This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Ulster County Electrical Licensing Law."
[HISTORY: Adopted by the County Legislature of the County of Ulster 5-21-2019 by L.L. No. 3-2019. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
The Ulster County Legislature hereby finds that the installation, repair and improvement of electrical services and wiring in residential and commercial structures is a unique occupation requiring experience and skills not commonly required for persons performing other occupations. The improper installation, repair and improvement of electrical wiring may create hazardous conditions for occupants and the community. The Ulster County Legislature finds that the licensing of electricians is a fair and effective method to ensure that qualified persons practice the electrical trade in Ulster County in order to protect the public. Nothing in this chapter is designed to interfere with or shall be construed to interfere with any existing state or local law or the industry practice relating to electrical work; authority of the local municipalities within Ulster County to issue certificates of occupancy or any permits necessary for the performance of electrical work to an electrician who has a license issued by the Electrical Licensing Board pursuant to this chapter; or homeowners from making electrical repairs to their residence, except as provided in § 185-9 of this chapter.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
A written notice issued and subscribed by the Commissioner, the Commissioner's designee, Ulster County or municipal code enforcement officers, or federal, state and local law enforcement officers directing a person to appear at a designated future time in connection with the alleged commission of a violation of this chapter. A notice conforming to such definition constitutes an appearance ticket even if referred to by any other name or title.
The Ulster County Electrical Licensing Board established by this chapter.
The Chairperson of the Ulster County Electrical Licensing Board.
The Commissioner of the Department of Public Works of the County of Ulster.
The County Executive of the County of Ulster.
The County Legislature of the County of Ulster.
Includes any person, partnership, limited partnership, limited-liability company, or corporation which engages in or carries on the business of installing, erecting, altering or repairing, for the public at large, electrical wiring, apparatus, fixtures, devices, appliances and equipment utilized or designed for the utilization of electricity for light, heat or power purposes or for signaling systems operating on 50 volts or more under the supervision of a Master Electrician.
A person who represents to others that they are an Electrical Inspector for the purpose of inspection of electrical work needed in connection with the issuance of any permit or certificate of occupancy by a local municipality, or otherwise, to ensure electrical work is being performed in accordance with all applicable national and New York State codes.
The installation, erection, alteration or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus, fixtures, devices or other equipment used or to be used for the transmission of electricity for electric light, heat, cooling, power (including solar), signaling, communication, alarm or data transmission.
Working with tools in the installation, alteration and repair of wiring and appliances for light, heat, power and signaling purposes in or on buildings, which work shall have been done in compliance with the National Electrical Code. Hands-on experience shall not include time spent in supervising, engaging in the practice of engineering, estimating and performing other managerial tasks.
Any person who owns land in Ulster County upon which there is an existing, unattached, single-family home used as such person's primary residence and/or where there may also be nonresidential buildings used solely for the private use of such person and the title thereto being the name of such person, and/or such person's spouse, individually or jointly.
An electrician who has successfully completed a formal electrical apprenticeship program which has been registered and approved by the New York State Department of Labor; another state of the United States of America; or the Bureau of Apprenticeship Training of the United States Department of Labor.
Any city, town or village in the County of Ulster.
A person who has met all the requirements of the Electrical Licensing Board including, but not limited to, a passing grade on the Master Electrician exam.
An individual, firm, partnership, corporation or other legal entity, whether or not organized for profit.
The voluntary placement of a licensee's County of Ulster Master Electrician License in an inactive status. A person with a shelved license shall be unlicensed. This person shall not maintain, conduct, operate, advertise, engage in or transact a business as a Master Electrician in the County of Ulster.
Shall mean (1) an offense punishable by a civil fine of up to $1,000 per day imposed by the Ulster County Electrical Licensing Board, as provided herein, or (2) an offense, as defined under Article 10 of the New York State Penal Law, punishable by a court of competent jurisdiction by the imposition of a fine and/or a term of imprisonment not to exceed 15 days.
[Amended 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
On and after the effective date of this chapter, no person shall engage in, carry on or conduct the business of, or hold oneself out as, a licensed electrician or an Electrical Contractor within the County of Ulster unless such person is licensed pursuant to this chapter or unless employed and supervised by a person so licensed.
[Amended 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
A.
There is hereby established in and for the County of Ulster a board known as the "Ulster County Electrical Licensing Board" comprised of the following 10 individuals who reside in Ulster County:
(1)
The Commissioner, or the Commissioner's designee, who shall be a nonvoting member of the Board;
(2)
One individual who is qualified as an Electrical Inspector in New York State;
(3)
One member representing the Licensing Board of the City of Kingston;
(4)
One union contractor who shall be a licensed Master Electrician;
(5)
One open shop contractor who shall be a licensed Master Electrician;
(6)
Two members of the public;
(7)
One County Legislator designated by the Chairperson of the Legislature;
(8)
One representative from the Association of Supervisors and Mayors of Ulster County; and
(9)
One individual representing the County Executive.
B.
Members of the Board, except for the Commissioner, shall be appointed by the County Executive, subject to confirmation by the County Legislature. Of the members first appointed, one shall be appointed for a term of one year; two for a term of two years; three for a term of three years; and two for a term of five years. Members may continue to serve after the expiration of their respective terms of office until their successors have been appointed and confirmed. The successors of all members of the Board thereafter shall be appointed for terms of five years.
C.
The Board shall elect a Chair, Deputy Chair and Secretary from its membership annually. The Chair shall be responsible for creating meeting agendas and presiding over the Board's meetings. The Deputy Chair shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the Chair when the Chair is absent or otherwise disabled and unable to perform such duties and responsibilities. The Secretary shall be responsible for the recording of meeting discussions and actions, maintaining registers of all persons issued licenses and renewals thereof, and the proper receipt and transmission of all monies received.
D.
A majority of the fully constituted Board, regardless of vacancies, absences, abstentions, recusals or voting status, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
E.
Compensation to be paid to the members of the Board, if any, shall be determined by the County Legislature.
[Amended 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
In addition to those powers elsewhere prescribed by this chapter, the Board shall have the following powers and duties, all to be exercised only by a majority of the nine voting members of the Board, unless otherwise provided by this chapter:
A.
Hold regular monthly meetings and special meetings as often as necessary or required. At least 24 hours' written notice of a special meeting shall be given to the members of the Board. Unless otherwise provided by New York Open Meetings Law (N.Y. Public Officers Law Article 7), public notice of the time and place of a meeting scheduled at least one week prior thereto shall be given or electronically transmitted to the news media and shall be conspicuously posted in one or more designated locations at least 72 hours before such meeting; meetings scheduled less than one week prior thereto must give such media notice as is practicable under the circumstances and similarly posted.
B.
Adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement this chapter, including licensing standards not inconsistent herewith. A certified copy of such rules and regulations shall be filed with the Clerk of the County Legislature prior to its effective date.
C.
Review qualifications and fitness of applicants for licenses under this chapter.
D.
Assist in the preparation and review of standard written tests in such form as determined by the Board from time to time, based on the applicable New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and relevant reference standards provided in the Code and grade such tests in accordance with such standards.
E.
Issue licenses as authorized by this chapter to applicants possessing the requisite qualifications. Licenses shall be signed by the Chair and the Secretary of the Board.
F.
Issue notices of violation and appearance tickets; hear and dispose of complaints of alleged violations of this chapter; suspend and/or revoke licenses; impose and collect fines and penalties; refer violations to the County Attorney to institute legal action in the name of the County of Ulster and enjoin unlawful activity.
G.
Comply with the New York State Public Officers Law (Open Meetings Law and Freedom of Information Law).
I.
Keep records of all of its meetings and proceedings and of all licenses issued, suspended or revoked and of all fines imposed.
J.
Allow the Commissioner to issue notices of violations and/or appearance tickets for alleged violations of this chapter.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
A.
Every person seeking a Master Electrician's license in Ulster County shall make application, along with the required fee, to the Board in the form and manner prescribed by this chapter and any rules and regulations promulgated by the Board.
B.
No person shall apply for a license unless, prior to the administration of a written examination, such person satisfies the qualifications set forth herein for that license.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
A.
The Board may issue and renew a Master Electrician's license. Such license shall permit the licensee to engage in the business of an Electrical Contractor within the County of Ulster for the period of one year from the date it was issued. A Master Electrician will only be entitled to possess one valid Master Electrician's license pursuant to this chapter for any given year.
B.
An Electrical Contractor business entity must have a Master Electrician who is an owner, officer, member, or bona fide employee of that electrical contracting business. The Master Electrician must supervise all electrical work performed by the Electrical Contractor.
D.
Each application shall be accompanied by a non-refundable check or money order representing the fee as determined by the Board for administration of the examination.
E.
Renewal. All licenses issued under this chapter must be renewed annually on or before the expiration thereof for the period of one year upon payment of the applicable annual fee set forth below:
F.
Each application for renewal of a license must also be accompanied by proof that the individual has successfully completed a refresher course within the last 12 months on changes to the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the current National Electrical Code version adopted by New York State.
G.
Licensed Master Electricians who are not actively engaged in the business of Master Electrician may shelve such a license for a fee of $50 per year.
H.
Licensees may retire their licenses by notifying the Board of their retirement in such form and in such manner as shall be set forth in the Board's rules and regulations. No licensee who has notified the Board of such retirement shall be eligible for a renewal license.
I.
Unless a license is shelved or retired, the failure of a licensee to renew such license after 15 days of the expiration date shall result in a penalty of $50. If renewal is not received within 30 days from the expiration date, it shall result in revocation of the license unless, upon good cause shown, an additional thirty-day extension is granted by the Board.
J.
Each Master Electrician duly licensed under this chapter shall list the licensee's license number in each advertisement, estimate, bill or contract and post such license number at each job and prominently display it on the electrical license decal issued by the Board on each vehicle while in the course of said licensee's trade or business. One decal shall be provided free of charge upon the issuance of a license hereunder. A fee of $10 shall be charged for each additional decal needed to comply with the provisions contained herein. Said decals shall include the words "Ulster County" and "electric" or "electrical."
K.
The fee for a Master Electrician's license "Certificate of Name Change" after initial issuance of Master Electrician's license shall be $150. A "Certificate of Name Change" for a Master Electrician shall only be issued to a qualified person as required by this chapter.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
This chapter shall not apply to:
A.
Persons engaged solely in the sale of ordinary electric appliances, or in the attachment of such appliances to existing circuits where no jointing or splicing of electrical conductors is required;
B.
The installation, maintenance or repair of elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators;
C.
The repair of heating systems, excluding resistive heat;
D.
Any work involved in the manufacture, assembly, test or repair of electrical machinery, apparatus, materials and equipment by a person, firm or corporation engaged in electrical manufacturing as a principal business;
E.
Persons performing electrical work in the course of their employment by public service companies authorized to do business in the State of New York;
F.
Homeowners engaged in the installation, maintenance, replacement and/or improvement of electrical work in their primary unattached single-family residence which is greater than one year old. Replacement shall not include replacement of the entire electrical service on such residence and is limited to one up-to-20-amp 120-volt existing branch circuits that is powered down, locked and tagged out of service and poses no electrical hazards. All such work must comply with local municipal building permit requirements and comply with all applicable New York State and National codes. To the extent that a building permit is required, such electrical work must be inspected by an approved certified Electrical Inspector or Code Enforcement officer of the municipality having jurisdiction as defined under § 185-22 of this chapter. No homeowner shall engage in the below work, except for a homeowner with a minimum of 20 consecutive years of experience performing electrical installations who has (1) proved to the satisfaction of the Board that such homeowner is qualified to do the work, and (2) received written permission from the Board to perform the work:
(1)
The construction and installation of electrical wiring for any electrical equipment in or adjacent to any swimming pools, (in-ground or above ground), hydro massage bathtubs, fountains, hot tubs, spas and wading, therapeutic and decorative pools, or similar items, as is covered under the applicable provisions of the National Electric Code adopted by New York State, and any amendments thereto.
(2)
The installation of permanently or temporarily installed generators required to be grounded or bonded by either a standby or manual transfer switch into the electrical system under the National Electric Code adopted by New York State, and any amendments thereto.
(3)
Electrical work pertaining to violations that may surface during the sale of the residence.
G.
Any installation, maintenance, replacement and/or improvement of electrical work done by a municipal employee in their role as a municipal employee on property owned or leased by a municipality. All such work must comply with local municipal building permit requirements. To the extent that a building permit is required, such electrical work must be inspected by a certified Electrical Inspector as defined under § 185-22 of this chapter.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
Every person desiring to obtain a Master Electrician's license under this chapter and who meets the qualifications set forth herein shall apply for a license in such form and detail as the Board may prescribe. Such application shall state, among other things:
A.
Name, home address and business address;
B.
Telephone number;
C.
Social Security number and employer identification numbers;
D.
A photocopy of valid government-issued photo identification;
E.
A statement of all qualified work experience and education, setting forth names, addresses and descriptions of work performed or degrees attained, and dates of employment or attendance;
F.
A statement of whether the applicant was licensed by any other jurisdiction, where such license is currently valid, whether such license was ever suspended, revoked or other action taken and, if so, the disposition thereof;
G.
A statement of whether the applicant was ever convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic infraction, and if so, the disposition thereof;
H.
An authorization to the Board to investigate the facts set forth in the application as required to make a determination as to the person's qualifications for an electrical license;
I.
A statement that such application is made under penalties of perjury; and
J.
Child support obligations. Under New York State General Obligations Law § 3-503, all applicants for a license or renewal license must complete a New York State Department of Labor Form GO 1, Appendix to a License Application, regarding the applicant's child support obligations.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
Master Electrician's license. To qualify for the Master Electrician's license examination, all applicants must possess a minimum of seven years of experience in the installation, alteration, and repair of wiring and appliances for light, heat and power and signaling in or on buildings under the requirements of the National Electrical Code as required by the New York State Department of State, Division of Code Enforcement and Administration and/or any municipal codes within the United States which equal or exceed the requirements of the National Electrical Code. The applicant's years of experience must include at least one of the following:
A.
An applicant who has, at a minimum, completed a four-year apprenticeship program approved by both a federal agency and a federally certified state agency and has worked at least three years with the applicant's tools on the installation, alteration and repair of wiring and appliances for light, heat and power and signaling purposes in or on buildings. A certificate of completion issued by the apprenticeship program and a certification by the applicant's employer(s) regarding the additional three years of hands-on work experience shall be submitted with the application for the electrical license examination; or
B.
A journeyman electrician who has worked at least three years as a journeyman with the applicant's tools on the installation, alteration and repair of wiring and appliances for light, heat and power and signaling purposes in or on buildings. The applicant shall submit proof of having satisfied the definition of a qualified journeyman electrician and a certification by the applicant's employer regarding the additional three years of hands-on work experience; or
C.
A graduate engineer of a college or university who holds a degree of electrical engineering, master engineering or Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and has in addition worked at least three years with the applicant's tools on the installation, alteration and repair of wiring and appliances for light, heat and power and signaling purposes in or on buildings. The applicant shall submit a copy of the applicant's diploma and a certification by the applicant's employer(s) regarding the additional three years of hands-on work experience; or
D.
A high school or equivalent graduate of a vocational, industrial or trade school in electric wiring, installation and design or applied electricity, and has worked at least six years with the applicant's tools on the installation, alteration and repair of wiring and appliances for light, heat and power and signaling purposes in or on buildings. The applicant shall submit a copy of the applicant's diploma or equivalency diploma and a certification by the applicant's employer(s) regarding the additional six years of hands-on work experience; or
E.
A person who attended courses in a college or university leading to a degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering, who passed all subjects in the required courses shall be credited with practical experience equal to 50% of the number of curriculum years the applicant has satisfactorily completed which, in no event, however, shall exceed one year's credit of practical experience, and an additional six years of hands-on work experience must have been obtained by working with the applicant's tools on the installation, alteration and repair of wiring and appliances for light, heat and power and signaling purposes in or on buildings. The applicant shall submit a copy of the applicant's school transcripts and a certification by the applicant's employer(s) regarding the additional six years of hands-on work experience; or
F.
A person who worked in the field of electrical contracting for at least seven years immediately preceding the date of application. The applicant shall submit a certification by the applicant's employer(s) regarding the seven years of hands-on work experience. A year of practical hands-on experience shall be credited if such person was employed in a part-time capacity of 2,000 hours over 24 months and the hands-on experience was completed within a period of 24 consecutive months.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
A person who applies for a license pursuant to this chapter must prove to the satisfaction of the Board that such person is a competent electrician and qualified to do the work covered by the license; has a working knowledge of electricity and the natural laws, properties and functions of electricity and of appliances, apparatus, materials, devices for electric, light, heat, power and signaling systems used and required in such work, combined with a practical working knowledge of the requirements and provisions of the National Electrical Code and a knowledge of the provisions of this chapter and any and all rules and regulations of the Board, the State of New York, and the County of Ulster for installation of electrical wiring, devices, appliances and equipment and of the provisions thereof requiring permits therefor. Such person shall provide the Board with proof of adequate liability, workers' compensation and disability insurance for damage to persons and property in connection with the licensee's electrical work, in compliance with § 185-21 of this chapter, prior to the issuance of a license.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
A.
All applicants for a Master Electrician's license must submit to and pass an examination. Examinations shall be in writing or in such form as determined by the Board from time to time. An applicant must receive a grade of 75% or more to pass the examination. A complete record of every examination given shall be kept on file for three years after the date of the examination. Examinations shall be held at such times and places as the Board may fix.
B.
The applicant must be present for examination at the time and place specified in a notice from the Board. Exams will be offered and noticed in accordance with Board rules and regulations.
C.
An applicant who fails the first examination shall not be eligible for reexamination until the next regularly scheduled exam. A person who fails the examination twice or more shall not be eligible for further reexamination until at least six months have elapsed from the date the applicant last took the examination.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; [Amended 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021]; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
A.
Upon meeting all the requirements of this chapter, the Board shall direct the Chair or the Chair's designee to issue a license to the applicant. The individual's name shall then be placed on the Ulster County list of qualified Master Electricians.
B.
Failure to pass any exam required by this chapter or by the rules and regulations promulgated by the Board with a grade of 75% or more, or to meet the qualifications and other requirements set forth herein, shall be summary grounds for denial of a license under this chapter.
[Amended 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
A.
If the Board shall deny a license, the Board shall set forth the reasons for such denial in writing and mail it to the applicant by certified mail, return receipt requested, within 10 business days after a determination has been made by the Board. Failure of the written examination shall be grounds for summary denial of a license. Within 30 business days after the date of mailing such notice of denial, the applicant may, by written request, seek an appeal hearing to review the determination of the Board. All such hearings shall be held and conducted in accordance with any regulations promulgated by the Board.
B.
No application shall be denied on the grounds that the applicant was convicted of a crime, except in accordance with applicable federal, New York State and/or any local laws or regulations.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 185-16, Grandfather clause, amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019 and 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021, was repealed 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 185-17, Provisional licenses, amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019, was repealed 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021.
[Amended 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
A.
No license issued hereunder shall be assignable or transferable.
B.
Each license issued hereunder shall specify the name(s) of the person, firm, partnership, corporation or other legal entity, who or which shall be known as the "holder of the license." The license of an Electrical Contractor shall specify the name of the person who is the Master Electrician, and such person shall be designated in the license of an Electrical Contractor as the supervisor of all work to be done under the license.
C.
In the event that the business association of the supervisor of the work or the employment of the supervisor of the work by the Electrical Contractor shall terminate, the supervisor of the work shall notify the Board of such fact forthwith and upon notification the license holder shall no longer be a holder of the license of the supervisor of the work and shall no longer be permitted to engage in or carry on the business of an Electrical Contractor pursuant to this chapter.
D.
All licenses shall be numbered in the order in which they are issued and shall be in such form and of such color and shall contain such information as may be prescribed by the Board.
E.
Each license shall at all times be kept conspicuously displayed in the place of business of the licensee.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
Any person may be fined and/or a licensee's license refused, suspended or revoked by the Board for any one or more of the following reasons:
A.
Violation of any provision of this chapter or of any rule or regulation adopted hereunder by the Board or any other law or ordinance pertaining to electricians;
B.
Violation of any law, rule, regulation or any building code governing electrical work, or any order issued by building departments of any municipality in Ulster County governing electrical work;
C.
Violation of any requirement contained in the rules and regulations of the National Fire Protection Association or the National Electrical Code;
D.
Conviction of a crime by a court of competent jurisdiction where there is a direct relationship between the crime and the specific license sought; or the issuance of the license would invoke an unreasonable risk to the property, safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public;
E.
Fraud, misrepresentation or bribery in securing a license;
F.
The making of any false statement as to a material matter in any application for a license or name change;
G.
The business transactions of a licensee have been marked by a practice of failure to perform contracts or the fraudulent manipulation of assets or accounts;
H.
Failure to display the license decal or other license information required pursuant to this chapter;
I.
Maintaining, conducting, operating, advertising, engaging in or transacting a business as a Master Electrician in the County of Ulster with a shelved license; or
J.
Employing an unlicensed subcontractor or subcontractors to perform electrical work in the County of Ulster.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
A.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a violation and shall be punishable by the Board, after a hearing in accordance with its rules and regulations, which may impose a fine not to exceed $1,000 per day and/or issue a revocation or suspension of, or refusal to issue, a license. Such a violation may also be punishable by way of a civil proceeding for equitable relief and/or a fine not to exceed $1,000 per day and/or by way of a proceeding for a violation in accordance with the New York Penal Law, punishable by a permissible fine of up to $1,000 per day and/or imprisonment not to exceed 15 days. Such civil or New York Penal Law proceedings shall only be initiated as set forth in Subsection "C" below.
B.
The Commissioner, the Commissioner's designee, County or municipal code enforcement officers, or federal, state and local law enforcement officers shall have the authority to issue notices of violations and/or appearance tickets as they are defined in this chapter.
C.
Nothing herein contained shall prevent the Commissioner, after consultation with the Board, from proceeding to enforce the requirements of this chapter by requesting the County Attorney of Ulster County to initiate civil proceedings and/or requesting the Ulster County Sheriff to initiate proceedings under the New York Penal Law.
D.
The Board may suspend, revoke or withhold the issuance of a license, either new or renewed, to any person who has failed to pay any fine imposed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
E.
Nothing in this chapter shall prevent a local municipality or law enforcement agency from initiating independent proceedings against a licensee or any other person who has violated any other law.
F.
Prior to the imposition of any fine or penalty or the refusal, revocation or suspension of a license, the applicant or licensee shall receive, in writing, all the particulars of the alleged violation and shall have reasonable opportunity to present any defense or justification at an administrative adjudicatory proceeding before the Board, as set forth in the regulations promulgated by the Board.
G.
Acts constituting an alleged violation of this chapter may be enjoined. The County Attorney of Ulster County may seek an injunction on behalf of the Board either (1) upon request from the Commissioner as set forth above in Subsection C, or (2) upon the County Attorney's own initiation.
H.
Provided that this section shall not be operative as to, nor shall any fines be assessed under this chapter for, any violations of this chapter arising on or before April 1, 2020.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
A.
This chapter shall not be construed to relieve, limit or reduce the responsibility of any person owning, operating, controlling or installing any electric wiring, devices, appliances or equipment for loss of life or damage to person or property caused by any defect therein, nor shall the County of Ulster be deemed to have assumed any such liability by reason of any license issued pursuant to this chapter.
B.
Every person holding a Master Electrician's license must maintain liability, workers' compensation and disability insurance for damage to persons and property in connection with the licensee's electrical work. The Board may establish minimum limits of such insurances in its rules and regulations. The licensee shall submit proof of such insurances to the Board, upon request.
C.
The failure to maintain adequate liability, workers' compensation and disability insurance policies, including in such minimum amounts as may be established by the Board, or failure to submit proof of such insurance coverage when requested by the Board, shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this chapter and result in the immediate and automatic suspension of such person's license under this chapter, which suspension shall continue in effect until coverage is obtained or reinstated.
[Amended 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
A.
All installations of, extensions to and alterations of electrical work within the County of Ulster shall conform to the National Electrical Code and of any other applicable statute, ordinance or building code pertaining thereto and shall also be in conformity with approved standards for safety to life and property. In every case where no specific type of class of material or no specific standards are prescribed by law, conformity with the regulations and requirements contained in the applicable New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the relevant reference standards provided by that code contained in the current National Electrical Code version adopted by New York State shall be prima facie evidence of conformity with approved standards for safety to life and property.
B.
Inspections made and the certificates of approval or permits issued by a certified Electrical Inspector approved by the local municipality having jurisdiction over building permits for such electrical installation in the County of Ulster shall be deemed by the Board as evidence of proper installations.
C.
A certified Electrical Inspector shall be an individual who has met the minimum qualifications as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association and who has also received certifications by a nationally recognized inspection certification program.
D.
Nothing herein shall be construed to supersede New York State or municipal code requirements or the enforcement thereof.
[Amended 11-19-2019 by L.L. No. 8-2019; 8-17-2021 by L.L. No. 8-2021; 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
A.
The Legislature may authorize the County Executive to enter into reciprocal license agreements with individual municipalities or other jurisdictions within New York State upon the recommendation and finding of the Board that the qualifications required for a Master Electrician's license in such municipality or jurisdiction are equal to or greater than those required by this chapter.
B.
Pursuant to such formalized reciprocal license agreements, the Board shall be authorized to issue reciprocal licenses upon such terms and conditions as are applicable to the individual reciprocating municipalities and other jurisdictions. Said licenses may be granted without examination upon application to the Board and payment of all required fees.
C.
However, a reciprocal license shall only be issued if the municipality or jurisdiction which licensed such individual is similarly issuing a reciprocal license to individuals licensed pursuant to this section. Said licenses may be granted without examination upon the filing of an application with the Board, submission of a certificate from the reciprocating municipality or jurisdiction that the individual requesting such license is in good standing, the payment of all required fees and such other and further terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate.
D.
Reciprocal licenses shall only be valid for a period of one year and may only be renewed from year to year if there is reciprocity between the County of Ulster and the reciprocating municipality or jurisdiction at the time of each such renewal.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to obviate the necessity of procuring a permit for electrical work whenever required by statute, local law, resolution, building code or ordinance of the municipality wherein such work is to be performed. No permit for construction or certificate of approval or certificate of occupancy shall be issued by a municipality in the County of Ulster if there has been an installation, erection, alteration or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus, fixtures, devices, appliances or equipment in violation of the licensing requirements contained herein.
[Amended 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
All fees, fines and penalties imposed in accordance with this chapter shall be turned over to the Ulster County Commissioner of Finance by the Board in accordance with Ulster County's financial procedures, and such moneys shall be deposited in the General Fund of Ulster County, unless otherwise directed by the Commissioner of Finance pursuant to any applicable law or policy.
[Amended 10-21-2025 by L.L. No. 16-2025]
Nothing in this chapter shall operate to restrict the meaning of or diminish or impair any power granted to a local government by the New York State Constitution or any other law.
If any part of this chapter, or the application thereof to any person or circumstances, shall be judged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall be confined in its operation to the parts of the provision directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered and not affect or impair the validity of the remainder of this chapter or the application thereof to other persons or circumstances.