For the purposes of this Division, the following words, terms, and phrases shall have the meanings given herein: Associate Master Limited means a person licensed under this Division as a Limited Master and who acts as an additional Master Limited to a licensed Limited Contractor and who holds the same type of limited license as the contractor and who personally supervises, directs, and assures work of a limited type (such as, but not limited to, burglar holdup alarms, communications, elevators, gas pumps, heating and air conditioning, remote control signaling, signs, or x-rays) meets the minimum code requirements. Board means the Board of Registration for Master Electricians, Limited, and Electrical Contractors, Limited. Department means the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement. Director means the Director of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement or the Director's designee. Electrical Contractor, Limited means a person licensed under this Division to engage in the business of contracting to perform electrical work of a limited type (such as, but not limited to, burglar and holdup alarms, communications, elevators, gas pumps, heating and air conditioning, remote control, signaling, signs, or x-rays), which may be a part of an occupation or business licensed or regulated by the County Code or State law, or as an incidental part of a business or occupation for which the Board has determined the licensee's knowledge. Electrical Subcontractor, Limited means an Electrical Contractor licensed under this Division that engages in the business of subcontracting to perform electrical work of a limited type, such as, but not limited to, burglar and holdup alarms, communications, elevators, gas pumps, heating and air conditioning, remote control, signaling, signs or x-rays, which may be a part of an occupation or business licensed or regulated by the County Code or State law, or as an incidental part of a business or occupation for which the Board has determined the licensee's knowledge. Electrical work means the installation, erection, or repair of: Electrical wires or conductors to be used for the transmission of electric power for communications, electric light, heat, or other power-consuming purposes; Moldings, ducts, raceways, or other conduits for the reception or protection of such wires or conductors; or Any electrical machinery, fixed appliance, or other device, fixture, or associated hardware to be used for communications, light, heat, or other power-consuming purposes if directly connected to the power supply by a permanent connection. Inactive License means a Master Limited Electrician's license when the licensee has ceased working the trade but desires to preserve the right to become active again without taking the examination by making application for such license and by paying the biennial renewal fees. Reactivation of license requires payment of normal licensee fee as prescribed in Section 2-253.55(c). Master Electrician, Limited means a person licensed under this Division who is principally employed by the Electrical Contractor Limited he represents and who personally supervises, directs, and assures the work of a limited type (such as, but not limited to, burglar and holdup alarms, communications, elevators, gas pumps, heating and air conditioning, remote control signaling, signs, or x-rays), which meets minimum Code requirements. Telegraph Company means any public service company which owns or leases telephone lines for the reception, transmission, or communication of messages by telegraph, or which lets, licenses, or sells telegraphic communications.

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business or act in the capacity of an Electrical Contractor, Limited, or Electrical Subcontractor, Limited, in Prince George's County without obtaining and maintaining a valid license issued under this Division, and employing a Master Electrician, Limited, as appropriate. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a Master Electrician, Limited, without obtaining and maintaining a valid license issued under this Division. It shall be unlawful for any person licensed under this Division as an Electrical Contractor, Limited, to contract to perform electrical work of any type not included in their license. It shall be unlawful for any person licensed as a Master Electrician, Limited, to engage in the business of supervising, directing, or performing electrical work of any type not authorized by their license. Any person who violates any provision of this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment of not more than six (6) months, or both.

A Board of Registration for Master Electricians, Journeyman Electricians, Apprentice Electricians, and Electrical Contractors is hereby created. The Board shall consist of five (5) members who shall be appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The Board shall include two (2) members who are Master Electricians, one (1) member who is an Electrical Contractor, and two (2) members of the public with no pecuniary interest in any business engaged in electrical work or related fields. Upon the expiration of the term of any member, the County Executive shall appoint or reappoint members, subject to confirmation by the Council, for terms of two (2) years. At the time of the appointment, the County Executive shall designate the Chairman of the Board, who shall be one of the public members. Each member shall hold office until the expiration of his term or until a successor shall have been duly appointed and shall have qualified. Each member of the Board shall be a resident of Prince George's County. The Director or the Director's designated agent shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Board. The Board shall elect from its members a Vice-Chairman and Secretary. The Board shall keep minutes of its proceedings and meetings. Not less than three (3) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. All decisions of the Board shall be in writing and shall include all findings made by the Board. For assistance in reaching decisions, the Board may request technical assistance, advice, data or factual evidence from the Department or other governmental agency. The Board shall submit to the County Executive an annual report of its proceedings. The Board shall hear and determine all appeals from decisions of the Chief Electrical Inspector. The Board may, in conformance with the law, reverse, affirm or modify, wholly or in part, any decision from which an appeal is taken. The Director shall make available to the Board such services and facilities as are necessary for the proper performance of its duties. The Office of Law shall provide legal counsel to the Board. The Board shall promulgate rules of procedure for the conduct of hearings. The rules of procedure shall be subject to the approval of the County Executive.

The Director shall maintain a register for the Board of all applicants for electrical licenses in such form as the Board shall require. Any person desiring to be licensed as an Electrical Contractor, Limited, or Electrical Subcontractor, Limited, shall make and file with the Director an electronic application approved by the Board, together with a nonrefundable application fee as prescribed in the Table of Fees in Subtitle 2, Division 14C, Section 2-253.63, and a copy of a current Maryland Construction Firm license where insurance of not less than Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) per occurrence, and required by State law. The applicant shall provide proof of ownership of bodily injury liability and property damage liability insurance of not less than Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) per occurrence, or equivalent self-insurance. The application shall include information as to the trade name and place of business of the person desiring to be licensed, and the name and license number of the Master Electrician, Limited, employed by the Electrical Contractor, Limited, or Electrical Subcontractor, Limited, or their firm to supervise and personally be responsible for electrical work performed under contract of the Electrical Contractor or Subcontractor. The firm shall notify the Board within five (5) working days of the name and license number of any person other than the persons named in the original license or renewal license application as the Master Electrician, Limited, employed by the firm. Any individual desiring to be licensed as a Master Electrician, Limited, shall make and file with the Director an electronic application approved by the Board, together with a nonrefundable fee as prescribed in the Table of Fees for each examination, including: Application. Every applicant shall include in the application one (1) passport sized color photo and information as to pertinent experience and education. An applicant shall have been regularly and principally employed or engaged in electrical work either by the government or under the direction and supervision of a Master Electrician, Limited; or in electrical work of the particular type applied for, under the direction and supervision of Master Electrician, Limited, or a combination thereof, for not less than four (4) years. An applicant employed by the government shall submit affidavits from qualified supervisory personnel certifying the applicant's four (4) years of experience in electrical work or electrical work of a limited type. The Board may accept an education equivalent for not more than two (2) years of employment experience required of any applicant. Examination. Every applicant shall take an examination prepared and administered by the Board to test the applicant's knowledge of electrical work of a particular type, and of the Electrical Code and its application to that particular type of electrical work. An applicant must complete the examination in a manner satisfactory to the Board in order to be licensed. License Fee. Prior to issuance of a first year license following passing of the qualifying examination, each applicant shall remit the fee prescribed in the Table of Fees to cover the cost of the first year license. Where the limited license is incidental to a business or occupation requiring testing or proof of competency as a condition of a license, the applicant shall supply proof of license in such business or occupation. Where such business or occupation is unlicensed, the applicant shall supply proof of education experience in such business or occupation. An applicant shall notify the Board of any proceeding pending or instituted against the applicant for a commission of any crime involving moral turpitude, or for a violation of the Electrical Code, or any law of the County or State of Maryland related to the performance of electrical work. Upon termination of such proceeding, the applicant shall notify the Board of the result of the proceeding.

The Board shall review all applications for issuance and renewal of licenses, including all pertinent information and recommendations from the Director and other sources related to the applications. The Board may deny an application for issuance or renewal of a license upon review of the applicant's record of compliance with the laws of the State of Maryland and Prince George's County. The Director shall obtain that record from official sources, and forward it to the Board. The Board shall, by examination, determine the knowledge of each applicant for license as Master Electrician, Limited, concerning electrical work and the Electrical Code and its application to the trade. The Board shall determine whether an applicant has successfully completed that examination, by application of criteria established by the Board. The Board may request further information from the Director or other sources, make independent investigations, or conduct further examinations of an applicant, at its discretion. The Board shall certify to the Director whether an applicant is qualified to be licensed within thirty (30) days after the next meeting of the Board following receipt of all information requested by the Board pertaining to an applicant, unless the time is extended for good cause. An applicant for license as an Electrical Contractor, Limited, shall satisfy the Board that the applicant will comply with the Electrical Code and the laws of the State of Maryland and Prince George's County, and will fully perform all electrical contracts. An applicant for license as a Master Electrician, Limited shall satisfy the Board that the applicant has acquired the technical competence and experience to comply with the Electrical Code. If the Board, upon review of all pertinent information, determines that an applicant is not qualified for issuance or renewal of a license, the Board shall deny the application in writing, stating the reason, and deliver that denial to the Director. The Director shall cause that denial to be personally served or mailed by certified mail to the address of the applicant supplied on their application. The Board shall, upon denial of an application, offer the applicant an opportunity for a public hearing at which he may show cause why the application should not be denied. An applicant, upon denial of the applicant's application, may appeal that denial to the Circuit Court by filing notice of appeal with the Clerk of the Circuit Court not later than thirty (30) days after notice of denial of their application is personally served or mailed. An applicant shall be given an opportunity to review all records of the Board pertinent to the applicant's appeal or request for public hearing in accordance with the procedures established by the Board. The Director shall issue a license or renewal of a license to an applicant who has been certified by the Board, and who has paid the required application fee. A licensee shall notify the Board of any civil or criminal proceeding instituted against them for commission of a crime involving moral turpitude, or for violation of the Electrical Code, or any law of the County or State of Maryland related to the performance of electrical work. Upon termination of such civil or criminal proceeding the licensee shall notify the Board of the result of the proceeding. Any person issued a Master Electrician, Limited, License will be issued an electronic downloadable license, which is to be carried by the licensee, and, upon request, the licensee shall provide the license including license number.

Licenses issued by the Director, upon certification by the Board, shall expire two (2) years from the last day of the month in which the license was issued, and shall be subject to biennial renewal by the licensee. A licensee may renew a license by making and filing with the Director an electronic application for renewal approved by the Board, together with a fee as prescribed in the Table of Fees for Master Electrician, Limited. The Director shall notify licensees by electronic mail or other means determined by the Director of the expiration date of their licenses sixty (60) days prior to the date of expiration. A licensee who fails to renew a license before the expiration date may renew the license within thirty (30) days after the expiration date upon filing a renewal application electronically including the appropriate renewal fee and paying the late fees prescribed in the Table of Fees in Subtitle 2, Division 14C, Section 2-253.63. Satisfactory completion of an examination shall be required by the Board except that the Board may waive the examination for good cause. Licenses expired for longer than two (2) years are not renewable. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Division, the Director may, in their discretion, establish a systematic method for administering the renewal of licenses under this Division, including, but not limited to, establishing staggered renewal dates for existing licensees and prorating license fees based on such renewal dates. Master Electricians, Limited, holding an active license issued in Prince George's County must obtain ten (10) hours of Continuing Education Units ("CEU") for every two-year license renewal cycle. Verification of CEU will be submitted to the License Office along with the renewal fee and application. No application will be accepted without CEU documentation. Only CEU obtained from a recognized college or trade school or State recognized training program will be accepted. Notification to the Board is required within three (3) days of a change of professional address.

Any person may file a complaint regarding defects in electrical work with the Board or Director. The Director shall investigate any complaint filed. If the Director finds the complaint to be justified, he shall report the complaint to the licensee, who is the subject of the complaint, and order the licensee to correct the defect within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed one (1) month. Conditions endangering life or property shall be corrected immediately. The Director shall determine defects or irregularities based upon the provisions of the Electrical Code. The Director shall report to the Board the failure of any licensee to correct defects as ordered by the Director.

The Board shall have the power to revoke, suspend, or refuse to issue or renew the license of any person who shall be found to have committed any one or more of the following: Fraud or deceit in obtaining or renewing a license; Failure to correct a major defect or irregularity, as ordered by the Director pursuant to Section 2-253.56; Conviction for any crime involving moral turpitude; Aiding, abetting or knowingly combining or conspiring with any person to evade the provisions of this Division; Willful and deliberate violation of the Electrical Code or laws of the County or State of Maryland regarding electricity; Abandonment or willful failure to perform, without justification, any project or contract for electrical work; Failure to comply with the provisions of this Division in any material respect, or to correct such failure promptly upon notice; Diversion of funds or property received for a specific purpose in any construction project or operation; Application or use for any other project or operation, obligation or purpose, funds or property received for a specific purpose in another construction project, with intent to defraud or deceive the parties to the contract or creditors; Permitting any person, firm or corporation not licensed by the Board to obtain a permit or perform electrical work under the authority of a licensee; Repeatedly performing or permitting the performance of defective or unsafe work; Failure of a licensed Electrical Contractor, Limited, or Electrical Subcontractor, Limited, to be financially responsible for the completion of contracted work; and Failure of a licensed Electrical Contractor, Limited, Electrical Subcontractor, Limited, or Master Electrician, Limited, to maintain a license incidental to the limited license, through nonrenewal or revocation or for a violation of the foregoing paragraphs 1 through 12 in the incidental business or profession. Before revocation, suspension, or denial of any license, the Board shall afford the licensee or applicant for license an opportunity for hearing to show cause why their license should not be revoked, suspended, or denied. The Board shall provide written notice to the licensee or applicant for license of the charges against them, not less than ten (10) days before the date of hearing, by personal service or certified mail to the last address on file with the Board. The Board shall notify any licensee or applicant for license of the revocation, suspension, or denial of their license by written notice delivered by personal service or certified mail to the last address on file with the Board. Any person aggrieved by an action of the Board may appeal to the Circuit Court not more than thirty (30) days after service of the notice by the Board.

Any person issued a Master Limited license by the Board will receive an electronic downloadable license which is to be carried by the licensee, and, upon demand, the licensee shall give the number of the license and/or the license to any authorized person. Any contractor issued an Electrical Contractor's Limited license by the Board will receive an electronic downloadable license which shall be displayed in a prominent place at the place of business and, upon demand, shall give the license number to any authorized person. A duplicate Master Electrician, Limited and/or Electrical Contractor, Limited license may be obtained upon application and payment of a fee as prescribed in the Table of Fees to replace one that has been lost, defaced, or destroyed. Any person using a vehicle exclusively in the performance of electrical work in the County shall have a sign on the vehicle displaying the name and license number of the Electrical Contractor, Limited, with letters and numerals not less than four (4) inches high and one-half (1/2) inch wide. Any person using a private vehicle in the performance of electrical work must display in the window of that vehicle a sign, not less than twelve (12) inches wide and sixteen (16) inches long, which contains the name and license number of the Electrical Contractor, Limited.

The requirements for a written examination under Section 2-253.53 for a Master Electrician, Limited may be waived by the Board when the applicant is licensed by any neighboring county of this State, and obtained such license after passing a written examination designed to determine the applicant's knowledge of electrical work and the science of electricity. The Board shall periodically review the requirements of neighboring jurisdictions to determine whether written examinations are designed to determine adequately the applicant's knowledge of electrical work and the science of electricity. The Board may refuse to waive written examination upon finding that a neighboring jurisdiction's written examination is not sufficient to meet County standards or upon finding that a neighboring jurisdiction does not grant reciprocity to Master Electricians, Limited licensed by the County.

Nothing in this Division shall be construed to exempt any electrical work in the County from compliance with the requirements of the National Electrical Code, except for work performed by public utility companies when such work is specifically exempt by provisions of Section 90-2 of the National Electrical Code.

Electrical permits shall only be issued to a duly licensed Master Electrician, Limited, to a duly licensed Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and/or Heating Contractor, or to homeowners as provided by Section 9-117 of this Code. The application shall be signed by the licensed Master Electrician, Limited, responsible for technical supervision of the work, and shall identify the licensed Electrical Contractor, Limited, where applicable. The application from duly licensed Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and/or Heating Contractors shall be signed by the Master Mechanic employed by the Contractor. Residential telephone wiring on existing residential structures by a telephone company or a telecommunications services company, as defined in Section 5A-150(a)(15) of this Code, shall be subject to blanket permitting requirements only, as approved by the Prince George's County Chief Electrical Inspector.

No person shall perform electrical work without a valid permit clearly posted on the job site or presented to the owner or occupant. Except as provided in Section 9-117 of the Prince George's County Code, all electrical work shall be performed under the supervision of a licensed Master Electrician, Limited. Any violation of this Division shall be a civil offense subject to a penalty not to exceed One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). The procedures of Subdivision 1, Division 3, Subtitle 28 of this Code shall apply.