HomeMy WebLinkAbout5824-02.16.2026_Electrical.docxDocusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
Prepared by Martin Petersen, City Attorney, City of Waterloo, Iowa, 715 Mulberry Street,
Waterloo, Iowa, 50703, 319-291-4598.
ORDINANCE NO. 5824
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF WATERLOO
CODE OF ORDINANCES BY REPEALING AND REPLACING
CHAPTER 3, ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS, OF TITLE 9
BUILDING REGULATIONS WITH A NEW CHAPTER 3,
ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS, OF TITLE 9 BUILDING
REGULATIONS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATERLOO, IOWA AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That Chapter 3, Electrical Regulations, of Title 9 Building Regulations is
hereby repealed and replaced with a new Chapter 3, Electrical Regulations, of Title 9 Building
Regulations, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, as follows:
CHAPTER 3
ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS
SECTION:
9-3-1: Title
9-3-2: Purpose And Scope
9-3-3: Definitions
9-3-4: Rules Of Construction
9-1-c: National Electrical Code Adoption
0-.3 : National Electrical Code Amendments
9-3 : 2017 NEC Annex H Amendments
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
9-3-8: Penalty; Abatement Of Violations
9-3-9: Applicability Of Chapter To Existing Buildings
9-3-10: Moved Buildings
9-3-11: Disclaimer
9-3-12: Liability Of Electrical Inspector
9-3-13: Reserved
9-3-14: Unlawful Connections
9-3-15: Inspection Of Wiring Required Prior To Installation Of Meter
9-3-16: Alteration Of Identification Or Rating Markings
9-3-17: Conflict Of Interest
9-3-1: TITLE:
This chapter shall be known as the WATERLOO ELECTRICAL CODE, may be so cited and
may be referred to hereinafter as the "code". (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017)
9-3-2: PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
It is the purpose of this chapter to adopt an Electrical Code by reference, including
provisions for the inspection and regulation of electrical installation, issuance of permits,
the collection of fees, and to provide penalties for violations of this chapter in order to
protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to and govern all uses, installations, alterations,
repairs, removals, renewals, replacements, connections, disconnections, and
maintenance of all electrical equipment within the City of Waterloo, Iowa. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-
2017)
9-3-3: DEFINITIONS:
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a
different meaning:
APPEAL BOARD: The Board created in section 9-3-7 of this chapter.
APPROVED BY THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR: Found by the inspector to comply with the
requirements of this chapter and, in the absence of such requirements, found by the
2
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
inspector to be safe in respect to life and property as measured by the standards
established in this chapter and the National Electrical Code and National Fire Protection
Association standards.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING: Undertaking, or offering to undertake, the planning and
installation of electrical systems and equipment and the employment, management,
supervision and control of electricians and apprentice electricians doing electrical work.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: Any person responsible for the activity of planning, or
supervising electricians and apprentices doing electrical wiring, work, or equipment
installations and connections to apparatus, which is or will be connected to an electric
light and power source.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: All electrical materials, wiring, conductors, fittings, conduits,
devices, appliances, fixtures, signs and apparatus or parts thereof comprising an electrical
system or control of such system.
ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE WORK: The repair of the existing electrical equipment, or
limited replacement and extensions of branch circuits as determined by the chief electrical
inspector.
ELECTRICAL WORK: All installations, alterations, repairs, removals, replacements,
disturbances, connections, disconnections and maintenance of wiring and electrical
equipment, or control of any of the above, over twenty five (25) volts, and wiring systems
through, or by which is conveyed, or intended to be conveyed, electrical current in, above,
or under any building, structure, tent, or premises, public, or privately owned, in the City of
Waterloo, Iowa.
ELECTRICIAN: Any person doing electrical work for an electrical contractor.
EXAMINING BOARD: The board created in section 9-3-7 of this chapter.
LICENSED OR QUALIFIED PERSON: Any person who has been examined and licensed by
the Examining Board and has its approval to install, remove, alter or make additions to any
electrical work in the City.
SHALL: That the act to be performed is mandatory. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017)
9-3-4: RULES OF CONSTRUCTION:
In this chapter certain terms shall be construed as follows:
3
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
A. Electrical terms are definitions relating to electrical equipment, wiring methods and
special wiring locations and conditions shall be those accepted by the trade and listed in
the National Electrical Code or other recognized safe wiring manuals or tests.
B. Building classification and occupancy shall be determined from the City Building
Code and the City zoning ordinance. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017)
9-3-5: NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ADOPTION:
A. The 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code, including article 90, chapters 1
through 9, and annex A, B, C, D and H, inclusive, as published by the National Electrical
Code Committee, and adopted by the National Fire Protection Association, is hereby
adopted by reference and is effective as if fully set forth in this article. Where, in any
specific case, different sections of this article specify different materials, methods of
construction or requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. (Ord. 5428, 12-11-2017;
amd. Ord. 5596, 4-19-2021, eff. 02-02-2026).
9-3-6: NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE AMENDMENTS:
A. Amendments To 2023 NEC Chapter 2 Amendments:
Delete article 210.8(A), "Dwelling Units", and insert in lieu thereof the following new
section:
210.8(A) Dwelling Units.
All 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the following locations and
supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground shall have
ground -fault circuit -interrupter protection for personnel:
(1) Bathrooms
(2) Garages and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade
level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas and areas of
similar use
(3) Outdoors
(4) Crawl spaces - at or below grade level
(5) Basements
(6) Kitchens
(7) Areas with sinks and permanent provisions for food preparation, beverage
preparation or cooking
4
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
(8) Sinks - where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) from the top inside edge
of the bowl of the sink
(9) Boathouses
(10) Bathtubs or shower stalls - where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of
the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall
(11) Laundry areas
(12) Indoor damp and wet locations
Exception No. 1: Receptacles that are not readily accessible and are supplied by a branch
circuit dedicated to electric snow -melting, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating
equipment shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with 426.28 or 427.22 as
applicable.
Exception No. 2: Receptacles on rooftops shall not be required to be readily accessible
other than from the rooftop.
Exception No. 3: Receptacles or cord -and -plug -connected fixed and stationary appliances
installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) from the top inside edge of a bowl of a sink shall not be required
to be GFCI protected in industrial establishments where the conditions of maintenance
and supervision ensure that only qualified personnel are involved, an assured equipment
grounding conductor program in accordance with 590.6(B)(2) shall be permitted for only
those receptacle outlets used to supply equipment that would create a greater hazard if
power is interrupted or that has a design not compatible with GFCI protection.
Exception No. 4: Receptacles or cord -and -plug -connected fixed and stationary appliances
installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) from the top inside edge of a bowl of a sink shall not be required
to be GFCI protected in industrial laboratories where the receptacles are used to supply
equipment if removal of power would introduce a greater hazard.
Exception No. 5: Receptacles located in patient bed locations of Category 2 (general care)
or Category 1 (critical care) spaces of health care facilities shall be permitted to comply
with 517.21.
Exception No. 6: Listed weight -supporting ceiling receptacles (WSCR) utilized in
combination with compatible weight -supporting attachment fittings (WSAF) installed for
the purpose of serving a ceiling luminaire or ceiling -suspended fan shall be permitted to
omit GFCI protection. If a general-purpose convenience receptacle is integral to the ceiling
luminaire or ceiling -suspended fan, GFCI protection shall be provided.
5
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
Delete article 210.8(D), "Specific Appliances", and insert in lieu thereof the following new
section:
210.8(D) Specific Appliances.
GFCI protection shall be provided for the branch circuit or outlet supplying the following
appliances rated 150 volts or less to ground and 60 amperes or less, single- or 3-phase:
(1) Automotive vacuum machines
(2) Drinking water coolers and bottle fill stations
(3) High-pressure spray washing machines
(4) Tire inflation machines
(5) Vending machines
(6) Sump pumps
(7) Dishwashers
(8) Microwave ovens
Delete article 210.8(F), "Outdoor Outlets"
(Ord. 5428, 12-11-2017; amd. Ord. 5596, 4-19-2021, eff. 02-02-2026)
9-3-7: 2017 NEC ANNEX H AMENDMENTS:
80.9(C) Additions, Alterations, Or Repairs, is amended by adding the following:
It is prohibited by this ordinance to perform any repair, add to, or revamp any residential
service less than 60 ampere electrical service.
80.13 Authority, subparagraph (13), is amended by inserting a period after the words "ready
for inspection", and deleting the words, "and shall conduct the inspection within days."
80.15 Electrical Board, is deleted in its entirety and the following is substituted therefor:
ARTICLE 2. BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS AND APPEALS
Membership; Appointment Of Members; Term Of Office
(a) Establishment Of The Board. There is hereby established a board of electrical examiners
and appeals, hereinafter referred to as the "board," with authority and responsibility as
follows:
(1) To act as a board of appeals as provided in the Waterloo electrical code.
(2) To periodically review the provisions of the Waterloo electrical code and make
recommendations to the building official for improving and updating said documents.
6
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
(b) Composition Of The Board. The board shall consist of five (5) members, all of whose
place of business, residence, or work is located in the city of Waterloo. All members shall
be qualified by experience and training to pass judgement upon matters pertaining to
electrical construction. The membership shall be as follows: Two licensed electrical
contractors, one licensed, working electrician, a representative from a public utility
company furnishing electrical power to the city, one electrical engineer capable of
designing systems governed by this code. The electrical inspector shall serve as secretary
to the board. Said board shall serve without compensation.
(c) Appointment Of Members And Terms Of Office. The members of the board of electrical
examiners and appeals shall be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city
council. After initial appointment of the board the terms of the members shall be for three
years except that the initial terms shall be so arranged and staggered so that the terms of
no more than two members shall expire any one year. A vacancy within any term shall be
filled by appointment of the mayor with the approval of the city council for the unexpired
portion of that term only.
Powers And Duties Of The Board
The board of electrical examiners and appeals shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) To act upon reports of violations by licensed master electricians and journeyman
electricians as filed by the electrical inspector with the board.
(b) To keep a complete record of the official proceedings of the board; to preserve all
documents, books and papers relating to appeals and hearing of complaints and charges
for at least three years.
(c) To hear appeals from the decision of the electrical inspector and to rule on
interpretations of the provisions of the Waterloo electrical code, and to determine the
suitability of alternate materials and methods of construction consistent with the
provisions of the Waterloo electrical code.
Meetings; Records
(a) All meetings of the board of electrical examiners and appeals shall be held in the
council chambers, or other location indicated in a public notice posted 24 hours prior to
any meeting.
(b) Three members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transacting of all
business, but any action taken by the board shalt require a majority vote of all members of
the board.
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
(c) The board shall annually elect one of its members as chairperson of the board.
(d) The secretary of the board shall keep a record of the board meetings and register the
names and residences of all persons examined by the board and the kind of electrical
license issued to each, if any.
Right Of Appeals
Any person shall have the right to appeal any decision of the electrical inspector to the
electrical board of examiners and appeals by filing a written notice of such appeal with the
electrical inspector within ten (10) days from the date of the inspector's decision. The
board shall forthwith fix a time and place of hearing such appeal which shall not be less
than five (5) days nor more than fifteen (15) days after the date of filing of the notice of such
appeal, and the electrical inspector shall notify the appellant in writing by registered mail
of the time and place of such hearing. After the hearing of said appeal, the board may
sustain or overrule the decision of the electrical inspector. Decision of the board shall be
final unless appealed to the courts as by law provides.
80.19(a) is amended by adding the following line item #3:
Permit For Installation By Homeowner
3. A permit application may be submitted by the homeowner, and, upon approval and
payment of required fees, an electrical permit shall be issued. Such permit authorizes
the owner only to install electrical equipment in the dwelling owned and occupied by the
owner, without license or certificate of insurance, and without help from persons other
than family members.
If at any time during the permit or inspection process, the chief electrical inspector
determines the homeowner is unqualified to perform the electrical work, the homeowner
will be required to hire a licensed electrical contractor to perform the electrical work.
80.19(c1) is amended by adding the following sentence at the end of the section:
A permit is not required for these repairs if the cost of the repairs does not exceed $300.00.
80.19(e) is amended by adding the following:
Fees
(a) Payment of fees for electrical permits shall be made on or before the tenth day of the
month following the date of application for the permit or the date of the statement from the
electrical inspector. All fees shall be payable to the city of Waterloo. All accounts over 60
days due will be put on a "hold" status until brought current.
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
(b) Inspection fees shall be paid in such amounts as established by resolution by the city
council.
Inspections
80.19(f) Inspections And Approvals, subparagraph (3), is amended by deleting the words
"or until days have elapsed from the time of such notification".
80.23(b) Penalties, subparagraph (3), is deleted in its entirety.
80.25(c) Notification is deleted in its entirety.
80.27 Inspector's Qualifications is amended by deleting said section in its entirety and
substituting the following therefor:
80.27 Inspector's Qualifications.
ARTICLE 3. ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
Appointment; Qualifications
(a) The electrical inspector is hereby authorized, directed and empowered to inspect
any and all buildings, structures, tents and premises, public and private, and, as provided
in this ordinance, to condemn and order removed or remodeled and put into proper and
safe condition for the prevention of fire and for safety to life and property, all electrical
equipment installations and connections of electrical current for light, heat and power
purposes, and to control the disposition and arrangement of such equipment so that
persons and property shall not be in danger therefrom.
(b) The electrical inspector shall have successfully passed any and all examinations
administered by the civil service commission, have been recommended to said position by
the building official, appointed by the mayor, and confirmed by the majority of all members
of the city council.
(c) The appointee shall:
(1) Be a qualified electrician and shall have at least five years of practical experience
in the electrical trade or five years of experience as an electrical inspector, or, in lieu of
such experience, shall be a graduate in electrical or mechanical engineering of a college or
university considered by the personnel director as having suitable requirements for
graduation, and shall have had two years of practical electrical experience; and
(2) Be possessed of such executive ability as requisite for the performance of
required duties and have thorough knowledge of the standard material and methods used
in the installation of electrical equipment; and
9
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
(3) Be well versed in improved methods of construction for safety to persons and
property, the statutes of the state relating to electrical work and any orders, rules and
regulations issued by authority thereof, and in the national electrical code.
(d) The electrical inspector shall hold a current master or journeyman electrical
license with the state of Iowa or shall be required to pass an examination prior to his/her
appointment.
(e) He/she shall hold membership in the International Association Of Electrical
Inspectors.
80.28 Licensing, is added as follows:
(a) License Required
1. Electrical licenses shall be governed by Iowa Code chapter 103, Electricians And
Electrical Contractors (2008).
(b) State Of Iowa Class B License. All state of Iowa class B journeyman's license will be
accepted by the city of Waterloo. A state of Iowa class B master electrician's license will be
accepted.
(c) If you have a state of Iowa electrical contractor's license and wish to pull a permit in
the city of Waterloo, a one-time registration fee of $150.00 will be charged if you have never
held a city of Waterloo license.
(d) Licenses are not transferable, nor shall they be loaned or rented.
(Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017)
9-3-8: PENALTY; ABATEMENT OF VIOLATIONS:
A. Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a municipal
infraction and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished accordingly.
B. If any electrical work, including construction or repair, is performed within the city
contrary to the provisions of this chapter, it shall be deemed a municipal infraction and, in
addition to penalties described, shall be abated in accordance with this chapter.
C. The doing of any act prohibited or declared to be unlawful, an offense or a municipal
infraction by this chapter or the national electrical code, or the omission or failure to
perform any act or duty required by this chapter or the national electrical code, is, unless
another penalty is specified, punishable as provided in section 1-3-2 of this code. (Ord.
5392, 3-20-2017)
10
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
9-3-9: APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER TO EXISTING BUILDINGS:
A. If any existing building is damaged due to fire, natural disaster or otherwise, the areas
that are damaged shall be brought up to current city and national codes. If other areas of
the building are altered or repaired due to damages that occurred, these areas must also
be brought up to the current codes.
B. If the type of occupancy of an existing building is partially or entirely changed, the
electrical wiring shall be made to conform to the requirements of the current city and
national codes for the new type of occupancy. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017)
9-3-10: MOVED BUILDINGS:
A. Residential -relocated buildings shall be brought into compliance with the electrical
requirements of new residential type buildings.
Exception: Parts of an electrical system which were not damaged and had been installed in
compliance with the electrical code which was in effect at the time of installation may be
retained in said electrical systems.
B. Electrical systems in any other relocated buildings shall be brought into compliance
with the provisions of this code the same as for new construction.
C. The permanent service connection shall not be made by the power company until the
electrical system is completely installed and is approved by the inspector.
D. The existing service on the relocated building shall not be connected to the electrical
power source unless specifically approved by an inspector. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017)
9-3-11: DISCLAIMER:
This chapter shall not be construed to affect the responsibility or liability of any party
owning, operating, controlling or installing any electrical equipment for damages to
persons or property caused by any defect therein, nor shall the city be held as assuming
such liability by reason of the inspection or reinspection authorized in this chapter or the
certificates of approval issued as provided in this chapter, or by reason of the approval or
disapproval of any equipment authorized in this chapter. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017)
9-3-12: LIABILITY OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR:
The electrical inspector, acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of his/her
duties, shall not thereby render himself/herself liable personally and he/she hereby is
relieved from all personal liability for any damage that may accrue to person or property as
a result of any act required or by reason of any act of omission in the discharge of his/her
11
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
duties. Any suit brought against the city because of such act or omission performed by
him/her in the enforcement of any provisions of this chapter shall be defended by the city.
(Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017)
9-3-13: RESERVED:
(Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017)
9-3-14: UNLAWFUL CONNECTIONS:
It shall be unlawful for any person to make connections from a supply of electricity to any
electric equipment that has been installed or which has been disconnected or ordered to
be disconnected by the electrical inspector, until inspected and approved by the electrical
inspector. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017)
9-3-15: INSPECTION OF WIRING REQUIRED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF METER:
It shall be unlawful for any person to set a meter for electrical purposes to any building or
premises, wiring of which has not been inspected and approved by the electrical inspector.
A violation of this section will cause the electrical inspector to give written notice and
immediately cause the removal of such conditions and the discontinuance of such current.
(Ord. 5392, 3-20-2017)
9-3-16: ALTERATION OF IDENTIFICATION OR RATING MARKINGS:
It shall be unlawful to cover, remove, alter, change, or deface the maker's name or
identification mark or any of the rating markings on electrical equipment. (Ord. 5392, 3-20-
2017)
9-3-17: CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
It shall be unlawful for the electrical inspector or assistant electrical inspectors to engage
in the business of the sales, installation or maintenance of electrical equipment either
directly or indirectly, and they shall have no financial interest in any concern engaged in
such business in the city of Waterloo, at any time, while holding said offices. (Ord. 5392, 3-
20-2017).
Section 2. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its final passage, approval,
and publication as required by law.
INTRODUCED: January 20, 2026
PASSED 1st CONSIDERATION: January 20, 2026
PASSED 2nd CONSIDERATION: February 2, 2026
PASSED 3rd CONSIDERATION: February 16, 2026
12
Docusign Envelope ID: DECD8285-8DAE-44FC-BF2E-97A08D8CCAE8
ATTEST:
Signed by:
L
Kettel F
Keffey tellchle BCity Clerk
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of February 2026.
Signed by:
39 aiBiD342
David oesen,'Mayor
CERTIFICATE
I, Kelley Felchle, City Clerk of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, do hereby certify that the
preceding is a true and complete copy of Ordinance No. 5824 as passed and adopted by the City
Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, on the 16t1i day of February 2026.
SEAL
Witness my hand and seal of office this 16th day of February 2026.
,-Signed by:
KW, ftleilt
Kelleb�y el~chite 7Ci Clerk ety