Except as otherwise specifically provided in this code, it shall be unlawful for any person to install or cause to be installed any electrical wiring or equipment within the city's jurisdiction, or to make any alterations, additions, changes or repairs within the scope of this code, without first obtaining a permit to do so from the electrical inspector. There shall only be one permit outstanding at the same time for any installation of electrical work.
(Ordinance 1165, § 2(Exh. A, Art. VI, § 6-1), 10-18-00)
No permit shall be required for the following:
(1) 
The replacement of fuses, lamps, wall switches, receptacles, sockets, or other similar items.
(2) 
The connection of portable electrical equipment to existing or permanently installed receptacles.
(3) 
The installation of electrical conductors or equipment to be installed by or for a public utility corporation in the generation, transmission, distribution or use of electrical energy as outlined in their franchises; nor for the use of such corporation in the transmission of messages.
(4) 
The replacement of a motor by another motor of the same horsepower and rating, solenoid valves, low pressure controls, or other controls when the electrical supply to the same is or has been installed by a licensed electrician.
(5) 
Any work involved in the manufacturing, testing or servicing, altering or repairing of electrical equipment or apparatus, except that this exemption shall not include any permanent wiring.
(Ordinance 1165, § 2(Exh. A, Art. VI, § 6-2), 10-18-00)
Application for permits shall be made in writing upon forms provided by the electrical inspector. Where deemed necessary, the electrical inspector may require diagrams or plans showing the kind of work to be done and the manner in which the electrical installation is to be made. The application shall be accompanied by the prescribed fees as provided in the city's permit and license fee schedule.
(Ordinance 1165, § 2(Exh. A, Art. VI, § 6-3), 10-18-00)
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Code, permits shall be issued only to the following persons:
(1) 
The holder of a valid Rockport Master Electrician's License or a valid state electrical contractor's license for the doing of electrical work which is authorized under such license; and that such electrician assumes all and full responsibility for that electrical work which is permitted. Said master electrician or state licensed electrical contractor may authorize one employee to obtain permits in the master's or company's name. Such authorization shall be on company letterhead or, if no letterhead, on plain paper and notarized, and kept on file in the office of the electrical inspector. Should the status of the authorized person change, new authorization shall be submitted to the office of the electrical inspector prior to permits being issued.
(2) 
A person performing electrical work or maintenance work with their own hands in a dwelling owned, occupied and registered in the state tax rolls as their homestead as outlined in section 22-87.
(Ordinance 1165, § 2(Exh. A, Art. VI, § 6-4), 10-18-00; Ordinance 1306, § 4, 9-28-04)
When an electrician completes the rough work, in whole or in part, on any electrical work and a second electrician is called upon to complete the work in whole or in part, then a separate permit is required for which regular fees shall be paid for the work installed by him. Before the second permit is issued, the holder of the first permit shall be notified, if he can be found, that the second permit is proposed to be issued. Issuance of the second permit shall cancel the first permit and no refund of fees for such canceled permit shall be made.
(Ordinance 1165, § 2(Exh. A, Art. VI, § 6-5), 10-18-00)
Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. No work shall be done until a new permit is issued and all necessary fees paid. No refund shall be made for permits that have become invalid. One or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 90 days each, may be allowed. Such extensions shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. Extensions shall be in writing by the electrical inspector.
(Ordinance 1165, § 2(Exh. A, Art. VI, § 6-6), 10-18-00; Ordinance 1306, § 4, 9-28-04)
The electrical inspector shall have the right to declare a permit null and void if, there has been a misrepresentation of facts. No work shall be performed until a new permit is issued and all fees have been paid.
(Ordinance 1165, § 2(Exh. A, Art. VI, § 6-7), 10-18-00)
All new electrical work, and such portions of existing circuitry or fixtures as may be affected by new work or any changes, shall be inspected to insure compliance with the requirements of this code. The required inspections are as follows:
(1) 
Rough inspection.
When the rough wiring or installation work is being completed, the permit holder shall notify the electrical inspector that the job is ready for inspection. The inspector shall then make an inspection of the installation no later than the following day from the time of notification; excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
a. 
If the installation passes inspection, the electrical inspector shall sign the inspection certificate, noting thereon the date of approval.
b. 
If the installation does not pass inspection, the inspector shall notify the permit holder of any violations and such violations shall be corrected and reinspected.
(2) 
Final inspection.
When the entire installation of electrical wiring, fixtures or equipment has been completed on any premises, the permit holder shall notify the electrical inspector that such work is ready for final inspection. The inspector shall then make an inspection of the installation no later than the following day from the time of notification; excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
a. 
If the installation passes inspection, the electrical inspector shall sign the inspection certificate, noting thereon the date of approval.
b. 
If the installation does not pass inspection, the inspector shall notify the permit holder of any violations and such violations shall be corrected and reinspected.
(3) 
Periodic inspection.
Due to the nature or complexity of certain electrical work, more than one rough inspection may be made without charge when the progress of construction requires such inspections. Notification shall be given when phases of electrical work are completed and ready for inspection.
(4) 
Service connection.
No electrical work for which a permit is required shall be connected to a source of energy until such electrical work has been inspected and approved by the electrical inspector. The inspector shall then make the necessary records to allow the utility company to connect such electrical work to a source of supply.
(Ordinance 1165, § 2(Exh. A, Art. VI, § 6-8), 10-18-00)
After correcting any violations found during the required inspections, the permit holder shall notify the electrical inspector that such violations have been corrected. The inspector shall then make the necessary reinspection. If the permit holder fails to correct such violations within an allotted time, the electrical inspector shall refuse to issue to the person any further permits until said work in question is corrected and approved.
(Ordinance 1165, § 2(Exh. A, Art. VI, § 6-9), 10-18-00)