Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Approving the Recommendation by the Building and Standards Commission to Adopt the 2023 Edition of the National Electrical Code, Codified in Chapter 122 of the McKinney Code of Ordinances, Together with Local Amendments to the Foregoing “Model Code” Recommended by the North Central Texas Council of Governments and/or City Staff
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Safe and Secure Community
6D: Pursue and maintain the highest Insurance Standards Office (ISO) fire and building protection classification.
MEETING DATE: February 6, 2024
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Building Inspection
CONTACT: Suzanne Arnold, Chief Building Official
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Consider / Act on the approval of the 2023 National Electrical Code as presented in the title.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Every three years, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes a new code for the states and local municipalities to consider for adoption. Such a code must be adopted into ordinance to be effective.
• The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Regional Codes Coordinating Committee (RCCC) and its Electrical Advisory Board are comprised of local public and private code professionals (public building officials and inspectors, private architects and engineers, and construction and trades professionals) who review the latest editions of the model construction codes and recommend uniform amendments for the North Central Texas region. The City of McKinney has historically adopted NCTCOG’s recommended amendments.
• On December 12, 2023, the Building and Standards Commission (BSC) held a public hearing to consider the adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code, and at that meeting voted unanimously to make a recommendation to City Council for the adoption of the proposed model code and amendments.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Adoption of the proposed code is mandatory under State law. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation establishes the mandatory edition of the National Electrical Code to be enforced statewide.
• Current City ordinance adopts the 2020 National Electrical Code.
• Effective September 1, 2023, the State of Texas adopted the 2023 Edition of the National Electrical Code as the mandatory minimum standard for electrical work in Texas under Section 1305.101 of the Local Government Code and Rule 73.100 of the Texas Administrative Code. The City of McKinney has been enforcing the 2023 Edition since it became effective under State law, although the 2023 Edition was not formally adopted with its amendments into local ordinance at that time.
• City staff assembled a list of significant changes between the 2020 and 2023 Editions, which is publicized on the City’s website. A synopsis of the most significant changes in the code is below:
o All kitchen receptacles must be GFCI protected, including appliance outlets, regardless of location.
o Receptacles are no longer mandatory in kitchen islands and peninsulas, but provisions must be made for the future installation of a receptacle, if desired.
o There is expanded language regarding reconditioned devices and equipment.
• The Building and Standards Commission considered and accepted the summary of the Significant Changes on December 12, 2023.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• No Additional Impact to City Services.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• On December 12, 2023, The Building and Standards Commission considered the 2023 National Electrical Code adoption ordinance and amendments and voted unanimously to approve a recommendation for the City Council to adopt the presented changes, as written.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
Ordinance