The following amendments, modifications, additions and deletions to the National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition, which are to be the same amendments as adopted by the State of Iowa, are hereby made.
(A) Purpose. The purpose of this Code is to provide minimum provisions to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating, licensing and controlling the design, installation, quality of materials, location and maintenance of all electrical installations and uses within the city.
(B) Scope.
(1) The provisions of this Code shall apply to the electrical conductors and equipment installed within or on public and private buildings and other premises; the conductors that connect the installations to a supply of electricity; other outside conductors adjacent to the premises; and manufactured dwellings, mobile homes and travel trailers.
(2) Additions to, alterations of and repairs to existing electrical equipment shall comply with the provisions of this Code. The Electrical Inspector may, when the additions, alterations or repairs are made, order further reasonable additions or alterations in a building, structure or on premises, when a danger to life or property may exist or result if further additions or alterations are not made.
(3) Installations which were in compliance with the Code in existence at the time the installations were made shall be presumed to be safe and proper, which presumption can be rebutted by evidence that the installation may be dangerous to life or property.
(4) Where the classification of a building has been changed due to a change in occupancy, the wiring in the entire building shall comply with all the electrical standards applicable to the new classification. Where the occupancy of a building has been changed to a mixed occupancy, with the required fire separation between the mixed occupancy, each occupancy shall comply with its own particular classification and shall be wired in compliance with the electrical standards of its particular classification.
(5) For the purposes of this Code, the term ELECTRICAL WORK shall apply to all uses, installations, alterations, repairs, removals, replacements, connections, disconnections and maintenance of all electrical equipment.
(6) The term ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT shall include all electrical materials, wiring, conductors, fittings, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures, signs or parts thereof, used in electrical work.
(7) Where the occupancy of a building has been changed to a mixed occupancy and no fire separation is provided, the entire building shall be wired to comply with the requirements for the most restrictive classification.
(C) Moved buildings. Buildings or structures moved into or within the city shall comply with the provisions of this Code for new buildings or structures.
(D) Building Official; appointment, assistants, powers and duties.
(1) The Building Official appointed under provisions of the City Building Code shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of this Code and to make any required inspection or tests. He or she may also be referred to as the Chief Electrical Inspector. The Building Official may delegate power and authority to qualified assistants to act as Electrical Inspectors and agents of the Building Official in whatever manner that may be necessary to administer and enforce this Code. The Building Official and his or her authorized assistants shall have the right to enter any building or premises during reasonable hours in the discharge of his or her official duties; and the authority to cause disconnection of any wiring or equipment which, in his or her judgment, is dangerous to life and property or may interfere with the work of the Fire Department.
(2) The Building Official is hereby authorized, directed and empowered to inspect any and all electrical installations within the city; to condemn and order removed or remodeled and put in proper and safe condition, all electrical heating and lighting apparatus, power generators, motors, machinery, fixtures and connections, and electrical equipment used in the supply distribution or utilization of electrical current for light, heat or power purposes, and to control the disposition and arrangements of the same so that persons and property shall not be in danger therefrom.
(3) The Building Official shall have the right at any time to enter any building, area, manhole or subway, and shall be given prompt access thereto upon application to the company or individual owning or having charge or control of the same, for the purpose of making inspections and tests of the electrical apparatus and appliances therein or thereon, or otherwise discharging his or her official duties. Whenever, in the judgment of the Electrical Inspector, any electrical wire or appliance is deemed to be defective or dangerous, or the premises are for any reason or cause deemed to be in a defective or hazardous condition that may be a risk or potential cause of fire, or threat to the safety of workers, occupants, or the general public, the Electrical Inspector may order the immediate removal of the defects and the full remedy of the improper or unsafe condition.
(4) It shall be the duty of the Building Official to administer and enforce the provisions of this Code. He or she shall keep records of each ruling or determination made under the provisions of this Code, and notify in writing all persons involved. He or she shall keep complete records of all permits issued, inspections made and other official work performed in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
(5) The Building Official and his or her assistants shall not engage in the business of the sale, installation or maintenance of electrical equipment, either directly or indirectly, and shall not have any financial interest in any firm engaged in the business in the city at any time while holding office.
(E) Board of Appeals.
(1) The Board of Appeals for the Electrical Code shall be the same Board of Appeals which serves for the Building Code (herein “Board” or “Board of Appeals”), and persons who are appointed to the Board of Appeals are hereby concurrently appointed to this Board without further action or specific citation. The Building Official shall be an ex officio member and shall act as secretary to the Board, but shall have no vote upon any matter before the Board.
(2) The Board shall have no authority relative to interpretation of the administrative provisions of this Code, and the Board shall not be empowered to waive requirements of this Code.
(3) The rules of procedure, powers and obligations of the Board shall be the same as those set forth in the Building Code, including but not limited to rendering all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the Building Official.
(F) Violations. Any violation of any of the terms or conditions of this Code, or any failure to comply with any of its requirements, shall constitute a civil infraction or misdemeanor and shall be accordingly subject to fines or imprisonment in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Iowa. Each day a violation exists may be considered to be a new and separate infraction or misdemeanor.
(G) Permits.
(1) Permit required.
(a) No person shall perform electrical work nor install electrical equipment in or upon any building or property without first securing from the Department of Community Development a permit therefore; nor shall any alteration or change be made in the wiring of any building, or in any electrical installation therein or thereon, either before or after inspection, nor shall any electric current be connected to any wires or apparatus, without notifying the Electrical Inspector and securing a permit therefor. This provision does not include very minor work such as replacing light fixtures, replacing electrical receptacles, replacing switches and similar activity normally perceived as maintenance. A separate permit shall be obtained for each building.
(b) The owner of an owner-occupied existing single-family dwelling who desires to work on branch circuitry or perform maintenance branch circuit work in said single-family dwelling may apply for a homeowner’s exemption on forms that may be provided by the Department of Community Development for such purpose. If the Building Official determines that the proposed wiring would not overload the existing system, the Building Official may issue an electrical permit for the proposed wiring to the owner-occupant, upon receipt of an application for a permit and payment of the applicable fee. The permit shall be valid for not more than 180 days. Home-owner electrical work shall be limited to branch circuits. For purposes of this section, a SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING shall mean a residence designed for and intended to be occupied by one family, the term FAMILY having the same meaning as is defined by the Zoning Code.
(c) No electrical work shall be finally enclosed until a final inspection has been made by the Building Official.
(2) Issuance. After proper application on forms provided by the Department of Community Development and payment of the applicable fee, permits may be issued. A person holding an electrician’s license issued by the state shall secure permits only for their firm or corporation. All applications for electrical permits shall be signed by a state-licensed master or their designee.
(3) Not transferable; permit restrictions. Permits are not transferable. Electrical work performed under permits issued under the provisions of this Code shall be done by the contractor securing a permit, and only the employees of the contractor shall perform the electrical work for which the permit was obtained. For purposes of this section, an EMPLOYEE shall be one employed by the contractor for a wage or salary. The Building Official may require an electrical contractor to show positive evidence as to the employee status of workers on the job. The evidence shall be in the form of payroll and time records, canceled checks or other documents that are acceptable to the Building Official. The contractor may also be required to show the agreement or contract pertaining to the work being questioned as evidence that he or she is, in fact, the actual contractor for the work. Failure or refusal by the contractor to make available the employee or contractual records within 24 hours from demand therefor shall be grounds for immediate revocation of any electrical permit for the work in question.
(4) Starting permit. When the scope or extent of the electrical work is indefinite or impossible to determine until the work is in actual progress, the Building Official may issue a starting permit, which shall generally describe the nature of the anticipated work. As soon as practicable before the final inspection, the contractor shall secure a regular electrical permit, describing in detail all work involved in the job. A starting permit shall be clearly identified as such and the application therefore shall clearly describe the reason(s) why a regular electrical permit is not being applied for.
(5) Double fee for failure to obtain permit before starting work.
(a) Except in emergency situations, as determined by the Electrical Inspector, where work for which an electrical permit is required by this Code is started or proceeded with by any person prior to obtaining a required permit, the regular fees as specified in this Code for the work shall be doubled, provided the increase shall not exceed $100. The payment of the double fee shall not relieve any persons from fully complying with the requirements of this Code in the execution of the work nor from any other penalties prescribed herein.
(b) However, no double fee shall be imposed upon any person who starts work without a permit if the work is started at a time when the Department of Community Development is not open, and the person secures the proper permit on the next working day for the Department of Community Development.
(c) No additional permits shall be issued to any person who owes the city the double fee described in this section.
(6) Revocation of permit; expiration of permit. Any permit required by the provisions of this Code may be revoked by the Chief Electrical Inspector upon the violations of any provision of this Code. Every permit issued under the provisions of this Code shall expire by limitation and become null and void, if the work authorized by the permit is not commenced within 180 days from the date of issuance of a permit, or if the work authorized by the permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of 180 days. Before the work can be recommenced a new permit shall be first obtained, and the fee therefor shall be one-half of the amount required for a new permit for the work, provided that the suspension or abandonment has not exceeded 180 days.
(7) Fees.
(a) Every application shall be accompanied by the payment of a fee as set by resolution of the City Council from time to time.
(b) In the event that an electrical permit is issued for a specific amount of work and, upon inspection, it is determined that more work was performed than was authorized on the permit, the permit holder shall obtain another permit to include all additional work and shall pay only the unit fees prescribed in this preceding table, provided that no permit shall be issued for less than as set by resolution approved by City Council.
(H) Refund of permit fee. If, within 30 days of the date of issuance, the holder of an electrical permit decides not to commence the work described in the permit, he or she may, upon application to the Department of Community Development, be refunded that portion of the permit fee which is in excess of $15. The refund of any fee of $15 or less shall not be made.
(I) Inspections.
(1) Notification; inspection.
(a) It shall be the duty of the person doing electrical work, for which a permit is required, to notify the Electrical Inspector that the work is ready for inspection. The Electrical Inspector shall, without undue delay, perform the required inspection. If the work complies with the code, the Inspector shall so advise the contractor and/or owner. If the work does not comply with the provisions of this Code, the Inspector shall post a violation notice in a conspicuous place on or near the work. The violation notice shall contain the date and results of the inspection, and when requested, note specific violations. Notices shall not be removed by any person other than an Electrical Inspector.
(b) When the electrical work is completed, the person doing the electrical work shall notify the Electrical Inspector that the work is ready for final inspection.
(2) Prefabricated assemblies.
(a) Where the work requiring an electrical permit will be wholly or partially enclosed within one or more prefabricated assemblies, the requirements of divisions (I)(1) above and (I)(3) below pertaining to inspections by the Building Official, requests therefor and the concealment of electrical work shall not be applicable to the work if the use of prefabricated assemblies renders compliance with the requirements impracticable. In lieu of compliance with the requirements of divisions (I)(1) above and (I)(3) below, the fabricator shall provide the Building Official with a certification from the International Code Council, Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc. or any approved independent inspection agency qualified to make the certification stating that the electrical work wholly or partially enclosed within the prefabricated assembly has been inspected by the certifying agency and complies with the requirements of this Code and containing any other information as may be required by the Building Official.
(b) The provisions of division (G) above shall not be applicable to electrical work required in fabricating prefabricated assemblies for use or installation outside the corporate limits of the city. The provisions of division (G) above shall be applicable to electrical work required for assembly or fabrication of prefabricated assemblies within the corporate limits or intended to be used within the city.
(3) Prefabricated assemblies; covering or concealing work. No electrical work for which a permit is required shall be concealed in any manner from access or sight until the work has been inspected and approved by the Electrical Inspector.
(4) Removal of covering. The Electrical Inspector shall have the authority to remove or cause the removal of lath, plaster, boarding or any other obstruction that may prevent the proper inspection of wires or electrical equipment.
(5) Correcting defective work. When an electrical contractor is notified that defects exist in his or her electrical work, he or she shall make corrections promptly. Corrections shall be made within ten days after notification, and if not so made, the electrical contractor shall not be issued any other permits until the defects are corrected, and approval given by the Electrical Inspector.
(J) Furnishing current prior to approval of wiring. No person or corporation generating current for electric light, heat or power in the city shall connect its system or furnish current for electrical purposes to any building or premises which has not been inspected and approved by the Electrical Inspector. Any person or corporation shall, upon written notice from the Electrical Inspector to do so, immediately disconnect the building or premises from its source of current.
(K) Upgrades and new service requirements for existing dwellings. The Building Official may, upon substantial evidence, determine that a complete upgrade and new service is required. A new service and complete upgrade shall be required if the calculated load exceeds the capacity of the existing service. An upgrade shall be required if new service entrance conductors and/or service equipment is/are installed.
(1) Minimum service. The minimum replacement service size shall be 100 amperes.
(2) Upgrades. All upgrades shall include the following:
(a) Conductors shall be protected by the proper size overcurrent devices;
(b) Convenience receptacle outlets in the kitchen and unfinished basement shall be of the grounding type or ground fault circuit interrupter type;
(c) Convenience receptacle outlets serving kitchen counter-tops, in the bathroom, on the exterior and accessible from grade and accessible receptacles in the garage shall be provided with ground fault-circuit interrupter protection;
(d) Every habitable room except the bathroom shall be provided with not less than two electric convenience receptacle outlets;
(e) Bathrooms shall be provided with not less than one convenience receptacle outlet;
(f) Laundries shall be provided with not less than one convenience receptacle outlet;
(g) Every stairway shall be provided with a light that is controlled by a switch at the entrance to the stairway;
(h) Smoke detectors shall be installed as described in the Building Code; and
(i) Service equipment shall be properly grounded according to NEC Article 250.
(3) Minimum circuitry.
(a) There shall be a minimum of two 20-ampere small appliance branch circuits to serve all receptacle outlets including refrigeration equipment in the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room or similar area of a dwelling unit. These circuits, whether two or more are used, shall have no other outlets except as provided by the National Electrical Code. Adequate circuits shall be provided elsewhere to prevent overloads.
(b) All conductors shall be adequately secured and protected against physical damage as required in the National Electrical Code.
(L) Amendments.
(1) Amend by deleting § 210.12(D): which removes the arc-fault protection requirements for Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications.
(2) Amend by adding § 215.13.1 Prohibited Locations.
Feeders supplying townhomes shall not extend through any townhome unit other than the unit served. For the purposes of this provision, the term townhome shall mean a single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of two or more attached units in which each unit extends from foundation to roof and with a yard or public way on not less than two sides.
Exception:
If a recorded easement is established in a concealed space or attic within a townhome unit, feeders are allowed within that easement.
(3) Amend by deleting § 406.4(D)(4): which removes the arc-fault protection during the replacement of receptacles.
(Ord. 2020-12, passed 9-22-20)