[HISTORY: Adopted by the County Council of
Wicomico County 8-22-1967 by Ord. No. 26. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
[Amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
Under and by virtue of the authority contained
in Title 6 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article, of
the Annotated Code of Maryland 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:
An electrician who is licensed by the State Board to assist
in providing electrical services while: 1) under the direction or
control of a licensed master electrician; and 2) in training to become
a journeyperson electrician.
[Added 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
The Wicomico County Board of Electrical Examiners.[1]
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.[2]
[Added 12-18-2012 by Bill No. 2012-16]
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]
An electrician who is licensed by the State Board to provide
or assist in providing electrical services while: 1) under the direction
or control of a licensed master electrician; and 2) in training to
become a master electrician.
[Added 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
A license issued by the State Board to provide or assist
in providing electrical services.
[Added 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
See "repair."
An electrician who is licensed by the State Board to provide
electrical services as a master electrician. A master electrician
is also authorized to perform any work which an electrician limited
may perform.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
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.
The temporary placing of a registration with the Board in
an inactive status.
[Added 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
Refers to the State Board of Electricians.
[Added 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
Under the direction of and subject to the inspection of the
supervisory party (be the party a master electrician 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 provisions
herein. An individual may also provide or assist in providing electrical
services when duly authorized by the State Board pursuant to the Building
Occupations and Professions Article, § 6-605 of the Annotated
Code of Maryland, as from time to time amended.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
[1]
Editor's Note: The definition of "certificate of registration,
registration or certificate," added 12-18-2012 by Bill No.
2012-16 and which immediately followed this definition
was repealed 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08.
[2]
Editor's Note: The definition of "electrician general," which
immediately followed this definition, was repealed 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08.
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; 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
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. If the County
Executive decides that the removal of a member is necessary prior
to the end of the member's term, the County Executive may immediately
suspend the member until the County Council confirms or denies termination
with a simple majority vote. Upon suspension, the County Executive
must immediately inform both the member and the County Council, in
writing, as to the reason for suspension and termination, and the
Council has 60 days to confirm or deny the termination.
[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 to include a valid
Maryland State license.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
(5)
[1]Whether the applicant was rejected.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection A(5), which required the
showing of whether or not an examination was required, was repealed 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08. This bill also renumbered former Subsection A(6) through
(9) as Subsection A(5) through (8), respectively.
(6)
Whether a certificate of registration was granted.
(7)
The date of the action of the Board.
(8)
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.[2]
[2]
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.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
In order to safeguard life and property, any person holding himself out in the general public as a master electrician, journeyperson electrician, apprentice electrician or electrician 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, journeyperson electrician, apprentice electrician, or electrician 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, journeyperson electrician, apprentice electrician, or electrician 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; 1-19-2016 by Bill No. 2015-17; 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
The following shall be considered as the minimum evidence satisfactory
to the Board that the applicant is qualified for registration as a
master electrician, journey person electrician, apprentice electrician,
or electrician limited, respectively:
A.
As a master, journeyperson or apprentice electrician. In order to
be registered in Wicomico County, a person shall 1) show proof of
their active Maryland State License; and 2) pay the required registration
fee.
B.
Master electrician. In order to perform electrical work as defined
herein for a master electrician, a person must be duly registered
hereunder as a master electrician in the State of Maryland.
C.
Journeyperson electrician. In order to perform electrical work as
defined herein for a journeyperson electrician, a person must be duly
registered hereunder as a journeyperson electrician in the State of
Maryland.
D.
Apprentice electrician. In order to perform electrical work as defined
herein for an apprentice electrician, a person must be duly registered
hereunder as an apprentice electrician in the State of Maryland.
E.
In order to be registered as an electrician limited, a person shall:
F.
Electrician limited. In order to perform electrical work as defined
herein for an electrician limited, a person must be so registered
as an electrician limited (with the proper endorsement on said registration
to allow the work in such limited fields) or be registered as a master
electrician in the State of Maryland.
G.
Display of license or registration. Any master electrician duly registered
hereunder shall publicly display the wording "Licensed Master Electrician"
together with the Maryland State license number on the exterior of
all motor vehicles used in connection with the registration holder's
business.
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 master electrician shall
be $150. The registration fee for electrician limited, journeyperson
electrician and apprentice electrician shall be $75. 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.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
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
$150. 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; 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
D.
The annual registration fee for a nongovernmental inspection agency
shall be $250. 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; amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
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.
Shelving of registration,
[Added 10-14-1980 by Bill No. 1980-31; amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
(1)
Any
electrician duly registered hereunder may, upon written request, have
his registration shelved. Shelving periods shall be at the discretion
of the Board, but shall not exceed five years. In the event that a
registration has been shelved for a period of three years or more,
the Board may require an interview of the individual asking to have
his registration unshelved. An annual fee for shelving may be charged,
and no work may be done under a shelved registration during the shelving
periods.
(2)
If
an electrician is classified as uninsured with the State Board, the
individual must notify the County and provide proof of the uninsured
classification. Any electrician classified as uninsured by the State
Board shall be required to shelve the County registration.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
The Board shall, upon application therefor and
the payment of the regular fee and without examination, issue a certificate
of registration as 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 that the requirements for registration, as set forth in § 138-13, are satisfied.
[Amended 5-7-2019 by Bill No. 2019-02; 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
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 registration will become canceled.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
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.
(5)
A conviction under the laws of the United States or any state for
a felony; or a misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness
and qualification of the applicant or licensee to provide electrical
service in accordance with the Building Occupations and Professions
Article, § 6-316(a)(6) and (c), of the Annotated Code of
Maryland, as from time to time amended.
[Added 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
(6)
Failure to maintain a valid Maryland State electrician license.
[Added 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
(7)
Any violation hereof.
[Added 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
B.
Any person may refer 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.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
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 referred.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
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]
D.
Reexamination
requirement. In any case of a revoked or suspended registration for
an electrician limited, the Board may require reexamination or retesting
of the applicant.
[Added 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
[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; 4-6-2004 by Bill No. 2004-3; 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
A.
Electrician limited. 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. The test shall be set and approved, by a majority vote,
by the Board.
B.
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)
[1]Property used exclusively for farming purposes, as defined
by the Wicomico County Zoning Code,[2] is excluded from all provisions of this chapter except the requirements of § 138-24B and C.
[Amended 6-13-1977 by Bill No. 1977-5]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection A(4), which exempted any
employee of any person engaged in the performance of electrical work
while under the supervision of a master electrician or electrician
general or electrician limited, was repealed 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08. This bill also renumbered former Subsection A(5) as Subsection
A(4).
B.
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, when electrical wiring
is not installed, removed or replaced.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08[3]]
[3]
Editor's Note: This bill also repealed former Subsection B, which permitted the insertion in electrical circuits by unlicensed persons of devices or appliances that were properly designed for such insertion and for which proper wiring and insertion devices was installed. In addition, the bill redesignated former Subsections C and D as Subsections B and C, respectively.
C.
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, journeyperson electrician, apprentice electrician,
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.
[Amended 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
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 and approved by the majority of the County
Council. There shall be a permit fee for commercial electrical work
and a permit fee for residential electrical work.
[Amended 6-13-1977 by Bill No. 1977-5; 12-18-2012 by Bill No. 2012-13; 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-09]
C.
Inspections shall be by recognized inspectors approved
and registered 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; 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
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; 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
A.
Registration of electrical inspectors.
(1)
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 have a valid Maryland, Virginia
or Delaware State master electrician license, which has been active
for a period of no less than seven years prior to the date of application
for registration as an electrical inspector and 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 one's Maryland State master
electrician license on uninsured status and provide proof of uninsured
status to the County.
(2)
In lieu of the licensing provision specified in Subsection A(1) hereof, an applicant who, in the opinion of the Board, has satisfactorily demonstrated his/her qualification to inspect the installation of electrical work shall:
(a)
Be actively engaged in the electrical trade as a licensed electrician
or electrical inspector in either the States of Maryland, Delaware
or Virginia, or at the discretion of the Board any other state, for
a total of not less than seven years within the last 15 years from
the date of application for an electrical inspector's registration;
and
(b)
Hold a nongovernmental electrical inspector certification issued
by the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal; and
(d)
Take and successfully pass a Wicomico County Electrical Board
inspector's examination.
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.
C.
It shall be unlawful for:
(1)
Any person to perform electrical inspections or hold oneself
out to the public as a qualified electrical inspector under the terms
of this chapter unless duly registered 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 registered hereunder.
[Added 7-18-2023 by Bill No. 2023-08]
Electrical inspectors and members of the Board shall have all
such rights of entry as are necessary and proper to ensure compliance
herewith.
[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.
