Chapter 15.20
ELECTRICAL CODE
Sections:
15.20.010 Adoption.
15.20.020 Citation.
15.20.030 Conformance required.
15.20.040 Section 80.13(1), Annex H amended—Authority—General.
15.20.050 Section 80.13, Annex H amended—Authority—Duties.
15.20.060 Section 80.23, subsection (3), Annex H amended—Violations.
15.20.070 Section 80.13(1), Annex H amended—Authority—Interpretation.
15.20.080 Section 80.13, Annex H amended—Authority—Contractor’s license prerequisite.
15.20.090 Section 80.13, Annex H amended—Authority—Defective work.
15.20.100 Section 80.21, Annex H amended—Plans and specifications.
15.20.110 Section 80.19(C), Annex H amended—Permits issuance.
15.20.120 Section 80.19(E), Annex H amended—Fees.
15.20.130 Article 100 amended—Definitions.
15.20.140 Article 110-2 amended—Approval.
15.20.150 Article 110-3(B)—Installation and use.
15.20.160 Article 250-52(A)3 amended—Rod and pipe electrodes.
15.20.170 Article 300-6 amended—Protection against corrosion.
15.20.180 Article 410-36(B) amended—Suspended ceilings.
15.20.010 Adoption.
The code of rules and regulations known and designated as the National Electrical Code, 2021 Edition, and the appendices printed therein, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, with California amendments as set forth in the 2022 California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3), copies of which are in the Foster City Library and on file with the city clerk (including Appendices B, C, H, and I), in this chapter collectively called the electrical code, are adopted as and for the rules, regulations and standards within this city as to all matters therein contained except as otherwise provided in this chapter. (Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.020 Citation.
The California Electrical Code adopted in Section 15.20.010 may be cited as the “California Electrical Code”; provided, however, that when any section thereof is amended by anything contained in this chapter, citations to such section shall be made to “Section _________ of the California Electrical Code as amended by Municipal Code Section _________.” (Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.030 Conformance required.
All electrical work in or on any building or other structure, pumping plant, exterior electrical wiring on private property, or similar installations shall be in conformity to the requirements set forth in this chapter and in the California Electrical Code, 2022 Edition, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, and said code shall become the electrical code of the city. (Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.040 Section 80.13(1), Annex H amended—Authority—General.
Section 80.13(1), Annex H of the California Electrical Code is amended to read as follows:
(1) The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be the Building Official and is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all provisions of this Code. Pursuant to the enforcement of the provisions of the Code, the Building Official may make reasonable interpretations based on studies and investigations deemed appropriate.
When the California Electrical Code or this chapter refers to “electrical inspector,” this means the Building Official, deputies and/or duly appointed assistants.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.050 Section 80.13, Annex H amended—Authority—Duties.
Section 80.13, Annex H of the California Electrical Code is amended by inserting a new Subsection (17) to read as follows:
(17) The Building Official or the Building Official’s authorized representative shall require, examine and review plans and specifications, drawings, descriptions and/or information submitted by any person applying for a permit and upon approval thereof may issue the permit applied for. The Building Official or the Building Official’s authorized representative shall inspect all work authorized by the permit, for the purpose of determining whether or not such work complies with the provision of the California Electrical Code or amendments made thereof by Municipal Code, approving or condemning the same in whole or in part, as the conditions require. They shall sign-off any work approved of or condemned by them, such sign-off when approved being authorization to cover, conceal or use thereof, as the case may be. When the sign-off is disapproved, they shall order such changes in workmanship and/or material to be made to conform to the provisions of the California Electrical Code or amendments made thereto.
Whenever the Building Official or the Building Official’s authorized representative finds any building, premises or part thereof in or on which there is being maintained an electrical system and/or electrical work is being installed in violation of the California Electrical Code or amendments made thereto, it shall be their duty to notify in writing the owner, agent or person responsible for the premises in which such conditions exists, or in which such work is being done, or has been done; that they must correct such conditions. Such work shall be removed and reinstalled, as the case may be. If this notice is not complied with within said specified time, the Building Official or the Building Official’s authorized representative is authorized to order the discontinuance of electric service.
It is unlawful to energize or cause or permit to be energized any electrical wiring coming under the provisions of the California Electrical Code or amendments made thereto, until such electrical wiring has been inspected and signed off as approved in writing by the Building Official or the Building Official’s authorized representative. The Building Official or the Building Official’s authorized representative may give permission to furnish electric current to, or the use of electric current through, any electrical wiring for a length of time not to exceed thirty days, if the electrical wiring may be used safely and there exists a necessary reason for such permission. Permission and specified length of time shall be in writing to the owner, agent or person responsible for the premises.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.060 Section 80.23, subsection (3), Annex H amended—Violations.
Section 80.23, subsection (3), Annex H of the California Electrical Code is amended by adding a third and fourth paragraph to read as follows:
It is hereby declared that any violation of this code constitutes a public nuisance, and in addition to any other remedies provided by this code for its enforcement, the administrative authority may bring civil suit to enjoin the violations of any provision of this code.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this code is committed, continued or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation such person shall be punished by a fine of up to $1,000.00 or by imprisonment of not more than six months, or both such fine and imprisonment.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.070 Section 80.13(1), Annex H amended—Authority—Interpretation.
Section 80.13(1), Annex H of the California Electrical Code is amended to read as follows:
Interpretations
Sec.80.13(1) Annex H. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this chapter and the California Electrical Code, when applied to any particular case, the requirement which prescribes and establishes the higher standard of safety shall be complied with, unless otherwise stated in this chapter.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.080 Section 80.13, Annex H amended—Authority—Contractor’s license prerequisite.
Section 80.13, Annex H of the California Electrical Code is amended by adding Subsection (18) to read as follows:
Contractor’s License Prerequisite
Sec. 80.13 Annex H (18). It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, except hereinafter provided, to perform any electrical work as defined in this chapter, without a valid state contractor’s license for such work or unless such person, firm or corporation is exempt under the Contractor’s License Law of the State.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.090 Section 80.13, Annex H amended—Authority—Defective work.
Section 80.13, Annex H of the California Electrical Code is amended by adding Subsection (19) to read as follows:
Defective Work
This chapter shall not be construed as imposing upon the City or the Building Official or the Building Official’s authorized representatives any liability or responsibility for damage resulting from defective electrical work, installation or material thereof, nor shall the City, or the Building Official or the Building Official’s authorized representatives thereof be held as assuming any such liability or responsibility by reason of the inspection authorized under this chapter.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.100 Section 80.21, Annex H amended—Plans and specifications.
Section 80.21, Annex H of the California Electrical Code is amended by adding a fourth and fifth paragraph, Subsections (D) and (E), to read as follows:
(D) When deemed necessary by the Building Official or the Building Official’s authorized representative, four sets of plans and specifications shall be submitted with each application for a permit. The plans shall be drawn to scale, 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch, including all necessary information to insure compliance with the requirements of the California Electrical Code or amendments made thereto.
(E) When the Building Official has reviewed the submitted plans and specifications, the Building Official will endorse the plans as APPROVED and issue a permit for such work. Such plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorization of the Building Official. All work shall be done in accordance with the approved plans and the requirements of the code.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.110 Section 80.19(C), Annex H amended—Permits issuance.
Section 80.19(C), Annex H of the California Electrical Code is amended by adding a new Subsection (C)(3) to read as follows:
(C)(3) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, whether acting as principal, servant, agent or employee, to do or cause or permit to be done any electrical work for which a permit is required within the city without first securing a permit from the Building Official or the Building Official’s authorized representative.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.120 Section 80.19(E), Annex H amended—Fees.
Section 80.19(E) of the California Electrical Code shall be amended to read as follows:
Sec.80.19(E). Fees shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions of this section or as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by resolution by the City Council.
To determine the acceptability of technologies, processes, products, facilities, materials and uses attending the design, operation or use of a building or electrical systems subject to inspection by the Chief Building Official, the Chief Building Official is authorized to require the owner or owner’s authorized agent to provide, without charge to the jurisdiction, a technical opinion and report. The opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified electrical engineer, subject matter expert, or accredited organization acceptable to the Chief Building Official. The Chief Building Official is authorized to require design submittals to be prepared by, and bear the stamp of, a California registered design professional.
Whenever an electrical permit and/or a permit fee is required by the California Electrical Code or the Municipal Code and work is started prior to obtaining the permit, a double fee shall be charged.
The issuance of a permit shall not be deemed or construed to be a permit for, or approval of, any violation of the provisions of the California Electrical Code or amendments made thereof. No permit purporting to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of the code shall be valid.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.130 Article 100 amended—Definitions.
Article 100 of the California Electrical Code is amended by adding the definitions to read as follows:
Electric Work: Means and includes the installation, construction, maintenance and repair of electrical wiring and equipment.
Electric Wiring: Means the installation or the alteration of any material, fixture, device, appliance or equipment in or on any building, structure or premises, used or designed or intended to be used to generate, transmit, transfer or utilize electric energy.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.140 Article 110-2 amended—Approval.
Article 110-2 of the California Electrical Code is amended by adding a second and third paragraph to read as follows:
All materials used shall bear the Underwriters’ Laboratories approval or other approved agency and shall be of a design suitable for the purpose to be used.
All materials used in installation, alteration or repair of electrical distribution systems shall be free from defects and shall be of minimum approved standards specified for all types of material provided for this chapter.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.150 Article 110-3(B)—Installation and use.
Article 110-3, Subsection (B) of the California Electrical Code is amended to read as follows:
(1) The Building Official or the Building Official’s authorized representative may request a dielectric and/or voltage test under load by the electric contractor.
(2) No metallic piping shall be located underground, unless in a chase or other method which is first approved by the Building Official.
(3) Temporary power units may be installed only with prior approval of the Building Official and after a permit has been obtained from the Building Official.
(4) Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy and at the time of final inspection, all service panels and secondary panels shall be so marked as to show the maximum AVAILABLE INTERRUPTER CURRENT rating as determined by the energy provider.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.160 Article 250-52(A)5 amended—Rod and pipe electrodes.
Article 250-52(A)5 of the California Electrical Code is amended to add Subsections (A)(5)(a) and (A)(5)(b) to read as follows:
(a) Rod and Pipe Electrodes. Electrodes of rods of steel shall be of not less than two 1/2 inch round reinforcing bars, each not less than 20 feet long, running in opposite directions, placed within 3 inches of the bottom of the concrete footing. One end of each rod will extend at least 6 inches above the foundation sill, at least 6 inches above finish grade and be connected by an approved grounding connector. The grounding connector will be installed in an accessible location where it will be bonded to the hot and cold water pipes by an approved grounding connector.
(b) Ground Rods shall only be used in conjunction with Non-Corrosive Highly-Conductive fill material and only with approval of the Building Official.
The bonding wire shall be determined by Table 250-66 of the California Electrical Code. Other means may be used when approved by the Building Official.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.170 Article 300-6 amended—Protection against corrosion.
Article 300-6 of the California Electrical Code is amended by adding Subsection (E) to read as follows:
(E) Earth Contact. No ferrous or nonferrous metallic portions of the electrical system shall be installed in direct contact with the earth.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)
15.20.180 Article 410-36(B) amended—Suspended ceilings.
Article 410-36(B) of the California Electrical Code is amended by rewriting Subsection (B) to read as follows:
(B) Suspended Ceilings. Fixtures exceeding 10 pounds in suspended ceiling systems shall be securely fastened to the building structure by at least two supports located diagonally on the fixture. Fixtures shall not be supported by the suspended ceiling system unless prior approval has been given by the Building Official. Request for approval to deviate from this requirement must be in writing to the Building Official at the time of submittal for permits.
(Ord. 655 § 7, 2022)