City Code

On November 15, 2021, City Council approved the adoption of the 2021 International codes. This means starting January 1, 2022, all remodels, additions, alterations, and new buildings must meet the requirements of these codes. The State adopted the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) on April 1, 2021, and the City formally adopted this code at the same time as the International Codes. Because the state has authority regarding electrical codes and licensure of electricians, the City has had to enforce the 2020 NEC since April 1, along with the State. Since then we have received questions asking what that means for homeowners. In general terms this means any project you complete in your home will have to meet the code requirements of the 2020 NEC, but if you don’t make any changes or upgrades you won’t have to meet the current code. More specifically, if you remodel your bathroom only your bathroom will have to meet the current codes. You won’t have to upgrade your kitchen, basement, or service. It’s the same with an addition, but the addition will have to meet the 2020 NEC and the rest of the house can stay as is.

Below are some of the NEC code changes and when they may affect a homeowner.

Finishing a basement or adding a bedroom to a basement: • GFCI protection is required for all basements. • All outlet boxes mounted in a location acceptable for the installation of a ceiling fan need to be listed as “fan rated boxes.” Bathroom remodel or new bathroom (all locations including a basement): • Receptacles are prohibited from being installed within 3 feet horizontally and 8 feet vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall. • All outlet boxes mounted in a location acceptable for the installation of a ceiling fan need to be listed as “fan rated boxes.” • Clothes dryer receptacles are required to be GFCI rated. • All outlets within 6 feet of a sink requires GFCI protection.

This measurement includes outlets on the other side of a door if they are within 6 feet. Kitchen remodel: • At least one receptacle shall be provided for the first 9 square feet of the countertop, and one for every additional 18 square feet of countertop. At least one receptacle shall be located within 2 feet of the outer end of a peninsular countertop. • All outlet boxes mounted in a location acceptable for the installation of a ceiling fan need to be listed as “fan rated boxes.” • Oven receptacles are required to be GFCI rated. • All outlets within 6 feet of a sink requires GFCI protection.

This measurement includes outlets on the other side of a door if they are within 6 feet. Garages and Accessory Buildings (new building or simply adding additional outlets): • Tamper-resistant receptacles required. • Outlets installed for the connection of EV charging are required to be GFCI protected. New or upgrades to the Service: • Any installation of a new electrical panel requires a

“surge protective device” to be installed in said panel. • With any change to or upgrade of the electrical service, an

“Emergency/Service Disconnect” is required to be installed on the exterior of the house adjacent to the electrical meter. As a homeowner, with a homestead tax credit, you are able to obtain a permit and perform all work on your home including electrical work. However, we always recommend reviewing the code requirements prior to starting any project.

When is a permit needed: All work—except new flooring, painting, or replacing a fixture like-for-like that does not require any work beyond the fixture—

requires a permit. A few examples of like-for-like work would be: • Changing an outlet from almond to white, as long as you are not changing from GFCI protected. • Replacing an existing fan to a new fan, but make sure the box is marked “fan rated.”

• Changing the faucet on your kitchen sink, as long as it doesn’t change from a lever to a two-handled faucet. • Fixing a leak under your sink, as long as you are just changing out a gasket and not re-piping the sink. • Changing the diffusers (grills), as long as you aren’t changing the size.

Emergency permits:

We know that emergencies don’t wait for City Hall to be open. If you have an emergency and need to have something repaired or replaced over the weekend or at night, City Ordinances allow you to do so. Just be sure you or your contractor obtains a permit the next business day so the city can inspect the work to ensure a safe installation.