Section 80.13 is amended to read as follows:
80.13 Authority. There is established within the City of Santa Clarita a division in the Community Development Department to be known as the Building & Safety Division under the administrative and operational control of the City Building Official hereinafter referred to as the Building Official. Where used in this article, the term authority having jurisdiction shall be construed to mean the Building Official or other individuals designated by the Building Official.
This Code shall be administered and enforced by the authority having jurisdiction designated by the governing body as follows.
(Provisions 1 through 16 under this section remain the same)
(Ord. 25-5, 11/25/2025)
Section 80.13(17) is added to read as follows:
A written application shall be submitted for a proposed alternate material, method of construction or waiver together with a fee established by the City Council. The details of any action granting an alternate material or method of construction shall be noted in the files of the Building & Safety Division of the city.
(Ord. 25-5, 11/25/2025)
Section 80.15 is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
80.15 Electrical Board. The electrical board shall be the Appeals Board as established under the provisions of the Santa Clarita Building Code Section 18.02.180, hereinafter designated as the Board.
(Ord. 25-5, 11/25/2025)
Section 80.19(A)(3) is added to read as follows: (3) The authority having jurisdiction may refuse to issue a permit for temporary or permanent service when there is no apparent legally permitted use for the service. In determining whether a proposed use is legally permitted, the authority having jurisdiction may consider not just the provisions of the Electrical Code but all applicable statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations.
(Ord. 25-5, 11/25/2025)
Section 80.19(C) is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
80.19(C) Issuance of Permits. The authority having jurisdiction is authorized to issue a permit to the applicant for the work described in the application and plans filed therewith, when it is determined that all of the following items comply:
1.
The proposed work conforms to the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances; and any documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance has been submitted and approved by the Building Official or other individuals designated by the Building Official.
2.
The required clearances from all other agencies have been obtained.
3.
The appropriate fees specified by this code have been paid.
When a permit is issued and plans and/or specifications have been required to be provided, the authority having jurisdiction shall endorse in writing or stamp upon the plans and/or specifications "APPROVED." Such approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorizations from the authority having jurisdiction and the design professional of record when applicable. All work regulated by this code shall be done in accordance with the approved plans, however the approval of the plans shall not be construed as a waiver of any requirement of this code, or any other law or ordinance, unless specific documentation such as that required by Sections 80.13 (15) and (16) is provided. The issuance of a permit shall not be deemed to certify that the site of the described work is safe.
No permit shall be required for the following electrical work:
1.
Minor repair work such as the replacement of lamps, switches, receptacle devices, sockets, taping bare joints and the like, or the connection of portable motor and appliances to suitable receptacles which have been permanently installed.
2.
The temporary wiring for temporary theater, motion picture or television stage sets.
3.
The repair of fixed motors, transformers, apparatus, or appliances.
4.
Temporary holiday decorative lighting provided no such lighting is 'hard wired' directly into an electric panel or sub-panel.
5.
The installation of temporary wiring for testing or experimental purposes within suitable facilities.
6.
Repair or replacement-in-kind of overcurrent devices.
7.
Portable generators, motors, appliances, tools, power outlets, and other portable equipment connected by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug.
8.
The installation by Southern California Edison Company of radio-controlled relays on privately owned air conditioning and agricultural irrigation pumping equipment in the company's pilot program of energy conservation through electrical load management, entitled "Air Conditioner Cycling and Agricultural and Pumping Interruptible Programs" provided that:
a.
The relays shall be tested and labeled by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
b.
The Building Official shall approve of specifications for the installation of the relays.
c.
The relays shall be installed and maintained by Southern California Edison Company or its contractors.
d.
The Southern California Edison Company shall make available for random inspection, upon request of and by the city, designated relay installations to ensure code compliance.
9.
Private telephone, intercom, sound and communication systems, data, security alarm, and television cable in single family dwellings; provided, however, that a permit shall be obtained for any added circuits supplying the power supplies required by the above systems.
10.
Nonresidential communication, telephone, and data cabling systems. Nonresidential security systems may be exempted when such system is independent of the fire protection/alarm system.
11.
Exemption for Utilities. The provisions of this code shall not apply to any electrical work performed by or for any electrical corporation, telephone corporation, telegraph corporation, railroad corporation or street railroad corporation on or with any electrical equipment owned or controlled and operated or used by, and for the exclusive benefit of, such corporation in the conduct of its business as a public utility, or to any other work which any such corporation shall be entitled by law to perform without payment of any local tax; but all provisions of this code shall apply insofar as they may consistently with the above be applicable to all other electrical work performed by or for any such corporation.
The terms "electrical corporation," "telephone corporation," "telegraph corporation," "railroad corporation," and "street railroad corporation," are herein used as said terms are respectively defined in the Public Utility Code of the State of California; and such terms shall also be deemed to include similar utilities which are municipally or governmentally owned and operated.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all electrical wiring and equipment installed, altered, repaired, or replaced shall comply with the provisions of this code.
(Ord. 25-5, 11/25/2025)
Section 80.19(D) is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
(D) Owner-Builder permits. When applying for an 'Owner-Builder' permit for an electrical installation and such installation is of a more complex nature including but not limited to any of the following:
1.
Installation or modification of distribution equipment, including main service and subpanels,
2.
Installation of any interconnected power production systems,
3.
Installation of any circuit greater than 20 amps,
the permittee must show that the work will be performed by a 'Qualified Person' as defined in Article 100 and as demonstrated by one of the following:
1.
Documentation acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction of training demonstrating the permittee or his employee possesses the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and/or installation as described in the permit including documentation of safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved. Any of the following could be considered acceptable documentation:
a.
A journeyman electrician certificate
b.
A C-10 electrical contractor's license
c.
A certificate or other documentation showing satisfactory completion of a course in electrical installation and safety training from an accredited trade school
d.
A degree in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university
e.
Completion of electrical safety training complying with NFPA 70E-2015
f.
Other documentation acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
Exception: If competency to perform portions of the work is demonstrated to the authority having jurisdiction, the permit can be issued based on competency level, with conditions that may apply.
2.
Where the permittee chooses to have the work done by a licensed electrical contractor, the name and license information of the contractor shall be provided.
(Ord. 25-5, 11/25/2025)
Section 80.19(E) is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
(E) Fees.
1. General. The city shall collect such fees as are required by this code as established by the City Council and issue receipts therefor, copies of which shall be maintained as record in the office of Building & Safety.
2. Cost of Permit. The cost of electrical permits shall be as established by the City Council.
3. Refund. In the event that any person shall have obtained an electrical permit and no portion of the work covered by such permit has been commenced and such permit shall have been canceled and a written request for cancellation, having been approved by the authority having jurisdiction, the applicant/permittee may request a refund from the city for a maximum of eighty (80) percent of the permit fees paid excluding issuance fees or plan review fees.
The applicant shall present all necessary documentation including the original signed permit and inspection record card to the authority having jurisdiction showing they are entitled to receive such refund of the permit fee as described above. No refunds shall be granted more than 90 days after the date the permit or application for permit has expired, become inactive, been cancelled, or passed a final inspection. No refund shall be made for a permit which was obtained by falsification or misrepresentation and which was subsequently revoked for such cause.
4. Work without a Permit. Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work. An investigation fee shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be twice the amount of the permit fee required by this code and shall be in addition to any fees for permits issued in connection with the work investigated. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code nor from any penalty prescribed by law.
(Ord. 25-5, 11/25/2025)
Section 80.21 is amended to read as follows:
80.21 Plans Review. Review of plans and specifications, submittal document requirements, plan review fees, and expiration of plan review shall conform to (A) through (G).
(Ord. 25-5, 11/25/2025)
Sections 80.21(D), (E), (F), and (G) are added to read as follows:
(D) Submittal Documents. The authority having jurisdiction shall require the submission of plans, specifications, drawings, descriptions and diagrams as appropriate to clearly show the character, kind, and extent of electrical work covered by an application for a permit. Such documents may be submitted in electronic format upon approval of the authority having jurisdiction.
Exception: If in the opinion of the authority having jurisdiction the scope of work is determined to be of a minor nature, the submittal of such documents may be waived by the authority having jurisdiction.
(E) Information Required on Plans.
1. Every plan required by section (D) of this section shall be a print or other type approved by the Building & Safety Division. Electronic media documents may be submitted as determined by the Building Official. The information contained on the plans shall be drawn in a professional manner, be clearly legible and contain the information required in section (E)(2) of this section. Labeling, lettering, dimensioning, and numbering shall be of a size and style to be easily read and shall be in conformance with accepted professional practices and standards for architectural and engineering documents. Reasonable symbols satisfactory to the Division shall be used in all plans. Submitted plans and specifications, which are deemed incomplete or incorrect, shall be returned to the architect or registered engineer or other individual in general responsible charge with a request for compliance with these regulations before checking is begun or resumed by Building & Safety Division staff.
2.
The following is required to be shown on the plans for all electrical installations requiring a permit:
a.
A complete single-line diagram;
b.
The type, location, and capacity of all service equipment;
c.
The size and length of all feeder raceways;
d.
The dimensions of all pull or junction boxes larger than four (4) inches trade size;
e.
The number, size, and type of all conductors to be installed in each feeder circuit;
f.
The location of every proposed outlet and switch in all parts of the building or structure, including all fixed showcases, wall-cases, office furnishings, and similar wiring and the location of all existing circuits and outlets within or related to the areas of new or modified electrical installations;
g.
The location, voltage and HP rating of every motor that is not a component of a listed appliance and the KW rating of every generator;
h.
The location and KVA or equivalent rating of each transformer and similar equipment; and the location and ampere or wattage rating of other appliances of the noninductive type;
i.
Details of panelboard, switchboard and motor control center schedules, showing wattage and amperage, of active branch circuits to be installed or modified, and the number of spare branch circuits for future use. This shall include identifying the circuits to which the outlets are connected and listing the number and type of outlets;
j.
A lighting fixture schedule;
k.
The existing load, as calculated in accordance with Articles 210 and 220 of the NEC or by other methods satisfactory to the authority having jurisdiction shall be indicated for existing installations, alterations, or additions made thereto;
l.
Other additional information as the authority having jurisdiction may consider necessary for proper enforcement of this code.
Exception (1): R-3 and U occupancies that are accessory to R-3. Information required is limited to the location of all electrical outlets, including, but not limited to receptacles, switches, lighting, power for appliances, disconnecting means for appliances, and the location and size of the electrical service and any sub-panel(s). Alternative power source systems and specialized electrical installations may require more information on the plans.
Exception (2): Some or all plan requirements may be waived at the discretion of the authority having jurisdiction for work considered to be of a minor nature.
(F) Plan Review Fees. Plan review fees shall be paid in full when the plans are submitted for review. The cost of the electrical plan review shall be as established by the City Council.
(G) Expiration of Plan Review. Applications for which no electrical permit has been issued within twelve months following the date of application, shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the authority having jurisdiction. The authority having jurisdiction may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days on request by the applicant which includes sufficient justification for the extension. The authority having jurisdiction may collect a fee for any application for extension of plan review in accordance with the city's fee schedule. No application shall be extended more than twice. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.
(Ord. 25-5, 11/25/2025)
Section 80.23(B)(3) is amended to read as follows:
A. 
Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any of the provisions of this code is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, (see State Health and Safety Code Section 17995), unless such violation is otherwise declared to be an infraction by the City Council. Such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this code is committed, continued, or permitted to remain.
(Ord. 25-5, 11/25/2025)
Section 80.25 is amended to read as follows:
80.25 Connection to Electricity Supply. Connection to the electric supply shall conform to (A) through (D).
(A) Authorization. Except as provided in 80.25, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to make connection to a supply of electricity or to supply electricity to any electric equipment installation for which a permit is required or that has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected.
(B) Special Consideration. By special permission of the authority having jurisdiction, temporary power shall be permitted to be supplied to the premises for specific needs of the construction project.
(C) Disconnection. The authority having jurisdiction is empowered to disconnect or to order in writing the discontinuance of electrical service to wiring, devices or materials found to be dangerous and a hazard to life, health and property until the installation of such wiring, device or material has been made safe as directed by the authority having jurisdiction.
Any person, firm, corporation, public utility, political subdivision or governmental agency ordered to discontinue such electrical service shall do so within twenty-four (24) hours after the receipt of such written notice and shall not reconnect such service or allow or cause the same to be reconnected until notified to do so by the authority having jurisdiction.
(D) Service upgrades. Prior to the replacement of any electrical service, the licensed electrical contractor shall contact the local Utility Planning Department for guidance and shall proceed as directed by the Utility. Electrical supply lines shall not be reconnected to the service equipment until the installation has been inspected by the authority having jurisdiction or an authorized representative of the Building Official. Under no circumstances shall a representative of the City of Santa Clarita inspect a service with exposed, energized components.
(Ord. 25-5, 11/25/2025)
Section 80.29 is amended to read as follows:
80.29 Liability for Damages. Article 80 shall not be construed to affect the responsibility or liability of any party owning, designing, operating, controlling, or installing any electrical equipment for damages to persons or property caused by a defect therein, nor shall the City of Santa Clarita or any of its employees by held as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspection, re-inspection, or other examination authorized.
(Ord. 25-5, 11/25/2025)