15.40.010 Adoption

The Electrical Code shall be the same edition as adopted by the State. The Electrical Code is adopted by administrative action per Section 24.301.202 of the Administrative Rules of Montana. The Electrical Code currently being enforced by the City of Great Falls is on file in the office of Community Development. Copies are available for inspection. Copies may be obtained from the Department of Labor & Industry, Building Standards Division, Building codes Bureau, P.O. Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620, at cost plus postage; or the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., #1 Battery march Park, Quincy, Massachusetts, 02269 www.necdirect.org. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord. 2818, 2002; Ord. 2810 (Exh. A), 2001; Ord. 2723, 1997; Ord 2666, 1994; Ord. 2651, 1993; Ord. 2592, 1991).

15.40.020 Electrical contractor's license

Any person, firm, or corporation engaging in the business or installation, alteration, maintenance or repair of electrical equipment in the City is required to have a City Electrical Contractor's License. This does not apply to the installation, alteration, or repair of electrical signal or communications equipment owned or operated by a public utility or the City. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord 2592 §2(part), 1991).

15.40.021 Application for City electrical contractor's license

1. An applicant for an electrical contractor's license shall apply to the Building Official, and shall show evidence that: (1) all work is under the direction, control, and supervision of a licensed master electrician, or (2) under the direction, control and supervision of a journeyman electrician for residential construction consisting of less than five living units in a single structure. Journeyman, master and residential electricians are as defined and licensed under authority of Montana Codes Annotated 37-68 and hold a current contractor's license issued by the State.
2. The applicant shall also file an insurance policy or certificate as required by Section 15.40.022. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord. 2592 §2(part), 1991).

15.40.022 Insurance and bond

1. All applicants for licensing shall file with the Community Development Department a commercial general liability insurance policy or certificate of same, issued by an insurance carrier authorized to do business in the State, with limits established by City Commission resolution. Such limits shall be minimums and shall be in force through the term of the license.
2. All new electrical contractors will be required to post a license bond in an amount established by City Commission resolution to guarantee compliance with all laws and regulations relative to the license and permits issued for the first two years of business. If performance under the bond is satisfactory, the Board of Appeals may release the contractor from further posting of the bond. Additionally, if an electrical contractor is not performing satisfactory work and has no license bond, the Board of Appeals shall conduct a hearing to determine if a license bond shall be required to be posted and determine the period of the posting. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord. 2801, 2001; Ord. 2592 §2(part), 1991).

15.40.023 License term

All licenses issued under the provisions of this chapter shall be for the calendar year beginning January 1st and expiring on December 31st. Renewals or new applicants applying after the expiration date shall pay fees as specified for the full year.

Exception: Applications after December 1st will receive licenses valid for the remainder of the year plus the next calendar year. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord. 2592 §2(part), 1991).

15.40.024 Fee

The fee for issuance of an electrical contractor's license shall be set by City Commission resolution. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord. 2592 §2(part), 1991).

15.40.030 Homeowner electrical permit

An individual may obtain an electrical permit for doing electrical work on his own property or residence; provided, that said property or residence is maintained for his own use. The electrical work shall be done by the owner or a member of the family residing at the same address. Any other individual(s) performing work under the electrical permit are in violation of this Code. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord. 2592 §2(part), 1991).

15.40.031 Application--homeowner's permit

Every person desiring a homeowner's permit under the provisions of Section 15.40.030 shall first file an application for registration, which application shall set forth the location of the building where the work is proposed to be done, state that the applicant is the owner of said building, and attest to understanding applicable provisions of this chapter and electrical codes. Permit fees shall be established by City Commission resolution. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord. 2592 §2(part), 1991).

15.40.040 Individual wiring certificate

Any person who is or in the future may become engaged in the trade or calling of a journeyman or residential electrician in the installation or repair of electrical equipment in the City is required to have an individual wiring certificate. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord. 2592 §2(part), 1991).

15.40.041 Application--individual wiring certificate

An applicant for an individual wiring certificate shall submit evidence that such person is the holder of a current license issued by the State to engage in the trade or calling of residential electrician, journeyman electrician, or master electrician, as defined by Chapter 37, Montana Codes Annotated. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord. 2592 §2(part), 1991).

15.40.042 Fee--individual wiring certificate

The fee shall be established by resolution of the City Commission. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord. 2592 §2(part), 1991).

15.40.050 Electrical permit issuance

Electrical permits may be issued only to a person, firm or corporation qualified or licensed under Chapter 68, Montana Codes Annotated and this chapter or to individuals qualifying as homeowners in Section 15.40.030. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord. 2592 §2(part), 1991).

15.40.051 Permit Fees

Electrical permit fees shall be collected as set by City Commission resolution. (Ord. 2874, 2004)

15.40.060 Violation—penalty

Any person, firm or corporation found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be liable to penalty as prescribed by Chapter 1.4.070 of this Code. (Ord. 2874, 2004; Ord. 2592 §2(part), 1991).