Athens City Code

Pursuant to authority granted by T.C.A. §§ 6-54-501 through 6-54-506 and for the purpose of regulating conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion, the NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2017 edition, as prepared and adopted by the National Fire Protection Association, and chapter 0780-2-1 of the 2009 edition of Electrical Installation, as adopted by the department of commerce and insurance, is adopted and incorporated by reference as part of this Code and is hereafter referred to as the electrical code. The National Electrical Code is adopted and incorporated fully as set out at length herein with the following addendum: "All commercial and industrial buildings shall be wired in a metal raceway."

(Code 1972, § 4-301; Code 1995, § 12-301; Ord. No. 813, 6-18-1996; Ord. No. 860, 8-17-1999; Ord. No. 903, 10-15-2002; Ord. No. 960, 7-17-2007; Ord. No. 1003, 5-15-2012; Ord. No. 1058, § 4, 1-17-2017; Ord. No. 1105, § 4, 12-21-2021)

Pursuant to the requirements of T.C.A. § 6-54-502, one copy of the electrical code has been placed on file in the city manager's office and shall be kept there for the use and inspection of the public.

(Code 1972, § 4-302; Code 1995, § 12-302)

No electrical work shall be done within the city until a permit therefor has been issued by the city. The term "electrical work" shall not be deemed to include minor repairs that do not involve the installation of new wire, conduits, machinery, apparatus, or other electrical devices generally requiring the services of an electrician.

(Code 1972, § 4-303; Code 1995, § 12-303)

It is unlawful for any person to do or authorize any electrical work or to use any electricity in such manner or under such circumstances as not to comply with this chapter and/or the requirements and standards prescribed by the electrical code.

(Code 1972, § 4-304; Code 1995, § 12-304)

The electrical inspector shall be such person as the city manager shall appoint or designate. It shall be his duty to enforce compliance with this chapter and the electrical code as herein adopted by reference. He is authorized and directed to make such inspections of electrical equipment and wiring, etc., as are necessary to ensure compliance with the applicable regulations and may enter any premises or building at any reasonable time for the purpose of discharging his duties. He is authorized to refuse or discontinue electrical service to any person or place not complying with this chapter and/or the electrical code that was in effect at the time of construction.

(Code 1972, § 4-305; Code 1995, § 12-305)

The electrical inspector shall collect the same fees as are authorized in T.C.A. § 68-102-143 for electrical inspections by deputy inspectors of the state fire marshal, and the fees are to be paid over to the city. The city reserves the right to round up to the nearest whole dollar of the fee.

(Code 1972, § 4-306; Code 1995, § 12-306)