Senator Oppeheimer's Legislation Providing for Lisensure of Electrical Inspectors in Westchester County is Signed into Law

Senator Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) is pleased to announce that her bill, S. 5713, which provides for the licensing of electrical inspectors by the county of Westchester, was recently signed into law by Governor Paterson.

Under previous law, many localities within Westchester County could approve and designate electrical inspectors to conduct inspections under the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code Act.  As a result of such local regulation, Westchester County lacked uniform county-wide licensing, qualification and performance standards for electrical inspectors.

“The licensing of electrical inspectors at the county level will provide much needed uniformity that will better protect the public health, safety and welfare of Westchester residents,” said Senator Oppenheimer.  “Centralized oversight by the County will also eliminate the burden on municipalities of monitoring the industry to ensure that only qualified individuals perform electrical inspections.”

The legislation requires that an individual seeking a county license have received training in the inspection of electrical components, equipment and systems used in buildings and structures that is at least equivalent to the training required of code enforcement personnel under state law.  

“This legislation was supported by the Westchester Municipal Officials Association,” noted Senator Oppenheimer. “It will provide a consistent standard of qualifications for electrical inspectors who do work in our communities."