HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 26721-02-2024ORDINANCE NO.26721-02-2024
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FORT WORTH ELECTRICAL CODE, BY
ADOPTING THE 2023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, WITH LOCAL
AMENDMENTS; AMENDING SECTIONS 11-1 THROUGH 11-4 OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF FORT WORTH (2021); REGULATING ERECTION, CONSTRUCTION,
ENLARGEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, MOVING, REMOVAL, DEMOLITION,
CONVERSION, EQUIPMENT, DESIGN, QUALITY OF MATERIALS, USE AND
MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT IN THE CITY OF FORT
WORTH, TEXAS; DEFINING CERTAIN TERMS; ESTABLISHING MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INSTALLATION, ALTERATION OR REPAIR OF
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND
THE COLLECTION OF FEES THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR THE INSPECTION OF
SUCH SYSTEMS; REQUIRING AND REGULATING LICENSES AND
REGISTRATIONS FOR ELECTRICIANS AND PRESCRIBING THE FEES
THEREFOR; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY CLAUSE; PROVIDING THAT THIS
ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN
PAMPHLET FORM; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL
NEWSPAPER AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS the Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act requires the Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation (TDLR) to adopt the revised National Electrical Code (NEC) as the electrical code for the State
ofTexas; and
WHEREAS on August 25, 2023, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation published
in the Texas Register their intent to adopt the 2023 NEC as the minimum standard for all electrical work in
Texas. Electrical work in Texas started on or after September 1, 2023 must be installed in accordance
with the 2023 NEC; and
WHEREAS adopting the 2023 NEC as the Fort Worth Electrical Code aligns City and State requirements
for electrical work.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
WORTH, TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
Section l l-1 of the Code of the City ofFort Worth (2015) is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 11-1. 2023 EDITION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ADOPTED.
(a) The Electrical Code of the City of Fort Worth is hereby revised and amended to conform, with
certain exceptions as specified below, to the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code of the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the same as amended is hereby adopted as the City's
Electrical Code. One (1) copy of the 2023 National Electrical Code marked as Exhibit "A", is
incorporated herein by reference and shall be filed in the Office of the City Secretary for
permanent record and inspection.
(b) This code shall serve as the electrical provisions of the .International Residential Code,
as adopted elsewhere.
(c) Any Errata corrections published by the National Fire Protection Association for the
2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA70), as they are discovered, are considered as part of
this code.
SECTION 2.
That Section 11-2 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (20I5) is hereby amended to read as
follows:
Sec.11-2. Amendments.
The 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code is hereby amended as follows:
ARTICLE 100
`Article 100, "Scope amended to read as follows, -
Scope. This article contains only those definitions essential to the application of this Code.
It is not intended to include commonly defined general terms or commonly defined technical terms
from related codes and standards. In general, only those terms that are used in two or more articles
are defined in Article 100. Definition are also found in XXX.2 section of other articles. Unless
otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this Code,
have the meanings indicated in this article. The provisions of this article shall also apply to other
definitions listed elsewhere in this Code.
Interchangeability. Words used in the 12resent tense include the future; words in the
masculine gender include the feminine and neuter, the singular number includes the plural and
the plural, the singular.
Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 2 of 22
defined in other Ci1y adopted codes such terms shall have meanings ascribed to them as in
those codes.
Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by
this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
Part I of this article contains definitions intended to apply wherever the terms are used
throughout this code. Part II contains definitions applicable to installations and equipment
operating at over 1000 volts, nominal. Part III contains definitions applicable to Hazardous
(Classified) Locations.
*Article 100, Part I; definitions are amended and new definitions are added to read as
follows:
BUILDING. A structure that stands alone or that is separated from adjoining structures by fire
walls as defined by the building code.
BUILDING CODE. Building Code shall mean the International Building Code as adopted
by this jurisdiction.
ELECTRICAL CODE. Electrical Code shall mean the National Electrical Code as adopted
by this jurisdiction. For the purpose of this code, all references to NFPA 70 shall be assumed
to mean the Electrical Code as defined herein.
ENERGY CODE. Energy Code shall mean the International Enemy Conservation Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
ENGINEERING SUPERVISION. Supervision by a Qualified State of Texas Licensed
Professional Engineer engaged primarily in the design or maintenance of electrical
installations.
FIRE PREVENTION CODE IRE CODE). Fire Prevention Code. or Fire Code shall
mean the International Fire Code as adopted by this jurisdiction.
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 3 of 22
FUEL GAS CODE. Fuel Gas code shall mean the International Fuel Gas Code as adopted
by this jurisdiction and shall be considered as part of the Plumbing Code. (See Plumbing
Code.
GROUPED ATTACHED -OUTDOORS SAME LOCATION). Where this Code
specifies that disconnects, overcurrent devices or equipment "shall be grouped", the
equipment shall not be separated more than thiM (30) feet and shall be on the same wall
facing the same cardinal orientation or elevation. This includes all service, service equipment,
and all service disconnecting means.
HAZARDOUS LOCATION. (See Article 500.5). The location is not necessarily categorized
in the International Building Code as a high hazard use p_roup classification. The areas
consist of Class I, Divisions 1 and 2: Class II, Divisions 1 and 2, and Class III, Divisions 1 and
2.
MECHANICAL CODE. Mechanical Code shall mean the International Mechanical Cade
as adopted by this jurisdiction.
PLUMBING CODE. Plumbing Code shall mean the International Plumbinjz Code and the
International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by this jurisdiction. The term "Plumbing Code"
applies to both codes as one combined code.
RESIDENTIAL CODE. Residential Code shall mean the .International Residential Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
TECHNICAL CODES. The Fort Worth Building., Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical,
Electrical, Sign, and Existing Building codes which regulate the construction, alteration,
relocation enlargement, rej2lacement, re air a ui ment use and occu anc location
maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances
connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
ARTICLE 90.1.0
*Article 90.10: added to read as follows:
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 4 of 22
90.10 Primary Power Source. The orimary power source for all buildings shall be from an
electrical utility provider. Power sources such as generator nower, that SUDPly a service panel for
uses without a building,such as aas compressor sites shall be regulated by this code.
Exceptions No 1: Alternate non- enerator power sources including but not limited to fuel
cell power 121ants, windgenerators, solar i2anels, etc, are permitted when approved by the code
o icial and installed in accordance with the provisions o this code and other ci codes.
Exception No 2: Temporary generator power is permitted for buildings that are connected to
a normal
l active utilLty provider during periods o ower outages, such as after a major storm.
Any connection to the huilding power system shall be in compliance with this code.,
Exception No 3: Generator power to buildings as a primary power source shall only be
permitted when approved by the code official. Such approval shall take into consideration all
hazards such as fuel delivery, storage and usage, as well as, noise nuisances, and compliance
with all other applicable codes and ordinances of this city_ ,
Use of alternate power sources, inclusive of generators, shall not be permitted when the
proposed use is in violation of other codes and ordinances of this city.
When permitted, such power source and connection shall comply with this code, the
Building Code and Fire Code. The attachment cable to the building shall be considered
to be a service entrance conductor.
ARTICLE 110.2
*Article 110,2; amended to read as follows:
110.2 Approval. The conductors and equipment required or permitted by this Code shall be
acceptable only if approved. Approval of equipment may be evident by listing and labeling of
equipment by a Nationally Recognized Testing Lab RTL with a certification mark of that
laboratory or a qualified third party inspection agency or a field evaluation by a Field Evaluation
Body accredited by either the International Code Council International Accreditation Service
AC354 or ANSI National Accreditation Board programs approved by the AHJ.
Exception: Unlisted equipment that is relocated to another location within a jurisdiction or is
field modified is subiect to the approval by the AHJ. This approval may be by a Feld evaluation
by a NRTL or qualified third party inspection agency or a field evaluation by a Field
Evaluation Body accredited by either the ICC MSAC354 or ANAB pro rg am approved by the
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 5 of 22
AHJ.
Informational Note No. I: See 90.7, Examination of Equipment for Safety, and 110.3,
Examination, Identification, Installation, and Use of Equipment. See definitions of
Approved, Identified, Labeled, and Listed.
Informational Note No. 2: Manufacturer's self -certification of equil2ment may not
necessarily comply with US product safety standards as certified by a Nationally
Recognized Testing Lab.
Informational Note No. 3: NFPA 790 and 791 provide an example of an approved method
for qualifying a third-allythird-12glly inspection a enc .
ARTICLE 230.2
*Article 230.20L add a "Special Condition" Ito read as.follows:
(7) In supplying electrical service to other than single family dwellings, two or more
laterals or overhead service drops shall be permitted to a building and they shall be
grouped together.
*Article 230.2LB,)Q); changed to read asfollows:
(2) Buildings two -hundred -fifty (250) feet or more in length measured in the most direct
path along the exterior of the building shall be permitted one additional service
location for each 200 linear feet of exterior wall.
ARTICLE 230.42
*Article 230.4264); add two new pars�raphs after item (Z) to read as follows:
230.42 Minimum Size andAmpacity.
(A) General. Service -entrance conductors ...
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 6 of 22
(2) The minimum service -entrance conductor size shall have an ampacity not less than the
maximum load to be served after the application of any adjustment or correction factors.
Service entrance conductors after the utility provider point of delivery or service point shall be
subject to the requirements of this code and shall be sized based upon the overcurrent protection
provided.
When the utility provider service conductors connect directly to the service equipment
disconnecting means, the utility provider's service cables shall be subject to the requirements
of this code and shall be sized based upon the service equipment overcurrent device.
ARTICLE 230.70
*Article 230. 70(A): add a "Special Condition "4 to read as follows:
230.70 General. Means shall be provided to disconnect all ungrounded conductors in a building or
other structure from the service conductors.
(A) Location. The service disconnecting means shall be installed in accordance with 230.70 (A) (1),
(A) (2), (A) (3), and (A) (41
(4) Special Condition. Where more than one electrical service is installed, all disconnecting
shall be grouped in the same location in accordance with one of the following:
(1) All inside the building.
(2) All outside and attached to the building
ARTICLE 250.50
'Article 250.50; amended to read as follows:
250.50 Grounded Electrode System. All grounding electrodes as described in 250.52(A)(1)
through (A)(7) that are present at each building or structure served shall be blonde together to form
the grounding electrode system. If none of these grounding electrodes exist, one or more of the
grounding electrodes specified in 250.52(A)(4) through (A)($) shall be installed and used.
Exception: Concrete -encased electrodes of existing buildings or structures shall not be required
to be part of the grounding electrode system if the rebar is not accessible for use without disturbing
the concrete. (For purposes of this provision, "existing buildings or structures" shall not include
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 7 of 22
concretefoundation(s) permitted as part o any alterations additions or new oundation s .
Informational Note: When a new foundation is poured, it is understood that a concreate encased
electrode is present. Failure to utilize the concreate encased electrode will require an approved
alternate means of compliance from the AHJ.
ARTICLE 250.52
`Article 250.52 A 4 amended to add an exception to read as ollows:
250.52 Grounding Electrodes.
(A) EIectrodes Permitted for Grounding.
(4) Ground Ring. A ground ring, encircling the building or structure, in direct contact with
the earth, consisting of at least 6.0 m (20 ft.) of bare copper conductor not smaller than 2
AW G.
Exception: In lieu of encircling the huildinjZ, two ground rod or pipe electrodes com 1ying with
item 250.52LA,)(5), may be used when separated by at least 20 feet and connected with a minimum
0 2 AWG bare copper conductor at least 30 inches deep.
ARTICLE 310.14(A)(3)
*Article 310.1464) 3 add a sentence after the first paragryph to read asfollows:
310.14 Ampacities for Conductors Rated 0 Volts -2000 Volts.
(3) Temperature Limitations of Conductors. No conductor shall be used in such a manner
that it's operating temperature exceeds that designated for the type of insulated conductor
involved. in no case shall conductors be associated together in such a way, with respect to the
type of circuit, the wiring method employed, or the number of conductors, that the limiting
temperature of any conductor is exceeded. Where NM and NMC other cables, conductors and
wiring methods listed in Chapter 3 are installed in an attic outside the building thermal
envelope, the ambient temperature shall be considered to exceed 140°F.
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 8 of 22
ARTICLE 334.10
'Article 334.10: amended to read as follows:
334.10 Uses Permitted. Type NM and Type NMC cables shall be permitted to be used in the
following:
(1) One- and two-family dwellings and their attached or detached garages, and their storage
buildings.
(2) Multifamily dwellings of Types III, IV, and V construction when of wood stud wall
framing, -except as prohibited in 334.12. When exceeding three (3) stories, as determined
by the Building Code, an approved automatic sprinkler system is required throughout.
Exception No.1: Usage is permitted for multi amily dwellings ofan c� onstruction tXpe, with any
wall framing material, in buildings not exceedin four O stories, as determined by the
Building Code, when provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Exception No. 2: Usage is permitted for multifamily dwellings of any construction type, with
any wall.framing material, in buildings not exceeding five (5) stories, as determined by the
Building Code, after the switchboard or panelboard of all individual dwelling units, when
provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
(3) Other structures of Types III, IV, and V construction when of wood stud wall framing,
except as prohibited in 334.12. When exceeding three (3) stories, as determined by the
Building Code, an approved automatic sprinkler system is required throughout. Cables
shall be concealed within walls, floors, or ceilings that provide a thermal barrier of
material that has at least a 15-minute finish rating as identified in listings of fire -rated
assemblies.
Exception No. 1: Usage is permitted for hotellmotel uses of any construction type, with
any wall framing material, in buildings not exceeding. our (4) stories, when provided with
an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Exception No. 2: Usage is permitted in detached one 1 stoty commercial huildin s not
exceeding 5, 000 square.feet of any construction type with any wall framing material.
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 9 of 22
(4) Cable trays where the cables are identified for the use.
ARTICLE 408.4
`Article 408.4 (A); Amend to read as follows:
404.8 Field Identification Required
(A) Circuit Directory or Circuit Identification. Every circuit and circuit modification shall
be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose or use. The identification
shall include an approved degree of detail that allows each circuit to be distinguished from all
others. Spare positions that contain unused overcurrent devices or switches shall be described
accordingly. The identification shall be included in a circuit directory that is located on the
face, inside of, or in an approved location adjacent and permanently affixed to the panel door in
the case of a panelboard and at each switch or circuit breaker in a switchboard or switchgear.
No circuit shall be described in a manner that depends on transient conditions of occupancy.
ARTICLE 410.118
*Article 410.118; amended to read as follows:
410.118 Access to Other Boxes. Luminaires recessed in ceilings, floors, or walls shall not be
used to access outlet, pull, or junctions boxes or conduit bodies, unless the box or conduit
body is an integral part of the listed luminaire.
Exception: Removable luminaires with a minimum measurement of559 mm x 559 mm (22
in. x. 22 in.) shall be permitted to be used as access to outlet, pull, junction boxes or
conduit bodies.
ARTICLE 422.31
*Article 422.31(B); Amend to read as follows:
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 10 of 22
422.31 Disconnection of Permanently Connected Appliances.
(B) Appliances Rated over 300 Volt-Amperes. For permanently connected appliances rated
over 300 volt-amperes, a disconnecting means shall be provided and shall be located within
sight from and readily accessible to the appliance it serves. A branch -circuit switch or circuit
breaker shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means where the switch or circuit
breaker is within sight from and is readily accessible to the appliance it serves or is capable of
being locked in the open position in compliance with I I 0.25 and is readily accessible to the
appliance it serves.
Informational Note 1: See 422.34 for appliances employing unit switches,.
Informational Note 2: The following means of access considered to constitute readily
accessible when conforming to the additional access requirements of the I -codes
1. A permanent stair
2. Apull-down stair with a minimum 300 lb. 136 k capaci1y.
3. An access door from an upper floor level
ARTICLE 440.6
*Article 440.6; add a sentence at the end to read asfollows:
440.6 Ampacity and Rating. The size of conductors for equipment covered by this article
shall be selected from Table 310.16 through Table 310.19 or calculated in accordance with
310.14 as applicable. The required ampacity of conductors and rating of equipment shall be
determined according to 440.6(A) and 440.6(B). Branch circuits to AC condensing units 2
tons or larger shall be a minimum of 10 AWG copper conductors. See also attic temperatures
in Articles 3 l 0.14(A)(3).
ARTICLE 500.8
*Article 500.B(4); amended to read as follows:
500.8 Equipment.
(A) Suitability. Suitability of identified equipment shall be determined by one of the
following:
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page II of 22
(1) Equipment listing or labeling
(2) Evidence of equipment evaluation from a qualified testing laboratory or inspection agency
concerned with product evaluation
(3) Evidence acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction such as a manufacturer's self -
evaluation or an engineering judgment signed and sealed by a qualified Registered
Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.
ARTICLE 505.7
*Article 505.7(A): amended to read as follows:
505.7 Special Precaution.
(A) Implementation of Zone Classification System. Classification of areas, engineering and
design, selection of equipment and wiring methods, installation, and inspection shall be
performed by a qualified licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.
ARTICLE 550.1
*Article 550.1- changed to add sub heading and add Articles 550.1.1, 550.1.2, and
550.1.3 to read as.Lollows:
Site requirements.
550.1.1 Applicability. The provisions of this Article apply to the construction and
maintenance of all mobile home and manufactured home parks.
550.1.2 Installation. All electrical wiring, power distribution lines, and telephone lines in a
mobile home or manufactured home park shall be installed underground and in compliance
with this code.
550.1.3 Street lights. Each internal street shall be nrovided with street li htin . Li ht standards
shall have a height and spacing to ensure an average illumination level of not less than 0.2
foot candles.
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 12 of 22
ARTICLE 551.1
*Article 551--_amended to delete 5511.1. Ito read asfollovis_
551.1.1 Site requirements. The following provisions shall apply to Recreational Vehicle Parks
and Recreational Vehicle lots that occur in .Mobile Home and Manufactured Home Parks.
551.1.1.1 Applicability. The provisions of this Article apply to the construction and
maintenance of all recreational vehicle parks.
551.1.1.2 Installation. All electrical wiring, main power distribution lines, and telephone
lines shall be installed underground.
551.1.1.3 Disconnects. Individual electrical connections provided at recreational vehicle
spaces shall include an approved disconnecting device and over current protective equipment.
551.11.4 Master Meter. Recreational Vehicle lots in Recreational Vehicle Parks and in
Mobile Home or Manufactured Home Parks shall be master metered. Power releases shall not
be permitted for individual lots.
551.1.1.5 Street lights. Each internal street shall be provided with street lighting. Light
standards shall have a height and spacing to ensure an average illumination level of not less
than 0.2 foot candles.
551.1.1.6 Service and Auxiliary Buildings. This section shall apply to all service buildings,
recreation buildings, management offices, repair shops, storage areas, sanitary facilities, Iaundry
facilities, indoor recreation areas, commercial buildings supplying essential goods or services
for park tenants, and other similar buildings in recreational vehicle parks.
Illumination levels shall be maintained, at a minimum, as follows:
(A) General seeing tasks: Five (5) foot candles.
(B) Laundry room work area: Forty (40) foot candles.
(C) Toilet room, in front of mirrors: Forty (40) foot candles.
ARTICLE 600.6
`Article 600.6(A) (1 Exception No. 1 add a sentence to read as follows:
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 13 of 22
Exception No.]: A disconnect shall not be required for branch circuits(s) or feeder conductor(s)
passing through the sign where not accessible and enclosed in a Chapter 3 listed raceway or
metal jacketed cable identified for the location. The conductor(s) shall not serve the sign bodyo-
sign enclosure where passing through.
*Article 600. 6L 9) Exception No. 3 added to read as follows:
Exception No.3. A disconnect shall not be required at the point of entry to a sign body, sign
enclosure, or pole for branch circuit conductor(s). The conductors shall be enclosed in a Chapter
3 listed raceway or metal-iacketed cable identified for the location. The conductors shall be
routed to a device box which contains the disconnect. A,field-applied permanent warninglabel
abel
that is visible durin& servicing shall be applied to the raceway at or near the point of entry into
the sign enclosure or sign body. The warning label shall comply with JJ0.21 LB) and state the
following: "Danger. This raceway contains energized conductors. " The marking shall include the
location of the disconnecting means for the energized conductor(s). The disconnecting means shall
be capable of being locked in the open position in accordance with 110.25.
ARTICLE 600.10
*Article 600.10; amended and sections to 600.10.1 and 600.10.2added to read as
follows:
600.10. Portable or Mobile Signs.
Interior - ShalI be those signs that are small in nature, usually hung from hooks in the
wall or ceiling with an electrical cord for plug in or direct connection to an electrical source.
These signs shall not be permitted to be installed in an outside location.
Exterior - Shall be those signs that are set on the exterior, usually but not always in the
parking lot, Iimited in size as described in the Zoning and Sign Code, some of which may
have wheels installed to permit the towing behind a vehicle.
60010.1. Interior
(A) Support. Portable or mobile signs shall be adequately supported and readily moveable
without the use of tools.
(B) Attachment Plug. An attachment plug shall be provided for each portable or mobile sign
(C) Wet or Damp Location. Portable or mobile signs in wet or damp Iocations shall comply
with 600.10 (C)(1) and (C)(2)
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 14 of 22
(1) Cords. All cords shall be junior hard -service or hard -service types as designated in Table
400.4 and have an equipment grounding conductor.
(2) Ground -Fault Circuit Interrupter. In addition to the requirements in 210.8, the
manufacturer of portable or mobile signs shall provide listed ground -fault circuit -interrupter
protection for personnel. The ground -fault circuit -interrupter shall be an integral part of the
attachment plug or shall be located in the power -supply cord within 300mm (12in.) of the
attachment plug.
(D) Dry Location. Portable or mobile signs in dry locations shall meet the following:
(1) Cords shall be SP-2, SPPE-2, SPT-2, or heavier, as designated in Table 400.1
(2) The cord shall not exceed 4.5 m (15Ft) in length
600.10.2. Exterior.
(A) Exterior portable or mobile signs shall not be illuminated by any electrical source. Those
signs equipped with an electrical cord shall have it removed.
(B) Signs shall be adequately secured to prevent overturning by wind.
ARTICLE 696 - ELECTRIFIED FENCES
*add new article with -subsection as follows
696.1 Scope
This article applies to the installation and maintenance of electrified fences containing more
than two energized strands and having a minimum height of more than twenty-four (24) inches
measured from grade to the highest strand.
Exception No 1. Battery -charged fences regulated under state law (Local government code
section 250.009) shall not require compliance with this section.
696.2 Definitions
Protective Barrier. Permanent fence or wall that restricts direct access to the energized
portions of an electrified fence. Permanent shall mean not being able to be removed, lifted or
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 15 of 22
relocated without the use of a tool or equipment.
Electrified Fence. A fence energized with an electrical current.
Secure Area. The area bounded by the electrified fence.
696.3 Permits Required. An electrical permit is required for the installation, repair, and
alteration of electrified fences. A separate permit is required for the installation of a protective
barrier.
Exception No 1. The repair and replacement of electrified fence conductive strands, and
posts or poles . for electrified fence systems.
Exception No 2. Electrified fences installed on agriculturally zoned property as defined in the
Fort Worth Zoning Code.
696.3.1 Plan Submittal. Electrical permit applications for electrified fences shall include the
following:
1. Site plan showing the Iocation of the protective barrier and the electrified fence on the
property in relationship to property lines, walkways and exiting buildings.
2. Fence details showing both the electrified fence and protective barrier, including all gates.
3. Electrical details showing the equipment, wiring diagrams, grounding, and other
information to insure compliance with the Fort Worth Electrical Code.
4. Energizer Output Certification Form as prescribed in section 696.8.
696.4 Fee. At the time of permit application, an electrical permit fee of one hundred seventy
dollars ($170.00) shall be paid.
696.5. Location Restrictions. Electrified fences shall not be installed at the following
locations:
a. Within five (5) feet of a building exit.
b. Within thirty (30) feet of a hazardous material storage or handling areas.
c. On roof tops or within buildings.
d. AlI residential uses
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 16 of 22
696.6 Electrified Fence Height. Electrified fences shall be restricted to a maximum height of
two (2) feet above the height of the protective barrier.
696.7 Electrical Equipment Standards. EIectrical equipment, wiring, and grounding shall
comply with the provisions of this Code and the following standards:
I. The energizer output shall comply with section 22.108 of the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) 60335-2-76 Standard.
2. Energizers shall provide pulsed power.
3. AC current shall not be used to energize any electrified fence.
4. The energizer shall be powered by a DC battery not to exceed 12 volts. A trickle charger and
solar panels may be used to recharge the battery but shall not directly energize the fence.
5. All ground system cables shall be properly insulated.
6. The electrified fence grounding system shall not be connected to any plumbing systems.
7. Each energizer shall be connected to its own ground system and shall not be connected to
any other grounding system.
696.8 Energizer Output Certification. The applicant shall sign a form provided by the City
of Fort Worth certifying that the electrified fence energizer output characteristics comply with
section 22.108 of the IEC 6335-2-76 International Standard.
696.9 Protective Barrier. The perimeter of the secure area shall be protected by an
additional non -electrified fence meeting the following standards:
1. The protective barrier shall be a permanent fence or wall at least six (6) feet in height above the
adjacent grade, subject to the limitations of the City of Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance.
2. Openings in the protective barrier shall not allow for the passage of a two (2) inch sphere. The
maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the protective barrier shall be two
(2) inch.
Exception: At rolling gates, the maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of
the protective barrier shall be four (4) inches.
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 17 of 22
3. The protective barrier shall be separated from the electrified fence by a minimum of six (6)
inches and a maximum of twelve (12) inches.
Exception: Conductive stands installed at gates installed in protective barriers shall be separated
from the gate by a maximum of twelve (12) inches.
696.10 Warning Signs. Electrified fences shall be clearly marked with warning signs. The
warning signs shall be placed on the protective barrier at each entrance to the secure area and at
intervals not to exceed thirty (30) feet along the entire perimeter of the fence line. Warning signs
shall be located not less than five (5) feet above the adjacent walking surface.
696.10.1 Graphics. Warning signs shall be printed on both sides in both English and Spanish with
the following text: "WARNING ELECTRIC FENCE" and contain the international symbol for
electrical shock hazard. Signs shall be reflective with a minimum 2-inch letter height, minimum
stroke of % inch and have a contrasting background.
696.11 Key Switch. A Fort Worth Fire Department permitted and approved key switch shall be
installed to provide secure access to the electrical power disconnect switch by public safety
personnel. The key switch shall be located at the main entry point to the property in a location
approved by the Fire Official.
696.12 Commercial Business Hours of Activation. An electrified fence shall not be energized
during the hours of normal business operation. However, where businesses are operating
continuously on a twenty-four (24) hour basis the conductors of an electrified fence shall not be
energized unless all authorized persons within or entering the secure area have been informed of
the electrified fence Iocation.
696.13 Registration. Electrified fences permitted and installed after the effective date of this
ordinance must be registered through the City of Fort Worth Planning and Development
Department. The registration must be renewed annually from the date of permit issuance. The
following'information must be provided at the time of registration application:
1. Business Name
2. Address of Property
3. Contact Person / Representative
4. Address and phone number of contact person
Furthermore, an applicant for renewal must provide a notarized statement from a registered
electrician or fence contractor specializing in the installation of electrified fences, certifying
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 18 of 22
that the electrified fence and equipment is currently operating in conformance with the
provisions of this Code.
696.13.1 Registration Renewal Fee. An annual registration renewal fee of $120 shall be
charged for the registration of electrified fences.
696.13.2 Barrier Fence Inspection. As part of the registration renewal process, a Building
Ordinance Inspection shall be scheduled and approved verifying the integrity of the Protective
Barrier.
ARTICLE 710.15
Article 710.15(A); delete informational note and amend to read as follows:
710.15(A) Supply Output. Power supply to premises wiring systems fed by stand-alone or
isolated microgrid power sources shall have adequate capacity to meet calculated load in
accordance with Article 220.
SECTION 3.
That Section I1-3 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015), as amended, is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 11-3 Effect of Conflict with Other Ordinances.
This chapter shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the Code of the City
of Fort Worth, Texas (2015), affecting Electrical Code provisions, as amended, and shall not
repeal any of the provisions of such ordinances, except in those instances where provisions of
such ordinances are in direct conflict with the provisions of this ordinance. I
SECTION 4.
That Section 11-4 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015), as amended, is hereby added
to read as follows:
Sec. 11-4 Penalty for violation.
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 19 of 22
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine
not to exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for all violations involving fire safety, or
public health and sanitation and shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00)
for all other violations of this ordinance. Each day or any portion thereof during which any
violation of this ordinance occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense and upon
conviction thereof shall be punishable as herein provided.
SECTION 5.
This article shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the Code of the City of Fort
Worth, Texas (2015), affecting Electrical Code provisions, as amended, and shall not repeal any
of the provisions of such ordinances, except in those instances where provisions of such ordinances
are in direct conflict with the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 6.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and, if any phrase, clause,
sentence, paragraph, or section of this ordinance shall be declared void, ineffective, or
unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such
voidness, ineffectiveness, or unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases,
clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this ordinance, since the same would have been
enacted by the City Council without the incorporation in this ordinance of any such void,
ineffective, or unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section.
SECTION 7.
Any person, firm., or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine
not to exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for all violations involving fire safety, or
public health and sanitation and shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00)
for all other violations of this ordinance. Each day or any portion thereof during which any
violation of -this ordinance occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense and upon
conviction thereof shall be punishable as herein provided.
SECTION 8.
All rights and remedies of the City of Fort Worth, Texas are expressly saved as to any
and all violations of the previous EIectrical Code, or any other ordinances affecting
construction and fire safety, which have accrued at the time of the effective date of this
Ordinance no. 26721-02-2024
Page 20 of 22
ordinance: and, as to such accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal,
whether pending in court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be affected by this
ordinance but may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 9.
A copy of the 2023 National Electrical Code, together with the local amendments
contained in this ordinance, shall be filed in the office of the City Secretary for permanent
record and inspection.
SECTION 10.
The Department of Development Services of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, is hereby
authorized to publish this ordinance in pamphlet form for general distribution among the
public, and the operative provisions of this ordinance as so published shall be admissible in
evidence in all courts without further proof than the production thereof, as provided in Chapter
XXV, Section 3, of the Charter of the City of Fort Worth, Texas.
SECTION 11.
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, is hereby directed to publish the caption
and Sections 1, 7, 9, 11 and 12 of this ordinance for two (2) days in the official newspaper of
the City of Fort Worth, Texas as authorized by Section 2, Chapter XXV of the Charter of the
City of Fort Worth, Texas and by Section 52.013 (a) of the Texas Local Government Code.
SECTION 12.
This ordinance shall take effect upon March 1, 2024.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
ALL
Nico Arias (Mat 12, 2024 10:44 COT)
Nico Arias, Assistant City Attorney
ADOPTED: February 13, 2024
EFFECTIVE: March 1, 2024
Jannette S. Goodall, City Secretary
no. 26721-02-2024
Page 21 of 22
City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 02/13/24 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 24-0105
LOG NAME: 062023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
SUBJECT
(ALL) Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt Ordinance Amending the Fort Worth Electrical Code to Adopt the 2023 National Electrical Code, with
Amendments, to be Effective March 1, 2024
(PUBLIC HEARING — a. Report of City Staff. Evan Roberts; b. Public Comment; c. Council Action: Close Public Hearing and Act on M&C)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing on the proposed adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code and local amendments;
2. Close the public hearing and adopt the attached ordinance amending the Fort Worth Electrical Code to adopt the 2023 National Electrical
Code, with local amendments, to be effective March 1, 2024.
DISCUSSION:
The Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act requires the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to adopt the National Electrical
Code (NEC) as the electrical code for the State of Texas. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70 (NEC) is revised and updated every
three (3) years. The State of Texas adopts this revised NEC code every three (3) years as required by The Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing
Act. On August 25, 2023, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation published in the Texas Register their intent to adopt the 2023 NEC
as the minimum standard for all electrical work in Texas. The effective date for the State was September 1, 2023. Electrical work in Texas started
on or after September 1, 2023 must be installed in accordance with the 2023 NEC. Adopting the 2023 NEC as the Fort Worth Electrical Code
aligns City and State requirements for electrical work.
1n accordance with state law, notice of the proposed action was published conspicuously on the City's Internet website on January 22, 2024. A
reasonable effort to encourage public comments from persons affected by the proposed adoption of'the 2023 National Electric Code and local
amendments has been made, including, not limited to outreach to the local electrical industry, the Development Advisory Committee and TEXO
with no opposing comments. The 2023 National Electrical Code continues the practice of recognizing new technologies and providing new
devices for the safe installation of electrical systems. The City of Fort Worth local amendments are based on the amendments recommended for
regional adoption by the North Central Texas Council of Governments and our local practices.
There is no fee increase proposed in this ordinance.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION 1 CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that approval of this recommendation will have no material effect on City funds
Submitted for City Manager's Office b. Dana Burghdoff 8018
Orlcrinating Business Unit Head: D.J. Harrell 8032
Additional Information Contact: Evan Roberts 7643