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09. Electrical Inspection ProgramIncorporated 1892 Planning, Economic & Community Development Department P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59903-1997 May 4, 1995 Mr. Jon Noel, Director Department of Commerce 1424 9th Avenue Helena, MT 59601 Re: City of Kalispell Electrical Certification Dear Jon: 248 Third Avenue East (406) 758-7740 (406) 758-7739 (office fax) (406) 758-7758 (City Hall fax) In January of 1994 Jim Brown and Bill Jellison of the Montana Department of Commerce, Building Codes Bureau, called public officials throughout the Flathead Valley and arranged for a hearing and public meeting at the Justice Center in Kalispell, requesting that units of local government with building officials assume the State's responsibility for administering and inspecting electrical work performed within Flathead County. Persons invited to attend the meeting included building officials, State electrical inspectors, policy and decision makers, such as mayors, managers, commissioners and department heads. Those personnel invited represented four local jurisdictions - Flathead County, City of Whitefish, City of Kalispell, and City of Columbia Falls. Because the Flathead County Building Department was dissolved, the County is unable to administer the program. Columbia Falls was certified for electrical inspections and hired an electrical inspector. Whitefish elected not to ask for State certification. Because of the urging of Messrs. Brown and Jellison, and their insistence the State was not capable of keeping up with the demand for inspections within our building code jurisdiction, Kalispell began the process to become certified for electrical code enforcement and to schedule a hearing to adopt the National Electrical Code, 1990 Edition, and to advertise for an electrical inspector. Although the City of Kalispell would replicate the State's program as much as possible, local electricians/electrical contractors have expressed their opposition to Kalispell's proposal to request certification and have petitioned the Kalispell City Council to leave the program under State control. When they presented their petition and objections to the possible change, electricians have quoted Messrs. Brown and Jellison as either advocates for their position or now ambivalent about the City's assumption of the State's responsibility. EUU.: natn::x. Mr. Jon Noel May 4, 1995 Page 2 As the City Council deliberates whether or not to request certification, it is important for them to clearly understand your department's position on the matter. If your building/electrical officials still want the City of Kalispell to become certified and establish a program in its Building Department for electrical code enforcement, please request so in writing to either me, the City Manager, Bruce Williams, or to Mayor Doug Rauthe, prior to our City Council Workshop session next Monday, May 8, 1995. Please state your support, as well as any concerns you may have. Faxing your reply to 406-758-7758 prior to the Monday evening, May 8, 1995, City Council Workshop Meeting would be appreciated. Sincerely, Lawrence Gallagher Director LG/dw Planning, Economic & Community Development Department P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59903-1997 1 f (Il 0 J ISJ Incorporated 1892 !' i 0 To: Larry Gallagher, Director, PECD From: Craig Kerzman, Building Official Date: April 20, 1995 Re: Electrical Inspection 248 Third Avenue East (406) 758-7740 (406) 758-7739 (office fax) (406) 758-7758 (City Hall fax) I spoke with Gene Thomas of E. Thomas Electric about the comments he made to the Kalispell City Council on Monday, April 17th. Gene's comments represented his feelings as well as the concerns of seven other electricians or electrical contractors in the Kalispell area. Gene's concerns are summarized below. Electrical permitting in this area all goes to the State of Montana. If Kalispell gets into the electrical inspection business, contractors will have to deal with an additional office. They will deal with the Kalispell office for permits in our jurisdiction and with the state office for permits outside of the Kalispell jurisdiction. Gene is concerned that government will grow. Kalispell will hire an inspector and maybe need more clerical help issuing permits, scheduling inspections, reviewing applications, etc. While Kalispell will hire, the state will not let someone go. If construction drops off, Kalispell will keep the electrical inspector. There will be a net increase in government employees. Mr. Thomas realizes that the Kalispell office is closest. However, in 25 years he can recall only three trips to Helena. Since inspectors live around here calls are local. Mr. Thomas is concerned that a permitting/inspection program will generate fees in excess of the cost to administer the program and excess money will go into the general fund. EOW: nx5:�x; OPPORTUNITY Electrical Inspection Page 2 Mr. Thomas asked about the qualifications of the inspector. (Electricians are having problems with Columbia Falls inspector). I told Mr. Thomas that we used the same job description as the state. In fact, we could wind up with a state electrical inspector transferring to city employment. In addition to the concerns of Mr. Thomas, there is other information I'd like council to consider. The state has hired three more electrical inspectors to carry out their statewide program. Four state electrical inspectors work in this area. All are swamped. They use a circuit system to conduct inspections instead of performing on -call inspections. In other words, they look at whatever work is done or can be seen when they visit the site. Sometimes the work is covered. They do not work on a called inspection system so they do not see the work after it is installed but before it is covered. There are 53 certified local jurisdictions in Montana. Twelve have their own electrical code enforcement programs. The city proposes to use the same fee schedule as the state. Early in 1994, the state encouraged the city to take over electrical permitting and inspections. When I checked with Jim Brown on Wednesday April 19, he indicated that he still supported Kalispell taking over the program from the state. The electrical aspect of a construction project is a major part and must be coordinated with the overall project. Similarly, having an electrical inspector on city staff would allow us to inspect all major parts of a construction project. Currently, we do building, plumbing, mechanical, and fire (through the fire department). Electrical is the only discipline we do not permit and inspect. Coordination with the state electrical inspectors is haphazard at best. The fire department has indicated that a qualified electrical inspector would be a good resource for them as well. On the downside, a move by Kalispell to add electrical inspection to its program may be viewed by some in a negative light, much as the extraterritorial issue is now viewed. Any programs or changes that may further anger an already hostile public should be avoided. It is unknown at this time what the 1996 legislature will do, but to add electrical inspections if it is opposed by the electricians and others may be unwise, if their opposition manifests itself in Helena by changing laws to the detriment of this building department. KALISPELL FIRE DEPARTMENT 336 1 st Avenue East P. O. Box 1997 KALISPELL, MONTANA 59903.1997 TED MAIN TED WAGGENER ASST. CHIEF FIRE CHIEF April 25, 1995 Larry Gallagher Community Development 248 Third Street East Kalispell,Mt 59901 Dear Larry: 0 DAVE MAYHEW FIRE MARSHAL Re: Electrical Inspector The Fire Department inspects every business in the City of Kalispell annually. During these inspections many doubtful conditions are found. We also have to test and evaluate electrical systems after fires and during fire investigations. Occasionally we are called to rental property by a renter who has a electrical safety problem. Now, we ask the landlord, to fix the problem and if he doesn't we advice the renter to move and we still have the safety problem. These conditions need to be assessed by someone who is knowledgeable in the electrical field. We can then make suggestions and decisions to help the property owners maintain safe premises. The State Electrical Inspector is available to the fire department. However, we have to call the Department of Commerce and request an inspection without a fee. We then have to forward a letter of request to Helena. When the inspector gets the request, she sets a date to do the inspection without a fee. The other way we can get her help is to request her directly. We then have to pay the state an inspection fee for her services. The current inspector is very helpful but time is wasted, due to her work load and the process involved in setting up an inspection. If the city had a Certified Inspector the fire department would be able to refer the potentially dangerous situations to the inspector for evaluation as we refer building issues to the building inspector. A City Electrical Inspector should make it much easier for the victims of fires, business owners, citizens and the Kalispell Fire Department to safely maintain, expand and improve property located in the City. � CL . �� Ted A. Waggener Fire Chief 11 11(. I z05 = _Electrical Permitting Revenue Based on building permits issued in 1�3 lggq and the fee schedule used by the State of Montana Type of Bldg No. of No. of Permitfee Permit feet Total Fee Bldgs Units tbldg unit , SFR-Incl townhouse �5314r $130 3b 1 `10 °4 8-,4W Residential Acc 73 > 40 2R Z0 -3;S(M- Residential Remodel 40 MULTI FAMILY Duplex 19 p0 ..$2W qQO $40 O Triplex 1 3 100 40 220 Fourplex 2 8 200 40 520 Fiveplex �5 It -29' -4e0" .40 900 -4,200 Eightplex ,� �B no 40 i4� -,M I'f p e x -2 -plex- t -1— t Q -24 too y© Soo -3,4§5- $��lz.� 1 31O (` IZt vKt}' T^C. triwterCtelt 88 COMMERCIAL * 1375 New R!'1' ead 1 sZ TOTAL REVENUE $j3ft FROM FEES $`$,1fir COMMENTS: Each new single family, multifamily or commercial project must have electricity. The permit fees for the new work should be "guaranteed revenue", and would total $42;-23 . (Note starred categories). 4o , R3l Accessory structures such as garages and storage buildings and remodels for residential and commercial may have limited or no electrical work. Therefore, the fee revenue may be reduced from the estimated .�gY,Yyi Page 5 vI`y ui rxca Iizo Incorporated 1892 Telephone (406)752-6600 Building Department Fax: (406)755-8017 Craig A. Kerzman 248 3rd Ave E, PO Box 1997 Buildina Official Zip 59901 Brian J. Wood Zoning Administrator Dwain Elkins MEMORANDUM Richa d ! D ck` FFura Buildina Inspector TO: Larry Gallagher, Director FROM: Craig A. Kerzman, Building Official RE: Electrical Inspections, Memo of January 31, 1994 DATE: February 14, 1994 In my January 31, 1994 memo, I recommended that the city gets certified by the State of Montana, hires an electrical inspector and begins regulating electrical work on July 1, 1994. 1 believe the program will pay for itself; that electrical inspection is an essential function and that it should be an integral part of a city's building regulation program. If council decides to assume responsibility for the program from the state, then the city must first get certified by the state. The city would submit it's program, including the electrical inspectors duties and qualifications, to the state for review. The city would then advertise for and hire a qualified electrical inspector and begin permitting and inspecting electrical work. I recommend the minimum requirements of the position to be a licensed journeyman electrician with experience in the trade in both residential and commercial wiring. Beyond that, the duties of the position would be similar to what the building inspectors do now; that is, issue permits, answer questions, review plans, perform inspections and coordinate with the utilities and with the public. The position would likely be a union position as are the two building inspector positions. Besides the administrative work of getting certified and hiring an inspector, there are specific items to address after the city has the responsibility to regulate the work. Since no accurate information is available from the state, it is unknown how many electrical permits would be issued. At current construction rates, it is anticipated that 300-400 electrical permits would be issued per year. The state would maintain jurisdiction over all permits it issued. Electrical Permitting Page 2 Funding for the program will come from permit fees. Based on 1993 construction activity one can approximate anticipated revenue generated by the program (see Attachment 1), and offset that against the anticipated cost of running the program (see Attachment 2). Start-up costs will run $10,000 to $15,000 for vehicle, office furniture, inspection equipment, etc. Besides the most obvious costs associated with running the program, there are other less obvious but essential functions that must be performed to support the program. The secretary's workload will increase as she answers more calls, helps applicants, issues permits, schedules inspections, etc. Additional help may be neded. Payroll, insurance, and other administrative support effort will increase incrementally. The city shop will have another vehicle to maintain. The city's administrative and maintenance functions may be able to absorb the burden of the additional employee and vehicle. There is currently enough space within the building to house another inspector. Space already exists for an additional desk. Filing cabinets, photocopy, reference material and items/support of that nature already exist and would be available for the new inspector. With Council's approval, I will proceed. Sincerely, Craig A. Kerzman Building Official CAK/ak Attachments: 2 0 Electrical Permitting Revenue Based on building permits issued in 1993 and the fee schedule used by the State of Montana Type of Bldg No. of Bldgs No. of Units Permitfee /bldg Permit fee/ unit Total Fee SFR-Inca townhouse 142 $130 °$18,460 Residential Acc 84 40 3,360 Residential Remodel 145 40 5.800 $27,620 MULTI FAMILY Duplex 2 4 $200 $40 $360 Triplex 1 3 100 40 220 Fourplex 2 8 200 40 520 Fiveplex 4 20 400 40 1,200 Eightplex 3 24 300 40 1,260 24-plex 1 24 12+ units fee commercial 3,155 *$6,715 COMMERCIAL New '$17,055 New 6 767 Remodel $43,822 TOTAL REVENUE FROM FEES $78,167 COMMENTS: Each new single family, multifamily or commercial project must have electricity. The permit fees for the new work should be "guaranteed revenue", and would total $42,230. (Note starred categories). Accessory structures such as garages and storage buildings and remodels for residential and commercial may have limited or no electrical work. Therefore, the fee revenue may be reduced from the estimated $35,927. Anticipated Costs - Electrical Permitting and Inspections Electrical Inspector Position Amount per year Wages $25,000 Benefits 12,000 Vehicle (over 10 yr period) 1,000 Training & books 500 Office supplies, tools, equip, gas, oil, vehicle maint., misc. 1,500 ESTIMATED COSTS $40,000 COMMENTS: Pay for licensed electrician/electrical inspectors are $22,000/yr (Bozeman), $27,000/yr (Missoula), $27,000/yr (Billings) and $32,000/yr (Great Falls). There would be additional administrative functions such as payroll, insurance, telephone answering, issuing of permits, monthly tracking, etc. There is adequate space in our building to house another inspector. MEMORANDUM TO: Larry Gallagher, Director FROM: Craig A. Kerzman, Building Official RE: Electrical Inspections DATE: January 31, 1994 As you are aware, based on the meeting -we attended on January 20th, 1994, the State of Montana would like to transfer responsibility for electrical permitting and inspections to local government. I believe there are several options and I will discuss each of them. The first option is to do nothing. The advantages to this option are that the city does nothing. There are no expenditures of time, human or financial resources. The city continues to administer the building inspections program while the state continues to regulate electrical work. The city's liability exposure does not increase. City government does not grow. Since the state cannot transfer their responsibility to anyone other than the city, the status quo is maintained. There are disadvantages to the 'do nothing' option. With the current situation where the state is responsible for electrical work within the city's jurisdiction, there is little coordination between the state and the Kalispell Building Department. Limited communication allows a gap in total building code enforcement. The state issues permits, performs inspections and allows "hook-ups" to the electrical utility without any review or approval by the city. Missed building permits and premature occupancy of structures are both by-products of the current system. Not only does local government not control an important aspect of building regulation but all fee revenue goes to the state. Since the Kalispell Building Department does not delay construction until a state inspector can check in -place electrical work before it's covered (for instance, we do not prevent sheetrocking of walls until the wiring is checked and approved by the state), we do not receive complaints that would normally arise when inspections aren't made in a timely manner and work is delayed. Page 2 Memorandum Electrical Inspections The second option is to take responsibility for the program from the state and contract it out through an interlocal agreement. Since the county is seeking certification the county may be willing to contract with the city. The advantages of this option are that the city could contract with the county and would be in a better position to coordinate and communicate with the county than with the state. The city's liability exposure may not grow. The city attorney would have to advise on the liability issue. The city's burden to administer the electrical program would not be huge. There would be no new personnel hired, no space or vehicle requirement. The city would not bear start up costs. The city would gain more control over electrical work through contractural arrangements with the county. The disadvantages of having the county do electrical inspections in the city's jurisdiction are similar to the disadvantages of having the state regulate electrical work in the city's jurisdiction. Namely, the city would not have full control over all facets of building construction in it's jurisdictional area and fee revenue would go to the county. The city would still have to adopt appropriate codes and keep track of administrative housekeeping details. Unless the county dedicated a full-time inspector to the city, plan checking, coordination of building and electrical work, scheduling of inspections and occupancy of structures would still be out of direct city control and would require full-time coordination. The third option is to accept responsibility for regulation of electrical work from the state and administer the program, in house. The primary advantages of option three are better coordination of electrical work with work of the other trades and control of a significant aspect of construction. Because the city would regulate both building and electrical permits. some of the work that now falls through the cracks, (i.e., people obtain an electrical permit but not a building permit), may be caught. Page 3 Memorandum Electrical Inspections Being able to influence the electrical utility along with controlling the water utility could foster completion of building and zoning requirements before the building connects to the electrical utility and is occupied. Better regulation of the sign ordinance could be achieved since many signs require electrical permits. The city would keep the revenue generated by fees from the program. With the current level of building activity the revenue would more than cover the annual cost to provide the service. The disadvantages of having the city fully responsible for electrical inspections are more closely described as the costs of providing a service rather than disadvantages. The costs of adding electrical regulation to the other building codes already administered by the building department are as follows. The electrical inspector would be added to city staff. The new inspector would require space, a vehicle, equipment, books, training and administrative support for pay, insurance, etc. Additional time would be required to check plans, issue permits, schedule inspections, answer questions, prepare reports, etc. There would be an impact on the secretary and others. With one specialized inspector, the program is more vulnerable to the boom and bust cycle that is characteristic of the construction industry. Inspector cross training could reduce the vulnerability. Another option would be a combination of two options. To begin with, the city could get certified and contract with the county. This would bring regulation closer to home, allow better coordination and improved control. It would allow a period of time for the city to evaluate whether or not it wants to assume full administration of the program and not contract out any portion of it. The advantage is it allows a period of time to preview the system and weigh the costs versus benefits of sole responsibility of providing the service. Page 4 Memorandum Electrical Inspections The disadvantage remains the same as it is now. The city does not have direct control over a major facet of building regulation. Once the county starts the program it may be difficult for the city to change the interlocal agreement and assume full responsibility for all aspects of the program. Recommendation: I recommend the City of Kalispell gets certified by the State of Montana, hires an electrical inspector and assumes control of electrical permitting and inspections effective July 1, 1994 The costs associated with providing this service along with the anticipated revenue are attached. CAK/ak Electrical Permitting Revenue Based on building permits issued in 1993 and the fee schedule used by the State of Montana Type of Bldg No. of Bldgs No. of Units Permitfee /bldg Permit fee/ unit Total Fee SFR-Incl townhouse 142 $130 *$18,460 Residential Acc 84 40 3,360 Residential Remodel 145 40 5.800 $27,620 MULTI FAMILY Duplex 2 4 $200 $40 $360 Triplex 1 3 100 40 220 Fourplex 2 8 200 40 520 Fiveplex 4 20 400 40 1,200 Eightplex 3 24 300 40 1,260 24-plex 1 24 12+ units fee commercial 3.155 *$6,715 COMMERCIAL New *$17,055 New 26.767 Remodel $43,822 TOTAL REVENUE FROM FEES $78,167 COMMENTS: Each new single family, multifamily or commercial project must have electricity. The permit fees for the new work should be "guaranteed revenue", and would total $42,230. (Note starred categories). Accessory structures such as garages and storage buildings and remodels for residential and commercial may have limited or no electrical work. Therefore, the fee revenue may be reduced from the estimated $35,927. Page 5 Anticipated Costs - Electrical Permitting and Inspections Electrical Inspector Position Amount per year Wages $25,000 Benefits 12,000 Vehicle (over 10 yr period) 1,000 Training & books 500 Office supplies, tools, equip, gas, oil, vehicle maint., mist. 1,500 ESTIMATED COSTS $40,000 COMMENTS: Pay for licensed electrician/electrical inspectors are $22,000/yr (Bozeman), $27,000/yr (Missoula), $27,000/yr (Billings) and $32,000/yr (Great Falls). There would be additional administrative functions such as payroll, insurance, telephone answering, issuing of permits, monthly tracking, etc. There is adequate space in our building to house another inspector. r Page 6 MEMORANDUM TO: Amy Robertson FROM: Craig A. Kerzman, Building Official RE: ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR PAY RANGE DATE: March 2, 1994 The electrical inspector position will be a union position. Please point factor this position based on the attached position description and furnish me with a wage that we may use for the job announcement. POSITION DESCRIPTION Class Title: Electrical Inspector Job Code Number: Department: Grade Number: Division: Union: Date: Location: GENERAL PURPOSE Performs a variety of routine and complex technical work in building inspection work to insure that the National Electrical Code and other related codes and standards are met. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the Building Official. SUPERVISION EXERCISED None generally. May exercise supervision over part-time, temporary or other staff as assigned. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Enforces Electrical related codes, including the National Electrical Code and any other codes adopted by the local jurisdiction. Issues stop work orders, correction notices and prepares requests for citations. Performs electrical inspections examining for correctly sized panels, correct uses and sizes of wire, correct number of circuits, correct numbers and location of switches, etc. to insure that construction complies with adopted codes. Maintains records of electrical inspection activity, and completes related reports. Issues certificates and permits as appropriate. Assists in researching problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings, building construction and electrical code compliance. Responds to complex and sensitive building issues. Assists in resolving complex and sensitive customer service issues, either personally, by telephone or in writing. Maintains records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions. Examines plans to insure proposed construction complies with applicable codes. Interprets codes in the field. Authorizes acceptable alternative methods of code compliance within limits of authority. Investigates code compliance complaints; resolves or refers complaints to appropriate staff. Recommends the initiation of abatement proceedings when appropriate. Attends preconstruction meetings in order to explain inspection standards and procedures to architects, engineers, owners, contractors and developers. Attends Site Review, City Council or other meetings as directed. Travels to other places to attend training. PERIPHERAL DUTIES Assists in administering the permitting function, including application processing, fee assessment and collection, and permit issuance. Explains, interprets, and provides guidance regarding applicable codes to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, owners and other interested parties. Assists the Board of Appeals as needed, and provides required information. Performs the duties of a plans examiner or building, mechanical, or plumbing inspector as needed and qualified. DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience: (A) Graduation from a standard senior high school or GED equivalent, and (B) Four (4) years of experience in general construction of electrical systems, or (C) Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (A) Thorough knowledge of National Electrical Codes and related general construction codes, and a thorough knowledge of commercial and residential electrical systems; some knowledge of plumbing, carpentry work, concrete work, and mechanical systems. (B) Skill in the operation of the listed equipment. (C) Ability to effectively inspect electrical systems; ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, contractors, architects, engineers, owners and the general public; ability to read and understand complicated electrical plans and blueprints; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. SPECIAL, REQUIREMENTS A valid state driver's license, or ability to obtain one by start of employment. Minimum journeyman electrician (master preferred) licensed by the State of Montana. I.C.B.O. certification or I.A.E.I. certification as an electrical inspector or ability to obtain certification. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED Personal computer, including word processing and permitting software; ;motor vehicle; 10-key calculator; phone; portable radio; copy machine, FAX machine, ladder and scaffolding, tape measure, level, drafting equipment, camera, various hand tools and electrical testing equipment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work if performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, constructions sites. Hand -eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk, hear and see. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus: WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee works both inside and outside and occasionally works near moving or mechanical parts, and is frequently exposed to risk of electrical shock. The employee works in cramped spaces, high precarious places and is exposed to wet and humid conditions, airborne particles and temperature extremes. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, moderate to loud in the field. SELECTION GUIDE LINES Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if -the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Approval: Supervisor Approval: Appointing Authority Effective Date: Revision History: lJKJl MONTA►t"+ A DEPARTMENT OF C:OMME CE Director's Office 1424 90& Avenua PO Box 200501 IM01 , HT 59620-0501 I May 8, 1995 Lawrence Gallagher, Director Planning Economic & Community Development Department P.Q. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59943-1997 Dear Mr. Gallagher: I am in receipt of a facsimile of your letter of May 4, 1995, and iespond have checked with Jim Brown of the Building Codes Bureau and he as: any "quoting" of he or Mr. Jellison as being advocates of the pokition cif several area electricians as being in support of their position i& knot ron i Although the building boom continue, our electrical inspector Manpbw statewide was eased somewhat in mid- to late-1994 with the hiring on basis of three additional electrical inspectiors. Those inspector position subsequently been approved by the 1995 Legislature. j Korn. 1.11l6) 444-144d rnX: 1.106) 414 411 t 7'DD: 14bb) 444 297A rein.) First, res rrje that iatedl by problem i eme�gency have The Department still encourages and supports local governmegt code a1993 force when feasible and where those local governments adopt props coders ( 1 Electrical Code) and hire appropriate staff. In cases where local governr ient F cover extended Jurisdictional areas, such as in Kalispell's caso' the Depi irtme have to hold a public hearing in the area on the City's request. 7Dbviousl f, we consider the testimony of all proponents and opponents prior tc making deci certification. I I I hope this response is of some help to you. Please contact mp or the Bbildinc Bureau if you have further questions_ C Sincere) .r~ I i Jon Noel j Director cc: James F. Brown, F.E., Building Codes Bureau will on Codes Electrical Permitting Revenue Based on building permits issued in 1994 and the fee schedule used by the State of Montana Type of Bldg No. of Bldgs No. of Units Permitfee /bidg Permit fee/ unit Total Fee SFR-Incl townhouse 283 $130 *$36,790 Residential Acc 73 1 40 2,920 Residential Remodel 125 40 5.000 Subtotal $44,710 MULTI FAMILY Duplex 5 10 $500 $40 $900 Triplex 1 3 100 40 220 Fourplex 2 8 200 40 520 Fiveplex 3 15 300 40 900 Eightplex 6 48 600 40 2,520 24-plex 1 10 100 40 500 36 plex 1 36 12 + unit fee commercial 3,818 Subtotal g 378 COMMERCIAL New 40 *$14,771 Remodel 86 16,521 Subtotal 126 31 292 TOTAL REVENUE FROM FEES $85380 COMMENTS: Each new single family, multifamily or commercial project must have electricity. The permit fees for the new work should be "guaranteed revenue", and would total $60,939. (Note starred categories). Accessory structures such as garages and storage buildings and remodels for residential and commercial may have limited or no electrical work. Therefore, the fee revenue may be reduced from the estimated $24,441. Anticipated Costs - Electrical Permitting and Inspections Electrical Inspector Position Amount per year Wages $26,500 Benefits 12,000 Vehicle (over 10 yr period) 1,000 Training & books 500 Office supplies, tools, equip, gas, oil, vehicle maint., misc. 1$00 ESTIMATED COSTS $41,500 COMMENTS: Pay for licensed electrician/electrical inspectors are $22,000/yr (Bozeman), $27,000/yr (Missoula), $27,000/yr (Billings) and $32,000/yr (Great Falls). There would be additional administrative functions such as payroll, insurance, telephone answering, issuing of permits, monthly tracking, etc. There is adequate space in our building to house another inspector. KALISPELL FIRE DEPARTMENT 336 1 st Avenue East P. O. Sox 1997 KALISPELL, MONTANA 59903-1997 TED MAIN TED WAGGENER ASST. CHIEF FIRE CHIEF April 25, 1995 Larry Gallagher Community Development 248 Third Street East Kalispell,Mt 59901 Dear Larry: DAVE MAYHEW FIRE MARSHAL Re: Electrical Inspector The Fire Department inspects every business in the City of Kalispell annually. During these inspections many doubtful conditions are found. We also have to test and evaluate electrical systems after fires and during fire investigations. Occasionally we are called to rental property by a renter who has a electrical safety problem. Now, we ask the landlord, to fix the problem and if he doesn't we advice the renter to move and we still have the safety problem. These conditions need to be assessed by someone who is knowledgeable in the electrical field. We can then make suggestions and decisions to help the property owners maintain safe premises. The State Electrical Inspector is available to the fire department. However, we have to call the Department of Commerce and request an inspection without a fee. We then have to forward a letter of request to Helena. When the inspector gets the request, she sets a date to do the inspection without a fee. The other way we can get her help is to request her directly. We then have to pay the state an inspection fee for her services. The current inspector is very helpful but time is wasted, due to her work load and the process involved in setting up an inspection. If the city had a Certified Inspector the fire department would be able to refer the potentially dangerous situations to the inspector for evaluation as we refer building issues to the building inspector. A City Electrical Inspector should make it much easier for the victims of fires, business owners, citizens and the Kalispell Fire Department to safely maintain, expand and improve property located in the City. Ted A. Waggener Fire Chief I, THE UNDERSIGNED, AM A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN IN THE STATE OF MONTANA AND DO ELECTRICAL WORK WITHIN KALISPELL CITY LIMITS. I PREFER THE STATE OF MONTANA CONTINUE ITSt ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS IN THIS AREA - RATHER THAN HAVE THE CITY OF KALISPELL HIRE ITS' OWN INSPECTOR. NAME- COMPANY NAME ADDRESS PHONE pt I, THE UNDERSIGNED, AM A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN IN THE STATE OF MONTANA AND DO ELECTRICAL WORK WITHIN KALISPELL CITY LIMITS. I PREFER THE STATE OF MONTANA CONTINUE ITS' ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS IN THIS AREA - RATHER THAN HAVE THE CITY OF KALISPELL HIRE ITS' OWN INSPECTOR. I. THE UNDERSIGNED, AM A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN IN THE STATE OF MONTANA AND DO ELECTRICAL WORK WITHIN KALISPELL CITY LIMITS. I PREFER THE STATE OF MONTANA CONTINUE ITSx ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS IN THIS AREA - RATHER THAN HAVE THE CITY OF KALISPELL HIRE ITS' OWN INSPECTOR. NAME COMPANY NAME ADDRESS PHONE 74 .lam ` 1, = v 9 71 I, THE UNDERSIGNED, AM A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN IN THE STATE OF MONTANA AND DO ELECTRICAL WORK WITHIN KALISPELL CITY LIMITS. I PREFER THE STATE OF MONTANA CONTINUE ITSt ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS IN THIS AREA - RATHER THAN HAVE THE CITY OF KALISPELL r HIRE ITS' OWN INSPECTOR.