Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 122 “Construction Regulations,” Article III, “Electrical Installations,” through the Amendment of Division 3, “Electrical Code,” by Amending Section 122-129 titled “National Electrical Code Adopted” and Amendments to Electrical Code,” respectively, by Amending Sections 122-131, 122-132, and 122-133 titled “Right of Entry,” Records; Reports,” and “Interference with Inspector,” respectively, all of which Amendments and Additions are for the purpose of Adopting the 2020 Edition of the National Electrical Code, and by the Adoption of Local Amendments to the National Electrical Code,” including certain Amendments recommended by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, and repealing all conflicting Ordinances
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Safe and Secure Community
(6D: Pursue and maintain the highest Insurance Services Office (ISO) fire and building protection classification)
MEETING DATE: November 1, 2022
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Building Inspections
CONTACT: Suzanne Arnold, Chief Building Official
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Staff recommends approval of the proposed ordinance.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Effective November 1, 2020, The State of Texas adopted the 2020 Edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) 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. Electrical standards are enforced by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
• The City of McKinney has been enforcing the 2020 NEC per State law. Adoption into Ordinance by the City is a formality and enables the City to adopt the most current set of code amendments.
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes updated editions of the National Electrical Code (NEC) every three years for states and municipalities to consider for adoption.
• On October 10, 2022, the Building and Standards Commission (BSC) voted unanimously in a public hearing to make a recommendation to City Council to adopt the 2020 National Electrical Code, with proposed amendments.
• The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Regional Codes Coordinating Committee and its Electrical Advisory Board are composed of code officials, designers, and construction professionals, who review the latest editions of the NEC and write recommended amendments for regional municipalities to adopt in the interest of uniformity. The City of McKinney historically has adopted NCTCOG’s recommended amendments.
• Staff is proposing to adopt NCTCOG’s recommended amendments to the 2020 NEC along with carrying forward all existing local amendments.
• Staff proposes an effective date of January 1, 2023.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The 2017 NEC is the current adopted edition in McKinney City Ordinance.
• Enforcement of the 2020 NEC is already mandatory under State law.
• Staff presented the significant changes between editions of the NEC, along with the other model codes, at two public informational meetings, to the McKinney Development Committee, and in an additional public meeting before the Building and Standards Commission.
• Staff published lists of significant code changes on the City’s website.
• Highlights of the significant changes in the NEC are as follows:
o A new NCTCOG amendment allows outlet, pull, and junction boxes that are required by code to be accessible to be accessed by the displacement of removable luminaires meeting certain criteria.
o Additional wiring options are available for EV power transfer cords, referring to new national standards.
o One- and two-family dwelling units require an emergency service disconnect in a readily accessible outdoor location.
o Services supplying dwelling units must have surge protection.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• On October 10, 2022, the Building and Standards Commission considered the 2020 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.