Building Code Update Minutes 2011 03-21-11 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
BUILDING CODE UPDATE COMMITTEE
Monday, March 21, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
City Council Conference Room
800 Game Farm Rd.
Yorkville, IL 60560
Committee Members in Attendance:
Alderman Rose Spears
Alderman Joe Plocher
Billy McCue
Fire Marshal Jeremy Canavan, Chairman
Mike Skinner
Don Duffy
Richard Scheffrahn
Adam Dontz
Cheryl Lee
City Officials in Attendance:
Krysti Barksdale-Noble, Community Development Director
Paul Zabel, Building Code Official
Guests in Attendance:
John Spurgeon
Mike Angelo
Richard Blondin
Meeting Called to Order
Meeting was called to order at 6:38 p.m.
Roll Call
Roll call was taken.
Previous Minutes:
February 9, 2011 minutes were approved as read. Motion made by Fire Marshal Canavan,
seconded by Mr. Skinner. Motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.
Citizen's Comments
Fire Marshal Canavan moved to table Citizen's Comments until guest speaker Mike Angelo
arrived. Motion seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote.
2008 National Electric Code
Mr. Zabel reminded the committee that there was one more code to adopt. Mr. Zabel proposed
adopting the 2008 National Electric Code. He pointed out that there were concerns about the
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National Electric Code at the previous Building Code Update meeting and introduced Mr. John
Spurgeon and Mr. Richard Blondin of B&F Technical Code Services, Inc.
Mr. Spurgeon discussed the differences in the 2008 National Electric Code primarily the
requirements of"arc fault" devices throughout the entire house, this caused the most concern
because "arc fault" devices are more costly. Mr. Spurgeon referred to "ground fault" stating that
they are more robust and reliable and considered a life saving device, rather than a property
protector.
Mr. Dontz asked what kind of safety issues have arisen. Particularly, have smoke detectors
failed because of arcing? Mr. Spurgeon answered in the negative. Mr. Duffy asked if the benefit
to equip a home with all "arc fault" devices out-weigh the added costs. Fire Marshal Canavan
stated that electrical fires happen all the time and arc fault interrupters would prevent these types
of occurrences. Mr. Angelo stated that the cost to equip a new house with arc fault interrupters
would cost around $1,000. He agreed that arc fault interrupters do prevent fires, but testing and
implementing the new code requirement is problematic. Mr. Scheffrahn asked if there is
anything in the code which calls for an upgrade of an existing system. Mr. Angelo answered that
only the 2011 National Electric Code will be retroactive.
Mr. Dontz asked to set aside the cost issue and to explore the problem of electrical fires. Fire
Marshal Canavan told the committee that there were 3 fires in the past 2 months that were
determined to be electrical, fortunately there were no lives lost and the fires were easily
extinguished. The committee discussed the surrounding municipalities and the codes they have
adopted. Mr. Angelo stated that the economic factor is the reason most municipalities have
adopted the 2005 NEC rather than the 2008 National Electric Code which requires arc fault
interrupters.
Mr. Scheffrahn asked how the 2008 National Electric Code would impact plan review and
electrical inspections of new residential or commercial projects. Mr. Zabel answered that the
only way to test the arc fault interrupter receptacles is to use the breaker for each and this would
not be time efficient. Mr. Zabel also voiced his concern that his tester will not work with all arc
fault devices. Testing equipment will have to be improved.
Mr. Skinner asked if the 2009 International Residential Code require arc faults and suggested
that until the system is proven fail-safe the City of Yorkville not adopt the 2008 National Electric
Code. Alderman Plocher asked if Mr. Angelo would recommend arc fault interrupters. Mr.
Angelo responded that arc fault interrupters are great; they are very safe and very expensive.
Alderman Spears asked Mr. Angelo if he were building a new home would he use arc fault
interrupters. Mr. Angelo stated that he would.
Mr. Scheffrahn moved to adopt the 2008 National Electric Code as presented, Alderman Spears
seconded. Roll call vote taken:
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Ayes:
Canavan, Scheffrahn, Plocher, Spears
Nays:
Skinner, Duffy, McCue, Lee, Dontz
The motion failed to carry. Mr. Dontz then moved to adopt the 2005 National Electric Code, Mr.
McCue seconded.
Discussion:
Mr. Spurgeon pointed out the significant differences. The 2005 National Electric Code requires
arc fault interrupters in bedrooms only. As stated earlier the 2008 National Electric Code
requires arc fault interrupters for the total structure. Fire Marshal Canavan noted that the City
currently is under the 2002 National Electric Code and asked if there are significant differences
between the 2002 National Electric Code and the 2005 National Electric Code; specifically if
conduit is required for fire alarm systems. Mr. Angelo answered that the 2005 National Electric
Code does not require conduit. Mr. Zabel asked if the 2009 International Codes would impact
the 2005 National Electric Code. Mr. Angelo answered in the negative. Where conflict exists
between codes, the most stringent would apply. Mr. Skinner asked if in the 2005 National
Electric Code ground fault interrupters are required for the entire kitchen. Mr. Spurgeon
answered that they are required only near water.
Roll call vote taken, motion carried.
Ayes:
Skinner, Plocher, Duffy, Lee, McCue, Dontz
Nays:
Canavan, Scheffrahn, Spears
Next Phase of the Building code Update Adoption Process
Ms. Noble explained the next procedures required to adopt the new codes. Staff will summarize
all amendments and send to the Building Update Committee, the draft of ordinances will then go
to the city attorney for review. Ms. Noble and Mr. Zabel will present a comprehensive
memorandum outlining the proposed codes and amendments to the Economic Development
Committee; the proposal then goes to City Council. Following City Council the proposal is
presented at a public hearing. Then upon approval the codes will be adopted.
Adjournment
Fire Marshal Canavan thanked the committee for their time and hard work; he made the motion
to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Schef rahn. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Meeting
adjourned at 7:44 pm.
Respectfully submitted by D Weinert
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