CHAPTER 157

ELECTRICAL CODE

157.01    NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ADOPTED. The rules and regulations set out in the 2005 National Electrical Code, being the regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters for electric wiring and apparatus, are adopted, except insofar as they may conflict with the laws of Iowa or the provisions of this Code of Ordinances or other ordinances of the City, or the rules and regulations of the City relative to the installation of electric signs, apparatus, machinery or wires for the conducting or use of electric current, in or about any building, tent or structure within the City. (Ord. 3216 – Feb. 06 Supp.)

157.02    SUPPLEMENTAL ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS. The purpose of Sections 157.03 through 157.14 of this chapter is to provide for additional electrical rules and regulations which are intended to supplement the provisions of the National Electrical Code adopted by the City. The supplemental rules and regulations take precedence over any conflicting provisions of the National Electrical Code heretofore adopted.

157.03    EXISTING INSTALLATIONS. Electrical installations in existence at the time of adoption of this Code may continue as exist, if such installation was legal at the time of adoption of this Code, provided such installation is not dangerous to life and has been maintained in a safe condition in conformance with the Code under which installed. Repair and/or replacement of electrical installations, service entrances and fixed appliances shall meet all requirements of this Code for new installation. All buildings which undergo a change of occupancy classification, as determined by the adopted Building Code, shall be wired according to new construction standards for said building. Existing buildings moved into or relocated within the City limits shall meet all the electrical requirements of this Code for a new installation.

157.04    SERVICE ENTRANCE WIRING AND REQUIREMENTS. All service entrance wiring and requirements shall comply with the following regulations unless elsewhere allowed in the adopted National Electrical Code, and a variation thereof is approved by the Code Inspector due to the type of building occupancy or electrical service requirements:

1. Only one service shall be permitted for any one building or structure, inclusive of any and all accessory structures except as allowed by the adopted National Electrical Code and specifically approved by the Code Inspector. The service locations shall be designated by the electrical service company.

2. The minimum new electrical service requirements shall not be less than one hundred (100) amperes for any building, tent, structure or related accessory building, unless otherwise approved by the Code Inspector.

1. All electric services shall be enclosed in not less than one and one-quarter-inch (1¼") metal conduit for 100-amp services, two-inch (2") metal conduit for 200-amp services, and in accordance with National Electrical Code standards, except as elsewhere allowed in this chapter.

2. Mast type services shall be a minimum of two-inch (2") rigid steel conduit from meter base to the service head. Masts extending more than five (5) feet above the roof line shall be braced or guyed. No unions or couplings shall be permitted between the service head and the roof line.

3. Underground electrical service must utilize approved expansion joints. Use of PVC expansion joints and a minimum schedule 80 non-metallic conduit is allowed for the riser from underground to the meter base. Non-metallic conduit is limited to a maximum 5" pipe size a maximum of 400 amps per conduit and only where not subject to vehicle traffic and damage.

4. Grounding electrode conductors shall be placed in metallic or non-metallic conduits from the main disconnect enclosure to a minimum of 6 inches below grade.

3. For residential dwellings receiving new electric service following the passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter, they shall conform to the following requirements:

1. Dwellings with less than two thousand (2,000) square feet of habitable floor space shall be served with electrical service entrance of not less than one hundred (100) amperes, with a distribution panel minimum of 16-circuit capability.

2. Dwellings with two thousand (2,000) square feet or more of habitable floor space shall be served with electrical service entrance of not less than two hundred (200) amperes, a distribution panel minimum of 24-circuit capability.

3. Multi-family Dwellings. Main service and service to each dwelling unit shall be in conduit and sized no less than one hundred (100) amperes to each unit.

4. The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors. Where the point of entrance is not readily accessible, such as a crawl space or similar feature a maximum of twenty (20) feet of non-overcurrent protected service entrance wires shall be allowed on the inside of any building, tent or structure.

5. Where the electrical service entrance or any part thereof is relocated more than three (3) feet on existing work, the provisions of this section shall apply as if the relocation was new work. Extensions shall not be allowed on work where wiring is not in conformance with the adopted National Electrical Code. Repairs to existing services shall be brought up to the standards set by the National Electrical Code and by this chapter, unless a variation from these standards is allowed as elsewhere stated in this chapter.

6. The service entrance neutral or grounded conductor shall be insulated and shall not be de-rated or reduced in size for services rated at 400 amps or less.

(Ord. 3216 – Feb. 06 Supp.)

157.05    WIRING METHODS AND MATERIALS. The following exceptions to wiring methods and materials listed in the National Electrical Code shall apply:

1. Flat conductor cable, electrical nonmetallic tubing, and pre-assembled cable in nonmetallic conduit is permitted to be utilized on an individual job basis after complete review and approval of the proposed installation by the Board of Electrical Examiners.

2. Armored cable, metal clad cable, flexible metallic tubing, flexible metal conduit, liquid tight flexible conduit and liquid tight flexible nonmetallic conduit may be used in lengths not to exceed six (6) feet, and only in instances where it is impractical to use conduit. Approved manufactured wiring systems may exceed the six-foot length limitation.

3. Rigid nonmetallic conduit is limited to underground use and two-foot maximum above ground extensions inside of structures when they are entirely enclosed and protected. Exterior usage of non-metallic conduit is permitted to extend from underground conduit for a maximum of 6 feet. Rigid nonmetallic conduit may be approved for use in other specific situations where corrosive, wet or similar conditions exist and then only in compliance with the National Electrical Code.

4. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable, service entrance cable (utilized as a feeder or branch circuit) and underground feeder and branch circuit cable are permitted to be utilized only in residential dwelling units and their accessory structures. Cables shall not be secured with metal staples or other devices that may physically damage the cables insulation.

(Ord. 3216 – Feb. 06 Supp.)

157.06    GROUNDING. Grounding shall be in accordance with the National Electrical Code and the local utility company. Gas lines and water pipe shall not be used for the purpose of electrical service grounding. All service conduits and neutral wire on single-phase circuits shall be grounded to two copper-clad or galvanized ground rods not less than five-eighths (5/8) of an inch in diameter, eight (8) feet in length, and driven its full length into the ground to a minimum of six (6) inches below grade, a minimum of eighteen (18) inches from the building roof or projecting eave overhang and in an area subjected to moisture, maintaining a minimum of six (6) feet between ground rods, and in accordance with the National Electrical Code. (Ord. 3216 – Feb. 06 Supp.)

157.07    CIRCUIT LOAD. A minimum of No. 12-2 with ground, copper wire or approved equal, shall be utilized for all residential branch circuits containing receptacle outlets. (Ord. 3216 – Feb. 06 Supp.)

157.08    WIRING NOT TO BE COVERED; EXCEPTION. The installation, alteration or extension of any electrical apparatus or wires in, over, or about any building, tent or structure of any kind shall not be covered except in wiring of existing buildings, where wires may be “fished” in compliance with the adopted National Electrical Code; and where elsewhere allowed in prefabricated buildings or structures. Nothing contained in this section shall relieve the Code Inspector from making any necessary or required inspections to determine compliance with the provision of the adopted National Electrical Code or of this chapter. When a violation thereof or unapproved installation may exist, the Code Inspector shall have full power and authority to require the removal of any lath, plaster, floors, walls, ceiling or other existing obstructions in order to make a proper determination of compliance.

157.09    WORKMANSHIP. In all electrical wiring work and installation of electrical apparatus and equipment, special care and attention shall be given to the mechanical execution of the work. Care shall be given to assure the neat and orderly running, connecting and taping of conductors, and securing and attaching related fittings. Whenever such work and installation is not so executed, it shall be changed to comply with sound workmanlike standards. All accessible electrical wiring which has been replaced, disconnected or is not in use shall be completely removed from the structure.

157.10    ELECTRICAL PERMIT; REQUIREMENTS. Any work pertaining to the fabrication, installation, construction, alteration, modification, repair or replacement of any electrical wiring, sign, equipment, apparatus or system in or on any building, structure or premises, except for normal service repairs or minor replacement of existing services or equipment, or for process changes in manufacturing, industrial or public utility establishments, or as elsewhere exempted in this chapter, shall require approval and inspection by the City and a permit issued therefor. The requirements pertaining to the issuance of such permit are as follows:

1. There shall be separate plans for each building or premises for any work, new or old, showing the location and nature of the work to be performed. The plans shall be accompanied by specifications describing types, materials, construction and installation methods of the work to be performed under the permit. When authorized by the Code Inspector, plans and specifications need not be submitted for minor electrical work.

2. No portion of the electrical work shall be executed until the required plans and specifications have been filed, approved and written permit secured.

3. While electrical work over, in or about any building, tent, structure or premises is in progress, the Code Inspector may issue a temporary permit for the use of electrical current in the work performed. Such temporary permit shall be issued only upon agreement that all temporary wiring or work is to be removed by the person or firm installing same at an agreed upon time not to exceed one hundred eighty-two (182) days from the date the temporary permit was issued.

157.11    ELECTRICAL PERMITS FOR PREFABRICATED OR ENCLOSED SYSTEMS. Any building or structure used or designed to be used for the housing of occupants, or other designated use to which the building is intended, not including mobile homes or other similar units registered under the mobile home laws of the State, must meet the requirements set forth in this chapter. Plans and specifications of the prefabricated electrical work or systems shall be submitted to the Code Inspector either as a part of the overall building plans and specifications, or submitted separately, for approval in conformance with the provisions of this chapter. Where said work is to be prefabricated and enclosed in any wall or space, prior to the issuance of a permit, a “statement of compliance” with applicable codes and ordinances of the City shall be submitted. Said statement shall bear the date, name, title, address and signature of the person acting for and on behalf of the company assembling and installing such work. The statement shall further show the type of electrician’s license, registry number and City and/or state of registry of the electrician who either installed, or supervised and inspected the work during the assembly and installation of same into an enclosed wall or space. Upon satisfactory review of the requirements set forth in the statement of compliance, and following review and approval of the plans and specifications submitted therewith, the Code Inspector shall then issue an electrical permit. Nothing contained herein shall relieve the Code Inspector of collecting the necessary permit fees, or any necessary or required inspections or testing of the electrical work as required elsewhere in this chapter, or revoking any permit issued if materials and workmanship are found to be defective, faulty or in violation of any provisions of applicable City codes or ordinances.

157.12    APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR MODIFICATIONS. No changes or modifications to plans and specifications, or electrical work, after approval, shall be made unless such changes or modifications are submitted and approved as in the case of the original work. No additional fee shall be charged for approval of such changes or modifications unless the scope of work is greater than that contained in the original permit, e.g., additional fixtures desired, etc.

157.13    TURNING OFF ELECTRIC CURRENT. The Code Inspector shall have authority to cut off or cause to have cut off the electrical service or portions thereof in or on any building, structure or premises in the following circumstances:

1. Said building, structure or premises does not comply with applicable City codes and ordinances pertaining to electrical work, as contained in this chapter; or

2. An unsafe or hazardous electrical condition exists, or when danger to persons or property is possible; or

3. The electrical current would interfere with or hinder the necessary work of the fire or law enforcement agencies.

Where the current is cut off or ordered cut off, under the provisions of this section, such current shall not be turned on again without the authorization of the Code Inspector. Any person engaged in furnishing electricity, shall cut off the current from any consumer, building, structure, sign or premises when so ordered for reasons indicated in this section.

157.14    CONNECTION TO POWER SOURCE. No electrical connection to the power source shall be made, or any electric meter set until the same has been approved by the Code Inspector.

157.15    PERMIT FEES GENERALLY. Applicants for electrical permits shall pay the required fee to the City Treasurer in conformance with Section 157.16, and the receipt of payment shall be shown to the Code Inspector before any such permit shall be issued. No electrical work shall commence without the party performing the electrical work first insuring that the required permit has been issued by the City.

157.16    PERMIT FEES – SCHEDULE.

1. The Council shall, by resolution, establish the applicable permit fees to be charged for issuance of any electrical permits required by this Code. Said fees shall be paid before the permit is issued.

2. Renewal permits – same as for initial permit.

3. Where work for which a permit is required by this Code is started or proceeded with prior to obtaining the permit, the fees specified in this section shall be doubled, but payment of such double fee shall not relieve any person from fully complying with the requirements of this Code in the execution of the work or from any other penalties prescribed in this chapter.

4. Service work and emergency repair may be performed by a journeyman or an electrical contractor license holder, but all such repair of two-hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) or over must be reported to the City. Inspection of such work and inspection fees shall apply as in this subsection in full, complying with the requirements of this Code.

5. Electrical installation of all heating and air conditioning equipment shall comply to this Code and the National Electrical Code.

(Ord. 3216 – Feb. 06 Supp.)

157.17    LICENSING BOARD CREATED.

1. There is created a Board of Electrical Examiners.

2. The Mayor, subject to the approval of the City Council, shall appoint the Board of Electrical Examiners. The makeup of the Board shall consist of five (5) members: two members shall be selected from the following categories, a graduate electrical/mechanical engineer, or a representative from the City’s Fire Department, or a representative of the property/causality insurance industry, or a safety director/loss control representative, or a representative from a local electrical supply business, or a representative of the local electrical power company; one, an electrical contractor; one, a journeyman electrician; and one of whom shall be a layperson from the general public at large. All members of the Board shall be residents of the City or maintain their primary place of business within the City. Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business vote. A Code Inspector shall be an ex officio member of the Board without vote, and shall perform the duties of Secretary thereto.

157.18    BOARD MEETINGS AND HEARINGS. All meetings and hearings of the Board of Electrical Examiners shall be held at the call of the Chairperson, or upon request by quorum of the Board, and in no case shall they be less frequent than twice each calendar year, and at such other times and places as the Board may determine in order to properly transact its business. All meetings or hearings conducted by the Board shall be open to the public. The Board shall keep minutes of its proceedings showing the vote of each member upon each question or item of business, or if absent or failing to vote, indicating such fact, and shall also keep current and accurate records of its meetings and hearings and other official actions. Findings of fact shall be included in the minutes of each case or item of business, and any reasons for approval or denial of any case or item brought before the Board shall be specified. One copy of the minutes of any meeting or hearing conducted by the Board shall be filed in the office of the Code Inspector and shall be of public record and one copy shall be submitted to the Manager. The Board shall adopt its own rules or procedures not in conflict with this Code of Ordinances or with the Iowa Statutes, and may select or appoint such officers as it deems necessary. The Council shall provide a suitable place in which the Board shall conduct its required business.

157.19    COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF BOARD. The Board of Electrical Examiners shall serve without compensation except for necessary incidental expenses that are incurred while carrying out the Board’s business. In order for the Board to receive payment for expenses incurred, the Board shall cause to have itemized the expense requests in writing and submit same to the City Manager for review and recommendation, before such is authorized and approved for payment.

157.20    AUTHORITY OF BOARD. The Board of Electrical Examiners is authorized to perform the following duties and functions in order to carry out the provisions of this chapter:

1. Prepare and conduct written examinations, and examine the practical qualifications of applicants for the license required by this chapter (for written examinations, the Board may utilize the services of a professional testing agency in lieu of creating its own tests, and the Examining Board is empowered to adjust the application fees from time to time in order to cover all costs of the examinations);

2. Conduct an oral interview with an applicant applying for an electrician’s license to further determine his/her knowledge of electrical work if required.

3. Submit to the City Manager the Board’s approval or disapproval for an electrician’s license;

4. Keep a current list of all persons registered with the Board as apprentice (or helper) electricians, and with whom the apprentice is employed, and authorize the issuance of certificates of registry to the apprentices by the Inspector;

5. Keep accurate and up-to-date records and minutes of all meetings, hearings and business conducted by the Board;

6. Review the provisions of the City’s Electrical Code and conduct public hearings when revisions or modifications thereon are proposed by the Board, prior to forwarding the Board’s recommendations to the Council for final action;

7. Investigate, or cause to be investigated, the liability and competency of any person making application for an initial certificate of license or renewal certificate of license, prior to granting a license or renewal certificate of license;

8. Revoke or suspend an electrical license of any person holding same or recommend legal action be taken when, by finding of fact, it has been determined by the Board that the license holder has violated any of the provisions of this chapter or any of the City’s adopted electrical codes;

9. Keep an up-to-date and accurate registry of all electricians licensed by the City and of all electricians licensed in any other city or state whose credentials have been accepted by the City, who are actively engaged in electrical work in the City;

10. Review the credentials of any person who professes to hold a valid electrician’s license in any other city or state, and when such person’s credentials are acceptable and valid, the Board and/or the Code Inspector, at the discretion of the Board, may grant an appropriate electrician’s license, or temporary reciprocity agreement;

11. Suspend or revoke an apprentice electrician’s registration certificate or renewal certificate upon findings of fact that such person has violated any applicable provisions of this chapter and electrical codes, or is incompetent or derelict in performing electrical work. A hearing shall be held by the Board and notice given to such person in writing, not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the Board’s hearing.

157.21    ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE.

1. An electrical contractor’s license is required for any person engaged in the electrical business of commercial, industrial, institutional or residential work, either alone or employing one or more licensed electricians or registered apprentice electricians. For the purpose of the City Electrical Code, “electrical work” means: all installations, alterations, repairs, removals, renewals, replacements, disturbance, connections, disconnections and maintenance of all electrical equipment. “Electrical equipment” means all electrical materials, wiring, conductors, fittings, devices, appliances, fixtures, signs, and apparatus or parts thereof. An electrical contractor license holder shall be responsible for his/her firm or corporation faithfully observing all regulations set forth by applicable provisions of this Code and shall annually register all apprentice electricians whom they employ. All electrical work done by an electrical contractor license holder and or said contractor’s employees shall be subject to official inspection by the Code Inspector.

2. Established electrical firms or corporations that involuntarily lose their electrical contractor license holder, by means other than revocation or suspension, shall be reviewed by the Board of Electrical Examiners. The Board may allow these businesses to continue to operate for up to an eighteen-month grace period while good faith efforts are being made to obtain an electrical contractor license holder. The Board shall consider the following factors in determining whether a grace period is justified: all circumstances surrounding the loss of the electrical contractor license holder; efforts being made by the firm at recruitment of an electrical contractor license holder; the presence of a journeyman electrician who is eligible for the electrical contractor examination; and any other factors which indicate the absence of artifice or subterfuge on the part of the business or its former electrical contractor license holder. If the Board grants such a grace period, it may impose conditions reasonably related to the purposes of this chapter.

3. Electrical contractors which represent any firm, business, corporation or partnership may be required to provide documentation upon request that they are directly involved with the aforementioned establishments and represent them on a daily basis. Documentation may include but shall not be limited to partnership agreements, firm ownership, W-2 forms, employment records, etc.

157.22    JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN’S LICENSE. A journeyman license shall be required for any person engaged in commercial, industrial, institutional or residential electrical work, as covered within the scope of the National Electrical Code, while in the employ and under the supervision of an electrical contractor license holder. All electrical work done by a journeyman license holder shall be subject to official inspection by the Code Inspector.

157.23    APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN’S REGISTRATION. It is the responsibility of the electrical contractor to register with the Code Inspector every person as an apprentice who, while learning the electrical trade, as covered within the scope of the National Electrical Code, is assisting in the installation, alteration or repair of electric systems or equipment under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician. Each certificate of registry or renewal certificate issued shall expire by its own limitations on June 30 of each calendar year. Renewal certificates may be issued, providing the applicant reregisters with the Code Inspector, upon expiration of his/her initial registration certificate or renewal certificate. The Code Inspector shall forward all apprentice registrations to the Board of Electrical Examiners. A maximum of one apprentice electrician per each licensed electrician on any job may assist in the installation, alteration, repair or removal of electric systems or equipment. A maximum of one apprentice registration per each license holder in an electrical firm or business is allowed to be registered in accordance with this section.

157.24    APPLICATION FOR LICENSE.

1. Every person applying for an electrical contractor's license shall present notarized affidavits and license application to the Board of Electrical Examiners showing that the applicant has been actively engaged in electrical work for a minimum of two (2) years and a minimum of 4,000 hours as a journeyman license holder under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor or verifiable equivalent training acceptable to the Board prior to the applicant having received a passing grade on his or her licensing examination.

2. Every person applying for a journeyman electrician license shall present notarized affidavits and license application to the Board of Electrical Examiners showing that the applicant has been actively engaged in such electrical work while serving a training period of four (4) years and 8,000 hours as a registered apprentice electrician under the supervision of a contractor or journeyman electrician or verifiable equivalent training acceptable to the Board and that the applicant has received a passing grade on his or her licensing examination. The Board may substitute a maximum of 1 year (2000 hours) of the required work experience for trade school or other educational experience related to the electrical trade.

(Ord. 3216 – Feb. 06 Supp.)

157.25    EXAMINATION FOR LICENSE. The examination approved by the Board shall be practical and of such nature as to uniformly test the capabilities of all applicants for the respective license applied for. The examination may be by written, oral and performance means in order to adequately determine the applicant's qualifications and satisfactory electrical knowledge. A grade in the examination of seventy-five percent (75%) or more shall be considered a passing grade. Exam scores are valid for a maximum of 1 year after the date that the test was written. This time limit shall not apply to license renewals or reciprocity requests. (Ord. 3216 – Feb. 06 Supp.)

157.26    ISSUANCE OF INITIAL CERTIFICATE OF LICENSE. After receipt of the required license fee, the respective certificate of license shall be issued for license applications approved by the Board of Electrical Examiners which shall permit such person to do work as a licensed electrician in accordance with this chapter. The license shall be effective as of the date the certificate is issued and shall be valid to June 30 of the current license period. Licenses obtained during the interim license period may be prorated on a yearly basis.

157.27    ISSUANCE OF RENEWAL CERTIFICATE OF LICENSE.

1. If the licensed electrician, applying for a renewal certificate, has not been found to have violated any of the provisions of this chapter or that of applicable City electric codes, the renewal fee shall be filed with the City Treasurer. The City Treasurer shall then forthwith notify the Code Inspector that the fee has been collected. The Code Inspector shall then issue a renewal certificate, effective for the current license period, through June 30.

2. The applicant may be allotted a thirty-day grace period following the expiration of the certificate of license in which to reinstate said applicant’s license if just cause can be shown as to reasons for delay. The form of the certificate of license and of the renewal certificate of license shall be as determined by the Board of Electrical Examiners. The renewal certificate shall, however, bear the same certificate of license number which was issued when the initial certificate was issued.

3. If the licensed electrician has failed to apply for a renewal certificate of license within the time allowed by this section, the license shall not be renewed. Any person who desires to again become a licensed electrician after said person’s license has lapsed shall be required to make application to the Board of Electrical Examiners for a license and examination as provided for in Section 157.24 of this chapter.

157.28    FEES. The City Council shall, by resolution, establish the applicable license fees to be charged for issuance of and renewal of any electrical licenses required by this Code. License holders which have been called to active military duty shall have license fees waived during time of active duty and shall not be penalized for failure to renew a license during this time.

(Ord. 3216 – Feb. 06 Supp.)

157.29    LICENSE RECIPROCITY.

1. Electrical licenses from the cities of Fort Madison, Mount Pleasant, and Keokuk, Iowa, shall be honored without payment of any Burlington licensing fee and without having taken and passed a Burlington licensing examination, provided the licensing standards of the cities remain substantially similar to those of Burlington and to the satisfaction of the enforcement authority and the Electrical Board.

2. Any person who is licensed as an electrician in any other city or state that has similar licensing standards, and completed Board-approved examination, and can produce credentials showing proper and current accreditation as a licensed electrician from the City or state, may be excused by the Code Inspector from paying an examination fee and taking the examination required in this chapter. Proper credentials and nonrefundable reciprocity fees, however, shall be submitted at least ten (10) working days prior to start of job. Upon review and verification of credentials, a final decision shall be made as to the granting or denial of such reciprocity. Reciprocity will be granted on a per-job basis only. Reciprocity requests denied by the Code Inspector may be appealed to the Electrical Board.

3. Licensees, other than tested and in substantial conformance with City of Burlington requirements, will not be considered for reciprocity except for licenses issued by the cities of Fort Madison, Mount Pleasant, and Keokuk, Iowa, prior to October 26, 1991.

157.30    LICENSE EXEMPTIONS.

1. Homeowners. A homeowner of a single-family or a two-family dwelling shall not be required to obtain a license to do electrical work. This exemption does not include or authorize such homeowner to do electrical work on or in any other premises or building he/she may own or rent out, but does not reside in, except for normal service repairs. Nothing contained in this section shall relieve a homeowner from securing an electrical permit prior to commencing electrical work, or relieve the City’s Code Inspector from making any necessary inspection of the electrical work done by a homeowner. A homeowner may perform normal service repairs within his/her own home without the need for securing an electrical permit. For the purposes of this section, “homeowner” includes any owner, part owner or joint owner who resides on the premises of a single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling. “Normal service repairs” means the incidental repair or replacement of a switch, receptacle or light fixture.

2. Employees of Industrial, Railroad or Public Utility Establishments. No person shall be required to obtain a license while engaged in the full-time employ of an industrial, railroad or public utility establishment who performs any maintenance, service repair, or replacement of existing electrical systems, or equipment, including plant modification process changes required, while as a part of that employment. Nothing contained in this section shall relieve any of said establishments from securing electrical permits for work performed by their assigned employees, or to relieve the City’s Code Inspector from making any necessary or required inspections.

157.31    TRANSFER OF LICENSE OR REGISTRATION PROHIBITED. It is unlawful for any licensed electrician or apprentice electrician to transfer his or her license or registration, or to allow or permit the same to be used either directly or indirectly by any other person, for any person or reason whatsoever.

157.32    LICENSE REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION.

1. The Board shall have the power to revoke or suspend any license, reciprocity agreement, or renewal thereof, upon finding of fact of any fraud or deceit in obtaining a license, or failure to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter or related provisions of the City’s electrical codes; or for gross negligence, incompetence or misconduct in the installation, repair, alteration, renewal or remodeling of any electrical system or equipment. In all cases involving the suspension or revocation of a license, at least fifteen (15) days’ written notice shall be served by the Code Inspector upon direction by the Board to the person whose license is in question. The notice shall indicate the time, place and date of the hearing, and the general grounds for the contemplated suspension or revocation. The notice shall further advise the holder of his/her right to appear at the hearing in person or be represented by agent or attorney for the purpose of presenting his/her defense.

2. The time limits governing the suspension of a license, or reciprocity agreement, as imposed by the Board, shall not be less than thirty (30) days or more than ninety (90) days.

3. When a license is suspended or revoked by the Board, the licensee shall surrender such license to the Code Inspector upon receipt of a written notice sent by certified mail by the Code Inspector stating the Board’s final disposition and action on the case. A suspended license shall be returned to the person by registered mail upon completion of the suspension time imposed by the Board. Any person whose license has been revoked shall not be permitted to apply for another license for a period of one year from the date of such revocation of the license. Applicants shall be required to re-examine in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Examinations prior to date of license revocation shall not be accepted.

4. Any person whose license has been suspended or revoked shall have the right to appeal the Board’s decision to the District Court within thirty (30) days from the date of the Board’s action.

(Ord. 3216 – Feb. 06 Supp.)

157.33    PENALTY. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties set forth in Section 1.14 of this Code of Ordinances or a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a municipal infraction and may be enforced under Chapter 4 of this Code of Ordinances. Each and every day that a violation occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense.