ORD 1988-15rte& - 16
TOWN OF TROPHY CLUB, TEXAS
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF TROPHY CLUB,
TEXAS ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE
INSTALLATION OR REPAIR OF ELECTRICAL WIRING
OR OTHER ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WITHIN THE
TOWN; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS; ADOPTING THE
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1987 EDITION;
CREATING THE OFFICE OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
OF THE TOWN AND PRESCRIBING THE DUTIES AND
POWERS OF THAT OFFICE; REQUIRING ELECTRICAL
LICENSES FOR ANY MASTER OR JOURNEYMAN
ELECTRICIAN OPERATING WITHIN THE TOWN;
PROVIDING FOR RECIPROCAL LICENSING;
REQUIRING A PERMIT PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION
OF ANY WIRING DEVICE OR EQUIPMENT FOR THE
TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION OR UTILIZATION OF
ELECTRICAL ENERGY IN ANY BUILDING OR
STRUCTURE; ESTABLISHING ELECTRICAL WIRING
REQUIREMENTS; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 85-13
OF THE TOWN RELATING TO THE 1985 EDITION OF
THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A PENALTY NOT
TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS
($2,000.00) AND A SEPARATE OFFENSE SHALL BE
DEEMED COMMITTED EACH DAY DURING OR ON WHICH
A VIOLATION OCCURS OR CONTINUES; DECLARING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Trophy Club,
Texas (the "Town") hereby finds that the establishment of
standards governing and regulating the installation and repair
of electrical wiring or other materials is in the best interest
and for the purpose of protecting and promoting the health,
safety and welfare of the citizens of the Town.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF TROPHY CLUB, TEXAS:
Section 1. That the following words shall have the
respective meanings ascribed to them:
"Electrical wiring" is intended to mean the installation
of electrical wares, fixtures, appliances, apparatus or the
addition to any wires, fixtures, apparatus or appliances used
or to be used on or in any building or premises for the purpose
of transmitting an electric current for electric light, heat,
power, house annunciator systems, electric bells, telephones,
signal systems, private telephones or telegraph, radios,
lighting fixtures, or for any purpose of any kind, nature or
description.
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"Electrical Contractor" shall mean any person, firm,
partnership or corporation engaged in the business of
installing or repairing, or contracting to install or repair,
any electrical wiring, conduits, fixtures, devices, equipment
or other electrical materials for conducting, using or
consuming electric energy.
"Master Electrician" shall mean any person holding a
current Master Electrician license.
"Journeyman Electrician" shall mean and include any
person doing the work of installing, repairing or maintaining
any electrical wiring, conduits, fixtures, or devices, or any
other electric materials or appliances for conducting, using or
consuming electric energy and who may engage in such work only
under the supervision, or in the direct employ of a Master
Electrician or Electrical Contractor.
"Apprentice Electrician" shall mean any person helping a
Journeyman or Master Electrician.
Section 2. Adoption of Code. That there is hereby
adopted the National Electrical Code, 1987 Election, as the
standard for electrical wiring and installation for the Town,
and such Code is incorporated herein as if copied herein in its
entirety. A copy of such Code shall be kept on file in the
office of the Town Secretary.
Section 3. Meter Installations. Meter installations
shall comply with specifications of the utility company
furnishing power. The utility company furnishing power shall
have the right to designate service entrance locations.
Section 4. Electrical Inspector.
A. There is hereby created the office of Electrical
Inspector of the Town of Trophy Club, Texas. It shall be the
responsibility and duty of the Electrical Inspector of the Town
of Trophy Club to carry out the terms, provisions, and
requirements of this ordinance and to that end he shall be
under the direction and control of the Building Official,
B. There shall be designated from time to time as the
need may arise such Assistant Electrical Inspectors as may be
deemed necessary by the Town Council of the Town of Trophy Club.
C. The Electrical Inspectors are hereby given
authority to refuse to issue a permit on an addition to old
work where the old work is in an unsafe condition until such is
changed to come up to a satisfactory condition. All light,
heat, and power companies shall be notified not to make service
connections until they receive clearance or written permission
from the Electrical Inspection Department of the Town.
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D. It shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector
to inspect all public and isolated light plants (excepting
property of companies and corporations operating under a
regular franchise) now or hereafter in operation, at least once
each year, or more often if application is made by the owners
thereof. They shall see that any dangerous or defective
machinery, wires or apparatus are removed immediately at the
expense of the owner or agent of said property.
E. It shall be the duty of the Electrical Inspector
to cause all dead wires, unused poles or electric apparatus on
the outside of buildings or in streets or alleys to be removed
at the expense of the owners by giving the said owners written
notice. This does not apply to apparatus owned and operated by
a public utility company.
F. The Town Electrical Inspector may be called upon
as many times as required to inspect new buildings in the
course of construction and, in order not to delay construction,
shall inspect such work within 48 hours from the time such
request is received, Sundays and holidays excepted.
C. The Electrical Inspector shall have the authority
to demand building contractors to open such work that in any
manner conceals electrical wiring that has been closed without
his knowledge or permission, and in no case shall the
Electrical Inspector issue clearance until he is satisfied that
the work is in accordance with the provisions of this
ordinance. The Electrical Inspector shall have the right to
refuse to issue a clearance on any wiring that is concealed in
such a manner that they cannot fully satisfy themselves that it
has been installed or placed in accordance with this ordinance.
H. The Electrical Inspector shall have the right at
all times to make a thorough reinspection of the installation
in or on buildings and/or premises of all electrical wiring,
electric devices and electric materials now installed or that
may hereafter be installed, within the Town of Trophy Club.
When the installation of any such wiring, devices or materials
is found to be in a dangerous or unsafe condition, the person,
firm, or corporation owning, using or operating the same shall
be notified in writing and shall make the necessary repairs or
changes required to place such wiring devices and materials in
a safe condition and have such work completed within a
reasonable period.
I. The Electrical Inspector is hereby empowered to
disconnect or order the public utility company serving electric
energy to sever the electrical service to such wiring devices
and/or materials found to be defectively installed until the
installation of such wiring devices and materials has been made
safe as directed by the Electrical Inspector. Any person, firm
or corporation ordered to discontinue any electrical service
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shall do so within twenty-four (24) hours and shall not
reconnect or allow it to be reconnected until notified to do so
by the Electrical Inspector. No person or persons shall hinder
or prevent the Electrical Inspector or his Assistants from
making any electrical inspection.
J. when service is disconnected to any building used
for commercial or mercantile purposes, theaters, gasoline
stations and garages within the corporate limits of the Town,
approval must be obtained from the Town Electrical Inspector
before reconnecting the electric energy. Provided, however,
where service is terminated for non-payment of bill, it shall
not be necessary to obtain Town approval for reconnecting.
K. The Town Electrical Inspector shall have the power
to enter any building, structure, alley, lot, manhole or subway
while in the actual performance of his regular duties. The
Electrical Inspector, or his agent, may enforce the provisions
of this ordinance on private property upon presentation of
proper identification to the occupant or person in charge of
any unit, and may enter, with the occupant's or person's
permission, any unit between the hours of 8:00 and 5:00 p.m.;
provided, however, that in cases of emergency where extreme
hazards are known to exist which may involve imminent injury to
persons, loss of life or severe property damage, the Electrical
Inspector may enter the aforementioned dwellings at any time
and the requirement for presentation of identification and the
occupant's permission shall not apply. Whenever the Electrical
Inspector is denied admission to inspect any premises under
this provision, inspection shall be made only under authority
of a warrant issued by a magistrate authorizing the
inspection. In applying for such a warrant, the Electrical
Inspector shall submit to the magistrate an affidavit setting
forth his belief that a violation of this ordinance exists with
respect to the place sought to be inspected and the reasons for
such belief. Such affidavit shall designate the location of
such place and the name of the person believed to be the
occupant thereof. If the magistrate finds that probable cause
exists for an inspection of the premises in question, he may
issue a warrant authorizing the inspection, such warrant
describing the premises with sufficient certainty to identify
the same. Any warrants issued will constitute authority for
the Electrical Inspector to enter upon and inspect the premises
described therein.
Section 5, Licensing.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person, who is not
licensed and registered as a qualified electrician in
accordance with the provisions of this ordinance, to engage in
the business of electrical construction or to make any repairs,
alterations, additions, or changes to any existing system of
electrical conductors, wiring, apparatus, or equipment within
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the Town, except as provided in paragraph E of this section,
It shall be unlawful for any person to falsely represent
himself as a licensed electrician of a class set out in this
ordinance or to use the words "electrical contractor," "master
electrician," "electrician," or words of similar import or
meaning on signs, cards, stationary or by any manner
whatsoever, unless said person is properly registered within
the meaning of the words used as provided by this ordinance.
B. To secure a license as a qualified and competent
electrician, an application shall be made in writing on forms
available in the office of the Town Electrical Inspector. All
applicants for a Journeyman or Master Electrician's license
shall be required to pass or have passed an examination given
for such purposes by a city duly incorporated under the laws of
the State of Texas.
C. Every license issued hereunder shall expire one
year from the date of its issuance, and shall be renewed upon
request and payment of the required fee; provided, however, if
during the year the applicant has been convicted of a violation
of this ordinance, he shall be required to again pass an
electrical examination given by a Texas municipal corporation.
D. The fees shall be as follows:
Classification
Annual
Re istration Fee
Annual
License Fee
Master Electrician $50.00 $25.00
Journeyman ----- $5.00
E. Homeowner's Rights. Nothing herein shall prohibit
any bona fide homeowner from personally installing electrical
conductors or equipment within his own home, or in his own
premises, provided that the owner shall apply for and secure an
electrical permit, do work in accordance with this ordinance
and employ for compensation no help.
Section 5. Electrical Permits.
A. No wiring device or equipment for the
transmission, distribution or utilization of electrical energy
for light, power and/or heat shall be installed within, on or
in any building or structure, nor shall any alteration or
addition be made to any such existing wiring device or
equipment, without first obtaining a permit therefore from the
Electrical Inspector as stated in the following paragraphs.
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B. No permit shall be required for the replacement of
lamps or the connection of portable devices to suitable
receptacles which have been permanently installed.
C. No permit shall be required for the installation
of wiring and equipment for the operation or transmission of
intelligence where such wiring, devices and equipment operate
at a voltage not exceeding 25 volts between conductors.
D. Application for electrical permits shall describe
the work to be done and shall be made in writing to the
Electrical Inspector by the person, firm or corporation
installing the work and the permit, Then issued, shall be to
such applicant.
E. The Electrical Inspector may require that an
applicant for a permit furnish complete plans and
specifications for the installation showing sizes of conductors
and such other details as may be necessary to determine whether
the installation as described will be in conformity with the
requirements of this ordinance.
F. The issuance of a permit shall not be taken as
permission to violate any of the requirements of this ordinance.
G. The fees charged for any electrical work in the
Town of Trophy Club shall be in accordance with the Schedule of
Fees, Table A, attached hereto.
H. There shall be a reinspection fee of $15.00 where
it is necessary for the Electrical Inspector to reinspect any
part of an electrical job,
Section 7. Electrical Wirin
A. Wiring installed in the Town of Trophy Club shall
be no less than nonmetallic cable. Aluminum wiring may not be
used in any installation except for the entrance service cable
installed by the electric utility provider and the service
entry cable from the meter base to the control panel. All
other installations shall be copper. Wiring of hazardous
locations shall, however, comply with Article 500 of the
National Electrical Code,
B. All dwellings of 1050 square feet to 1999 square
feet must have not less than 100 amps service entrance
conductors. All dwellings of 2000 square feet or more must
have not less than 150 amps service entrance conductors.
C. Service panel boards for dwellings may be
installed in any readily accessible location in dwellings
excluding bathroom, heating and clothes closets.
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D. Rigid PVC conduit shall be used for underground
service risers to service equipment outside of a commercial or
industrial building or structure.
E. All temporary poles of the meter socket must be
mounted a minimum of 4 feet and a maximum of 6 feet from grade
to center of meter socket. The minimum service conductors
shall be no smaller than number 6 feet AWG and a 50 amp main 2
pole volts disconnecting breaker.
F. Non-metallic device boxes may be used as
authorized by Sections 370-7(c) of the National Electrical
Code, and the equipment grounding conductors connected together
in a spliced form shall be secured by an approved device such
as a wire nut or scotchlock.
G. On all commercial installations, the Electrical
Contractor shall furnish the Town of Trophy Club Electrical
Inspector a calculated load and riser diagram prior to
requesting an electrical permit.
H. On all re -wiring of old installations, the wiring
may be done according to Chapter 9, Table 4--A, National
Electric Code on re -wiring. The existing load must be
calculated and riser size and entrance cable sized accordingly.
I. Service entrance conductors shall not be run at a
distance greater than 25 feet within the hollow space of a
frame building unless provided with automatic over --current
protection at their outer ends.
J. All electrical panels and meters on frame shall be
mounted on 2" X 4" board backing and in installations on brick
veneer lead anchors must be used. No electric meter or panel
shall be located in a wall that serves as a wall of a bathtub
or shower enclosure.
Section 8. Repealer. That Ordinance No. 85-13 of the
Town is hereby repealed in its entirety.
Section 9. Severability. If any section, article,
paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase or word in this ordinance,
or application thereto any person or circumstances is held
invalid or unconstitutional by a Court of competent
jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this ordinance; and the Town Council
hereby declares it would have passed such remaining portions
shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 10. Penalty. Any person violating any of the
provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be subject to a
fine in a sum not to exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00)
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for each offense and a separate offense shall be deemed
committed upon each day during or on which a violation occurs.
Section 11. Effective Date. That this ordinance shall
take effect from and after its date of passage and publication
as provided by law.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Town Council of the Town of
Trophy Club, Texas this the 1_ day of J ,Time , 1988.
Mayer, Towfi of--T-ophy Club, Texas
ATTES
Tow i -"Secretary, Town of Trophy Club, Texas
[SEAL]
APPROVED AS TO FORM; 7
(11" jZrIN;�P1111% pl-)�
Town t orney, Town of Trophy Club, Texas