HomeMy WebLinkAbout16. 14-540
DECEMBER 9, 2014 14-540 ORDINANCE
FIRST READING
(CARRIED__7-0_____LOST________LAID OVER________WITHDRAWN________)
PURPOSE: REVISE SECTION 11-32 OF THE ELECTRICAL CODE, DELETING
EXCEPTION #3 REGARDING PERMITS NOT REQUIRED FOR
ELECTRICAL WORK UNDER $300 AND RENUMBER AS
APPROPRIATE
INITIATED BY: INSPECTIONS DIVISION
A GENERAL ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH AMENDING SECTION 11-32
DELETING EXCEPTION #3 REGARDING PERMITS NOT REQUIRED FOR ELECTRICAL
WORK UNDER $300
The Common Council of the City of Oshkosh does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. That Section 11-32 Exception #3 of the Oshkosh Municipal Code
pertaining to permits required for electrical work under $300 is hereby deleted and existing
Exception #4 is renumbered Exception #3.
SECTION 2. Publication Notice. Please take notice that the City of Oshkosh
enacted Ordinance #14-XXX REVISE SECTION 11-32 OF THE ELECTRICAL CODE
DELETING EXCEPTION #3 REGARDING PERMITS NOT REQUIRED FOR ELECTRICAL
WORK UNDER $300 AND RENUMBER AS APPROPRIATE. The full text of the ordinance
may be obtained at the Office of the City Clerk, 215 Church Avenue and through the City’s
website at www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us. Clerk’s phone: 920/236-5011.
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City of Oshkosh `
Community Development Department n�uK�
215 Church Avenue Oshkosh WI 54901 �� � �
) 9 ON THE WATER
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council
FROM: Allen Davis, Community Development Director
DATE: December 4, 2014
SUBJECT: Electrical Code Permit requirement (MUN 11-32 Exception 3)
BACKGROUND
Inspection Services Division staff has reviewed the City of Oshkosh municipal electrical code
regarding requirements for electrical permits. As part of that review, the Inspection Services
Division has noted that language within our current municipal code exempts a permit for
electrical work valued at less than $300. After reviewing ordinances of surrounding
communities, no other community exempted work under$300 in their ordinance.
ANALYSIS
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Staff has found that some complete basement, bathroom and kitchen remodels are being done
without electrical permits or inspection based on the current ordinance. The cost of the electrical
work includes the fixtures, materials and labor. Staff believes that the $300 minimum for
electrical work is being stretched beyond reasonable limit. Based on that, staff believes the
City's ordinance should be updated to no longer exempt permits for electrical work under$300.
The update would require a contractor or home owner installing new or replacement electrical
wiring done in the City of Oshkosh to obtain an electrical permit and call for inspection for the
work. This update would not require an electrical permit for replacing existing light fixtures,
switches or outlets. Any new, relocated or modified openings would require an electrical permit.
Staff is asking waiving of the second reading so the proposed ordinance would take effect
January 1, 2015 to permit owners, bidders and contractors time to account for the changes.
FISCAL IMPACT
The additional revenue generated by the proposed ordinance update would be about $3,000.
The additional revenue is reflected in the City's 2015 Budget.
RECOMMENDATION
The City Council waives the second reading and approves the Ordinance update.
Approved,
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Cit� Manager