Ordinance No. 743INDEX OF CONTENTS OF
ORDINANCE NO. %`1j
Section
1
- Electrical Board
Section
2
- Duties of Electrical Board
Section
3
- Electrical Inspector
(Qualifications and Appointment)
Section
4
- Duties of Electrical Inspector
Section
5
- Aut'lority of Electrical Inspector
Section
b
- iviaster Electrician's License
Section
7
- 10aster Sign electrician's License
Section
8
- t.aintenance Electrician's License
Section 9 - Journeyman ;Electrician's License
Section 10- Registration of Apprentice Electricians
Section 11- License & Certificate Expiration Dates,
Fees, Renewals and Duplicates and Vehicles
Section 12- License & Certificates non - Assignable
Section. 13- Suspension or Revocation of License
Section 14- Home Owners
Section 15- Permits and Inspections
Section lb- Certificates of Approval
Section 17- Inspection Hours
Section 18- Dangerous Wiring
Section 19- Emergency Powers
Section 20- Standard & Special Requirements
Section 21- Fees for Permits and Inspections
Section 22- Liability for Damages
Section 23- Repealing Clause
Section 24-- Savings Clause
Section 25- Penalty
Section 26- Effective Date
ORDINANCE NO. '�
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING REGULATORY MEASURES PERTAINING TO
ELECTRICAL WORK IN THE CITY OF BAYTC JN, CREATING :',N ELECT -
RIC,LL BOARD; PROVIDING FOR THE , IPCINTMENT OF THE i. EKBERS;
PROVIDING FOR THE ISSU. NCE OF LICENSES TO i L STER ELECTMCI, DNS,
40TLR SIGN ELECTRICI,,NS, JOURJEY,1EN iELECTRICI,,NS .,ND ,,LL
CLASSES OF ELLCTRIC,.L ,,PPRENTICF:S; PROVIDING FOn FL S, EONDS,
THE I ELPING OF RL.CO DS, TML iEVOC "TION OF LICENSES; PROVIDING
FOR AN APPE11 FRG:. ACTIONS OF THE ELECTRIC, L BO,,RD; CRE. TING
OFFICE OF CITY ELECTRIC,,L NS.P.ECTOR . ND PROVIDING FOR THE DUTIES
OF S „ID OFFICER; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSU „NCE OF PERMITS FOR ELi CT-
RIC,,L WORK, ..ND TH, INSPECTION THEREOF; FIXING INSPECTION FEES;
PROi:iULG,,TING RULES _ND REGUL:,TIONS TO GOVERN ,.ND TO BE OBSERVED
IN ALL ELECTRIC..L WIRING, CONSTRUCTION, INST, .LL, ,TION, REP, ,InS,
.,LTERATIOAS, OPER „TING .,ND n,,INTZN,,N01 OF iELLCTn!C „L `. AING,
, ,PP, ,R,',TUS . ,ND FIXTURES; PROVIDING , . S,,VINGS CL. ,USE; REPL ,LING
ALL ORDIN, ,LACES IN CONFLICT HERENI TH ; PROVIDING . , PEN. ,LTY OF
NOT MORE TH,A T.10 IiUNDRLD (0200.00) DOLL.,RS FOR VIOL,,TICNS ,,ND
PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE D.,TL THEREOF.
BE IT ORD. INED BY THE CITY CQUi'dCIL OF THE CITY OF B,,YTO`,1N:
Section 1:
Electrical Board: There is hereby created an Electrical
Board, which shall consist of five (5) members. The members of this Board
shall be residents of the City of Baytown and shall be appointed by the City
Council. The five (5) positions shall be as follows:
Position
No.
l:
,n Electrical
Engineer presently employed
by the Public
Utility Company.
Position
No.
2:
..n Electrical
Contractor.
Position
No.
3:
l Journeyman
Electrician.
Position
No.
4:
Kaster Sign
Electrician.
Position
No.
5:
member of the
City Council.
The first appointments to the Electrical Board hereby created shall be
made immediately upon the passage of this ordinance. ,11 members shall serve
for a period of one (1) year, or until January lst following appointment, ex-
cept, beginning with positions numbers one and two, two positions shall serve
for two years, rotating consecutively. joy member of the Board shall be sub-
ject to removal at the will of the City Council and he shall not receive com-
pensation for his services.
Section 2: Duties: It shall be the duty of such Electrical Beard to
examine and pass upon qualifications of all persons applying for licenses
hereunder and it shall certify to the Electrical .inspector such applicants
as are found by the Electrical Board to possess satisfactory knowledge, fit-
ness and ability as electricians and familiarity with an understanding of
'
the rules and regulations governing electrical wiring, repairing and construc-
tion within the City, The certification shall state the name of each applj.-
cant passing an examination, the character of the license for which he has
applied and the character of license for which he has qualified.
(2) The Electrical Inspector shall be Secretary of the Electrical
Board and shall keep a record of all examinations held, applicants examined
and the results thereof, together with such other records as the Board may
direct. Funds shall be annually appropriated and budgeted from the General
Fund of the City for the use of the Electrical Board in carrying on its duties
including typing and printing of examination forms, files, reference books
or other necessary expenses.
(3) Every person desiring a license under the terms of this ordinance
is required -to appear before the Electrical Board and pass an examination for
the class of license he desires; except those who have performed electrical
work within the City of Baytown since November 11, 1964; provided that all of
the other requirements of this ordinance are met.
(4) All applicants for examination shall file with the Secretary of
the Electrical Board written application in such form and at such times as
the Electrical Board may prescribe. In the event the applicant fails the ex-
amination, after paying the first examination fee, designated by this ordin-
ance for the license desired, such fee shall be forfeited as cost for holding
such examination.
(5) The Electrical Board shall designate the time and place of nd
prescribe the rules for examinations to be held by it. Also, it may hold ex-
aminations at such times as it may deem fit, provided that it shall fix dates
for regular examinations at least every six (6) months.
(6) An applicant shall take his first examination after filing appli-
cation on the first date set for examinations or forfeit the fee he has paid.
Any applicant who fails an examination will not be re- examined until the ex-
piration of ninety (90) days. Applicants desiring re- examination shall pay
the first examination fee designated by this ordinance for the license desired
and in the event the applicant fails such re- examination said fee shall be
forfeited as cost for holding the re- examination. The Electrical Board may,
at its discretion, refuse to further examine any applicant if he has failed
to pass three examinations.
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Section 3: Electrical Inspector - Qualifications and ., ointmcnt:
The person chosen to fill the office of Electrical Inspector shall be
of good moral character, shall be possessed of such executive ability as is
requisite for the performance of his duties and shall have a thorough know-
ledge of the materials approved by Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc. and
methods used in the installation of electrical equipmont; shall be well
versed in approved methods of construction for safety to persons and property
and the Rational Electrical Code, as revised! shall havo at loast five years
of experience as an electrical inspector or in the installation of olectrical
equipment, or in lieu of such expericnc�, shall be a graduate in oloctrical
or mechanical engineering of a collogo or university considered by the City
i:ianager as having suitable requircmonts for graduation and shall have had
two years of practical olectrical experience.
Section 4: Duties of Electrical Inspector: It shall be the duty of
the Electrical Inspector to enforce the provisions of this ordinance. He
shall, upon application, grant permits for the installation or alteration of
electrical equipment, and shall make inspections of electrical installations,
all as provided in this ordinance. He shall keep complete records of all per-
mits issued, inspections and re- inspections made and other official work per-
formed in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance, He shall exorcise
a general supervision over all electrical construction and over all electrical
contractors and (:lectricians licensed to carry on their business or trade
under the provisions of this ordinance. No shall also keoo on file a list
of inspected electrical equipment issued by or for the Underwriter's Labora-
tories, Inc., which list shall be accessible for public reference during re-
gular office hours. He shall hold membership in the Intornational ,,ssocia-
tion of Electrical Inspectors and the National Firo protection .,ssocic:tion
and, with the consent of the City Manager, small serve on any electrical Com =-
mittoe of these associations to which he may be appointed and shall be allo":d
all necessary expenses in connection with such activities.
The Electrical Inspector is empowerod to employ, after receiving the
approval of the City Manager, any assistant inspectors and clerical assistants
necossary for the proper conduct of his office and the inspection of electri-
cal installations, as provided for in this ordinance.
It shall be unlawful for the Electrical Inspector or any of his assist-
ants to engage in the business of the Salo, installation or maintenance of
electrical equipment, either directly or indirectly and they shall have no
financial interest in any concern engaged in such business in the City of
Baytown, at any time, while holding such office.
Section 5: , uthority of Electrical Inspector: Tho Electrical Inspect-
or shall have the right, during reasonable hours, to enter any building or
promises in the discharge of his official duties, or for the purpose of mak-
ing any inspection, ro- inspection or test of the electrical equipment con-
tained therein or its installation. When any cloctrical oquipmQnt is found,
by the Electrical Inspector, to be dangerous to persons or property because
it is defective or defectively installed, the person, firm or corporation
responsible for the cloctrical equipment shall be notified in writing and
shall make any changes of repairs required in the judgmont of the Electrical
Inspector to place such equipment in safe condition and if such work is not
completed within fifteen (15) days, or any longer poriod that may be spc -ci-
fied by the Electrical Inspector in said notice, the Electrical Inspector
shall have the authority to disconnect or order the discontinuance of elect-
ric service to said electrical equipment. In cases of emergency, whore neces-
sary for safety to persons or property or where electrical equipment may in-
terfere with the work of the Fire Department, the Electrical Inspector shall
have the authority to disconnect or cause the disconnection immediately of
any olectrical equipment.
.',ny person aggrieved by the action of the Electrical Inspector may,
within two (2) days aftor such action, file a petition of appeal, in writing,
for a review of the Electrical Inspector's action, with the Electrical Board.
The Electrical Board shall, within fifteen (15) days after the filing of said
petition, hear and determine said appeal. The Electrical Board shall have
the authority to sustain, modify or reverse the action of the Electrical In-
spector. Until such action has been taken by the Electrical Board, the ac-
tion of the Electrical Inspector shall be effective.
The Electrical Inspector may delegate any of his powers or duties to
any of his assistants.
Section 6: Master Electrician's License: f,_,aster Electrician's li-
cense shall entitle the holder to contract for and engage in the business of
installing, erecting or repairing electrical wires, conductors, molding,
ducts, raceways or conduit electrical machinery, apparatus, devices, systems
or instrumentalities and constructi;,,-s under th; _ of the Nlational
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Electrical Code, and the provisions of this ordinance.
(2) ,,pplication for a license as a i.;aster Electrician shall be made,
in writing, to the cilectrical Board on a form issued by such Board and each
application shall be accompanied by an "examination fee,' of Ten (.:,10.00) Dol-
lars which shall be paid to the Building Permit Clerk.
(3) Those applying for said license shall be given a reasonable writ-
ten examination as to their qualifications to install, repair, alter and
maintain electrical wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures and
equipment, for which a permit is required under the terms and conditions of
this ordinance; as to their qualifications to plan installations of electri-
cal wiring and equipment, to change, prepare and interpret plans and speci-
fications, and to supervise various types of installations for which a per-
mit is required under the provisions of this ordinance.
(4) Regular examinations for 1,aster's License shall be held at the
discretion of the Electrical Board but in no case less than two (2) per year
and not more than six (6) months between examinations.
(5) The Llectrical Board shall grant licenses and issue certificates
therefor to all applicants who shall make a passing grade of seventy (70) on
said examination, provided, that in no case shall a license be granted until
after payment by the applicant of the fee of Fifty (.d'50.00) Dollars to the
Build Permit Clerk. Renewal fee shall be Twenty -Five (.;25.00) Dollars.
(6) Every Luster electrician shall anually file with the electrical
Board an indemnity bond, with good and suficient surety, in the sum of One
Thousand (:1,000.00) Dollars, conditioned that such person shall comply in
all respects with the provisions of this ordinance and all rules and regula-
tions promulgated by authority hereof.
(7) No permit shall be issued under any i,.aster electrician's License
until he shall have arranged to carry the following insurance:
a. FJorkmen's Compensation Insurance in accordance with
the provisions of the 1�Jorkmen' s Compensation .Act of the
State of Texas.
b. Public Liability Insurance to the extent of 50,000.00 for
any one accident and ;25,000.00 for any one person; and
property damage insurance to the extent of .)10,000.00 for
injury or destruction of property in any one accident.
c. Such insurance shall be written by an accredited company
under the supervision of the Board of Insurance Commissioners
of the State of Texas.
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Section 7: Master Sign Electrician: The provisions of this section
shall apply to those who undertake the business of manufacture and /or in-
stallation of electric signs, conductors and equipment of signs and outline
lighting and for inside lighting with high voltage gas tubes. Any person
qualifying under this section shall be known as an "Lloctrical Sign Contract-
or" and shall not be required to be a hviaster Electrician.
(2) :An F.Jectrical Sign Contractor shall
be per;;titted to manufacture:,
install and do such wiring as is required to connect the sign, outline light-
ing or inside lighting to an existing circuit or circuits that have been ap-
provod by the Electrical Inspector for connection of the specific load cov-
ered by the permit issued. Should the available or circuits not be
adequate for the load to be connected, then, a !,.faster Electrician shall be
employed to make available the necessary capacity. `'�n Electrical Sign Con-
tractor shall be permitted to install the necessary service and circuits for
an isolated sign and /or outline lighting installation. The " lectrical Sign
,.ontractor shall employ only properly registered Journeymen Electricians and
f�pprentice Electricians to perform any work requiring a permit under this
section.
(3) For the purpose of this section an "isolated" sign and /or out-
line lighting installation shall be defined as an installation in which
neither the meter nor service supplying such installation nor any part of
the installation is mountod on or in any building or structure not a part of
said sign, signs or outline lighting.
(4) Before any person except a i.�Iaster Electrician shall engage in tho
business of a !::aster Sign Electrician, he shall make application to the Elect-
rical Board for a f;faster Sign Contractor's License on a form issuod and ap-
proved by said Electrical Board. foo of Ten (.10.00) Dollars will be paid
to the Building Permit :lerk for the examination.
(5) Before delivery of any !,.!aster Sign Contractor's Lic(_,nsc, the ap-
plicant shall pay to the Building Permit Clork, a fee of Twenty -Five (:')25.00)
Dollars. Renewal fee shall be Twelve and 50 /100 (';12.50) Dollars.
(b) Every taiaster Sign Electrician shall anually file ljith the Elcct-
rival Board an indemnity bond, with good and sufficient surety, in the suss of
One Thousand (Z11,000.00) Dollars, conditioned that such person shall comply
in all respects with the provisions of this ordinance and all rules and
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regulations promulgated by authority hereof.
(7) h11 work performed and all material, apparatus, devices, appli-
ances, fixtures or equipment used shall conform to the full requirements of
this ordinance. Any electrical sign built within the City of Baytown, Texas,
and to be installed within the City shall have a shop inspection by the
Electrical Inspector before the sign is shipped out of the shop. Signs con-
structed outside the City of Baytown, Texas, but erected within the City
shall be subject to the same rules and regulations as apply to any other
electrical materials.
(8) Wo permit shall be issued under any i.laster Sign Electrician's
License until he shall have arranged to carry the following insurance:
a. iorkmen's Compensation Insurance in accordance with the
provisions of the Viorkmen's Compensation Act of the State
of Texas.
b. Public Liability Insurance to the extent of X50,000.00 for
any one accident and 25,000.00 for any one person; and
property damage insurance to the extent of '10,000.00 for
injury or destruction of property in any one accident.
c. Such insurance shall be written by an accredited company
under the supervision of the Board of Insurance Commissioners
of the State of Texas.
Section 8: Maintenance Electrician's License: The provisions of this
section shall apply to those electricians regularly employed on a permanent
basis by any person and who perform work only in the confines of the building
or on the premises where they are regularly employed on a permanent basis and
who do electrical maintenance work as defined in this section. Those quali-
fying under this section shall be known as i,saintenance Electricians and must
pass examination for this license.
(2) For the purpose of this ordinance, the term "Electrical inainten-
ance'' work shall mean the keeping in safe repair of any and all electrical
installations, apparatus and equipment, and the moving or relocating of elect-
rical equipment within a building, or on the premises where the i.;aintenance
Electrician, as defined in paragraph one of this section, is regularly em-
ployed on a permanent basis, for which work a permit may or may not be re-
quired under the provisions of this chapter, but does not include the instal-
lation of new and additional electrical wiring, equipment or apparatus.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any person to do any electrical mainten-
ance work, as defined in this section, within the City of Baytown, unless
such person is: (1) Licensed as a 1.1aintenance Electrician under the provi-
_7-
sions of this ordinance.
(2) A Journeyman Electrician working under the supervision of a licensed
I:laintenance Electrician and employed on a temporary basis. It is further pro-
vided that, should a Journeyman Electrician at any time bring himself within
the definition of a Maintenance Electrician by becoming employed on a perman-
ent basis and in general as provided for in this section, he shall be required
to obtain a license as a Maintenance Electrician in addition to his Journey-
man Electrician's Certificate.
(3) Nothing in this section shall limit the right of a Master Electri-
cian to perform such electrical maintenance work, or to limit such work being
performed by a Journeyman Electrician under the direct supervision of a Iviastor
Electrician or to prohibit an apprentice from working under the direct and
constant supervision of a Maintenance Electrician.
(4) The first license for a Maintenance Electrician shall be Ten
($10,00) Dollars and the renewal fee for said license shall be Five ('05.00)
Dollars. An examination fee of Five ($5.00) Dollars shall be required.
(5) Every holder of a Maintenance Electrician's License shall notify
the Secretary of the Electrical Board when such holder makes any change in
his employment, giving in such notice the name of his now employer and thy;
location of the premises in or on which he is to perform electrical mainten-
ance work.
Section 9: Journeyman Electrician's License: Journeyman Electrician's
License shall entitle the holder thereof to do work as an electrician under
the holder of a Master Electrician or Master Sign Electrician license. Ho
must have had not less than four (4) years practical experience as a Journey-
man Wireman directly preceding date of application, installing wires, con-
ductors and electrical equipment used inside of buildings for the transmis-
sion of electrical current for light, heat or power purposes, and shall pass
an examination for this classification. An examination fee of Five 05.00)
Dollars shall be paid to the Building Permit Clerk.
(2) The first license for a Journeyman Electrician shall be Ten
($10.00) Dollars and the renewal fee shall be Five ($5.00) Dollars.
Section 10•
Registration of_Apprentice Electricians: Except as other
wise provided heroin, those persons undertaking electrical work, as defined
in this ordinance, under the direct, and constant control of a licensed elect-
rician or a Journeyman Electrician, and who have been properly registered with
-8-
the Electrical Board, as hereinafter provided, shall be known as apprentice
Electricians.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to undertake any work as an
Apprentice Electrician unless such person shall have first registered with
the Electrical Board and received his certificate from said Board as an Ap-
prentice Electrician. applications for such certificates shall be made to
the Electrical Board on forms issued and approved by said Board. Each such
application shall be accompanied by a letter from a ifaster Electrician li-
censed under the provisions of this ordinance, recommending the applicant
for registration and also stating that the said licensed raster Electrician
will employ the said applicant as an ��pprentice Electrician.
(3) Before delivery of any registration certificate the applicant shall
pay to the Building Permit Clerk a fee of Fifty (E0.50) Cents.
Section 11: License & Certificate Expiration Dates, Fees, Renewals,
Duplicates and Vehicles: all licenses and certificates issued by the Electri-
cal Board, under the provisions of this ordinance, shall expire on December
31st, following the date of issuance or renewal.
(2) Electricians' licenses shall be renewed by the Electrical Board
upon application and payment of the required fee. It is further provided
that no license which shall have elasped for as much as six (6) months shall
be renewed except upon re- examination upon the same terms and conditions pro-
vided in the case of the original examination.
(3) In the event of loss of any type certificate, a duplicate certifi-
cate may be issed by the Electrical Board after payment of a fee of Fifty
($0.50) Cents. all fees shall be paid to the Building Pormit Clerk.
(4) It is further provided that all trucks and /or vehicles used by
Master Electricians and 1 =1aster Sign Electricians, in the performance of their
work, must have the name and permit number printed on doors of such trucks
and /or vehicles.
Section 12: Licenses & Certificates Non - Assignable: No license or
certificate issued in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance shall
be assignable or transferable.
(2) No electrical work shall be performed by any person not the holder
of the required license or certificate. No person, firm or corporation shall
employ any other person for doing electrical work unless such person proposed
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to be employed is the holder of the proper license or certificate.
Section 13: Suspension or _Revocation of Licenses: 'any license of any
class may be suspended or revoked by the Board of Electrical Examiners should
the holder violate any provision of this ordinance.
(2) Ho license shall be suspended or revoked unless the licensee shall
have been given an opportunity to appear and be heard, of which he must have
had at least ten (10) days written notice specifying the charges against him.
Any such revocation or suspension of a license shall not effect any criminal
prosecution hereunder or prevent punishment by fine or violation thereof.
(3) Any person whose license shall have been revoked shall not again
be licensed within a period of one (1) year from the date of such action.
Section 14: Home Owners: Nothina herein contained shall prohibit any
bona fide home owner from personally installing electrical conductors or
equipment within his own home; provided, that the owner shall file with the
City Electrical Inspector approved plans and specifications that satisfy the
Lity Electrical Inspector as to his ability to install electrical wiring, ap--
ply for and secure a permit, pay required fees, do work in accordance with
this ordinance and apply for inspection and receive certificate of approval.
(2) Personal installation by an owner under these home owners' rights
shall be by himself, for himself, on his own homestead premises, without com-
ponsation and no person shall be employed to assist him in any way on such
work..
Section 15:
Permits and Inspections: The electrical Inspector shall
issue permits for and inspect all electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment
for the utilization of the service of the electric public service company,
or any other source, in providing electrical energy for lights, heat or power
inside of or attached to buildings or other structures within the city limits
and to look after the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations relating to
same.
(1) No permit shall be required for replacing fuses or lamps or thL
connection of portable devices to suitable receptacles which have been per -
manently installed for repairs to portable appliances.
(2) No permit shall be required for minor repair wort: such as repair-
ing or replacing flush and snap switches, receptacles and lamp sockets or
minor repairs on permanently connected electrical apparatus, appliances,
lighting fixtures or the installation of light globes.
(3) Ho permit shall be required for the installation, maintenance or
alteration of wiring apparatus, devices, appliances or equipment for tk�:learaph,
telephone, signal service or central station protoctivc: servico used in con-
veying signals or intelligence, except where electrical work is done on th
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primary side of the source of power at a voltage over 50 volts and of more
than 500 watts.
(4) No permit shall be required for the installation, maintenance or
alteration of electric wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances or equipment
to be installed by an electric public service company for the use of such
company in the generation, transmission, distribution, sale or utilization
of electrical energy. However, an Electrical Public Service Company shall
not do any wiring on a customer's premises other than wir -'rig 4ahich is a Dart
of the Company's distribution system, including metering :quip tent wherever
located and transforrrl`r vaults in which Cor: pany' s transfo:7.:aers are located,
nor shall any of its employees do any wor,c other than that done for said
company as hereinbefore provided, by virtue of this e>xernption.
(5) No permit shall be required for they installation and r"iaintenancL
of railtivay crossing signal devices when such work is performed by due auL.,h-
ority of the Railroad and in accordance with the standards of the r,urican
Railroad Association.
(6) Permits shall be issued only to holders of thc� proper electrician's
license or electrical sign contractor's license or persons performing wDrk
on his own home.
(7) Where no permit is required for the installation or repair of wir-
ing apparatus, device or equipment for the transmission, distribution ;;r util-
ization of electric energy for any purpose, the wiring, a ?paratus, device or
equipment shall be installed or repaired in confo=,ity with the provisions
of the article.
(8) The application for a porriit shall describe the work to be don.,
and shall be made in writing by a person holding the proper electrician's
license or an electrical sign contractor's license. Tho permit, when issued,
shall be issued to such applicant to cover such work as described and dc;tFilod.
Any change or additions must be covered by additional perr.its at tho time
changes are made. The application shall be accompanies by such plans, speci-
fications and schedules as may be necessary to dcterrr,inc vrhothor or not tho
installation as described will be in conformity with tho requirements of this
ordinance. No such plans, specifications and schedules G,.ill be exar,.inud
under the provisions of this ordinance unless the same are submitted by the
holder of the proper electrician's license or electrical sign contractor's
license or by a homeovjnc�x, if it is found that the installation as described
will be in general conformity to the requirements of this ordinance, and if
the applicant has complied with the provisions of this ordinance, a cc=:. it
for such installation shall be issued; provided, h0wevor, that the issuUnce
of a permit will not be taken as permission or as a license: to violate ar,y
of the requirements of this section or any other ordinance of the City.
(9) On all now installations the permit for electrical work shall be
displayed in a readily accessible location, as directed by the Chief lcctri-
cal Inspector, throughout the ti;o such installation as is covered by the
permit is being installed.
(10) On all installations whero wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances,
fixtures or equipment aro added to previous installations, or where chant`s
are made on wiring, apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment,
the permit for such installations or changes shall be delivered to the one
person for whom the installation is to be made or posted on tho building or
structure as directed by the:} electrical Inspector before the installation or
change is started. The lectrical Inspector relay is5u;2 and enforcer any rules
or regulations he may doom necessary covering they granting of emergency por-
mits, where real emergcncios exist.
Section lo:
Certificate of Approval: :Then any electrical wiring, ip-
paratus or fixtures covered by a permit shall bo found on inspection by the
Electrical Inspector, or his authorized assistant, to conform with the rules
and regulations provided by this ordinance, the Licctrical Inspector shall
issue a final certificate of inspc -ction ccrti fyinq that the lvirinc;, appar tus,
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or fixtures have boon inspected and found to comply with the terms of this
ordinance. Final certificate of inspection shall not roliove the i.�lcctrical
Contractor of his responsibility for any defoctiva work which may have es-
taped the notice of the Inspector.
(2) Won any electrical equipment is to be hidden from view by the
permanont placement of parts of the building, the parson, firm or corporation
installing the equipment shall notify the Electrical Inspector and such equip-
ment shall not be concealed until it has boon inspected and approved by the
Electrical Inspector or until forty -eight (48) hours, exclusive of laturdays,
Sundays and holidays, shell have ciapsod from the time of such notification;
provided that on largo installations, where the concealment of equipment pro-
ceeds continuously the person, firm or corporation installing Va .electrical
equipment shall give the Electrical Inspector duo notice and inspections
shall be made periodically during the progress of the work.
(3) The Electrical Inspector may also, before the final certificate: of
compliance is issued, give temporary permission to connect and furnish olacL-
ric current to any wiring, apparatus, or fixtures for a period of not excood --
ing thirty (30) days, if, in his opinion, such wiring, apparatus or fixtures
are in such condition that currant may be safely connected therewith and
there exists an urgont necessity for such use.
Section 17: Inspection Hours: The Electrical Inspector, or any author-
ized assistant, shall inspect or roinspact all wires and apparatus conducting
or using electric current for lights, heat or power; inspection to be within
forty -eight (48) hours of request, exclusive of Saturday and Sunday.
Section 18: Dangerous Wiring: rthonever any electrical conductor ap-
paratus, or appliance used for any purpose in or on any building is, in the
opinion of the Electrical Inspector, unsafe or in a dangerous condition, or
installed contrary to the provisions of this ordinance, he shall cause writ-
ten notice to be sary ,C? on that person using such a conductor, apparatus, or
appliance, to discontinue the use of same and to correct the defective condi-
tion, hazards, or violation of this ordinance within forty -eight (4) hours,
or within ten (10) days, as he may docroo necessary. `Jhcn approved, a green
tag will be left in a conspicuous place.
(2) Failure to Comply: Upon failing to conform with such notice, the
Electrical Inspector is horaby authorized and diroctod to cause the olactri-
cal service wires supplying such unsafe conductor or appliance to ba discon-
nected or cut off by written notice to the electric pu5lic sarvica coMpOAy,
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allowing them forty -eight (4t3) fours if-, vihich to execute this order.
(3) Copy of Notice to User: A copy of this notice shall be furnished
to the person using such defective conductor or appliance, and requirinig saine
to remain cut off until defects, hazards or violations of this ordinance are
remedied.
Section 19:
Emer ency Powers: In case of emergency, where necessary
for safety to persons or property, or where electrical equipment may inter-
fere with the work of the Fire Department, the Electrical Inspector or the
Fire IVIarshal shall have the authority to disconnect immediately and without
notice to anyone, or to cause the immediate disconnection of any electrical
equipment.
Section 20: Standards and Special Requirements: 11~11 electric construc-
tion and all materials and appliances used in connection with the installa-
tion, maintenance and operation of electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment
for the utilization of electrical energy for light, heat, or power, inside
the limits of the City of Baytown shall conform to such special rules and
regulations as may be embodied in this ordinance and to the published rules
and regulations of the National Electrical Code, 1902, and the Houston Light-
ing and Power Company's meter loop specifications, save and except amendments
to the National Electrical °'ode as hereinafter listed and designated speci-
fically. Evidence that electric equipment is suitably safe to persons and
property is solely basod upon Underwritor's Laboratories approval.
(2) 14hen changes or additions arc- being made to existing electrical
installations they shall conform to the provisions of this ordinancc.
(3) :`k11 unused electrical equipment within or on public or private
buildings or premises shall bo r,2moved if such equipment, in tho opinion of
the .Electrical Inspector, constitutes a hazard or danger to life or property,
(4) Service entrance switches or any sorvico equipment shall not bc•
installed within a bathroom, toilet, clothes closet or any inaccessible lo-
cation.
(5) ,Ill motor loops shall be single phase, 3 k -Jiro, 3 phase, 4 wiry:
with copper conductors. Common neutral to bo p•rr.7anontly idont- .find. High
log conductor of 3 phase, 4 wire service shall be definitely identified by
"rod permanent" installation.
(b) .Ul service equipment must be grounded with approved bolted cleat
type grounding clamps to galvanizA conduit or water pipe of a minimum size
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of three- fourths inches closed on driven end and driven not lass than night
foot, loaving the top of the pipe clean cut and open for inspection. Nation-
al electrical Code approved five- oighths (5 /8ths) inch by eight (8) foot
copper clad ground rod may be used or one -half (1/2 ") inch copper rod.
Ground wire attachments shall not bo made on hot water or gas lines and
shall be readily accessible.
(7) Service connections made on a temporary basis may be disconnected
by Houston Lighting L Power company upon request of Inspector without written
notice to contractor or owner.
(8) :armored cable Type_- AC shall not be used under any conditions, Ox-
cept where it has a Lead sheath, Type ACL, and then shall not bw used under-
ground or imbedded in concrete.
(9) Flexible metallic conduit shall not be used except for temporary
work or for connections not over five (5,) foot long Mare flexibility is
necessary, except that connections over five foot long may bo used by spacial
permission of the Electrical Inspector where such longor lengths arc nces-
sary for a particular installation.
(10) Ail joints shall be twisted and soldered in any box used as a
junction box; wire pressure connectors may be usad. All connections must be
twisted in using said connectors.
(11) All now residonces with central heating units in attics shall
have a twenty -four (24 ") inch walkway with a minimum of thirty -six (36 ")
inches vertical clearanc` to the controls side- of tho unit. There shall b
light near the unit with a controlling switch within six (69) foot of stair-
way and such switch must be readily accessible.
(12) All wires in partitions arc to be at least eighteen (18 ") inches
from any plumbing or separated by stud or stapled two (2 ") inch cloarance.
(13) attic wiring will require stapled two (2 ") inch cloarancc frog;
any plumbing.
(14) 8:11 typo transformers primary connection must be connccted in a
junction box with transformer fastened to said box and made accessible to
authorized persons.
(15) All electrical work, oxcept the roplacamont of lamps, minor rc-
pair work and the connection of portablo electrical cquipmLnt to suitable
permanently installed receptacles require permits and must bo paid for in
advance.
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(16) Inspections will b4 made only whn notified by person or p,. -rsons
rusponsiblc for work performed. Any work roportod and unablL to insp:;ct duo
to locked premises or work not ready for inspection will carry an extra charg(
of $1.50.
(17) Any residence or business whereby the wiring will not pass in-
spoction shall be condemned if and when said wiring is tc bo partially re-
wired or disturbed in the amount to warrant a rewiring job.
(18) Electrical metallic tubing will not be pormitted in contact with
the ground, buried in the ground, or �ncasLd or covered by concrete which is
in direct contact with the ground.
(19) all conductors within six (61) feat of an attic scuttle holL or
a stairway landing must be guarded from physical damage.
(20) Ail temporary construction poles will r&quiro a permit foe as
a motor loop and shall meet Houston Lighting L Power �ompany7s specifications.
(21) :Tprovcd metallic raceways, such as rigid conduit, electrical
metallic tubing, and under floor cast -in -place raceways, shall bo required
for all wires used to conduct current for lights, heat or power, in the wir-
ing of all buildings hereafter constructed, as wLll as additions to any build-
ings within Fire Limit :',roas Nos. 1 and 2, as they arc now or may hereafter
be established, and in apartment houses of more than four (4) apartments,
churches, schools, hotels, theatres and other places of public assembly.
(22) 1'111 now residences with an overhanging eaves oxceoding 12 inch-,s
and less than ton feet from ground lovol shall have a roof mast type service
entrance riser.
(23) Thr Electrical Inspector may, with thc� approval of the C-ity
Council, authorize installations of special wiring methods.
Section 21: Fels for Permits & Inspections_: All permit fees must be
paid before any projoct is started.
1Ows.
Tho schodule of fees is listed as fol-
1. For service and up to 10 outlets
2. For each additional outlot
3. each fixture
4.";ach Flourescont Ballast
5. Electric IIator Heater
6. A stage border light, footlight or strip light of
metal trough, rac(.way, or conduit with sockets or
receptacles attached or used for similar purposes,
shall be considered a lighting fixture:. Each such
socket or rocoptacic
7. Ikon light ballast
All over one (1)
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�r
.10
1.5,E
.20
1.50
1.00
8.
Bell, buzzer, or light signal stations
.25
9.
Wall mounted oven
1.00
10.
Counter top stove
1.00
11.
Lange
1.00
12.
Service for motors up to and including 5 HP
2.00
13.
Service for motors in excess-of 5 HP
3.00
14,
Each outlet for welding machine
2.50
15.
Rectifiers, heating appliances and transformers,
per kilowatt
•50
16.
All over five (5) kilowatts, per kilowatt
.10
17.
Transmitting or broadcasting stations (including, also,
the receiving equipment in such stations). The fees
for such installations shall be determined on the basis
of the electrical equipment installed but in no case
shall such fee be less than
5.00
13.
Gasoline Pumps
1.50
19.
For the inspection of any electrical equipmment,
appliance or apparatus for which no fee is herein
prescribed, there shall be charged an hourly inspec-
tion fee of
5.00
20.
The minimum fee for any electrical ins- -)ection shall be
2.00
21.
incandescent Electric Signs (per circuit)
1.00
Section 22: Liability for Dama es: This ordinance shall not be con-
rued to affect the responsibility or liability of any party owning, oper-
a;ing, controlling or installing any electrical equipment for damages to per-
sons or property caused by any defect therein, nor shall the City of Baytown
11,e1.d as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspection or re -in-
��oection authorized herein or the certificate of approval issued as horein
p_•ovided or by reason of the approval or disapproval of any cquipri,.ent author -
zed herein.
Section 23: Repealing Clause: fill ordinances or parts of ordinances
inconsistent with the terms of this ordinance are hereby repealed; prcvid._d,
however, that such repeal shall be only to the extent of such inconsistency,
and in all other resp,-cts this ordinance shall be cumulative of other ordin-
ances regulating and governing the subject matter covered by this ordinance.
Section 24: Savings Clause: if any provision, exception, section,
subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance or the
application of same to any person or sot of circumstances shall for any re,
son be held unconstitutional, void or invalid, such invalidity shall not
�.
=foct the validity of the remaining provisions of this ordinance or their
application to other persons or sots of circumstances and, to this end, all
�cr visions of this ordinance aro declared to bo severable.
l,1Di" LJ
F�; -,al �y: Any person who shall violate any provision or
,o visions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdomeanor and up-
} conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than Two ilundrod
0200.00) Dollars. Each day's violation shall constitute a sopurtrto off nse.
Section 26:
Effective Date: This ordinance shell ta'cc� effect from
and after ton (10) days from its passage by the City Ceuncil. The City
Clerk is hereby diroctcd to give notice hc;roof by causing the caption of
this ordinance to be published in thc: official nDwspapur of the City of BE2:y-
town at least twice within tun (10) drays after the passage of this ordin=co.
INTRODUCED, READ and Pi %SS D by the affirmative voto of a majority of
the City Council of the City of Baytown this the // day of � & P ,
1965.
ATTEST:
Edna Oliver, City Clerk
APPROVLD:
George andlor, City .attorney
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