Electrical Code Ordinance AmendmentTHE CITY OF Dubuque
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Amending City Electrical Ordinance and Adoption of the 2008 National
Electrical Code
DATE: March 6, 2009
Building Services Department Manager Rich Russell and Building Services Department
Electrical Inspector Steve Neyens are recommending replacing the existing Chapter 18
of the Code of Ordinances with the latest edition of the National Electrical Code
published by the National Fire Protection Association.
There are several significant amendments to the National Electrical Code that include:
1. Language to make the Code more consistent with State of Iowa
requirements.
2. Make the language consistent with the Fuel Gas Code.
3. Create a Gas Piping Bonding Requirement to eliminate stray electrical
charges.
4. Make the ordinance consistent with Americans with Disabilities requirements.
There is one area where the Electrical Code Board and Building Services Department
Manager Rich Russell have a difference of opinion.
The ordinance, as proposed by the Electrical Code Board, changes the ratio to
determine how many licensed workers are needed on any job site to train and supervise
each apprentice or unclassified worker. The City's current formula is complicated and
difficult to enforce. As an example, if you had three apprentice electricians, you would
need to have four licensed electricians, four unlicensed apprentices needed six
licensed, etc. The State of Iowa is using a ratio of orie licensed electrician to supervise
and train three apprentice or unclassified workers. The proposed ratio for the City of
Dubuque would be one licensed electrician to train and supervise each apprentice of
unclassified worker.
Building Services Department Manager Rich Russell does not agree with the Electrical
Code Board on this issue and proposes an ordinance consistent with the State of Iowa.
The ratio proposed by the Electrical Board is not consistent with the State of Iowa
requirements, making the proposal more restrictive than the rest of the state. This
would be an increased cost for projects in Dubuque, relative to the rest of the state.
I respectfully recommend adoption of the ordinance as preferred by Building Services
Department Manager Rich Russell.
Michel C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
Steven Neyens, Building Services Electrical Inspector
James Dixon, Chair for the Electrical Board,2505 Marquette PI.,
Dubuque, IA 52001
February 169 2009
T®: Michael C. Van Milligan, City Manager
FR®M: Rich Russell, Building Services Department Manager
Steven K. Neyens, Bldg. Services Department Electrical Inspector
SUBJECT: Amending City Electrical Ordinance and Adoption of the 2008 National Electrical
Code
Introduction
The purpose of this memo is to recommend replacing the existing Chapter 18 of the City of
Dubuque Code of Ordinances with a new Chapter 18.
Background
The Electrical Code Board and Steve Neyens, Electrical Inspector recommended many changes
to Chapter 18. The Legal Services Department staff recommended replacing Sections 18-1 and
18-2 in their entirety because these changes were so extensive. The areas of change that are
being recommended are listed here.
The change in Section 18-1 that the board is recommending is the adoption of the latest edition of
the National Electrical Code (NEC) published by the National Fire Protection Association. The
adoption of the 2008 NEC will keep the City of Dubuque in line with what the State of Iowa and
other major jurisdictions have already adopted and begun to enforce.
The remainder of the changes involve Section 18-2.
1. Replace Article 80-3. "Definitions". These changes are intended to add some clarity to the
descriptions and to bring them in line with the language used in the newly created State of
Iowa electrical licensing program.
2. Amend 81-3(a). "Electrical Code Board". To eliminate several tasks from the Dubuque
Board because these duties have been taken over by the State of Iowa.
3. Replace Article 82. "Permits and Inspections". Again these changes are intended to add
clarity by using the language from the newly created State of Iowa electrical licensing
program. This article will also describe who can apply for, and receive an electrical permit
from the City of Dubuque. The establishment of permit fees will be done separately from
Chapter 18.
4. Replace Article 83. "Registration and Examination of Electricians".
a. 83-1, 83-2, 83-3 These are more definitions and descriptions taken directly from the State
which are intended to add clarity, also the elimination of a number of local requirements
that have been taken over by the State of Iowa.
b. Replace "Table 83-2" with a new ratio for determining how many licensed workers are
needed on any job site to train and supervise each apprentice or unclassified workers.
The City's current formula is complicated and difficult to enforce. As example, if you had 3
apprentice electricians, you would need to have 4 licensed electricians, 4 unlicensed
apprentices needed 6 licensed, etc. The State of Iowa is using a ratio of one licensed
electrician to supervise and train 3 apprentice or unclassified workers. The proposed ratio
for the City of Dubuque would be one licensed electrician to train and supervise each
apprentice or unclassified worker. l respectively disagree with the Board's recommendation
on this subsection.
c. Amend "Table No. 13-B" by removing fees that don't need to exist anymore because of
action by the State of Iowa.
d. Repeal 83-8 that requires the proof of insurance of holders of a City of Dubuque issued
electrical contractors license because the State. of Iowa has its own insurance
requirements for persons licensed through them.
e. Create new 83-8 calling for a surety bonding requirement as allowed by the State of Iowa
electrical licensing regulations.
f. Remove 83-11 "Waiver of examination" because the state has taken over all testing of
contractors, masters, and journeymen electricians.
h. Amend 83-12 "Display of certificate" because there will not be any "certificates" being
issued by the state or the city, just licenses.
The remaining items are new additions to the local code.
5. Amend National Electrical Code Article 250.104(8) "Other Metal Piping". Because of
litigation associated with a type of flexible metal gas pipe, all of the manufacturers of these
flexible gas piping systems have made a bonding connection between the gas piping and
any part of the grounding electrical system part of their installation requirements. The
purpose of their requirement is to safely bleed off any electrical charges; the purpose of
the ordinance change is to make the electrical code and the fuel gas code consistent.
6. Create a new Article 250.104(E) "Gas Piping Bonding Requirement". This article would
make it a requirement that, anytime a new electrical service is installed or an existing
electrical service is upgraded, the bonding connection between the gas piping system and
the electrical grounding grid be established. Over time, the result of this will be that the gas
piping systems installed in all structures will be able to eliminate any stray electrical charge.
7. Create 3 New Articles 404.1(A), 406.1(A), and 408.1(A). "Height Requirements". These
-new articles all have the same wording but each of the three articles covers different types
of electrical control equipment, and the intent of all is to consistently incorporate the height
requirements of the "Americans with Disabilities Act" into future electrical installations that
are accessible to all users of the system. It would cover devices like receptacles, switches,
thermostats, fuses, and circuit-breakers.
8. Create a new Article 408.4(A) "Additional Labeling of Service Panels and Switchboards".
This new article will require that the installer of electrical service equipment include their
name or company name and contact information.
Discussion
The adoption of all of the recommended changes will keep the City of Dubuque's electrical
ordinance consistent with the State of Iowa's requirements and those of other jurisdictions.
It will help maintain the high standards that our city has always expected and received from
persons doing electrical installations. It will also provide a consistent set of guidelines to
use when licensed electrical persons from other parts of the state come here to work.
Recommendation
It is recommended that all of the administrative changes detailed here, be adopted. The City of
Dubuque Electrical Code Board and Steve Neyens, Electrical Inspector recommend these
changes.
Action Step
The Action Step is for the City Manager to recommend the adoption of the administrative
changes to the city council.
ORDINANCE NO. 17-09
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
PROVIDING THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA BE AMENDED BY REPEALING SECTION 18-1
THEREOF AND ENACTING A NEW SECTION 18-1 THEREOF
PERTAINING TO REVISING AND REENACTING AN
ELECTRICAL CODE FOR THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA AND
PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND
COLLECTION OF FEES THEREFOR.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That Section 18-1 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Dubuque, Iowa be amended by repealing Section 18-1 and enacting a new
Section 18-1 in lieu thereof:
Section 18-1
Except as hereinafter added to, deleted, modified or amended, there is hereby
adopted by reference as the electrical code of the City that certain electrical code
known as the National Electrical Code, 2008 Edition, as prepared and edited by
the National Fire Protection Agency, Quincy, Massachusetts, and the provisions
of such electrical code shall be controlling in the supply of electricity and in the
installation, maintenance and use of all electrical conductors and equipment and
installation of optical fiber cable within the corporate limits of the City and shall be
known as the "Dubuque Electrical Code". A copy of the National Electrical Code,
2008 Edition,'as adopted, shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk for public
inspection.
Section 2. That Section 18-2 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Dubuque, Iowa be amended as follows:
The National Electric Code adopted by Section 18-1 of this Chapter is hereby
amended as follows:
80-1. Title.
These regulations shall be known as the Dubuque Electrical Code, cited as such,
and will be referred to herein as "this Code".
80-2. Application to Existing Electrical Systems and Equipment.
(a) Additions, Alterations, or Repairs. Additions, alterations, or repairs may be
made to any electrical system and equipment without requiring the existing
electrical system and equipment to comply with all the requirements of this Code,
provided the addition, alteration, or repair conforms to that required for a new
electrical system and equipment and provided further that no hazard to life,
health, or safety will be created by such additions, alterations, or repairs.
Minor additions, alterations, and repairs to existing electrical systems and
equipment may be made in accordance with the law in effect at the time the
original installation was made, when approved by the building official.
(b) Existing Installations. Electrical systems and equipment lawfully in
existence at the time of the adoption of this Code may have their use,
maintenance, or repair continued if the use, maintenance, or repair is in
accordance with the original design and no hazard to life, health, or property has
been created by such electrical system and equipment.
(c) Changes in Building Occupancy. Electrical systems and equipment which
are a part of any building or structure undergoing a change in use or occupancy,
as defined in the Dubuque Building Code, shall comply with the requirements of
this Code which are applicable to the new use or occupancy.
(d) Maintenance. All electrical systems and equipment, both existing and new,
and all parts thereof shall be maintained in a proper operating condition in
accordance with the original design and in a safe and hazard-free condition. Any
devices or safeguards which are required by this Code shall be maintained in
conformance with this Code. The owner or designated agent shall be responsible
for the maintenance of the electrical system. To determine compliance with this
Subsection, the building official may cause any electrical system to be re-
inspected.
(e) Moved Building. Electrical systems and equipment which are a part of
buildings or structures moved into or within this jurisdiction shall comply with the
provisions of this Code for new installations.
80-3. Definitions, General.
For the purpose of these provisions, certain terms, phrases, words, and their
derivatives shall be construed as specified in this Section. Where terms are not
defined, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context
with which they are used. Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the
English Language, Unabridged, Copyright 1981, shall be considered as providing
ordinarily accepted meanings. Words used in the singular include the plural and
the plural the singular. Words used in masculine gender include the feminine and
the feminine the masculine.
Approved, as to materials, equipment, and method of construction means
approval by the building official as the result of investigation and tests conducted
or by reasons of accepted principles or tests by recognized authorities, technical,
or scientific organizations.
Approved agency means an established and recognized agency regularly
engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when such agency
has been approved by the building official.
Building Code means the Uniform Building Code promulgated by the
International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by this jurisdiction.
Building official means the officer charged with the administration and
enforcement of this Code, or duly authorized representatives, and is the authority
having jurisdiction for this Code.
Chief electrical inspector means the person providing expertise for the building
official in the area of electrical regulations.
Code enforcement agency means the department, division, or agency of this
jurisdiction charged with the function of code enforcement and shall be under the
administration and operational control of the building official.
Commercial installation means an installation intended for commerce, but does
not include a residential installation.
Dubuque Board means the City of Dubuque Electrical Code Board.
Electrical Code means the National Electrical Code promulgated by the National
Fire Protection Association, as adopted by this jurisdiction.
Electrical equipment means all electrical materials, wiring, conductors, fittings,
devices, appliances, fixtures, signs, and apparatus or parts thereof.
Electrical work means all installations, alterations, repairs, removals, renewals,
replacements, connections, disconnections, and maintenance of all electrical
equipment except as otherwise noted.
Firewall means the same as an area separation wall as used in the Building
Code.
Industrial installation means an installation intended for use in the manufacture or
processing of products involving systematic labor or habitual employment and
includes installations in which agricultural or other products are habitually or
customarily processed or stored for others, either by buying or reselling on a fee
basis.
Inspector means a person certified as an electrical inspector upon such
reasonable conditions as maybe adopted by the Board.
Listed and listing means equipment and materials which are shown in a list
published by an approved testing agency, qualified and equipped for
experimental testing, and maintaining an adequate periodic inspection of current
productions and whose listing states that the equipment complies with nationally
recognized safety standards.
Multiple occupancy building means a building having more than one (1) tenant
and may be of single or mixed use groups as classified by the Building Code.
New electrical installation means the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus,
and equipment for light, heat, power, and other purposes.
Occupancy means the purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used or
intended to be used.
Public use building or facility means any building or facility designated for public
use, including all property owned and occupied or designated for use by the
State of Iowa.
Residential installation means an installation intended for a single family or two-
family residential dwelling or amulti-family residential dwelling not larger than a
four-family dwelling.
Routine maintenance means the repair or replacement of existing electrical
apparatus or equipment of the same size and type for which no changes in wiring
are made.
State Board means the electrical examining board created under Iowa Code
§ 103.2.
80-4. Conflicting Provisions.
Where, in any specific case, different sections of this Code specify different
materials, methods of construction, or other requirements, the most restrictive
shall govern.
80-5. Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction.
The provisions of this Code are not intended to prevent the use of any material or
method of construction not specifically prescribed by this Code, provided any
alternate has been approved and its use authorized by the building official. .
The building official may approve any alternate, provided it is found that the
proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of this Code and
that the material, method, or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least
the equivalent of that prescribed in this Code in suitability, strength,
effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety.
The building official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to
substantiate any claims regarding the use of alternates. The details of any action
granting approval of an alternate shall be recorded and entered in the files of the
code enforcement agency.
80-6. Modifications.
Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of
this Code, the building official may grant modifications for individual cases,
provided it is found that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of this
Code impractical and the modification is in conformity with the intent and purpose
of this Code, and that such modification does not lessen health, .life, and fire
safety requirements. The details of actions granting modifications shall be
recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency.
80-7. Tests.
Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with any of the provisions
of this Code or evidence that materials or construction do not conform to the
requirements of this Code, the building official may require tests as evidence of
compliance to be made at no expense to this jurisdiction.
Test methods shall be as specified by this Code or by other recognized test
standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods for the
proposed alternate, the building official shall determine test procedures.
All tests shall be made by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be
retained by the building official for the period required for the retention of public
records.
81-1. Powers and Duties of Building Official.
(a) General. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce
all the provisions of this Code. For such purposes, the building official shall have
the powers. of a law enforcement officer.
The building official shall have the power to render interpretations of this Code
and to adopt and enforce rules and regulations supplemental to this Code as
deemed necessary in order to clarify the application of the provisions of this
Code. Such interpretations, rules, and regulations shall be in conformity with the
intent and purpose of this Code.
(b) Deputies. In accordance with prescribed procedures and with the approval
of the appointing authority, the building official may appoint a chief electrical
inspector and other related technical officers and inspectors and other
employees as shall be authorized from time to time.
(c) Right of Entry. Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any
of the provisions of this Code, or whenever the building official or authorized
representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building
or upon any premises any condition or Code violation which makes such
buildings or premises unsafe, dangerous, or hazardous, the building official or
authorized representative may enter such building or premises at all reasonable
times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the building
official by such Codes, provided that if such building or premises be occupied,
the building official shall first present proper credentials and request entry. If such
building or premises is unoccupied, the building official shall .first make a
reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of
the building or premises and request entry. If entry be refused, the building
official or authorized representative shall have recourse to every remedy
provided by law to secure entry.
When the building official or authorized representative shall have first obtained a
proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no
owner or occupant or any other persons having charge, care, or control of any
building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made as herein
provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the building official or authorized
representative for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this
Code.
(d) Stop Orders. Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions
of this Code, the building official may order the work stopped by notice in writing
served on any persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done
and any such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the
building official to proceed with the work.
(e) Authority to Disconnect Utilities in Emergencies. The building official or
authorized representative shall have the authority to disconnect any electric
power or energy service supplied to the building, structure, or building service
equipment therein regulated by this Code in case of emergency where necessary
to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property. The building official shall
whenever possible notify the serving utility, the owner, and occupant of the
building, structure, or electrical system or equipment of the decision to
disconnect prior to taking such action, and shall notify such serving utility, owner,
and occupant of the building, structure, or building service equipment, in writing,
of such disconnection immediately thereafter.
(f) Authority to Condemn Electrical System and Equipment. Whenever the
building official ascertains that any electrical system or equipment regulated in
this Code has become hazardous to life, health, or property, the building official
shall order in writing that such electrical system or equipment either be removed
or restored to a safe condition, whichever is appropriate. The written notice itself
shall fix a time limit for compliance with such order. IVo person shall use or
maintain defective electrical systems or equipment after receiving such notice.
When such equipment or installation is to be disconnected, a written notice of
such disconnection and causes therefore shall be given within twenty-four (24)
hours of the order to disconnect to the serving utility, the owner, and occupant of
such building, structure, or premises.
When any electrical system or equipment is maintained in violation of this Code
and in violation of any notice issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section,
the building official shall institute any appropriate action to prevent, restrain,
correct, or abate the violation.
(g) Connection after Order to Disconnect. No person shall make connections
from any energy or power supply nor supply power to any electrical system or
equipment which has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the
building official or the use of which has been ordered to be discontinued by the
building official until the building official authorizes the reconnection and use of
such electrical system or equipment.
(h) Liability. The building official, or authorized representative charged with
the enforcement of this Code, acting in good faith and without malice in the
discharge of duties, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable for any
damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act or by
reason of any act or omission in the discharge of duties. Any suit brought against
the building official or employee because of such act or omission performed in
the enforcement of any provision of such codes or other pertinent laws or
ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this Code or enforced by
the code enforcement agency shall be defended by this jurisdiction until final
termination of such proceedings, and any judgment resulting therefrom shall be
assumed by this jurisdiction.
This Code shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of
any person owning, operating, or controlling any building or structure for any
damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the code
enforcement agency or its parent jurisdiction be held as assuming any such
liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this Code or any permits or
certificates issued under this Code.
(i) Cooperation of Other Officials and Officers. The building official may
request, and shall receive so far as is required in the discharge of duties, the
assistance and cooperation of other officials of this jurisdiction.
81-2. Unsafe Electrical Systems or Equipment.
All electrical systems or equipment regulated by this Code which are unsafe or
which constitute a fire hazard or are otherwise dangerous to human life are, for
the purpose of this Section, unsafe. Any use of electrical systems or equipment
regulated by this Code constituting a hazard to safety, health, or public welfare
by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard,
disaster, damage, or abandonment is, for the purpose of this Section, an unsafe
use.
All such unsafe electrical systems or equipment are hereby declared to be public
nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal in
accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 1 of the City of Dubuque
Code of Ordinances. As an alternative, the building official or other employee or
official of this jurisdiction as designated by the governing body may institute any
other appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct, or abate the violation.
81-3. Electrical Code Board.
(a) Board Established. In order to determine the suitability of alternative
materials and methods of installation; to provide for reasonable interpretations of
this Code; to serve as an appeal body for the decisions of the building official; to
advise the City Council on all electrical regulations and procedures; and to
provide for examining applicants for electrical maintenance license and issuing
electrical maintenance license, there is hereby created the Electrical Code
Board.
(b) Membership. The Electrical Code Board shall consist of seven (7)
members appointed by the City Council. Six (6) members shall have a
background or experience in electrical engineering, electrical contracting,
electrical installation, or electrical maintenance, and one (1) member shall be
appointed from the public at large.
(c) Term of Office. The term of office of all Board members shall be three (3)
years.
(d) Rules and Regulations. The Electrical Code Board shall make such rules
and prescribe such procedures as may be reasonably necessary for its
operation, except that such rules shall include the following:
(1) Board Chairperson. The chairperson of the Board shall be a
member of the Board elected annually by a majority of the Board.
(2) Secretary of the Board. The building official or designee shall be
secretary of the Board. The secretary shall arrange for meetings and
prepare and keep such minutes and records and perform such other
clerical work as the Board may direct.
(3) Quorum. Three (3) members shall constitute a quorum. The
concurring vote of three (3) members of the Board shall be necessary to
pass any motion.
(4) Service Until Appointment of Successor. Upon completion of the
term office, members of the Board shall continue to serve in their full
capacity until their successor has been duly appointed.
(5) Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held on the fourth
(4th) Monday in January, March, May, July, September, and November.
Special meetings may be called from time to time by the chairperson, the
secretary, or the City Manager. When the day fixed for any regular
meeting of the Board falls upon a day designated as a legal, national, or
City holiday, such meeting shall be held on the next succeeding day not a
holiday. The secretary shall give notice to the members of the Board if
there is no business filed with the secretary to be heard by the Board by
noon on the Wednesday prior to the regular meeting date and such
regular meeting shall stand cancelled.. The secretary shall provide notice
of the cancellation of the meeting in the same manner as notice of a
regular meeting. Members of the Board shall attend at least two-thirds
(2/3) of all scheduled meetings within a twelve (12) month period. If any
member does not attend such prescribed number of meetings, it shall
constitute grounds for the Board to recommend to the City Council that
said member be replaced.
(6) Attendance. The attendance of all members shall be entered on the
minutes by the secretary.
(7) Conformity with Open Meetings Law. All meetings shall be held in
conformance with provisions of the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
(8) Minutes. The Electrical Code Board shall file with the City Council a
copy of the minutes of each meeting of the Board within ten (10) business
days after such meeting.
(9) Administrative Policies. All administrative, personnel, accounting,
budgetary, and procedural policies of the City shall govern the Board in all
of its operations.
(10) Duties When Serving as an Appeals Board. Any person who is
aggrieved by a decision of the building official on any requirements
resulting from the enforcement of this Code may appeal from such
decision to the Board and said Board shall serve as an appeal board. In
case the aggrieved party is a member of said Board, said member shall be
disqualified as a member of the Board acting as an appeal board until the
person aggrieved has been heard and a decision rendered.
The appeal shall be made by the person aggrieved, giving written notice of
such appeal to the building official within seven (7) days of receipt of
decision from which the appeal is taken. The Electrical Code Board, sitting
as an appeal board, shall meet within ten (10) business days after
receiving such notice and render a decision within five (5) business days
thereafter. Any interested party, including the building official, shall have
the right to present their case to the appeal board, whose decision shall be
final unless appealed to the district court as provided by law.
The board of appeals may reverse or modify a decision of the building
official only on finding that:
a. The building official had incorrectly interpreted the provision
of this Code; or,
b. The decision of the building official creates an unnecessary
hardship upon the appellant.
The board of appeals shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be
submitted to substantiate any claims made regarding the use of
alternates.
All appeal hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures
specified in this Code.
(e) Limitations of Authority. The board of appeals shall have no authority
relative to interpretation of the administrative provisions of this Code nor shall the
Board be empowered to waive requirements of this Code.
In so modifying or reversing such decision of the building official, the board of
appeals may authorize any alternate to the decision of the building official and
the provisions, provided it finds the proposed material or method of construction
is satisfactory for the use intended and complies with the provisions, of this Code
and that the material, method, or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at
least equivalent to that prescribed by this Code in suitability, strength,
effectiveness, durability, and safety.
81-4. Violations.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct,
enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, or
maintain any electrical system or equipment or cause or permit the same to be
done in violation of this Code.
The doing of any act, or the omission of any act, declared to be unlawful by this
Code or any code or ordinance herein adopted by reference shall be deemed a
separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any such
unlawful act is committed, continued, or permitted and upon conviction shall be
punishable as provided in Chapter 1 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances.
The penalty herein provided shall be cumulative with and in addition to the
revocation, cancellation, or forfeiture of any license or permit elsewhere in this
Code provided for violation thereof.
82-1. Permits Required.
(a) Permits Required. Except as specified in Subsections (b) and (c) of this
Section, no electrical system regulated by this Code shall be installed, altered,
repaired, replaced, or remodeled unless a separate electrical permit for each
building or structure has first been obtained from the building official.
(b) Exempt Work. An electrical permit shall not be required for the following:
(1) Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means
of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an
approved receptacle when that cord or cable is permitted by this Code;
(2) Repair or replacement of fixed motors, transformers, or fixed
approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location;
(3) Temporary decorative lighting;
(4) Repair or replacement of current-carrying parts of any switch,
contractor, or control device;
(5) Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets
therefore;
(6) Repair or replacement of any overcurrent device of the required
capacity in the same location;
(7) Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same
size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems;
(8) Taping joints;
(9) Removal of electrical wiring;
(10) Temporary wiring for experimental purposes in suitable
experimental laboratories; or,
(11) The wiring for temporary theater, motion picture, or television stage
sets.
However, any such exempted work that is to be performed in other than asingle-
family home by the qualifying homeowner shall be performed by or directly
supervised by the holder of a State of Iowa Class "A" or "B" master or
journeyman electrical license or the holder of a City of Dubuque electrical
contractor, journeyman, or maintenance license.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to
grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of this
Code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
(c) Exempt Systems and Utilities. An electrical permit shall not be required for
the following:
(1) Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment
operation at less than twenty-five (25) volts and not capable of supplying
more than fifty (50) watts of energy.
(2) Low energy power, control, and signal circuits of Classes II and III
as defined in this Code.
(3) A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration, or
repair of electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment for the generation,
transmission, distribution, or metering of electrical energy, or in the
operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence by a public or
private utility in the exercise of its function as a serving utility.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to
grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of this
Code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
82-2. Permit Process.
(a) Application for Permit. The applicant for an electrical permit must be one
of the following:
(1) The homeowner as defined elsewhere in this Ordinance;
(2) Registered with the City of Dubuque Building Services Department
as the holder of a State of Iowa issued Class "A" master electrical license
and affiliated with an electrical contracting firm or business that is also
licensed by and registered with the State of Iowa; or,
(3) The holder of a current City of Dubuque issued electrical
contractor's license.
(b) Application. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application
therefore in writing on a form furnished by the code enforcement agency for that
purpose. Every such application shall:
(1) Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which
application is made;
(2) Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by
legal description, street address, or similar description that will readily
identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work;
(3) Identify the owner of property, and tenant if applicable, on which the
proposed work is to be done;
(4) Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed work is
intended;
(5) Be accompanied by plans, diagrams, computations, and
specifications and other data as required in Subsection (b) of this Section;
(6) Be signed by permittee or authorized agent; and,
(7) Give such other data and information as may be required by the
building official.
(c) Plans and Specifications. Plans, engineering calculations, diagrams, and
other data shall be submitted in one or more sets with each application for a
permit. The building official may require plans, computations, and specifications
to be prepared and designed by an engineer or architect licensed by the State of
Iowa to practice as-such.
EXCEPTI®N: The building official may waive the submission of plans,
calculations, etc., if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that
reviewing of plans. is not necessary to obtain compliance with this Code.
(d) Information on Plans and- Specifications. Plans and specifications shall be
drawn to scale upon substantial paper or cloth and shall be of sufficient clarity to
indicate the location, nature, and extent of the work proposed and show in detail
that it will conform to the provisions of this Code and all relevant laws,
ordinances, rules, and regulations.
Plans for buildings more than two (2) stories in height of other than Groups R,
Division 3, and M Occupancies shall indicate how required structural and fire-
resistive integrity will be maintained where a penetration will be made for
electrical and communication conduits, pipes, and similar systems.
823. Permit Issuance.
(a) Issuance. The application, plans, specifications, and other data filed by an
applicant for permit shall be reviewed by the building official. Such plans may be
reviewed by other departments of this jurisdiction to verify compliance with any
applicable laws under their jurisdiction. If the building official finds that the work
described in an application for a permit and the plans, specifications, and other
data filed therewith conform to the requirements of this Code and other pertinent
laws and ordinances and that the fees specified in Section 82-4 have been paid,
a permit shall be issued therefore to the applicant.
When the building official issues the permit where plans are required, the plans
and specifications shall be endorsed in writing or stamped "APPROVED". Such
approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified, or altered
without authorization from the building official and all work shall be done in
accordance with the approved plans.
The building official may issue a permit for the construction of part of an electrical
system before the entire plans and specifications for the whole system have
been submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed
statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of this
Code. The holder of such permit shall proceed at personal risk without assurance
that the permit for the entire building, structure, or building service will be
granted.
(b) Retention of Plans. One set of approved plans and specifications shall be
returned to the applicant and shall be kept on the site of the building work at all
times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress. One set of
approved plans, specifications, and computations shall be retained by the
building official until final approval of the work.
(c) Validity of Permit. The issuance of a permit or approval of plans and
specifications shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any
violation of any of the provisions of this Code, or of any other ordinance of the
jurisdiction. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the
provisions of these codes shall be valid.
The issuance of a permit based upon plans, specifications, and other data shall
not prevent the building official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in
said plans, specifications, and other data or from preventing building operations
being carried on thereunder when in violation of this Code or of any other
ordinances of this jurisdiction.
(d) Expiration. Every permit issued by the building official under the provisions
of this Code shall expire by limitation and become null and void, if the building or
work authorized by such permit is not commenced within one hundred eighty
(180) days from the date of such permit, or if the work authorized by such permit
is suspended or abandoned for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days
following the last inspection of said work. Before such work can be
recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained so to do, and the fee
therefore shall be one-half (1/2) the amount required for a new permit for such
work provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans
and specifications for such work; and provided further that such suspension or
abandonment has not exceeded one (1) year. In order to renew action on a
permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee.
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time
within which work may commence under that permit when unable to commence
work within the time required by this Section ,for good and satisfactory reasons.
The building official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period
not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days upon written request by the
permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have
prevented action from being taken. No permit shall be extended more than once.
(e) Suspension or Revocation. The building official may, in writing, suspend or
revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this Code whenever the permit is
issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied or in violation of
any ordinance or regulation of the jurisdiction.
82-4. Fees.
(a) Permit Fees. The fee for each electrical permit shall be as established by
the City Manager.
(b) Plan Review Fees. When a plan or other data are required to be submitted
by Subsection (c) of Section 82-2, a plan review fee shall be paid as established
by the City Manager. Where plans are incomplete or changed so as to require
additional plan review, an additional plan review fee shall be charged at the rate
established by the City Manager.
(c) Expiration of Plan Review. Applications for which no permit is issued
within one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of application shall expire
by limitation and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be
returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official. The building official
may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding one
hundred eighty (180) days upon request by the applicant showing that
circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from
being taken. No application shall be extended more than once. In order to renew
action, on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and
pay a new plan review fee.
(d) Investigation Fees for Work without a Permit.
(1) Investigation. Whenever any work for which a permit is required by
this Code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a
special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for
such work.
(2) Fee. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be
collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The
investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee that would
be required by this Code if a permit were to be issued. The payment of
such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with
all other provisions of either this Code nor from any penalty prescribed by
law.
(e) Fee Refunds.
(1) The building official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid
hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.
(2) The building official may authorize the refunding of not more than
eighty percent (80%) of the permit fee paid when no work has been done
under a permit issued in accordance with this Code.
(3) The building official may authorize the refunding of not more than
eighty percent (80%) of the plan review fee paid when an application for a
permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled
before any plan reviewing is done.
The building official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid except upon
written application filed by the original permittee no later than one hundred eighty
(180) days after the date of fee payment.
825. Inspections.
(a) General. All electrical systems and equipment for which a permit is
required by this Code shall be subject to inspection by the building official. No
portion of any electrical system intended to be concealed shall be concealed until
inspected and approved. Neither the building official nor this jurisdiction shall be
liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required
to allow inspection. When the installation of an electrical system and equipment
is complete an additional and final inspection shall be made. Electrical systems
and equipment regulated by this Code shall not be connected to the energy
source until authorized by the building official.
(b) Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work
authorized by a permit to notify the building official that such work is ready for
inspection. The building official may require that every request for inspection be
filed at least one (1) business day before such inspection is desired. Such
request may be in writing or by telephone at the option of the building official.
It shall be the duty of the person requesting inspections required by this Code to
provide access to and means for proper inspection of such work.
(c) Operation of Electrical Equipment. The requirements of this Section shall
not be construed to prohibit the operation of any electrical system or equipment
installed to replace existing equipment. The request for inspection of such
equipment must have been filed with the building official not more than forty-eight
(48) hours after such replacement work is completed and before any portion of
such electrical system is concealed by any permanent portion of the building.
(d) Other Inspections. In addition to the called inspections required by this
Code, the building official may make or require other inspections of any work to
ascertain compliance with the provisions of this Code and other laws which are
enforced by the code enforcement agency.
(e) Re-Inspections. A re-inspection fee may be assessed for each inspection
or re-inspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not
complete or when corrections called for are not made.
This Provision is not to be interpreted as requiring re-inspection fees the first time
a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this Code, but as
controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such
inspection or re-inspection.
Re-inspection fees may be assessed when the approved plans are not readily
available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which
inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the
building official.
To obtain a re-inspection, the applicant shall file an application therefore in
writing upon a form furnished for that purpose and pay the re-inspection fee in
accordance with Table No. 13-A.
In instances where re-inspection fees have been assessed, no additional
inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid.
(f) Monthly Maintenance Inspections. In industrial plants where experienced
electricians are regularly employed and who have charge of the electrical work in
such plants, a monthly inspection shall be made by the building official of the
installation of electric wiring, fixtures, appliances, work, and materials used in
connection with the operation of work in said plant. A record shall be kept at such
plants covering the preceding month. This record shall be filed with the building
official each month prior to the time set for making regular inspection. Any falsity
contained in the reports required to be filed with the building official shall subject
the person, firm, or corporation responsible therefore to the penalties provided in
this Article.
82-6. Connection Approval.
(a) Energy Connections. An electrical system or equipment regulated by this
Code for which a permit is required shall not be connected to a source of energy
or power until approved by the building official.
(b) Temporary Connections. The building official may authorize the temporary
connection of the electrical system or equipment to the source of energy or
power for the purpose of testing the equipment or for use under a temporary
certificate of occupancy.
83-1. Definitions.
For use within this Article, the following words and phrases are defined:
Apprentice electrician means any person who as such person's principal
occupation is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation, alteration, and
repair of electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment as an employee of a person
licensed by the State of Iowa as an electrical contractor, and who is licensed by
the State of Iowa and is progressing toward completion of an apprenticeship
training. program registered by the bureau of apprenticeship and training of the
United States Department of Labor. For purposes of this Ordinance, persons who
are not engaged in the installation, alteration, or repair of electrical wiring,
apparatus, and equipment, either inside or outside buildings, shall not be
considered apprentice electricians.
City of Dubuque licensed electrical contractor means a person licensed with the
City of Dubuque having demonstrated the necessary qualifications, training,
experience, and technical knowledge to plan, lay out, install, service, and
supervise the installation of electrical wiring, electrical equipment apparatus,
electrical equipment for light, heat, power, and other purposes, and to supervise
apprentices and the unclassified persons in their employ.
City of Dubuque licensed journeyman electrician means a person having the
necessary qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to wire
for or install electrical wiring, electrical apparatus, and electrical equipment, and
to supervise apprentices, and who is licensed by the Dubuque Electrical Code
Board.
Class A journeyman electrician means a person having the necessary
qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to wire for or install
electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment and to supervise apprentice
electricians and who is licensed by the State Board.
Class A master electrician means a person having the necessary qualifications,
training, experience, and technical knowledge to properly plan, lay out, install,
service, and supervise the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus, and
equipment for light, heat, power, and other purposes and who is licensed by the
State Board.
Class B journeyman electrician means a person having the necessary
qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to wire for or install
electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment who meets and is subject to the
restrictions of Iowa Code §103.12 and who is licensed by the State Board.
Class B master electrician means a person having the necessary qualifications,
training, experience, and technical knowledge to properly plan, lay out, install,
service, and supervise the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus, and
equipment who meets and is subject to the restrictions of Iowa Code §103.10
and who is licensed by the State Board.
Electrical contractor means a person affiliated with a contracting firm or business
who is licensed by the State of Iowa Electrical Board and who is also registered
with the Iowa Division of Labor as a contractor.
Electrical equipment means all electrical materials, wiring, conductors, fittings,
devices, appliances, fixtures, signs, and apparatus or parts thereof.
Electrical work means all installations, alterations, repairs, removals, renewals,
replacements, connections, disconnections, and maintenance of all electrical
equipment except as otherwise noted.
Homeowner means the owner of property that is the owner's principal place of
residence, if such residence is an existing dwelling rather than new construction
and is not larger than a single family dwelling or farm property and shall qualify
for the homestead tax exemption.
Licensed means licensed under this Article or Iowa Code §103.2, except as
otherwise specified.
Maintenance electrician means a person who has the necessary training,
experience, and technical knowledge to undertake the work of installing,
servicing, maintaining, altering, and repairing electrical devices, appliances, and
equipment within the stipulated confines of property owned or controlled by the
firm, business, or company by whom employed. An electrical maintenance
certificate of competency may be issued to an individual and will entitle the
holder thereof to undertake the work of installing, servicing, maintaining, altering,
and repairing electrical devices, appliances, and equipment only within the
confines of the property owned by such individual for use or application to such
property.
Master electrician/electrical contractor means a person having the necessary.
qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to plan, lay out,
install, service, and supervise the installation of electrical wiring, electrical
equipment apparatus, electrical equipment for light, heat, power, and other
purposes, and to supervise apprentices, and who is licensed by the Electrical
Code Board.
Registered, under this Article, means a copy of the licensed person's license and
current contact information has been provided to the City of Dubuque Building
Services Department on forms provided by Building Services Department, except
as otherwise specified.
Residential electrician means a person having the necessary qualifications,
training, experience, and technical knowledge to wire for or install electrical
wiring, apparatus, and equipment who meets and is subject to the restrictions of
Iowa Code §103.12 and who is licensed by the State Board.
Special electrician means a person having the necessary qualifications, training,
and experience in wiring or installing special classes of electrical wiring,
apparatus, equipment, or installations which shall include irrigation system wiring,
disconnecting and reconnecting of existing air conditioning and refrigeration, and
sign installation, and who is licensed by the State Board.
Unclassified person means any person, other than an apprentice electrician or
other person licensed under this Chapter, who, as such person's principal
occupation, is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation, alteration, and
repair of electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment as an employee of a person
licensed by the State of Iowa and who is licensed by the State of Iowa as an
unclassified person. For purposes of this Ordinance, persons who are not
engaged in the installation, alteration, or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus,
and equipment, either inside or outside buildings, shall not be considered
unclassified persons.
83-2. Registration Required; Exceptions.
(a) No person, firm, or corporation shall perform any electrical work as an
electrical contractor, master electrician, journeyman electrician, apprentice
electrician, unclassified person, or maintenance electrician in the City of
Dubuque unless registered with the Building Services Department of the City of
Dubuque as provided in this Article.
(b) No electrical contractor or electrical maintenance electrician shall employ
any apprentice or unclassified person to perform any electrical work unless said
apprentice or unclassified person is under the direct personal on-the-job
supervision of a State or City licensed master electrician, State or City licensed
journeyman electrician, or City licensed maintenance electrician. The ratio of
apprentice electricians or unclassified persons to holders of State of Iowa master
or journeyman electrical license holders or the holders of a City of Dubuque
electrical contractor journeyman or electrical maintenance license at any time
shall not exceed the ratios given in 83-2(f).
Direct personal on-the job supervision and control and in the immediate
presence of a licensee shall mean the licensee and the apprentice electrician or
unclassified person shall be working at the same project location but shall not
require that the licensee and apprentice electrician or unclassified person be
within sight of one another at all times.
Every person who desires to perform the work of an electrical laborer/helper shall
provide their name and contact information to the Building Services Department
on such forms as the building official shall prescribe.
Apprentice electricians shall not install, alter, or repair electrical equipment
except as provided in this Ordinance and the licensee employing or supervising
the apprentice electricians shall not authorize or permit such actions by the
apprentice electricians.
Unclassified persons shall not install, alter, or repair any energized electrical
equipment and the licensee employing or supervising the unclassified persons
shall not authorize or permit such actions by the unclassified persons.
Apprentice electricians shall do no electrical wiring except under the direct
personal on-the-job supervision and control and in the immediate presence of a
licensee as provided in this Ordinance. Such supervision shall include both on-
the-job training and related classroom training as approved by the State of Iowa
Electrical Examining Board and the bureau of apprenticeship and training of the
United States Department of Labor.
Unclassified persons shall do no electrical wiring except under the direct
personal on-the-job supervision and control and in the immediate presence of a
licensee as provided in this Ordinance.
Employment of unregistered master, journeyman, apprentice electricians, or
unclassified persons shall be grounds for the suspension or revocation of the
employing electrical contractor's registration and their ability to do work within the
limits of the City of Dubuque.
Employment of unregistered master, journeyman, apprentice electricians, or
unclassified persons shall be grounds for the suspension or revocation of the
employing maintenance electrician's registration and their ability to do work within
the limits of the City of Dubuque.
(c) The owner or owners of a single-family dwelling, or mobile home,
including the usual accessory. building and quarters used exclusively for living
purposes may do such electrical work without registration as demonstrated by
the capability to do, to the building official, providing that the dwelling or mobile
home will be occupied by the owner and that a permit is issued as provided in the
Electrical Code. No person qualifying for the owner-occupant exemption shall be
eligible for a subsequent exemption on any other structure for seven (7) years.
(d) The provisions of this Article shall not apply to any regular employee of a
public utility who does electrical work for such public utility only, nor shall they
apply to the electrical work of a telephone or telegraph company, nor the
persons, firms, or corporations performing electrical work for such a company,
where such electrical work is an integral part of the plant used by such telephone
or telegraph company in rendering its duly authorized service to the public, nor to
any regular employee of any railroad who does electrical work only as a part of
that employment.
(e) The provisions of this Article shall not apply to the replacement of integral
parts of equipment or appliances by firms or persons in possession of a valid
electrical maintenance license issued previously to the firm or person by the
Building Services Department of the City under other pertinent City ordinances.
(f) The maximum number of State of Iowa licensed apprentice electricians or
State of Iowa licensed unclassified persons that many be supervised by a
licensed City of Dubuque or State of Iowa master, journeyman, or maintenance
electrician shall not exceed one to one (1:1).
The supervision ratio of this Section need not apply to apprenticeship classroom
training.
83-3. Classes of Dubuque Electrical License.
(a) One (1) class of license is hereby established and certificates thereof shall
be issued only upon the direction of the Dubuque Electrical Code Board. This
class shall be designated respectively as:
Electrical maintenance license shall entitle the holder thereof to undertake
the work of installing, servicing, maintaining, altering, and repairing
electrical devices, appliances, and equipment within the confines of
property owned or controlled by the firm, business, or company employing
such registration holder or within the confines of property owned by an
individual
(b) Three (3) classes of license are hereby established and certificates
thereof shall be renewed only upon the direction of the Dubuque Electrical Code
Board. These classes shall be designated respectively as:
Dubuque electrical contractor's license shall entitle the holder thereof to
engage in the business of electrical contracting within the corporate limits
of the City of Dubuque and to secure permits for the installation, alteration,
or repair of any electric wiring, device, appliances, or equipment.
Electrical maintenance license shall entitle the holder thereof to undertake,
within the corporate limits of the City of Dubuque, the work of installing,
servicing, maintaining, altering, and repairing electrical .devices,
appliances, and equipment within the confines of property owned or
controlled by the firm, business, or company employing such registration
holder or within the confines of property owned by an individual.
Dubuque journeyman electrician's license shall entitle the holder thereof to
undertake, within the corporate limits of the City of Dubuque, the work of
installing, maintaining, altering, and repairing electrical devices,
appliances, and equipment in the employ of an electrical contractor.
Sec. 83-4. Examination Required.
Application Fee for Reexamination Upon Failure of Examinations. Any person
desiring to be examined for a license to perform electrical maintenance work by
the Dubuque Electrical Code Board, as determined by this Article, shall make
application to the Board on forms furnished by the Board, setting forth
information necessary to establish qualifications as such and payment of an
examination fee as specified in Table No. 13B. Persons failing an examination
and desiring to take the examination again must make application for the
examination and pay the examination fee as required in the first instance.
Sec. 83-5. Scope of Examination.
Applicants for licensure under this Article will be examined by the Dubuque
Electrical Code Board to determine their knowledge of the rules and regulations
governing the installation of electric wiring, devices, appliances, and equipment
as set. forth in the statutes of the State, the ordinances of the City, and in the
National Electrical Code, in order to determine the general qualifications and
fitness of each applicant for executing electrical maintenance work.
Sec. 83-6. Reexamination.
Should an applicant for registration under this Article fail to pass an examination
by not obtaining a rating thereon of seventy-five percent (75%) or higher, such
applicant may be reexamined upon submitting an application in writing
accompanied by the examination fee after a period of sixty (60) days has elapsed
from the date of the applicant's last previous examination.
83-7. Fees for Licenses.
Before an electrical maintenance license is granted to any applicant under this
Article and before an expiring electrical license issued by the City of Dubuque is
renewed, the applicant shall pay to the City a fee as specified in Table No. 13-B.
TABLE NO. 13-B
Electrical Examination, License Fees
1. Initial fee for electrical maintenance license $120.00
2. Renewal fee for electrical maintenance license $60.00
3. Renewal fee for Dubuque licensed electrical contractor $75.00
4. Renewal fee for Dubuque licensed journeyman $50.00
Examination fees are set by the testing agency.
83-8. Bonding.
Any person, company, or firm desiring to engage in the business of electrical
contracting and obtain permits for the purpose of performing electrical work
within the City limits of Dubuque under the scope of the City of Dubuque Code of
Ordinances or Iowa Code Chapter 197 shall execute a surety company bond in
the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) conditioned that such person will
hold the City harmless from liability for damage because of any negligence in
doing, protecting, and completing the permitted work of such person, company,
or firm or employees of said person, company, or firm will keep the work in good
and perfect repair for the time stated in the standard plans and specifications for
such work,.. and shall be liable on such bond to the City and property owner for
any damage, loss, and expense caused by reason of such person, company, or
firm's failure to perform the work according to the standard specifications, and for
any breach of the bond, and on the prompt payment to the City of any sums
becoming due and owing to the City by reason of the City of Dubuque Code of
Ordinances during the life of said bond. Said bond shall be kept in full force and
effect for a period of one (1) year after expiration, cancellation, or revocation of
electrical contractor license or ninety (90) days after the recorded completion of
all permitted electrical projects of this individual, company, or firm, whichever
occurs first. Such bond shall be subject to annual approval by the City Council.
83-9. Expiration of Registration; Renewal; Failure to Renew.
(1) Each Dubuque license shall expire on December 31St following the date of
its issue and shall be renewed by the Dubuque Electrical Code Board upon
application of the holder of the license and payment of the required fees any time
on or before January 1St of each year.
Renewal of license shall not be granted to a holder of a license while indebted to
the City under the terms of this Article.
(2) If there is a lapse of over sixty (60) days from the expiration of a license
renewal, the renewal procedure shall be the same as on an original application.
83-10. Suspension of Permit Privilege for Multiple Violations.
Where a licensed electrical contractor is found doing electrical work without an
electrical permit on three (3) separate occasions in one (1) year, a hearing shall
be held by the building official at which time the permit privileges of said electrical
contractor may be suspended for a period of time not to exceed one (1) year.
The members of the Dubuque Electrical Code Board as established by Article
81-3 shall be present at such hearings and shall act as advisors to the building
official in determining what course of action should be taken.
83-12. Display of License.
Every holder of a State of Iowa or City of Dubuque electrical license shall be able
to produce their current license when on the job site or when making application
for an electrical permit.
83-13. Transferability.
No license may be loaned, rented, assigned, or transferred. No holder of a valid
license shall obtain a permit under said license and then sub-contract, sell, or
otherwise assign the work covered by said permit to a person or firm who does
not have a valid license.
Article 250.104(B) Other Metal Piping
Where installed in or attached to a building or structure, metal piping system(s),
including gas piping, that is likely to become energized shall be bonded to the
service equipment enclosure, the grounded conductor at the service, the
grounding electrode conductor where of sufficient size, or to the one or more
grounding electrodes used. The bonding jumper(s) shall be sized in accordance
with 250.122, using the rating of the circuit that is likely to energize the piping
system(s). The points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s) shall be
accessible.
Article 250.104(E) Gas Piping System Bonding Requirement.
This requirement will apply anytime a main electrical service is installed,
replaced, or repaired and the structure has one or more metal fuel gas piping
systems. The metal gas piping system(s) shall be made electrically and
mechanically continuous to the grounding electrode system of the main electrical
service by the installation of a bonding connection which meets all of the
following:
(1) The bonding conductor(s) shall not be smaller than a number six
(#6) copper wire.
(2) The bonding conductor(s) shall be bare copper or shall be green
insulated wire.
(3) All bonding connections on gas pipe system(s) shall be located
(inside or out) not more than 1.52 m (5 ft) from the point where the gas
pipes enter the structure.
(4) No bonding connection on any gas pipe(s) shall be installed before
(upstream, ahead) of any gas meter or other gas company equipment.
(5) All bonding connections on gas pipe system(s) shall be installed
only on a rigid metal portion of the gas pipe, never on a flexible section of
gas pipe.
(6) All bonding conductor(s) shall be connected to the gas piping
system(s) by exothermic welding, listed lugs, listed pressure connectors,
listed clamps, or other listed means.
(7) Not more than one conductor shall be installed per listed connector
or clamp or fitting unless the device is listed for multiple conductors.
(8) All bonding connections on the gas piping system(s) shall be
accessible when the building is complete.
(9) Gas piping system(s) shall never be used as the grounding
electrode system.
404.1 (A) HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS.
This includes but is not limited to receptacles, switches, dimmers, thermostats,
timers, fuses, equipment disconnects, and circuit-breakers whether located
inside or outside of a building or structure.
In all places accessible to persons with disabilities, the height requirements of all
electrical utilization or control devices shall be as follows:
(1) The minimum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
shall not be less than 0.38m (15 inches), measured from the finished floor
height to the center of the usable part of the device.
(2) The maximum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
shall not be greater than 1.22m (48 inches), measured .from the floor to
the to the center of the usable part of the device.
(3) The maximum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
installed over the surface of a counter top shall not be greater than 1.17m
(46 inches), measured from the floor to the to the center of the usable part
of the device.
406.1 (A) HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS.
This includes but is not limited to receptacles, switches, dimmers, thermostats,
timers, fuses, equipment disconnects, and circuit-breakers whether located
inside or outside of a building or structure.
In all places accessible to persons with disabilities, the height requirements of all
electrical utilization or control devices shall be as follows:
(1) The minimum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
shall not be less than 0.38m (15 inches), measured from the finished floor
height to the center of the usable part of the device.
(2) The maximum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
shall .not be greater than 1.22m (48 inches), measured from the floor to
the to the center of the usable part of the device.
(3) The maximum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
installed over the surface of a counter top shall not be greater than 1.17m
(46 inches), measured from the floor to the to the center of the usable part
of the device.
408.1 (A) HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS.
This includes but is not limited to receptacles, switches, dimmers, thermostats,
timers, fuses, equipment disconnects, and circuit-breakers whether located
inside or outside of a building or structure.
In all places accessible to persons with disabilities, the height requirements of all
electrical utilization or control- devices shall be as follows:
(1) The minimum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
shall not be less than 0.38m (15 inches),. measured from the finished floor
height to the center of the usable part of the device.
(2) The maximum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
shall not be greater than 1.22m (48 inches), measured from the floor to
the to the center of the usable part of the .device.
(3) The maximum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
installed over the surface of a counter top shall not be greater than 1.17m
(46 inches), measured from the floor to the to the center of the usable part
of the device.
Article 408.4(A) Additional Labeling of Electrical Service Panels and
Switchboards.
The labeling shall be expanded to include the name of contracting company
(installer) and the contact information for same and shall be installed at or on the
main electrical service panel. Additionally it will list all of the following:
(1) Location(s) of all accessible bolted grounding connections to any
metal water service piping.
(2) Approximate location(s) of all buried ground-rod connections, if any
installed.
(3) Approximate location of all bolted grounding connections to
reinforcing steel in foundation if installed.
(4) Location(s) of all accessible bolted bonding connections to building
steel and all other metal piping systems including gas piping, sprinklers,
etc.
(5) Location of the intersystem bonding terminal bus bar. Irreversible
connections (compression, exothermic, etc.) are not required to be
accessible.
Section 3. When Effective. This Ordinance shall take effect on
May 1, 2009.
Passed, approved and adopted this 16t" day of Mar h 2009.
Roy D. Buol, Mayor
Attest:
Kevin S. Firnstahl, Assistant City Clerk
®R®INANCE N®. --09
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
PROVIDING THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA BE AMENDED BY REPEALING SECTION 18-1
THEREOF AND ENACTING A NEW SECTION 18-1 THEREOF
PERTAINING TO REVISING AND REENACTING AN
ELECTRICAL CODE FOR THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA AND
PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND
COLLECTION OF FEES THEREFOR.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That Section 18-1 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Dubuque, Iowa be amended by repealing Section 18-1 and enacting a new
Section 18-1 in lieu thereof:
Section 18-1
Except as hereinafter added to, deleted, modified or amended, there is hereby
adopted by reference as the electrical code of the City that certain electrical code
known as the National Electrical Code, 2008 Edition, as prepared and edited by
the National Fire Protection Agency, Quincy, Massachusetts, and the provisions
of such electrical codeshall be controlling in the supply of electricity and in the
installation, maintenance and use of all electrical conductors and equipment and
installation of optical fiber cable within the corporate limits of the City and shall be
known as the "Dubuque Electrical Code". A copy of the National Electrical Code,
2008 Edition, as adopted, shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk for public
inspection.
Section 2. That Section 18-2 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Dubuque, Iowa be amended as follows:
The National Electric Code adopted by Section 18-1 of this Chapter is hereby
amended as follows:
80-1 o Title.
These regulations shall be known as the Dubuque Electrical Code, cited as such,
and will be referred to herein as "this Code".
80-2. Application to Existing Electrical Systems and Equipment.
(a) Additions, Alterations, or Repairs. Additions, alterations, or repairs may be
made to any electrical system and equipment without requiring the existing
electrical system and equipment to comply with all the requirements of this Code,
provided the addition, alteration, or repair conforms to that required for a new
electrical system and equipment and provided further that no hazard to life,
health, or safety will be created by such additions, alterations, or repairs.
Minor additions, alterations, and repairs to existing electrical systems and
equipment may be made in accordance with the law in effect at the time the
original installation was made, when approved by the building official.
(b) .Existing Installations. Electrical systems and equipment lawfully in
existence at the time of the adoption of this Code may have their use,
maintenance, or repair continued if the use, maintenance, or repair is in
accordance with the original design and no hazard to life, health, or property has
been created by such electrical system and equipment.
(c) Changes in Building Occupancy. Electrical systems and equipment which
are a part of any building or structure undergoing a change in use or occupancy,
as defined in the Dubuque Building Code, shall comply with the requirements of
this Code which are applicable to the new use or occupancy.
(d) Maintenance. All electrical systems and equipment, both existing and new,
and all parts thereof shall be maintained in a proper operating condition in
accordance. with the original design and in a safe and hazard-free condition. Any
devices or safeguards which are required by this Code shall be maintained in
conformance with this Code. The owner or designated agent shall be responsible
for the maintenance of the electrical system. To determine compliance with this
Subsection, the building official may cause any electrical system to be re-
inspected.
(e) Moved Building. Electrical systems and equipment which are a part of
buildings or structures moved into or within this jurisdiction shall comply with the
provisions of this Code for new installations.
80-3. Definitions, General.
For the purpose of these provisions, certain terms, phrases, words, and their
derivatives shall be construed as specified in this Section. Where terms are not
defined, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context
with which they are used. Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the
English Language, Unabridged, Copyright 1981, shall be considered as providing
ordinarily accepted meanings. Words used in the singular include the plural and
the plural the singular. Words used in masculine gender include the feminine and
the feminine the masculine.
Approved, as to materials, equipment, and method of construction means
approval by the building official as the result of investigation and tests conducted
or by reasons of accepted principles or tests by recognized authorities, technical,
or scientific organizations.
Approved agency means an established and recognized agency regularly
engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when such agency
has been approved by the building official.
Building Code means the Uniform Building Code promulgated by the
International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by this jurisdiction.
Building official means the officer charged with the administration and
enforcement of this Code, or duly authorized representatives, and is the authority
having jurisdiction for this Code.
Chief electrical inspector means the person providing expertise for the building
official in the area of electrical regulations.
Code enforcement agency means the department, division, or agency of this
jurisdiction charged with the function of code enforcement and shall be under the
administration and operational control of the building official.
Commercial installation means an installation intended for commerce, but does
not include a residential installation.
Dubuque Board means the City of Dubuque Electrical Code Board.
Electrical Code means the National Electrical Code promulgated by the National
Fire Protection Association, as adopted by this jurisdiction.
Electrical equipment means all electrical materials, wiring, conductors, fittings,
devices, appliances, fixtures, signs, and apparatus or parts thereof.
Electrical work means all installations, alterations, repairs, removals, renewals,
replacements, connections, disconnections, and maintenance of all electrical
equipment except as otherwise noted.
Firewall means the same as an area separation wall as used in the Building
Code.
Industrial installation means an installation intended for use in the manufacture or
processing of products involving .systematic labor or habitual employment and
includes installations in which agricultural or other products are habitually or
customarily processed or stored for others, either by buying or reselling on a fee
basis.
Inspector means a person certified as an electrical inspector upon such
reasonable conditions as may be adopted by the Board.
Listed and listing means equipment and materials which are shown in a list
published by an approved testing agency, qualified and equipped for
experimental testing,.and maintaining an adequate periodic inspection of current
productions and whose listing states that the equipment complies with nationally
recognized safety standards.
Multiple occupancy building means a building having more than one (1) tenant
and may be of single or mixed use groups as classified by the Building Code.
New electrical installation means the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus,
and equipment for light, heat, power, and other purposes.
Occupancy means the purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used or
intended to be used.
Public use building or facility means any building or facility designated for public
use, including all property owned and occupied or designated for use by the
State of Iowa.
Residential installation means an installation intended for a single family or two-
family residential dwelling or amulti-family residential dwelling not larger than a
four-family dwelling.
Routine maintenance means the repair or replacement of existing electrical
apparatus or equipment of the same size and type for which no changes in wiring
are made.
State Board means the electrical examining board created under Iowa Code
§ 103.2.
80-4. Conflicting Provisions.
Where, in any specific case, different sections of this Code specify different
materials, methods of construction, or other requirements, the most restrictive
shall govern.
80-5. Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction..
The provisions of this Code are not intended to prevent the use of any material or
method of construction not specifically prescribed by this Code, provided any
alternate has been approved and its use authorized by the building official.
The building official may approve any alternate, provided it is found that the
proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of this Code and
that the material, method, or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least
the equivalent of that prescribed in this Code in suitability, strength,
effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety.
The building official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to
substantiate any claims regarding the use of alternates. The details of any action
granting approval of an alternate shall be recorded and entered in the files of the
code enforcement agency.
80-6. Modifications.
Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of
this Code, the building official may grant modifications for individual cases,
provided it is found that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of this
Code impractical and the modification is in conformity with the intent and purpose
of this Code, and that such modification does not lessen health, life, and fire
safety requirements. The details of actions granting modifications shall be
recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency.
80-7. Tests.
Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with any of the provisions
of this Code or evidence that materials or construction do not conform to the
requirements of this Code, the building official may require tests as evidence of
compliance to be made at no expense to this jurisdiction.
Test methods shall be as specified by this Code or by other recognized test
standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods for the
proposed alternate, the building official shall determine test procedures.
All tests shall be made by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be
retained by the building official for the period required for the retention of public
records.
81-1. Powers and Duties of Building Official.
(a) General. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce
all the provisions of this Code. For such purposes, the building official shall have
the powers of a law enforcement officer.
The building official shall have the power to render interpretations of this Code
and to adopt and enforce rules and regulations supplemental to this Code as
deemed necessary in order to clarify the application of the provisions of this
Code. Such interpretations, rules, and regulations shall be in conformity with the
intent and purpose of this Code.
(b) Deputies. In accordance with prescribed procedures and with the approval
of the appointing authority, the building official may appoint a chief electrical
inspector and other related technical officers and inspectors and other
employees as shall be authorized from time to time.
(c) Right of Entry. Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any
of the provisions of this Code, or whenever the building official or authorized
representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building
or upon any premises any condition or Code violation which makes such
buildings or premises unsafe, dangerous, or hazardous, the building official or
authorized representative may enter such building or premises at all reasonable
times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the building
official by such Codes, provided that if such building or premises be occupied,
the building official shall first present proper credentials and request entry. If such
building or premises is unoccupied, the building official shall first make a
reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of
the building or premises and request entry. If entry be refused, the building
official or authorized representative shall have recourse to every remedy
provided by law to secure entry.
When the building official or authorized representative shall have first obtained a
proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no
owner or occupant or any other persons having charge, care, or control of any
building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made as herein
provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the building official or authorized
representative for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this
Code.
(d) Stop Orders. Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions
of this Code, the building official may order the work stopped by notice in writing
served on any persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done
and any such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the
building official to proceed with the work.
(e) Authority to Disconnect Utilities in Emergencies. The building official or
authorized representative shall have the authority to disconnect any electric
power or energy service supplied to the building, structure, or building service
equipment therein regulated by this Code in case of emergency where necessary
to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property. The building official shall
whenever possible notify the serving utility, the owner, and occupant of the
building, structure, or electrical system or equipment of the decision to
disconnect prior to taking such action, and shall notify such serving utility, owner,
and occupant of the building, structure, or building service equipment, in writing,
of such disconnection immediately thereafter.
(f) Authority to Condemn Electrical System and Equipment. Whenever the
building official ascertains that any electrical system or equipment regulated in
this Code has become hazardous to life, health, or property, the building official
shall order in writing that such electrical system or equipment either be removed
or restored to a safe condition, whichever is appropriate. The written notice itself
shall fix a time limit for compliance with such order. No person shall use or
maintain defective electrical systems or equipment after receiving such notice.
When such equipment or installation is to be disconnected, a written notice of
such disconnection and causes therefore shall be given within twenty-four (24)
hours of the order to disconnect to the serving utility, the owner, and occupant of
such building, structure, or premises.
When any electrical system or equipment is maintained in violation of this Code
and in violation of any notice issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section,
the building official shall institute any appropriate action to prevent, restrain,
correct, or abate the violation.
(g) Connection after Order to Disconnect. No person shall make connections
from any energy or power supply nor supply power to any electrical system or
equipment which has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the
building official or the use of which has been ordered to be discontinued by the
building official until the building official authorizes the reconnection and use of
such electrical system or equipment.
(h) Liability. The building official, or authorized representative charged with
the enforcement of this Code, acting in good faith and without malice in the
discharge of duties, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable for any
damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act or by
reason of any act or omission in the discharge of duties. Any suit brought against
the building official or employee because of such act or .omission performed in
the enforcement of any provision of such codes or other pertinent laws or
ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this Code or enforced by
the code enforcement agency shall be defended by this jurisdiction until final
termination of such proceedings, and any judgment resulting therefrom shall be
assumed by this jurisdiction.
This Code shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of
any person owning, operating, or controlling any building or structure for any
damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the code
enforcement agency or its parent jurisdiction be held as assuming any such
liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this Code or any permits or
certificates issued under this Code.
(i) Cooperation of Other Officials and Officers. The building official may
request, and shall receive so far as is required in the discharge of duties, the
assistance and cooperation of other officials of this jurisdiction.
81-2. Unsafe Electrical Systems or Equipment.
All electrical systems or equipment regulated by this Code which are unsafe or
which constitute a fire hazard or are otherwise dangerous to human life are, for
the purpose of this Section, -unsafe. Any use of electrical systems or equipment
regulated by this Code constituting a hazard to safety, health, or public welfare
by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard,
disaster, damage, or abandonment is, for the purpose of this Section, an unsafe
use.
All such unsafe electrical systems or equipment are hereby declared to be public
nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal in
accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter'1 of the City of Dubuque
Code of Ordinances. As an alternative, the building official or other employee or
official of this jurisdiction as designated by the governing body may institute any
other appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct, or abate the violation.
81-3. Electrical Code Board.
(a) Board Established. In order to determine the suitability of alternative
materials and methods of installation; to provide for reasonable interpretations of
this-Code; to serve as an appeal body for the decisions of'the building official; to
advise the City Council on all electrical regulations and procedures; and to
provide for examining applicants for electrical maintenance license and issuing
electrical maintenance license, there is hereby created the Electrical Code
Board.
(b) Membership. The Electrical Code Board shall consist of seven (7)
members appointed by the City Council. Six (6) members shall have a
background or experience in electrical engineering, electrical contracting,
electrical installation, or electrical maintenance, and one (1) member shall be
appointed from the .public at large.
(c) Term of Office. The term of office of all Board members shall be three (3)
years.
(d) Rules and Regulations. The .Electrical Code Board shall make such rules
and prescribe such procedures as may be reasonably necessary for its
operation, except that such rules shall include the following:
(1) Board Chairperson. The chairperson of the Board shall be a
member of the Board elected annually by a majority of the Board.
(2) Secretary of the Board. The building official or designee shall be
secretary of the Board. The secretary shall arrange for meetings and
prepare and keep such minutes and records and perform such other
clerical work as the Board may direct.
(3) Quorum. Three (3) members shall constitute a quorum. The
concurring vote of three (3) members of the Board shall be necessary to
pass any motion.
(4) Service Until Appointment of Successor. Upon completion of the
term office, members of the Board shall continue to serve in their full
capacity until their successor has been duly appointed.
(5) Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held on the fourth
(4th) Monday in January, March, May, July, September, and November.
Special meetings may be called from time to time by the chairperson, the
secretary, or the City Manager. When the day fixed for any regular
meeting of the Board falls upon a day designated as a legal, national, or
City holiday, such meeting shall be held on the next succeeding day not a
holiday. The secretary shall give notice to the members of the Board if
there is no business filed with the secretary to be heard by the Board by
noon on the Wednesday prior to the regular meeting date and such
regular meeting shall stand cancelled. The secretary shall provide notice
of the cancellation of the meeting in the same manner as notice of a
regular meeting. Members of the Board shall attend at least two-thirds
(2/3) of all scheduled meetings within a twelve (12) month period. If any
member does not attend such prescribed number of meetings, it shall
constitute grounds for the Board to recommend to the City Council that
said member be replaced.
(6) Attendance. The attendance of all members shall be entered on the
minutes by the secretary.
(7) Conformity with Open Meetings Law. All meetings shall be held in
conformance with provisions of the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
(8) Minutes. The Electrical Code Board shall file with the City Council a
copy of the minutes of each meeting of the Board within ten (10) business
days after such meeting.
(9) Administrative Policies. All administrative, personnel, accounting,
budgetary, and procedural policies of the City shall govern the Board in all
of its operations.
(10) Duties When Serving as an Appeals Board. Any person who is
aggrieved by a decision of the building official on any requirements
resulting from the enforcement of this Code may appeal from such
decision to the Board and said Board shall serve as an appeal board. In
case the aggrieved party is a member of said Board, said member shall be
disqualified as a member of the Board acting as an appeal board until the
person aggrieved has been heard and a decision rendered.
The appeal shall be made by the person aggrieved, giving written notice of
such appeal to the building official within seven (7) days of receipt of
decision from which the appeal is taken. The Electrical Code Board, sitting
as an appeal board, shall meet within ten (10) business days after
receiving such notice and render a decision within five (5) business days
thereafter. Any interested party, including the building official, shall have
the right to present their case to the appeal board, whose decision shall be
final unless appealed to the district court as provided by law.
The board of appeals may reverse or modify a decision of the building
official only on finding that:
a. The building official had incorrectly interpreted the provision
of this Code; or,
b. The decision of the building official creates an unnecessary
hardship upon the appellant.
The board of appeals shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be
submitted to substantiate any claims made regarding the use of
alternates.
All appeal hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures
specified in this Code.
(e) Limitations of Authority. The board of appeals shall have no authority
relative to interpretation of the administrative provisions of this Code nor shall the
Board be empowered to waive requirements of this Code.
In so modifying or reversing such decision of the building official, the board of
appeals may authorize any alternate to the decision of the building official and
the provisions, provided it finds the proposed material or method of construction
is satisfactory for the use intended and complies with the provisions of this Code
and that the material, method, or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at
least equivalent to that prescribed by this Code in suitability, strength,
effectiveness, durability, and safety.
81-4. Violations.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct,
enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, or
maintain any electrical system or equipment or cause or permit the same to be
done in violation of this Code.
The doing of any act, or the omission of any act, declared to be unlawful by this
Code or any code or ordinance herein adopted by reference shall be deemed a
separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any such
unlawful act is committed, continued, or permitted and upon conviction shall be
punishable as provided in Chapter 1 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances.
The penalty herein provided shall be cumulative with and in addition to the
revocation, cancellation, or forfeiture of any license or permit elsewhere in this
Code provided for violation thereof.
82-1. Permits Required.
(a) Permits Required. Except as specified in Subsections (b) and (c) of this
Section, no electrical system regulated by this Code shall be installed, altered,
repaired, replaced, or remodeled unless a separate electrical permit for each
building or structure has first been obtained from the building official.
(b) Exempt Work. An electrical permit shall not be required for the following:
(1) Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means
of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an
approved receptacle when that cord or cable is permitted by this Code;
(2) Repair or replacement of fixed motors, transformers, or fixed
approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location;
(3) Temporary decorative lighting;
(4) Repair or replacement of current-carrying parts of any switch,
contractor, or control device;
(5) Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets
therefore;
(6) Repair or replacement of any overcurrent device of the required
capacity in the same location;
(7) Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same
size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems;
(8) Taping joints;
(9) Removal of electrical wiring;
(10) Temporary wiring for experimental purposes in suitable
experimental laboratories; or,
(11) The wiring for temporary theater, motion picture, or television stage
sets.
However, any such. exempted work that is to be performed in other than asingle-
family home by the qualifying homeowner shall be performed by or directly
supervised by the holder of a State of Iowa Class "A" or "B" master or
journeyman electrical license or the holder of a City of Dubuque electrical
contractor, journeyman, or maintenance license.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to
grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of this
Code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
(c) Exempt Systems and Utilities. An electrical permit shall not be required for
the following:
(1) Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment
operation at less than twenty-five (25) volts and not capable of supplying
more than fifty (50) watts of energy.
(2) Low energy power, control, and signal circuits of Classes II and III
as defined in this Code.
(3) A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration, or
repair of electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment for the generation,
transmission, distribution, or metering of electrical energy, or in the
operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence by a public or
private utility in the exercise of its function as a serving utility.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to
grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of this
Code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
82-2. Permit Process.
(a) Application for Permit. The applicant for an electrical permit must be one
of the following:
(1) The homeowner as defined elsewhere in this Ordinance;
(2) Registered with the City of Dubuque Building Services Department
as the holder of a State of Iowa issued Class "A" master electrical license
and affiliated with an electrical contracting firm or business that . is also
licensed by and registered with the State of Iowa; or,
(3) The holder of a current City of Dubuque issued electrical
contractor's license.
(b) Application. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application
therefore in writing on a form furnished by the code enforcement agency for that
purpose. Every such application shall:
(1) Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which
application is made;
(2) Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by
legal description, street address, or similar description that will readily
identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work;
(3) Identify the owner of property, and tenant if applicable, on which the
proposed work is to be done;
(4) Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed work is
intended;
(5) Be accompanied by plans, diagrams, computations, and
specifications and other data as required in Subsection (b) of this Section;
(6) Be signed by permittee or authorized agent; and,
(7) Give such other data and information as may be required by the
building official.
(c) Plans and Specifications. Plans, engineering calculations, diagrams, and
other data shall be .submitted in one or more. sets with each application for a
permit. The building ;official may require plans, computations, and specifications
to be prepared and designed by an engineer or architect licensed by the State of
Iowa to practice as such.
EXCEPTION: The building official may waive the submission of plans,
calculations, etc., if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such. that
reviewing of plans is not necessary to obtain compliance with this Code.
(d) .Information on Plans and Specifications. Plans and specifications shall be
drawn to scale upon substantial paper or cloth and shall be of sufficient clarity to
indicate the location, nature, and extent of the work proposed and show in detail
that it will conform to the provisions of this Code and all relevant laws,
ordinances, rules, and regulations.
Plans for buildings more than two (2) stories in height of other than Groups R,
Division 3, and M Occupancies shall indicate how required structural and fire-
resistive integrity will be maintained where a penetration will be made for
electrical and communication conduits, pipes, and similar systems.
82-3. Permit Issuance.
(a) Issuance. The application, plans, specifications, and other data filed by, an
applicant for permit shall be reviewed by the building official. Such plans may be
reviewed by other departments of this jurisdiction to verify compliance with any
applicable laws under their jurisdiction. If the building official finds that the work
described in an application for a permit and the plans, specifications, and other
data filed therewith conform to the requirements of this Code and other pertinent
laws and ordinances and that the fees specified in Section 82-4 have been paid,
a permit shall be issued therefore to the applicant.
When the building official issues the permit where plans are required, the plans
and specifications shall be endorsed in writing or stamped "APPROVED". Such
approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified, or altered
without authorization from the building official and all work shall be done in
accordance with the approved plans.
The building official may issue a permit for the construction of part of an electrical
system before the entire plans and specifications for the whole system have
been submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed
statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of this
Code. The holder of such permit shall proceed at_personal risk without assurance
that the permit for the entire building, structure, or building service will be
granted.
(b) Retention of Plans. One set of approved plans and specifications shall be
returned to the applicant and shall be kept on the. site of the building work at all
times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress. One set of
approved plans, specifications, and computations shall be retained by the
building official until final approval of the work.
(c) Validity of Permit. The issuance of a permit or approval of plans and
specifications shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any
violation of any of the provisions of this Code, or of any other ordinance of the
jurisdiction. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the
provisions of these codes shall be valid.
The issuance of a permit based upon plans, specifications, and other data shall
not prevent the building official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in
said plans, specifications, and other data or from preventing building operations
being carried on thereunder when in violation of this Code or of any other
ordinances of this jurisdiction.
(d) Expiration. Every permit issued by the building official under the provisions
of this Code shall expire by limitation and become null and void, if the building or
work authorized by such permit is not commenced within one hundred eighty
(180) days from the date of such permit, or if the work authorized by such permit
is suspended or abandoned for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days
following the last inspection of said work. Before such work can be
recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained so to do, and the fee
therefore shall be one-half (1/2) the amount required for a new permit for such
work provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans
and specifications for such work; and provided further that such suspension or
abandonment has not exceeded one (1) year. In order to renew action on a
permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee.
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time
within which work may commence under that permit when unable to commence
work within the time required by this Section for good and satisfactory reasons.
The building official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period
not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days upon written request by the
permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have
prevented action from being taken. No permit shall be extended more than once.
(e) Suspension or Revocation. The building official may, in writing, suspend or
revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this Code whenever the permit is
issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied or in violation of
any ordinance or regulation of the jurisdiction.
82-4. Fees.
(a) Permit Fees. The fee for each electrical permit shall be as established by
the City Manager.
(b) Plan Review Fees. When a plan or other data are required to be submitted
by Subsection (c) of Section 82-2, a plan review fee shall be paid as established
by the City Manager. Where plans are incomplete or changed so as to require
additional plan review, an additional plan review fee shall be charged at the rate
established by the City Manager.
(c) Expiration of Plan Review. Applications for which no permit is issued
within one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of application shall expire
by limitation and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be
returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official. The building official
may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding one
hundred eighty (180) days upon request by the applicant showing that
circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from
being taken. No application shall be extended more than once.'In order to renew
action, on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and
pay a new plan review fee.
(d) Investigation Fees for Work without a Permit.
(1) Investigation. Whenever any work for which a permit is required by
this Code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a
special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for
such work.
(2) Fee. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be
collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The
investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee that would
be required by this Code if a permit were to be issued. The payment of
such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with
all other provisions of either this Code nor from any penalty prescribed by
law. '
(e) Fee Refunds.
(1) The building official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid
hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.
(2) The building official may authorize the refunding of not more than
eighty percent (80%) of the permit fee paid when no work has been done
under a permit issued in accordance with this Code.
(3) The building official may authorize the refunding of not more than
eighty percent (80%) of the plan review fee paid when an application for a
permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled
before any plan reviewing is done.
The building official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid except upon
written application filed by the original permittee no later than one hundred eighty
(180) days after the date of fee payment.
82-5. Inspections.
(a) General. All electrical systems and equipment for which a permit is
required by this Code shall be subject to inspection by the building official. No
portion of any electrical system intended to be concealed shall be concealed until
inspected and approved. Neither the building official nor this jurisdiction shall be
liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required
to allow inspection. When the installation of an electrical system and equipment
is complete an additional and final inspection shall be made. Electrical systems
and equipment regulated by this Code shall not be connected to the energy
source until authorized by the building official.
(b) Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work
authorized by a permit to notify the building official that such work is ready for
inspection. The building official may require that every request for inspection be
filed at least one (1) business day before such inspection is desired. Such
request may be in writing or by telephone at the option of the building official.
It shall be the duty of the person requesting inspections required by this Code to
provide access to and means for proper inspection of such work.
(c) Operation of Electrical Equipment. The requirements of this Section shall
not be construed to prohibit the operation of any electrical system or equipment
installed to replace existing equipment. The request for inspection of such
equipment must have been filed with the building official not more than forty-eight
(48) hours after such replacement work is completed and before any portion of
such electrical system is concealed by any permanent portion of the building.
(d) Other Inspections. In addition to the called inspections required by this
Code, the building official may make or require other inspections of any work to
ascertain compliance with the provisions of this Code and other laws which are
enforced by the code enforcement agency.
(e) Re-Inspections. A re-inspection fee may be assessed for each inspection
or re-inspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not
complete or when corrections called for are not made.
This Provision is not to be interpreted as requiring re-inspection fees the first time
a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this Code, but as
controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such
inspection or re-inspection.
Re-inspection fees may be assessed when the approved plans are not readily
available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which
inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the
building official
To obtain a re-inspection, the applicant shall file an application therefore in
writing upon a form furnished for that purpose and pay the re-inspection fee in
accordance with Table No. 13-A.
In instances where re-inspection fees have been assessed, no additional
inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid.
(f) Monthly Maintenance Inspections. In industrial plants where experienced
electricians are regularly employed and who have charge of the electrical work in
such plants, a monthly inspection shall be made by the building official of the
installation of electric wiring, fixtures, appliances, work, and materials used in
connection with the operation of work in said plant. A record shall be kept at such
plants covering the preceding month. This record shall be filed with the building
official each month prior to the time set for making regular inspection. Any falsity
contained in the reports required to be filed with the building official shall subject
the person, firm, or corporation responsible therefore to the penalties provided in
this Article.
82-6. Connection Approval.
(a) Energy Connections. An electrical system or equipment regulated by this
Code for which a permit is required shall not be connected to a source of energy
or power until approved by the building official.
(b) Temporary Connections. The building official may authorize the temporary
connection of the electrical system or equipment to the source of energy or
power for the purpose of testing the equipment or for use under a temporary
certificate of occupancy.
83-1. Definitions.
For use within this Article, the following words and phrases are defined:
Apprentice electrician means any person who as such person's principal
occupation is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation, alteration, and
repair of electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment as an employee of a person
licensed by the State of Iowa as an electrical contractor, and who is licensed by
the State of Iowa and is progressing toward completion of an apprenticeship
training program registered by the bureau of apprenticeship and training of the
United States Department of Labor. For purposes of this Ordinance, persons who
are not engaged in the installation, alteration, or repair of electrical wiring,
apparatus, and equipment, either inside or outside buildings, shall not be
considered apprentice electricians.
City. of Dubuque licensed electrical contractor means a person licensed with the
City of Dubuque having demonstrated the necessary qualifications, training,
experience, and technical knowledge to plan, lay out, install, service, _ and
supervise the installation of electrical wiring, electrical equipment apparatus,
electrical equipment for light, heat, power, and other purposes, and to supervise
apprentices and the unclassified persons in their employ.
City of Dubuque licensed journeyman electrician means a person having the
necessary qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to wire
for or install electrical wiring, electrical apparatus, and electrical equipment, and
to supervise apprentices, and who is licensed by the Dubuque Electrical Code
Board.
Class A journeyman electrician means a person having the necessary
qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to wire for or install
electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment and to supervise apprentice
electricians and who is licensed by the State Board.
Class A master electrician means a person having the necessary qualifications,
training, experience, and technical knowledge to properly plan, lay out, install,
service, and supervise the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus, and
equipment for light, heat, power, and other purposes and who is licensed by the
State Board.
Class B journeyman electrician means a person having the necessary
qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to wire for or install
electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment who meets and is subject to the
restrictions of Iowa Code §103.12 and who is licensed by the State Board.
Class B .master electrician means a person having the necessary qualifications,
training, experience, and technical knowledge to properly plan, lay out, install,
service, and supervise the installation of electrical wiring, apparatus, and
equipment who meets and is subject to the restrictions of Iowa Code §103.10
and who is licensed by the State Board.
Electrical contractor means a person affiliated with a contracting firm or business
who is licensed by the State of Iowa Electrical Board and who is also registered
with the Iowa Division of Labor as a contractor.
Electrical equipment means all electrical materials, wiring, conductors, fittings,
devices, appliances, fixtures, signs, and apparatus or parts thereof.
Electrical work means all installations, alterations, repairs, removals, renewals,
replacements, connections, disconnections, and maintenance of all electrical
equipment except as otherwise noted.
Homeowner means the owner of property that is the owner's principal place of
residence, if such residence is an existing dwelling rather than new construction
and is not larger than a single family dwelling or farm property and shall qualify
for the homestead tax exemption.
Licensed means licensed under this Article or Iowa Code §103.2, except as
otherwise specified.
Maintenance electrician means a person who has the necessary training,
experience, and technical knowledge to undertake the work of installing,
servicing, maintaining, altering, and repairing electrical devices, appliances, and
equipment within the stipulated confines of property owned or controlled by the
firm, business, or company by whom employed. An electrical maintenance
certificate of competency may be issued to an individual and will entitle the
holder thereof to undertake the work of installing, servicing, maintaining, altering,
and repairing electrical devices, appliances, and equipment only within the
confines of the property owned by such individual for use or application to such
property.
Master electrician/electrical contractor means a person having the necessary
qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to plan, lay out,
install, service, and supervise the installation of electrical wiring, electrical
equipment apparatus, electrical equipment for light, heat, power, and other
purposes, and to supervise apprentices, and who is licensed by the Electrical
Code Board.
Registered, under this Article, means a copy of the licensed person's license and
current contact information has been provided to the City of Dubuque Building
Services Department on forms provided by Building Services Department, except
as otherwise specified.
Residential electrician means a person having the necessary qualifications,
training, experience, and technical knowledge to wire for or install electrical
wiring, apparatus, and equipment who meets and is subject to the restrictions of
Iowa Code §103.12 and who is licensed by the State Board.
Special electrician means a person having the necessary qualifications, training,
and experience in wiring or installing special classes of electrical wiring,
apparatus, equipment, or installations which shall include irrigation system wiring,
disconnecting and reconnecting of.existing air conditioning and refrigeration, and
sign installation, and who is licensed by the State Board.
Unclassified person means any person, other than an apprentice electrician or
other person licensed under this Chapter, who, as such person's principal
occupation, is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation, alteration, and
repair of electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment as an employee of a person
licensed by the State of Iowa and who is licensed by the State of Iowa as an
unclassified person. For purposes of this Ordinance, persons who are not
engaged in the installation, alteration, or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus,
and equipment, either inside or outside buildings, shall not be considered
unclassified persons.
83-2. Registration Required; Exceptions.
(a) No person, firm, or corporation shall perform any electrical work as an
electrical contractor, master electrician, journeyman electrician, apprentice
electrician, unclassified person, or maintenance electrician in the City of
Dubuque unless registered with the Building Services Department of the City of
Dubuque as provided in this Article.
(b) No electrical contractor or electrical maintenance electrician shall employ
any apprentice or unclassified person to perform any electrical work unless said
apprentice or unclassified person is under the direct personal on-the-job
supervision of a State or City licensed master electrician, State or City licensed
journeyman electrician, or City licensed maintenance electrician. The ratio of
apprentice electricians or unclassified persons to holders of State of Iowa master
or journeyman electrical license holders or the holders of a City of Dubuque
electrical contractor journeyman or electrical maintenance license at any time
shall not exceed the ratios given in 83-2(f).
Direct personal on-the-job supervision and control and in the immediate
presence of a licensee shall mean the licensee and the apprentice electrician or
unclassified person shall be working at the same project location but shall not
require that the licensee and apprentice electrician or unclassified person be
within sight of one another at all times. .
Every person who desires to perform the work of an electrical. laborer/helper shall
provide their name and contact information to the Building Services Department
on such forms as the building official shall prescribe.
Apprentice electricians shall not install, alter, or repair electrical equipment
except as provided in this Ordinance and the licensee employing or supervising
the apprentice electricians shall not authorize or permit such actions by the
apprentice electricians.
Unclassified persons shall not install, alter, or repair any energized electrical
equipment and the licensee employing or supervising the unclassified persons
shall not authorize or permit such actions by the unclassified persons.
Apprentice electricians shall do no electrical wiring except under the direct
personal on-the-job supervision and control and in the immediate presence of a
licensee as provided in this Ordinance. Such supervision shall include both on-
the-job training and related classroom training as approved by the State of Iowa
Electrical Examining Board and the bureau of apprenticeship and training of the
United States Department of Labor.
Unclassified persons shall do no electrical wiring except under the direct
personal on-the-job supervision and control and in the immediate presence of a
licensee as provided in this Ordinance.
Employment of unregistered master, journeyman, apprentice electricians, or
unclassified persons shall be grounds for the suspension or revocation of the
employing electrical contractor's registration and their ability to do work within the
limits of the City of Dubuque.
Employment of unregistered master, journeyman, apprentice electricians, or
unclassified persons shall be grounds for the suspension or revocation of the
employing maintenance electrician's registration and their ability to do work within
the limits of the City of Dubuque.
(c) The owner or owners of a single-family dwelling, or mobile home,
including the usual accessory building and quarters used exclusively for living
purposes may do such electrical work without registration as demonstrated by
the capability to do, to the building official, providing that the dwelling or mobile
home will be occupied by the owner and that a permit is issued as provided in the
Electrical Code. No person qualifying for the owner-occupant exemption shall be
eligible for a subsequent exemption on any other structure for seven (7) years.
(d) The provisions of this Article shall not apply to any regular employee of a
public utility who does electrical work for such public utility only, nor shall they
apply to the electrical work of a telephone or telegraph company, nor the
persons, firms, or corporations performing electrical work for such a company,
where such electrical work is an integral part of the plant used by such telephone
or telegraph company in rendering its duly authorized service to the public, nor to
any regular employee of any railroad who does electrical work only as a part of
that employment.
(e) The provisions of this Article shall not apply to the replacement of integral
parts of equipment or appliances by firms or persons in possession of a valid
electrical maintenance license issued previously to the firm or person by the
Building Services Department of the City under other pertinent City ordinances.
(f) The maximum number of State of Iowa licensed apprentice electricians or
State of Iowa licensed unclassified persons that may be supervised by a licensed
City of Dubuque or State of Iowa master, journeyman, or maintenance electrician
shall not exceed three unclassified to one licensed electrician (3:1).
The supervision ratio of this Section need not apply to apprenticeship classroom
training.
83-3. Classes of Dubuque Electrical License.
(a) One (1) class of license is hereby established and certificates thereof shall
be issued only upon the direction of the Dubuque Electrical Code Board. This
class shall be designated respectively as:
Electrical maintenance license shall entitle the holder thereof to undertake
the work of installing, servicing, maintaining, altering, and repairing
electrical devices, appliances, and equipment within the confines of
property owned or controlled by the firm, business, or company employing
such registration holder or within. the confines of property owned by an
individual
(b) Three (3) classes of license are hereby established and certificates
thereof shall be renewed only upon the direction of the .Dubuque Electrical Code
Board. These classes shall be designated respectively as:
Dubuque electrical contractor's license shall entitle the holder thereof to
engage in the business of electrical contracting within the corporate limits
of the City of Dubuque and to secure permits for the installation, alteration,
or repair of any electric wiring, device, appliances, or equipment.
Electrical maintenance license shall entitle the holder-thereof to undertake,
within the corporate limits of the City of Dubuque, the work of installing,
servicing, maintaining, altering, and repairing electrical devices,
appliances, and equipment within the confines of property owned or
controlled by the firm, business, or company employing such registration
holder or within the confines of property owned by an individual.
Dubuque journeyman electrician's license shall entitle the holder thereof to
undertake, within the corporate limits of the City of Dubuque, the work of
installing, maintaining, altering, and repairing electrical devices,
appliances, and equipment in the employ of an electrical contractor.
Sec. 83-4. Examination Required.
Application Fee for Reexamination Upon Failure of Examinations. Any person
desiring to be examined for a license to perform electrical maintenance work by
the Dubuque Electrical Code Board, as determined by this Article, shall make
application to the Board on forms furnished by the Board, setting forth
information necessary to establish qualifications as such and payment of an
examination fee as specified in Table No. 13B. Persons failing an examination
and desiring to take the examination again must make application for the
examination and pay the examination fee as required in the first instance.
Sec. 83-5. Scope of Examination.
Applicants for licensure under this Article will be examined by the Dubuque
Electrical Code Board to determine their knowledge of the rules and regulations
governing the installation of electric wiring, devices, appliances, and equipment
as set forth in the statutes of .the State, the ordinances of the City, and in the
National Electrical Code, in order to determine the general qualifications and
fitness of each applicant for executing electrical maintenance work.
Sec. 83-6. Reexamination.
Should an applicant for registration under this Article fail to pass an examination
by not obtaining a rating thereon of seventy-five percent (75%) or higher, such
applicant may be reexamined upon submitting an application in writing
accompanied by the examination fee after a period of sixty (60) days has elapsed
from the date of the applicant's last previous examination.
83-7. Fees for Licenses.
Before an electrical maintenance license is granted to any applicant under this
Article and before an expiring electrical license issued by the City of Dubuque is
renewed, the applicant shall pay to the City a fee as specified in Table No. 13-B.
TABLE NO. 13-B
Electrical Examination, License Fees
1. Initial fee for electrical maintenance license $120.00
2. Renewal fee for electrical maintenance license $60.00
3. Renewal fee for Dubuque licensed electrical contractor $75.00
4. Renewal fee for Dubuque licensed journeyman $50.00
Examination fees are set by the testing agency.
83-8. Bonding.
Any person, company, or firm desiring to engage in the business of electrical
contracting and obtain permits for the purpose of performing electrical work
within the City limits of Dubuque under the scope of the City of Dubuque Code of
Ordinances or Iowa Code Chapter 197 shall execute a surety company bond in
the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) conditioned that such person will
hold the City harmless from liability for damage because of any negligence in
doing, protecting, and completing the permitted work of such person, company,
or firm or employees of said person, company, or firm will keep the work in good
and perfect repair for the time stated in the standard plans and specifications for
such work, and shall be liable on such bond to the City and property owner for
any damage, loss, and expense caused by reason of such person, company, or
firm's failure to perform the work according to the standard specifications, and for
any breach of the bond, and on the prompt payment to the City of any sums
becoming due and owing to the City by reason of the City of Dubuque Code of
Ordinances during the life of said bond. Said bond shall be kept in full force and
effect for a period of one (1) year after expiration, cancellation, or revocation of
electrical contractor license or ninety (90) days after the recorded completion of
all permitted electrical projects of this individual, company, or firm, whichever
occurs first. Such bond shall be subject to annual approval by the City Council.
83-9. Expiration of Registration; Renewal; Failure to Renew.
(1) Each Dubuque license shall expire on December 31St following the date of
its issue and shall be renewed by the Dubuque Electrical Code Board upon
application of the holder of the license and payment of the required fees any time
on or before January 1St of each year.
Renewal of license shall not be granted to a holder of a license while indebted to
the City under the terms of this Article.
(2) If there is a lapse of over sixty (60) days from the expiration of a license
renewal, the renewal procedure shall be the same as on an original application.
83-10. Suspension of Permit Privilege for Multiple Violations.
Where a licensed electrical contractor is found doing electrical work without an
electrical permit on three (3) separate occasions in one (1) year, a hearing shall
be held by the building official at which time the permit privileges of said electrical
contractor may be suspended for a period of time not to exceed one (1) year.
The members of the Dubuque Electrical Code Board as established by Article
81-3 shall be present at such hearings and shall act as advisors to the building
official in determining what course of action should be taken.
83-12. Display of License.
Every holder of a State of Iowa or City of Dubuque electrical. license shall be able
to produce their current license when on the job site or when making application
for an electrical permit.
83-13. Transferability.
No license may be loaned, rented, assigned, or transferred. No holder of a valid
license shall obtain a permit under said license and then sub-contract, sell, or
otherwise assign the work covered by said permit to a person or firm who does
not have a valid license.
Article 250.104(8) Other Metal Piping.
Where installed in or attached to a building or structure, metal piping system(s),
including gas .piping, that is likely to become energized shall be bonded to the
service equipment enclosure, the grounded conductor at the service, the
grounding electrode conductor where of sufficient size, or to the one or more
grounding electrodes used. The bonding jumper(s) shall be sized in accordance
with 250.122, using the rating of the circuit that is likely. to energize the piping
system(s). The points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s) shall be
accessible.
Article 250.104(E) Gas Piping System Bonding Requirement.
This requirement will apply anytime a main electrical service is installed,
replaced, or repaired and the structure has one or more metal fuel gas piping
systems. The metal gas piping system(s) shall be made electrically and
mechanically continuous to the grounding electrode system of the main electrical
service by the installation of a bonding connection which meets all of the
following:
(1) The bonding conductor(s) shall not be smaller than a number six
(#6) copper wire.
(2) The bonding conductor(s) shall be bare copper or shall be green
insulated wire.
(3) All bonding connections on gas pipe system(s) shall be located
(inside or out) not more than 1.52 m (5 ft) from the point where the gas
pipes enter the structure.
(4) No bonding connection on any gas pipe(s) shall be installed before
(upstream, ahead) of any gas meter or other gas company equipment.
(5) All bonding connections on gas pipe system(s) shall be installed
only on a rigid metal portion of the gas pipe, never on a flexible section of
gas pipe.
(6) All bonding conductor(s) shall be connected to the gas piping
system(s) by exothermic welding, listed lugs, listed pressure connectors,
listed clamps, or other listed means.
(7) Not more than one conductor shall be installed per listed connector
or clamp or fitting unless the device is listed for multiple conductors.
(8) All bonding connections on the gas piping system(s) shall be
accessible when the building is complete.
(9) Gas piping system(s) shall never be used as the grounding
electrode system.
404.1 (A) HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS.
This includes but is not limited to receptacles, switches, dimmers, thermostats,
timers, fuses, equipment disconnects, and circuit-breakers whether located
inside or outside of a building or structure.
In all places accessible to persons with disabilities, the height requirements of all
electrical utilization or control devices shall be as follows:
(1) The minimum height of a required wall .mounted electrical device
shall not be less than 0.38m (15 inches),- measured from the finished floor
height to the center of the usable part of the device.
(2) The maximum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
shall not be greater than 1.22m (48 inches), measured from the floor to
the to the center of the usable part of the device.
(3) The maximum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
installed over the surface of a counter top shall not be greater than 1.17m
(46 inches), measured from the floor to the to the center of the usable part
of the device.
406.1 (A) HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS.
This includes but is not limited to receptacles, switches, dimmers, thermostats,
timers, fuses, equipment disconnects, and circuit-breakers whether located
inside or outside of a building or structure.
In all places accessible to persons with disabilities, the height requirements of all
electrical utilization or control devices shall be as follows:
(1) The minimum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
shall not be less than 0.38m (15 inches), measured from the finished floor
height to the center of the usable part of the device.
(2) The maximum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
shall not be greater than 1.22m (48 inches), measured from the floor to
the to the center of the usable part of the device.
(3) The maximum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
installed over the surface of a counter top shall not be greater than 1 o17m
(46 inches), measured from the floor to the to the center of the usable part
of the device.
408.1(A) HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS.
This includes but is not limited to receptacles, switches, .dimmers, thermostats,
timers, fuses, equipment disconnects, and circuit-breakers whether located
inside or outside of a building or structure.
In all places accessible to persons with disabilities, the height requirements of all
electrical utilization or control devices shall be as follows:
(1) The minimum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
shall not be less than 0.38m (15 inches), measured from the finished floor
height to the center of the usable part of the device.
(2) The maximum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
shall not be greater than 1.22m (48 inches), measured from the floor to
the to the center of the usable part of the device.
(3) The maximum height of a required wall mounted electrical device
installed over the surface of a counter top shall not be greater than 1.17m
(46 inches), measured from the floor to the to the center of the usable part
of the device.
Article 408.4(A) Additional Labeling of Electrical Service Panels and
Switchboards.
The labeling shall be expanded to include the name of contracting company
(installer) and the contact information for same and shall be installed at or on the
main electrical service panel. Additionally it will list all of the following:
(1) Location(s) of all accessible bolted grounding connections to any
metal water service piping.
(2) Approximate location(s) of all buried ground-rod connections, if any
installed.
(3) Approximate location of all bolted grounding connections to
reinforcing steel in foundation if installed.
(4) Location(s) of all accessible bolted bonding connections to building
steel and all other metal piping systems including gas piping, sprinklers,
etc.
(5) Location of the intersystem bonding terminal bus bar. Irreversible
connections (compression, exothermic, etc.) are not required to be
accessible.
Section 3. When Effective. This Ordinance shall take effect on
May 1, 2009.
Passed, approved and adopted this 16th day of March, 2009.
Roy D. Buol, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk