Ordinance 1962-05
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Table of Contents (Continued)
Section Page
15. Definitions 26
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~6. . Regulations for Nonconforming Uses 32 ~
17. Special Permits 33
18. Administration and Enforcement 34
19. Violations and Penalties 35
20. Board of Adjustment 36
21. Interpretation of Ordinance 38
22. Amendments and Changes 39
23. Validity Clause 40
24. Effective Date 40
APPENDIX TO ZONING ORDINANCE
1. ..Application of Zoning Regulations to Different Types
of Buildings
2. Application of Height Regulations to Different Types
of Buildings
3. Yard Definitions
4. Corner Lot Setback and P.ccessory Building Requirements
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ORDINANCE NO.
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C.t.PTION
An ordinance establishing comprehensive zoning regulations and districts
for the City, and regulating the height. number of stories and size of
buildings and other structures; the size and percentage of lots that may be
occupied; the size of yards, courts and other open spaces; the density of
population; the location and use of buildings. structures and land for trade,
industry. residences and other purposes; and dividing the City into Districts;
and regulating the erection, construction, alteration, repair or use of build-
ings. structures or land within such districts; providing uniform regula-
tions for the several classes or kinds of buildings or structures, and uses
within the restrictive districts; adopting a zoning map disclosing the several
districts and use areas and the restrictions and limitations and provisions
applicable to such districts and areas; providing for the enforcement of this
ordinance and penalties for the violation thereof; repealing all ordinances
in conflict herewith.
BE IT ORDAINED BY tHE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
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Section 1. Title
This ordinance shall be known and may be cited as liThe City Z.oning
Ordinance" .
Section 2. Establishment of Districts
For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general
welfare of the community, the City is hereby divided into the following types
of districts:
1. Single Family Residential District
2. Two Family Res idential District
3. Multiple Family Residential District
4. Commercial District
5. Industrial District
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Section 3. Zoning Map
The City is hereby divided into zones, or districts, as shown on the Official
Zoning Map which, together with all explanatory matters thereon, is hereby
adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this ordinance.
The Official Zoning Map shall be indentified by the signature of the Mayor.
attested by the City Clerk, and bearing the seal of the City under the follow-
ing words: "This is to certify that this is the Official Zonong Map referred
to in Section 3 of Ordinance Number of the City", together with
the date of the adopting of this ordinance.
If, in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance and revised state
statutes. changes are made in district boundaries or other matter portrayed
in the Official Zoning Map, such changes shall be made on the Official Zon-
ing Map promptly after the amendment has been approved by the Governing
Body. together with an entry on the Official Zoning Map as follows: liOn
, by official action of the Governing Body, the
following change or changes were made in the Official Zoning Map:
(Brief description of nature of change)
which entry shall be signed by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk.
The amending ordinance shall provide that such changes or amendments
shall not become effective until they have been duly entered upon the Offi-
cial Zoning Map. No amendment to this ordinance which involves matter
portrayed on the Official Zoning Map, shall become effective until after
such change. and entry has been made on such map.
The map, with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby made a part of
this ordinance and for the purpose of clearly defining the various use dis-
tricts the following symbols have been used:
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R Single Family Residential District
A. R - 900 - F
B. R - 900 M
C. R - II 00 M
D. R - l300M
D Two Family Residential District
A Multiple Family Residential District
C Commercial District
A. C - 1
B. C - 1 - R
I Industrial District
A.. 1-1
B. I - 2
The boundaries of these districts shall be determined by the extent of cover-
age of the pattern for the respective district.
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Section 4. Interpretation of District Boundaries
The following rules shall apply where uncertainty exists with respect to the
boundaries of any of the zoning districts as shown on the zoning map~
1. Where district boundaries indicated as approximately following
the centerline of streets or alleys or where they approximately follow
the lot lines, such street lines or alley lines or lot lines shall be con-
strued to be said boundaries.
2. "Vhere a boundary line is shown adjoining with a railroad, it shall
be deemed to be in the center of the railroad right-of-way.
3. In unsubdivided property. unless otherwise indicated, the district
boundary line on the map and made a part of this Ordinance shall be
determined by the use of the scale shown on such map.
4. Vlhere there is a reasonable doubt as to the boundaries between
two districts, the regulations of the more restrictive. district shall
govern the entire parcel in question, unless otherwise determined
by the Governing Body.
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Section 5. Newly Annexed Territory
All territory hereafter annexed to the City shall be temporarily classified
as R-1300-M of the single family residential district until permanently
zoned by the Governing Body of the City. The City Planning Commission
shall, as soon as practicable after annexation of any new territory to the
City, begin proceedings on its own motion to place the newly annexed terri-
tory in a particular district. The procedure shall be the same as is pro-
vided by law for the adoption of the original zoning regulations.
In an area temporarily classified for single family dwelling purposes only,
no permit for the construction of a building shall be issued by the Govern-
ing Body until such permit has been specifically authorized by the City
Council. Permits for the construction of buildings in a newly annexed terri-
tory prior to permanent zoning. may be authorized by the City Council under
the following conditions:
An application for any use shall be made to the Governing Body,
said application to show the use contemplated. a plat showing the
size of the lot or tract of land being used. and the location of and
the size and type of buildings to be constructed; and if such appli-
cation is for other than a single family dwelling or accessory
building related thereto, it shall be referred by the Governing
Body to the City Planning Commission for consideration and its
recommendation to the City Council, after giving due considera-
tion to the type of permanent zoning to be applied to the area in
which the application is located. Whenever such a recommenda-
tion is filed with the City Council. it shall be advisory only, and
the City Council may grant or deny it as the facts may justify.
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Section 6. Application of Regulations
Except as hereinafter provided:
1. No land shall be used and no building shall be erected or struc-
turally altered nor shall any building or premises be used for any
purpose unless in conformity with the regulations herein specified
for the district in which it is located.
2. No lot upon which a building has been erected shall be so reduced
in area that the yards or open spaces shall be smaller than those
prescribed by this ordinance. nor shall a part of a yard or other
open space required about any building for the purpose of complying
with the provisions of this ordinance be included as a part of a yard
or other open space similarly required for another building.
3. No building shall hereafter be erected or altered -
a. To have more narrow or smaller rear yards. front yards,
side yards or courts;
b. To exceed the specified height;
c. To occupy a greater percentage of lot area; or
d. To accommodate or house a greater number of families
than is specified herein for the district in which such build-
. ing is located.
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Section 7. Regulations for the Single Family Residential District
The single family residential districts existing within the corporate limits
of the City, as shown on the District Zoning Map, shall be temporarily
classified as R-1300-M of the Single Family Residential District until
permanently zoned by the City Council.
The following regulations shall apply in a single family residential district:
A. Uses Permitted.
1. One family dwelling.
2. Churches or similar places of worship.
3. Elementary schools, high schools and institutions for higher
education.
4. Publicly owned and operated libraries, museums, parks. play-
grounds, fire stations, and community buildings.
5. Golf courses, country clubs, and non-commercial recreational
uses.
6. Agriculture when conducted exclusively for the use of the occu-
pants of the dwelling located on the premises, provided there
are no agriculture uses present which are offensive in odor or
which destroy the character of the landscape.
7. Home occupations.
8. Customary accessory uses and buildings, provided such uses
are incidental to the principal use of the premises.
9. Public utility structures necessary for the service of the area.
B. The following building regulations for single family residential dis-
tricts shall apply:
1. R-900-F
a. Minimum Size: The minimum area of the main building
shall not be less than 900 square feet.exclusive of garages,
breezeways and servant quarters.
b. Type Materials: The main structure shall be frame con-
struction or any higher type building material.
c. Building Height Limit: No building shall exceed two and
one-half (2-1 /2) stories nor thirty five (35) feet.
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d. I.rea Requirements: Lot area shall be not less than 6,500
square feet with a minimum lot width of ~9..feet and a
minimum lot depth of 100 feet.
e. Yard Requirements: Each lot shall have front. side, and
rear yards not less than the depths or widths as follows:
1. Front yard depth: 25 feet-
2. Rear yard depth: 25 feet-
3. Side yard width: 100/0 of lot width_.
f. Offstreet Parking and Suplementary Regulations: Refer to
Supplementary Regulations.
II. R-900-M
a. Minimum Size: The minimum area of the main building shall
not be less than 900 square feet exclusive of garages. breeze-
ways and servant quarters~_
b. Type Material: The main structure shall be of Masonry con-
s truction or any higher type building ma terial.
c. Building Height Limit: No building shall exceed two and
one-half (2-1/2) stories nor thirty five (35) ~eet.
d. ..Area Requirements: Lot area shall be not less than 6,500
square feet with a minimum lot width of 60 feet and a mini-
mum lot depth of 100 feet.
e. Yard Requirp-ments: Each lot shall have front. side, and
rear yards not less than the depths or widths as follows:
1. Front yard depth: 25 feet
2. Rear yard depth: 25 feet
3. Side yard width: 10% of lot width
f. Offstreet Parking and Supplementary Re~ulations: Refer to
Supplementary Regulations.
III. R-llOO-M
a. Minimum Size: The minimum area of the main building shall
not be less than 1, 100 square feet exclusive of garages.
breezeways and servants quarters.
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b. Type Material: The main structure shall be of Masonry
construction or any higher type building material.
c. Building Height Limit: No building shall exceed two and
one-half (2-1/2) stories nor thirty five (35) feet.
d. Area Requirements: Lot area shall be not less than 7,500
square feet with a minimum lot width of 65 feet and a mini-
mum lot depth of lOO feet.
e. Yard Requirements: Each lot shall have front, side, and
rear yards not less than the depths or widths as follows:
l. Front yard depth: 25 feet
2. Rear yard depth: 25 feet
3. Side yard width: 10% of lot width
f. Offstreet Parking and Supplementary Regulations: Refer to
Supplementary Regulations.
IV. R-1300-M
a. Minimum Size: The minimum area of the main building shall
not be les s than 1300 square feet exclus ive of garages,
breezeways and servants quarters.
b. Type Materials: The main structure shall be of Masonry
construction or any higher type building materials.
c. Building Height Limit: No building shall exceed two and
one-half (2-1/2) stories nor thirty five (35) feet.
d. Area Requirements: Lot area shall be not less than 8,500
square feet with a minimum lot width of 70 feet and a mini-
mum lot depth of 110 feet.
e. Yard Requirements: Each lot shall have front, side, and
rear yards not less than the depths or widths as follows:
1. Front yard depth: 25 feet
2. Rear yard depth: 25 feet
3. Side yard width: 10% of lot width
f. Offstreet Parking and Supplementary Regulations: Refer to
St.:.;-plementary Regulations.
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Section 8. Regulations for the Two Family Residential District
The following regulations shall apply for all two family dwellings:
A. Minimum Size.
The minimum area of the main building shall not be less than 600
square feet per dwelling unit exclusive of garages. breezeways and
other accessory buildings.
B. Building Height Limit.
No building shall exceed two and one-half (2-1/2) stories, nor thirty
five (35) feet.
c. Required Lot Area.
Each lot shall have an area of not les s than 8,000 square feet with
a minimum lot width of not less than 65 feet and a minimum lot depth
of not less than 100 feet.
D. Yards Required.
Each lot shall have front, side. and rear yards not less than those
specified for the Single Family Residential District.
E. Type Material.
The main building shall be of masonry construction or any higher
type building material.
F. Offstreet Parking and Supplementary Regulations,
Refer to Supplementary Regulations.
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Section 9. Regulations for the Multiple Family Residential District
The following regulations shall apply for all multiple family dwellings:
P. . Minimum Size.
The minimum area of the main building shall be not les s than 6.Q.Q
square feet per dwelling unit exclusive of garages, breezeways and
other accessory buildings.
B. Building Height Limit.
No building shall exceed three stories or forty-five (45) feet in
height excepting when such building is set back one (1) foot from
all required yard lines for each one (l) foot of additional height
above forty-five (45) feet; provided, that no building shall exceed
a height of one hundred (1 OO) feet.
C. Required Lot .Area.
Each lot shall have an area of not less than 5,000 square feet with
a minimum lot width of not less than 50 feet and a minimum lot
depth of not less than 100 feet, provided, however, that the multiple
family dwelling shall be located on a lot having not less than seven
hundred and fifty (750) square feet for each family housed therein.
D. Yards Required.
Each lot shall have front, side, and rear yards not less than the
depths or widths following:
1. Front yard depth: 25 feet.
2. Rear yard depth: 20 feet.
3. Side yard width: 10 feet on mterior lots. For COrner lot regu-
lations in a residential district refer to S\,lpplementary Regula-
tions.
E. Type Material.
The main building shall be of masonry construction or any higher
type building material.
F. Offstreet and Supplementary Regulations.
Refer to Supplementary Regulations.
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Section 10. Regulations for the Commercial District
P. The following regulations shall apply to the C-l District.
1. Uses Permitted.
a. Multiple Family Dwelling, provided, however, that any
building which is used for this purpose shall conform to
the Regulations cited in Section 9.
b. Retail stores and shops.
c. Banks, offices, theaters, bowling alleys; restaurants,
hotels. and similar comnlUnity services.
d. . Putomobile repair shops and filling stations, subject to the
following provisions.
1. No repair work is performed out-of-doors.
2. Pumps, lubricating or other devices are located at
least twenty (20) feet from any street line.
3. PU outside surface storage in excess of 75 gallons of
the various types, shall be stored withilf a masonry
structure which shall be located not less than 35 feet
from any street line, or shall be stored underground
with no setback limitations. Outside surface storage
less than 75 gallons shall be stored a minimum of
35 feet from any street line.
4. p..ll automobile parts, dismantled vehicles and similar
articles are stored within a building.
e. Baking. confectionery, dressmaking, dyeing. laundry,
printing. tailoring, upholstering and similar es tablish-
ments or business of a similar nature with non-objection-
able charac:teristics subject'to the following provisions:
1. All goods or products manufactured or processed shall
be sold at retail on the premises.
2. .All such manufacturing or processing shall be done on
the premises.
f. Barber, shoeshine, beauty parlor and other personal services.
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g. Caterer, undertaker.
h. Telegraph, telephone and express offices.
i. Railway or bus passenger station.
J. Laundry and cleaning depots.
k. Parking lots and used car lots.
1. Outdoor advertising signs but only when attached to or made
part of the commercial structure. A,projecting sign shall
not exceed fifty (50) square feet in are~ for each street
frontage.
2. Type MateriaL
Masonry or any higher type building material.
3. Required Lot Area.
There is no required lot area when the lot is used for commercial
purposes.
4. Yards Required.
When the lot is used for commercial purposes, there are no
yard requirements.
5. Offstreet Parking and Supplementary Regulations.
Refer to Supplementary Regulations
B. The following regulations shall apply to the C-l-R District.
1. Uses Permitted.
a. This district shall be restricted to service type facilities.
b. Service facilities shall be construed to mean such facilities
as resturants, service stations, motels', washaterias,
driveins,\ and other public accomodating uses. .
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c. No residential dwelling shall be permitted within this district.
2. Type Material.
Masonry or any higher type building material.
3. Required Lot Area.
There is no required lot area when the lot is used for commercial
purposes.
4. Yards Required.
When the lot is used for commercial purposes, there are no
yard requirements.
5. Offstreet Parking and Supplementary Regulations.
Refer to Su~plementary Regulations
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/ Section ll. Regulations for the Industrial District
/The following regulations shall apply in the I-I District: (Light Industrial)
A. Uses Permitted.
l. Any use 'permitted in the Commercial Business District, but not
residential uses or motels.
2. . \Vholesale, storage and warehouse facilities.
3. Lumber, wood, feed, or other similar storage yards, but not
salvage yards, coal yards, stock yards or junk yards.
4. Uses of light manufacturing nature, employing electricity or
other unobjectionable motive power, and free from any objection-
able odors, glare, fumes, dirt, vibration, or noise.
B. Required Lot Area.
There is no required lot area.
C. Yard Requirements.
Each lot shall have front. side, and rear yards of not less than the
depths or width following:
1. Front yard depth: 20 feet.
2. Rear yard depth: 20 feet.
3. Side yard width: 10 feet.
D. Offstreet Parking and Supplementary Regulations.
Refer to Supplementary Regulations
The following regulations shall apply in the I- 2 District: (Heavy Industrial)
A. Uses Permitted.
All uses not otherwise prohibited by law, except nQ residential use
is permitted.
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B. Uses Prohibited.
.PH uses of land, buildings and structures or industrial processes
that may be noxious or injurious by reason of the production or
emission of dust, smoke, refuse matter, odor, gas, fumes, noise,
vibrations, or similar substances or conditions provided, however,
that any uses may be pel'mitted if approved by the City Council and
subject to the securing of a permit therefor and to. such restrictions.
conditions, and safegards as may be deemed necessary by said City
Council for the purpose of protecting the health, safety. morals or
the general welfare of the community.
C. Yard Requirements.
Each lot shall have front, side and rear yards of not les s than the
depths or widths following:
1. Front yard depth: 25 feet
2. Rear yard df,!pth: 25 feet
3. Side yard width: 15 feet
D. Required Lot .P rea.
There is no required lot area.
E. Offstreet Parking and Supplementary Regulations.
Refer to Supplementary Regulations
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Section 12. Supplementary Regulations
The provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to such additions, or
modifications as herein provided by the following supplementary regula-
tions:
p.. Height.
1. Height and Open Space.
In any district any main building may be erected to a height in
excess of that specified for the district provided that for each
one foot of additional height the front, side. and rear yards
are each increased by one foot.
2. Height Exceptions.
The height limitations of this ordinance shall not apply to church
spires, towers, penthouses, and grain elevators; nor to chimneys,
ventilators, 'skylights, water tanks and similar features usually
carried above the roof level.
3. Airport Height Exceptions.
In any district no structure shall be erected which exceeds the
maximu.1'11. heights permissible under the rules of the Federal
P. eronautics Pdministration and further provided that no struc-
ture shall be erected within seven-hundred and fifty (750) feet
of the projected centerline of a runway for a distance of five-
hundred (500) feet from the boundary of the airport.
B. Yards Required.
1. Front Yard Transition.
Where a lot in the commercial or industrial district abuts a
lot in a residential district, there shall be provided on the
commercial or industrial lot a front yard equal in depth to
one-half the required front yard depth of the residential district.
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2. Side Yard Transition.
Where a lot in the commercial or industrial district abuts a lot
in a residential district there shall be provided on the commer-
cial or industrial lot aside yard equal in width to that required
in the residential district.
3. Corner Lot Requirements.
On every corner lot in a residential district there shall be pro-
vided on the side street a side yard equal in depth to one-half
(1/2) the required front yard depth.
4. Terraces and Unenclosed Porches.
Po paved terrace or an unenclosed porch, shall not be closer
than 5-1/2 feet at any point to any lot line.
5. Enclosed Porches.
.Any enclosed porch shall be considered a part of the building in
the determination of the size of yard or lot coverage.
6. Projecting 1'. rchitectural Features.
The space in any required yard shall be open and unobstructed
to the sky, except for the ordinary projections of window sills,
belt courses, cornices, eaves, and other architectural features,
shaE not project more than t'vo (2) feet into any required yard.
7. Fire Escapes.
Open fire escapes may extend into any required yard not more
than three and one-half (3-1/2) feet.
8. Accessory Buildings.
Accessory buildings, including garages, unless within or attached
to the dwelling, shall be located not less than sixty (60) feet from
the front line in all residential districts. Said buildings shall be
located not less than two (2) feet to the side or rear lot line and
not nearer than six (6) feet to the main building.
(See Appendix for diagram)
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C. Offstreet Parking
In order to reduce congestion in the streets the following offstreet
parking spaces shall be provided and maintained, by the Owner of
the property, for each building which, after the date of this ordin-
ance, is erected, enlarged or altered for use for any of the follow-
ing purposes:
1. Dwelling - at least one parking space for each dwelling unit in
the building or buildings.
2. Auditorium, stadium, theater or other places of public assembly;
establishments for the sale and consumption on the premises of
food or beverage - at least one parking space for each 150 square
feet of floor area.
3. Dance halls, skating rinks. and assembly halls without fixed
seats - at least one parking space for each one hundred (100)
square feet .of floor area used for dancing, skating or assembly.
4. Hotel - at least one parking space for each two (2) guest sleeping
rooms.
5. Retail stores, office buildings, clinics - at least one parking
space for each five-hundred (500) square feet of floor area.
6. Shops, wholesale distributors, industrial or manufacturing es-
stablishments - at least one parking space for each one thousand
(1,000) square feet of floor area or for each five (5) employees
on the largest shift, whichever is greater.
All required parking spaces shall be on the same lot with the building, ex-
cept that if the Governing Body determines that it is impractical to pro-
vide parking on the same lot, said Governing Body may permit the parking
spaces to be on any lot within five-hundred (500) feet of the building.
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Section 13. Unit Plan Regulations
A. Industrial Park Development.
The Owner or Owners of any tract of land comprising an area of not
less than 80 acres may submit to the Governing Body of the City, a
plan for the use and development of all the tract of land for purposes
of an industrial park. After study, the Governing Body may approve
or disapprove the development plan. If the development plan is ap-
proved, the Governing Body may authorize the issuance of a building
permit and certificate of occupancy even though the us e of the land
and location of structures do not conform in all respects to the regu-
lations contained in other sections of this ordinance. If the develop-
ment plan is approved, the Governing Body shall make a report stating
the reasons for approving the development plan and specific evidence
and facts showing that the proposed development meets the following
conditions:
1. No building or premises shall be used, erected, or altered until
and unless a permit for the contemplated development has been
secured from the Governing Body. There shall have been filed
with the Governing Body, a written application for said permit.
Said application shall be accompanied with the following infor-
mation:
a. The location of present and proposed buildings. parking
lots, driveways, and other necessary facilities indicated
on a plot plan.
b. Preliminary architectural plans for the proposed building
or buildings.
c. A written description indicating the effects of the indus-
trial operations in producing problems of glare. noise,
odor, sewerage. fire hazards, air pollution. or water
or of excessive traffic congestion or other factors detri-
mental to the safety, health and welfare of the community.
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d. .Any other information the Governing Body may deem as
necessary to adequately consider the cost of providing
municipal services to the area and the effect the proposed
uses may have upon the surrounding properties.
2. Uses Permitted.
a. No residential use is permitted.
b. Wholesaling, manufacturing, jobbing, warehousing, or
business of a similar nature subject to the regualtions
as hereinafter specified.
c. Any use which may be or may become a nuisance or annoy-
ance by reason of excessive emission of noise, smoke,
fumes, odors, vibrations, glare. or sirr"ilar substances
and conditions or by reason of unsightliness shall be
prohibited. Standardized measurements taken by standard-
ized methods and equipment shall be used as proof of non-
compliance and the cost of said measurements shall be
borne by the occupant.
B. Required Lot Area.
Individual building sites shall be of such size that all space require-
ments of this ordinance are satisfied and be of such size that the
development will have architectural unity.
C. Yards Required.
Each lot shall have front, side and rear yards not less than the depths
and widths following:
1. Front yard depth: 60 feet. Required front yards shall be
landscaped and maintained to provide an attractive setting
for the building.
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2. Rear yard depth: l5 feet. Where the rear yard abuts a lot in
a residential district, said rear lot depth shall be 30 feet.
Required rear yards shall be planned and maintained to pro-
vide a sightly and well kept condition.
3. Side yard width: 10 feet. Where the side yard abuts a lot in
a residential district, said side yard width shall be 30 feet.
Required side yards shall be planned and maintained to pro-
vide a sightly and well kept condition.
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Section 14. Mobil Home Park Regulations
(sFE
70-i)
The following regulations shall apply to all mobil home parks:
P. Uses Permitted.
1. Mobile home parks are permitted in the Light Industrial districts.
2. No lot or parcel of land shall be used until and unless a permit
has been secured from the Governing Body. There shall have
been filed with the Governing Body a written application for
said permit. Said application shall be accompanied with the
following information:
a. A plot plan showing the location of present and proposed
buildings, driveways, proposed location of units and
sanitary conveniences.
b. A statement relative to water supply, sewage and garbage.
c. .A. copy of the plans and specifications of all proposed
buildings.
d. The location and legal description of the mobil home park.
B. Building Height Limit.
No building shall exceed two and one-half (Z-l /2) stories, nor thirty-
five feet (35').
C. Required .Area for a Mobil Home Space.
Mobile home spaces shall be provided, consisting of a minimum of
1800 square feet for each trailer coach space which shall be clearly
defined and marked.
D. Percentage of Lot Coverage.
l\.10bile home units shall not cover more than 50 per cent of the area
of the mobile home space.
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E. Yards Required.
No mobile home shall be located closer than 12 feet fronl any other
trailer or from any building within the mobile home park or from
any property line bounding the mobile home park.
F. Vehicular Access and Automobile Parking.
1. JIll mobile home spaces shall abut upon a driveway of not less
than eighteen (18) feet in width, which shall have unobstructed
access to a public street or highway, and the sole vehicular
access shall not be by an alley, and all dead-end driveways
shall include adequate vehicular turning space.
2. PH driveways within the mobile home park shall be all weather
with a minimum of six (6) inch stabilized aggregate surface
course and lighted at night with electric lamps of not les s than
fifty (50) watts each, spaced at intervals of not more than one
hundred (100) feet.
3. .P: rrinimum of one off-driveway car parking space shall be main-
tained for each mobile home space.
G. Additional Mobile Home Park Regulations.
1. The mobile home park shall be located on a well drained site,
properly graded to insure drainage.
2. One or more playgrounds shall be provided which are of at least
twenty-five hundred (2, 500) square feet in area or at least
twenty-five (25) square feet per mobile home space, whichever
is greater.
3. The entire mobile home park will be enclosed within a fence, or
by other means, approved by the Governing Body.
4. One or more service buildings shall be constructed in accord-
ance with the provisions of the building, plumbing and electrical
codes of the City for any mobile home park, providing spaces
for dependent mobile home spaces. Such service building(s)
shall:
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a. be adequately lighted,
b. have the interior finished with moisture-resistant material
to permit frequent washing and cleaning.
c. have adequate heating facilities for the building and equip-
ment which will furnish an ample supply of heated water dur-
ing time of peak demands,
d. be well ventilated with all openings effectively screened.
A service building shall not be required if independent mobile
home spaces only are provided.
H. Issuance of Mobile Home Park Perrroit.
Upon the finding by the Governing Body that the proposed mobile home
park will constitute a development of sustained desirability, that it
will not result in'an over-intensive use of land, that it will not result
in undue traffic hazards, and not otherwise be detrimental to the health,
safety and welfare of the community the Governing Body may issue a
permit or permits for:the pr-9posed mobile home park.
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Section 15. Definitions
All words used in this ordinance shall carry their customary meanings ex-
cept where specifically defined herein. Words used in the plural include
the singular. and the present tense includes the future; the word "building"
includes the word" structure"; the word "lot" includes the word "plot" or
"parcel"; the word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual;
"occupied" or lfused'l shall be construed to include the words, "intended,
arranged, or designed to be used or occupied'l; the term "shall" is always
mandatory.
Accessory Use: .A. use customarily incidental to the principal use of the lot.
Alley: A narrow service way providing a secondary means of access to
abutting properties.
Alterations: A change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in the
existing facilitie s, or an enlargement of a building or structure.
Boarding House: Any private dwelling in which three or more persons
either individually or as families are housed or lodged for hire with
or without meals, and in which no transients are accommodated. A
rooming house shall be deemed a boarding house.
Building: Any roofed over structure intended for shelter.
Building. Accessory: Subordinate building, the use of which is incidental
to that of a main building on the same lot.
Building Height: The vertical distance measured from the average eleva-
tion of the finished grade at the front of the building to the highest
point of the roof for flat roofs. to the deck line of mansard roofs.
and to the mean height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip and
gambrel roofs. (See Appendix)
Building. Main: A building devoted to the principal use of the lot on which
it is located.
City: City as used in this ordinance shall mean the City of Wylie, Texas.
Commercial Use: Any land or building designed or designated to be used
for commercial purposes, which shall include such land or buildings
used for retail sales and office us e.
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Court: An open space on the same lot with a building bounded on two or
rrore sides by the walls of such building.
Court, Inner: A court bounded on all sides by exterior walls of a building
or by exterior walls and lot lines on which walls are allowable.
Court, Outer: An court other than an inner court.
Coverage: The percent of lot area covered by buildings.
Dwelling: Any building used primarily as living quarters for one or more
families.
Dwelling. One-Family: A detached building used priwarily for living quarter~
accommodating but one family.
Dwelling, Two-Farrily: A detached building used primarily for living
quarters accommodating two families.
Dwelling. Multiple-Family: A building or portion thereof accommodating
three or more families living independently of each other.
Family: One or more persons occupying a premise and living as a non-profit
housekeeping unit.
FarrI": Any parcel of land containing at least ten (lO) acres which is used
for gain in the production of agricultural products.
Filling Station: Any area of land. including structures thereon, that is
primarily used or designed to be used for the supply of gasoline or
oil or other fuel for the use in motor vehicles and which may include
facilities used or designed to be used for parking. greasing. washing,
spraying, or other cleaning and servicing of such motor vehicles.
Floor Area: The sum of the gros s horizontal areas of the several floors
of a building excluding areas not normally con'sidered rentable areas.
Garage, Private: An accessory building for the storage of one or more
motor vehicles, provided that no business, occupation or service is
conducted for profit therein nor space therein for more than one car
is leased to a non-resident of the premises.
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Garage, Public: Any garage other than a private garage, available to the
public, operated for gain, and which is used for storage, repair,
rental, greasing, washing, servicing, adjusting or equipping of
automobiles or other motor vehicles.
Governing Body: The City Council of the City or any duly appointed official.
officer, or agency designated by said City Council to execute the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
Home Occupation: A profession or an occupation which:
a. Is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for
residential purposes and does not change the character thereof.
b. Produces no offensive noise. vibration, smoke, dust, odors, heat
or glare.
c. Employs not more than one person outside the immediate family
residing on the premises.
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d. Offers no articles for sale except such as may be produced on the
premises.
e. Is carried on wholly within dwelling on the premises with no ex-
terior storage, no exterior display and no exterior advertising
except a small name plate no larger than one (1) square foot.
f. A home occupation includes, but is not limited to the following:
Art Studio
Drcf; ,>making
Prof~ssional office of a physician, dentist, lawyer, engineer,
architect or accountant, within a dwelling occupied by same
Teaching, with musical instruction limited to a single pupil at
a time
Although, a home occupation shall not mean to include:
Barber shops and beauty shops
Commercial stables and kennels
Restaurants
Uses of a similar character
Hospital: A building need for the diagnosis. treatment or other care of
human ailments.
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Hotel: A building containing rooms intended or designed to be occupied as
the more or less temporary abiding place of individuals and where
no provision is made for cooking in any individual room.
Hotel. Apartment: A dwelling primarily occupied by permanent guests and
not transients which may include restaurants, newstands, and other
accessory services primarily for serving its occupants and only in-
cidental to the public.
Junk Yard: A lot, land, or portion thereof us ed primarily for the collect-
ing. storage and sale of junk including paper, rags, scrap metal or
other discarded material, or the dismantling. demolition. sale or
abandonment of automobiles or other vehicles or machinery or parts
thereof.
Lot: A parcel of land considered as a unit occupied or to be occupied by a
building and its accessory buildings together with such open spaces
as are required under this ordinance.
Lot, Corner: A lot at the junction of a fronting on two or more inters ecting
streets.
Lot, Depth of: A mean horizontal distance between the front and rear lot
lines.
Lot, 'Vidth of: The mean width measured at right angles to its depth.
Lot Lines: Any line dividing one lot from another.
Mobile H~me: A vehicle used or constructed to be used for living or sleep-
ing purposes and designed for being conveyed upon the public streets
and highways.
Mobile Home, Dependent: A mobile home which does not have a flush toilet
and a bath or shower.
Mobile Home, Independent: A mobile home having a flush toilet and a bath
or shower.
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Mobile Home Park: Any part, lot or site whereupon a mobile home or
homes as herein defined are located and maintained or intended to be
located and maintained whether for or without compensation for such
accommodations.
Mobile Home Space: A plot of ground '\.vithin a mobile home park designated
as the location for only one mobile home and not used for any other
purposes whatsoever other than the customary accessory uses thereof.
M.otel: A building or buildings containing sleeping accommodations for tran-
sient occupancy and having individual entrances.
Non-conforming Uses: Use of a building or of land that does not conform to
the regulations as to use for the district in which it is situated.
....
Natural Production Us es: A production use which shall be directly dependent
upon the natural resources of the area. such uses being gravel pits.
rock quarries or areas containing natural gas.
Parking Space, Offstreet: An offstreet space available for the parking of
one motor vehicle and having an area of not less than one hundred
and eighty (180) square feet exclusive of driveways and having direct
access to a street or alley.
Residential Use: Any land or building designed or designated to be used
for residential purposes which shall include such land or buildings
used for one or two family residence, apartment houses and multiple
family dwellings.
Sign: Any device which directs attention to a business, commodity, service
or entertainment but not including any flag, badge or insignia of any
government agency, or any civic, charitable, religious, patriotic or
similar organizations.
Stable, Private: An accessory building in which all of the horses housed
are the property of the owner or leqsee or of his immediate family.
Stable, Public: A building in which any horses are kept for remuneration,
hire. or sale.
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Story: That part of a building between the surface of a floor and the ceiling
immediately above.
Story, Half: A story under a gable, hip or gambrel roof. the wall plates of
which on at least two opposite exterior walls are not more than two
feet above the finished floor of such story.
Setback: The minimum horizontal distance between the street line and front
1 ine of a building.
Street: A public thoroughfare which affords the principal means of access
to the abutting property.
Street Li.ne: The legal line between street right-of-way and abutting property.
Structural Alterations: Any change in the physical structure of a building.
Structure: Anything constructed or erected, the use of which required loca-
tion on the ground or attached to something having location on the
ground.
Use: The specific purpose for which land or a building is designed, intended,
or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.
Yard: An unoccupied space open to the sky. on the same lot with a building.
Yard. Front: A yard between the front line of the building and the front
line of the lot and extending the full width of the lot.
Yard, Rear; A yard between the rear line of the building and the rear lot
lines and extending the full width of the lot.
Yard, Side: A yard between the building and the side lines of the lot and
extending from the front yard to the rear yard.
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Section 16. Regulations for Nonconforming Uses
P. P_ny lawful use of property existing at the ti:::ne of the enactment of this
ordinance which does not conform to the regulations prescribed herein
for the respective districts, shall be clas sified a nonconforming use.
Such uses shall be allowed to continue 2.lthough the use does not con-
form to the regulations prescribed by this ordi::lance, but in no case
shall the property be classified as a ccniorming use. A building may
be structurally altered subject to the follwoing regulations:
1. P,ny structure or part thereof that is declared unsafe. may be re-
stored to a safe condition.
2. P_ny nonconforming building may not be reconstructed or struc-
turally al~ered during its life to exceed a cost of fifty (50) per
cent of the appraised value of the building unles s the building is
char.ged to conform witn tile regulations of the district.
3. There shall be no extension of any building for a nonconforming
use.
4. Any building damaged by fire or other causes to the extent of fifty
(50) per cent of its appraised value shall not be repaired or re-
built unless it is in conformity with the regulations of the respec-
tive district.
5. Upon the discontinuance of a nonconforming us e for a period of
one year, the use shall not be re-established. .Any future use
shall be in conformity with the regulations of the respective
district.
6. No nonconforming use changed to a conforming use shall be allowed
to revert back to a nonconforming use.
7. No nonconforming use shall be extended to replace a conforming
use.
8. If the boundaries of a district shall be changed so as to transfer
an area from one district to another district with different regu-
lations, the above provisions shall apply to any nonconforming uses
existing in this district.
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Section l7. Special Permits
The Governing Body may is sue special permits for any of the uses which
require such permits, including the extension of structures or uses, into
a more restricted or contiguous district, existing prior to the enactment
of this ordinance, but for no other purpose or use. A special permit shall
not be granted unless the Governing Body finds that the use for which the
permit is sought will not be injurious to the neighborhood or detrimental
to the public welfar e .
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Section 18. P. dministration and Enforcement
p. . Administration and Enforcement.
This zoning ordinance shall be administered and enforced by the
Governing Body. Pny appeal concerning the decision of the Govern-
ing Body may be made to the Board of Adjustment as provided in
Section 20.
B. Building Permits.
1. There shall be no building or structure erected, added to or
structurally altered unless there has been a permit issued by
the Governing Body. Except upon a written request from the"
Governing Body, no such building permit or certificate of occu-
pancy shall be issued for any building where said construction,
addition or alteration or us e thereof will not conform to any of
the regulations of this ordinance.
2. "'lith all applications for building permits there shall be submitted
two copies of a layout or plot plan drawn to scale showing the
actual dimensions of the lot to be built upon, the exact size and
location on the lot of the building and accessory buildings to be
erected and any other information necessary to determine and
provide for the enforcement of this zoning ordinance. A careful
record of these applications and plot plans shall be kept in the
office of the Governing Body.
C. Certificate of Occupancy.
1. No building hereafter erected or structurally altered shall be used
or changed in use until there has been a certificate of occupancy
issued by the Governing Body. stating that the building or pro-
posed use complies with the regulations of the respective district.
2. A certificate of occupancy must be applied for coincident with the
application for a building permit. There shall be no permit for
excavation, erection alteration or repairs to any building issued
until an application is filed for a certificate of occupancy. The
certificate shall be is sued within 10 days after any of the afore-
mentioned alterations have been approved or compliance with the
regualtions of this zoning ordinance have been satisfied.
3. A record of all certificates shall be kept in the office of the Govern-
ing Body and copies shall be furnished, upon request, to any per~on
having a proprietary or tenancy interest in the building affected.
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Section 19. Violations and Penalties
Violation and Penalties.
P. violation of this ordinance shall be considered a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine not exceeding Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00).
Notice, in writing. shall be given to the effect of any violation of
this ordinance. pfter such notification, a reasonable time limit
will be established, at the discretion of the Governing Body, for
correction of the violation. Each day the violation continues to
exist, after expiration of allotted time, constitutes a separate
offense.
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Section 20. Board of Adjustment
A. Creation of Organization.
The Board of l_djustment is hereby established. The Board shall con-
sist of 5 members. The Board shall appoint one of its members as
Chairman, appoint a Secretary. and shall prescribe the rules for the
conduct of its affairs.
B. Power and Duties.
The powers and duties of the Board of Adjustment shall be as pre-
scribed by Article lOllg of revised civil statutes of the State of Texas
and as it may hereinafter be ammended. and this ordinance as herein
specified.
1. Interpretation.
To hear and decide all appeals from the decision of an enforcin.:2:
officier involying the interpretation of any regulation of this
ordinance.
2. Variances.
To vary or adopt any regulation of this ordinance when any such
regulation results in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship
that would prohibit the owner from the reasonable use of the land
or building involved, but in no other case. .A favorable vote of
4 of the 5 members of the Board is required to vary any regula-
tion of this ordinance.
No variance of any regulation shall be granted by the Governing
Body unles s they find:
a. That there is proof of the hardship and the conditions and
circumstances are peculiar to such land or buildings and
that these conditions and circumstances do not generally
apply to the neighborhood.
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b. That the variance granted by the Governing Body be the
minimum variance possible to accomplish the purpose of
providing for the reasonable use of the land or building.
c. That the granting of the variance not change the essential
character of the neighborhood and shall be in accordance
with the general purpose and intent of this ordinance.
3. Procedure.
The Governing Body shall act in strict compliance with the pro-
cedure prescribed by law and this zoning ordinance. The appeals
and applications made to the Governing Body shall be made in
writing on forms prescribed by the Governing Body. Back appeal
or application shall state the interpretation that is claimed, the
use for which the permit is sought, or the details of the variance
applied for and the reasons why the variance should be granted.
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Section 21. Interpretation of Ordinance
1.. Interpretation, Conflict with Other Laws.
b the interpreting or applying the provisions or this zoning ordinance,
they shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the
promotion of the public health, morals, safety, convenience, com-
fort, and general welfare. Whenever the requirements of this or-
dinance are in conflict with the requirements of any other local
statute, ordinance or regulation, the most restricted or that impos-
ing the higher standards shall govern.
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Section 22. Ammendments and Changes
P. Procedure.
1. The City Council may from time to time amend, change. modify
or repeal any portion of the zoning ordinance or zoning map
provided there is such a request in the form of a motion from
the City Planning Commission, or a motion originating within
the City Council, or a petition signed by fifty (50) per cent of
the interested property owners.
2. Every proposed amendment or change, whether originating with
the City Planning Commission, the City Council, or by petition,
shall be referred to the City Planning Commission for a report
thereon and a public hearing provided for.
3. It will be the duty of the City to fix the time and place of a public
hearing on the proposed amendments and changes in the zoning
ordinance or zoning map.
B. Protest AgaL.""lst Amendments or Changes.
If there is a protest against a proposed amendment or change by
twel;.ty (20) per cent or more of the property owners adjacent
to:
1. Pny frontage to be altered by the proposed changes; or
2. Any of the frontage immediately adjacent to the rear thereof
exte:1.ding 200 feet there from; or
3. Any of the frontage directly opposite the frontage proposed to
be altered and extending 200 feet from the street frontage of
such opposite lots.
Su.ch amendment or change shall net become effective except by a
favorable vote of tn.!"ee-fourths (3/4) of the City Council.
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Section 23. Validity Clause
A. Validity.
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Should any section or provision of this ordinance be declared invalid.
such decision shall not affect the ordinance as a whole or any part
thereof except the section or provision so declared to be invalid.
Section 24. Effective Date
A. Effective Date.
Old
~-;y-
day of
T..lis
z~ce shall take
effect the
, 19
Mayor
e ;T I~ A- L-c..-
Pttest:
City Clerk
V,{/~t'Oa- G:n-.?~46-t~Z
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ELECTRICITY
AN ORDINANCE CREATING AN ELECTRICAL IN-
SPECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE ADOPTING OF
AN ELECTRICAL CODE FOR THE CITY OF
FREEDOM, TEXAS
ARTICLE I~ENERAL PROVISIONS
SCOPE; DEFINITION OF TERMS; LIABILITY OF
CITY.
ARTICLE II~ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
OFFICE CREATED; QUALIFICATIONS; APPOINT-
MENT; OATH OF OFFICE; REMOVAL FROM OFFICE;
DUTIES' OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR.
t.
ARTICLE III--ELECTRICAL BOARD
BOARD CREATED; MEMBERS--COMPOSITION; AP-
POINTMENT; OATH OF OFFICE; MEETINGS;
RECORDS; APPEALS.
ARTICLE IV--LICENSES
GENERAL LICENSE--
RESTRICTIONS; AGE REQUIREMENT; EXAMINATION
REQUIRED; ISSUANCE OF LICENSE; FAILURE BY
APPLICANT; REQUIREMENT OF BOND; WRITTEN
NOTICE OF ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER RE-
QUIRED; LICENSE RESTRICTIONS; SUSPENSION
AND REVOCATION; EXPIRATION; FEE FOR RENEWAL
OF LICENSE; FORFEITURE; RESTRICTIO~JS ON NON-
HOLDER OF, LICENSE; RESTRICTION ON WORK BE-
YOND SCOPE OF LICENSE.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE--
SCOPE; QUALIFICATIONS; SPECIAL EXAMINATION;
ANNUAL FEES.
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SIGN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE--
. .. SCOPE.;. OqALIFlCATIONS; SPECIAL EXAMINATION;
FEES.
ARTICLE V~PERMITS'AND INSPECTIONS ~
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PERMIT REQUIRED;, APP~~CATION FOR PERM~T1
LICENSE REQUIRED; IS~UANCE OF PERMIT; IN-
. .
STALLATION RESTRICTIONS; FEES; SEPARATE
PERMITS REQUIRED; INSPECTION OF INSTALLA-
TIONS; NOTICE OF CONFORMANCE; CERTIFICATE
. .
OF APPROVAL-TEMPORARY INSTALLATION; IN-
SPECTION OF CONCEALED EQUIPMENT; UNCOVER-
ING CONCEALED EQUIPMENT: NOTICE OF NON-
CONFO~~CE; OPERATION OF CONDEMNED OR
DISAPP~OVED'EOUIPMENT PROHIBITED; AUTHOR-
IZATION FOR CONNECf'ION; NEW OCCUPANCY IN-
SPECTION REQUIRED.
.'
ARTICLE VI-TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ADOPTED; SPECI-
FIED REQUIREMENTS; ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS;
ACCEPTED STANDARDS; EVIDENCE OF SAFE CON-
DITION; EXCEPTIONS.
ARTICLE VII-PENALTY AND SEVERABILITY
PENALTY; SEVERABILITY.
WHERE,AS,..wise use of electrical energy is important
to commerc~.~nd in~ustry and. to the enjoyment of light, heat,
and electri~alappliances; and
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WHEREAS, improper electrical wiring can cause death
by electrocution and fire to buildings resulting in.death to
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BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF FREEDOM, TEXAS:
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C1t1Zens and destruction of propertY1 now, therefore,
ARTICLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1: SCOPE. The provisions of this Ordi-
nance shall apply to all installations of electrical conduc-
tors, fittings, devices, sighs, fixtures, motors, generators,
starters, controls, and raceways--hereinafter referred to as
"electrical equipment"--within or on public and private
buildings and premises within the City.
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SECTION 2: DEFINITION OF TERMS.. In this Ordi-
nance, "safe conditions," is defined as applying to electrical
installation and/or equipment, which, in the opinion of the
Electrical Inspector, can be used in the service for which
the same is intended, or likely to be used, with minimum
hazards to life, limb, or propertY1 thus being installations
and equipment reasonably safe to persons and property.
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SECTION 3: LIABILITY OF CITY.
This Ordinance
shall not be construed to affect the responsibility or lia-
bility of any party owning, operating, controlling, or in-
stalling any electrical equipment for damages to persons or
property which were caused by any defect in such equipment
or in the installation thereof~ nor shall the Electrical In-
spector be held as assuming any liability by reason of the
inspection or re-inspection authorized herein or the certi-
ficates of conformance,or non-conformance, issued as herein
provided, or by reason of the approval or disapproval of any
equipment authorized herein.
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ARTICLE II--ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
SECTION l: OFFICE CREATED. There is hereby
created in and for the City of Freedom, Texas, the Office
of Electrical Inspector.
SECTION 2: QUALIFICATIONS. The person chosen
to fill the office of the Electrical Inspector shall be of
good moral character, shall be possessed of such executive
ability as is requisite for the performance of duties,
and shall have a thorough knowledge of the standard materials
and methods used in the installation of electrical equipment;
he shall be well-versed in approved methods of construction
for safety to persons and property, the State law relating
to electrical wo~k, and any orders, rules, and regulations
issued by authority thereoe and the National Electrical
Code as approved by the American Standards Association.
SECTION 3: APPOINTMENT. The Electrical In-
Spector shall be appointed by the Mayo~with the advice and
consent of the City Council.
SECTION 4: OATH OF OFFICE.
The Electrical In-
spector, when appointed, shall take and subscribe to an oath,
which oath, together with the certificate of his appointment,
shall be filed with the City Secretary. This shall be the
oath required by the State law for mayors of cities.
SECTION.S: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE. The Electr;i.cal
Inspector shall be removed from office only for good cause
shown after a full hearing by the City Council, at which
hearing the accused shall be entitled to appear, testify, and
produce evidence in behalf of his/her case.
.
SECTION 6: DUTIES OF THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR.
a. General Duties. It shall be the duty
of the Electrical Inspector to enforce the
proviaions of this Ordinance, granting, upon
application by any master electrician or any
sign electrician (depending on the nature of
the work) licensed by the City, permits for
the installation or alteration of electrical
equipment, and making inspections of electri-
cal installations. The Electrical Inspector
shall keep complete records of all official
work performed in accordance with the pro-
visions of this Ordinance, and shall also
keep on file a list of electrical equipment
. inspected and certified by Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc., which list shall be ac-
cessible for public reference during regular
office hours.
b. Employment of Assistants. The Electrical
Inspector is empowered to employ, after re-
ceiving approval of the City Council, any
electrical inspectors and clerical assistants
necessary for the proper conduct of such of-
fice and inspection of electrical installa-
tions as provided for in this Ordinance.
c. Restriction of Business Interests. It
shall be unlawful for the Electrical Inspec-
tor or any electrical inspector to engage in
the business of the sale, design, installa-
tion, or maintenance of electrical equipment,
either directly or indirectly, and neither
said Inspector nor any electrical inspector
shall have any financial interest of any na-
ture in any concern engaged -in such business
.
in the City at any time while holding such
office as herein provided.
d. Authorit~ to Make Inspections. The Elec-
trical Inspector shall have the right during
reasonable hours to enter any building or
premises in the discharge of his official
duties, or for the purpose of making any
tests, inspections, or re-inspections of the
electrical equipment or its installation con-
tained therein. When any electrical equip-
ment is found by the Electrical Inspector to
be dangerous to persons or property, the
person responsible for the electrical equip-
ment shall be notified in writing and shall
make any changes or repairs which are re-
quired to render such equipment in safe condi-
tion, and, if such work is not completed
within fifteen (15) days or a lOQger period
that may be specified by the Electrical In-
Spector in said notice, the Electrical In-
spector shall have the authority to discon-
nect or order the agency SUPPlYing electricity
to disconnect all electrical services to
said electrical equipment and/or the premises
in or "upon which the same is located.
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e. Authority for Emergency Disconnects. In case
of emergency, where necessary for safety of
persons or propert~or where electrical equip-
ment may interfere with the Work of the Fire
Department, the Electrical Inspector shall
have the authority to diSconnect immediately
and without notice to anyone, or to cause the
immediate disconnection of, any electrical
equipment.
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f. Delegation of Authority. The Electrical
Inspector may delegate any of his powers to
any of his assistant inspectors, who shall
be designated as Electrical Inspectors. It
shall be unlawful for any person to hinder
or interfere 'with the Electrical Inspector
or any of his assistants in the discharge
of their duties under this Ordinance.
ARTICLE III--ELECTRICAL BOARD
SECTION 1: BOARD CREATED. There is hereby
created in and for the City of Freedom, Texas, a board to
be known as the Electrical Board.
SECTION 2: MEMBERS--COMPOSITION. The Electri-
cal Board shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by
the City Council, including two (2) licensed master electri-
cians, a licensed sign electrician, an insurance agent of
the City authorized to write fire insurance, a fire insur-
ance claim adjuster, one other citizen of the City, and the
Electrical Inspector.
SECTION 3: APPOINTMENT. The members of the
Electrical Board shall be appointed for a term ,of two (2)
years.
SECTION 4: OATH OF OFFICE. The members of the
Electrical Board shall qualify for their position by sub-
scribing to the Oath of Office required by the City Council.
This is the oath required by the State law for the mayors
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of cities.
SECTION 5: MEETINGS. The Electrical Board
shall have the power to make and promulgate its own rules
governing its meetings and proceedings, including selection
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of a chairperson, subject to the provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 6: RECORDS~ The Electrical Inspector
shall be Secretary of the Electrical Board and shall keep a
record of all examinations held and applicants examined and .
the results thereof, together with any other record~ as the
Board may direct. The records of the names of each applicant
shall be kept permanently; otherwise no ~ecord or examination
paper need be kept for a period greater than two (2) calendar
years.
SECTION 7: APPEALS.
a. Review of Appeals. Any person may regis-
ter an appeal with the Electrical Board fOr
a" review of the decision of the Electrical
Inspector, provided such appeal is made in
writing within five (5) days after such per~
son shall have been notified of such deci-
sionby the Electrical Inspector. Upon re-
ceipt of such an appeal, the Board shall
proceed to determine forthwith whether the
action of the Electrical Inspector complies
with this Ordinance and shall make a deci-
sion in accordance with its findings within
five (5) days after such appeal is registered--
exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and hOlidays.
b. Quorum and Procedure for Review and Appeals.
Four (4) members of the Electrical Board
present at any meeting shall constitute a
. quorum for the transaction of any business
or .the carrying out of any duties. Any ac-
tion taken at any meeting shall require the
affirmative vote of at least four (4) members.
The chairperson of any meeting of the Board
shall vote. The Electrical Inspector shall
121
not vote when the Board is reviewing a
decision made by such Inspector.
ARTICLE IV--LICENSES
DIVISION I. GENERAL LICENSE
SECTION 1: RESTRICTIONS. No license shall be
issued under the terms of this Ordinance to any other than a
natural person, except that a license previously held in the
name of a firm or-corporation may continue to be so held and
renewed.
SECTION 2: AGE REQUIREMENT. No person under
eighteen (18) years of age shall be issued a license under
the provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3: EXAMINATION REQUIRED. Any applicant
for any license required by the provisions of this Ordinance
shall file a written application with the Secretary of the
Board at least forty~eight (48) hours before the date set
for examination, stating the kind of license for which applicant
wishes to be examined, and shall pay to the City Secretary
the required fee when said application is filed.
a. Examination Fees. Each applicant for a
license to be issued under the provisions
of this Ordinance shall pay, in addition
to any other fees which may be required
by this Ordinance, an examination fee as
follows:
Candidates for a Master
Electrician's License
$10.00 fee
Candidates for a Sign
Electrician's License
$ 5.00 fee
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b. Conducting of Examination. Three (3) or
more members of the Electrical Board shall
be present at all examinations and shall
supervise the applicants during the entire
course of said examination. Examinations
shall be held in the City Hall once each
month. The date and time of the examination
shall be set by the Electrical Board.
c. Form of Examination. It shall be the
duty of the Electrical Board to determine
by written examination the qualifications
of each applicant for the particular kind
of license for which application is made.Exam-
ination questions may be typed or mimeographed,
and the answers shall be written in ink by
the applicant.
d. Contents of Examination. The first two (2)
hours of the four (4)-hour examination period
shall be devoted to the questions based on
the National Electrical Code, the provisions
of this Ordinance, State law, and City rules,
regulations, and ordinances relating to elec-
tricity and electrical installation to de-
termine the applicant's general over-all
knowledge of,: and familiarity with the same.
During the first two (2) hours of the four
(4)-hour examinat~on period, the applicant
shall not be permitted to use.any codes,
books, tables, or any other aids whatsoever.
The second two (2) hours of the four
(4)-hour examination period shall be devoted
to problems in order to determine the appli-
cants ability to use the National Electrical
COde, its tables, and the provisions of this
Ordinance, State laws, City rules, regulations,
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and ordinances relating to electricity and
electrical installations. During this se-
cond period, the applicant will be permitted
to use the National Electrical Code or any
books and/or tables. Each section shall be
of equal value in determining the final
grade.
e. Notification of Grades. The Electrical
Board shall notify each applicant for a
license of the examination'qrades within ten
(10) days after the date of the examination.
SECTION 4: ISSUANCE OF LICENSE. The Electrical
Board shall grade all examination papers and shall certify to
the Electrical Inspector the name of each applicant passing
an examination and the grade of license for which such person
qualified. A minimum grade of seventy percent (70%) shal'l be
required as a passing grade.
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Upon such certification and the payment of the fee
herein prescribed, and the filing of a bond in cases where
bond is required, the applicant shall be issued a license of
the grade for which such applicant has been certified, which
license shall be signed by the Electrical Inspector.
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SECTION 5: FAILURE BY APPLICANT. No applicant
who fails to pass the first examination shall be examined
~gain prior to the exp1ration of six (6) calendar months from
the date of said first examination.
SECTION 6: REQUIREMENT OF BOND. Each successful
applicant, having passed the required examination, paid the
required license fee, and fulfilled all the requirements for
a license under the provisions of this Ordinance, shall, in
addition, execute an approved surety bond to the City in the
124
4
amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000), conditioned upon
the strict compliance by the holder of such license with
all the requirements of this Ordinance and amendments thereto.
SECTION 7: WRITTEN NOTICE OF ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE
NUMBER REQUIRED. Each holder of a license issued under
the provisions of this Ordinance shall furnish the Electrical
Inspector with a written notice of the permanent address of the
holder, and also of the address and telephone number of holder's
regularly established place of business.
SECTION 8: LICENSE RESTRICTIONS. No license in
effect, issued, or renewed under the terms o~ this Ordinance,
shall be transferable to or used by any other person other
than the one to whom, or to which, the same is or shall be
issued.
It shall be unlawful for any holder of any license
of any kind to allow his or its name or license to be used by
any other person, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of
obtaining a permit or for performing work under.such license.
SECTION 9: SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION. Upon fi-
nal conviction of any holder of any license issued or renewed
under the terms of this Ordinance o~ any violation of any ap-
plicable provision of this Ordinance, State law, or City rule,
regulation, or other ordinance in any Court having juriSdic-
tion thereof, the City Council may suspend the license of such
person so convicted for any period up to six (6) months, and
during the time of such suspensio~ such license shall be and
become null and void.
After the termination of such period of suspensionj
such license shall again be valid and effective, provided that
renewal fees which may have become due thereon were paid when
due.
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If, within any three (3)-year period, the holder of
any license shall have peen finally convicted three (3) times
or more for a violation of any applicable provision of this
Ordinance, State law, or City rule, regulation, or other
ordinance, the City may revoke and cancel such license. Up-
on such revocation and cancellation, said license 'shall be
and become null and void and cannot be renewed thereafter.
SECTION 10: EXPIRATION. Any license issued un-
der the terms of this Ordinance shall expire thirty (30) days
after the annual renewal fee due thereon becomes due and pay-
able, unless the renewal fee is paid before the expiration of
the said thirty (30)-day period.
SECTION 11: FEE FOR RENEWAL OF LICENSE. Any
holder of any license issued under the provisions of this
Ordinance who shall fail to pay the annual renewal fee due
for a renewal of such license within thirty (30) days of the
date the same becomes due shall be required to pa~ as a re-
newal fee for such license, the same amount as the fee for
the first full year.
SECTION 12: FORFEITURE. Any holder of any re-
newable license issued under the provisions of this Ordinance
who shall fail to pay any renewal fee due for such license J
within two (2) years after the date such fee becomes due
shall forfeit such license, and the same shall be and be-
come null and void from and after the expiration of said
two (2)-year period.
SECTION 13: RESTRICTIONS ON NON-HOLDER OF LICENSE.
It shall be unlawful for any person who is not the holder of
an unexpired, unrevoked license, or temporary working permit
to engage in any business or perform any work in connection
with construction, installation, maintaining, extending,
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126
repairing, or replacing any electrical W1r1ng, apparatus, or
equipment of any voltage in excess of twenty-four (24) volts,
except that a helper or' an apprentice electrician may perform
work laid out by a holder of a license, if such work is done
in the presence of, and being supervised by, the holder of
such license, and if the license is such as to permit the
holder thereof to do such work.
SECTION 14: RESTRICTION ON WORK BEYOND SCOPE OF
LICENSE. It shall be unlawful for the holder of any li-
cense issued under the provisions of this Ordinance to engage
in any phase of the electrical business or perform any work
at the electrical trade other than such business or work
authorized by the class of license held, except that a helper
or an apprentice'electrician may perform work laid out by the.
hOlder of a license which enables said holder to do such work,
but then only while in the presence of, and being supervised
by the holder of a license.
DIVISION II. MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
SECTION 1: SCOPE. The holder of a master
electrician license shall be able to contract for and en-
gage in the business of electrical wiring of any nature and
to supervise the employees working under his direction.
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SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant for a
master electrician license shall be of good moral character,
shall have had at least four (4) years' experience in
the installation of electrical equipment--or in lieu of
such experience, shall have graduated from an accredited
college or university after majoring in electrical engi-
neering, and shall have at least one year of practical elec-
trical experience--or in lieu of either of the foregoing re-
quirements, shall have had either two (2) years' college
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credit from an accredited college or university or be a
graduate of a recognized electrical trade school, and
shall have had at least two (2) years' practical electri-
cal experience.
SECTION 3~ SPECIAL EXAMINATION. The master
electrician's examination shall be based on this Ordinance
and all amendments thereto and on the National Electrical
Code in its entirety.
SECTION 4: ANNUAL FEES. The first annual fee
for a master electrician's license shall be one hundred dol-
lars ($100) for the first year, payable in full in advance.
The annual renewal fee 'for such license shall be
twenty-five doi1ars ($25) payable in full on the expiration
of the annual period for which the license fee was paid
therefor.
DIVISION III. SIGN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE.
SECTION 1: SCOPE. The holder of a sign elec-
trician's license shall be entitled only to contract for and
engage in the business of manufacturing and installing lumin-
ous gas or electric discharge outline lighting or in work on
such signs~ provided, however, such licensee shall not be en- .
titled to perform or to supervise the performance of primary
wiring to transformers connected with signs, and/or outline
lighting equipment.
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SECTION 2: QUALIFICATIONS. ' Applicant for a sign
electrician's license shall be of good moral character and
shall have had at least three (3) years' experience in the
installation and/or manufacture of electrical signs, or in
lieu of such experience shall have graduated from an accredited
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college or university after majoring in electrical engin-
eering and shall have had at least one year of practical
electrical sign experience: or in lieu of either of the
above requirements, shall have had either two (21 years
college credit in an accredited college or uhiversity, or
be a graduate of a recognized electrical trade school ~nd
shall have had at least eighteen (18) months of practical
sign experience.
SECTION 3: SPECIAL EXAMINATION. The sign
electrician's examination shall be based on this Ordinance
and all amendments thereto, and that part of the National
Electrical Code which governs installation, maintenance,
repair, and alteration of signs.
SECTION 4: FEES. The first annual fee for a
sign electrician's license shall be fifty dollars ($50) for
the first year, payable in full and in advance.
The annual renewal fee for such license shall be
twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) payable in full on
the expiration of the annual period for which a license fee
was paid therefor.
ARTICLE V--PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS
SECTION 1: PERMIT REQUIRED. No electrical equip-
ment shall be installed within or on any building, structure,
or premises publicly or privately owned within the City, nor
shall any alterations or additions be made to any such exist-
ing equipment without first securing a permit therefor from
the Electrical Inspector.
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SECTION 2: APPLICATION FOR PERMIT. . Application
for the permit required by the provisions of this Ordinance,
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describing the work to be done, shall be made in writing to
the Electrical Inspector by the licensed master electrician
installing the work. lihen required by the Electrical Inspec-
tor, the application shall be a~companied by such plans,
specifications, and schedules as may be necessary to deter-
mine whether the installation as described will be in con-
formity with the requirements of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3: LICENSE REQUIRED. No permit for con-
structing, installing, altering, extending, maintaining, re-
pairing, or replacing any electrical wiring, apparatus, or
equipment of any voltage in excess of twenty-four (24) volts
shall be issued to any person other than to a holder of a
license of a grade necessary to entitle such holder to law-
fully do or supervise the work to be done by virtue of said
permit.
SECTION 4: ISSUANCE OF PERMIT. If it shall be
found that the installation of the electrical work as des-
cribed in the application for the permit. shall conform with
all provisions of this Ordinance, and if the licensed master
electrician or sign electrician h~s complied with all provi-
sions of this Ordinance, the permit for such electrical work
shall be issued.
SECTION 5:
tion may be made from
in the permit without
Inspector.
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INSTALLATION RESTRICTIONS. No devia- .
the electrical installation described
the written approval of the Electrical
SECTION 6: FEES. Before any permit shall be
issued under the provisions of this Ordinance, the applicant
therefor shall pay a fee based upon the work to be done as
follows:
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First 10 outlets for lighting fixtures, mininun fee
Each addit.i.ooa1 outlet for lighting fixture . . . . . . .
First 10 lighting fixtures, mi.ninun fee. . . . . . . . . .
Each additional lighting fixture . . . . . . ..
For private, single-occupancy residences having flcor
a:eas of less than 300 square feet, outside dimen-
S.1.ClJ1S . . . . . . . . . ._ . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .
E:acl1 ce:ili.rlcJ fan .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
E:acl1 notor, including notor controls, up to and includi.ng
3/4 oor~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3/4 to 5 lxlrsepower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 to 15 lxlrsepower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
l5to50lxlrsepower.... .... .......
50 to 100 lxlrsepower . . . . . . . . . . .
Each electric generator up to and inclOOing 10 kilowatts. .
Over 10 kilowatts . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Incandescent signs, first circuit . . . . . . . . . . .
Each aCkii.tiatal circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas-filled or Wcuun tube signs, for first transfonner.
Each aCkii. tianal transfonner . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Each sign oannectian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oltline neon or other gas-filled tubing, for each 100
feet or najor fraction thereof . . . . . . . . .
Each connecti.a1 of sign to existing circuit
Each X-ray rra.chine . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . .
Each I1Dtion picture projection machine . . . . . . . . . .
Each cx:rrpl~ unit of notion picture sound equipnent,
including circuit, pick-up devices, sound panel and
speakers within the brllding . . . . . . . .
Each additional speaker outside the building ... .
. . .
Each rectifier . .. . . . . .
. . . .
. . . --- .
. . . . .
Each dcmestic electric range . . . . . . . . . . .
. Each oc::rrmercial electric range . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Each transfopner-type welder installatia1 . . . . .
Minor repairs involving neither new installations nor
re-locating existing equiprent . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Each service, not exceeding 30 aJl~es . . . . . .
30 to 59 ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60 to 99 ~s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
100 ~ OYer amperes . . . . . . . . . .
.Each pc:IWer transfonner . . . . . . . . .
. .
$ 1.50
.10
1.50
.10
.2.00
.25
.75
1.50
3.00
4.00
10.00
5.00
10.00
1.00
.50
1.00
.25
1.00
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1.50
1.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
.25
1.50
1.50
3.00
1.50
1.00
1.00
1.50
2.00
5.00
2.00
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Each bell transforner . . . . . . . . .
Ta1p:>rary service . . . . .
Festoon lighting, each circuit . . . . ...
~ki.1n. . . . .. ...... .....
. .
. . . .
. .25
2.00
1.00
1.50
.25
.25'
.50
2.00
2.00
. . .
. .
. . .
Each trailer, in addition to service fee . . . .
Each Z"tX:IIl 1leat:eJ: ..... . . . . . . . . . .
:E:a.d1.dJ:yer .......... ...
Each set of boiler controls . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation of electrical equiptent not specified above. .
Each re.inspecti..a1 necessitated by installations or re-
pairs which did not canfonn to the provisions of this
Ol:'d.i..rlarlc..................... .
2.00
(H::Mever, one reinspection shall be peDnitted without
addit.ia1a1 ex>st on \IlOrk perfonned urrler each peDnit.)
Billboard signs-fees shall be as provided herein acoording
to the nurrber of openings and the number of fixtures and
according' to the size of the l1llIIber serviced.
Generator-type lVelders-fees shall be as provided herein
acoording to the size of generator and rcotor.
SECTION 7: SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED. Separate
permits shall be required for each separate building, store
space, or apartment, whether each unit is metered separately
or conjunctively, and a separate permit shall be issued on
all such units whether supplied from a central metering sta-
tionor directly from an electrical supply agency, except
that in trailer courts, the individual trailer-disconnect
switches shall not be deemed services. Fees for such service
permits shall be charged as set out in Section 6.
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SECTION 8: INSPECTION OF INSTALLATIONS. Upon
completion of any installation of any electrical equipment
which has been under a permit, it shall be the duty of the
licensed master electrician or sign electrician making the
installation, to notify the Electrical Inspector who shall
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inspect the installation within forty-eight (48) hours, ex-
clusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, of the time such
notice is given or as soon thereafter as possible.
SECTION 9: NOTICE OF CONFORMANCE. Where the
Electrical Inspector finds the installation to be in conform-
ity with this Ordinance, he shall issue to the licensed master
or sign electrician making the installation, the notice of con-
formance, which shall be placed on the equipment or premises,
authorizing the use of the installation and shall send written
notice of such authorization for connection to the supply of
electricity to the agency supplying the electric service.
SECTION 10: CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL-TEMPORARY IN-
STALLATION. ~en a certificate of approval is issued author-
izing a connection and use of temporary installation, such cer-
tificate shall be issued to expire at a time to be stated
therein, and shall be revokable by the Electrical Inspector
for good cause.
SECTION 11: INSPECTION OF CONCEALED EQUIPMENT.
When any electrical equipment is to be hidden from view by
the permanent placement of parts of building and/or equip-
ment, the licensed master or sign electrician installing the
equipment shall notify the Electrical Inspector, and such
equipment shall not be concealed until it has been inspec-
ted and approved by the Elec~rical Inspector or until forty-
eight (48) hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holi-
days, shall have elapsed from the time of said notification;
provided, however, that on large installations where the con-
cealment of ~quipment proceeds continuously, the licensed
master or sign electrician installing the electrical equip-
ment shall give the Electrical Inspector due notice, and in-
spection shall be made periOdically during the progress of the
work.
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SECTION 12: UNCOVERING CONCEALED EQUIPMENT.
The Electrical Inspector shall have authority to require any
person to uncover any wiring or electrical equipment which
has been concealed without the knowledge or permission of
the Electrical Inspector.
SECTION 13: NOTICE OF NON-CONFORMANCE. If, up-
on inspection, the installation is not found to be fully in
conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance, the Electri-
cal Inspector shall issue a notice of non-conformance and
shall notify the licensed master or sign electrician making"'.
the installation of the defects which have been found to exist.
All defective work shall be corrected and brought into con-
formity with the provisions of this Ordinance before any fur-
ther electrical work will be permitted within, or on, the
building or on the premises, and before the licensed master
or sign electrician making the installation shall be is~ued
any other permits to perform any other electrical work.
SECTION 14: OPERATION OF CONDEMNED OR DISAPPROVED
EQUIPMENT PROHIBITED. It shall be unlawful for any person
to conceal or place in operation any electrical equipment which
has been condemned or disapproved by the Electrical Inspector
unless and until the same has been so repaired or altered that
it complies with all provisions of this Ordinance and has I
thereafter been approved by said Electrical Inspector.
SECTION 15: AUTHORIZATION .FOR CONNECTION. It
shall be unlawful for any person to make connection from a
supply of electricity to any electrical equipment for the
installation for which a permit is required or which has been
disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the Electrical
Inspector, or which has been disconnected for any reason what-
soever except for a private residence, until such connection
has been authorized by the Electrical Inspector.
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SECTION 16: NEW OCCUPANCY INSPECTION REQUIRED.
The electricity supply agency shall disconnect electrical
service to any building and/or premises, except private
residences and duplex apartments each time such building or
premises change occupants, and it shall not again supply
electricity to such building or premises until authorized
to do so by the Electrical Inspector. The owner and/or the
new occupants of such building and/or premises shall make
application to the Electrical Inspector for an inspection.
The Electrical Inspector shall make the inspection within
forty-eight (48) hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays,
and holiday~ of the time such application is made.or as soon
thereafter as practical. No charge shall be made nor fee
collected for such inspection.
ARTICLE VI--TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 1: NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ADQPTED.
a. The 1976 Edition of the NATIONAL ELECTRICAL
CODE (National Fire Protection Association,
'70-1976; USAS Cl 1976), superceding all pre-
vious editions of the NATIONAL ELECTRICAL
CODE, is hereby adopted as the minimum stand-
ard for the installation of all electric
wiring, devices, and equipment in the City,
except as btherwise specifically provided in
this Ordinance, and the same is qereby made
a part of this Ordinance as fully and to the
same extent as if copied herein in full.
b. In the event of any conflict between the pro-
visions of this Ordinance or State law and
the provisions of the NATIONAL ELECTRICAL
CODE, the provisions of this Ordinance or
State law shall prevail and be controlling.
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~ECTION 2: SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS. All in-
stallations of electrical equipment made within the City
shall conform to the following specific requirements:
a. All electrical wiring within or on all
buildings hereinafter erected and all
alterations in andadditions to such wiring
in or on buildings now existing shall
be installed in an approved metal raceway
system, except that this provision shall
not apply to private residences, duplex
and four-plex apartment buildings which
are not located in Fire Zone 1 or Fire
Zone 2, as said fire zones are designated
and defined by the City Council.
b. All electrical wiring within or on all
buildings hereinafter erected which are
used as a combination of living quarters
and business, commercial and/or industrial
establishments, and alterations and addi-
tions b> such wiring in or on such exist-
ing buildings shall be installed in an ap-
proved metal raceway system.
c. All electrical wiring for motors larger than
two (2) horsepower within or on private resi-
dences and duplex apartments shall be in-
stalled in an approved metal raceway system.
d.
All electrical service conductors within or
on any kind of buildings hereinafter erected
shall be installed in rigid metal conduit,
which shall extend from the service head to
the service entrance switch, except that
this raceway for private residences contain-
ing no"more than three hundred (300) square
feet may be not smaller than three-fourths
(3/4)-inch trade size. _
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e. A minimum of three (3) number six (6) conduc-
tors shall be used for all service installa-
tions except on private residences.
f. All electrical conductors running underneath
streets, alleys, easements, and/or sidewalks
shall be installed not less than eighteen (18)
inches beneath the surface.
~ All unused electrical equipment within or on
public or private buildings or premises shall
be removed if such' equipment, in the opinion
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of the Electrical Inspector, constitutes
a hazard or danger to life or property.
h. All service switches of whatever capacity
or potential shall be installed at a loca-
tion as near the point of entrance of ser-
vice wires as may be Possible, considering
the character of the bUilding and its ac-
cessibility in case of fire or other reasons
for opening the switch and disconnecting
the premises from the electric supply service.
i. All residential dwellings shall have a wea-
therproof main disconnect switch outside as
near the meter as possible. A circuit-break-
er panel can be used for this purpose if it
contains not more than a maximum capacity of
four (4) circuits.
j. Brackets or other means of attachment shall
be installed on buildings ~or service wires,
. unless such buildings are of wood construc-
tion and lend themselves readily to the in-'
stallation of screw-mounted insulators with-
out damage to the outside finish by the com-
pany SUPPlying the electricity.
k. No less than three (3) feet of each conductor
shall be left at the service head for connec-
tion to the service drop.
1. Service entrance conductors shall not be run
at a d~stance of more than twenty (20) feet
within the hollow spaces of frame buildings,
unless provided with automatic over-current
protection at their outer ends.
m. Service heads shall be installed at a loca-
tion not more than two (2) feet from the ser-
vice drops and, if possible, not less than
three (3) feet from any door, window, or
other opening in the building.
n. Service entrance switches or any service
equipment shall not be installed within a
bathroom, toilet, closet, or cabinet, nor
within, eight feet (8') vertically or five
feet (5') horizontally of any plumbing or
grounded metal equipment.
o. Service heads shall be installed not less
.
137
than eight (8) feet, nor more than twenty-
two (22) feet, above the ground and so sit-
uated that they shall not be within reach
from any porch or stair landing, and, if
practicable, shall afford direct unobstruc-
ted space for stringing service drops without
the necessity of such drops passing over the
property of anyone other than the owner of
the property being serviced.
p. When service heads cannot be installed at
least eight (8) feet above the ground on ac-
count of the structural nature of the build-
ing, an additional structure shall be erected
to afford the necessary height. This struc-
ture shall be of sufficient strength for the
purpose for which it is erected, and if of
wood, shall be tapered at the top and water-
proofed.
q. Where changes or additions are being made to
existing electrical installations, necessi-
. tating changes or additions to the service
equipment, such service equipment shall be
changed to conform to the provisions of this
Ordinance.
r. Any electric supply agency, company, firm,
or corporation operating under a franchise
granted by the City shall have the right to
install and connect or disconnect and remove
its meters and protective devices without a
permit, but it shall not connect any elec-
trical equipment to a source of supply with-
out first having been authorized in writing
to do so by the Electrical Inspector.
s. Where meters were originally, or may be here-
after, installed at inaccessible places in
houses or buildings and the electric supply
-agency desires to relocate such meters for
its own convenience in rendering its service,
or for the purpose of standardization of its
.service in the interest of the pUblic, a li-
censed master electrician may reinstall such
meters at the desired locations. The licensed
master electrician who does such work shall
obtain the necessary permits before executing
such work.
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t. Where meters originally installed in access-
ible places satiSfactory to the electric
138
supply agency are rendered inaccessible
thereafter by virtue of alterations and/or
new construction by the owner of the prem-
ises or his agent, such meters shall be re-
installed in accordance with the provisions
of this Ordinance at the expensepf the owner.
up All electrical installatio~s, except for
private residences with two (2) circuits or
less, shall be supplied with a three (3)-
wire service.
v.
Any electric supply agency, company, firm,
or corporation operating under a franchise
granted by the City shall supply all three-
wire single phase services with three-wire
single phase service drops to premises where-
on electricity furnished by such organiza-
tion is used, and shall, when practicable,
furnish the type and size of service needed
and requested, except that it shall not be
required to furnish three-phase service un-
less such service is available in the vici-
nity and unless, in addition, there is a
power demand of at least seven (7) horse-
power of which at least five (5) horsepower
is three (3)-phase.
w. Trailer courts shall be wired with weather-
proof fittings and equipment, with not more
than one trailer to each twenty-ampere cir-
cuit, such circuit to terminate in a heavy-
duty, pOlarized, 'three-pole ~eceptacle, wi th
one pole and one conductor to be used as a
case ground. The receptacle shall be pro-
tected with a fused disconnect switch. Each
individual trailer disconnect switch shall
be grounded.
x. All electrical wiring installed on the out-
side surface of any building within the City,
including private residences, shall be run
in an approved and properly-grounded metal
raceway or conduit.
y. Conductors supplying outlets for ranges shall
be of sufficient size for the range connected,
but in no case shall they be smaller than
number six (6) for phase wires and number
eight (8) for neutrals.
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139
~. Metal racewaya shall be cut by saws or
metal-removing parting tools of -the
type which leave a clean square cut.
Pipe-cutting tools of the type which
spread or~crush shall not be used.
aa. Not more than eight (8) current-consum-
ing outlets shall be connected to a fif-
teen (lS)-ampere general-use branch cir-
cuit.
bb.
Not more than three (3) heavy-duty lamp
holders shall be connected to a fifteen
(lS)-ampere branch lighting circuit.
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cc. Not more than ten (10) current-consuming
outlets shall be connected to a twenty
(20)-ampere general-use branch circuit.
dd. Not more than four (4) heavy-duty lamp
holders shall be connected to a twenty
(20)-ampere lighting circuit.
ee~ Not more than four (4) current-consuming
outlets shall be connected to a twenty
(20)-ampere appliance circuit.
ff. In determining the load on the watts-per-
square-foot basis for residences, not less
than three (3) watts per square foot shall
be installed in addition to appliance cir-
cuits.
SECTION 3: ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
In addi-
tion to the requirements s~t out above, all installations of
electrical equipment made within the City shall be so made
that the same will be in a safe condition and in conformity
with all the provisions of this Ordinance and applicable
State laws and all orders, rules, and regulations issued by
authority thereof.
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SECTION 4: ACCEPTED STANDARDS. All electrical
equipment installed or used shall be in safe condition and
in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance, State
140
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law, and any ordinance, rule or regulation issued by author-
ity thereof.
SECTION 5: EVIDENCE OF SAFE CONDITION.
a. If equipment and installation meet the re-
quirements set out in Section 2, then con-
formity with all applicable regulations set
forth in the National Electrical Code and
in the National Electrical Safety Code
shall be prima facie evidence that such in-
stallations are in safe condition.
b. Conformity of electrical equipment with the
applicable standards of the Underwriters'
Laboratory, Inc. shall be prima facie evi-
dence that such equipment iS,in safe condi-
tion.
SECTION 6: EXCEPTIONS.
Section 4 shall not
apply to equipment owned and used by an electric supply and
communications agency in the generation, transmission, or dis-
tribution of electricity for the operation of signals or the
transmission of intelligence.
ARTICLE VII--PENALTY AND SEVERABILITY
SECTION 1: PENALTY. Persons violating any provision
of this Ordinance shall be deemed guilty of committing a misde-
meanor, and, upon conviction, shall be subject ~o a fine of
not more than two hundred dollars ($200). Each transaction
in violation of any of the provisions hereof shall be deemed
a separate offense.
SECTION 2:' SEVERABILITY. It is hereby declared
to be the intention of the City Council that the sections,
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141
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paragraphs, sentences, clauses, and phrases of this Ordi-
nance are separable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence,
paragraph, or section shall be declared unconstitutional
or invalid by the valid judgment or decree of any court of
competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality or invalid-
ity shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses,
sentences, paragraphs, or sections of this Ordinance, since
the same would have been enacted by the City Council without
the incorporation in this Ordinance of unconstitutional or
invalid phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, or sections.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 4th DAY OF JULY, 1976.
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