[HISTORY: Adopted by the County Council of
Wicomico County 8-22-1967 by Ord. No. 26. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
Under and by virtue of the authority contained
in Article 25A, Section 5, of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1957
Edition) and the amendments thereto, Article 25 of the Annotated Code
of Maryland (1957 Edition) and the amendments thereto and Chapter
3 of the Laws of Wicomico County, Maryland, of 1967, and further for
the protection and promotion of the health, comfort, safety and welfare
of the citizens of Wicomico County, the following rules, regulations
and provisions are enacted, adopted and established with respect to
electrical wiring in the construction, reconstruction, alteration
or repair of buildings, structures or any outdoor electrical display
or sign, outside the limits of incorporated towns and cities in Wicomico
County, except inside the limits of such incorporated towns and cities
where the Charter of such corporated towns and cities contains no
provision to regulate the subject matter of this chapter.
[Amended 10-17-2006 by Bill No. 2006-11]
There is hereby adopted by the County Council
for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations for the installations,
renewal, extension and reception of electrical wiring and electrical
apparatus in existing buildings, structures or outdoor electrical
displays or signs, or in the construction, reconstruction, alteration
or repair of buildings, structures or outdoor electrical displays
or signs, that certain code known as the “National Electrical
Code,” as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association,
being particularly the current edition thereof and the whole thereof,
hereinafter referred to as the “National Electrical Code”;
and the same is hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set
out at length herein, and from the date on which this chapter shall
take effect, the provisions thereof and all amendments thereto shall
be controlling for all existing and future electrical wiring and apparatus
in buildings, structures or outdoor electrical displays or signs within
the corporate limits of Wicomico County, Maryland.
[Amended 10-14-1980 by Bill No. 1980-31; 4-2-1985 by Bill No. 1985-3]
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
The Wicomico County Board of Electrical Examiners.
The terms shall be synonymous with the term license.
[Added 12-18-2012 by Bill No. 2012-16]
The County Council of Wicomico County, Maryland.
[Amended 10-17-2006 by Bill No. 2006-11]
The Circuit Court for Wicomico County or the District Court
of Maryland for Wicomico County.
The written authorization from an authorized inspection agency
to the power company in order to connect power to an electrical system.
The Wicomico County Department of Planning, Zoning and Community
Development.
[Added 12-18-2012 by Bill No. 2012-16]
Any person engaged only in single-phase house wiring, limited
to a dwelling containing no more than four family units, and commercial
wiring limited to circuits of not more than 100 amperes single-phase
in a commercial structure.
A person engaged in not over two of the following related
types of work: electrically operated heating or air-conditioning equipment,
electrically operated refrigeration equipment, electrically operated
display signs, elevators, fire alarm or detection system or electrically
operated appliances. This classification shall be limited to installation
of the above equipment and control wiring of such equipment only.
Any rural customer who uses electrical service in conjunction
with the production and/or management of poultry, livestock (including
dairy and swine) and crops in general or any other farming activity
that produces an agricultural-type product for sale as an income.
[Amended 12-18-2012 by Bill No. 2012-16]
See "repair."
A person engaged in the business of or holding himself out
to the public as engaged in the business of installing, erecting and
repairing or contracting to install, erect or repair, electric wire
or conductors to be used for the transmission of electric current
for electric light, heat or power purposes or mouldings, ducts, raceways
or conduits for the reception or protection of such wires or conductors
or to electrical machinery, apparatus, devices or fixtures to be used
for electric light, heat or power purposes or planning, estimating,
laying out and supervising such electrical work.
Corporations, companies and partnerships, as well as individuals.
Electrical work not including new installations (except by
replacement of existing installations with the same as those replaced)
and without additional installations or fixtures, or increase in electrical
power consumption, change or phase, increase in service capacity or
change in electrical characteristics.
Under the direction of and subject to the inspection of the
supervisory party (be the party a master electrician, electrician
general or electrician limited) and to the end that the supervising
party shall be responsible for the work of one who works under him
as though such work has been done by such supervising party and further
subject to the licensing provisions herein.
A.
There is created a Wicomico County Board of Electrical
Examiners who shall administer the provisions of this chapter.
B.
The Board shall consist of six members, all of whom,
except for the electrical inspector, must be residents of this Wicomico
County and citizens of the United States. Appointed by the County
Executive and confirmed by the County Council, one shall represent
the general public of Wicomico County, one shall be a representative
from a local electrical utility company, one shall be an electrical
inspector, two shall be engaged in the electrical contracting business
for a period in excess of five years and one may represent a local
electric utility company or may be an electrical inspector or be engaged
in the electrical contracting business.
[Amended 10-14-1980 by Bill No. 1980-31; 6-13-1988 by Bill No. 1988-19; 10-17-2006 by Bill No.
2006-11]
C.
Persons appointed to the Board initially shall be
appointed for the following terms: one member for one year, two members
for two years and two members for three years. Thereafter members
shall be appointed for terms of three years. No member representing
the electrical contracting business shall be eligible for successive
appointment to the Board.
D.
Appointments to fill a vacancy occurring otherwise
than through the expiration of a term shall be for the unexpired term.
E.
Every member of the Board shall receive a commission
of his appointment from the County before beginning his term of office.
[Amended 10-17-2006 by Bill No. 2006-11]
[Amended 6-13-1988 by Bill No. 1988-19; 10-17-2006 by Bill No. 2006-11; 12-18-2012 by Bill No.
2012-16]
The County Executive may remove any member of
the Board for misconduct, incompetency, neglect of duty or for any
other sufficient cause. An unexcused failure to attend three consecutive
meetings shall be deemed sufficient cause for removal.
[Amended 10-14-1980 by Bill No. 1980-31; 10-24-2000 by Bill No. 2000-7; 10-17-2006 by Bill No.
2006-11]
All members of the Board may receive such compensation
as the County Council shall from time to time determine. No employee
of the county government shall serve as Secretary-Treasurer of the
Board. The members shall be reimbursed for all actual and necessary
expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.
A.
The Board shall hold regular meetings at least once
each month and special meetings at such times as the Board or the
President shall determine.
B.
The Board shall elect annually a President, Vice President
and Secretary-Treasurer.
C.
Four members of the Board shall constitute a quorum
for purposes of doing business.
D.
In all proceedings of the Board, a majority of all
of the members thereof shall be necessary to bind the Board.
E.
No member shall be elected as President of the Board
for more than two consecutive years.
[Added 10-14-1980 by Bill No. 1980-31]
A.
The Board may adopt and amend all rules and regulations
not inconsistent with the Constitution, laws and ordinances of this
state and County which may be reasonably necessary for the proper
performance of its duties and the regulations of the proceedings before
it.
[Amended 2-15-1978 by Bill No. 1978-6]
B.
The Board shall adopt and have an Official Seal.
C.
In carrying into effect the provisions of this chapter,
the Board, under the hand of its President and the seal of the Board,
may subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance and also may require
the production of papers or documents in any case involving the revocation
of registration or practicing or offering to practice without registration.
D.
Any member of the Board may administer oaths or affirmations
to witnesses appearing before the Board.
E.
If any person refuses to obey a subpoena so issued
or refuses to testify or produce any books, papers or documents, the
Board may present its petition to the Circuit Court for Wicomico County
setting forth the facts. Thereupon the Court shall, in a proper case,
issue its subpoena to such person requiring his attendance before
such Court and there to testify or produce such papers and documents
as may be deemed necessary and pertinent by the Board. Any person
failing or refusing to obey the subpoena or order of the Court may
be proceeded against in the same manner as for refusal to obey any
other subpoena or order of the Circuit Court.
A.
All money received by the Board shall be paid monthly
to the Director of Finance and shall be credited to the general fund
of the county.
B.
All disbursements made by the Board for salaries,
expenses or other authorized expenditures shall be paid by the Director
of Finance out of funds appropriated for such purpose.
[Amended 10-17-2006 by Bill No. 2006-11]
C.
The Secretary-Treasurer of the Board shall give surety
bond to the county in such sum as the County Executive may determine.
The premium on such bond shall be regarded as a proper and necessary
expense of the Board.
[Amended 10-17-2006 by Bill No. 2006-11[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This bill also repealed former
Subsection D, which immediately followed this subsection and provided
for the employment of assistants and reasonable expenditure of funds.
A.
The Board shall keep a record of its proceedings and
a register of all applications for registration, which register shall
show:
(1)
The name, age and residence of each applicant.
(2)
The date of the application.
(3)
The place of business of such applicant.
(4)
The qualifications of the applicant.
(5)
Whether or not an examination was required.
(6)
Whether the applicant was rejected.
(7)
Whether a certificate of registration was granted.
(8)
The date of the action of the Board.
(9)
Such other information as may be deemed necessary
by the Board.
B.
The records of the Board shall be prima facie evidence
to the proceedings of the Board set forth therein. A transcript thereof,
duly certified by the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board, under seal,
shall be admissible in evidence with the same force and effect as
if the original were produced.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection C, which
immediately followed this subsection and required submission of a
fiscal report to the County Council, was repealed 10-17-2006 by Bill
No. 2006-11.
[Amended 10-17-2006 by Bill No. 2006-11]
The County Attorney shall act as legal adviser
of the Board, and render such legal assistance as may be necessary
in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.
In order to safeguard life and property, any person holding himself out in the general public as a master electrician or electrician, general or limited, in this County shall submit evidence that he is qualified as such an electrician and shall be registered as provided in this section. No person shall hold himself out in the public in the County as being a qualified master electrician, electrician, general or limited, as defined in § 138-3, or use in connection with his name or otherwise assume, use or advertise any title or description tending to convey the impression that he is a master electrician or electrician, general or limited, unless such person has been duly registered under the provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 3-7-1972 by Ord. No. 26B; 10-14-1980 by Bill No.
1980-31; 4-2-1985 by Bill No. 1985-3]
The following shall be considered as the minimum
evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant is qualified
for registration as a master electrician or electrician, general or
limited, respectively:
A.
As a master electrician:
(1)
The applicant shall have been regularly and principally
employed and engaged in electrical construction, maintenance, installation
and repair of all types of electrical equipment and apparatus for
a period of not less than seven years or the equivalent thereof. Such
employment shall be under the direction and supervision of a master
electrician.
[Amended 1-19-2016 by Bill No. 2015-17]
(2)
A reasonable knowledge of electricity and the natural laws and functions of electric wires, appliances and devices for electric light, heat and power purposes and skill and knowledge in all matters relating to the work or business of the master electrician, as defined in § 138-3 of this chapter.
(3)
Qualifications for master electrician shall require
that an applicant be a bona fide electrical contractor as determined
by the Board of Electrical Examiners, have a permanent place of business
and devote a majority of his time to the electrical contracting business
or express intention to do the above and, in fact, comply with the
above requirements to the satisfaction of the Board within 90 days
from the date of issuance of any license hereunder.
(4)
An applicant may be credited a maximum of two years'
practical experience for a journal course of study or training in
electrical installation at a trade school or other educational institution.
(5)
An electrician in charge of an electrical department
in a commercial or an industrial operation may be licensed as a master
electrician whose work shall be confined solely to the internal work
of his employer.
Application for registration may:
[Amended 12-12-1967 by Ord. No. 26A; 6-13-1977 by Bill No.
1977-5; 4-2-1985 by Bill No. 1985-3; 2-19-2002 by Bill No. 2002-3]
A.
The registration fee for all classifications (master
electrician and electrician general), except electrician limited,
shall be $100. The registration fee for electrician limited shall
be $50. Twenty dollars of the required fee shall accompany the application,
the remainder to be paid upon notification that the application has
been approved. Subject to final payment, a registration certificate
will be issued by the Board to the approved applicant. Should the
Board deny the issuance of a certificate of registration to any applicant,
the initial fee deposited shall be retained as an application fee.
B.
Before any registration certificate will be issued, or any biannual
renewal thereof, the applicant must submit proof and certification
of coverage under a general liability insurance policy with an insurance
carrier approved by the Maryland State Insurance Commission with minimum
limits of $100,000 per occurrence and property damage insurance in
the amount of $300,000. Notice of cancellation of general liability
insurance or property damage insurance, or any change in the insured
status, shall be forwarded to the Board within 10 calendar days of
the effective date of the insurance cancellation or status change.
[Amended 12-18-2012 by Bill No. 2012-16]
C.
The annual registration fee for an electrical inspector shall be
$100. Electrical inspectors shall carry errors and omissions/professional
liability insurance in an amount of at least $300,000.
[Amended 12-18-2012 by Bill No. 2012-16]
D.
The annual registration fee for a nongovernmental inspection agency
shall be $150. Nongovernmental inspection agencies shall carry errors
and omissions/professional liability insurance in an amount of at
least $300,000.
[Added 12-18-2012 by Bill No. 2012-16]
A.
The Board shall issue a certificate of registration
to any applicant who has complied with the requirements of this chapter
and who, in the opinion of the Board, has satisfactorily met all requirements
of this chapter. The certificate shall indicate which classification
of electrician the registrant has qualified for and shall show the
full name of the registrant, have a serial number and be signed by
the President and the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board and be impressed
with the seal of the Board.
B.
The issuance of a certificate of registration by the
Board shall be prima facie evidence that the registrant is entitled
to all the rights and privileges of the classification of electrician
named therein while the certificate remains unrevoked or unexpired.
C.
The Board shall promptly notify in writing the local
electrical inspection authorities of all certificates of registration
approved, suspended or revoked.
D.
Any electrician duly licensed hereunder may, upon
written request, have his license shelved. Shelving periods shall
be at the discretion of the Board, but shall not exceed five years.
In the event that a license has been shelved for a period of three
years or more, the Board may require an interview or retesting, or
both, of the individual asking to have his license unshelved. An annual
fee for shelving may be charged, and no work may be done under a shelved
license during the shelving periods.
[Added 10-14-1980 by Bill No. 1980-31]
The Board shall, upon application therefor and
the payment of the regular fee and without examination, issue a certificate
of registration as master electrician, electrician general or electrician
limited to any person who holds a certificate of qualification or
registration issued to him by the proper authorities of any County,
state or territory or district of the United States, or of any country,
provided that the requirements where the aforesaid registration was
issued do not conflict with the provisions of this chapter and are
of a standard not lower than that specified in this chapter for the
classification to be issued by this Board, and further provided that
the same rights are given to electrical contractors of this County.
[Amended 12-12-1967 by Ord. No. 26A; 6-13-1977 by Bill No.
1977-5;. 4-2-1985 by Bill No. 1985-3; 2-19-2002 by Bill No. 2002-3]
A.
Certificates of registration shall expire on the last
day of the month of June two years following their issuance or renewal
and shall become invalid on that day unless renewed.
B.
All applicants for renewal shall demonstrate they
have received 10 continuing education hours during each biannual period
before renewal of certificate registration may be granted. The Board
must accept continuing education hours obtained from a licensed college,
trade school, or other state-recognized training program, but five
of the 10 hours of continuing education must be obtained in a classroom
setting.
[Amended 5-7-2019 by Bill No. 2019-02]
C.
Renewal may be effected at any time during the month
of June in the year the certificate of registration expires by payment
of the biannual fee, which shall be equal to the original cost for
such class of certification of registration. The failure on the part
of any registrant to renew his certificate biannually in the month
of June, as required by this section, shall not deprive such person
of the right of renewal, but the fee to be paid for the renewal of
a certificate after the month of June shall be increased $5 for each
month or fraction of a month that payment of the renewal fee is delayed,
up to three years, at which time the license will become canceled.
A.
The Board may reprimand any registrant, or suspend or revoke the
certificate of registration of any registrant that is found guilty
of:
[Amended 10-14-1980 by Bill No. 1980-31; 12-18-2012 by Bill No. 2012-16]
(1)
The practice of any fraud or deceit in obtaining a certificate of
registration.
(2)
Any gross negligence, incompetency or misconduct in supplying material
or performing services as an electrical contractor.
(3)
Permitting or causing defective electrical work, if done deliberately
or if not corrected within 15 days, or longer if necessary, at the
discretion of the Board, following notice thereof by the Board.
(4)
Any negligence, incompetency or misconduct in performing services
as an electrical inspector or as an electrical inspection agency.
B.
Any person may prefer charges of fraud, deceit, gross
negligence or misconduct against any registrant. Such charges shall
be in writing and shall be sworn to by the person making them and
shall be filed with the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board.
C.
All charges, unless dismissed by the Board as unfounded
or trivial, shall be heard by the Board within three months after
the date on which they shall have been preferred.
D.
The time and place for the hearing shall be fixed
by the Board and a copy of the charges, together with a notice of
the time and place of hearing, shall be personally served on or mailed
to the last known address of the registrant at least 30 days before
the date fixed for the hearing. At any hearing, the accused registrant
shall have the right to appear personally and by counsel, to cross-examine
witnesses appearing against him and to produce evidence and witnesses
in his own defense. If, after such hearing, three or more members
of the Board vote in favor of finding the accused guilty, the Board
shall revoke the certificate of registration of such registrant.
A.
An applicant whose certificate of registration has
been revoked may become eligible for a new certificate upon meeting
all of the requirements of this chapter and upon the satisfactory
completion of any examination as hereinafter provided.
B.
A new certificate of registration to replace any certificate
lost, destroyed or mutilated may be issued subject to the rules of
the Board. A charge of $5 shall be made for such issuance.
C.
If a partnership, firm or corporation suffers a loss
of certificate due to dissolution of the partnership, firm or corporation
or death of the certificate holder, the partnership, firm or corporation
may continue to operate under a temporary certificate of registration
for a period not to exceed 90 days. During the ninety-day temporary
period, a person associated with the partnership, firm or corporation
may apply for a certificate of registration and, if all requirements
of this chapter are met, be scheduled for an examination. If the partnership,
firm or corporation allows the ninety-day temporary period to expire
before obtaining a person in their employ with a valid certificate
of registration, said partnership, firm or corporation shall cease
all work for which a certificate is required under this chapter.
[Added 10-14-1980 by Bill No. 1980-31]
[Amended 3-7-1972 by Ord. No. 26B; 6-13-1977 by Bill No.
1977-5; 10-14-1980 by Bill No. 1980-31; 4-2-1985 by Bill No. 1985-3]
A.
Master electrician. The scope of examinations, whether
oral or written, or both, shall include basic knowledge of electricity,
knowledge of the National Electrical Code and knowledge of the Wicomico
County Electrical Code. Seventy percent shall be deemed a passing
mark. Special reference will be given by the Board to the applicant's
ability to place, install and operate electrical wires, appliances
and apparatus.
B.
Electrician general. The scope of examinations, if
required, whether oral or written, or both, shall be from the National
Electrical Code and the Wicomico County Electrical Code. Seventy percent
shall be deemed a passing mark. Special reference shall be given by
the Board to the applicant's ability to place, install and operate
electrical wires, appliances and apparatus.
[Amended 4-6-2004 by Bill No. 2004-3]
C.
An applicant failing an examination may, upon request,
be permitted to examine his corrected examination papers in the presence
of a Board member and may apply for reexamination within one year
of application without additional fee. Subsequently, applications
will be granted upon payment of a fee to be determined by the Board,
except that no such fee shall be more than $10.
Any person who feels aggrieved by any action
of the Board in denying, revoking or failing to reissue his certificate
of registration may appeal therefrom within 30 days to the Circuit
Court for Wicomico County. The decision of the Board shall be prima
facie correct, and the burden of proof shall be on the appellant to
show that the Board acted contrary to law, fraudulently, arbitrarily
or capriciously. The appellant shall be heard on the records and proceedings
of the Board, which shall be certified to the Court by the Board within
15 days after service on the Board of a notice of appeal. The Court
shall, in its absolute discretion, permit the appellant or the Board
to present any evidence that the Court shall deem relevant. The Court
may affirm, reverse or modify the decision of the Board, and the decision
of the Court shall be final.
A.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to,
and no certificate of registration shall be required of or by:
(1)
Any electric light or power company, electric railway
company, steam railway company, diesel railway company or telegraph,
telephone or cable television company, nor to any person performing
the electrical work of any such company, when such work is a part
of the plant or services used by the company in rendering its authorized
service to the public.
(2)
Any person employed by any other person to repair and maintain or to supervise the repair and maintenance of any electrical equipment on the premises and buildings of the employer, except that such employers are not relieved of the duty prescribed by § 138-24 of this chapter.
(3)
Any person doing electrical work in a single-family dwelling used exclusively for living purposes, provided that that person is a bona fide owner and occupant of such dwelling for a period of six months immediately following completion and said owner and occupant purchases all materials and personally performs all labor in connection therewith, except that such work is not relieved of the duties as required by § 138-24 of this chapter.
[Amended 6-13-1977 by Bill No. 1977-5]
(4)
Any employee of any person engaged in the performance
of electrical work while under the supervision of any master electrician
or electrician general or electrician limited.
B.
Nothing in this chapter shall be so construed as to
forbid insertion in electrical circuits by unlicensed persons of devices
or appliances which are properly designed for such insertion and for
which proper wiring and insertion devices are installed.
C.
Nothing in this chapter shall be so construed as to
restrict anyone from servicing equipment in the fields of heating,
air conditioning, refrigeration or appliances.
D.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply
to or limit in any way the construction, reconstruction, authorization,
maintenance or repair of any federal or state building.
A.
No person holding a certificate of registration as
a master electrician, electrician general or electrician limited shall
install any new or used electrical wires, conduits, machinery, apparatus
or any kind of electrical equipment, fixtures, appliances or devices
without the prescribed inspections and approval of the electrical
inspection authority, except in case of emergency when such inspections
and approval will follow the actual work required within a reasonable
time.
B.
Any person permitted to install electrical work must
first secure a permit to do so from the Wicomico County Department
of Planning, Zoning and Community Development before starting any
such work. Any permit procured for the erection and maintenance of
any temporary service pole shall include whatever permanent installation
required under that particular project. Charge for said permit shall
be determined by the Board.
[Amended 6-13-1977 by Bill No. 1977-5; 12-18-2012 by Bill No.
2012-13]
C.
Inspections shall be by recognized inspectors approved
and licensed by this Board. Said electrical inspectors shall make
all inspections within seven work days of the receipt of an application
for inspection. No light or power company, whether public or private,
shall connect any current, light or power to any property without
first obtaining a permanent or temporary cut-in-card from electrical
inspectors having jurisdiction thereof, except in case of an emergency
when service may be restored by a licensed contractor prior to obtaining
such cut-in-card. No permanent or temporary cut-in-card shall be issued
unless said cut-in-card is requested by a licensed contractor to whom
a registration certificate has been issued under the provisions of
this chapter, except for work being done or which has been done by
persons who are not required to obtain registration certificates under
the provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 6-13-1977 by Bill No. 1977-5]
D.
The Board shall adopt as standards for the installation
of electrical work, apparatus and devices of all kinds, those required
from time to time by the National Electrical Code and Wicomico County
Electrical Code; all material and equipment must be approved by the
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., or other accredited authoritative
agency and testing organizations.[1]
[Added 12-18-2012 by Bill No. 2012-16]
A.
The board shall issue a certificate of registration as an electrical
inspector to any applicant who has complied with the requirements
of this chapter and who, in the opinion of the Board, has satisfactorily
demonstrated his/her qualification to inspect the installation of
electrical work. Any such applicant must be certified by the State
Fire Marshal, as a certified nongovernmental electrical inspector
to inspect electrical installations for conformity with the National
Electrical Code or any adopted local electrical code or amendments.
An electrical inspector must place his/her electrician license on
inactive status or shelve such license as provided in this chapter.
B.
The Board may issue a certificate of registration as an electrical
inspection agency to any nongovernmental organization which has complied
with the requirements of this chapter and who, in the opinion of the
Board, has satisfactorily demonstrated its qualification to inspect
the installation of electrical work. In determining the qualifications
of an inspection agency, the Board of Electrical Examiners, shall
consider the record of the inspection agency in any jurisdiction within
or without this state, as well as other objective indicators relating
to the qualifications of the agency to inspect the installation of
electrical work.
(1)
No inspection agency shall be issued a certificate of registration
as an electrical inspection agency until the electrical inspectors
of such agency shall have obtained a qualification certificate.
(2)
Each inspector employed by an registered electrical inspection
agency must place his/her electrician license on inactive status or
shelve such license as provided in this chapter and must be registered
as an inspector with the Board.
C.
It shall be unlawful for:
(1)
Any person to perform electrical inspections or hold himself
out to the public as a qualified electrical inspector under the terms
of this chapter unless duly licensed hereunder;
(2)
Any inspection agency to perform electrical inspections or hold
itself out to the public as a qualified electrical inspection agency
under the terms of this chapter unless duly licensed hereunder.
[Amended 12-12-1967 by Ord. No. 26A; 2-19-2002 by Bill No.
2002-3; 12-18-2012 by Bill No. 2012-16]
A.
Any person, firm, corporation or agent who shall violate a provision
of this chapter or fail to comply thereafter or with any of the requirements
thereof shall be guilty of a civil infraction and shall be subject
to a fine not to exceed $1,000 per violation. The fine shall be as
specified in the schedule of fines adopted by resolution of the County
Council for the violation charged. The Director of the Department
of Planning, Zoning and Community Development or his designee is hereby
authorized to issue citations for civil infractions of this chapter.
Each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.
B.
The enforcement authority for violations of the Electrical Code is
with the Department of Planning, Zoning and Community Development's
Chief Building Inspector or his designee. The Board shall deliver
any information received during its review of complaints received
to the Department. The Department shall investigate and, if appropriate,
order corrections determined to be necessary, or issue a civil citation
and assess the applicable fine.
C.
In case of any violation of this chapter, the county may, in addition
to other remedies provided herein, institute any appropriate action
or proceeding in Circuit Court, either by injunction or otherwise,
to prevent such unlawful action and/or to restrain, correct or abate
such violation, to prevent the occupancy of such building or structure
and to prevent any illegal act in or about such premises.
D.
Civil infractions will be prosecuted by the Wicomico County Department
of Law.
