M&C Review


COUNCIL ACTION:  Approved on 8/15/2017 - Ordinance No. 22836-08-2017

DATE: 8/15/2017 REFERENCE NO.: G-19070 LOG NAME: 06ADOPT 2017 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
CODE: G TYPE: NON-CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING: NO
SUBJECT:   Adopt Ordinance Amending the Fort Worth Electrical Code to Adopt the 2017 National Electrical Code, with Amendments, to be Effective September 1, 2017 (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached ordinance amending the Fort Worth Electrical Code to adopt the 2017 National Electrical Code, with local amendments, to be effective September 1, 2017.

 
DISCUSSION:

The Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act requires the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to adopt the revised National Electrical Code (NEC) as the electrical code for the State of Texas. On May 19, 2017, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation published in the Texas Register their intent to adopt the 2017 NEC as the minimum standard for all electrical work in Texas. Electrical work in Texas started on or after September 1, 2017 must be installed in accordance with the 2017 NEC. Adopting the 2017 NEC as the Fort Worth Electrical Code aligns City and State requirements for electrical work.

The Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals recommended approval and adoption of the 2017 NEC and the local amendments at its meeting on July 13, 2017. The local electrical industry, the Development Advisory Committee and TEXO have been notified with no opposing comments.  The 2017 National Electrical Code continues the practice or recognizing new technologies and providing new devices for the safe installation of electrical systems. The NEC has incorporated whole house Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter protection and expanded Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter protection to include 220 volt circuits.  Tamper resistant receptacles locations have been expanded from dwellings to other environments that small children frequently occupy such as preschool and elementary educational facilities, business offices, medical office waiting rooms, and transportation waiting room facilities. The City of Fort Worth local amendments are based on the amendments recommended for regional adoption by the North Central Texas Council of Governments and our local practices.

There is no fee increase proposed in this ordinance.

This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.



 
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION:

The Director of Finance certifies that this action has no material effect on City funds.


TO
    Fund Department
ID
Account Project
ID
Program Activity Budget
Year
Reference #
(Chartfield 2)
Amount

FROM
    Fund Department
ID
Account Project
ID
Program Activity Budget
Year
Reference #
(Chartfield 2)
Amount

Submitted for City Manager's Office by:
Fernando Costa (6122)
Originating Department Head:
Randle Harwood (6101)
Additional Information Contact:
Allison Gray (8030)

 
 
ATTACHMENTS
  2017 NEC amend Final.docx