Chapter 1 — COUNTY ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL

Every three years the State of California adopts a new California Electrical Code, as part of the California Building Standards Code (CBSC). Under Health and Safety Code section 17958, the CBSC becomes effective as to the County of San Diego 180 days after publication by the California Building Standards Commission. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code sections 17958.5 and 17958.7, a county may adopt modifications or changes to the CBSC that are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological and topographical conditions.

This chapter adopts as the County Electrical Code, for the unincorporated area of the County, the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2025 California Electrical Code portion of CBSC and the County of San Diego's modifications, additions and deletions contained in this chapter that are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. To determine which of these codes governs in any particular case, code amendments adopted by the State of California shall take precedence over the 2023 NEC and the 2023 NEC shall be used for those code sections not adopted by the State. Amendments the County adopts shall take precedence over both the 2023 NEC and 2025 CBSC provisions. Title 9, Division 1, Chapter 1 of the County of San Diego Code of Regulatory Ordinances, which contains provisions for administration and enforcement of this chapter and other construction codes, shall also be considered a part of the County Electrical Code.

This chapter is adopted for the protection of the public health and safety. It includes definitions, requirements for permits and inspection for installing or altering systems, regulations for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, equipment use and maintenance of buildings and structures, including their inspection and provides penalties for violation of this chapter. This chapter shall apply to all new construction and to any alterations, repairs, or reconstruction, except as provided for otherwise in this chapter.

(Added by Ord. No. 10146 (N.S.), effective 5-13-11; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10464 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and adopted by Ord. No. 10651 (N.S.), effective 2-28-20; repealed and adopted by Ord. No. 10829 (N.S.), effective 3-10-23; repealed and adopted by Ord. No. 10982 (N.S.), effective 4-3-26)

As used in this chapter the "California Electrical Code" means Title 24, Part 3 of the California Code of Regulations which incorporates, by adoption, the 2023 edition of the NEC with California Amendments.

(Added by Ord. No. 10146 (N.S.), effective 5-13-11; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10464 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and adopted by Ord. No. 10651 (N.S.), effective 2-28-20; repealed and adopted by Ord. No. 10829 (N.S.), effective 3-10-23; repealed and adopted by Ord. No. 10982 (N.S.), effective 4-3-26)

When deletions, revisions and additions are made in this chapter to the California Electrical Code, the digits following the first three digits of the section numbers in this chapter refer to the numbering system of the California Electrical Code: e.g., SEC. 93.1.103.1.4 refers to section 103.1.4 of the California Electrical Code.

(Added by Ord. No. 10146 (N.S.), effective 5-13-11; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10464 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and adopted by Ord. No. 10651 (N.S.), effective 2-28-20; repealed and adopted by Ord. No. 10829 (N.S.), effective 3-10-23; repealed and adopted by Ord. No. 10982 (N.S.), effective 4-3-26)