Modesto Municipal Code Art. 2 General Code Provisions

These regulations shall be known as the "Electrical Code of the City of Modesto," and may be cited and referred to herein as such or may be cited and referred to herein as the "Electrical Code," the "[2025] California Electrical Code," the "California Electrical Code," or "this Code."

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08; Ord. 3542-C.S., § 2, effective 1-13-11; Ord. 3593-C.S., § 2, effective 1-3-14)

(Ord. 3659-C.S., § 1, effective 1-6-17; Ord. No. 3708-C.S., § 1, effective 12-26-2019; Ord. No. 3755-C.S., § 1, effective 1-24-23; Ord. No. 3810-C.S., § 1, effective 6-11-26)

The purpose of this Code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access for persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

The provisions of this Code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the City of Modesto.

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

Provisions contained in the appendices of the California Electrical Code shall not apply unless specifically adopted by the State of California Building Standards Commission or the City of Modesto.

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08; Ord. 3542-C.S., § 2, effective 1-13-11; Ord. 3593-C.S., § 2, effective 1-3-14)

(Ord. 3659-C.S., § 1, effective 1-6-17; Ord. No. 3708-C.S., § 1, effective 12-26-2019; Ord. No. 3755-C.S., § 1, effective 1-24-23)

All electrical systems, materials, and appurtenances, both existing and new, and all parts thereof, shall be maintained in proper operating condition. All devices or safeguards required by this Code shall be maintained in conformance with the code edition under which installed.

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

Additions, alterations, or repairs may be made to any electrical system, or parts thereof, or equipment without requiring the existing to comply with all the requirements of this Code, provided the addition, alteration, or repair conforms to that required for new installation. Additions, alterations, or repairs shall not cause an existing system to become unsafe, unsanitary, or overloaded.

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

Electrical systems and all parts thereof, that are part of buildings or structures moved into the City of Modesto shall comply with the provisions of this Code for new installations.

Exception. All parts of the electrical system of any building, or parts thereof, that is moved from one (1) foundation to another, or from one (1) location to another, shall be completely tested as prescribed elsewhere in this Code for new work, except that walls or floors need not be removed during such test when other equivalent means of inspection acceptable to the Building Official are provided.

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

Where, in any specific case, different sections of this Code specify different materials, methods of construction, or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable.

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

The provisions of this Code shall not be deemed to nullify any provision(s) of local, state, or federal law.

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter, section or provision of this Code.

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

The codes and standards referenced in this Code shall be considered part of the requirements of this Code to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this Code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this Code shall apply, unless stated otherwise.

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

In the event that any part or provision of this Code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions of this Code.

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)

Electrical systems or equipment lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of this Code may have their use, maintenance, or repair continued if the use, maintenance, or repair is in accordance with the original design and location and no hazard to life, health, or property has been created by such system or equipment.

(Ord. 3463-C.S., § 1, effective 1-3-08)