HomeMy WebLinkAboutA007 - Council Action Form dated January 12, 1999 ITEM # A4
DATE: January 12, 1999
SUBJECT: Update the local ordinance by adopting the 1999 National Electrical Code
with two (2) local amendments.
BACKGROUND:
The Electrical Board of Appeals has reviewed the 1999 National Electrical Code and
proposes to adopt it with two (2) local revisions.
1. Add Sec. 7.101
(3) Amend the National Electrical Code, Section 336-4
Type NM, Type NMC and Type NMS cables shall be permitted to be used in
one- and two-family dwelling units, multi-family dwelling units and their
accessory buildings only. All other structures shall be wired using other
methods as allowed by the National Electrical Code.
The Board recommends this change for the following reasons:
• The growing number of home improvements stores has made residential
wiring methods more available to the general public, encouraging its use in
commercial applications without the supervision of a qualified electrician.
• Modern construction methods, such as, concrete, metal framing, I Beams,
and acoustical ceilings used as environmental air space have made it
impractical as a professionally installed wiring method.
• The change would keep our ordinance consistent with other major
jurisdictions throughout the state.
2. Add to Sec. 7.202(1) "is present at the address where":
The Municipal Electric Code currently states that,
"When a permit has been issued for electrical work, all work done pursuant
to that permit shall be under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master
electrician at all times."
Recently, we have found that there is a disagreement among a few
contractors regarding the staff's interpretation of this supervision
requirement. Therefore, the Electrical Board of Appeals and City staff are
recommending a change in wording to clarify this issue as follows,
a
"Electrical work for which a permit is required by this chapter shall be done
only when a journeyman electrician or master electrician is present at the
address where that work is being done and that work is done under the direct
supervision of such journeyman or master electrician."
The Board held a public hearing on November 3, 1998 to solicit input regarding the
new code and its changes. Over 200 letters were sent out informing electrical
contractors and electricians of the proposed changes. Five persons were present to
observe the hearing.
After a short discussion, the changes were unanimously supported by those in
attendance. A few of the participants expressed their concerns about other changes
brought about by state legislation, such as, the increase in municipal fines and the
exemption from licensing for mobile home dealers. They were encouraged to proceed
through their professional organizations if they wished to change the state ruling.
One local electrical contractor in the City has expressed his opposition to this
interpretation. Mr. Nikkel's letter is attached for your consideration. Many of his
objections have been addressed with the new language developed at the meeting.
However, he still believes that this interpretation will raise the cost of construction in the
City. Furthermore, he feels there will be lost productivity with this change when his
journeyman needs to attend a project meeting or pick up materials off-site.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the attached ordinance as written, adopting the 1999 National Electrical Code
with the two (2) local revisions.
2. Approve the attached ordinance as written, adopting the 1999 National Electrical Code
with either one of the two (2) local revisions which are being recommended.
3. Reject the proposal.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1
approving the ordinance adopting the 1999 Nationa► Electrical Code with the two (2) local
amendments proposed by the Electrical Board of Appeals. This would take effect on and
after March 1, 1999.
COUNCIL ACTION: