HomeMy WebLinkAbout26-28680 - City Council - OrdinanceORDINANCE 26-28680
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FORT WORTH ELECTRICAL CODE, BY
ADOPTING THE 2026 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, WITH LOCAL
AMENDMENTS; AMENDING SECTIONS 11-1 THROUGH 11-4 OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF FORT WORTH (2015); 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 of Texas; and
WHEREAS, on March 20, 2026, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation
published in the Texas Register their intent to adopt the 2026 NEC as the minimum standard for
all electrical work in Texas. Electrical work in Texas started on or after September 1, 2026 must
be installed in accordance with the 2026 NEC; and
WHEREAS, adopting the 2026 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 THAT:
SECTION 1.
Section 11-1 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (2015) is amended to read as follows:
Sec.11-1. 2026 EDITION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ADOPTED.
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(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 2026 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 2026 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
2026 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 (2015) is hereby amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 11-2. Amendments.
The 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code is hereby amended as follows:
ARTICLE 90.10
*Article 90.10; added to read as follows:
90.10 Primary Power Source. The primary power source for all buildings shall be from an
electrical utility provider. Power sources, such as generator power, that supply a service panel for
uses without a buildinz, such as as compressor sites, shall be regulated by this code.
Exceptions No 1: Alternate, non -generator power sources, including but not limited to.fuel
cell power plants, wind generators, solar panels, etc. are permitted when aproved by the code
official and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and other city codes.
Exception No 2: Temporary generator power is permitted for buildings that are connected to
a normally active utility provider during periods oLpower outages, such as after a major storm.
Any connection to the building power system shall be in compliance with this code.
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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
Buildiny, Code and Fire Code. The attachment cable to the buildiny, shall be considered
to be a service entrance conductor.
ARTICLE 100
*Article 100. "Scope "; amended to read asefollows:
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. An article number in parentheses following the definition
indicates that the definition only applies to that article. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the
followinz 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 present tense include the future, words in the
masculine gender include the feminine and neuter, the sinzular number includes the plural and
the plural, the singular.
Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are
defined in other City 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.
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
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this iurisdiction.
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.
EXTERIOR MOBILE of PORTABLE SIGN. Sins that are set on the exterior, usually
but not always in the parking lot, limited in size as described in the Zoning and Sign Code,
some of which may have wheels installed to permit the towing behind a vehicle.
FIRE PREVENTION CODE (FIRE CODE). Fire Prevention Code, or Fire Code, shall
mean the International Fire Code as adopted by this jurisdiction.
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. Cables or conductors positioned adjacent to one another but not in continuous
contact with each other. �c
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 thirty (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. (230.2)
INTERIOR MOBILE or PORTABLE SIGN. Those sins that are small in nature, usually
hunt from hooks in the wall or ceilinz with an electrical cord for plug in or direct connection
to an electrical source. These sins shall not be permitted to be installed in an outside
location.
MECHANICAL CODE. Mechanical Code shall mean the International Mechanical
Code as adopted by this jurisdiction.
PLUMBING CODE. Plumbinz Code shall mean the International Plumbing Code and the
International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by this jurisdiction. The term "Plumbing Code"
applies to both codes as one combined code.
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RESIDENTIAL CODE. Residential Code shall mean the International Residential Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
TECHNICAL CODES. The Fort Worth Buildinz, Residential, Plumbinz, Mechanical,
Electrical, Sign, and Existing Building codes which regulate the construction, alteration,
relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location,
maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances
connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
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 (NRTL) 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 aiurisdiction or is
field modified is subject to the approval by the AHJ. This approval may be by a field evaluation
by a NRTL or qualified third party inspection a eenncy or a field evaluation by a Field
Evaluation Body accredited by either the ICC IAS AC354 or ANAB program approved by the
AHJ
Informational Note No. 1: 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 equipment 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 -party inspection agency.
ARTICLE 110.12
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*Article I10.12: amended to read as follows:
110.12 Mechanical Execution of Work. The installation and servicing of electrical equipment
and all associated wiring shall be installed performed by qualified persons in a professional and
skillful manner.
ARTICLE 110.12
*Article 110.12(B); amended to read asefollows:
(B) Integrity of Electrical Equipment and Connections. Internal parts of electrical equipment,
including busbars, wiring terminals, insulators, and other surfaces, shall not be damaged or
contaminated by foreign materials such as paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives, corrosive residues or
influences, fire, products of combustion, or water. There shall be no damaged parts that may
adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment such as parts that are
broken; bent; cut; or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating.
Informational Note No. 1: See NEMA GD 1-2019, Evaluating Water -Dammed Electrical
Equipment, . or information on electrical equipment and wiring methods lama end by water.
Informational Note No. 2: See NEMA GD 2-2021, Evaluating Fire- and Heat IDamyZed Electrical
Equipment, for information on electrical equipment and wiring methods damaged b�fire or heat.
ARTICLE 120.8
*Article 120.8: added to read as follows:
120.8 Load Calculation. A load calculation shall be provided to the AHJ upon request
when modifications to the electrical installation occurs.
ARTICLE 210.8
*Article 210.8(F) Exception No. 2; amended to read as follows:
(F) Outdoor Outlets. For dwellings, all outdoor outlets, other than those covered
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in 210.8(A), Exception No. 1, including outlets installed in the following locations,
and supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground, 60 amperes or
less, shall be provided with GFCI protection:
(1) Garages that have floors located at or below grade level
(2) Accessory buildings
(3) Boathouses
If equipment supplied by an outlet covered under the requirements of this section is
replaced, the outlet shall be supplied with GFCI protection.
Exception No. 1: GFCI protection shall not be required on lighting outlets other than those
covered in 210.8(C).
Exception No. 2: GFCI protection shall not be required for listed HVAC equipment. T4i-s
8E8�ti'yr"rcSjlcei4cplrE—raEcE�?iv4, z0.26.
Exception No. 3: Listed Class C SPGFCI protection shall be permitted for listed HVAC
equipment. If a Class C SPGFCI is provided, the disconnect serving the HVAC equipment
shall be marked "Warning: Class C SPGFCI Protection Provided for HVAC Unit. "
ARTICLE 230.4
*Article 230.4LA); add a "Special Condition" 7 to read asefollows:
(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 230.40)(2); changed to read asefollows:
(2) Buildiny,s 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
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*Article 230.42(A); add two new paragraphs after item (2) to read asefollows:
230.42 Minimum Size and Ampacity.
(A) General. Service -entrance conductors
(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
disconnectinz 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. 70LA): 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) Service Disconnect Location. The service disconnecting means shall be installed in accordance
with 230.70 (A) (1), through 230.70(A)a.
(4) Special Condition. Where more than one electrical service is installed, all disconnecting means
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 230. 70(E) exception: amended to read asefollows:
(E) Replacement. Replacement of service equipment for one- and two- family dwellings shall
comply with 230.70(A), 230.70(B), and 230.70(C).
Exception: If existing service equipment, installed in compliance with previous editions of this
Code, and only meter sockets, service entrance conductors, or related raceways and fittings are
replaced, the requirements of 230.70(A)(1) and 230.70(A)(2) shall not apply.
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ARTICLE 250.50
*Article 250.50; amended to read asefollows:
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 bonded 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)(8) 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
concrete foundation(s) permitted as part of any alteration(s), addition(s), or new foundation(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 asefollows:
250.52 Grounding Electrodes.
(A) Electrodes 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 building two ground rod or pipe electrodes, complyin with
item 250.52(j)(5), may be used when separated by at least 20 feet and connected with a minimum
of 2 AWG bare copper conductor at least 30 inches deep.
ARTICLE 310.14(A)(3)
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*Article 310.140)(3); add a sentence after thefirst paragraph to read asefollows:
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 Chabter 3 are installed in an attic outside the building thermal
envelope, the ambient temperature shall be considered to exceed 140°F.
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. except as prohibited in 334.12:
(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 Buildin.e Code, an approved automatic sprinkler system is required throughout.
Exception No. I to (2): Usage is permittede or multi amiL dwellings of any construction type,
with any wall framing material, in buildings not exceeding four O stories, as determined by
the Building Code, when provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Exception No. 2 to (2): Usage ispermitted e or multi amiL dwellings ofay construction type,
with any wall framing material, in buildings not exceeding five (5) stories, as determined by
the Building Code, after the switchboard or pane board 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
Buildinz Code, an approved automatic sprinkler system is required throughout. Cables
shall be concealed within walls, floors, or ceilings that provide a thermal barrier of
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material that has at least a 15-minute finish rating as identified in listings of fire -rated
assemblies.
Exception to No I to (3): Nonhabitable grade level storage garages and storage buildings
less than 1500e t' with Type V construction shall be permitted to have Type NMandType
NMC installed without a 15-minute thermal barrier.
Exception No. 2 to (3): Usage is permitted for hotel/motel uses of construction type,
with any walleframing material, in buildings not exceeding four (4) stories, when provided
with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Exception No. 3 to (3): Usage ispermitted in detached one (1) story commercial buildings
not exceeding 5, 000 square°feet of any construction type with any wall framing material.
(4) Cable trays in structures permitted to be Types III, IV, or V construction where the cables are
identified for the use.
ARTICLE 410.118
*Article 410.118; amended to read asefollows:
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 of 559 mm x 559 mm (22
in. x. 22 in.) shall be permitted to be used as access to outlet, pull, iunction boxes or
conduit bodies.
ARTICLE 440.6
*Article 440.6; add a sentence at the end to read asefollows:
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
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tons or larger shall be a minimum of 10 AWG copper conductors. See also attic temperatures
in Articles 310.14(A)(3).
ARTICLE 500.8
*Article 500.8LA); amended to read asefollows:
500.8 Equipment.
(A) Suitability. Suitability of identified equipment shall be determined by one of the
following:
(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. 7LA); amended to read asefollows:
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; chaffed to add sub heading and add Articles 550.1.1, 550.1.2, and
550.1.3 to read as follows:
Site requirements.
550.1.1 Applicability. The provisions of this Article apply to the construction and
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maintenance of all mobile home and manufactured home barks.
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 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.
ARTICLE 551.1
*Article 551.1; changed to add sub heading and add articles 551.1.1.1 throw
551.1.1. 6 to read asefollows:
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.
551.1.1.4 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, laundry
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:
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(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 600.4
*Article 60 0.4(B); amended to read asefollows:
(B) Visibility. Listing labels and markings that identify the input voltage and current rating shall
be visible after installation and be permanently applied in a location visible prior to servicing.
The marking shall be permitted in a location not viewed by the public.
A Class 2 field wired sign shall have the listinglabel abel permanently applied on the power supply
enclosure.
ARTICLE 600.6
*Article 600. 6LA)(1) Exception No. I add a sentence to read as follows:
Exception No.1: A disconnect shall not be required for branch circuits(s) or feeder conductors)
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 si body or
sign enclosure where passing through.
*Article 600.60)(1) Exception No. 3 added to read asefollows:
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 conductor(s) shall be
routed to a device box which contains the disconnect. A field -applied permanent warning label
that is visible during servicing shall be applied to the raceway at or near the point of entry into
the sign enclosure or sir bodv. The warning label shall comply with JJ0.21 A and state the
followin ::�ger. This raceway contains energized conductors. " The marking shall include the
location ofthe disconnectin means for the energized conductor(s). The disconnecting means shall
be capable of being locked in the open position in accordance with 110.25.
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ARTICLE 600.10
*Article 600.10; amended and sections to 600.10.1 and 600.10.2 added to read as
follows:
600.10. Portable or Mobile Signs.
(A) Interior. Interior probable or mobile signs shall comply with 600.10.1(A) through (D).
These signs shall not be permitted to be installed in an outside location.
(B) Exterior. Exterior portable or mobile signs shall comply with 600.10.2(A) and (B)
600.10.1. 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 locations shall comply
with 600.10 (C)(1) and 600.1o(C)(2)
(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.
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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
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 location of the protective barrier and the electrified fence on the
property in relationship to property lines, walkways and exiting buildings.
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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. All residential uses
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. Electrical equipment, wiring, and grounding shall
comply with the provisions of this Code and the following standards:
1. 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.
Ordinance No.26-28680
Page 17 of 23
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 6335-2-76International 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.
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/z 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
Ordinance No.26-28680
Page 18 of 23
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 location.
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
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 700.4
*Article 700.4LA); amended to read as follows:
(A) Commissioning Witness Test. The authority having jurisdiction shall conduct or witness
the commissioning in person, remotely or through documentation acceptable to the AHJ of the
completed system upon installation and periodically afterward.
ARTICLE 701.4
*Article 701. 4LA); amended to read asefollows:
(A) Commissioning Witness Test. The authority having jurisdiction shall conduct or witness
Ordinance No.26-28680
Page 19 of 23
the commissioning in person, remotely or through documentation acceptable to the AHJ of the
completed system upon installation and periodically afterward.
ARTICLE 705.80
*Article 705.80; amended to read asefollows:
705.80 Power Source Capacity. For interconnected power production sources that operate in
island mode, capacity shall be calculated using the sum of all power source output maximum
currents for the connected power production source. Solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind systems
shall not be included in the sum capacity.
ARTICLE 706.7
*Article 706.7(A); amended to read as follows:
(A) Commissioning. ESS's shall be commissioned upon installation in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions. The commissioning report, which shall include the operational
controls and safety systems, shall be provided upon request of the AHJ. Unless required
elsewhere in this code, the AHJ shall not be required to conduct or witness the
commissioning of the ESS.
ARTICLE 706.15
*Article 706.15 B); amended to read as follows:
(B) Location and Control. The disconnecting means shall be readily accessible and comply
with one or more of the following:
(1) Be located within the ESS
(2) Be located and visible and within 3 m (10 ft) from the ESS
Informational Note: See Article 100 and 90.4(C) for information on special permission
(3) Be lockable open in accordance with 110.25, or the enclosure providing access to the
disconnecting means be capable of being locked closed.
Where controls to activate the disconnecting means of an ESS are used and are not located
within sight of the ESS, the disconnecting means shall be lockable in accordance with 110.25,
and the location of the controls shall be marked on the disconnecting means.
Where the equipment contains a door assembly, the disconnecting means shall be located outside
Ordinance No.26-28680
Page 20 of 23
and within sight of the ESS.
For one- and two-family dwellings, an ESS shall include an emergency shutdown function to
cease the export of power from the ESS to premises wiring of other systems. An initiation
device(s) shall be located at a readily accessible location outside the building and shall plainly
indicate whether in the "off' or "on" position. The "off' position of the device(s) shall perform
the ESS emergency shutdown function.
ARTICLE 708.6
*Article 708. 6LA); amended to read asefollows:
(A) Conduct or Witness Test. The authority having jurisdiction shall conduct or witness a test
in person, remotely or through documentation acceptable to the AHJ of the completed system
upon installation and periodically afterward.
SECTION 3.
That Section 11-3 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.
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
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.
Ordinance No.26-28680
Page 21 of 23
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 Electrical Code, or any other ordinances affecting
construction and fire safety, which have accrued at the time of the effective date of this
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 2026 National Electrical Code, together with the local amendments
Ordinance No.26-28680
Page 22 of 23
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 September 1, 2026.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
By:
Christopher Austria
Assistant City Attorney
ADOPTED: August 11, 2026
EFFECTIVE: September 1, 2026
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City Secretary
Ordinance No.26-28680
Page 23 of 23
FORT WORTH,,
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
7.1.54 2026 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ADOPTION
DATE: 08/11/26 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 26-0580
DEPARTMENT: DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
SUBJECT
(ALL) Adopt Ordinance Amending the Fort Worth Electrical Code to Adopt the 2026 National
Electrical Code, with Amendments, to be Effective September 1, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached ordinance amending the Fort
Worth Electrical Code to adopt the 2026 National Electrical Code, with local amendments, to
be effective September 1, 2026.
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 March 20, 2026, the Texas
Commission of Licensing and Regulation published in the Texas Register their intent to adopt
the 2026 NEC as the minimum standard for all electrical work in Texas. The effective date for
the State is September 1, 2026. Electrical work in Texas started on or after September 1, 2026
must be installed in accordance with the 2026 NEC. Adopting the 2026 NEC as the Fort Worth
Electrical Code aligns City and State requirements for electrical work.
The Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals reviewed the approval and adoption
of the 2026 National Electrical Code and the local amendments at its public meeting on July
13, 2026 and recommended approval. The local electrical industry, the Development
Advisory Committee stakeholders and TEXO have been notified with no opposing comments.
The 2026 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.
1oft
FORT WORTH,,
There is no fee increase proposed in this ordinance.
This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION
The Director of Finance certifies that approval of these recommendations will have no
material effect on City funds.
SUBMITTED FOR CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE BY: Jesica L. McEachern, # 5804
ORIGINATING BUSINESS UNIT HEAD: D. J. Harrell 8032
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Evan Roberts 7643
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance Adopting 2026 National Electrical Code [7.1.54.1 - 23 pages]
2 of 2