HomeMy WebLinkAbout12042025 BSC Agenda Item 6 West University Place Public Works Department
To: The Building and Standards Commission
From: Chuck Sandifer, Chief Building Official
Date: December 4,2025
Re: Requesting the City of West University Place adopt the 2023 National Electric Code (NEC) as
the governing electrical code.
Background Information:
The State of Texas adopts a new NEC every three years.
The State of Texas adopted the 2023 NEC as their state electrical code effective September 1, 2023.
The City of West University Place has been in non-compliance since September 1, 2023.
The 2023 NEC is more compatible with the current 2021 I-Codes already adopted by the City of West
University Place.
Applicable Regulations:
• Appendix C—Technical Codes Schedule 111
[1] Ord No. 3025
• Sec. C-101.—Adoption
• Sec. C-102.—Procedure for amendments, etc.
• Sec. C-103.—Interpretation.
• Sec. C-112—National Electrical Code
Staff Report:
Staff is charged with being stewards of the public domain. As a matter of accountability staff must request
the adoption of the 2023 NEC.
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
city of
West University Place Public Works Department
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommend the BSC adopt the 2023 NEC in its entirety including any amendments by the State of
Texas.
The City Attorney has drafted an Ordinance for the adoption of the 2023 NEC.
See attached document.
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE
HARRIS COUNTY,TEXAS
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY
PLACE, TEXAS, AMENDING APPENDIX C, TECHNICAL CODES SCHEDULE, OF
THE CITY'S CODE OF ORDINANCES BY UPDATING THE NATIONAL ELECTIRC
CODE AND AMENDING SECTION C-102, PROCEDURE FOR AMENDMENTS, ETC.,
TO MAKE PROVISION FOR STATE MANDATED MINIMUM CODES; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY.
WHEREAS, the State of Texas, through the Chapter 1305 of the Texas Occupations Code, calls
for the National Electrical Code to be adopted every three (3)years after revision; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 214 of the Texas Local Government Code establishes minimum
International Code Council codes and provides for the ability to adopt local amendments to said
codes; and
WHEREAS, the Building and Standards Commission have recommended updates for
consideration and adoption by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is in the best interest in the health and safety of its citizens
to ensure that the City has adopted and enforced the minimum code versions as established by the
State of Texas;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE,TEXAS,THAT:
SECTION 1. The facts and matters of the preamble to this Ordinance are found to be true and
accurate.
SECTION 2. The National Electric Code (NEC), 2023 Ed.,National Fire Protection Association,
("NEC")shall be adopted and replace the 2020 edition on Appendix C,Technical Codes Schedule,
of the City's Code of Ordinances.
SECTION 3. Section C-102, Procedure of Amendments, etc., Appendix C, Technical Codes
Schedule, of the City's Code of Ordinances shall be amended by adding the underlined language
below:
"SEC. C-102. —PROCEDURE FOR AMENDMENTS, ETC.
The procedure for adopting new codes, updated codes, local amendments and provisions
for administration and enforcement of these codes is as follows:
(1) Proposal by the building official or other appropriate city official;
(2) Referral to the building and standards commission;
(3) Consideration by the city council, after giving required notices; and
(4) Adoption and publication, as required by Article II of the City Charter.
An exception may be made to the requirement to go before the building and standards
commission if the proposal is (a) for an update to the edition of an already adopted code
based on a minimum edition mandated by the State; and [b) there are no additional local
amendments that need to be made."
SECTION 4.All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are repealed
to the extent of the conflict only.
SECTION 5. If any word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, section or other part of this
Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall ever be held to be invalid
or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction,neither the remainder of this Ordinance,
not the application of such word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, section or other part of this
Ordinance to any other persons or circumstances, shall be affected thereby.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED ON FIRST READING on the day of
2025.
PASSED<APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THE SECOND READING,AND SIGNED,on the
day of , 2025.
FOR THE CITY
Susan Sample, Mayor
ATTEST:
Tracylynn Garcia, City Secretary