08-24-09 Common Council Meeting Agenda & Packet

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BILL N0.27-Q9 (SUBSTITUTE) ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF TIIE COIVITYION COUNCIL OF THE CITE' OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AlVIENDIN UTH~~~~ ~LTI~ICIPALi OD NPER O INI G TO LOW ARTICLE 6, OF THE SO VOLTAGE CONTRACTORS STATEIWIENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT On February 9, 2009 the South Bend Common Council passed Ordinance #9902-09 which, among other things, amended various fees charged by the Building Department (Section VI of Ordinance #9902-09). After performing a detailed .review of Ordinance #9902-09 regulating the fees for low voltage permits, it has been determined that the fees need to be readjusted and recodified to reflect the actual cost of enforcing and inspecting low voltage installations. In addition to a fee adjustment, and because the installation of cable TV and telephone wiring is no longer regulated by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), it is necessary to assure proper installation of low voltage wiring through inclusion of requirements contained in the National Electric Code applicable throughout Indiana, and enforceable within the City of South Bend by the Building Department. The penetration of fire rated walls by low voltage wiring which does not protect the opening in compliance with Code is increasingly a matter of concern, particularly in residential, multi-family and commercial buildings. This ordinance addresses that concern by requiring registration and proficiency qualifications of low voltage contractors. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA as follows: SECTION I. Chapter 6, Article 6, Section 6-26.1 shall be amended to read in its entirety, as follows: Sec. 6-26.1 Definitions and Exemptions. ~ De rnitions. The term "low voltage contractor", for the purpose of this article shall mean and include anyone engaging for remuneration in the business of installing low voltage wiring, including but not limited to security, fire, burglary, and surveillance systems; video/audio cable, data, CATV, Fiber Optic, and telephone cables. (bl Limitations and Exerazz~tions.