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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-06-14 - ORDINANCES - CA ELECTRICAL CODE ADOPT AMEND (2).TIDO ._♦ * 1 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE 2004 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE PUBLISHED BY THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS COMMISSION WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS AS TITLE 19 OF THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, the State of California requires, by its government code, that the City adopt the latest State building codes; and WHEREAS, the State of California has adopted and published the 2004 California Electrical Code that becomes effective on or before August 1, 2005; and WHEREAS, the City finds the need to modify or add certain administrative provisions in order to effectively enforce the provisions the 2004 California Electrical Code; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance repeals the current electrical code and re -adopts the new 2004 California Electrical Code with local amendments; and WHEREAS, enforcement of the 2004 California Electrical Code is mandated by the State to commence on or before August 1, 2005; and WHEREAS, the City finds that it is most effective and practical for the public to commence enforcement of the City's code amendments on the same effective date as the State code. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, California, does hereby ordain as follows: SECTION 1. Title 19 of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code relating to the Electrical Code is hereby repealed. SECTION 2. The Santa Clarita Municipal Code is hereby. amended to add Title 19 relating to the Electrical Code, outlined as follows and to read as attached: TITLE 19• ELECTRICAL CODE Chapter 19.01 Adoption of the City Electrical Code Chapter 19.02 Amendments to Article 89 of the California Electrical Code; Administration Chapter 19.03 Amendments to NEC Chapter 1; General Provisions Chapter 19.04 Amendments to NEC Chapter 6; Special Equipment SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days from its passage and adoption. SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published as required by law. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of June, 2005. Z MAYOR ATTEST: B CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 05-8 was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 24th day of May, 2005. That thereafter, said Ordinance was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 14th day of June, 2005, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Kellar, Ferry, McLean, Weste, Smyth NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES CITY OF SANTA CLARTTA ) CERTIFICATION OF CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE I, Sharon L. Dawson, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of the original Ordinance No. 05-8, adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, CA on June 14, 2005, which is now on file in my office. Witness my hand and seal of the City of Santa Clarita, California, this _ day of 20_. Sharon L. Dawson, CMC City Clerk By Susan Coffman Deputy City Clerk Title 19 ELECTRICAL CODE Chapters: 19.01 Adoption of the City Electrical Code 19.02 Amendments to Article 89 of the California Electrical Code; Administration 19.03 Amendments to the National Electrical Code Chapter 1; General 19.04 Amendments to the National Electrical Code Chapter 6; Special Equipment Chapter 19.01 Adoption of the City Electrical Code Chapter 19.01 Adoption of the City Electrical Code. There is adopted by reference that certain electrical code known and designated as the 'National Electrical Code, 2002 Edition" prepared by the National Fire Protection Association including all appendices and including those sections of the California Electrical Code, as published by the California Building Standards Commission, requiring enforcement by the local Building Department. Such code shall be and become the City Electrical Code, regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation and maintenance of electrical systems, equipment and appliances. The provisions of said code shall provide for the issuance of permits and collection of fees thereof, and provide penalties for violation of such Code. The City Electrical Code shall become effective for permit applications received by the City on or after August 1, 2005. At least one copy of the City Electrical Code has been deposited in the office of the City Clerk and shall be at all times maintained by the Clerk for use and examination by the public. (Ord. 96-3, 1/23/96) Chapter 19.02 Amendments to Article 89 of the California Electrical Code; Administration The following sections of Article 89 of the California Electrical Code, as adopted by Chapter 19.01 hereof, are added, delete( amended as follows: Sections 19.02.010. Section 89.1. is amended to read as follows: "89.1. Title. The provisions contained in this Code shall be known as the "Santa Clarita Electrical Code" and shall be used in conjunction with the provisions of Title 19 and Title 24, California Code of Regulations, mandated by the State of California to be enforced by the local Building Department, all of which may be cited herein as "This Code." (Ord. 96-3, 1/23/96) 19.02.020, Section 89.1.1 is added to read as follows: "89.1.1 Effective Date. All of the provisions of this code shall become effective for all permit applications received by the City on or after August 1, 2005." 19.02.030. Section 89.12 is added to read as follows: "89.12. Organization and Enforcement. (A) Building and Safety Division. There is established within the City of Santa Clarita, a division in the Building and Engineering Services Department to be known as the Building and Safety Division under the administrative and operational control of the City Building Official. (B) Powers and Duties of the Building Official. 1. General. The Building Official is authorized and directed to enforce all of the provisions of this code and to make inspections pursuant to the provisions of this code. For such purposes the Building Official shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer. The Building Official shall have the power to render interpretations of this code and to adopt and enforce rules and supplemental regulations in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformance with the intent and purpose of this code. Whenever the term 'Building Official" or "Administrative Authority" is used in any section of this code such term shall be construed to mean the City Building Official of the City of Santa Clarita. 2. Deputies. In accordance with the procedure and with the approval of the appointing authority, the Building Official may appoint such number of technical officers and inspectors and other employees as shall be authorized from time to time. The Building Official may deputize such technical officers, inspectors or other employees or persons as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Building and Safety Division. 3. Right of Entry. a. Whenever it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of or perform any duty imposed by this code or other applicable law, or whenever the Building Official or an authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any condition which makes such building or premises hazardous, unsafe or dangerous for any reason specified in this code or other similar law, the Building Official or an authorized representative is authorized to enter such property at any reasonable time and to inspect same and perform any duty imposed upon the Building Official by this code or other applicable law; provided that if such property is occupied, that credentials be presented to the occupant, an explanation of the reasons for inspection given, and a request for entry made therefor; and (ii) if such property is unoccupied, then reasonable effort shall first be made to locate the owner or other person having charge of the property to explain the reasons for the inspection and to request entry therefor. If such entry cannot be obtained because the owner or other person having charge or control of the property cannot be found after due diligence or if entry is refused, the Building Official or an authorized representative shall have some recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure lawful entry and inspect the property. b. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Building Official or an authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that the building or premises is so hazardous, unsafe or dangerous as to require immediate inspection to safeguard the public health or safety, the right to immediate entry by any reasonable means to inspect the building or premises, whether occupied or unoccupied and whether or not permission to inspect has been granted, is hereby authorized; provided that if the property is occupied, the Building Official or authorized representative shall first present credentials to the occupant and offer an explanation of the purpose of the inspection. c. "Authorized representative" shall include the officers named in subsection (13)(2) of this section and authorized inspection personnel. d. No person shall fail or refuse, after proper demand has been named upon him as provided in subsection (B)(3) of this section, to promptly permit the Building Official or an authorized representative to make any inspection provided for by subsection (B)(3)(b) of this section. 4. Stop Work Orders. Whenever any electrical work is being done contrary to the provisions of this code, the Building Official may order the work stopped by written notice served on any persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, and any such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the Building Official to proceed with the work. Any person failing to stop work after being served with such notice shall be guilty of misdemeanor as noted in subsection 89.12 (13)(14) herein. 5. Changes in Building Occupancy. Electrical systems which are a part of any building or structure undergoing a change in use or occupancy, as defined in the Building Code, shall comply to all requirements of this code which may be applicable to the new use or occupancy. 6. Liability. The liability and indemnification of the Building Official and any subordinates are governed by the provisions of Division 3.6 of Title I of the Government Code. 7. Modifications. a. General. Request(s) for modifications shall be made on a form prescribed by the Building Official and shall be submitted with a fee as specified by the City Council. The details of any action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the Building and Safety Division of the City. The Building Official may require that any conditions of approval associated with the granting of a modification be recorded on the title of the property with the County Recorder's office. b. Modifications. When there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the Building Official may grant modifications for individual cases. The Building Official shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code impractical and that the modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of this, code and that such modification does not lessen any fire -protection requirements or any degree of structural integrity. The details of any action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the flies of the code enforcement agency. The request shall be accompanied by a fee as established by the City Council. ,�. 8. Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction. Nothing in this code is not intended to prevent the use of any material appliance, installation, device, arrangement or method of construction not specifically prescribed, provided any such alternate has been approved by the Building Official. The Building Official may approve any such alternate, provided, it is determined that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the technical 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 suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire resista durability, safety and sanitation. Such approval shall be based upon submittal of substantiating data including but not limited to, performance characteristics, measurements, calculations, diagrams, equipment and construction factors where applicable. A written application shall be submitted for a proposed alternate material or method of construction together with a fee established by the City Council. The details of any action granting an alternate material or method of construction shall be noted in the files of the Building and Safety Division of the City. 9. Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with any of the provisions of this code or evidence that any material or construction does not conform to the requirements of this code, the Building Official may require testing as proof of compliance to be made at no expense to the City. Test methods shall be as specified by this code or by other recognized test standards. If there are no recognized and adopted test methods for the proposed alternate, the Building Official shall determine test procedures. A fee, determined by the Building Official and as approved by the City Council, shall be paid by the applicant for the development of any testing procedure by Building and Safety and/or for the review of the testing results submitted to Building and Safety. All tests shall be made by an approved testing agency. Reports of such tests shall be retained in the files of the Building and Safety Division of the City. 10. Cooperation of Other Officials and Officers. The Building Official may request and shall receive the assistance and cooperation of other officials of the City of Santa Clarita so far as is required in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent laws or ordinances. 11. Investigation. The Building Official may investigate any construction or work regulated by this code, and issue s i notices and orders as deemed appropriate. 12. Unsafe Installations, Authority to Disconnect. The Building Official is empowered to disconnect or to order in writing the discontinuance of electrical service to wiring, devices or materials found to be dangerous and a hazard to life, health and property until the installation of such wiring device or material has been made safe as directed by the Building Official. Any person, firm, corporation, public utility, political subdivision or governmental agency ordered to discontinue such electrical service shall do so within twenty-four (24) hours after the receipt of such written notice and shall not reconnect such service or allow or cause the same to be reconnected until notified to do so by the Building Official. Refusal or failure or neglect to comply with any such notice or order shall be considered by the Building Official a violation of this code. The Building Official may then institute any appropriate action or proceeding to prevent, restrain, correct or abate the refusal to comply with any such notice or order." (Ord. 96-3, 1/23/96) 13. Emergency Powers. The Building Official, with the approval of the City Manager of the City of Santa Clarita, is authorized to make and enforce such guidelines and policies for the safeguarding of life, limb, health or property as may be necessary from time to time to carry out the purpose of this code. A copy of said regulations and policies shall be filed with the office of the City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita and shall be effective immediately thereafter. 14. Violations and Penalties. a. Compliance with Code. A person shall not install, alter, reconstruct or repair any electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment, within or on any premises in the City of Santa Clarita, or cause the same to be done, contrary to, or in violation of any of the provisions of this code. b. Penalties. Every person who violates any of the provisions of this code is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, (see Section 17995 of the State Health and Safety Code), unless such violation is otherwise declared to be an infraction by the City Council. Such person shall be 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 to remain. Further, violators of this code are subject to administrative fines and/or other costs as provided for in Sections 23.20 and 23.40 of Title 23 of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code. c. Notice of Violations. Notices shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 18.02.050 and/or Chapter 23.40 of Title 23 of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code. 15. Standard Reference Documents. The codes, standards and publications adopted and set forth in this code, including other codes, standards and publications referred to therein are, by title and date of publication, adopted as standard reference documents of this code. When this code does not specifically cover any subject relating to building design and construction, recognized engineering practices shall be employed." (Ord. 96-3, 1/23/96) 19.02.040. Section 89.13 is added to read as follows: "89.13. Appeals. Appeals of determination made by the Building Official for this code shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 18.02.090 and/or Chapter 23.40 of Title 23 of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code. — 19.02.050. Section 89.14 is added to read as follows: "89.14. Permits --Required. Except as otherwise provided in Chapter 18.02 of the Building Code, a person, whether acting as principal, servant, agent or employee, shall not do or cause or permit to be done any electrical work regulated by this code without first securing a permit form the Building Official authorizing such work." (Ord. 96-3, 1/23/96) 19.02.060. Section 89.15 is added to read as follows: "89.15. Permits --Work Exempted. No person shall install, alter, reconstruct or repair any electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment, within or on any building, structure or premises without first obtaining a permit therefor from the Building Official, except as follows: 1. Minor repair work such as the replacement of lamps, switches, receptacle devices, sockets, taping bare joints and the like, or the connection of portable motor and appliances to suitable receptacles which have been permanently installed. 2. The wiring for temporary theater, motion picture or television stage sets. 3. The repair or replacement of fixed motors, transformers, apparatus, or appliances of the same type and rating in the same location. 4. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment operating at less than twenty-five (25) volts and not capable of supplying more than fifty (50) watts of energy. 5. Low-energy power, control, and signal circuits that are not an integral part of an appliance and in which the power is limited from a source having a rated output of not more than thirty (30) volts and one thousand (1,000) volt-amperes. 6. Temporary holiday decorative lighting. 7. The installation of temporary wiring for testing or experimental purposes within suitable facilities. 8. Repair or replacement of overcurrent devices. 9. Portable generators, motors, appliances, tools, power outlets, and other portable equipment connected by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug. 10. The installation by Southern California Edison Company of radio -controlled relays on privately owned air conditioning and agricultural irrigation pumping equipment in the company's pilot program of energy conservation through electrical load management, entitled "Air Conditioner Cycling and Agricultural and Pumping interrupti Programs"; provided, that: a. The relays shall be tested and labeled by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. b. The Building Official shall approve of specifications for the installation of the relays. c. The relays shall be installed and maintained by Southern California Edison Company or its contractors. d. The Southern California Edison Company shall make available for random inspection, upon request of and by the City, designated relay installations to ensure code compliance. It. Private telephone, intercom, sound and communication systems; provided, however, that a permit shall be obtained for the power supplies required by the above systems. 12. Exemption for Utilities. The provisions of this code shall not apply to any electrical work performed by or for any electrical corporation, telephone corporation, telegraph corporation, railroad corporation or street railroad corporation on or with any electrical equipment owned or controlled and operated or used by, and for the exclusive benefit of, such corporation in the conduct of its business as a public utility, or to any other work which any such corporation shall be entitled by law to perform without payment of any local tax; but all provisions of this code shall apply insofar as they may consistently with the above be applicable to all other electrical work performed by or for any such corporation. The terms "electrical corporation," "telephone corporation," "telegraph corporation," 'railroad corporation," and "Street railroad corporation," are herein used as said terms are respectively defined in the Public Utility Code of the State of California; and such terms shall also be deemed to include similar utilities which are municipally or governmentally owned and operated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all electrical wiring and equipment shall comply with Section 19.02.110 of this code. The provisions of this code shall cover, govern and control the installation, alteration or repair of any electrical wirine, connection, fixtures, sockets, appliances, apparatus, machinery or other electrical devices by or on behalf of the City of Sa Clarita or any department or officer thereof or by or on behalf of any school district or any quasi public or political corporati or governmental agency or body, on said premises not owned by a public school district within the City of Santa Clarita." (O,u. 96-3, 1/23/96) 19.02.070. Section 89.16 is added to read as follows: "89.16. Permits --Application. A. Application. Applications for an electrical permit shall describe the work to be performed on the form provided and shall give the location either by street and house number, by lot, block and tract, or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed work. A separate application Shall be required for each building or structure. The applicant for electrical permits for work exceeding $500 in value shall be a licensed contractor, homeowner or authorized governmental representative. EXCEPTION: When determined that there is an urgent necessity, the Building Official may consider an application for an electrical permit prepared by persons other than those specified above. The Building Official may refuse to issue a permit for temporary or permanent service when there is no apparent legally permitted use for the service. In determining whether a proposed use is legally permitted, the Building Official may consider not just the provisions of the Electrical Code but all applicable statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations. 1. Licensed Contractor. A licensed contractor is a person who is engaged in the business of installing or repairing electrical wiring or equipment or who does, or who holds themselves out as willing to do personally or through their employees any work or services in connection with the installation, alteration or repair of any electrical wiring equipment or part thereof and who possesses an appropriate contractor's license pursuant to Chapter 9, Division 3 of i Business and Professions Code of the State of California when such license includes within its classification limitations i activities set forth on the application for permit and entitles the licensee to perform personally or through their employees all such activities, without personal local qualification or registration. A permit may be issued to a firm, partnership, or corporation, any officer or member of which is a licensed contractor, in the event that all construction or work is done under the direct personal supervision of such officer or member. 2. Homeowner. A homeowner is the owner and resident of a single family residence including common accessory and minor poultry, animal or agricultural buildings, A permit may be issued to such homeowner, provided that work authorized under any such permit shall be done by the person to whom the permit is issued, or by a member of his immediate family. 3. Government Representative. A government representative is a person who is employed by and who has been authorized by a governmental agency to supervise or control electrical work on the premises of such agency. 4. Special Permission. When there appears to the Building Official an urgent necessity, an electrical permit may be issued to other persons by special permission. B. Submittal Documents. The Building Official may require the submission of plans and specifications, drawings, descriptions and diagrams as, in the judgment of the Building Official, are appropriate to show clearly the character, kind and extent of electrical work covered by an application for a permit. Plans are required for the following: 1. Any installation where one or more services, switchboard, motor control centers or feeders have a rating of four hundred (400) amperes or larger at six hundred (600) volts or less; 2. Any installation rated above six hundred (600) volts; 3. Theaters or motion picture theaters; 4. Assembly rooms or similar places having an assemblage or seating capacity exceeding five hundred (500) persons; 5. A hospital or other health care facility with surgical operating rooms falling within the scope of Article 517 of the National Electrical Code; 6. Installations in locations classed as hazardous locations by the provisions of Chapter 5 of the National Electrical Code, unless otherwise satisfactory to the Building and Safety Division. When the installation is designed and/or supervised by an electrical engineer who is duly registered by the State of California Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers, plans need not be approved unless otherwise required by subsections (B)(1) through (5) of this section. 7. Installation of lighting fixtures weighing more than three hundred (300) pounds. 8. Tenant improvement installations submitted within six (6) months of the approval date of shell building electrical plans. 9. Tenant improvement installations requiring review to verify compliance with the State's Electrical Energy Conservation requirements (Title 24). This energy plan check is in addition to the plan check required in subsection (B)(8) of this section. EXCEPTION: The above requirements do not apply to minor additions or alterations where satisfactory to the Building Official. Approval of a plan and/or the issuance of a permit shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other laws. Plans of permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or of other laws are not valid, except insofar as the work therein authorized is lawful. C. Information Required on Plans. 1. Every plan required by subsection B of this section shall be a print or other type approved by the Building and Safety Division. The information contained on the plans shall be drawn in a professional manner, be clearly legible and contain the information required in subsection (C)(2) of this section. The plans for the electrical wiring in a building shall be of a scale no smaller than one-eighth inch per foot. Reasonable symbols satisfactory to the Division shall be used in all plans. EXCEPTION: A scale less than one-eighth inch per foot may be used when acceptable to the Division as establis by prior approval to use a smaller scale. 2. The following is required to be shown on the plans for the wiring installations described in subsection B of this section: a. A complete single line diagram; b. The type, location and capacity of all service equipment; c. The size of all raceways and the length of all feeder raceways; d. The dimensions of all pull orjunction boxes larger than four (4) inches trade size; e. The number, size and type of all conductors to be installed in wiring enclosures; f. The location of every proposed outlet and switch in all parts of the building or structure, including all fixed showcases, wall -cases, office furnishings, and similar wiring; g. The location, voltage and HP rating of every motor and the KW rating of every generator; h. The type and code letter of every AC motor unless an alternate specification is otherwise satisfactory to the Building Official; i. The location and KVA or equivalent rating of each transformer, capacitor, ballast, converter, frequency changer and similar equipment; and the location and ampere or wattage rating of other appliances of the noninductive type; j. Details of panelboard, switchboard and motor control center schedules, showing wattage and amperage, the number of active branch circuits to be installed, and the number of spare branch circuits for future use. This shall include identifying the circuits to which the outlets are connected and listing the number and type of outlets; k. A lighting fixture schedule; I. The existing load, as calculated in accordance with Articles 210 and 220 of the NEC or by other methods satisfactory to the Building Official shall be indicated for existing installations have alterations or additions made thereto; m. Other additional information as the Building Official may consider necessary for proper enforcement of this co( D. Design Professional of Record. Each application for electrical permit shall be accompanied by plans, specificatio,., diagrams, or calculations, as required by the Building Official. When a plan checking fee or other fees are required by this chapter or any related ordinance or statute, such fees shall be collected at the time plans are filed. Plans may be filed by a registered electrical engineer, licensed contractor, government representative or authorized owner's representative. The plans shall bear the designer's signature as required by State of California Regulations. The person who's signature appears on the plans shall be the design professional of record." (Ord. 96-3, 1/23/96) 19.02.080. Section 89.17 is added to read as follows: 1189.17. Permits --Issuance. A. Issuance. The application, plans and specifications and other required data filed by an applicant for a permit shall be revised by the Building Official. Such plans may be reviewed by other public agencies, utilities, departments of the city and other divisions of the city for compliance with the laws and ordinances under their jurisdiction. The Building Official shall issue a permit to the applicant for the work described in the application and plans filed therewith, when it is determined that all of the following items comply: 1. The work conforms to the requirements of this code. 2. The work described conforms to the requirements of other pertinent laws and ordinances. 3. The required clearances from all other agencies have been obtained. 4. The fees specified by this code and the municipal code have been paid. 5. The applicant has obtained a permit pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 30600 et seq., if such permit is required. When a permit is issued and plan and/or specifications have been required to be provided, the Building Official shall endorse writing or stamp upon the plans and/or specifications "APPROVED." Such approved plans and specifications shall not __ changed, modified or altered without authorizations from the Building Official, and design professional of record when applicable, and all work regulated by this code shall be done in accordance with the approved plans, however the approval of the plans shall not be construed as a waiver of any requirement of this code, or any other law or ordinance, unless specific documentation such as that required by Section 19.02.030(B)(7) is provided. The issuance of a permit shall not be deemed to certify that the site of the described work is safe. B. Retention of Records. The Building Official shall keep a complete record of all essential transactions in the offices of the Building and Safety Division and plans and specifications as required by the State of California. C. Validity of Permit. The issuance of a permit or approval of plans, specifications and computations shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other laws or regulations. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or any other laws or regulations shall be valid, except insofar as the work or use which it authorized is lawful. The issuance of a permit based upon plans, specifications and other data shall not prevent the Building Official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans, specifications and other data, or from preventing building operations being carried on thereunder when in violation of this code or of any other ordinances of the City of Santa Clarita provided that notice is provided of the violations pursuant to Section 19870 of the State of California Health and Safety Code. D. Expiration. Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this code shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit: I. Is not commenced within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date such permit was issued by the City; or 2. Is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of six (6) months; or 3. A period of two (2) years and six (6) months from the date the permit was issued regardless of whether work has stopped; or 4. As specified elsewhere in this code. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained, and a fee therefor shall not exceed one half the amount required for a new permit for such work, (except in the case of subsection (D)(3) of this section wherein the fee may be based on the amount of the work remaining to be completed), provided no changes have been made or will be made to the original plans and specifications for such work; and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. In order to renew action on a permit which has been abandoned or suspended for more than one year, the permittee shall pay an amount not exceeding that originally paid for the permit. Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which work may commence under that permit when the permittee is unable to commence work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons. The Building Official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days on written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken, and upon payment of an extension fee as established by the City Council. No permit shall be extended more than once. E. Suspension or Revocation. The Building Official may suspend or revoke any permit issued under the provisions of this Code whenever the permit is issued in error, or is issued on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or has been obtained by falsification or misrepresentation, or when work is being done thereunder in violation of this chapter or any related ordinance or regulation. F. Cancellation or Surrender of Permit. If no portion of the work or construction covered by a permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this code has been commenced, the person to whom such permit has been issued may deliver such permit to the Building Official with the request that such permit be canceled. The Building Official shall thereupon stamp or write on the face of the permit the words "Canceled at the request of the permittee." Thereupon such permit shall be void and of no effect. Refund of fees for canceled permits shall be made as established by Section 19.02.090(E). G. Transfer of Permits. Permits are not transferable from one person to another or from one location to another." (Ord. 96-3, 1/23/96) 19.02.090. Section 89.18 is added to read as follows: "89.18. Fees. A. General. The City shall collect such fees as are required by this code and issue receipts therefor, copies of which shall be maintained as record in the office of Building and Safety. B. Cost of Permit. The cost of the electrical permits shall be as established by the City Council. C. Plan Review Fees. Plan review fees shall be paid when the plans are submitted for review. No wiring shall be installed, nor any other work for which a permit is required shall be done, until the plans have been approved. Only after the plans have been approved may the applicant apply for an electrical permit for such work. The cost of the electrical plan review shall be as established by the City Council. D. Expiration of Plan Review. Applications for which no electrical permit has been issued within one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of application, shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Building Official. The Building Official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days on request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action form being taken. The Building Official may collect a fee for any application for extension of plan review in accordance with the City's fee schedule. No application shall be extended more than twice. In order to renew action or an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee. E. Refund. In the event that any person shall have obtained an electrical permit and no portion of the work covered such permit been commenced and such permit shall have been canceled and a request for cancellation having b approved by the Building Official, the applicant/permittee may request a refund from the City for a maximum of eighty (80) percent of the permit fees paid excluding issuance fees or plan review fees. The applicant for the refund shall present all necessary documentation to the Building Official to prove that they are entitled to receive the refund of the amounts paid for the permit. No refund shall be made for a permit which was obtained by falsification or misrepresentation and which was subsequently revoked for such cause. F. Investigation Fees. 1. Work Without a Permit. Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work. 2. Fee. An investigation fee shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be twice the amount of the permit fee required by this code and shall be in addition to any fees for permits issued in connection with the work investigated. The minimum investigation fee shall be as established by the City Council. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code nor from any penalty prescribed by law." (Ord. 96-3, 1/23/96) 19.02.100. Section 89.19 is added to read as follows: 1189.19. Inspection. A. General. All new electrical work, and such portions of existing systems as may be affected by new work or any chant shall be inspected by the Building Official to insure compliance with all the requirements of this code. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by the permit to notify the Building Official that said work is ready for inspection. Such notification shall be given not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the work is to be inspected. The Building Official shall have the authority to remove, or to require the removal of any obstruction which prevents F oper inspection of any electrical equipment. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or other laws. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate pr cancel the provisions of this code or other laws shall not be valid, except insofar as the work therein is lawful. B. Certificates of Approval. Upon the completion of the electrical wiring in or on any building or structure of any nature, or tent, or premises, except as otherwise exempted in this code, the person, firm or corporation installing the same shall notify the Building Official, who shall inspect such installation prior to concealment, and if it is found by the Building Official to be fully in compliance with the provisions of this code, and all other laws and ordinances applicable thereto issue, as provided for herein, the certificate of inspection or approval notice authorizing connection of the electrical service and the energizing of the installation. The Building Official shall issue upon request a certificate of approval for any work approved by him or her. C. Approvals Required. 1. Permission to Cover Work. It shall be unlawful for any person to lath over, seal, cover or conceal any electrical wiring or other electrical equipment, for the installation of which a permit is provided herein, until such electric wiring or other electrical equipment shall have been inspected and approved by the Building Official. 2. Connection. It shall be unlawful to energize or cause or permit to be energized any electrical wiring coming under the provisions of this code, until such electrical wiring has been inspected and approved by the Building Official. Provided, however, that temporary permission may be given to furnish electric current to, or the use of electric current through any electrical wiring for a length of time not exceeding thirty (30) days or other reasonable period, if it appears to said Building Official that such electrical wiring may be used safely for such purpose, and that there exists an urgent necessity for such use. 3. Corrections. All defects shall be corrected within ten (10) days after inspection and notification or within such other reasonable time as is permitted by the Building Official. 4. Special Inspection. Special inspections may be required on work involving special hazards or conditions and on work requiring extensive, unusual or constant inspection. Special inspections, when necessary, shall be accomplished by the means set forth in Title 18 entitled "Building Code," except that the special inspector shall be a qualified person approved, registered by and reporting to, the Building Official. 5. Re -inspection. The Building Official is authorized and empowered to make at such times and as often as in his discretion it may seem necessary, thorough re -inspection of the installation in or on any building, structure or premises of all electrical wiring, electrical devices and electrical material now installed or that may hereafter be installed. When the installation of any such wiring device or material is found to be in violation of this code, the person, firm, corporation or governmental agency owning, using or operating the same shall be notified in writing and shall make the necessary repairs or changes required to place such wiring, device or material in compliance with this code and to have such work completed within a period of ten (10) days after such notice, or within such other reasonable period specified by the Building Official in said notice and shall pay such fees as are required by this code. Whenever an inspection has been requested for work which is either incomplete or is not ready to passed the required test, Building and Safety may assess a re -inspection fee as established by the City Council. This provision is not to be interpreted as requiring re -inspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this Code, but as controlling the practicq of calling for inspections before the job is ready for inspection or re -inspection. Re- inspection fees may be assessed when the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which the inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official. To obtain re -inspection, the applicant shall file an application therefore in writing upon a form furnished for that purpose and pay the re -inspection fee as established by the City Council. In instances where re -inspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of work will be performed until the required fees have been paid." (Ord. 96-3, 1/23/96) 19.02.110. Section 89.20 is added to read as follows: "89.20. Requirements for Installation Methods and Materials. A. Installation. All electrical installations shall be in conformity with the provisions of this code, and shall be in conformity with approved standards for safety to life and property. Where po specific type or class of material, or no specific standards are prescribed by this code, or by the National Electrical Code, conformity with a standard designated by the Building Official shall be prima facie evidence of conformity with an approved standard for safety to life and property. B. Materials. All electrical materials, devices, appliances and equipment shall be in conformity with the provisions of this code, and with approved safety standards. Listing, labeling or marking, as conforming to the standards of Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., the American National Standards Institute, Inc., the United States Bureau of Mines, Factory Mutual Laboratory, ERTL, or other nationally recognized organizations, when the individual organization issuing the listing, labeling or marking is approved by the Building Official, shall be prima facie evidence of conformity with the applicable provisions of this code. C. Used Material. Previously used construction materials shall not be reused in any work without special permission. Previously used industrial apparatus and processing equipment may be reinstalled provided it complies with all applicable provisions of this code. D. Existing Installations. No provision of this code shall be deemed to require a change in any portion of electrical systems or any other work regulated by this code in or on an existing building or lot when such work was installed and is maintained in accordance with law in effect prior to the effective date of this code, except when such electrical systems or other work regulated by this code is determined by the Building Official to be in fact dangerous, unsafe, or a nuisance, and a menace life, health or property. E. Additions, Alterations, Renewals and Repairs. Additions, alterations, renewals and repairs to existing installations st..... be made in accordance with the provisions of this code. Exception: Minor additions, alterations, renewals and repairs to existing installations when approved by the Building Official may be installed in accordance with the law in effect prior to the effective date of this code." (Ord. 96-3, 1/23/96) , Chapter 19.03 Amendments to the National Electrical Code Chapter 1; General The following sections of Chapter I of the National Electrical Code, as adopted by Chapter 19.01 hereof, are added, deleted or amended as follows: 19.03.010. Article 100 of the National Electrical Code is amended to add the following definitions and declarations: Apartment House. Any building or portion thereof, which is designed, built, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied, or which is occupied as the home or residence of three or more fgmilies living independently of each other and doing their own cooking in the said building, and shall include Flats and apartments. Approved. Acceptable to the Building Official. Electric or electrical wiring. 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, transform or utilize electric energy. Grade (adjacent Ground Elevation). The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk within the area between the building and the property line or, when the property line is more than five feet from the building, between the building and a line five feet from the building. Hotel. Any building containing six or more rooms intended or designed to be used, or which are used, rented or hired out to be occupied, or which are occupied for sleeping purposes by guests. Person. An individual human being, a firm, partnership or corporation, his or their heirs, executors, administrators, assignees, officers or agents; the City of Santa Clarita, and any local agency as defined in Section 53090 of the Government Code, or officer thereof. Service. For purposes of interpreting the National Electrical Code (NEC), each service drop or lateral to a building shall be considered one service. For purposes of determining the fees to be paid, each service and piece of service equipment shall be subject to the fees set forth in section 19.02.090. Service Equipment. One or more fused switches, enclosed circuit breakers, panelboards, switchboards, and/or switchgear supplied by one service and intended to constitute the main control and means of cut-off of the electrical supply. One service may include several pieces of service equipment. Permit fees shall be paid for each piece of service equipment. Special Permission. The written consent of the Building Official. Tenant Improvement (Electrical). Electrical work altering or adding to the wiring system of an existing tenant space, whether previously occupied or not, in a building that has previously passed final electrical inspection regardless of whether the building is a fully developed building or only a shell." (Ord. 96-3, 1/23/96) Chapter 19.04 Amendments to National Electrical Code Chapter 6; Special Equipment The following sections of Chapter 6 of the National Electrical Code, as adopted by Chapter 19.01 hereof, are added, deleted amended as follows: 19.04.010. Article 690 of the National Electrical Code is amended to add the Section 690.19 to read as follows: "690.19. Solar Photovoltaic Systems Disconnecting Means for Multiple Arrays. Where more than one array is combined to form a single output rated more than 50 volts and/or 10 amperes, a disconnecting means rated for the output shall be installed immediately adjacent to the combiner box on the output side. EXCEPTION: If the combiner box is located adjacent to the inverter(s), the disconnecting means as stated above shall not be required."