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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 5-4500 OF THE COMMERCE CITY REVISED MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE 2017 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE AND REPEALING AND REENACTING SECTIONS OF THE 2006 INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL ELECTRICAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
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Summary and Background Information:
The Community Development Department is proposing adoption of the 2017 National Electric Code (NEC) to replace the 2014 National Electric Code currently in use by the City.
Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S) 12-23-104 “Board Powers and Duties - Rules” local government jurisdictions conducting their own electrical permitting and inspection programs must adopt and enforce an electrical code at least as stringent as the state’s adopted electrical code and must do so within one year of the state’s adoption of the code. The state adopted the 2017 NEC at its January 2017 meeting and it went into effect on July 1, 2017. To remain complaint with state law, Community Development proposes adoption no later than the end of 2017.
It is important the City stay current in its adoption of various building and trades codes and in particular the NEC. Electrical contractors by virtue of their state-issued licenses are required to comply with the state’s current adopted electrical code - regardless of what a city or county adopts and enforces locally. To ensure consistency across the state, the Electrical Board adopted this rule to ensure local governments migrate to the new code within a reasonable time frame. Cities and counties that are slow to update their codes run the risk of creating conflicts amongst electrical contractors working in their communities - some of which will bid and install jobs to the state’s current code and others who will install under the code adopted by the local jurisdiction. This can sometimes lead to disparity and since the newest code reflects the latest technological advancements in both terms of safety to users of electrical systems and product development, timely adoption ensures the safest installations using the most modern wiring methods and equipment.
To assist local electrical contractors and homebuilders with the transition to the 2017 edition, Community Development will communicate the pending code adoption and start date along with information on the major code changes that will most likely affect residential electrical installations. Communications allow for comments, questions and answers and feedback. Additionally, Building Safety Division inspectors communicate coming changes to electrical contractors in the field during inspections. Since many of the area jurisdictions have adopted the 2017 edition, the timing is good as electrical contractors have already begun the transition and are expecting Commerce City to migrate to the 2017 National Electric Code soon.
The National Electric Code (NEC) is published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is the recognized authority and safety standard for electrical installations across the United States. The NEC is published every three years after completion of a code development cycle whereas new code changes are submitted and vetted through a consensus process involving industry professionals, manufacturers, distributers and government regulators. The code changes approved during the development process are implemented into the newly published code which ensures it is maintained to the most current product safety standards while recognizing new technologies, wiring methods and equipment. The NEC covers all aspects of electrical installations and equipment and contains regulations for every feasible electrical wiring installation from lighting installed in a residential shed to hospitals, to heavy machinery in a large industrial complex. The NEC also covers unique electrical installations such as solar (photovoltaic) systems, battery charging systems (e.g. electric vehicles), stand-alone (generator) systems and a myriad of other installations.
The adoption of the 2017 National Electric Code is a strategy under the City’s 2017 Work Plan in support of Council Goal No. 3 “Develop and maintain public infrastructure to improve community appearance and encourage private development”.
Please review other uploaded materials and if interested in more information regarding code changes to the 2017 NEC please review the document: “Summary of Changes - 2017 National Electric Code” published by Mike Holt Enterprises.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Chris Cramer, Director of Community Development
Staff Member Presenting: Patrick Buckley, Codes & Inspections Manager
Financial Impact:
New code books, resource and training materials for internal use. Communication handouts, flyers and similar for external use.
Funding Source:
From the Building Safety Division regular budget in 2017 and 2018 - no new expenses.
Staff Recommendation:
Approval
Suggested Motion:
I move to introduce Ordinance 2150 by council as seated and approve the ordinance on first reading.