A.
Title. This division shall be known as the "Electrical
Code of the City of Onalaska" and will be referred to in this division
as "this code" or "Electrical Code"
B.
Purpose. The purpose of this division is the practical
safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the
installation and use of electricity; and to establish rules and fees
for the issuance of permits, and the inspection of all electrical
and low voltage work covered under the scope of this chapter.
C.
Scope. This code shall apply to the installation, reconstruction,
alteration, extension and repair of wiring and equipment for heat,
light, power, control, voice, data, CATV, fire alarm, security systems
and other low voltage work (100 volts or less). Materials, fittings,
devices, appliances, luminaries, apparatus and the like used as part
of or in conjunction with said installations shall be referred to
in this code as "equipment" or "electrical equipment" unless specifically
stated otherwise.
D.
Conflict. No part of this chapter shall be interpreted
to prevent the enforcement of other City ordinances or regulations
which prescribe standards equal to or more stringent than the standards
established by this division.
A.
Adopted by reference. Ch. 101, Wis. Stats., Chs. SPS
305, SPS 316 and SPS 320, Wis. Adm. Code, and NFPA 70, together with
all amendments and reinstatements, are hereby adopted and by reference
made a part of this chapter with the same force and effect as though
set out in full. Failure to comply with any of the provisions of the
statutes or administrative rules, regulations and bulletins shall
constitute a violation of this chapter, punishable according to the
penalties provided below. References in this chapter to Wisconsin
statutory section or chapter or Wisconsin Administrative Code sections
or chapter describing or defining procedures or author for enactment
or enforcement shall be deemed to refer to the most recent enactments
of the Wisconsin Legislature describing or defining such procedures
or authorities.
A.
State codes adopted. Sections 101.80 through 101.88,
Wis. Stats., relating to the regulation of electrical wiring and electricians,
and Chs. SPS 305, SPS 316 and SPS 324, Wis. Adm. Code, and all future
amendments thereto are hereby adopted by reference in their entirety
except as to penalties contained therein. A copy of these provisions
shall be permanently on file and open to public inspection in the
Inspection Department. It is intended that all modifications, amendments,
and renumbering of the foregoing provisions as may occur from time
to time shall likewise be immediately adopted and fully incorporated
into this code by reference. Any act prohibited by any of the foregoing
provisions is prohibited by this Electrical Code. In the event any
of the provisions of this code, whether incorporated by reference
or enumerated hereinafter, are in conflict, it is intended that the
more restrictive provisions shall be applied and enforced.
B.
License required. No person, firm or corporation shall
alter, install, or repair electrical wires and apparatus for the utilization
of electric current for light, heat or power in the City of Onalaska
without first having procured a contractor's license as provided by
§ 101.862, Wis. Stats., unless an exception identified in
§ 101.862(4)(am) through (q), (5), (6), Wis. Stats., applies.
The City of Onalaska requires that only licensed electrical contractors
may perform the aforementioned work in all single- and two-family
dwellings. Any equipment owned or controlled by any customer shall
be subject to inspection and shall not be considered as part of regular
operations of the utility.
C.
Electrical contractor responsibility. An electrical
contractor licensed under § SPS 305.41, Wis. Adm. Code,
shall utilize the appropriately licensed or registered individuals
to construct, install, repair or maintain electrical wiring.
A.
Low voltage permit required.
1.
An unlicensed individual may perform work on non-UDC residential
parcels without an electrical contractors license upon obtaining a
low voltage permit if the work meets one of the licensing exceptions
under § 101.862(4)(am) through (q), Wis. Stats.
2.
Low voltage permit application. Application for low
voltage (100 volts or less) shall be made by the installer on forms
provided by the Inspection Department and shall include such plans,
specifications, and other information as requested by the Inspection
Department. No permits shall be issued to any installer who does not
have a current certificate of insurance on file, or any installer
who has ignored orders to correct code deficiencies or has fees, fines
or penalties outstanding. Permits shall be invalid if work is not
commenced within one year of permit issuance and shall expire one
year after permit issuance. The Inspection Department may extend the
period not more than two times for up to an additional 180 days each.
B.
Electrical permit required. Except for electrical wiring
projects described in § 101.875(2), Wis. Stats., and as
provided below, no electrical wiring project may commence unless the
owner of the premises where the installation is to occur or their
agent holds a permit from the City of Onalaska if the project involves
the installation of new or an addition to any electrical services,
feeder, or branch circuit serving any of the following:
1.
A farm;
2.
A public building, structure or premises;
3.
A place of employment;
4.
A campground;
5.
A manufactured home community;
6.
A public marina, pier, dock or wharf; or
7.
A recreational vehicle park.
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Under emergency conditions, the necessary electrical wiring
may commence without obtaining a permit, provided the owner of the
premises where the installation is to occur or their agent submits
a permit application to the Inspection Department for the installation
no later than the next business day after commencement of the installation.
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C.
Electrical permit application. All work requiring an
electrical permit shall submit an application form provided by the
City that complies with § SPS 316.012(2), Wis. Adm. Code.
D.
Permit fees. Permit fees shall be based upon the square
footage of the work to be done, as determined by the Inspection Department
on the basis of current costs as set forth on the City of Onalaska
Fee Schedule.[1] Fees shall be due at the time of application.
1.
The permit fee shall be doubled when work is commenced before a permit
is obtained and in addition the City may issue citations pursuant
to Division 5 of the Building Code herein.
2.
There shall be a reinspection fee for each occurrence as set forth
on the City of Onalaska Fee Schedule.
[1]
Editor's Note: The current Fee Schedule is on file in the
City offices.
E.
Electrical inspections.
1.
Inspections. Electrical wiring shall remain accessible
and exposed for inspection purposes and may not be energized. The
City shall be notified that electrical wiring installation is ready
for final inspection when all electrical fixtures, outlets and face
plates are in place and the installation or that portion of the installation
is energized.
2.
Concealment prior to inspection(s). The concealment
or energizing of electrical wiring, other than an electrical service,
may proceed if inspection has not been completed within two business
days after notification is received by the City or as otherwise agreed
between the wiring installer and the Inspection Department.
3.
Orders for incompleteness and noncompliance. The Inspection
Department shall issue orders requiring that Electrical Code violations
be corrected within a specified time. A written order to correct Electrical
Code violations must be complied with as stated in the written order,
the order itself shall remain active for 24 months from the date of
issuance, meaning that any subsequent violations during the twenty-four-month
period may result in an immediate issuance of a municipal citation.
A continued failure to correct a violation identified in an order
may result in the issuance of a municipal citation to the person to
whom the order was issued.
a.
Content of orders. Whenever the Inspection Department
determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe a violation
of any provision of this chapter exists, they shall order the person
responsible to correct the violation. The order shall be in writing
and shall:
i.
Include a description of the real estate sufficient for identification;
ii.
Specify the violation which exists and the remedial action required;
iii.
Allow a reasonable time for the performance of
any act it requires; and
iv.
Include the following disclaimer: "The findings of this inspection
report are intended to identify code violations that are readily apparent
at the time of inspection. The inspection did not involve a detailed
examination of the electrical systems or the closed structural or
nonstructural elements of the buildings and premises. No warranty
of the operation, use or durability of equipment and materials not
specifically cited herein is expressed or implied."
b.
Service and time line for correction orders. Orders
to correct electrical violations shall be served upon the permit holder
and such corrections shall be made within 10 days. Concealment of
electrical work before inspection shall constitute an offense punishable
in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
4.
Compliance. Upon the failure of any inspection due to
code deficiencies or the electrical work scheduled to be inspected
has not complete at the time of inspection, a reinspection fee shall
be assessed against the permit holder. If the Inspection Department
determines that the work conforms to this code, a certificate of compliance
may be issued. All wiring and equipment covered under the scope of
this Electrical Code shall be inspected and approved by the Inspection
Department before the installation or equipment is put into normal
or permanent service.
5.
Notice to purchasers. An owner shall notify a purchaser,
in writing, that an order has been issued concerning a violation of
this Electrical Code, whenever the condition of the property giving
rise to the order has not been corrected. Any owner who fails to give
written notice to a purchaser, prior to acceptance of a written offer
to purchase, of any order concerning this property shall be subject
to a forfeiture as provided below. No owner may accept an offer to
purchase which was made prior to the disclosure required by this subsection,
unless the purchaser acknowledges receipt of a notice of outstanding
orders and a willingness to proceed despite such knowledge.
6.
Liability for damages. This code shall not affect the
responsibility or liability of any party owning, operating, controlling
or installing any electrical equipment for damages to persons or property
caused by any defect therein, nor shall the City be held as assuming
any such liability by reason of the inspection or reinspection authorized
herein or the certificate of approval issued as herein provided or
by reason of the approval or disapproval of any equipment authorized
herein.
F.
Investigations. The Inspection Department may investigate
any charges or complaints filed which may be brought against the holder
of any permit for noncompliance with any provision of this code on
the part of the permit holder or any person performing any work under
their direction. Any licensed electrical contractor who knowingly
and willfully procures a permit for electrical work which is to be
performed by anyone not properly licensed by the State of Wisconsin
shall be subject to the maximum penalty prescribed by in Division
6 of this Building Code. No person may obtain a permit for electrical
work in the City of Onalaska while that person is failing or refusing
to correct an electrical violation after having been convicted of
that violation.
A.
Qualification. The City employs Building Inspectors
I, II, III and a Lead Building Inspector to perform electrical inspections.
Those Building Inspectors in the Inspection Department with the appropriate
certifications and licenses for UDC and Commercial Electrical shall
perform inspections under this division.
B.
Restrictions. It shall be unlawful for any Building
Inspector to engage in the installation of electrical wiring and appliances
for hire, either directly or indirectly, and such Building Inspectors
shall have no financial interest in any concern engaged in such business
in the City of Onalaska at any time while employed in the Inspection
Department. Any violation of any provisions of this subsection by
an employee of the Inspection Department shall be sufficient cause
for dismissal.
C.
Duties. It shall be the duty of the Building Inspectors
to enforce the provisions of this chapter. Complete records of all
permits issued and inspections made and other official work performed
under the provisions of this Electrical Code shall be kept and so
arranged as to afford prompt information concerning electrical installations.
D.
Right of access. The Inspection Department shall have
the right during reasonable hours to enter any public or private buildings,
structures, or premises in the discharge of his official duties or
for the purpose of making any inspection or test of electrical wires
or appliances contained therein. The Building Inspection Department
shall be given prompt access to any premises upon notification to
the proper authority.
E.
Right to cut off current. The Inspection Department
shall have the authority to cause the turning off of all electrical
currents to any equipment which they find to be in an unsafe condition,
and cut off or discontinue electrical service in case of emergency
and where such electrical currents are dangerous to life or property,
or may interfere with the work of the Fire Department. No person,
firm or corporation shall reconnect any equipment thus cut off until
written permission is given by the Inspection Department.
A.
Standards for the installation of electrical conductors and equipment
in the City of Onalaska shall conform to and comply with the applicable
provisions of this code, Chs. SPS 305, SPS 316 and SPS 320, Wis. Adm.
Code, and all subsequent amendments, the statutes of the State of
Wisconsin, and any orders, rules and regulations issued by authority
thereof, and with approved electrical standards for safety to persons
and property. Where no specific standards for safety are prescribed
by this Title or by the State Electrical Code, conformity with the
regulations set forth in the National Electrical Code and in the National
Electrical Safety Code shall be prima facie evidence of conformity
with approved standards for safety to persons and property.
B.
Only that equipment which has been expressly made for electrical,
control, voice, data, CATV, fire alarm and security system purposes
shall be installed for said purpose. All heat, light, power, control,
voice, data, CATV, fire alarm, security system equipment and other
low voltage system equipment shall be installed and used in the exact
manner and for the exact purpose indicated by the equipment's listings,
labels and the manufacturer's markings and instructions. The original
manufacturer's listings, labels, ratings and markings shall be visible
and the equipment shall not be changed or altered in any manner, except
that normal replacements and repairs may be made to such equipment
if the replacements and repairs do not change the listing, original
characteristics or design.
C.
All materials and construction methods shall adhere to § SPS
316.022(1), (2), and (3), Wis. Adm. Code.
D.
The City of Onalaska may require existing installations to be brought
into compliance with the minimum wiring requirements of the Building
Code or Uniform Dwelling Code and within the time determined by the
City.
E.
Interpretation of this code shall be at the discretion of the Inspection
Department. Written requests for formal interpretations or variances
of Ch. SPS 316, Wis. Adm. Code, shall be directed to the Wisconsin
Department of Safety and Buildings Division, Electrical Unit.
A.
Permit holders, except those residential owner occupied permit holders
for low voltage work (defined as installing, repairing, or maintaining
equipment or systems that operate at 100 volts or less), shall carry
insurance having aggregate coverage of not less than $1,000,000 covering
all of the following risks: public liability, personal injuries, property
damage, and completed operations. Insurance for completed operations
coverage shall be sufficiently broad to cover installation, service
and repair of equipment sold by the permit holder and servicing, installation
and repair of equipment not sold by the permit holder. Permit holder
shall submit a certificate of insurance indicating such coverage at
the time the application for license or renewal thereof is made.
A.
When the Inspection Department finds any electrical equipment to
be unsafe or dangerous to persons or property, the person owning,
using or selling such electrical equipment shall be notified, in writing,
to remove or cause to be removed, or to make any changes or repairs
or cease to sell, so as to restore such electrical equipment to a
safe condition. Failure to comply with such notice within the time
specified in such notice shall be sufficient cause for the Inspection
Department to disconnect or order the removal of, or order the discontinuance
of, electrical service to said electrical equipment. In any case of
emergency affecting the safety of persons or property, or where electrical
equipment interferes with the work of the Fire Department, or where
electrical equipment is not installed in conformity with the regulations
of this Electrical Code, the Inspection Department shall have the
authority to disconnect immediately or cause the removal of or disconnection
of any such electrical equipment. When the Inspection Department disconnects
or causes to be disconnected electric current from electrical equipment,
an official notice, tag, lock or seal shall be attached to such electrical
equipment to prevent the use of electricity. It shall be unlawful
for any unauthorized person to attach such official notice, tag, lock
or seal, or to break open, change, remove, destroy, tear, alter, mutilate,
cover or otherwise deface or injure any such official notice, tag,
lock or seal. The Inspection Department shall have the power and authority
to seize and take possession of any electrical equipment or materials
which, in its opinion, are dangerous to life or property, or which
are suspected or found to have been the cause of any fire, accident,
injury or fatality and to retain possession for the purpose of making
an investigation, an examination or for official evidence. After such
electrical equipment and materials have served their purpose, they
shall be returned to the owner.
