(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to undertake any electrical work within the city without having obtained a permit authorizing the person to undertake such work.
(b) 
There shall only be one electrical permit issued or outstanding at the same time for any electrical work undertaken at any jobsite within the city. However, the electrical inspector shall be authorized to issue two or more permits for a jobsite when the electrical work to be undertaken at a jobsite is to be done in separate phases and the electrician applying for the permit is to be responsible for one or more phases of the electrical work, but not the total work required for completion of the job.
(c) 
When a master electrician has obtained a permit to undertake electrical work and the electrician is seeking to undertake less than the total electrical work at a jobsite, the following requirements apply:
(1) 
The master electrician shall, prior to the issuance of such permit, supply to the electrical inspector drawings, diagrams or plans which show the exact scope of the work to be undertaken.
(2) 
The master electrician shall be solely responsible for all electrical work to be undertaken by such electrician at the jobsite.
(3) 
The master electrician who has obtained a permit to do electrical work at a jobsite when such work is a phase or part of the total work, but less than the total work required at the jobsite, shall do only such work at the jobsite authorized by his permit.
(4) 
When there is more than one electrical permit issued for a jobsite within the city, where two or more master electricians are working on different parts or phases of the electrical work at such site, it shall be the joint responsibility of all such electricians so permitted to see that the individual work undertaken is compatible with all other electrical work undertaken at the jobsite and in conformity with the approved plans for the job and this article.
(5) 
When two or more master electricians have performed phases or work at a jobsite, the electrical inspector shall make one final electrical inspection at the jobsite, which shall cover all electrical work undertaken or done at the jobsite, and shall not pass the work unless all electrical work undertaken at the jobsite is found to comply with this article.
(d) 
The electrical inspector shall issue only one electrical permit per jobsite for the same or identical work with the following exceptions:
(1) 
When the master electrician has failed to complete the work, and such fact is communicated by the general contractor or property owner.
(2) 
When the electrical inspector is notified in writing by the master electrician that his contract for the electrical work is no longer in effect.
(3) 
When the electrical inspector has been notified in writing by the general contractor permitted at the jobsite that the master electrician originally permitted to do the work at the jobsite has been replaced with a new electrician.
(e) 
When the electrical inspector determines that a new permit will be issued, the person requiring such permit shall pay the full fee for the permit, and no refund shall ever be made on the original permit issued.
(f) 
The electrical inspector is authorized to require any other type of evidence from the general contractor or master electrician which he deems necessary prior to the issuance of a new electrical permit.
(g) 
The issuance of a new permit under this section shall release the first permitted electrician of any responsibility for compliance with this article for work completed by such electrician, and the new permitted electrician shall be responsible for compliance with this article for the entire jobsite.
(h) 
The chief building official shall require the owner, general contractor or subcontractor or other interested person to execute an indemnity agreement agreeing to hold harmless and defend the city and chief building official from any and all liability which may be alleged as a result of the issuance of a new electrical permit under this section and to require such agreement to be secured by bonds and insurance deemed appropriate unless a release is signed by all parties.
(1966 Code, sec. 14-64(A)–(D); 2001 Code, sec. 22-186; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)
(a) 
No permit shall be required for a registered electrician or a homeowner to undertake minor electrical work, which by way of illustration and not limitation is as follows:
(1) 
Repairing flush and snap switches.
(2) 
Replacing fuses.
(3) 
Changing lamp sockets and receptacles.
(4) 
Replacing neon tubing in or on an existing sign erected in compliance with this article.
(5) 
Changing lamp or ballast.
(b) 
No permit shall be required to attach or repair electrical wiring or install service to electrical apparatuses or equipment which are a part of a refrigeration, heating or air conditioning system or unit or any motor unit driving other equipment. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as allowing any person to install new electrical wiring to or in a building or premises in order to install any of the equipment listed in this subsection, and this section shall be construed to allow a person to connect to existing wiring only.
(c) 
No permit shall be required, after original installation and inspection, to change an electrical fixture or repair or replace an electrical fixture unless the work will require a change in the size of the wiring supplying current to such fixture.
(1966 Code, sec. 14-70; 2001 Code, sec. 22-187; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)
The following types of permits for electrical work may be issued by the chief building official:
(1) 
General electrical permit.
A general electrical permit shall only be issued to a master electrician and shall authorize the electrician to perform any type of electrical work at a specific jobsite for which his registration qualifies.
(2) 
Homeowner's permit.
a. 
A homeowner's electrical permit shall only be issued to a person who owns and resides in a single-family home and may be used by such homeowner to do electrical work on the premises used by the homeowner as his residence. The electrical inspector shall be authorized to require proof of ownership and residence for any permit issued under this subsection.
b. 
Exception.
A homeowner's permit shall not include any electrical installation for a swimming pool, hot tub or spa, and all such electrical work shall only be allowed by a general electrical permit issued to a master electrician.
(3) 
In-house electrical permit.
An in-house electrical permit shall only be issued to a person registered as an industrial electrician, and shall authorize such electrician to perform any type of electrical work for his employer for which his registration qualifies. No permit issued to an industrial electrician shall ever authorize such electrician to perform any electrical work for any person other than the employer of such electrician and upon the buildings, grounds or equipment owned or leased by such employer.
(1966 Code, sec. 14-64(E); 2001 Code, sec. 22-188; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)
Application forms for any type of electrical permit authorized by section 22-148 shall be obtained from the chief building official and shall be fully completed by the individual seeking the permit and returned to the electrical inspector. The chief building official shall not issue the permit requested if he finds any of the following:
(1) 
The proposed electrical work does not comply with this article.
(2) 
Plans and specifications for the work to be done under the requested permit are insufficient to allow the electrical inspector to determine if the work proposed to be done under the requested permit complies with this article.
(3) 
The individual is seeking a permit to perform electrical work which he is not qualified to perform under the registration issued to such person by the chief building official .
(4) 
If for a homeowner's permit, the individual applying therefor is not the owner and resident of the premises for which the permit is sought.
(5) 
If for a homeowner's permit, the individual seeking the permit has failed to demonstrate a working knowledge of this article.
(6) 
The individual seeking the permit has failed to furnish the certificate of insurance required by section 22-349, or such insurance has been canceled or reduced in coverage. This defect may be cured by compliance with the terms of section 22-349.
(1966 Code, sec. 14-65; 2001 Code, sec. 22-189; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)
(a) 
Two sets of electrical plans and specifications may be required by the chief building official prior to the issuance of a permit for the following electrical work:
(1) 
All new construction for which a building permit is required in accordance with this code.
(2) 
All alterations to existing buildings or structures for which a building permit is required in accordance with this code.
(b) 
In addition to subsection (a) of this section, the chief building official may require two sets of electrical plans and specifications when, in the opinion of the chief building official , such plans and specifications are necessary for the chief building official to determine if the proposed electrical work to be undertaken, if a permit is issued, will comply with this article.
(c) 
When plans and specifications are required by this section, they shall contain the following information:
(1) 
The size of the feeders and subfeeders and their length when there are more than four branch circuits.
(2) 
All current connected device locations.
(3) 
All circuitry to panels.
(4) 
All panels and the service entrance must be sized on the plans.
(d) 
In addition to the requirements set forth in subsection (c) of this section, the electrical inspector may require the calculations for the plans prior to the issuance of a permit.
(e) 
The plans required by this section shall be sealed or certified as follows:
(1) 
All commercial building plans shall bear the seal of an electrical engineer or a certification by a master electrician or industrial electrician that the plans are approved by him. However, all plans must bear the seal of an engineer licensed to practice in the state when required by the Texas Occupations Code.
(2) 
All other plans shall be approved and bear the seal or certification of any one of the following persons:
a. 
An engineer licensed by the state.
b. 
A registered master electrician who is contracted for the job.
c. 
A homeowner who is performing electrical work on his own residence.
(3) 
Notwithstanding anything contained in this subsection to the contrary, a registered industrial electrician may certify plans for electrical work for his employer, if such plans do not require the seal of a licensed engineer in this state pursuant to the Texas Occupations Code.
(1966 Code, sec. 14-67; 2001 Code, sec. 22-190; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)
(a) 
When the electrical permit fee, as established by separate ordinance, is paid and all other applicable sections of this article are complied with, the chief building official shall issue the permit requested.
(b) 
The permit shall specify the following:
(1) 
The type of permit issued.
(2) 
The proposed work to be done.
(3) 
The location of the jobsite.
(4) 
The name and address of the registered electrician receiving the permit or, if a homeowner, his name and address.
(5) 
The name and address of any company, firm, business, partnership or corporation with whom the registered electrician is an officer, employee or partner.
(6) 
The date of issuance and the signature of the electrical inspector.
(7) 
The signature of the electrician or homeowner receiving the permit and responsible for electrical code compliance.
(1966 Code, sec. 14-66; 2001 Code, sec. 22-191; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)
(a) 
The chief building official is authorized, in addition to other permits allowed by this article, to issue temporary permits for a period of time not to exceed 90 days. All electrical work undertaken under a temporary permit shall nonetheless comply with all other sections of this article, unless the electrician seeking such temporary permit shall prove to the chief building official that a lesser standard will provide a safe installation for the period of time the permit is enforced.
(b) 
Upon the expiration of the time set forth in any temporary permit issued in accordance with this section, the person obtaining such permit will do the following:
(1) 
Apply for and secure a regular permit for electrical work to either complete the temporary work or bring such work into full compliance with this article; or
(2) 
Remove all such temporary electrical work installed or undertaken under the temporary permit issued and restore the building or premises to full code compliance.
(1966 Code, sec. 14-68; 2001 Code, sec. 22-192; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)
Where buildings are constructed in lumberyards or on premises other than where the building is on a permanent foundation and where such building is to be moved into and located within the city limits, wiring installation shall be made by an insured and registered master electrician in conformity with this article, and permits shall be applied for.
(1966 Code, sec. 14-69; 2001 Code, sec. 22-193; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)
If an emergency occurs necessitating immediate new wiring or repairs to electrical wiring at a time when the office of the building and code administration is closed, the work may be carried out without first obtaining a permit. Thereafter, a written application shall be submitted to the building and code administration for a permit during the next day that such office is open. Before the permit shall be issued, all requirements for its issuance must be complied with.
(1966 Code, sec. 14-71; 2001 Code, sec. 22-194; Ordinance 85-2004, sec. 1, adopted 10/19/04; Ordinance 28-2022 adopted 7/19/2022)