Electrical Code, 2005, National
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MEMORANDUM
November 29, 2005
TO:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Amending the City Electricity Ordinance
Building Services Manager Rich Russell recommends the City Council adopt the 2005
National Electrical Code published by the National Fire Protection Association.
The Dubuque Homebuilders Association preferred that the requirement to have an
additional ground connected to the home foundation be deleted. The Electrical Board
discussed this request and decided to leave the requirement in the Code.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
All<.,ftt.~
Michael C. Van Milligen '-
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
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November 28, 2005
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
RE: Amending the City Electricity Ordinance
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this memo is to recommend the amending of the City
Ordinance by adoption of the 2005 (NEC) published by the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA).
BACKGROUND:
The City of Dubuque adopted the 2002 edition of the National Electrical Code on
June 3, 2002 by the approval of City Ordinance 46--02. The Electrical Board of Appeals
met twice over the past few months to discuss the adoption of the 2005 National
Electrical Code.
There is one issue raised by the Dubuque Homebuilders and Associates. The 2005
edition of NEC Section 250-52 (A) (3) requires an additional ground connected to the
foundations of homes. The Homebuilders are concerned about the foundations being
damaged during a lightning strike. The Electrical Board addressed this issue and kept it
in their recommendation.
DISCUSSION: The adoption of the 2005 National Electrical Code will allow general
contractors, architects, system designers and Building Services staff members to use
an up to date electrical code. The adoption of the Electrical Code will have a positive
impact on the ISO rating of the City of Dubuque's Building Services Department.
Electrical Board members work in most of the activities regulated by the code.
RECOMMENDATION: I recommend the 2005 National Electrical Code be adopted. I
have attached a resolution for their use.
ACTION REQUIRED: The desired action step is for the City Manager to recommend to
the City Council adoption of the 2005 National Electrical Code.
ORDINANCE NO. 64-05
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, 2005 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, 2005 Edition, as adopted, shall be on file
in the office of the City Clerk for public inspection.
Section 2. When Effective. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately
upon publication as provided by law.
Passed, approved and adopted this 5th day of December, 2005.
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk