Title
Approving an ordinance on second reading with the caption reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PFLUGERVILLE, TEXAS, AMENDING THE CITY OF PFLUGERVILLE, TEXAS CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 150, REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 2011 EDITION; DELETION OF ARCHAIC AMENDMENTS; ESTABLISHING PENALTIES NOT TO EXCEED $2000.00 PER OFFENSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Summary
This ordinance was approved on first reading on October 25, 2011.
This ordinance mandates the adoption of the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) for the City, replacing the 2008 edition. The effective date will be January 1, 2012. The 2011edition will apply to any projects submitted after the effective date in the city limits as well as those subdivisions with a consent agreement with the City such as the Lakeside Districts. There are no new amendments proposed, but one deletion due to a change in service configurations from Oncor electric utility. Previously adopted amendments will carry over with adjusted section numbers as necessary.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), publishes the National Electrical Code. Revisions occur every three years but out of cycle with the International Code Conference (ICC) that publishes the rest of the building codes adopted by the City. The NEC is published through a governmental consensus process that is transparent and provides opportunities for participation by all interested stakeholders. These stakeholders include municipal code officials, trades organizations, and standards committees. During this process, the code is thoroughly vetted and restructured or reworded for greater ease of use and interpretation.
This edition of the electrical code contains no financially burdensome new requirements as have recent editions. One of the highlights for residential application is a new section separating foyers from hallways and now requiring receptacles in foyers that are larger than sixty square feet. A new chapter is included for small wind electric systems, or turbines, and as well as new sections to address LED technology for signs and home lighting.
Adoption of the latest building codes, including the electrical code, in a timely manner is an important part of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) classification awarded the City and can have a positive impact on property insurance rates for the citizens and business owners of the City. The ISO performs the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) review on the Building Department every five years. The level of this BCEGS score can, in turn, have a positive influence on the Community Rating System (CRS) classification awarded the City by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The City of Round Rock adopted the 2011 NEC on January 1 of this year and the City of Austin plans an October 21 adoption. The State of Texas adopted the 2011 NEC on September 1 and Cedar Park plans on adopting this edition in July 2012.
The homebuilders working in the City were informed at the October 5th monthly meeting and also received handouts about the specific code changes. The Homebuilders Association of Austin was informed at the beginning of September of the code adoption and the notice was reiterated at the October quarterly meeting. Local electricians continue to be informed during inspections and phone conversations.
Prior City Council Action
N/A
Deadline for City Council Action
There is no deadline associated with this agenda item.
Projected Future City Council Action
The ordinance will be brought to the Council on November 8, 2011, for consideration on second and final reading.
Fiscal Impact
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this agenda item.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the adoption of the 2011 NEC.
Drafter
Blake Overmyer, Building Official