" Actually Keith, most states that adopt the NEC (National Electric Code) also allow for homeowner wiring of their primary residence. Of course, most states also have a state electrical commission, instead of allowing individual municipalities to create their own, separate codes.

And the inspector already perform the job of teaching, in a way. After an installation, the inspector comes out, and if he finds any violations, he makes a list of them, citing what code is violated. Even electrical contractors make errors that an inspector must point out. That is why they exist.

And a code violation will not get your house condemned. You will just be required to make any changes needed to bring it up to code. And it would be a rare home indeed, not to have some violation of the NEC.

As long as Sioux City adopts the code similar to most other states, there would be no increased safety hazard as a result. If anything there would be a decrease. Because right now I know there are people doing there own wiring, without it being inspected. That is the hazard. "

" I foresee the result of such a relaxing of code being that local building inspectors will be placed in the position of teaching plumbing and electrical trades to homeowners. They would also be placed in a position that could be confrontational with taxpayers and that is a bad situation for any public employee.

You do it yourselfers do realize that if your work causes your home to be in violation of building codes that the house will likely be condemned, right? You could be removed from your home to save a buck. Some states also require that a notice of deficiency must be copied to lenders and insurance providers if it doesn't pass inspection. That's a pretty high risk level. Stick to painting. Your family isn't endangered by a bad color choice. "

" I agree with FlimFlam. Let the homeowner do his own wiring in his primary residence, if desired. Many homeowners are just as capable as a licensed journetman. But get it inspected afterwards. It is a safety issue. Improper wiring can definitely lead to a serious fire hazard. "

" Yes. Owner residents of a home should be able to do their own work. But if the work does not conferm to code, then it must be brought up to code prior to selling by a licensed contractor. Safety effects not just the home owner but the neighborhood . "

" If this passes, they better scrap all codes, show me a homeowner who understands and knows 500 pages of code that was "written for a reason". Lets all write our own prescriptions too. I don't want my neighbor creating a natural gas bomb next door to me , nor do I want him back syphoning his sewage into my drinking water. Why don't they just get rid of Master licensing to increase competition if lower wages is what they want. I thought our city council was supposed to help raise our standard of living "