HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09132005 - SD4 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Contra
Costa
FROM: CARLOS BALTODANO, DIRECTOR
BUILDING INSPECTION DEPARTMENT County
DATE: September 13, 2005 :5t)19
SUBJECT. ADOPTION OF THE 2004 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE (CEC)
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. INTRODUCE Ordinance No. 2005-32 adopting the 2004 California Electrical Code,
with amendments, changes, modifications, and deletions; WAIVE reading; and FIX
September 27, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. for a public hearing.
2. DIRECT the Clerk of the Board to publish notice of the hearing pursuant to
Government Code section 6066.
FISCAL IMPACT
None known at this time.
P
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED R
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
'Z UNANIMOUS(ABSENT 1 AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
A4f ES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE
SHOWN.
Contact: Carlos Baltodano(5-1109) ATTESTED: Lag OCOP,01-
6e.C.,o0L,00-*-F
cc: Building Inspection John Sweeten, rk of the Board of Supervisors
County Administrator and County inistrator
County Counsel
Community Development
Public Works BY, ,,WPUTY
CB:nr
/bdord/cec9-13-05
Adoption of the 2004 California Electrical Code
September 13, 2005
Page Two
BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
The state has adopted a new electrical code, the 2004 California Electrical Code, which
became effective statewide on August 1, 2005. State law requires all counties and cities to
adopt and enforce the same regulations that are adopted by the state. State law also
allows local jurisdictions to make modifications and changes to the state-adopted codes,
provided these amendments are reasonably necessary because of climatic,geographical,
or topographical conditions, or are administrative revisions to the state codes. The
attached ordinance adopts the California Electrical Code with modifications and changes
that are reasonably necessary because of the County's unique climatic, geographical and
topographical conditions. The attached findings describe the conditions that make the
modifications and changes to the California Electrical Code reasonably necessary.
The 2004 California Electrical Code is largely unchanged from the 2001 California
Electrical Code, which was previously adopted by the County and is currently in effect in
the County. However,the 2004 California Electrical Code establishes new requirements to
protect against arc faulting in bedrooms and new requirements for ground fault interceptors
in commercial buildings. The 2004 California Electrical Code also renumbers several
sections. The attached ordinance incorporates these changes into the County Ordinance
Code, and also establishes the local requirement that all occupancies with commercially
supplied electricity connect to the commercial supplier and not use a permanent or
temporary generator.
Staff has determined that adoption of the attached ordinance is exempt from the California.
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Staff has determined that it can be seen with certainty that adoption of the ordinance will
not have a significant effect on the environment.
CONSEQUENCES OF NEGATIVE ACTION
The goal of staff has been to develop one up-dated ordinance that integrates the prior
County administrative sections and modifications in Title 7 with the requirements of the
California Electrical Code. If action is not taken to have one integrated ordinance,
inconsistencies between the county's provisions and the California Electrical Code will
remain. This may lead to different staff interpretations and general confusion by the public.
CB:nr
/bdord/oec9-13-05
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
FINDINGS JUSTIFYING CHANGES DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS
I. Changes or Modifications
Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 17958 the Board of Supervisors of
Contra Costa County, in its ordinance adopting the 2004 California Electrical Code,
changes, modifies, and amends provisions of the California Electrical Code regarding fire-
protection systems, and other related provisions.
110 Finding
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code sections 17958.5 and 17958.7, the Board of
Supervisors of Contra Costa County finds that changes, modifications, and amendments to
the California Electrical Code are needed and are reasonably necessary because of certain
I*,*
local climatic, geological, and topographic conditions as described below.
A. Geological and Topographic
1, Seismicity
(a) Conditions
Contra Costa. County is located in Seismic Risk Zone 4, which is the
worst earthquake area in the United States. Buildings and other
structures in Zone 4 can experience major seismic damage. Contra
Costa County is in close proximity to numerous earthquake faults
including the San Andreas Fault and contains all or portions of the
Hayward, Calaveras, Concord, Antioch, Mt. Diablo, and other lesser
faults. A 4.1 earthquake with its epicenter in Concord occurred in
1958,, and a 5.4 earthquake with its epicenter also in Concord occurred
in 1955. The Concord and Antioch faults have a potential for a
Richter 6 earthquake and the Hayward and Calaveras faults have the
potential for a Richter 7 earthquake. Minor tremblers from seismic
activity are not uncommon in the area.
A study released in 1990 by the United States Geological Survey says
10
that there is a 67% chance of another earthquake the size of Loma
Prieta during the next 30 years, and that the quake could strike at any
time, including today. Scientists, therefore, believe that an earthquake
of a magnitude 7 or larger is now twice as likely to happen as to not
happen.
t
Interstates 680, 80, 580 and State Route 4 run the length throughout
Contra Costa County. These interstates and state routes divide the,
County into a west, south,
., north and east. An overpass or
undercrossing collapse would significantly alter the response route
and time for responding emergency equipment. This is due to limited
crossings of the interstate and that in some areas there is only one
surface street, which runs parallel to the interstate, which would be
congested during a significant emergency.
Earthquakes of the magnitude experienced locally can cause major
damage to electrical transmission facilities and to gas and electrical
lines in buildings, which in turn start fires throughout the County.
The occurrence of multiple fires will quickly deplete existing fire
department resources; thereby reducing and/or delaying their response
to any given fire.
(b) Impact
A major earthquake could severely restrict the response of all Contra
Costa County Fire Districts and their capability to control fires
involving buildings of wood frame construction, with ordinary roofing
materials and flammable exteriors, or with large interior areas not
provided with automatic smoke and fire control systems. Also, when
buildings not equipped with earthquake structural support move off
their foundations, gas pipes may rupture. Fires develop from line
ruptures and spread from house to house, causing an extreme demand
for fire protection resources.
2, Soils
(a) Conditions
The area is replete with various soils, which are unstable, clay loam
and alluvial fans being predominant. These soil conditions are
moderately to severely prone to swelling and shrinking, are plastic,
and tend to liquefy.
Throughout Contra Costa County, the topography and development
growth has created a network of older, narrow roads. These roads
vary from gravel to asphalt surface and vary in percent of slope, many
exceeding twenty (20) percent. Several of these roads extend up
through the winding passageways in the hills providing access to
remote, affluent housing subdivisions. The majority of these roads
are private with no established maintenance program. During
inclement weather, these roads are subject to rock and mudslides, as
Contra Costa County Findings 2
2004 California Electrical Code
well as down trees, obstructing all vehicle traffic. It is anticipated that
during an earthquake, several of these roads would be unpassable so
as to prevent fire protection resources from reaching fires cause by
gas line ruptures or other sources.
3. TopogLaphic
(a) Conditions
i. Vegetation
Highly combustible dry grass, weeds, and brush are common in
the hilly and open space areas adjacent to built-up locations six
(6) to eight (8) months of each year. Many of these areas
frequently experience wildland fires, which threaten nearby
buildings, particularly those with wood roofs, or sidings. This
condition can be found throughout Contra Costa. County,
especially in those developed and developing areas of the
County. Earthquake gas fires due to gas line ruptures can
ignite grasslands and stress fire district resources.
(b) Impact
The above local geological and topographical conditions increase the
magnitude, exposure, accessibility problems, and fire hazards
presented to the County fire resources. Fire following an earthquake
has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the
earthquake itself. Most earthquake fires are created by natural gas
developed from gas line ruptures. Hazardous materials, particularly
toxic gases, could pose the greatest threat to the largest number,
should a significant seismic event occur. Public safety resources
would have to be prioritized to mitigate the greatest threat, and may
likely be unavailable for smaller single dwellings that were caused by
broken gas lines.
Other variables may tend to intensify the situation:
I- The extent of damage to the water system
2. The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass
collapse.
3. The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking
the roadways.
4. Climatic condition (hot, dry weather with high winds).
5. Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and
could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours.
Contra Costa County Findings 3
2004 California Electrical Code
6. The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance.
7. The large portion of dwellings with wood shake or shingle
coverings could result in conflagrations.
8. The large number of dwellings that slip off their foundations and
rupture gas lines and electrical systems resulting in further
conflagrations.
B. Climatic
I Precipitation and Relative Humidity
(a) Conditions
Precipitation ranges from 15 to 24 inches per year with an average of
approximately 20 inches per year. Ninety-six (96)percent falls during
the months of October through April and four (4) percent from May
through September. This is a dry period of at least five (5) months
each year. Additionally, the area is subject to occasional drought.
Relative humidity remains in the middle range most of the time. It
sixty-five (65) during spring,
ranges from forty-five (45) to si .J
summer!, fall,, and from sixty (60) to ninety (90) percent in the winter.
It occasionally falls as low as fifteen (15)percent.
(b) Impact
Locally experienced dry periods cause extreme dryness of untreated
wood shakes and shingles on buildings and non-irrigated grass, brush
and weeds!, which are often near buildings with wood roofs and
sidings. Such dryness causes these materials to ignite very readily
and bum rapidly and intensely. Gas fires due to gas line ruptures can
also spark and engulf a single family residence during these dry
periods.
Because of dryness, a rapidly burning gas fire or exterior building fire
can quickly transfer to other buildings by means of radiation or flying
0 .2.2
brands,, sparks or embers. A small fire can rapidly grow to a
magnitude beyond the control capabilities of the Fire District resulting
in an excessive fire loss.
2. Temperature
(a) Conditions
Contra Costa County Findings 4
2004 California Electrical Code
Temperatures have been recorded as high as 114°F. Average summer
highs are in the 750 - 90' range, with average maximums of 105° Fin
some areas of unincorporated Contra Costa County.
(b) Impact
High temperatures cause rapid fatigue and heat exhaustion of
firefighters, thereby reducing their effectiveness and ability to control
large building, wildland fires, and fires caused by gas line ruptures.
Another impact from high temperatures is that combustible building
material and non-irrigated weeds, grass and brush are preheated, thus
causing these materials to ignite more readily and bum more rapidly
and intensely. Additionally, the resultant higher temperature of the
atmosphere surrounding the materials reduces the effectiveness of the
water being applied to the burning materials. This requires that more
water be applied, which in turn requires more fire resources in order
to control a fire on a hot day. High temperatures directly contribute to
the rapid growth of fires to an intensity and magnitude beyond the
control capabilities of the Fire Districts in Contra Costa County.
I Winds
(a) Conditions
Prevailing winds in many parts of Contra Costa County are form the
north or northwest in the afternoons. However, winds are experienced
from virtually every direction at one time or another. Velocities can
reach fourteen (14) mph to twenty-three (23) mph ranges, gusting to
twenty-five (25) to thirty-five (35) mph. Forty (40) mph winds are
experienced occasionally and winds up to fifty-five-five (55) mph have
been registered locally. During the winter half of the year, strona,
%Wwdry, gusty winds from the north move through the areafor several
days, creating extremely dry conditions.
(b) Impact
Winds such as those experienced locally can and do exacerbate fires,
both interior and exterior, to burn and spread rapidly. Fires involving
non-irrigated weeds, grass, brush, and fires caused by gas line
ruptures can grow to a magnitude and be fanned to an intensity
beyond the control capabilities of the fire services very quickly even
by relatively moderate winds. When such fires are not controlled;
they can extend to nearby buildings, particularly those with untreated
wood shakes or shingles.
4MW
Contra Costa County Findings 5
2004 California Electrical Code
Winds of the type experienced locally also reduce the effectiveness of
exterior water streams used by all Contra Costa County Fire Districts
on fires involving large interior areas of buildings, fires which have
vented through windows and roofs due to inadequate built-in fire
protection and fires involving wood shake d shingle buildingan
exteriors. Local winds will continue to be a definite factor toward
causing major fire losses to buildings not provided with fire resistive
roof and siding materials and buildings with inadequately separated
interior areas, or lacking automatic fire protection systems, or lacking
proper gas shut-off devices to shut off gas when pipes are ruptured, or
lacking proper electrical systems. National statistics frequently cite
wind conditions, such as those experienced locally, as a major factor
where conflagrations have occurred.
4, Summary
Due to these conditions, it is necessary for Contra Costa County to change,
modify and amend the California Electrical Code.
Contra Costa County Findings 6
2004 California Electrical Code
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
(Adoption of California Electrical Code)
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.ordains as follows (omitting the parenthetical footnotes
from the official text of the enacted or amended provisions of the County Ordinance Code):
SECTION I. SUMMARY. This ordinance adopts the 2004 California Electrical Code,with
amendments,, changes and deletions.
SECTION 11.Division 76 of the County Ordinance Code is amended to read:
Division 76
ELECTRICAL CODE
76-2.202 Title and Purpose.
(a) This division shall be known as the Electrical Code of Contra Costa County.
(b) The purpose of this division is the practical safeguarding of persons and property, and of
buildings and their contents, from hazards arising from the use or generation of electricity for
light,heat,power,radio,television, signaling and other purposes. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-
31 § 41, 99-17 § 119-89-60 § 2182-23 § 2, 79-67,176-24,)
76-2.204 Operative Date.
(a) This division is effective on and after the date of adoption of this ordinance.
(b) Any electrical work for which a permit was obtained before the effective date of this ordinance
maybe installed and completed in accordance with the laws and regulations in effect when the
permit was issued. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 2, 82-23 § 2,
79-671176-24.)
Article 76-2.4
Definitions
76-2.402 General.
(a) The language used in this division and the California Electrical Code is intended to convey the
common meaning accepted by and familiar to the electrical industry.
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
1
(b) Unless otherwise specially provided, or required by the context,the following terms have the
indicated meanings in this division. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 29
82-23 § 23, 79-6710 76-24.)
76-2.404 Inspector.. "Inspector"or"electrical inspector"means the county building official or any
duly authorized deputy building inspector of this county. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2,2002-31 § 4, 99-17 §
11, 89-60 § 21, 82-23 § 210 79-67, 76-24.)
76-2.406.Approved. "Approved"means acceptable to the county building official or his/her
designated deputy. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 §,2, 82-23 § 2, 79-763% 76-
24.)
76-2.416 Electrical Work. "Electrical work,"when used without any class designation or other
expressed limitation,,.means the installation, construction, erection, connection,maintenance, alteration
and repair of any and all electrical equipment; and the term shall be broadly construed to include also
the electrical equipment with respect to which the work is connected and the term is used. (Ords.
2005-32 § 230 2002-31 § 49 99-17 § 119 89-60 § 29 82-23 § 2, 79-6710 76-24.)
Article 76-2.6
Scope of Application
76-2.602 General. Except as otherwise provided herein, this division applies to all electrical
equipment and electrical work within or on public and private buildings and other premises, including
yards,parking lots,.carnivals,, industrial substations, conductors connecting installations to a supply of
electricity, and other outside conductors adjacent to the premises including TV antenna systems for
single-family, commercial, community and franchised systems. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-
17 § 11, 89-60 § 29 82-23 § 230 79-6730 76-24.)
76-2.604 Moved Buildings. Electrical systems that are part of buildings or structures moved into this
jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this Code for new buildings. (Ords. 2005-32 § 230
2002- 31 § 49 99-17 § 115 89-60 § 23, 82-23 § 29 79-67, 76-24.)
76-2.606 Existing Electrical Work. Except as provided in Section 76-2.604,.this division does not
require any electrical work regulated by this division to be changed,reconstructed, removed or
demolished if it was installed before the effective date of this division and in accordance with any laws
or regulations in effect at the time of its installation,unless it is dangerous to life, health or property, in
the county building official's judgment. Abandoned wiring systems,where accessible, shall be removed
by the permittee. Wiring systems includes cable systems, conduit systems,knob and tube wiring, etc.
Abandoned conduit systems that are not accessible shall have the conductors removed by the
permittee. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4., 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 23, 82-23 § 23, 79-6711 76-24.)
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
2
Article 76-2.7
State Codes and Orders,Adoption.and Application
76-2.704 Subchapter 5, Chapter 4,Division 1,Title 8, C.C.R.,Adoption.
(a) Subchapter 5 (Electrical Safety Orders)of Chapter 4 (Division of Industrial Safety).of Division
1 (Department of Industrial Relations)of Title 8 (Industrial Relations).of the California Code of
Regulations (8 C.C.R. § 2300 et seq.), including future amendments thereto,is adopted by this
reference as a part of the Contra Costa County Ordinance Code as though fully set forth
therein.
(b) One copy of this Subchapter 5 is on file with the building inspection department, and the other
requirements of Government Code Section 50022.6 have been and shall be complied with.
(Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 82-23 § 2, 79-673, 76-24.)
76-2.706 Subchapter 5, Chapter 4,Division 1,Title 8, C.C.R.,Application to Industry.
Electrical work in industrial structures or construction shall comply with Part 3 of Title 24 and with
Subchapter 5 of Chapter 4 of Division I of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations rather than
with the corresponding provisions of this Division 76. Electrical work in or on buildings subject to
regulation by the California Division of Industrial Safety shall comply with the regulations in these
portions of the California Code of Regulations when they are more restrictive than the corresponding
requirements of this division. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 82-23 § 2, 79-67, 76-
24.)
76-2.708 Chapters 2,3, and 5,Division 1,Title 25, C.C.R.,Adoption.
(a) Chapter 2 (Mobile Home Parks Act), Chapter 3 (Factory-Built Housing), and Chapter 5
(Registration and Titling) of Division 1 of Title 25 (Housing and Community Development)of
the California Code of Regulations (25 C.C.R. § 1000 et seq., § 3000.et seq.,.and § 5000 et
seq.), including future amendments thereto, are adopted by this reference as part of the Contra
Costa County Ordinance Code as though fully set forth herein.
(b) One copy each of these Chapters.2, 3, and 5 are on file with the building inspection
department, and the other requirements of Government Code Section 50022.6 have been and
shall be complied with. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 2, 82-23 § 2,
79-67,176-24.)
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
3
76-2.710 Chapters 2,3, and 5,Division 1,Title 25, C.C.R.,Application. Electrical work in
mobilehome parks and campgrounds shall comply with Chapters 2, 3, and 5 of Division I of Title 25 of
the California Code of Regulations. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 2, 82-23
§ 2� 79-67,176-24.)
76-2.712 P.U.C. General Orders 95 and 128,Adoption.
(a) General Order 95 (Rules for Overhead Electric Line Construction) and General Order 128
(Rules for Construction of Underground Electric Supply Systems)of the California Public
Utilities Commission(PUC), including future amendments thereto, are adopted by this
reference as a part of the Contra Costa County Code as though fully set forth therein.
(b) One copy each of P.UC. General Orders 95 and 128 are on file with the building inspection
department, and the other requirements of Government Code Section 50022.6 have been and
shall be complied with. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 2, 82-23 § 2,
79-67176-24,)
76-2.714 P.U.C. General Orders 95 and 128,Application Overhead and Underground.
(a) Electrical work that is outdoors and on poles or on the outside of buildings.shall comply with
California Public.Utilities Commission General.Order 95 (see Section 76-2.712).
(b) Electrical work that is outdoors and underground shall comply with P.U.C. General Order 128
(see Section 76-2.712). (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 2, 82-23 §
231 79-6730 76-24.)
76-2.716 P.U.C. Generally. Facilities installed by utilities subject to the jurisdiction of the California
Public Utilities Commission shall be installed pursuant to the rules,regulations and orders of that
commission. This division shall not apply to any such facilities except as it relates to utility facilities
located in buildings, in which instance,vaults, conduits,,pull boxes or other enclosures shall be installed
in compliance with this division. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 23, 82-23 §
2, 79-6731 76-24,)
76-2.718 High Voltage Safety Orders,Adoption.
(a) The High Voltage Safety Order of the Division of Industrial Safety of the California Department
of Industrial Relations, including future amendments thereto, are adopted by this reference as a
part of the Contra Costa County Code as though fully set forth herein.
(b) One copy of the High Voltage Safety Orders is on file with the building inspection department
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
4
and the other requirements of Government Code Section 50022.6 have been and shallbe
complied with. (Ords. 2005-32 § 21, 2002-31 § 49 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 21, 82-23 § 29 79-6730
76-24.)
Article 76-2.8
Enforcement
76-2.802.County Building Official. The county building official is the Director of the Building
Inspection Department or his duly authorized deputy charged with enforcement of this division.. (Ords.
2005-32 § 230 2002-31 § 49 99-17 § 111, 89-60 § 29 82-23 § 29 79-679 76-24.)
76-2.804 Exceptions Allowable. The county building official is the Director of the Building Inspection
Department or his duly authorized deputy charged with enforcement of this division. (Ords. 2005-32 §
29 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 113, 89-60 § 29 82-23 § 29 79-673, 76-24.)
Article 76m2.10
General Requirements
76-2.1002 General Safety. All electrical work shall be performed, and all electrical equipment shall
be constructed, installed,protected, operated,repaired,used and maintained, in accordance with the
requirements of this division and in such manner as to be reasonably safe and free from risk of accident
or injury to person or property by fire, shock or otherwise. No person shall act contrary to this general
regulation or neglect to act as required hereby. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 §11, 89-60
§ 2, 82-23 § 210 79-6710 76-24.)
76-2.1004 Approved Equipment.
(a) When obtainable, electrical equipment that an approved testing laboratory has examined, listed
or labeled as conforming to applicable standards shall be used in preference to others.
(b) Listing or labeling conforming to the Standards of the Underwriters' Laboratories,the United
States Bureau of Standards, the United States Bureau of Mines, or other similar institutions of
recognized standing shall be prima facie evidence of conformity with the requirements of
Section 76-2.1004. The maker's name,trademark, or other identification symbol shall be
placed on all electrical equipment used or installed under this division.
(c) Old or used electrical equipment shall not be used in any work under this division without the
specific approval of the county building official. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 49 99-17 §
111, 89-60 § 25, 82-23 § 21, 82-23 § 21 79-67!P 76-24.)
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
5
76-2.1012 Boat Docks. Whether open or roofed, lighting shall be provided to insure sufficient
protective lighting at least(0.2)two foot candles at all points for pedestrians on the docks,within
covered berths, and on all walkways or ramps to shore and to the nearest access road within or
adjacent to the harbor property. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 2, 82-23 §
2, 79-6711 76-24.)
76-2.1014 Public Nuisance Lighting. Lighting fixtures shall be soinstalled, controlled or directed
that the light will not glare or be blinding to pedestrians.or vehicular traffic or on adjoining property.
(Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 2, 82-23 § 2, 79-67, 76-24.)
Article 76-4.2
Inspections
76-4.202 Inspection. All electrical systems shall be inspected by the county building official or
designated deputy to insure compliance with this division. No person shall conceal electrical work until
it is inspected and written approval to proceed is given. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 §
11, 89-60 § 21 82-23 § 210 79-673, 76-24.)
76-4.204 Correction.Notice. If the county building official condemns any electrical work as not in
accordance with this division,he/she shall give written notice to the person engaged in the work. Within
ten(10)days after this notice, or within any reasonable further time that the county building official may
prescribe,the person doing the work shall change or remove the work or equipment as the county
building official may require to make it comply fully with this division. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2,2002-31 §
4, 99-17 § 1130 89-60 § 210 82-23 § 29 79-673, 76-24.)
76-4.206 Other Violations.
(a) No person shall cover electrical work, or allow it to be covered,.to prevent or hinder its
inspection, or remove any notice not to cover placed by the county building officials.
(b) No person shall supply current to an electrical installation or current-consuming device until a
certificate of inspection and approval has been issued. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-
17 § 1110 89-60 § 2, 82-23 § 29 79-673, 76-24.)
76-4.208 Notice to Inspect. The person doing electrical work authorized by the permit shall notify
the county building official orally or in writing that the work is ready for inspection and meets the
requirements of this division. The notice shall be given not less than one working day before the work
is to be inspected. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 2, 82-23 § 2, 79-67, 76-
24.)
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
6
76-4.210 Types Completed Before Inspection. Before the electric wiring in any building is installed,
inspected, approved, or deemed ready for inspection:
(a) All gas, steam,water, sewer, furnace and other piping and tubing which is to be located
the
in any portion of e building in which any of the wiring is located, shall be installed and
in place;
(b) The building shall be roofed; and
(c) Wherever any of the wiring is to be concealed, all lathing strips, furring,.bridging,
backing and headers shall be in place. Thermal insulation shall not be installed until all
electrical rough wiring is approved. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11,
89-60 § 29,82-23 § 25 79-6730 76-24.)
76-4.212 Time of Service.
(a) On alteration jobs requiring a change of service,the service shall be changed and inspected at
the frame or rough wiring state.
(b) On swimming pool jobs requiring a change of service, the service shall be changed and
completed prior to the approval for pouring or cementing of the pool or steel inspection of the
pool cavity. (Ords. 2005-32 § 25 2002-31 § 430 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 2.82-23 § 2.79-673, 76-
24.)
76-4.214 No Change After Inspection.
(a) After any electrical work has been inspected and approved.,no person shall damage or
interfere with it without due authority.,nor(whether working under authority of the original or of
any new permit)in any manner change or alter it without reporting such change or alteration to
the county building official for reinspection.
(b) After electrical work in, on, or about any building has been inspected and approved,no person
shall place any sheet metal,pipe or other metal work within five inches of,any electrical
conductor or cable or concealed system of wiring, or within two inches of any so-called open
wiring,without having been authorized to do so by the county building official and then only
when such conductors are protected as may be prescribed by the county building official,
(Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 1110 89-60 § 2.9 82-23 § 210 79-6710 76-24.)
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
7
Article 76-4.4
Existing Work
76-4.402 Generally. The county building official is empowered to inspect all electrical equipment and
work, including electrical equipment and work that is listed in CEC Sections.90-2(b)(4) and 90-2(b)(5)
but is otherwise not covered by the CEC. When the county building official finds.any electrical
equipment to be dangerous or unsafe,he/she shall so notify the person owning,using or operating it,
who shall make the repairs or changes required to make the equipment safe, and complete this work
within ten(10)days after notice or such further time as the county building official may set. Any
electrical system deemed an immediate, imminent hazard to life and property shall be de-energized
immediately by the owner,his representative, or the county building official. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2,
2002-31 § 41, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 29 82-23 § 21, 79-67, 76-24.)
Chapter 76-6
CONNECTIONS
Article 76-6.2
Connections to Installations
76-6.202 County Building Official Approval Required.. No person shall connect a source of
electrical energy,or supply electric service,to any electrical equipment for the installation of which a
p ermit is required without first obtaining the county building official's certificate of approval. (Ords.
2005-32 § 210 2002-31 § 43, 99-17 § 111, 89-60 § 210 82-23 § 210 79-6710 76-24.)
76-6.204 Unlawful Reconnections. No person shall connect a source of electrical energy,or supply
electric service,to any electrical equipment which the county building official has disconnected or
ordered disconnected until he/she issues a certificate of approval authorizing its reconnection and use.
The county building official shall notify the serving utility of the order to discontinue use. (Ords. 2005-
32 § 210 2002-31 § 49 99-17 § 1110 89-60 § 29 82-23 § 25 79-6730 76-24.)
76-6.206 Power Company Notification of County Building Official.
(a) Notice. Whenever in, on or about any building, any person engaged in the.distribution or sale
of electrical energy sets,resets, installs or reinstalls any meter for the measurement of electrical
energy, or connects or reconnects to., or supplies or services any installation of electrical
equipment, or changes the nominal voltage of supply or service to any installation of electrical
equipment, or changes any such supply or service from two-wire to three-wire or vice versa, or
from single-phase to polyphase or vice versa, or from direct current to alternating current or
vice versa, that person shall,within two (2) days thereafter, exclusive of Sundays and holidays,
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
8
give written notice thereof to the county building official specifying the location and address of
the installation affected.
(b) Thirty-Day(30)Exception. This notice need not be given for work expressly approved by the
county building official within thirty(30) days.after inspection approval.
(c) Authorization Required. No.person engaged in the distribution or sale of electrical energy shall
connect a distribution system, including windpower generators, or any live supply or service
conductor(s)therefrom,to any electrical equipment in, on or about any building or cause or
allow any energizing of such connections, including windpower or emergency standby electrical
generation, until the county building official inspects the electrical equipment and authorizes such
connections.
(d) Electrical Permit Required. An electrical permit shall be obtained from the County Building
Inspection Department to restore electrical service to any structure that has been without such
service for ninety(90) days or more. The County Building Inspection Department shall notify
the servicing utility that the electrical service equipment and associated wiring has been
inspected and approved before electrical service is reinstated,,
(e) Waiver. The county building official may, at his/her discretion,temporarily or permanently
waive any or all requirements of this article by giving written notice of such waiver to all persons
involved. He/she may likewise at any time revoke such waiver by similar notice. (Ords.
2005-32 § 230 2002-31 § 4.1 99-17 § 1130 89-60 § 2, 82-23 § 230 79-6730 76-24.)
76-6.208 Unlawful Wiring,Electric Fences,Warning Notice.
(a) Prohibition. Except as hereinafter provided,no person shall construct or maintain any spring
gun, or any electric wiring device, designated or intended to injure or shock animals or persons,
or any contrivance or apparatus for such purpose.
(b) Livestock Exception.. Persons principally engaged in the business of handling livestock as a
primary means of production or income may electrify fences to control or confine livestock
upon complying with all the following requirements:
(1) Any contrivance or mechanism to control electrical current in such fences shall be listed
by an approved testing laboratory, and shall include a suitable interrupting device and
such other safety devices to prevent dangerous currents getting on the fence at any time.
(2) Any electrical fence to which the public may have access, except cross fences to
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
9
confine and control livestock, shall be posted with a warning notice containing the
following or similar wording: "DANGER. ELECTRIC FENCE,"or "DANGER.
HIGH VOLTAGE." This notice shall be posted along any such main fence at intervals
of not more than two hundred(200) feet and in letters at least two (2)inches high.
2005-32 § 23, 2002-31 § 410 99-17 § 1 1, 89-60 § 2, 82-23 § 29 79-5710 76-24.)
Article 76-6.4
Construction Power and Temporary Release
76-6.402 Required Conditions.
(a) Electrical construction power and lighting installations may be permitted during the period of
construction,remodeling,maintenance,repair or demolition of buildings, structures or similar
activities. Electrical construction power will be de-energized and discontinued when the
permanent electrical system is approved by the County building official and ready to energize
(see Article 76-6.2). Use of any permanent electrical equipment or distribution system for
construction power utilization is not permitted. (See CEC Article 527,Temporary Installations.)
(b) The county building official may allow the temporary use of electrical current through any
electrical equipment, subject to the restrictions herein.
(c) The county building official shall not allow such use when it is determined it will endanger life or
property.
(d) The county building official shall not allow such use for longer than reasonably necessary to fully
comply with this division, and he/she may fix this time period when he/she grants the allowance,
which shall not exceed thirty(30)days..
(e) The county building official may allow such use before completion of project if:
(1) A permit has been obtained;
(2) Range and appliance circuit receptacles, and all lighting fixtures and outlets are in place;
(3) Panel cover trims to be in place on all service and distribution panels;
(4) Properly sized fuses or breakers are installed and in place only on needed circuits;
(5) Structure has been completely sheet rocked; and
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
10
(6) Electrical installation has been approved by the.county building official or designated
Deputy Inspector. (Ords. 2005-32 § 29 2002-31 § 410 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 29 82-23
§ 279-6710 76-24.)
Article 76-6.6
Generators
76-6.602 Power From Generators.
(a) All occupancies that have commercially supplied electricity shall connect to the commercial
supplier.
(b) Any occupancy that has commercially supplied electricity shall not use a permanent or
temporary generator(s),provided that a generator(s)maybe used for commercial purposes
when authorized by the county building official. (Ord. 2005-32 § 2-1)
Chapter 76-8.2
PERMITS
Article 76-8.2
General
76-8.202 Permit Required. No person shall install electrical equipment regulated by this division
without having a separate valid unstopped permit for each affected building, structure or premises,
except as otherwise allowed in this chapter. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 §
210 82-23 § 21 79-67, 76-24.)
76-8.204 County Building Official Issues. The county building official shall issue permits only
pursuant to this chapter. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 2, 82-23 § 2979-
67976-24).
76-8.206 Permit Only to Contractor or Owner. A permit maybe issued only under the following
circumstances:
(a) A permit maybe issued to a person holding a valid, unexpired,unrevoked California electrical
contractor's license.
(b) A permit maybe issued for work in a one family dwelling used exclusively for living purposes,
.including the usual accessory buildings and quarters, if the permittee is the owner of the
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
11
structure occupied by or designed to be occupied by the owner and the owner performs all
work under the permit.
(c) A permit maybe issued to a person holding a valid,unexpired,unrevoked general contractors
license where the contractor is working on a permitted job.and is performing two (2)or more
crafts on the permitted job. (Ords. 2005-32 §2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 2, 82-
23 § 29 79-679 76-24.)
Article 76-8.4
Application for Permit
76-8.402 Application. Every applicant for a permit shall apply on forms furnished by county building
official. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 29 82-23 § 2, 79-67, 76-24.).
76-8.404 Required Information. Every application shall contain the address,the use, occupancy or
purpose of the building, structure or premises where the proposed electrical work is to be done, the
names and addresses of the owner and of the electrical contractor if any, a complete description of the
proposed work, and other information that the county building official may consider necessary. (Ords.
2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 410 99-17 § 119 89-60 § 29 82-23 § 29 79-67, 76-24.)
76-8.406 Issuance. If, on examination and investigation,the county building official finds that the
proposed work will conform to this division and that all fees have been paid, a permit shall be issued to
the applicant. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 2, 82-23 § 210 79-673, 76-24.)
76-8.408 Late Applications,Emergencies..
(a) Every person who begins electrical work without first applying for and obtaining the required
permit(s), shall so apply as soon as practicable. If a Notice To Comply(NTC).is issued,the
applicant shall pay a double permit fee and remains subject to other penalties and enforcement
procedures of this code.
(b) Emergencies. The double fee(s) shall not be imposed when the county building official is
satisfied that the work was urgently necessary and that prior application was not practicable.
%"W
(Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 1110 89-60 § 25 82-23 § 230 79-6730 76-24.)
76-8-410 Annual Permits.
(a) Allowed. Instead of a separate permit for each building, structure,premises, installation or
alteration, an annual permit maybe issued to any person regularly employing one or more
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
12
electricians for electrical work in premises owned or occupied by the applicant for the permit.
(b) Form. The application shall be made on fort s furnished by the county building official. All
annual permits expire at the end of the calendar year in which issued.
(c) Reports. In the first fifteen (15)days.of each calendar month,the permittee shall report to the
county building official on all electrical work done under the annual permit during the preceding
month. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99 -17 § 29 82-23 § 29 79-673176-24.)
Chapter 76-10
FEES
Article 76-10.2
General
76-10.202 Fees Required. No permit for electrical work is valid unless the permit fee(s)has been
paid as required by this division or other ordinance adopted by the Board of Supervisors. Fees are
due,, and shall be paid or provided for by the applicant, before any electrical work requiring a permit is
started and before the permit is issued. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 113, 89-60 § 2,
79-6710 76-24.)
Chapter 76-12
CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE ADOPTION
Article 76-12.2
Adoption and Application
76-12.202 Adoption.
(a) The 2004 Edition of the California Electrical Code(California Code of Regulations, Title 24,,
Part 3 [based on the 2002 National Electrical Code,published by the National Fire Protection
Association]), with the changes, additions and deletions set forth in Article 76-12.4 below, is
adopted by this reference as though fully set forth herein.
(b) One copy of this electrical code is on file with the building inspection department,, and the other
requirements of Government Code Section 50022.6 have been and shall be complied with.
(Ords. 2005-32 § 210 2002-31 § 41 99-17 § 1 1, 89-60 § 2, 82-23 § 2, 79-6730 76-24.)
76-12.204 Application. The requirements of the 2004 California Electrical Code, as modified in
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
13
Article 76-12.4, apply to all things regulated by this division in addition to this.division's other
requirements. (Ords. 2005-32 § 2, 2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 2, 82-23 § 2, 79-67, 76-24).
Article 76-12.4
Modifications
76-12.402 General Terminology. The 2004 California Electrical Code, as adopted by Section 76-
12.202,,
is applicable as modified in this article. Article and section numbers.used are those of the
California Electrical Code.. "CEC"refers to the California Electrical Code,"NEC"refers to the
National Electrical Code,, and"NEPA"refers to the National Fire Protection Association. (Ords.
2005-32 § 23,2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 21, 82-23 § 2, 79-67, 76-24).
76-12.404 CEC Modifications. The following provisions of the CEC are modified as follows:
(1) Section 210-19(A)(1). The fourth FPN is deleted, and the following is added
after the last sentence of Section 210-19(A)(1),, to read:
"Conductors for branch circuits as defined in Article 100 shall be sized
to prevent a voltage drop exceeding 3 percent at the farthest outlet of
power,heating and lighting loads, or combinations of such loads, and
the maximum total voltage drop on both feeders and branch circuits to
the farthest outlet shall not exceed 5 percent."
(2) Section 210-70(A)(2). The following is added after the last sentence of
Section 210-70(A)(2),to read:
"Approved numbers or addresses as required by 502 CBC shall be
illuminated for new residential occupancies."
(3) Section 210-70(C). The following is added after the last sentence of Section
210-70(C),,to read:
"Industrial and Commercial Occupancies. Outdoor lighting outlets for
illumination shall be installed at entrances and exists to buildings
intended for industrial or commercial occupancies."
(4) Section 215-2(A)(4). The following is added after the last sentence of Section
215-2(A)(4),to read:
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
14
"Conductors for feeders as defined in Article 100 shall be sized to
prevent a voltage drop exceeding 3 percent at the farthest outlet of
power, heating, and lighting loads, or combinations of such loads, and
the maximum total voltage drop on both feeders and branch circuits to
the farthest outlet shall not exceed 5 percent." (Ords. 2005-32 § 2,
2002-31 § 4, 99-17 § 11, 89-60 § 25 82-23 § 2, 79-67, 76-24.)
SECTION 111. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance becomes effective 30 days after passage, and
within 15 days after passage shall be published once with the names of supervisors voting for and
against it in the Contra Costa Times, a newspaper published in this County.
PASSED on by the following vote.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN,
ATTEST: JOHN SWEETEN,
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Board C
ir
and County Administrator
By: [SEAL] � r
Deputy
TLG:
HA2005\Building Inspection\2005 elec code revisions final.wpd
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-32
15
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING BUILDING STANDARDS CODES
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa. County proposes to enact an ordinance
providing for the adoption by reference of the 2004 California Electrical Code with changes,
additions and deletions thereto as set forth in the proposed ordinance.
The proposed ordinance provides for greater safety to the public and uniformity in
building laws within the unincorporated area of Contra Costa.County.
On September 27, 2005 at 91:30 a.m., in the Chambers of the Board of Supervisors,
McBrien Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Martinez, California, a public hearing will be
conducted upon the proposed enactment of the said ordinance, and at said public hearing any
interested person may appear and be heard.
At least 15 days before the above hearing date, at least one copy of the proposed
ordinance and the 2004 California Electrical Code shall be on file with the Clerk of this Board,
and open to public inspection.