. The written notice itself shall fix a time limit for compliance with such order. No person shall use or maintain defective electrical system or equipment after receiving such notice. When such\equipment or installation is to be disconnected, a written notice of such disconnection and causes therefor shall be given within *24 hours of the order to disconnect to the serving utility, the owner and occupant of such building, structure or premises. When any electrical system or equipment is maintained in violation of this code and in violation of any notice issued t to the provisions of this section, the building official shall institute any appropriate action to prevent, correct or abate the violation. 'F.4) Connection after Order to Disconnect. No person make connections from any energy or power supply nor supply power to any electrical system or equipment which has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the building official or the use of which has been ordered to be discontinued by the building official until the building official authorizes the reconnection and use of such electrical system or equipment. (h) Liability. The building official, or his authorized representative charged with the enforcement of this code, acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of his duties, shall not thereby render himself personally liable for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act or by reason of any act or omission in the discharge of his duties. Any suit brought against the building official or employee because of such act or omission performed by him or the enforcement of any provision of this code shall be defended by legal counsel provided by this jurisdiction until final termination of such proceedings. This code shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating or controlling any building, structure or building service equipment therein for any damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the code enforcement agency or its parent jurisdiction be held as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this code or approvals issued under this code. (i) Cooperation of Other Officials and Officers. The building official may regnest, and shall receive so far as is required in the discharge of his duties, the assistance and cooperation of other officials of this jurisdiction. 15.24.050 Unsafe electrical systems or eguipment. (a) All electrical systems or equipment regulated by this code which are unsafe, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life are, for the purpose of this section, unsafe. Any use of electrical systems or equipment regulated by this code constituting a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or abandonment is, for the purpose of this section, an unsafe use. All such unsafe electrical systems or equipment are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, Uniform Housing Code, or such alternate procedure as may be adopted by this jurisdiction. As an alternative, the building official or other employee or official of this jurisdiction as designated by the governing body may institute any other appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct or .abate the violation. (b) Electrical fences as used herein, includes all fences which in any way use electrical energy as an additional deterrent or have wires charged with electricity which are not covered with adequate insulation to protect persons and animals coming in contact therewith. (c) No electric fence shall he constructed, maintained or operated wiAhin the City of National City. (Ord. 1327 12, 1972). 15.24.055 Advisory and Appeals Board. The Advisory and Appeals Board is established by city ordinance no. 1324 adopted August 1, 1972. The Board shall have the jurisdiction to review the items as enumerated in Section 15.04 of the National City Municipal Code. 15.24.060 Violations. Violations of any provisions of this code shall be punishable as a misdemeanor and shall carry the penalties as prescribed in Chapter 1.20 of the National City Municipal Code. 1.5.24.065 Permits. (a) Permits Required. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to install, alter, repair, replace, or remodel, any electrical system or equipment regulated by this code, except as specified in Subsection (b) of this section, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a separate electrical permit for each building or structure. (b) Exempt Work. An electrical permit shall not be required for the following: 1. Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an approved receptacle when that cord or cable is permitted by this code. 2. Repair or replacement of fixed motors, transformers or fixed approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location. 3. Temporary decorative lighting. 4. Repair or replacement of current -carrying parts of any switch, contactor or control device. 5. Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets therefor. 6. Repair or replacement of any overcurrent device of the required capacity in the same location. 7. Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems. 8. Removal of electrical wiring. 9. Temporary wiring for experimental purposes in suitable experimental laboratories. 10. The wiring for temporary theater, motion picture or television stage sets. 11. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus br equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than SO watts of energy. 12. Low -energy power, control and signal circuits of Classes II and III as defined in this code. 13. A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment or the generation, transmission, distribution or metering of electrical energy or in the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence by a public or private utility in the exercise of its function as a serving utility. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. 15.24.070 Application for Permit. (a) Application. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application therefor in writing on a form furnished by the code enforcement agency for that purpose. Every such application shall: 1. Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is made. 2. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description. street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work. 3. IndiOate the use or occupancy for which the proposed work is intended. 4. Be accompaniedol.by plans, diagrams, computations and specifications •and other• data 1s-required in Subsection (b) of this section. 5. Be signed by permittee, or his authorized agent, who may be required to submit evidence to indicate such authority. 6. Give such other data and information as may be required by the building official. ,.(b) Plans_ and Specifications. Plans, engineering calculations, diagrams and other data shall be submitted in two or more sets with each application for a permit. The building official may require plans, computations and specifications to be prepared and designed by an engineer or architect licensed by the state to practice as such. EXCEPTION: The building official may waive the submission of plans, calculations, etc., if he finds that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of plans is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code. (c) Information on Plans and Specifications. Plans and specifications shall be drawn to scale upon substantial paper or cloth and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Plans for buildings more than two stories in height of other than Groups R, Division 3 and M Occupancies shall indicate how required structural and fire -resistive integrity will be maintained where a penetration will be made for electrical and communication conduits, pipes and similar systems. 15.24.075 Permit Issuance (a) The application, plans, and specifications, and other data filed by the applicant for a permit shall be reviewed by the building official. Such plans may be reviewed by other departments of this jurisdiction. If the building official finds that the work described in an application for a permit and the plans, specifications and other data filed therewith conform to the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and that the fees as set forth in Section 15.24.080 he shall issue a permit therefor to the applicant. When the building official issues the permit where plans are required, he shall endorse in writing or stamp the plans and •specifications "APPROVED." Such approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorizations from the building official, and all work shall be done in accordance with the approved plans. The building official may issue a permit for the construction of part of an electrical system before the entire plans and specifications for the whole system have been submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of this code. The holder of such permit shall proceed at his own risk without assurance that the permit for the entire building, structure or building service will be granted. (b) Retention of Plans. One set of approved plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant and shall be kept on the site of the building or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress. One set of approved plans, specifications and computations shall be retained by the building official until final approval of the work. (c) Validity of Permit. The issuance 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 code, or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the pAovisions of these codes shall be valid. The issuance of a permit based upon plans, specifications and other data shall mot prevent the building official from thereafter requiring the *corf'ection of errors in said plans, specifications and other data, or from preventing building operations being carried on thereunder when in violation of these codes or of any other ordinances of this jurisdiction. (d) Expiration. Every permit issued by the building official under the provisions of this code shall expire by limi*z÷4^r, zrld ber-elm=, rlull and void, if the building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 180 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 180 days. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained so to do, and the fee therefor shall be one half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the iginal plans and specifications for such work; and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which he may commence work under that permit when he is unable to commence work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons. The building official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding 180 days upon written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken. No permit shall be extended more than once. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee. (c) Suspension or Revocation. The building official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation of the jurisdiction. 15.24.080 Fees (a) The fees for each electrica) permit shall be as set forth on the schedule adopted by Resolution No. 14,253 dated 2/21/84. (b) Expiration of Plan Review. Applications for which no permit is issued within 180 days following the date of application shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official. The building official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding 180 days upon request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. No application shall be extended more than once. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee. (c) Work without a Permit. 1. Investigation. Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work. 2. Fee. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee that would be required by this code if a permit were to be issued. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of either this code nor from any penalty prescribed by law. (d) Fee Refunds. 1. The building official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected. 2. The building officialmay authorize the refunding of not more than\ 80 percent of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code. 3. The building ofTicigl may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan reviewing is done. The building official shall not authorize the refunding any fee paid except upon written a of original permitt�;e not later than 180PPcatian filed by the fee payment.days after the date of 15.24.085 Inspections. (a) General. All electrical systems and equipment which a permit is required by this code shall be subject foro inspection by the building official.pb�ect to electrical system intended to be concealed oshall tbenc of and until inspected and approved.r concealed npr this ,jurisdiction shall be liable efor the e building official the removal or replacement of any materialrequired entailed in inspection. When the installation of an electrical d to allow equipment is complete, an additional and final ins ectionem and be made. Electrical systems and equipment re ula °n shall code shall not be connected to the ener g urc by this authorized by the building official. €Y source until (b) Operation of Electrical Equipment. The of this section shall not be of operation of any construed to prohibit the equipment. The system or equipment installed to replace existing request for inspection of such equipment must have been filed with the building official more than 48 hours after such replacement work is cial not completed before any portion of such electrical system isconcceale and any permanent portion of the building. ealed by (c) Inspection Requests. person doing the work authorized bshall be the duty of the building official that suchY a Permit to notify the building official may requirewthat�eveseady for ins pectionry . The be filed at least one ;corking day beforeusuchest finor inspection desired. Such request may be in writingor byinspection is option of the building telephone at the It shall be the dutyoflthe p rson requesting inspections required by this code to P-. provide access to and means for proper inspection of such work. (d) Other Inspections. inspections required b In addition to the called q Y this code, the building official may make or require other inspections of any work to compliance with the provisions of this code and othera which are enforced by the code enforcement agenc . laws llaws (e) Reirspection. To obtain Y permittee shall file an a a reinspection, the PPlicatio form furnished for that n therefor in writing upon a and per schedule entitled Building pValuationpay Mu the reinspection fee Multiplier. 15.24.090 Connection Approval. (a) Energy Connections. Any electric al equipment regulated by this code and for which Sperms is a required shall not be connected to a source of enerpermit until approved by the building official. gY or power (b) Temporary Connections. authorize the temporary connection electricalofetheuctg official may equipment to the source of energyer system or testing the equipment, or for useunderpawtempfor the purpose tof o of Occupancy. temporary Certificate 15.24.095 Article 320 - Open wiring insulator deleted insulators.. Wirin g..deleted - ?4- Concealed Knob and Tubing lS.24.105 Article 331 - electrical non-metallic lic tubing. 15.24.110 Article 333 - error Cable..deleted 15.24.115 Article 334 - Metal Clad Cable..deleted 15.24.100 Article read: 15.24.120 Article 336(3) - Uses Permitted..amended to Type NM and Type NMC cables shall be permitted to be used in one- and two-family dwellings, muiti-family dwellings, except as prohibited in Section 336-4 PASSED and ADOPTED thisMLday o Af 7-4 1989. GEORGE'H. IATERS, MAYOR ATTEST: LOR ANNE PEOPLES, SLTY CLERK APPROVED AS TO FORM: H. EI R, III -CITY ATTORNEY By: LINDA KAYE HARTER Assistant City Attorney Passed and adopted by the Council of the City of National City, California, 3-14-89 on by the following vote, to -wit: Ayes: Councilmen ....Dalia,...Inzunza,...Pruitt.,..VanDeventev.,••Watea?s Nays: Councilmen ....Nane. Absent: Councilmen ...Lane Abstain: Councilmen ....Nane AUTHENTICATED BY: GEORGE H. WATERS Mayor of the City of National City, California City Clerk of the City of National ity, California By: Deputy I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing ordinance was not finally adopted until seven calendar days had elapsed between the days of its introduction and the days of its final passage, to wit, on 2-7-89 and on 3.-14-89 I FURTHER CERTIFY THAT said ordinance was read in full prior to its final passage or that the reading of said ordinance in full was dispensed with by a vote of not less than a majority of the members elected to the Council and that there was available for the consideration of each mem- ber of the Council and the public prior to the day of its passage a written or printed copy of said ordinance. I FURTHER CERTIFY that the above and foregoing is a full, true and cor- rect copy of ORDINANCE NO. 2972 of the City of National City, passed and adopted by the Council of said City on 3-14-89 (Seal) City Clerk of the City of National City, California By: Deputy