O-2017-4343 - 4/27/2017 1
2 ORDINANCE NO. 0-2017-4343
3
4 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10, CODE OF ORDINANCES
5 (2010 EDITION), CITY OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS, REGARDING THE
6 ELECTRICAL CODE; REPEALING ALL OTHER ORDINANCES AND
7 PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH; AND
8 PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS CLAUSE.
9
10 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK,
11 TEXAS:
12
13 I.
14
15 That Chapter 10, Division 10, Code of Ordinances (2010 Edition), City of Round
16 Rock, Texas, is hereby amended to read as follows:
17 DIVISION 10. -ELECTRICAL CODE
18 Sec. 10-298. -General.
19 (a) National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. The National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, Most tee^-2017
20 edition, and latest TeVi i^^s therete; (hereinafter referred to as "NEC'), as amended herein, is hereby
21 adopted as part of this division to the same effect as if it were copied verbatim herein and shall be in
22 effect except as it may be in conflict with the provisions of this Code or V.T.C.A., Local Government
23 Code §214.214.
24 (b) Scope. This code shall govern all installations of electrical conductors, raceway fittings, and/or
25 equipment hereafter made, and all existing installations which are altered, or for which the use has
26 changed. Repair and maintenance work shall be such that if any electrical conductor, raceway
27 fittings, and/or equipment is removed and later replaced, same shall be replaced in accordance with
28 the provisions of this division.
29 (c) Responsibility for safe work. This code shall not be construed to relieve or lessen the responsibility
30 or liability of any person owning, operating, or installing electrical conductor devices, appliances,
31 fixtures, apparatus, motors or equipment, for damages to persons or buildings caused by any defect
32 therein nor shall the city be held liable for any damages by reason of enforcement or
33 nonenforcement of this division.
34 (d) Purpose.
35 (1) To safeguard persons and property from electrical hazards; and
36 (2) To establish licensing, permit and inspection procedures to ensure quality electrical work. To
37 accomplish this, the requirements set forth herein are intended to be minimum standards for
38 electrical work.
39 (e) Unlawful acts prohibited.
40 (1) It shall be unlawful for any person, as owner, agent, lessee, renter or otherwise to violate,
41 disobey, refuse to comply with, resist or oppose the execution of this division.
0112.1704;00376703/sss2
1 (2) It shall be unlawful for any person to occupy or maintain any building or structure in which the
2 electrical work, wiring or appliances are in violation of this division.
3 (3) Any person who commits any acts declared to be unlawful, or fails to perform an act required by
4 this division, shall be subject to any and all penalties as provided herein. Any electrical
5 installations erected or altered in violation of this Code shall be summarily condemned and
6 removed at the expense of the person erecting or altering or allowing the same.
7 (f) Amendments to the National Electrical Code, 28022017 edition.
8 (1) AFtiGle 220, N2tiGR2I G-G-de, 2902 editiGR, is hereby aFAeRded by deleting SeGtieR 22
g and s bstiti Minn the fGIIG jinn•
10
11 Ungrounded GO duGter-z
12
_(2) Art'Gle 240 24(A), National RertriGal Gede, 2092 edit'GR, is hereby aMeRded by add'Rg
13 paragraph (5) wh'Gh shall read as fGIIews-.L
14 (5) L$Gation 94af}ei-b .OVER evivcS��ne--boaFds or OVER CURRENT
15 devinec PhR11 nn be._IGGated in bath-r-eo G, Glosets Gr-with'rrrrni4x /�n}of GiRks la infn riot water
16 Snfte�.�e ReFs,water heaters �A�ncrcrsh;1-4—aGhiRes, eF sEmilaF fixtures. PaRel bea'P's will have the
17 leaFaRGor civ (6) foot throe (3) iRGhes of hearirnenm- thro /Z1 feet_G�
18
19 +4Ghes GR eaGh side ef eRGIOSUF8.
20 (21) Article 300, National Electrical Code, 298-22017 edition, is hereby amended by adding Section
21 24 which shall read as follows:
22 300-24. Special Safety Measures.
23 (a) Except upon written permission of the building official, no electrical conductor of any
24 nature shall be installed nearer than three (3) inches to any metal pipe or duct which could
25 operate at a temperature in excess of one hundred twenty (120) degrees Fahrenheit.
26 (b) Thermostat, low voltage control wiring and communications cables in dwellings shall be
27 protected from mechanical damage and shall maintain two (2) inches clearance from all
28 other wiring and pipes. Thermostat, low voltage control wiring and communications cables
29 shall be well strapped or supported with insulated staples or supports not to exceed four
30 (4) feet spacing.
31 (4) AFti9le 80 of the Natienal EleGtriGal—code, edi#GR,--pe#aiPi44g to administration and
32 enf�FGemen�Rt_is net-adapted as a palef this divis op,
33 Sec. 10-299. -Definitions.
34 The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings
35 ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
36 Active master electrician means a licensed master electrician under the provisions of this division
37 who is currently in good standing status.
38 Building means a structure which stands alone or which is cut off from adjoining structures and/or
39 occupancies by one or more fire walls.
40 Chief electrical inspector means that employee of the city appointed by the city manager to carry out
41 the duties and responsibilities of this division.
42 Commission means the Building Standards Commission of the city as appointed by the city council.
2
1 Electrical work means any act in connection with the installing, altering, or repairing of electrical
2 wires, conduits, apparatus, or other electrical installation, designed or capable of carrying electrical
3 energy, which act ordinarily requires the use of tools.
4 Fire wall means a four-hour fire resistant wall, having protective openings, which restricts the spread
5 of fire and extends continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, with sufficient structural
6 stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall.
7 Good standing means all fees, bonds, etc., of a licensee (who is not currently under suspension or
8 revocation) have been paid.
9 Journeyman electrician means a person licensed as a journeyman electrician, under the provisions
10 of this division, who does electrical work under the supervision, direction, and control of a licensed master
11 electrician.
12 Licensed electrician means a person licensed and authorized to do electrical work as defined by this
13 division who is currently in good standing status.
14 Maintenance means the act of keeping in a state of safe operating condition any conductor or piece
15 of equipment used inside or outside, attached or connected to any building electrical system by
16 replacement of units or elements thereof, but shall not include additions to, or replacement of an existing
17 system or branch.
18 Rough-in work means initial work of installing, altering, repairing or maintaining of electrical wires,
19 conduits, apparatus or other electrical installation, performed so that all such work is easily visible and
20 may be easily corrected or changed.
21 Sec. 10-300. -Administration and enforcement.
22 (a) Chief electrical inspector. There is hereby created the office of chief electrical inspector, who shall be
23 appointed by the city manager.
24 (1) The chief electrical inspector shall have at least three years experience as a master electrician,
25 hold a valid master electrician's license, be of good moral character, and be well-versed in the
26 approved methods of electrical construction for safety of life and property in accordance with the
27 National Electrical Code, as amended.
28 (2) The chief electrical inspector is hereby designated as the person responsible for the
29 administration and enforcement of this division, who shall discharge the duties and have the
30 authority hereafter provided. Said authority may be delegated to inspectors and other
31 employees of the building inspection department as may be required to carry out said duties.
32 (3) The chief electrical inspector shall be responsible to the building official and the city manager,
33 each of whom are authorized to act in lieu of and with the same authority as the chief electrical
34 inspector.
35 (b) Powers/duties of inspectors. The chief electrical inspector and inspectors shall have the following
36 powers:
37 (1) To enforce the provisions of this division, issue citations and file complaints in municipal court
38 against persons who violate any of its provisions.
39 (2) To enter any house or premises during reasonable hours, (or at any time while electrical wiring,
40 fixtures or equipment is being installed) for the purpose of examining any electrical wiring or
41 installation of electrical wiring, fixtures or equipment therein in the performance of his official
42 duties.
43 (3) To order electrical service disconnected:
44 a. Where improper or defective wiring exists;
45 b. Where electrical construction or equipment has been installed without a permit as required
46 by this division;
3
1 c. When electrical equipment may interfere with the work of the fire department; or
2 d. In cases of emergency when necessary for the safety of persons or property.
3 (4) To order compliance with this division where a change of occupancy occurs in a building which
4 requires electrical change or alteration to said building.
5 (5) To attach to electrical equipment or meters any official notice necessary to prevent the use of
6 electricity.
7 (6) To order persons to cease performing any work being done without a requisite permit or
8 otherwise in violation of this division.
9 (7) To make a thorough inspection of:
10 a. All electrical work from time to time as provided herein;
11 b. Electrical work which is in a dangerous or unsafe condition;
12 c. Electrical work deemed to be an interference with the work of the fire department;
13 (8) To notify a person responsible for violating the above subsection to place said work in
14 compliance with this division within a reasonable amount of time.
15 (9) To require plans, specifications and a complete feeder layout of installations of electrical work.
16 Sec. 10-301. -Electrical license examination.
17 All applicants for aR eleetrisal-liGense are req to pass the written eX@rR'R@t'GR preGGribed by
18prier tc) e iRiRg an eIeGtFi^2I IiGeRse building permit
19 are required to be licensed by the State of Texas or the City of Round Rock.
20 Ses. 10-302. - L iGenS.e and- t-iQ-R foo
21 The exaMiRation and "GeRSe fP-P-S fGF the varieus A-11-asses; A-f eleGtFiGiaRS, for a three year peFied, shall
22 .
23 Sec. 10-30-32. -Licensing.
24 (a) Types of licenses. Electrical licenses shall be of the following types:
25 (1) Master electrician. Any person licensed as a master electrician in compliance with the
26 requirements of this chapter, who employs journeyman electricians to perform electrician's work
27 in accordance with this division or who performs electrical work himself in accordance with this
28 division.
29 (2) Journeyman electrician. A person licensed as a journeyman electrician in compliance with the
30 requirements of this section, who works for and under the general supervision and direction of a
31 master electrician, performing electrical work contracted for by a master electrician.
32 (b) License required. Except as otherwise provided herein, it shall be unlawful for any person to do
33 electrical work unless such person holds a master electrician's or journeyman's license under the
34 provisions of this division. Any person holding a valid master's license or journeyman's license need
35 not procure a lesser license. When two or more master electricians are working on the same job, the
36 supervision, direction and control of the electrical work shall be the responsibility of the person to
37 whom the permit was issued.
38 (c) Unrestricted and restricted licenses.
39 (1) A person holding a valid unrestricted license shall be authorized to perform all types of electrical
40 work.
41 (2) A person holding a valid restricted license shall be authorized to perform only those categories
42 of work on which he has taken and passed an examination.
4
1 (3) The categories of restricted licenses are as follows:
2 a. Signs. A sign license restricted to the installation, repair, or maintenance of:
3 1. Electrical signs;
4 2. Transformers for the operation of neon and similar tubing on or in buildings; and
5 3. High tension cables between tubing and transformers for the same.
6 Such license shall not include connection of any electrical signs, transformers or other type
7 of load to a source of electrical power, or the changing, extending, installing or repairing of
8 any part of a wiring system.
9 b. Elevators. An elevator license restricted to the installation, alteration, repair or maintenance
10 of only the control panel and control wiring of elevators and escalators.
11 c. Repair service. A repair service license restricted to the connecting or disconnecting of any
12 electrical wiring regulated by this section, not including the changing, extending, installing
13 or repairing of any part of a wiring system.
14 d. Maintenance. A maintenance license restricted to the maintenance, repair, relocation or
15 replacement of any electrical conductor or equipment pertaining to branch circuits,
16 including extension of or additions to branch circuits permitted under this section, by a
17 person who is regularly employed by one employer upon a permanent basis for the
18 performing of such work within the confines of the building or premises of such employer.
19 e. Residential. A residential license restricted to performing electrical work on residential
20 buildings only while under the general supervision and direction of a master electrician.
21 (d) Supervision. Except as otherwise provided in this division, all electrical work shall be performed
22 under the supervision, direction, and control of the master electrician who has secured the permit.
23 When on-site work is performed by a journeyman electrician under the supervision of the permit
24 holder, the ratio of workers to journeyman electricians shall not exceed three workers for each
25 journeyman present on site; provided, however, for commercial or industrial work, the ratio shall be
26 two workers for each journeyman present on site.
27 (e) License not required. The following may be performed by persons who are not licensed electricians:
28 (1) Electrical work on one's own homestead, as reflected by public records, performed only by the
29 homestead owner; provided, that a permit as provided in section 10-3043 shall have been
30 obtained and all other requirements of this division have been complied with except the
31 licensing provisions.
32 (2) The replacement of lamps, fuses and connection of portable devices to suitable receptacles
33 which have been permanently installed.
34 (3) The installation, alteration or repairing of any wiring, devices, or equipment for the operation of a
35 signal or the transmission of messages where such wiring, devices, appliances or equipment
36 operates at a voltage not exceeding 50 volts between conductors and does not include
37 generating or transforming equipment.
38 (4) The installation, alteration or repair of electric wiring, devices, appliances and equipment
39 installed by or for an electric public service corporation operating under a franchise from the
40 division when for the use of such a corporation in the operation for street railways, signals or the
41 transmission of messages.
42 .
43 date,&-far—s d Itsense-shafl
44 a. Be.a high cnheol gF@d roto er the eq UiValeRt therea
45 b. 9hGW preaf Of t-we year as a l4seased-jeufaeym2R; and
5
1 G---Show-greaf-Gf- s Ietionof a sex h()UF nevi e-PJat4GPal-€-leGV4Ga1-GGde ie
2 each year that the ol.eGtr{Gal_6'ed.e_s-updat—ed-,-b Gre rc�aI of I i ns e
3
4 a. Be a high onheGI graduate or the equivalent
5
6 eleo+riot;iar-
7 (3) College
8 a h oheler's degree in elentringl engineering from a rnll-on Gr ,iniVeFSity whish requires o+
9 least feur years of study in FesidenGe as a pFerequ.site W s;-Ah. degree shall be GGRsideFed
10 the equ+valer}t ef three years e#exp erfeRce=ani
11
12 be nnnsidered the equivalent of nne year evnerienne
13 (g)-AppfiGation
14 (4) Every app'!Gat'GR fbF aR GFigiRal OF FeRewal IiGense shall be made upGn ferms furnished by the
15 .
n hell tate the frill .a.me date of birth weight, heinh� �r
16 �?}—€ver-y--{�Gen�e��f3�}GatlBn sr�ar-.c7iu,.czi,c ran i� �'•' `''' ''
17 r-aP-er494iaE
18 1tGen se shall pl!Gant cexperienGe;whether pliGant s heretnfn re been
iJrr�"'T` "N er tyle1��'T` lea
19 r-ether Glassi#iG 4on of eleGtFiGian, and if se), when and by
20 ad--Iisense has ever been cusp , {d
21 y.fhe+h�he. tile-a ppliGtan.t has ever--beeccn-4efaved-a4iGen-.Se, af4d if.Cie,, the date of and the Fea6Gn-fGf
22 .
23 ( ) Every nnnlinatien shall be n n entien 1 fl_'2f1'J
r3 rr�„�.rn�z.oGsna�an+ed�}jF-the-4isense-fee-�resGrided-i,Ts�o�,o,r-,moo=.
24 .
25 (1) WpGn reGeipt ef pmof ef pay-meRtthe required fee, and passing the-examinatien-the-Ghief
26 e4eGtr+Gal-inspeGteF-shall issue to the ap li nt the Glass Of liGense whiGh said ap s
27 �-'
q4 f'ed to reneiye ,inrder the provissi ief.�T�e-•lie-,p1 , eGtGF Shall
28 F_II�^'resGrd the ,ssuanGe of said l+Gense-6
29 (2) E@Gh "GeRse shall bear a distinguishiRg number assigned te the "Gensee, the full name, sex,
30 date of birth, weight, height, hair GelGr, eye GGlGr, and a spaGe upA-.n vihir-'h the lip-ensee shall
31 write his usual signature iR permanent upGn reGeipt ef the liGense. No liGense
32 shall he valid ,,ntil itis SGsigned by the linencee
33 (if) Requirements for continued licensing; master electrician. In addition to other requirements of this
34 division, all master electricians shall have their license number of company name on all company
35 trucks.
37 (1) All e!eGtF'Gal IiGenses shall expire at 12:00 midRight en the last day of the MGRth of the
38 IMA-P-AsPP's birthday.
39 (2) ExpiredrnenceT�es nett enewed as nFev+ded-in-the preseding-garrgra.ph shall
40 GanGelled,and-appre-pFlate netatlBnS-f£`fleGted on tf}e Gff'Gial liGeRssle reGGFds Gf+ham
41 (3) If a liGense is renewed K er more days after expiration date, the Rormal fee shall be dewbi
42 (k) !PaGtive liGense. A master e!eGtF*Gi'aR may request that his "GeRse be plaGed in an !RaGt;V8 status
43 a#er--�ent of a fee n„rrently estoiof +hey
44
45
46 .
6
I (I\ fl, nlina+es In the event that @R e!e tF'Gia.n'1}G+�nS�_�cyL_��G St Gr de tFGye ! the Iinnnsee My7 Gbti�in-c�
2 dLAPliliGate theF_�eGfrv.p i n'g-Pr8�t4.fabtt7�-0 t h-��Ie�Gal-4pspeGtGr that saiv" 4Gense
3 wasestor destroyed and i POR payment Gf-a feeasGi4r�e,Rtty--esitablicas hedd er hereaf e- a�teb
4 bar rete Gity sem time to time-
5 (rte) Alotise of Gha��pgeef-address- eTP-a4?ae,-etto be given-W4el4ever-a file see has:
6 (1) Moved-frem the address listed in the nffida"Ge Rsere�-cnvvrd&-
7 (2) Gheed his Raine
8 (3) Ghanged44is-place ef-empleyment;
9
10 n- me and- em nlnvment
11 (ng) Certain acts prohibited. It shall be a violation of this division for any person:
12 (1) To display, permit to be displayed or to have in one's possession, any instrument purporting to
13 be a license issued pursuant to this division, knowing such instrument to be fictitious, cancelled,
14 suspended or altered.
15 (2) To knowingly lend, transfer or permit the use of any license for the purpose of performing or
16 obtaining a permit for electrical work, to any person not entitled thereto under the provisions of
17 this division.
18 (3) To fail or refuse to surrender to the chief electrical inspector, on demand, an electrician's license
19 which has been suspended or cancelled as provided by law.
20 (4) To apply for, or have in one's possession, more than one current license of the same type
21 provided for in this division.
22 (5) To use a false or fictitious name or address in any license application, renewal, or duplicate
23 request, or knowingly make a false statement, conceal a material fact or otherwise commit fraud
24 in making said application, renewal or duplicate request.
25 (6) To employ as a master or journeyman electrician any person not then licensed as provided in
26 this division.
27 (7) To perform any electrical work requiring a license, without said license or while said license is
28 suspended or cancelled.
29 (8) To perform electrical work in any manner in violation of any restrictions imposed on a licensee.
30 (9) To perform electrical work as a journeyman electrician on a job while not in the employ of the
31 master electrician of record of said job.
32 (10) To fail to request a final inspection upon completion of all electrical wiring and installation
33 requiring a permit.
34 .
35 ase-a Iisensee as probation er suspene!eGtFiG6aR'S enscissued
36 red-Of netFnere-than--ene-yea , or revGke said IiGeRse, a#ter
37 determining at a nrepeF hearing-asset e it in this SeGtiGR, that the lirensee has vielated any
38 pfGVFSiGn fifthis, division, stato law, Gity E)rdFna�Roe re leG#4Gal
39 on-inslud+nn hs ut net limited te:
40
41 I'
42 6. Fto ailinn nr refusing make GOrFeG ens nenessary to n��e defeGts-4i--ea.I-wgrkleG#i6
43 performed in vin4�0-n of this rlivisinn
7
1 d. Per sr-,Ring-any-elestr-Gal-weak is +slamt}iGp_ef-t-�+s- WiEi on--er_t#e-M,�attiGRalam, tFrihQeGt sal Ge
Wde[
2 V -H a +Fuse-9r_ Y 4ID4 t�Pg Gaause r'u'ff a-fire,whether a� errn,e4&-aril
3 aGWal damage-a;;ass.
4
5 o Iionn-see who has been pl@Ge {_OR prGb
6 ire lsl 8Gt R ( f
7 eede
8 thus senoti GR.
9 (p) Hearer anelflxe a
10
11 er nn aggrieved by the antinn
12
13 by this dl-ision,7
14 (2) CGMplala#s-shall be in WF tlRg-and-verified-bar-the-persefl familiar w;th thef,att-t"ereia:Three
15 ies of the sameshall he filed auith the rite olerh .fhn shall re�etairll e .al
Go�,cTv,-<rrc-- �•nv.,-.�c--rt,azrvm.,-,-cr,c.-vrc�v,�.,-r�-v.r,v�r,
16 FeGOrds Gf the 6ty and shall Gonvey two Gooes-to-the GGMFnissleR-
17 (3) The GGMMiSS'GR, if it deems the OnfP_Frn@fiA_R suffir--ieRt te support further aGtiGR 9R its part, shall
18 c)Fder a hearing te be set at a speGified time and plaGe. Said heariFlg shall be epen te the publiG.
19 order and GGFRPI R; shall be served i nnn the aGGuserd by registered moil nn less
20 than 14 days befGFe the SGheduled date e hear+Rg.
21 (5) The shall appear in person, by GE)URsel, or both, at the time and plaGe named in the
22 order acid-=;kiz Ws defense to same. The-6itIomey and-th aGGused shalle entitled to
23 present ev*d&RGe and aFEguM Rt"tom�r�ea��Rg
24 (6) If the aog„sed fails er refuses to appear at said hearing, the r•emmiSSIGRssien may nreoeed to hear
25 and determine the nharges in his absenee
26 (7t7) if-ther_re_avoveoQa ed admits the truth of-thee-gets-C}ne-GBiiirni-r issiG vete-BtyHur nr more of its
27 members shall find them to bei-true, i--�.t may cRter ark.-order -.S.eRdiRg th.e__"GeRse vf ov^id
28 eleGtrisiaFl.
29
30 -he Signature Gf
31 the gin_
32 (g) When the egmra'ssid-saidhea.FiRg and made i�ts
33 7
34
35 (-q) AutomatiG suspension. NetwithstandiRg SUeGtl is seGtl8R=
36 (1) The IiGeRse Gf any peFSGR shall be alltGmat'Gaiiy suspended UPE)R final deteFMiRat'GR by-the
37
38 a. Taping e, t a it
permrT r in the t e naame nfof a-pers9R-authG47_ed-to-dG the-eleGtriGtal work and
39 thereafter nermittin r -b pW4n �
uedhi" 6ieR fn_ erm the lenvat-rrlGal Werk.
40 h
with the prc)per aGtiGR Of
41 FegiStFatiGR of any eleotrin meter.
42 s:Violating any P RGe G
43 gn„erninn elegtriWiring, repairing. _or-G e OR_p - az+oa impesed by the
44 l I
45 (2) Susp eR-prev+ded fer in- rthisraiaFiSil-n shta4-, +R the firSt;RstanGe,be fc)r-a-�3eriGd Of SiX MGRths.
46 Fera bsen,,ent offenses said su.apep sjoR-,4�ll-be for a peri a-/ear:
8
1 (3) The suspeask)R Gf- +-I+cense shall be autematfGan�.y-exte-i4ded-far-- ike peried as the original
2 $ fiRa�-deterrn*npfinn
do+orminofi— "e-Gemcois.-sieR-that-ca IiGensee has bee44--perf9FmiRQ
3 elee a his I+Gee.rse is saspeRded.ard-sus peRSlon ext ; eRshall
4 aRy-^f�peaa-It-a:sessed-as pFevided is this d+visien-
5 .
6
7 shallbesurrendered to and retained by the Ghief olortFiGal nr t the eRd of the pe4od-ef
n the si�rrenrdererd li shall h ed to the d be fi
8 susF.ensiep, eeese� p,r-pe- �e-4iseasee anQ-per aTrU wader-the
9 "ded
10 (1) Ne further vieiat♦Gns of this 'eta re o
.��nm itt Genseed-crWFiRg-the si speneinn neriGd,
11 and
12
13 IiGeRsee has paid all liGeRse fees and!GF posted all surety bGRds 'R aGGGrdaRGe with this
14 d+v+sien.
15 Sec. 10-3043. - Permits.
16 (a) Generally. Except as otherwise provided in this Code, it shall be unlawful for any person to install,
17 cause to be installed, or permit the installation of, or make any alterations, additions, changes or
18 repairs to any electrical wiring fixtures or equipment within or on any building, structure, or premises,
19 whether publicly or privately owned, without first obtaining a valid permit therefor.
20 (b) Permit not required. No permit shall be required for:
21 (1) The installation of electrical conductors or equipment within and on the premises which are
22 under the control and supervision of the state highway department and where such installation
23 will be operated, maintained or controlled or supervised by said state highway department.
24 (2) The installation of electrical conductors or equipment by or for a public utility corporation in the
25 generation, transmission, sale or use of electrical energy as outlined in its franchise.
26 (3) The installation of low voltage HVAC control wiring in residential only.
27 (4) The replacement of:
28 a. A motor by another motor of the same horsepower and rating;
29 b. Solenoid valves;
30 c. Low pressure controls;
31 when the electrical supply to the same is or has been properly installed by a licensed
32 electrician.
33 (c) Permit application.
34 (1) Application for permits shall be made in writing upon forms provided by the chief electrical
35 inspector. The application shall contain the following information:
36 a. The date the application is submitted;
37 b. The applicant's name;
38 c. The exact address where electrical work is to be done;
39 d. A description of the electrical work to be done;
40 e. Other pertinent information as required by the chief electrical inspector. If a diagram or plan
41 is required, it shall clearly show the following:
42 1. The character and kind of wiring or installation of fixtures or equipment work to be
43 done;
9
1 2. The scale used and the manner in which the electrical installation is to be made;
2 3. The character of any repairs to any existing installation showing the point at which
3 service connection is required;
4 4. The size of feeders and subfeeders;
5 5. The location of service switches and centers of distribution;
6 6. The arrangement of circuits and the number of outlets connected thereto;
7 7. Load calculations;
8 8. A profile view of the service entrance equipment including all gutter troughs, junction
9 boxes, switches, disconnects, fuses, panel boards, current transformer enclosures
10 and meter sockets, detailing how this equipment is to be arranged on the wall of the
11 building;
12 9. The maximum available fault current at the service entrance shall be obtained from
13 the local utility company; and
14 10. Fault current bracing information.
15 (2) Applications for permits shall only be issued to the following persons:
16 a. A master electrician licensed under this Code;
17 b. A property owner who shall certify that the proposed electrical work shall be performed by
18 the applicant personally, in a residence presently occupied by the applicant as his
19 homestead.
20 (d) Permit issuance.
21 (1) Permits shall be issued to licensed master electricians, or their duly authorized agents.
22 (2) The city operates under a 'one permit" system on new construction whereby a general
23 contractor or owner may secure a single permit covering all of the building, electrical, plumbing,
24 heating, ventilating, and air conditioning requirements. However, where only electrical work is
25 being performed, a master electrician, as defined herein, must secure a permit covering the
26 work to be done. There shall not be more than one permit issued or outstanding at the same
27 time for any one installation of electrical equipment, except for renewal, additions or finish-out or
28 when requested by the city building official.
29 (3) The chief building inspector may require an inspection prior to the issuance of a permit.
30 (4) A permit issued under this division shall continue until revoked or for the period of time
31 designated on the permit.
32 (e) Revocation and suspension of permits.
33 (1) The chief electrical inspector has the authority to revoke or suspend a permit or approval issued
34 if any violation of this division is found upon inspection or in the case there have been any false
35 statements or representations submitted in the application or plans on which the permit or
36 approval was based.
37 (2) Revocation will be deemed to occur on the date that the permittee is duly notified of the
38 violation.
39 (ef) Reissued permit. A permit may be reissued changing the electrician of record upon written
40 application by the person to whom the original permit was issued. However, before the permit is
41 issued, the chief building inspector shall mail a written notice to the electrician of record with a copy
42 to the owner, notifying them of the application for a reissued permit. The notice to the electrician of
43 record shall be by certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall not be reissued until the
44 expiration of ten days after the notice was mailed. The application for a reissued permit shall be
45 accompanied by a permit reissuance fee as currently established or as hereafter adopted by
10
1 resolution of the city council from time to time. The applicant shall be responsible for all electrical
2 work on the project site, including all work performed prior to reissuance.
3 (fg) Duplicate. In the event that a permit is lost or destroyed, the permit holder may obtain a duplicate
4 thereof:
5 (1) By furnishing satisfactory proof to the chief electrical inspector that the permit was lost or
6 destroyed; and
7 (2) Upon payment of a fee as currently established or as hereafter adopted by resolution of the city
8 council from time to time.
9 (h) Certain acts prohibited.
10 (1) Any attempt to defraud or otherwise deliberately or knowingly design install service, maintain,
11 operate sell represent represent for sale falsify records reports or applications or other
12 related activity in violation of this division.
13 (2) Any violation of this division will provide cause for immediate suspension or revocation of any
14 related licenses certificates or permits issued by this jurisdiction. All violations are additionally
15 subject to any other civil or criminal penalties that may apply.
16 Sec. 10-3054. -Inspections.
17 (a) Required. Unless and until it has been inspected and approved by the building inspection division, it
18 shall be unlawful for any person to:
19 (1) Make connections from a source of electrical energy to any electrical wiring, device or
20 equipment on an installation for which a permit is required by this Code;
21 (2) Make connections from a source of electrical energy to any electrical wiring device or
22 equipment which has been disconnected by order of the chief electrical inspector; or
23 (3) Conceal in any manner from access or sight, any part of a wiring installation.
24 (b) Rough inspection.
25 (1) When the rough wiring or installation work is completed on a commercial job, the electrician
26 responsible therefor shall notify the building inspection division that the job is ready for
27 inspection.
28 (2) Residential wiring will be called for by the building superintendent during the top-out inspection.
29 (c) Faulty work.
30 (1) If the wiring or installation of fixtures or equipment is found to be faulty or incorrectly or
31 defectively installed, the chief electrical inspector shall notify, in writing, the permittee who
32 installed said work of all changes necessary in order for the work to conform to this Code.
33 (2) The permittee shall, within 48 hours of written notification, commence the changes ordered and
34 shall proceed with the work until the same is completed. Upon completion thereof and payment
35 of the reinspection fee, he shall request an inspection by the building inspection division. If the
36 chief electrical inspector shall again find the work incorrectly installed, he shall notify the
37 permittee of the necessary changes, and the permittee shall pay an additional reinspection fee.
38 If the permittee fails to correct the faulty work within 72 hours, the chief electrical inspector shall
39 refuse to issue to said person any further permits until said work in question is corrected and
40 approved.
41 (d) Final inspection. Upon the completion of all electrical wiring and installations requiring a permit, the
42 permittee shall notify the building inspection division that the work is ready for final inspection. If
43 faulty or defective wiring or equipment is found, the permittee shall be notified of the necessary
44 changes in accordance with subsection (c) of this section. If such work is found to be correctly
45 installed, replaced or repaired, the inspector shall endorse the inspection certificate, stating that the
46 wiring and installation work has been installed in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
11
I (e) Inspection after fire. An inspection shall be conducted by the chief electrical inspector on any and all
2 buildings or structures that have been damaged by fire.
3 (f) Inspector's removal request. It shall be the duty of the chief electrical inspector to cause all
4 abandoned dead wire, unused poles or electrical apparatus remaining on or near the job site to be
5 removed at the expense of the owners thereof, by giving said owners written notice.
6 (g) Interference. It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to change or alter electrical conductors
7 or equipment in or on any building. If electrical conductors or equipment have previously been
8 installed in such a position as to interfere with the erection or completion of a structure, notice shall
9 be immediately given to the person using said conductors or equipment, requiring conformance with
10 this Code.
11 (h) Emergency reconnects. No service entrance equipment will be connected by the electric utility
12 company to its electric distribution system without an approved inspection unless it is a re-connection
13 of service which was disconnected for emergency repair work. The electric utility company shall
14 notify the chief electrical inspector on the next working day following the emergency re-connect by
15 requesting a follow-up inspection. The inspector shall check code requirements and verify that a
16 permit has been secured by the electrician doing the repair work.
17 (i) Commerciallindustrial buildings. A new tenant who occupies previously occupied
18 commercial/industrial buildings or lease spaces must obtain electrical re-inspection and approval in
19 order for the power company to release service to said building or lease space.
20 Sec. 10-3065. -Standards and specifications.
21 (a) Materials, equipment, safety standards. Conformity of electrical equipment with the applicable
22 standards of the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., ANSI or NEC, shall be prima facie evidence that
23 such equipment is reasonably safe to persons and properties.
24 (b) Installations creating hazards to fire protection and prevention. No wires shall be installed, operated
25 or maintained over any street, alley, sidewalk or building:
26 (1) Which may foreseeably interfere with the work of the fire department in the use of ladders or
27 other apparatus; or
28 (2) Which shall obstruct or render hazardous the use of fire escapes.
29 On complaint of the city fire marshal, said wires shall be removed or properly rearranged.
30 (c) Special electrical circuit requirements. The following additional requirements shall be met for all new
31 construction:
32 (1) All circuits shall have conductors sized in accordance with article 310 of the National Electrical
33 Code. No conductor smaller than No. 12 copper American wire gauge size, shall be used in any
34 electrical work as covered by this Code, except the following as approved by the National
35 Electrical Code:
36 a. Pendant and portable cords;
37 b. No. 14 for control circuits, operating contractors, relays, etc.;
38 c. Wiring within display cases;
39 d. Wiring for system covered by chapter 7 of the National Electrical Code;
40 (2) All panels must be large enough to accommodate the present load requirements and have at
41 least two spaces for future use.
42 (3) All 125 volt, single phase 15 or 20 ampere rated devices installed in commercial and industrial
43 installations shall be of the nonresidential type or shall be 20 ampere rated only.
44 (4) Temporary service for construction sites are required to have a
45 driven ground rod.
12
I (5) Type nr referred--t^ ,mss"mX)-VV4' Ret be authed-as-aR-appr-eved-w 4Pg
2 methed.
3 (65) Flexible metal conduit smaller than one-half-inch electrical trade size shall not be permitted.
4 (76) Kerneys or split bolt connectors shall not be allowed for taps in electrical services and gutters.
5 Only blocks and couple taps are permitted.
6 (67) All building services shall have a UFER grounded and be grounded by Art. 250-4-gg6-of NEC.
7 (98) All closets and storage areas that are over 48 inches deep or more shall have a light switch.
8 (d) Construction, rodentproof. All exterior wall openings around electrical cables and conduits shall be
9 closed with cement mortar, concrete masonry, or other approved material to prevent the passage of
10 rodents.
11 (e) Commercial buildings.
12 (1) All commercial buildings shall be wired in raceways. However, this provision shall not apply to
13 pre-existing wiring in buildings which were originally constructed and used as residential-use
14 buildings and thereafter converted to commercial usage.
15 (2) For each panel in commercial construction, a minimum of one spare one-inch raceway shall be
16 installed from the panel to an accessible location in the attic or crawlspace for recessed panels
17 only.
18 (3) All thermostat wire, door bell wire, fire alarm wire and other wire 50 volts or less must be run in
19 conduit, with the exception of plenum cable.
20 (f) Special safety measures.
21 (1) Aluminum conductors will be authorized from the service drs^,,To, lateral, panel to panel and to
22 the service disconnect only, for commercial and industrial construction.
23 sized 500 KGMil and larger Fnay be permitted in Panel tG paRel 'RStallateGRS subjeGt tG apprG
24
25
26 (2) All feeder conductors to branch circuit panel boards and all subpanels in residential and
27 semr,n,Gi@l construction shall be copper conductors.
28 (3) Color coding of conductors.
29 a. Single phase 120/240 Volt System.
Phase
A Black
B Red
Neutral White
30
31 b. Three phase 120/240 volt center tap Delta System.
Phase
13
A Black
B Red
C Orange (high leg)
Neutral White
1
Z c. Three phase 48Ovolt Delta System.
Phase
A Brown
B Yellow
C Purple
4 d. Three phase 12O/2O8volt WYE System.
Phase
A Black
B Red
C Blue
Neutral White
6 e. Three phase 277/480volt WYE System.
Phase
14
A Brown
B Yellow
C Purple
Neutral Natural Gray
1
2 (4) Except upon written permission of the chief electrical inspector, no electrical conductor of any
3 nature shall be installed nearer than three inches to any metal pipe or duct which could operate
4 in excess of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
5 (5) Door bell transformers must be mounted in an attic, heater closet, bedroom closet or other
6 space where air can flow freely around the transformer. The transformer shall not be covered
7 after it has been mounted.
8 (6) It will not be acceptable to use flexible metal conduit outside. Liquidtight flexible conduit or
9 liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit are considered acceptable.
10 (g) Smoke detector systems.
11 (1) Every dwelling and every dwelling unit within an apartment house, condominium or town house,
12 and every guest or sleeping room in a child care facility, motel, hotel or dormitory, shall be
13 provided with an approved listed smoke detector in accordance with V.T.C.A., Property Code §
14 92.251 et seq.
15 (2) Detectors shall be listed and meet the installation requirements of NFPA 74 and NFPA 72E and
16 be hard wired with battery pack in series where all alarms will be activated.
17 _(3) Smoke deteGtE)FG shall be PlaGed iR e2Gh bedreem and iR the upstairs @Rd dGWRsta rs hallways
18 as GIGSe tG the stairwell b t as far from the WGhon as possible.
19 (h) Engineer seal required. In accordance with the Texas Engineering Practice Act, all drawings
20 pertaining to non-dwelling construction projects of 5,000 square feet or more shall bear the seal of an
21 engineer registered in the state. The chief electrical inspector is hereby authorized to require, at his
22 discretion, said seal to be placed upon drawings for non-dwelling construction projects of lesser
23 square footage.
24 (i) Use of unapproved appliance prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person within the city to install
25 electrical equipment or appliances which have not been:
26 (1) Endorsed by the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., or other nationally recognized standards
27 association; or
28 (2) Approved by the chief electrical inspector.
29 Sec. 10-30-76. -Violations.
30 (a) Violation. In addition to other provisions of this Code, it shall be unlawful for any person to:
31 (1) Break, change, destroy, tear, mutilate, cover, deface, or otherwise injure any official notice or
32 seal posted by an electrical inspector pursuant to section 10-300;
33 (2) Interfere with enforcement officials or their duly authorized agents in the discharge of their
34 duties, including but not limited to carrying out the provisions of this Code;
15
1 (3) Fail or refuse to make necessary changes or repairs within a reasonable amount of time
2 pursuant to section 10-300 or 10-3054(c); or
3 (4) Perform electrical installations without supplying the requisite plans, specifications or layouts or
4 without initial approval of said installation pursuant to section 10-300 or 10-3043(c).
5 (b) Injunction. In addition to the penal remedies herein, the city may seek injunctive relief regarding any
6 violation of this Code.
7
s II.
9
10 A. All ordinances, parts of ordinances, or resolutions in conflict herewith are
11 expressly repealed.
12 B. The invalidity of any section or provision of this ordinance shall not
13 invalidate other sections or provisions thereof.
14 C. The City Council hereby finds and declares that written notice of the date,
15 hour, place and subject of the meeting at which this ordinance was adopted was posted
16 and that such meeting was open to the public as required by law at all times during
17 which this ordinance and the subject matter hereof were discussed, considered and
18 formally acted upon, all as required by the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas
19 Government Code, as amended.
20
21 Alternative 1.
22 By motion duly made, seconded and passed with an affirmative vote of all the
23 Council members present, the requirement for reading this ordinance on two separate
24 days was dispensed with.
25 READ, PASSED, and ADOPTED on first reading this 2 day of
26 pwi12017.
27
16
1 Alternative 2.
2 READ and APPROVED on first reading this the day of
3 12017.
4 READ, APPROVED and ADOPTED on second reading this the day of
5 2017.
7
s ALAN MCGRAW, Mayor
9 City of Round Rock, Texas
10
11 ATTEST:
12
13
14 SARA L. WHITE, City Clerk
15
17