(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DEFECTIVE WORK. Electrical work that is not in compliance with this section.
ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR. The designated individual employed or contracted by the city to conduct electrical inspections required by this section.
ELECTRICAL WORK. The installing, altering, repairing, planning, or laying out of electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment for electrical light, heat, power, technology circuits or systems, or other purposes, including but not limited to, the performance of any work regulated by the Minnesota Electrical Act and all orders, rules and regulations issued by the authority thereof.
(B) Permit and inspection required.
(1) General permit requirement. No person shall perform electrical work without an electrical permit first issued by the city. Permits for electrical work in new structures shall only be issued to electrical contractors duly licensed by the state. Permits for the installation, alteration, addition or repair of electrical work in existing structures shall only be issued to electrical contractors duly licensed by the state or for electrical work in a residential property, to the property owner provided he/she resides within the residential structure where the work is to be done.
(2) Utility provider exception. No permit shall be required for electrical work related to electrical equipment owned, leased, operated or maintained by a utility service provider, as defined in Chapter 97 of this code, provided that such electrical work shall conform to the minimum standards of the National Electrical Code.
(3) Fees. No permit shall be issued unless and until the applicant pays to the city the electrical permit fee(s) as set forth in the Appendix of Chapter 35 of this code. No inspection shall occur unless and until the applicant pays to the city the proper inspection fee(s) as specified in the Appendix to Chapter 35 of this code.
(4) Application. The application for permit shall be made in writing to the city on a form provided by the city. The application shall provide the following information, among other things:
(a) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant;
(b) The address and legal description of the property where the electrical work is to occur and the name of the property owner if different than the applicant;
(c) Proof that the applicant has the appropriate licensure to complete the electrical work;
(d) A brief description of the work to be completed; and
(e) Such plans, specifications and schedules as may be necessary to determine whether the electrical installation as described will be in conformity with all legal requirements;
(5) Inspection.
(a) Any work performed under an electrical permit shall be inspected by the Electrical Inspector. Inspection of work shall be as required in the National Electrical Code and as required by the city Building Official in the event of any compliance issues.
(b) All work which involves the concealment of electrical work shall have a "rough-in" inspection prior to concealment. The electrical work shall not be concealed until the Electrical Inspector has approved the work.
(c) If any electrical work is found, upon inspection, to be not in accordance with the National Electrical Code or this section, the Electrical Inspector shall at once issue and provide to the permit holder, and property owner if not the permit holder, a written notice stating the defective work which have been found to exist and directing that such defective work be brought into compliance with the National Electrical Code and this section. If the electrical work or any noncompliant part thereof, poses an imminent safety hazard or threat of endangerment to human life and property, the city Building Official, or designated inspector, may order the immediate disconnection of electrical service to the defective work. In all other cases, the Electrical Inspector's notice shall allow the permit holder 15 days for the electrical work to be brought into compliance with the National Electrical Code and this section prior to disconnection.
(d) No provision of this section shall limit the authority of the Building Official.
(C) Standards for installation of electrical work.
(1) All installations of electrical work shall be reasonably safe to persons and property and in conformity with the provisions of this section, National Electrical Code, and the applicable Minnesota Statutes and orders, rules and regulations issued by the authority thereof.
(2) Buildings or structures moved from without to within the limits of the city shall conform to all of the requirements of this code for new buildings or structures.
(3) Existing buildings or structures hereafter changed in use shall conform in all respects to the requirements of the National Electric Code and this section for the new use.
(D) Unpermitted or unsafe electrical connections.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to make connections to any electrical utility service for electrical work for which no permit was issued by the city or which has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the city Building Official.
(2) The electrical utility service shall disconnect the same upon a written order from the city Building Official, or his or her designated inspector, when he/she determines that an electrical work unsafe to life and property or installed contrary to the National Electrical Code or this section.
(E) Electrical Inspector.
(1) Generally. The city shall designate the city's Electrical Inspector who may be either employed or contracted by the city. The Electrical Inspector shall be under the authority of the city Building Official. The Electrical Inspector shall be a licensed master or journeymen electrician as defined by Minnesota Statutes and shall have a thorough knowledge of the standard materials and methods used in electrical work. The Electrical Inspector shall have prior experience as an electrical inspector utilizing the standards of the National Electrical Code. The Electrical Inspector shall not otherwise engage or be employed in the sale, installing, altering, or repairing of electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment for light, heat, power, and other purposes and shall have no financial interest in any concern engaged in any such business.
(2) Duties. It shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector to enforce the provisions of this chapter and make the inspections of electrical work as provided in this section. The Electrical Inspector shall keep complete records of all inspections made and other official work performed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(3) Authority. The Electrical Inspector shall have the right during reasonable hours to enter any building or premises in the discharge of his/her official duties, or for the purpose of making any inspection, re-inspection or test of electrical equipment contained therein or its installation. In accordance with other provisions of this section, the Electrical Inspector shall have the authority to order the discontinuance of electrical service to electrical equipment found to be not in compliance with the National Electrical Code or this section.
(Ord. 909, passed 12-21-10)