03-1024 City Code Adopt 2002 NEC
CITY OF MERIDIAN
ORDINANCE NO, 03- J OlL/-
BY:
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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO, REPEALING
CHAPTER 3 TITLE 10, ELECTRICAL CODE OF THE MERIDIAN CITY CODE
AND REENACTING CHAPTER 3, TITLE 10 TO INCORPORATE THE
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE OF 2002 AND ADDITIONS, WITH
EXCEPTION OF ARTICLE 80; PROVIDING FOR PENALTY, SEVERABILITY,
CONFLICT, VALIDITY, SAVINGS CLAUSE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, ADA COUNTY, IDAHO:
SECTION 1: That Chapter 3 of Title 10 Electrical Code of the Meridian City Code, be,
and the same is hereby repealed.
SECTION 2: That Chapter 3 of Title 10 Electrical Code ofthe Meridian City Code, be,
and the same is hereby reenacted and shall read as follows:
SECTION:
10-3-1:
10-3-2:
10-3-3:
10-3-4:
10-3-5:
10-3-6:
10-3-7:
10-3-8:
10-3-9:
10-3-10:
10-3-11:
10-3-13:
10-3-14:
National Electrical Code Adopted; Additions
State Licenses Required
Installations By Owner Of Building
Permit Required; Application; Issuance
Inspection Requirements
Installation Of Meters And Outside Wiring
Specifications Of Circuit Wiring
Non-liability Of City
Validity
Penalty
Severability
Savings Clause
Date of Effect
ELECTRICAL CODE ORDINANCE ADOPTING
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2002
Page I of 6
10-3-1: NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ADOPTED, ADDITIONS: The
National Electrical Code of2002, with exception of Article 80, this Article is informative
unless specifically adopted by the local jurisdiction adopting the National Electrical
Code. Said National Electrical Code of2002, on file in the City Clerk's office, and the
same is hereby adopted and incorporated in full as if set forth at length herein, including
additions, which additions, ifin conflict with the National Electrical Code, shall overrule
said Code. From the date in which this Chapter takes effect, the provisions thereof shall
be controlling within the limits of the City. (Article 80 to the National Electrical Code is
not adopted)
A. Buildings Moved From One Location To Another: When a building is moved from
one location to another the Service Entrance shall be inspected and made to conform
to the requirements ofthe current edition of the National Electrical Code.
B. Unfinished Studded Partitions: On November 2, 1963, the State Electrical Board
ruled that when unfinished studded partitions are in place in residential basements,
indicating that the enclosed areas are intended for rooms, such enclosed areas shall be
considered as rooms. The wiring, including receptacle outlets as required by Article
210-52 of the National Electrical Code shall be installed before the wiring of the
building is approved.
C. Supporting Partitions: When a residential basement is not divided into separate rooms
and only an unfinished supporting partition is in place, at least two (2) outlets shall be
installed in such supporting partition, facing the area on opposite sides of the
partition.
D. Utility And Storage Spaces: The requirement that receptacle outlets be installed
within six feet (6') from any wall space in dwelling type occupancies Article 210-52
National Electrical Code does not apply to hallways, bathrooms, utility rooms,
laundry rooms, furnace rooms and storage spaces. The number of outlets in these
areas is optional, but adequate branch circuit capacity must be provided for lighting
and for all electrical equipment to be installed in such areas without the use of
extension cords.
E. Separation Of Buildings By Fire Walls:
I. In general, the National Electrical Code permits only one service to a building
Article 230-2 and 230-21.
2. Article 100 of the National Electrical Code defines "Building" as "A structure
which stands alone or which is cut off from adjoining structures by fire walls with
all openings therein protected by approved fire doors".
F. For the purpose of determining the number of services which may be run to a
building or structure, a rue wall shall be a masonry wall, not less than four inches (4")
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NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2002
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thick, which extends from the foundation to the roof sheathing. (Bulletin No.52
issued June I, 1966.)
G. Aluminum Conduit For Mast Type Services Prohibited: When the service conduit is
used as a mast to support the service drop, rigid steel conduit, or intermediate metal
conduit (IMC), shall be used. Aluminum conduit will not be approved for this
purpose unless approved braces are provided to relieve the conduit of horizontal
strain. Guy wires will not be approved for this purpose.
H. Approval Of Certain Voltage Installations: Due to the many misunderstandings and
misinterpretations ofthe National Electrical Code requirements for conductors and
service disconnects, etc., on installations of over six hnndred (600) volts, it has
become necessary to require that all installations of voltages over six hundred (600)
volts that are customer-owned or operated must be submitted for prior plan approval
to the Electrical Board representative in the area in which the installation is to be
made. (Ord. 433, 5-21-1984)
I. Street Lighting Waiver, Photo-Electric Cell Required: In the event street lighting
requirements are waived in the case of an R-4 single-family dwelling development or
subdivision, the developer and lot owner shall be responsible for ensuring that there is
a yard light installed in the front yard of each house in said development; that the yard
light shall be controlled by a photo-electric cell which causes the yard light to come
on and shut off automatically and said yard light shall be electrically wired directly to
the residence's electrical breaker panel and comply with the National Electrical Code.
(Ord. 474, 4-7-1987)
10-3-2: STATE LICENSE REQUIRED: It shall be nnlawful for any person, firm or
corporation to carry on the business of electrical wiring without first having secured a
State contractors license or have in his possession a license recognized by the State
Electrical Bureau.
10-3-3: INSTALLATIONS BY OWNER OF BUILDING: If an owner wishes to do
wiring in his own building, he may do so without a State license, but he must first obtain
a permit as required by Section 10-3-4; the City Electrical Inspector may refuse to issue a
permit to such person, if, in his estimation, such person is not competent to install the
electrical work to be done under said permit applied for in accordance with the
regulations of this Chapter.
10-3-4: PERMIT REQUIRED; APPLICATION; ISSUANCE: It shall be unlawful for
any person, firm or corporation to place or install in any building any wiring, apparatus or
fixture for the use of electric current for light, heat or power, or to make any alterations or
changes in, or additions to any wiring, apparatus or fixtures for such use, without fIrst
obtaining from the City Electrical Inspector a written permit to do such work. Such
permit shall state the kind of work to be done and the amount, and shall cover only work
so specified. The contractor, person, firm or corporation shall submit a plan ofthe wiring
system to be followed, if deemed necessary by the Electrical Inspector. Said permit shall
ELECTRICAL CODE ORDINANCE ADOPTING
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2002
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also state the location by street and number of the building where such work is to be
done, and shall be valid only for the location stated. Provided, however, that this Section
shall not be construed as requiring a permit for ordinary repairs to the old installations
where the cost value of fifty dollars ($50.00), but in all cases, the Electrical Inspector
must be notified immediately upon the completion of such work for his inspection and
approval. Fees for permits and inspections shall be fIXed by the City Council.
10-3-5: INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS:
A. Notice For Inspection; Tag By Inspector: It shall be the duty of the City Electrical
Inspector, or the State Inspector, ifthe City so chooses, to inspect or cause to be
inspected any and all work for which permits have been issued within forty eight (48)
hours (weekends and holidays excluded) after time of notice, in writing by the said
person doing the said work, that same is ready for inspection, which will not be
considered ready for inspection and covering until all enclosed plumbing, steam
heating, furnace work and gas fittings are also in place. Inspection shall, when
necessary, be made two (2) or three (3) times during the progress ofthe installation;
first when said work is roughed in, and last, when work is completed; and it shall be
the duty of the City Electrical Inspector or person qualified and delegated by him and
his qualified representative to indicate inspection of any work by a tag or label which
state the date and whether rough-in or final inspection has been made, and it shall be
unlawful for any workman or other person to lath or otherwise conceal any electrical
wiring until such rough-in inspection tag has been placed.
B. Issuance Of Certificate Of Inspection:
I. Upon application for inspection of any wiring apparatus, of appliances as
hereinafter provided, the City Electrical Inspector shall, after inspection and
examination, issue a certificate showing the results of such examinations and require
to be made the necessary corrections.
C. Disconnect Defective Electrical Wiring, Fixtures:
I. If the said City Electrical Inspector shall find any part of any electric wiring
apparatus of fixtures in or on any building in the City to have been installed without a
permit or not in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, or to be dangerous to
life or property, the City Electrical Inspector shall have the right and power and it is
hereby made his duty to disconnect such defective wiring and place a seal upon it. He
shall at the same time give written notice of such disconnection to the owner or
occupant ofthe building.
2. After such disconnected wiring, apparatus, or fixtures have been put in the
condition required by this Chapter, the seal or seals so placed shall be removed by
said City Electrical Inspector. It shall be unlawful for any person to use any current,
through, or by means of such disconnected wiring, apparatus or fixtures or to attach
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NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2002
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other wires for the supply of current to such disconnected wiring, apparatus or
fixtures or to remove, break or deface any seal so placed.
D. Right Of Entry: The City Electrical Inspector shall have the right to enter any
premises at all reasonable hours for the purpose ofinspecting the same.
E. Inspection Fees: Before any inspection is undertaken, the applicant shall pay to the
City Building Department an inspection fee as established by the City Electrical
Inspector and approved by the City Council by resolution which inspection fee, or
schedule thereof, shall be available at the City Clerk's and Building Department's
office during regular business hours. (Ord. 474, 4-7-1987)
10-3-6: INSTALLATION OF METERS AND OUTSIDE WIRING:
A. Accessibility; Prohibited Locations: Meters must be placed in a location, free from
vibration and accessible to the meter readers, testers and inspectors at all times. Under
no circumstances will meters be installed in bathrooms, bedrooms, clothes closets,
over doors, in stairways, attics or places likely to cause the visits to the meters to be
an annoyance to the occupants.
B. Meters must be installed on the outside of buildings at a height of not less than four
and one-half feet (4 Y2 ') or not more than six feet (6') from the ground. In office
buildings, apartment buildings, and commercial buildings of multiple occupancy,
meters may be mounted inside, providing a readily accessible place is provided for
meters and service equipment. Said meters and service equipment shall be kept free
and clear of all obstructions.
10-3-7: SPECIFICATIONS OF CIRCUIT WIRING: All buildings hereinafter
erected to be used for public purposes such as, but not limited to, churches, stores, halls,
school buildings, commercial garages, manufacturing establishments, auto camps, and
gas service stations must be wired in conduit, or permissible metallic covered wire. All
provisions herein are effective on final passage and approval and not retroactive.
10-3-8: NONLIABILITY OF CITY: This Chapter shall not be construed to relieve
from, or lessen the responsibility of, any person owning, operating or installing any
electrical wires, appliances, apparatus, construction or equipment for damages to anyone
injured or damaged either in person or property by any defect therein; nor shall the City
or any agent thereofbe held as assuming such liability by reason of inspection authorized
herein or certificate ofinspection issued by the City Electrical Inspector. (Ord. 433, 5-21-
1984)
10-3-9: VALIDITY: Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this
Chapter or ofthe Code hereby adopted be declared nnconstitutional or invalid for any
reason or cause, the remainder of said Chapter or Code shall not be affected thereby and
the same shall not invalidate or void the remainder of this Chapter or said Code. (2002
Code)
ELECTRICAL CODE ORDINANCE ADOPTING
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2002
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10-3-10: PENALTY: Any person violating the provisions of this Chapter shall be
deemed guilty ofa misdemeanor. (2002 Code)
10-3-11: SEVERABILITY: The provisions of this chapter shall be deemed severable
and a finding by a court of law that a provision of this chapter is unlawful shall have no
effect on the remaining provisions.
10-3-12: All ordinances, resolutions, orders or parts thereof in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed, rescinded and annulled.
10-3-13: SAVINGS CLAUSE: This ordinance does not affect an action or proceeding
commenced or right accrued before this ordinance takes effect.
10-3-14: DATE OF EFFECT: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect on
August 1,2003.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO, this
2.ath day of rn~ ' 2003,
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO, this
~dayof ~ ,2003.
Attest:
Second Reading:----==---
Third Reading:~
ELECTRICAL CODE ORDINANCE ADOPTING
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2002
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