F3. Electrical Permit Program MemoeAt
L A-L.I..S.. PE.L
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE MOIUANA L
REPORT TO: Doug Russell, City Manager
FROM: Jeff Clawson, Building official
Planning Department
2011" Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7940
Fax: (406) 758-7739
www.kalispelLcom/planning
SUBJECT: Electrical Permitting and Inspection Program — Hearing and Adoption
MEETING DATE: February 17, 2015
BACKGROUND: The Kalispell Building Department continues to move forward with an electrical
permitting and inspection program for the city. The Building Department staff presently has one
certified commercial electrical inspector and one certified residential electrical inspector (the Building
Official) on staff. Additional existing staff members will be trained and certified. Original program
startup costs are estimated at less than $500 for code books, testing equipment and printing. Annual
revenue to the city, based on the 2014 construction year would be about $20,000.00.
In order to implement an electrical inspection program, the city must adopt the 2014 National Electric
Code, as currently adopted by the State of Montana. In addition, the city must adopt a fee schedule.
The proposed fee schedule to be adopted is the same schedule used by the state and the cities of
Whitefish and Columbia Falls so the transition will be seamless and there will be no increase in permit
fees for electricians or homeowners of Kalispell.
Electricians will be able to apply for permits online, with the implementation of the new Cityworks
permitting program, by mail, fax or in person.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that city council receive public comment and adopt
the 2014 National Electric Code and associated fee schedule.
FISCAL EFFECTS: Adoption of the electrical code, and fee schedule, will have positive fiscal
impacts to the city.
ALTERNATIVES: Deny the request.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeff Clawson
Building official
ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A --- Proposed 2015 Electrical permits fee schedule