Jefferson County, MO Article X Jefferson County Electrical Code 2017

Section 500.470 Additions, Insertions, Deletions and Changes.

[Ord. No. 11-0248 §1(Art. X), 8-9-2011; Ord. No. 17-0472, 10-27-2017]

E-0.1 TITLE: These regulations shall be known as the Jefferson County Electrical Code hereinafter referred to as "this Code."

E-0.2 SCOPE: The design and installation of electrical systems shall comply with the requirements of 2014 N.E.C. and this Code.

E-0.3 INTENT: This Code shall be construed to secure the proper installation of systems for furnishing electricity; and to insure public safety, health and welfare insofar as they are affected by the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.

E-0.4 REFERENCE: Reference Standard NFPA 70.

E-1.0 APPLICABILITY

E-1.1 GENERAL: The provisions of these regulations shall cover all matters affecting or relating to buildings and structures as set forth in Section E-0.0.

E-1.2 MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR: Any electrical requirement essential for the safety of an existing or proposed building, or structure, or essential for the safety of the acceptance thereof, and which is not specifically covered by this Code shall be determined by the Code Official.

E-1.3 CONTINUATION OF UNLAWFUL USE: The continuation of occupancy or use of a building or structure, or part thereof contrary to the provisions of this Code shall be deemed a violation, and subject to the penalties prescribed in Section 1, Administration and Section 500.300 of the Jefferson County Building Code.

E-1.4 REFERENCED STANDARDS: Where differences occur between provisions of this Code and referenced standards, the provisions of this Code shall apply.

E-2.0 VALIDITY

E-2.1 PARTIAL INVALIDITY: In the event any part or provision of this Code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions.

E-2.2 SEGREGATION OF INVALID PROVISIONS: Any invalid part of this Code shall be segregated from the remainder of the Code by the court holding such part invalid, and the remainder shall remain effective.

E-2.3 EXISTING STRUCTURES: The invalidity of any provision in any Section of this Code as applied to existing buildings and structures shall not be held to affect the validity of such Section in its application to buildings and structures hereafter erected.

E-2.4 SAVINGS CLAUSE: Nothing in this Building Code or in the electrical code hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding pending in any court, or any rights acquired or liability incurred, or any cause or causes of action acquired or existing, under any act or ordinance hereby repealed as cited herein; nor which any just or legal right or remedy of any character be lost, impaired or affected by this Building Code.

E-3.0 EXISTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

E-3.1 APPLICATION: This Code shall apply to existing electrical systems as described in this Section.

E-3.2 ALTERATIONS OR REPAIRS: Alterations or repairs to any electrical system shall conform to that required for a new electrical system without requiring the existing electrical system to comply with all the requirements of this Code. Alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing electrical system to become unsafe nor adversely affect the performance of the electrical system.

E-3.3 ADDITIONAL LOADS: Where additions or alterations subject parts of existing systems to loads exceeding those permitted herein, such parts shall be made to comply with this Code.

E-3.4 DEFECTIVE WIRING: Should the Code Official find that any electric wiring system, or portion thereof, of any building, structure, premises, or any portion thereof be in such a defective condition as likely to cause immediate danger or likely to cause immediate injury to the lives of persons located within such building or structure or upon such premises, or likely to cause immediate injury or damage to such building or structure, or any property or structure within or without the immediate area of such building, structure or premises, or upon the premises wherein such system is located, the Code Official shall forthwith notify the owner or owners, tenant or tenants, or lessee or lessees, or the occupant or occupants of such fact, and order the owner or owners, tenant or tenants, lessee or lessees or the occupant or occupants to remove all persons therefrom, forthwith rending the electrical wiring system safe and to correct such defective condition within twenty-four (24) hours. Should such systems be not made safe and placed in a safe condition within such twenty-four (24) hour period as ordered by the Code Official, the Code Official is authorized to order the electric power company to forthwith disconnect the electric service power or current from such building, structure or premises. Any electric power company, upon receiving such notice from the Code Official, shall immediately disconnect the electric service or current to such building, structure, or premises and no electric service or current shall be furnished to such building, structure, or premises by such company until so ordered by the Code Official. Any owner or owners, tenant or tenants, lessee or lessees, occupant or occupants of such building, structures, or premises aggrieved by any action of the Code Official under the provisions of this Article may appeal such action.

E-4.0 EXISTING USE

E-4.1 CONTINUATION: The legal use and occupancy of any structure existing on the effective date of adoption of this Code, or for which it has been heretofore approved, shall be continued without change except as shall be specifically covered in this Code.

E-4.2 CHANGE IN USE: It shall be unlawful to make any change in the use or occupancy of any structure which subjects it to any special provisions of this Code without approval, and certification that such structure meets the intent of the provisions of law governing building construction for the proposed new use and occupancy and that such change does not result in any hazard to public health, safety, or welfare.

E-4.3 UNSAFE WIRING, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, FIXTURES AND DEVICES: Installed fixtures, wiring or electrical equipment of any premise found to be in an unsatisfactory or hazardous condition shall be repaired, renovated, replaced or removed immediately subsequent to the issuance of a written notice of the unsafe or hazardous condition by the Electrical Inspection Section of the Code Enforcement Division.

E-4.4 AUTHORITY TO PLACARD: The Code Official has the authority to post in a conspicuous place on a building or premise where the electrical system has been found to be unsafe or inadequate.

E-4.4.1 PLACARDED BUILDING: Placards shall remain on said building until the required repairs, replacements, or improvements have been made and accepted by the Code Official and it shall be unlawful to deface or willfully remove any such placard that has been posted on a building without first obtaining consent of the Code Official. It shall be unlawful for any person to reside in, use, rent, lease, or occupy such building for any purpose while so placarded.

E-5.0 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

E-5.1 ORDINARY REPAIRS: Minor repairs or replacements of any existing system are permitted to be made in the same manner and arrangement as in the existing system, provided such repairs or replacements are made in a safe manner and are approved.

E-5.2 MAINTENANCE: All electrical systems, both existing and new, shall be maintained in a safe condition. All service equipment, devices and safeguards which are required by this Code or which are required in a building or structure by previous Statute shall be maintained in working order.

E-5.3 OWNER RESPONSIBILITY: The owner and/or a designated agent shall be responsible for the safe maintenance of the electrical system in any building or structure at all times.

E-5.4 GENERAL: Buildings and structures moved into or within Jefferson County shall comply with the provisions of this Code or new buildings or structures.

E-6.0 APPROVAL

E-6.1 APPROVED MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT: All materials, equipment, and devices approved for use by the Code Official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.

E-6.2 MODIFICATIONS: The Code Official shall have the right to vary or modify the provisions of this Code upon application by the owner or a representative, provided the spirit and intent of law is observed and public health, safety and welfare is assured.

E-6.3 ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT: The provisions of this Code are intended to prevent the use of any material or equipment not specifically prescribed by this Code, provided any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, equipment, or method of construction shall be approved when the Code Official or Code Commission finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of 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 quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistant, durability, and safety.

E-6.4 RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATIONS: The Code Official may require that sufficient technical data be submitted to substantiate the proposed use of any material or assembly, and if it is determined that the evidence submitted is satisfactory proof of performance for the use intended, the Code Official shall approve its use subject to the requirements of this Code. The costs of all tests, reports, and investigations required under these provisions shall be paid by the applicant.

E-7.0 CODE OFFICIAL

E-7.1 Reserved.

E-7.2 Reserved.

E-7.2.1 ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS: There shall be appointed by the Code Official inspectors to adequately perform all inspection duties and enforce all ordinances pertaining to the Section of Electrical Regulation and Inspection in accordance with subsequent Sections of this Code and Jefferson County budgetary constraints.

E-7.3 RELIEF FROM PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: The Code Official, officer, and employees charged with the enforcement of this Code, while acting for Jefferson County, shall not thereby be rendered liable personally, and are hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage accruing to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of official duties.

Any suit instituted against any officer or employee because of an act performed in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this Code shall be defended by the legal representative of Jefferson County until the final termination of the proceedings. The Code Official, or any subordinates, shall not be liable for any cost in or arising from any action, suit, or preceding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this Code. Any officer of the Code Enforcement Division acting in good faith and without malice shall be free from liability for acts performed under any of its provisions or by reason of any act or omission in the performance of official duties in connection therewith.

E-7.4 RULE MAKING AUTHORITY: The Code Official shall have power, as necessary in the interest of public health, safety, and general welfare, to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to interpret and implement the provisions of this Code, to secure the intent thereof and to designate requirements applicable because of local climatic or other conditions. Such rules shall have the effect of furthering or interpreting electrical safety.

E-8.0 DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE CODE OFFICIAL.

E-8.1 GENERAL: The Code Official shall enforce all of the provisions of this Code and shall act on any question relative to the mode or manner of construction and the materials to be used in the installation of electrical work, except as otherwise specifically provided for by other requirements or in the following Sections E-8.2 through E-8.12 and Article 1, Administrative Subsection 101.2.7 of the Local Amendments, County of Jefferson.

E-8.2 APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS: No wiring system or electrical equipment shall be installed within or on any building or premises, nor shall any alterations or additions be made in any such existing installations without first filing in the office of the Code Official a written application for a permit to do the work contemplated, except as provided in this Code. The application shall describe in detail the nature of the work, the location thereof by street and number, the date of the beginning of the work and the tentative completion date thereof. No person shall begin the work unless and until they shall have received the permit. In the case of emergency, work may begin upon the verbal request and verbal permission of the Code Official, upon the condition that such written application shall be filed in the office of the Code Official without delay. No permit provided for in this Section shall be assignable, transferable, or used to aid or abet an unlicensed person in the performance of electrical work. Should the Code Official find that the work is completed in accordance with the provisions of this Article, the Code Official shall, upon the payment of the prescribed inspection fee, approve such work. If the Code Official should find that the work be not completed in accordance with the provisions of this Article or that the work was done by a person not licensed as hereinafter provided, the Code Official is hereby empowered and directed, in addition to the other penalties in this Article, to order the electric power company to disconnect the electric current from the building, structure, or premises where the work was done. It shall be unlawful to use or permit the use of or to supply electric current for heating, lighting or power in any building, structure, or premises, unless the required permit has been issued by the Code Official. Nothing in this Code is applicable to buildings, structures, or premises owned and operated by the United States of America or the State of Missouri.

E-8.3 EXEMPTIONS: A permit shall not be required for the execution and use of the classes of work specified in the following Sections E-8.5 through E-8.8.

E-8.4 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

E-8.5 PUBLIC SERVICE AGENCIES: The installation, alteration or repair of electrical equipment for the operation of communications and signals or the transmission of intelligence by wire by public service agencies except as provided in this Building Code for fire alarm systems.

E-8.6 POWER COMPANIES: The installation, alteration, or repair of electrical equipment of a power or public service company for its use in the generation, transmission, distribution, or metering of electricity.

E-8.7 TEMPORARY TESTING SYSTEMS: The installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical or apparatus.

E-8.8 NOTICES AND ORDERS: The Code Official shall issue all necessary notices or orders to abate illegal or unsafe conditions and to insure compliance with all Code requirements for the safety and general welfare of the public.

E-8.9 INSPECTIONS: The Code Official shall make all of the required inspections, or may accept reports of inspection by authoritative and recognized services or individuals. All reports of the inspections shall be in writing and certified by a responsible officer of the authoritative service or by the responsible individual. The Code Official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report upon unusual technical issues that arise.

E-8.10 CREDENTIALS: The Code Official or an authorized representative shall carry proper credentials of office for the purpose of inspecting any and all buildings and premises in the performance of their duties.

E-8.11 DEPARTMENT RECORDS: The Code Official shall keep official records of electrical applications received, permits and certificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections, and notices and orders issued. These records shall be retained in the official records that are required by law.

E-9.0 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT

E-9.1 PERMIT REQUIRED: No owner, lessee or keeper of any structure or premises, or the agent thereof where the agent orders electrical work to be done, shall cause or permit electrical work, except minor repairs, to be done in, or upon or about any building or premises until the person proposing to do the work shall have first procured a permit from the Code Official authorizing it to be done, nor shall any person commence any electrical work until they shall have obtained a permit from the Code Official authorizing the work to be done. The fees for these permits shall be paid to the Code Official for each permit herein required. All work shall be done by them or their employee in whose name the permit or permits required by this Section are issued. Any owner, lessee, keeper, agent, or electrician who shall fail to comply with or who shall violate any of the provisions of this Section shall be subject to the penalty provisions of Article 1, Administrative Subsection 106.5, Violation penalties of the Local Amendments, County of Jefferson and Section 500.300 of the Jefferson County Building Code.

E-9.2 FORM: The application for a permit for electrical work shall be recorded on forms prepared and provided by the Code Official and accompanied by an adequate description either written or oral of the proposed electrical work.

E-9.3 BY WHOM APPLICATION IS MADE: Application for a permit shall be made by the person, or an agent, to install all or part of any electrical system. The applicant shall meet all qualifications established by this Code.

E-9.4 DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The applicant shall describe the work to be installed, the location of the work, the use and occupancy of the building in which the work is to be performed and the date the work is to commence.

E-9.5 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS: The Code Official is authorized to require the submission and approval of plans and specifications in duplicate showing the nature and extent of the proposed work before a permit is issued. If, in the course of work, it is found necessary to make any change from the approved plans and specifications on which a permit has been issued, amended plans and specifications shall be submitted, and if approved, a supplementary permit shall be issued to cover the change after the same conditions required to secure the original permit have been satisfied.

E-9.6 AMENDMENTS: Subject to the limitations of Section E-9.5, amendments to a plan, application or other records accompanying the amendments shall be filed at any time before completion of the work for which the permit is sought or issued. The amendments shall be deemed part of the original application and shall be filed therewith.

E-9.7 TIME LIMIT: Time limits shall be in accordance with IBC 105.3.2.

E-9.8 PERMIT CANCELLATION: A permit will be considered for cancellation if the owner of the property or the contractor shall request cancellation, in writing, stating the reasons for the request for cancellation. No refund of fees shall be made. In addition, the Code Official may revoke the permit for fraud, for non-compliance with this Code, or for failure to pay the prescribed fees.

E-9.9 WORK NOT IN COMPLIANCE: Should the electrical contractor install work that is not in compliance with the electrical, fire, or building code, the contractor shall be directed by the Code Official to make necessary corrections to assure Code compliance and no other permits shall be issued to the contractor until the work is corrected and approved by the Code Official.

SECTION E-10.0 PERMITS.

E-10.1 ACTION ON APPLICATION: The Code Official shall examine or cause to be examined all applications for permits and amendments thereto. If the applications or plans do not conform to the requirement of all pertinent laws relating to electrical systems, the application shall be rejected in writing, stating the reasons. If the Code Official is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this Code and all laws and ordinances applicable thereto, a permit shall be issued.

E-10.2 PREVIOUS PERMIT APPROVALS: No provisions of this Code shall require changes in the electrical system of a building for which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued or otherwise lawfully authorized, and the installation of which shall have been actively prosecuted within ninety (90) days after the effective date of this Code and completed with dispatch.

EXCEPTION: Unsafe electrical systems or installations.

E-10.3 APPROVAL IN PART: The Code Official is authorized to issue a permit for the installation of part of an electrical system before the application for the whole system has been submitted provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all the pertinent requirements of this Code. Holders of these permits shall proceed at their own risk with the work and without assurance that a permit for the entire system shall be granted.

E-10.4 REVOCATION: The Code Official may revoke a permit or approval issued under the provisions of this Code in case of any false statements or misrepresentation of fact in the application or plans on which the permit or approval was based or for any reason set forth in Section E-9.8.

E-10.5 REVOCATION OF PERMIT: Any permit issued shall become invalid if the authorized work is not commenced within twelve (12) months after issuance of the permit, or if the authorized work is suspended or not prosecuted for a period of six (6) months after the time of commencing work.

E-11.0 CONDITIONS OF PERMIT.

E-11.1 COMPLIANCE WITH CODE: The permit shall be a license to proceed with the work, but is not authority to violate, cancel or set aside any of the provisions of this Code, except as specifically stipulated by modification or legally granted variation as described in the application.

E-11.2 COMPLIANCE WITH PERMIT: All work shall conform to the approved application for which the permit has been issued and any approved amendments thereto.

E-11.3 GENERAL: All electrical installations, regardless of type, which constitute a hazard to human life, health or welfare are hereby declared illegal, a public nuisance, and shall be abated by repair and rehabilitation, removal or by cessation of service.

E-12.0 EMERGENCY MEASURES.

E-12.1 VACATING STRUCTURES: When there is an actual and immediate condition that would endanger life, the Code Official is authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate a structure forthwith. The Code Official shall cause to be posted at each entrance to the structure a notice reading as follows: THIS STRUCTURE IS UNSAFE AND HAS BEEN CONDEMNED FOR OCCUPANCY. It shall be unlawful for any person to enter this structure, except for the purpose of making the required repairs or removal. The procedure for this shall be as set out in the Existing Structures Code of Jefferson County, as amended.