Ordinance No. 2,388Wd
ORDINANCE NO. 2388
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1g77
8216
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS, DECLARING THAT AN EMERGENCY SITUATION EXISTS;
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 11, "ELECTRICAL
CODE," BY THE AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE 1, ADMINISTRATION,
DIVISION 1, ELECTRICAL BOARD, ARTICLE 2, LICENSES, AND
RESTRICTIONS UNDER LICENSES, AND ARTICLE 3, PERMITS AND
INSPECTIONS; REPEALING ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH,
ESTABLISHING A PENALTY, AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION
AND EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
WHEREAS, on October 13, 1977, the City Council amended
Chapter 11, "Electrical Code," of the Code of Ordinances of
the City of Baytown, Texas; and
WHEREAS, those amendments may be imposing a severe
hardship on persons regulated by the Electrical Code; and
WHEREAS, such hardships may not be justified by the
public's health, safety, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, considering the above, the City Council of the
City of Baytown, Texas deems that an emergency situation
exists; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS:
Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Baytown,
Texas hereby declares that an emergency situation exists.
Section 2: That the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Baytown, Texas, is hereby amended by repealing the provisions
of Chapter 11, "Electrical Code," as they presently exist
and the same shall cease to have force and effect from and
after the effective date of this ordinance.
Section 3: That the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Baytown is hereby amended by the addition of a new Chapter
11, "Electrical Code," which shall read as follows, to -wit:
(SEE EXHIBIT "A ")
9 ? c.,, qa 19 y 7.
. O.9, 19 'i 7,
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Section 4: Repealing Clause: All ordinances or parts
of ordinances inconsistent with the terms of this ordinance
are hereby repealed; provided however, that such repeal
shall be only to the extent of such inconsistency and in all
other respects this ordinance shall be cumulative of other
ordinances regulating and governing the subject matter
covered by this ordinance.
Section 5: Savings Clause: If any provisions, exception,
section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase
of this ordinance or the application of same to any person
or set of circumstances shall for any reason be held uncon-
stitutional, void or invalid, such invalidity shall not
affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this
ordinance or their application to other persons or sets of
circumstances and to this end, all provisions of this
ordinance are declared to be severable.
Section 6: Penalty Clause: A person adjudged guilty
of an offense as defined in this chapter shall be punished
by a fine not to exceed Two Hundred ($200) Dollars. Each
day an offense is committed shall constitute a separate
offense.
Section 7: Effective Date: This ordinance shall take
effect from and after ten (10) days from its passage by the
City Council. The City Clerk is hereby directed to give
notice hereof by causing the caption of this ordinance to be
published in the official newspaper of the City of Baytown
at least twice within ten (10) days after the passage of
this ordinance.
INTRODUCED, READ, and PASSED by the affirmative vote of
the City Council of the City of Baytown this 22nd day of
December 1977.
TOM GENTRY, Mayor
-2-
l --ATTEST--.
k4). am:�=2
KAREN PETRU, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED:
f
REEL RICH r R SON, City Attorney
-3-
8218
id
E X H I B I T "All
8219
W
Chapter 11
(a) 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 and shall be appointed by the city
council. At no time during the activity of this board shall any
two members be a representative of the same firm or organi-
zation. The five (5) positions shall be as follows:
C Position No. 1: An electrical engineer presently employed
by the city's public utility company.
Position No. 2: An electrical contractor.
Position No. 3: A journeyman electrician.
Position No. 4: A master sign electrician, or master elee-
" trician.
Position No. 5: A member of the city council.
(b) All members of the electrical board shall sarve for a
period of two (2) years. A term of office shall coincide with
two (2) calendar years. Position Nos. one (1), two (2) and
three (3) shall be appointed effective January Tst in each
even numbered year, and position Nos. four (4) and five (5)
shall be appointed effective January 1st in each odd num-
•Editor's note —Ord. No. 847, adopted November 22, 1966, effective 10
days after passage, effectively superseded Ord. No. 743, enacted March
11, 1965, from which this chapter was derived. Said Ord. No. 743 re-
pealed previous ordinances establishing an electrical code for the city
including the following: Ord. No. 192, enacted July 23, 1953, as amended
Ord. No. 667, enacted January 10, 1963, and Ord. No. 739, enacted
February 11, 1965.
Cross references — Building regulations, § 7 -1 et seq.; plumbing regu-
lations, § 24 -1 et seq.
tCross reference — Boards and commissions generally, § 2 -15 et seq.
6upp. No. 9
433
Wi
8220
ELECTRICAL CODE"
Art. I.
Administration, §§ 11- 1 -11 -23
Div.
1. Electrical Board, §§ 11- 1 -11 -7
" Art. II.
Div. 2. Electrical Inspector, §§ 11- 8 -11 -23
Licenses Restrictions
—' Art. III.
and [finder Licenses, §§ 11- 24 -11 -44
Permits and Inspections, §§ 11- 35 -11 -72
Art. IV.
Technical Requirements, §3 11- 73- -11 -53
Art. V.
Miscellaneous Provisions, §§ I1 -84, 11 -85
Article I. Administration
DIVISION 1. ELECTRICAL BOARI)t
Sec. 11 -1. Membership; appointment.
(a) 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 and shall be appointed by the city
council. At no time during the activity of this board shall any
two members be a representative of the same firm or organi-
zation. The five (5) positions shall be as follows:
C Position No. 1: An electrical engineer presently employed
by the city's public utility company.
Position No. 2: An electrical contractor.
Position No. 3: A journeyman electrician.
Position No. 4: A master sign electrician, or master elee-
" trician.
Position No. 5: A member of the city council.
(b) All members of the electrical board shall sarve for a
period of two (2) years. A term of office shall coincide with
two (2) calendar years. Position Nos. one (1), two (2) and
three (3) shall be appointed effective January Tst in each
even numbered year, and position Nos. four (4) and five (5)
shall be appointed effective January 1st in each odd num-
•Editor's note —Ord. No. 847, adopted November 22, 1966, effective 10
days after passage, effectively superseded Ord. No. 743, enacted March
11, 1965, from which this chapter was derived. Said Ord. No. 743 re-
pealed previous ordinances establishing an electrical code for the city
including the following: Ord. No. 192, enacted July 23, 1953, as amended
Ord. No. 667, enacted January 10, 1963, and Ord. No. 739, enacted
February 11, 1965.
Cross references — Building regulations, § 7 -1 et seq.; plumbing regu-
lations, § 24 -1 et seq.
tCross reference — Boards and commissions generally, § 2 -15 et seq.
6upp. No. 9
433
Wi
8220
Ed
§ 11 -1 BAYTOWN CODE § 11 -2
bercd year. If in interim vacancy shall occur, a successor (\
shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. All mem-
bers shall serve without compensation, and shall be subject
to removal at the will of the city council. (Ord. No. 817, § 1,
11- 22 -66; Ord. No. 1011, § 1, 1 -8 -70)
Amendment note - -Ord. No. 1011, § 1, amended § 11 -1(b) by providing
that all members would serve a 2 year term instead of only certain
positions, revising the time for appointments, and providing for interim
vacancies.
Sec. 11 -2. Duty to hold examinations; requirements for exam-
inations.
(a) It shall be the duty of such electrical board to examine
and pass upon qualifications of all persons applying for li-
censes hereunder and it shall certify to the electrical inspector
such applicants as are found by the electrical board to possess
satisfactory knowledge, fitness and ability as electricians and
familiarity with and understanding of the rules and regula-
tions governing electrical wiring, repairing and construction
within the city. The certification shall state the name of each
applicant passing an examination, the character of the license
for which he has applied and the character of the license for
which he has qualified.
(b) The electrical inspector shall be secretary of the elec-
trical board and shall ]seep 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
for 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.
(c) Every person desiring a license under the terms of this
chapter is required to appear before the electrical board and
pass an examination for the class of license he desires.
(d) All applicants for examination shall file with the secre-
tary 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 examination, after paying the
first examination fee designated by this chapter for the li-
cense desired, such fee shall be forfeited as costs for holding
such examination.
SURD. No. 9 /
434 r \\
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11 -2 ELECTRICAL CODE ; 11 -8
(e) The electrical board shall designate the time and place
of and prescribe the rules for examinations to be held by it.
Also, it may hold examinations at such times as it may deem
fit, provided that it shall fix dates for regular examinations at
—� least every six (6) months.
(f) An applicant shall take his first examination after fil-
ing application 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 expiration of ninety (90)
days. Applicants desiring re- examination shall pay the first
examination fee designated by this chapter for the license de-
sired and in the event the applicant fails such re- examination,
said fee shall be forfeited as costs for holding the re- examina-
tion. The electrical board may, at its discretion, refuse to
further examine any applicant if he has failed to pass three
examinations. (Ord. No. 847, § 2, 11- 22 -66)
Secs. 11- 3-- -11 -7. Reserved.
DIVISION 2. ELmTRICAL INSPECTOR
P' Sec. 11 -8. Qualifications and appointment.
The person chosen to fill the office of electrical inspector
shall be of good moral character, shall be possessed of such ex-
ecutive ability as is requisite for the performance of his duties
and shall have a thorough knowledge of the materials ap-
proved by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., and methods used
in the installation of electrical equipment; shall be well versed
in approved methods of construction for safety to persons and
property and the National Electrical Code, as revised; shall
have at least five years of experience as an electrical inspector
or in the installation of electrical equipment, or in lieu of such
experience, shall be a graduate in electrical or mechanical
engineering of a college or university considered by the city
manager as having suitable requirements for graduation and
shall have had two years of practical electrical experience.
(Ord. No. 847, § 3, 11- 22 -66)
CSupD. No. 1 435
8222
Rd
§ 11 -9 BAYTOWN CODE § 11 -12
Sec. 11 -9. Duties.
(a) It shall be the duty of the electrical inspector to enforce
the provisions of this chapter. He shall, upon application,
grant permits for the installation or alteration of electrical
equipment, and shall make inspections of electrical installa-
tions, all as provided in this chapter.
(b) He shall keep complete records of all permits issued,
inspections and re- inspections made and other official work
performmed in accordance with the provisions of this chap-
ter. Ile shall exercise a general supervision over all elec-
trical construction and over all electrical contractors and elec-
tricians licensed to carry on their business or trade under the
provisions of this chapter. He shall also keep on file a list of
inspected electrical equipment issued by or for the Under-
writers' Laboratories, Inc., which list shall be accessible for
public reference during regular office hours.
(c) He shall hold membership in the International Associa-
tion of Electrical Inspectors and the National Fire Protection /
Association and, with the consent of the city manager, shall e
serve on any electrical committee of these associations to
which he may be appointed and shall be allowed all necessary
expenses in connection with such activities.
(d) The electrical inspector is empowered to employ, after
receiving the approval of the city manager, any assistant in-
spectors and clerical assistants necessary for the proper con-
duct of his office and the inspection of electrical installations,
as provided for in this chapter.
Sec. 11 -10. Prohibited activities.
It shall be unlawful for the electrical inspector or any of his
assistants to engage in the business of the sale, installation or
maintenance of electrical equipment, other than that owned
and operated by the city, and they shall have no financial in-
terest in any concern engaged in such business in the city at
any time while holding such office. (Ord. No. 847, § 4, 11-22 -
GG)
Charter reference — Prohibitions against personal interest of city
employees in contracts, land transactions, etc., § 127.
supp. VD. 1
436 � 1
M2
8223
§ 11 -11
ELECTRICAL CODE
§ 11 -12
Sec. 11 -11. Authority to inspect; issuance of orders; emer-
gencies.
(a) The electrical inspector shall have the right, during
reasonable hours, to enter any building or premises in the
discharge of his official duties, or for the purpose of making
any inspection, reinspection or test of the electrical equipment
contained therein or its installation.
(b) When any electrical equipment is found by the electri-
cal inspector to be dangerous to persons or property because
it is defective or defectively installed, the person, firm or cor-
poration responsible for the electrical equipment shall be noti-
fied in writing and shall make any changes or repairs required
in the judgment of the electrical inspector to place such equip-
ment in safe condition and if such work is not completed with-
in fifteen (15) days, or any longer period that may be speci-
fied by the electrical inspector in said notice, the electrical
inspector shall have the authority to disconnect or order the
discontinuance of electric service to said electrical equipment.
r (c) In cases 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 in-
spector shall have the authority to disconnect or cause the
disconnection immediately of any electrical equipment.
(d) The electrical inspector may delegate any of his powers
or duties to any of his assistants. (Ord. No. 847, § 5, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -12. Appeal from orders of the electrical
inspector.
Any person aggrieved by the action of the electrical inspec-
tor may, within two (2) days after 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 elec-
trical inspector. Until such action has been taken by the elec-
trical board, the action of the electrical inspector shall be ef-
fective. (Ord. No. 847, § 5, 11- 22 -66)
C supp. No. 29
437
8224
§ 11 -13 BAYTOWN CODE § 11 -24
Sec. 11 -13. Emergency powers.
In case of emergency, where necessary for safety to persons
PIN or property, or where electrical equipment may interfere with
the work of the fire department, the electrical inspector or the
fire marshal shall have the authority to disconnect immediate-
ly and without notice to anyone, or to cause the immediate dis-
connection of any electrical equipment. (Ord. No. 847, t 19,
11-22-66)
Secs. 11- 14-11 -23. Reserved.
ARTICLE II. LICENSES AND RESTRICTIONS
UNDER LICENSES
Sec. 11 -24. Master electrician.
(a) Scope of license. A master electrician's license 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, ap-
paratus, devices, systems or instrumentalities and construc-
tion under the requirements of the National Electrical Code,
and the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Applications. Application for a license as a master elec-
trician shall be made, in writing, to the electrical board on a
form issued by such board and each application shall be ac-
companied by an "examination fee" of ten dollars ($10.00)
which shall be paid to the building permit clerk.
(c) Examination. Those applying for said license shall be
given a reasonable written examination as to their qualifica-
tions 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 chapter; as to their qualifications to plan installations of
electrical wiring and equipment, to change, prepare and in-
terpret plans and specifications, and to supervise various
types of installations for which a permit is required under
the provisions of this chapter.
Supp. No. 29 438
8225
C 8226
11 -24 ELECCRICAI. CODE § 11_25
Regular examinations for master'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.
(d ) Issuance; fee. The electrical board shall grant licenses
and issue certificates therefor to all applicants who shall make
a passing grade of seventy (70) on said examination, pro-
vided, that in no case shall a license be granted until after
payment by the applicant of the fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) to
the building permit clerk. Renewal fee shall be twenty -five
dollars ($25.00).
(e) Surety bond. Every master electrician shall annually
file with the electrical board an indemnity bond, with good
and sufficient surety, in the sum of one thousand dollars
($1,000.00), conditioned that such person shall comply in all
respects with the provisions of this chapter and all rules and
regulations promulgated by authority hereof. (Ord. No. 847,
`a' 6, 11-22-66)
Sec. 11 -25. Mastersign electrician.
(a) Scope of license. The provisions of this section shall
apply to those who undertake the business of manufacture
and /or installation of electric signs, conductors and equipment
of signs and outline lighting and for inside lighting with high
voltage gas tubes. Any person qualifying under this section
shall be known as an "electrical sign contractor" and shall not
be required to be a master electrician.
An electrical sign contractor shall be permitted to manu-
facture, install and do such wiring as is required to connect the
sign, outline lighting or inside lighting to an existing circuit
or circuits that have been approved by the electrical inspector
for connection of the specific load covered by the permit
issued. Should the available circuit or circuits not be adequate
for the load to be connected, then, a master electrician shall be
employed to make available the necessary capacity. An elec-
trical sign contractor shall be permitted to install the neces-
sary service and circuits for an isolated sign and /or outline
lighting installation. The electrical sign contractor shall em-
supp. No. 1
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$ 11 -25 BAYTOWN CODE 11 -26
ploy only properly registered journeymen electricians and ap-
prentice electricians to perform any work requiring a permit
under this section.
For the purpose of this section an "isolated" sign and /or
outline lighting installation shall be defined as an installation
in which neither the meter nor service supplying such installa-
tion nor any part of the installation is mounted on or in any
building or structure not a part of said sign, signs or outline
lighting.
(b) Application. Before any person except a master electri-
cian shall engage in the business of a master sign electrician,
he shall make application to the electrical board for a master
sign contractor's license on a form issued and approved by
said electrical board. A fee of ten dollars ($10.00) will be paid
to the building permit clerk for the examination.
(c) Issuance and fee. Before delivery of any master sign
contractor's license, the applicant shall pay to the building
permit cleric, a fee of twenty -five dollars ($25.00). Renewal
fee shall be twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50).
(d) Surety bond. Every master sign electrician shall an-
nually file with the electrical board an indemnity bond, with
` good and sufficient surety, in the sum of one thousand dol-
lars ($1,000.00), conditioned that such person shall comply
with the provisions of this chapter in all respects and all rules
and regulations promulgated by authority hereof. (Ord. No.
647, § 7, 11-22-66)
Sec. 11 -26. Maintenance electrician's license.
(a) Scope of 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 con-
fines of the building or on the premises where they are regu-
larly employed on a permanent basis and who do electrical
maintenance work as defined in this section. Those qualifying
under this section shall be known as maintenance electricians
and must pass examination for this license.
sUPP. No. 1
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la
§ 11 -26 ELECTRICAL CODE I § 11 -26
For the purpose of this chapter, the term "electrical main-
tenance work" shall mean the keeping in safe repair of any
and all electrical installations, apparatus and equipment, and
the moving or relocating of electrical equipment within a
building, or on the premises where the maintenance electri-
cian, as defined in paragraph one of this section, is regularly
employed on a permanent basis, for which work a permit may
or may not be required under the provisions of this chapter,
but does not include the installation of new and additional
wiring, equipment or apparatus.
It shall be unlawful for any person to do any electrical
maintenance work, as defined in this section, within the city
unless such person is:
(1) Licensed as a maintenance electrician under the pro-
visions of this chapter.
(2) A journeyman electrician working under the supervi-
sion of a licensed maintenance electrician and employed
on a temporary basis. It is further provided that,
should a journeyman electrician at any time bring him-
self within the definition of a maintenance electrician
by becoming employed on a permanent basis and in
general as provided for in this section, he shall be re-
quired to obtain a license as a maintenance electrician
in addition to his journeyman electrician's certificate.
Nothing in this section shall limit the right of a master
electrician to perform such electrical maintenance work, or
to limit the work being performed by a journeyman electri-
cian under the direct supervision of a master electrician or to
prohibit an apprentice from working under the direct and
constant supervision of a maintenance electrician.
(b) The first license for a maintenance electrician shall be
ten dollars ($10.00) and the renewal fee for said license shall
be five dollars ($5.00). An examination fee of five dollars
($5.00) shall be required.
(c) Change of employment. Every holder of a mainte-
nance electrician's license shall notify the secretary of the elec-
trical board when such holder makes any change in his em-
ployment, giving in such notice the name of his new employer
Su PP. No. 1
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§ 11 -26 BAYTOWN CODE § 11 -28
and the location of the premises in or on which he is to per - `
form electrical maintenance work. (Ord. No. 847, § 8, 11-22 -
GG)
Sec. 11 -27. Journeyman electrician's license.
(a) Journeyman electrician's license shall entitle the hold-
er thereof to do work as an electrician under the holder of a
master electrician or master sign electrician license. He must
have had not less than four (4) years practical experience as
an apprentice electrician, or provide satisfactory proof of
qualifications to the electrical board, directly preceding date
of application, for installing wires, conductors, and electrical
equipment for the transmission of electrical current for light,
heat or power purposes, and shall pass an examination for this
classification. An examination fee of five dollars ($5.00) shall
be paid to the building permit clerk.
(b) The first license for a journeyman electrician shall be
ten dollars ($10.00) and the renewal fee shall be five dollars /
($5.00) . (\
(c) A journeyman's traveler's permit may be issued, good
for a period of sixty (60) days or for the duration of any one
job, if an applicant can show evidence of two years journey-
"`` man's experience and will furnish verification of employment
from a master electrician or master sign electrician. After ex-
piration of a traveler's permit a time period of six (6) months
must lapse before another permit can be issued to the same
person. A fee of two dollars ($2.00) shall be charged for
this type of permit. (Ord. No. 847, § 9, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -28. Registration of apprentice electricians.
Except as otherwise provided herein, those persons under-
taking electrical work, as defined in this chapter, under the
direct and constant supervision of a licensed electrician or a
journeyman electrician, and who have been properly registered
with the electrical board, as hereinafter provided, shall be
known as apprentice electricians.
It shall be unlawful for any person to undertake any work
as an apprentice electrician unless such person shall have first
Supp. No.
442
8230
§ 11 -28 ELECTRICAL CODE § 11 -31
registered with the electrical board and received his certifi-
cate from said board as an apprentice electrician. Applications
for such certificates shall be made to the electrical board on
forms issued and approved by said board. Each such appli-
cation shall be accompanied by a letter from a master elec-
trician licensed under the provisions of this chapter, recom-
mending the applicant for registration and also stating that
the said licensed master electrician will employ the said appli-
cant as an apprentice electrician.
Before delivery of any registration certificate the applicant
shall pay to the building permit clerk a fee of fifty cents
($0.50) . (Ord. No. 847, § 10, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -29. Renewals and duplicates.
All licenses and certificates issued by the electrical board,
under the provisions of this chapter, shall expire on December
31st, following the date of issuance or renewal.
( 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 lapsed for
as long as six (6) months shall be renewed except upon
® examination.
In the event of loss of any type certificate, a duplicate cer-
tificate may be issued by the electrical board after payment of
a fee of fifty cents ($0.50) . All fees shall be paid to the build-
ing permit clerk. (Ord. No. 847, § 11, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -30. Marking of vehicles.
All trucks and /or vehicles used by master electricians and
master sign electricians, in the performance of their work,
must have the name and permit number printed on doors of
such trucks and /or vehicles. (Ord. No. 847, § 11, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -31. Not transferable.
No license or certificate issued in accordance with the pro-
visions of this chapter shall be assignable or transferable.
(Ord. No. 847, § 12, 11- 22 -66)
Sayp. No. 1
443
§ 11 -32 BAYTOW N CODE § 11 -34
Sec. 11 -32. Electrical work not to be performed without
license.
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 elec-
trical work unless such person proposed to be employed is
the holder of the proper license or certificate. (Ord. No. 847,
§ 12, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -33. Suspension or revocation.
(a) Any license of any class may be suspended or revoked
by the board of electrical examiners should the holder violate
any provision of this chapter.
(b) No license shall be suspended or revoked unless the li-
censee shall have been given an opportunity to appear and be
heard, of which he must have had at least ten (10) days' writ-
ten notice specifying the charges against him. Any such revo-
cation or suspension of a license shall not affect any criminal
prosecution hereunder or prevent punishment by fine for
violation thereof.
(c) 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. (Ord. No. 847, § 13, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -34. Electrical work by home owners.
Nothing 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 city electrical inspector as to
his ability to install electrical wiring, apply for and secure a
permit, pay required fees, do work in accordance with this
chapter and apply for inspection and receive certificate of
approval.
Personal installation by an owner under the home owner's
rights, shall be by himself, for himself, on his own homestead
SuDV• No. 1
444
8231
8232
§ 11 -34 ELECTRICAL CODE § 11 -47
premises, behind his own homestead electrical service and no
person shall be employed to assist him in any way on such
work. (Ord. No. 847, § 14, 11- 22 -66)
t
Cross reference —When electrical permit is not required, § 11 -47.
Secs. 11- 35- 11 -44. Reserved.
Article III. Permits and Inspections
Sec. 11 -45. Permits and inspection of public service company.
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. (Ord. No. 847,
a 15, 11- 22 -66)
L Sec. 11 -46. Work requiring permits.
All electrical work, except for the replacement of lamps,
minor repair work and the connection of portable electrical
equipment to suitable permanently installed receptacles re-
quire permits and must be paid for in advance. (Ord. No. 847,
e 20, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -47. When permits not required.
(a) No permit shall be required for replacing fuses or
lamps or the connection of portable devices to suitable recepta-
cles which have been permanently installed for repairs to
portable appliances.
(b) No permit shall be required for minor repair work such
as repairing or replacing flush and snap switches, receptacles
and lamp sockets or minor repairs on permanently connected
electrical apparatus, appliances, lighting fixtures and /or the
installation of light globes.
(c) No permit shall be required for the installation, main-
tenance or alteration of wiring apparatus, devices, appliances
Supp. No. 13 445
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11 -47 BAYTOWN CODE § 11 -48
or equipment for telegraph, telephone, signal service or central
station protective service used in conveying signals or in-
tellihence, except where electrical work is done on the primary
side of the source of power at a voltage over 50 volts and of
more than 500 watts.
(d) No permit shall be required for the installation, main
tenance 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 genera-
tion, 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 wiring
which is a part of the company's distribution system, includ-
ing metering equipment wherever located and transformer
vaults in which company's transformers are located, nor shall
any of its employees do any work other than that done for
said company as hereinbefore provided, by virtue of this ex-
emption.
() No P required permit shall be for the installation and
q
maintenance of railway crossing signal devices when such
work is performed by due authority of the railroad and in
accordance with the standards of the American Railroad As-
sociation.
(f) Where no permit is required for the installation or re-
pair of wiring apparatus, device or equipment for the trans-
mission, distribution or utilization of electric energy for any
purpose, the wiring, apparatus, device or equipment shall be
installed or repaired in conformity with the provisions of the
article. (Ord. No. 847, § 15, 11- 22 -66)
Cross reference Electrical work permitted by homeowner, § 11 -34.
Sec. 11 -48. To whom permits to be issued.
Permits shall be issued only to holders of the proper electri-
cian's license or electrical sign contractor's license or persons
performing work on his own home. All Master Electricians re-
questing the issuance of permits for the benefit of an electrical
contracting company shall verify that he is the owner of the
company or firm or that he has been in its employment for a
minimum of ninety (90) days. (Ord. No. 847, § 15, 11- 22 -66;
Ord. No. 1108, § 1, 7- 20 -71)
Supp. No. 13
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8233
Id
§ 11 -4:1 ELECTRICAL CODE § 11.50
Sec. 11 -49. Application.
The application for a permit shall describe the work to be
done and shall be made in writing by a person holding the
proper electrician's license or an electrical sign contractor's
t license.
The permit, when issued, shall be issued to such applicant
to cover such work as described and detailed. Any change or
additions must be convered by additional permits at the
time changes are made.
The application shall be accompanied by such plans,
specifications and schedules as may be necessary to
determine whether or not the installation, as described, will
be in conformity with the requirements of this chapter. No
such plans, specifications and schedules will be examined
under the provisions of this chapter unless the same are
submitted by the holder of the proper electrician's license or
electrical sign contractor's license or by a homeowner.
/ A precise detailed print of the routing of of all
underground feeders shall be furnished to the electrical
inspector and the owner of the premises before the electrical
permit is issued for the job.
If it is found that the installation as described will be in
general conformity to the requirements of this chapter, and
if the applicant has complied with the provisions of this
chapter, a permit for such installation shall be issued;
provided, however, that the issuance of a permit will not be
taken as permission or as a license to violate any of the
requirements of this section or any other ordinance of the
city. (Ord. No. 847, § 15, 11- 22-66; Ord. No. 2004, § 2,
5- 13 -76)
Sec. 11 -50. Display.
On all new installations the permit for electrical work
shall be displayed in a readily accessible location, through-
out the time of such installation, as directed by the chief
electrical inspector.
Supp. PTO.28
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8234
§ 11.50 BAYTOWN CODE § 11.53
On all installations where wiring, apparatus, devices,
appliances, fixtures or equipment are added to previous
installations, or where changes are made on wiring,
apparatus, devices, appliances, fixtures or equipment, the
permit for the installations or changes shall be delivered to
the one person for whom the installation is to be made or
posted on the building or structure as directed by the
electrical inspector before the installation or change is
started. (Ord. No. 847, § 15, I1 -22,66)
Sec. 11 -51. Emergency permits.
The electrical inspector may issue and enforce any rules
or regulations he may deem necessary covering the granting
of emergency permits, where real emergencies exist. (Ord.
No. 847, § 15,11-22-66)
Sec. 11 -52. Certificate of approval.
When any electrical wiring, apparatus or fixtures covered
by a permit shall be found on inspection by the electrical
inspector, or his authorized assistant, to conform with the
rules and regulations provided by this chapter, the electrical
inspector shall issue a final certificate of inspection
certifying that the wiring, apparatus, or fixtures have been
inspected and found to comply with the terms of this
chapter. final certificate of inspection shall not relieve the
electrical contractor of his responsibility for any defective
work which may have escaped the notice of the inspector.
(Ord. No. 847, § 16, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -53. Concealed wiring.
When any electrical equipment is to be hidden from view
by the permanent placement of parts of the building, the
person, firm or corporation installing the equipment shall
notify the electrical inspector and such equipment shall not
be concealed until it has been inspected and approved by the
electrical inspector or until forty -eight (48) hours, exclusive
of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, shall have elapsed
from the time of such notification; provided that on large
Supp. No. 28
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8235
Id
§ 11.53 ELECTRICAL CODE § 11.53
installations, where the concealment of equipment proceeds
continuously the person, firm or corporation installing the
electrical equipment shall give the electrical inspector due
�! notice and inspections shall be made periodically during the
progress of the work. (Ord. No. 847, § 16, 11- 22 -66)
Supp. No. 28
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j 8237
§ 11 -54 ELECTRICAL CODE $ 11 -56
Sec. 11 -54. Temporary permit.
The electrical inspector may also, before the final certificate
of compliance is issued, give temporary permission to con-
nett and furnish electric current to any wiring, apparatus, or
fixtures for a period of not exceeding thirty (30) days, if,
in his opinion, such wiring, apparatus or fixtures are in such
condition that current may be safely connected therewith and
there exists an urgent necessity for such use. (Ord. No. 847,
16, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -55. Insurance required of master electricians for per-
mit to be issued.
No permit shall be issued under any master electrician's
license until he shall have arranged to carry the following
insurance:
(a) Workmen's compensation insurance on each and every
one of his employees and this insurance shall be in
accordance with the provisions of the Workmen's Com-
pensation 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 com-
pany under the supervision of the Board of Insurance
Commissioners of the State of Texas. (Ord. No. 847,
$ 6, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -56. Insurance required of master sign electricians for
permit to be issued.
No permit shall be issued under any master sign electri-
cian's license until he shall have arranged to carry the follow-
ing insurance:
(a) Workmen's compensation insurance on each and every
one of his employees and this insurance shall be in
accordance with the provisions of the Workmen's Com-
pensation Act of the State of Texas.
/ SnDD• No. 1
1\ 449
M
RAYTOWN CODE § 11 -59
(b) Public liability insurance to the extent of $50,000.00
for any one accident and $25,000.00 for any one per-
son; 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 com-
pany under the supervision of the Board of Insurance
Commissioners of the State of Texas. (Ord. No. 847,
7, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -57. Inspection hours.
The electrical inspector, or any authorized assistant, shall
inspect or reinspect 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 Sat-
urday and Sunday. (Ord. No. 847, § 17, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -58. Inspection of signs.
All work performed and all material, apparatus, devices,
appliances, fixtures or equipment used shall conform to the
full requirements of this chapter. Any electrical sign built
within the city 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 constructed outside the city,
but erected within the city shall be subject to the same rules
and regulations as apply to any other electrical materials.
(Ord. No. 847, § 17, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -511. Procedure when inspection is not passed.
Whenever any electrical conductor, apparatus, 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 chapter, he shall
cause written notice to be served on that person using such a
conductor, apparatus, or appliance, to discontinue the use of
same and to correct the defective condition, hazard or viola-
tion of this chapter within forty -eight (48) hours, or within
ten (10) days, as he may decree necessary. When approved,
a green tag will be left in a conspicuous place.
SUPP. No. 1
450
8238
§ 11 -59
ELECTRICAL CODE
§ 11 -61
Upon failing to conform with such notice, the electrical
inspector is hereby authorized and directed to cause the elec-
trical service wires supplying such unsafe conductor or appli:
ante to be disconnected or cut off by written notice to the
electric public service company, allowing them forty -eight
(48) hours in which to execute such order.
A copy of this notice shall be furnished to the person using
such defective conductor or appliance, and requiring same to
remain cut off until defects, hazards or violations of this chap-
ter are remedied. (Ord. No. 847, § 18, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -60. Condemnation of property.
Any residence or business whereby the wiring will not pass
inspection shall be condemned if and when said wiring is to be
partially rewired or disturbed in the amount to warrant a re-
wiring job. (Ord. No. 847, § 20, 11- 22 -66)
Sec. 11 -61. Fees.
All
permit fees must be paid before any project is started.
The schedule of fees is listed, as follows:
(1)
For service and up to 10 outlets _ __ ____ _____ __ __ ___ _________$
2.00
(2)
For each additional outlet ____ _____________ _- ------------------
.20
(3)
Each fixture -------------------------- ---- ------------------- ---------
.10
(4)
Each fluorescent ballast ------------------------------------------
1.50
(5)
Electric water heater _____________ __________________________
1.50
(6)
A stage border light, footlight or strip light or
metal trough, raceway, or conduit with sockets
or receptacles attached or used for similar pur-
poses, shall be considered a lighting fixture. Each
such socket or receptacle -------- _ -------------- — ---- -- ------
.20
(7)
Neon light ballast -------------------------------------------- - - - - --
1.50
All over one (1) — --------------------
1.00
(8)
Bell, buzzer or light signal stations -------------- - ------
.25
(9)
Wall mounted oven ----- _ --------------------------------- — ____
1.00
(10)
Counter top stove — ------- _ --- _____ _____ ___________ __________
1.00
(11)
Range ----------- -- --------- ---- ------------------------------------- - ------
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
8upp No. 29 451
8239
r"
§ 11 -G1
BAYTOWN CODE § 11 -73
(14)
Each outlet for welding machine _- ------------ -----
2.50
(15)
Rectifiers, heating appliances and transformers,
perkilowatt -------------------------------------- ------------ - - - - --
.50
(16)
Allover five (5) kilowatts, per kilowatt --------------
.10
(17)
Transmitting or broadcasting stations (includ-
ing also, the receiving equipment in such sta-
tions). The fees for such installations shall be
determined on the basis of the electrical equip-
ment installed but in no case shall such fee be
lessthan -. ------------------------------------------------------------ - - - -.-
5.00
(18)
Gasoline pumps --- ---- - --------------------------- ------------ - - - - --
1.50
(19)
For the inspection of any electrical equipment,
appliance or apparatus for which no fee is herein
prescribed, there shall be charged an hourly in-
spection fee of ---------------------------------------------------- - - - - --
5.00
(20)
The minimum fee for any electrical inspection
shallbe --------------------------------------------------------- - - - - --
2.00
(21)
Incandescent electric signs (per circuit) ------------
1.00
( Ord. No. 847, § 21, 11-22-66)
Sec. 11 -62. Inspection request; extra charge when premises
locked.
Inspections will be made only when notified by person or
persons responsible for work performed. Any work reported
and unable to be inspected due to locked premises or work not
ready for inspection will carry an extra charge of $1.50. (Ord.
No. 847, § 20, 11- 22-66)
Secs. 11- 63- 11 -72. Reserved.
ARTICLE IV. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 11 -73. Requirements enumerated.
(1) All electrical construction and all materials and appli-
ances used in connection with the installation, 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 shall conform to such special
Sapp. Na 29 452
Ed
t 11 -73 ELECTRICAL CODE F 11 -73
rules and regulations as may be embodied in this chapter and
to the published rules and regulations of the National EIectri-
cal Code as currently revised, and the Electric Public Utility
Company's meter loop specifications. Evidence that electric
equipment is suitably safe to persons and property is solely
based upon Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. approval.
(2) When changes or additions are being made to existing
electrical installations they shall conform to the provisions of
this chapter.
(3) All unused electrical equipment within or on public
or private buildings or premises shall be removed if such
equipment, in the opinion of the electrical inspector, consti-
tutes a hazard or danger to life or property.
(4) Service entrance switches or any service equipment
shall not be installed within a bathroom, toilet, clothes closet
or any inaccessible location.
C (5) All new meter loops shall be single phase three wire,
or three phase four wire, with approved conductors and termi-
nals. Common neutral shall be permanently indentified. High
leg conductor of three phase four wire service shall be defi-
nitely identified by a permanently red colored insulation.
(6) All service equipment shall be grounded to a driven
electrode meeting the requirements of the National Electrical
Code. A grounding conductor shall also be connected from the
driven electrode to the water piping system of the building.
(7) Service connections made on a temporary basis may be
disconnected by Houston Lighting and Power Company upon
request of inspector without written notice to contractor or
owners.
(8) Armored cable Type AC shall not be used under any
conditions, except where it has a lead sheath, Type ACL, and
then shall not be used underground or imbedded in concrete.
(9) Flexible metallic conduit shall not be used except for
temporary work or for connections not over five feet (51) long
where flexibility is necessary, except that connections over
(\ Supp. No. 13 453
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8241
§ 11 -73
W
BAYTOWN CODE
11 -73
five feet (5') long may be used by special permission of the
electrical inspector where such longer lengths are necessary
for a particular installation.
(10) All joints shall be twisted and soldered in any box used
as a junction box; wire pressure connectors may be used. All
connections must be twisted in using said connectors.
(11) All new residences with central heating units in attics
shall have a twenty -four inch (24 ") walkway with a mini-
mum of thirty -six inches (36 ") vertical clearance to the
controls side of the unit. There shall be light near the unit
with a controlling switch within six feet (6') of stairway and
such switch must be readily accessible.
(12) All wires in partitions are to be at least eighteen inches
(18 ") from any plumbing or separated by stud or stapled
two inch (2 ") clearance.
(13) Attic wiring will require stapled two inch (2 ") clear-
ance from any plumbing.
(14) Bell type transformers primary connection must be
connected in a junction box with transformer fastened to said
box and made accessible to authorized persons.
(15) Electrical metallic tubing will not be permitted in
contact with the ground, buried in the ground or encased or
covered by concrete which is in direct contact with the ground.
(16) All conductors within six feet (6') of an attic scuttle
hole or a stairway landing must be guarded from physical
damage.
(17) All temporary construction poles will require a permit
fee as a meter loop and shall meet Houston Lighting and Pow-
er Company's specifications.
(18) Approved metallic raceways, such as rigid conduit,
electrical metallic tubing, and under floor cast -in -place race-
ways, shall be required for all wires used to conduct current
for lights, heat or power, in the wiring of all buildings here-
after constructed, as well as additions to any buildings within
fire limits areas Nos.1 and 2, as they are now or may here-
Supp. No. 13 454
1 8242
1
§ 11 -73 ELECTRICAL CODE. § 11 -84
after be established, and in apartment houses of more than
four (4) apartments, churches, schools, hotels, theaters, all
commercial buildings, and other places of public assembly.
(19) All new residences with an overhanging eave
exceeding twelve (12) inches and less than ten (10) feet from
ground level shall have a roof mast type service entrance
riser.
(20) The electrical inspector may, with the approval of the
city council, authorize installations of special wiring
methods.
(21) Aluminum conductors may not be used in any branch
circuit wiring.
(22) All underground feeders for commercial and multioc-
cupancy buildings be in conduit and covered with a
minimum of two (2) inches of red concrete at a depth
specified by the National Electrical Code. (Ord. No. 847, §
20, 11- 22 -66; Ord. No. 964, § 1, 3- 13`69; Ord. No. 1058, § 1,
12 -3 -70; Ord. No. 1108, § 1, 7- 20.71; Ord. No. 2004, § 3,
5- 13 -76)
Secs. 11- 74--- 11-83. Reserved.
ARTICLE V. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Sec. 11 -84. Liability for damages.
This chapter shall not be construed to affect the
responsibility or liability of any party owning, operating,
controlling or installing any electrical equipment for
damages to persons or property caused by any defect
therein, nor shall the City of Baytown be held as assuming
any such liability by reason of the inspection or reinspection
authorized herein or the certificate of approval issued as
herein provided or by reason of the approval or disapproval
of any equipment authorized herein. (Ord. No. 847, § 22,
11- 22 -66)
C Su pp. No. 28
455
8243
§ 11 -85
lid
I3AYTOWN CODS
Sec. 11 -85. Penalty for violation.
§ 11.85
Any person who shall violate any provision or provisions
of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and
upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more
than two hundred dollars ($200.00). Each day's violation
shall constitute_ a separate offense. (Ord. No. 847, § 25,
11- 22 -66)
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