Electrical Permits

When is an Electrical Permit Required?

An Electrical Permit is required for work that involves installing, relocating, repairing, or maintaining any electrical wiring or device designed for conducting, consuming or converting electrical current.

How is an Electrical Permit Obtained and Who may Apply for these Permits?

Anyone may apply for an electrical permit. However, the application must be signed by a master electrician who is licensed in Montgomery County. Homeowners who intend to do their own electrical work, and meet the criteria for doing so, may take a test to obtain a permit (see: Homeowners Electrical Exam.)

What is the Cost?

The fee for residential installations is $99.00 which includes a processing fee of $90.00 and a 10% automation fee of $9.00. The fee for commercial installations is $165.00 which includes a processing fee of $150.00 and a 10% automation fee of $15.00. The total fee will be the sum of the processing fee plus the price of the items/work listed on the application. See the fee schedule which is printed on the back of the permit application.

What is the Application Process?

Electricians or their authorized representatives may apply in person or by mail. We must have on file the signatures of all Electricians and Authorized Agents.

The application will be checked for the following:

• Completeness
• Valid and current business and master’s license numbers
• Up-to-date insurance certificate
• Outstanding Notices of Violation for the premise (outstanding fines will collected with the permit fee)
• Building permit (if required for the work being done), has been issued prior to the electrical permit application
• Site plans, as appropriate, showing approval for zoning setbacks

If all conditions are met:

• Fees are calculated and collected
• A receipt is issued
• A permit number is assigned
• The permit is issued while the customer waits

How Long will the Process Take?

Walk-in transactions usually take no more than ten minutes per applicant. Mail-in applications are usually processed within two work days.