See Appliance Installations.

For multiple appliance installations in a kitchen, see Kitchen & Bathroom Minor Remodels. 

See Electrical Service Panel Upgrades.

Electrical subpanel installations must comply with the California Electrical Code (CEC).

Key code requirements

1. Listed. The subpanel shall be listed and installed per the manufacturer installation instructions.
   
   
2. Suitable for location. Panels installed in damp or wet locations shall be labeled as suitable for the location.
   
   
3. Panels shall NOT be installed:
   • Where subject to physical damage
   • In the vicinity of easily ignitable materials
   • Over the steps of stairs
   • In clothes closets
   • In bathrooms
     
     
4. Height. The highest operating handle of any circuit breaker in the panel cannot be more than 6'-7" above the floor or finished grade. 
   
   
5. Access. Each occupant shall have ready access to all circuit breakers supplying that occupancy.
   
   
6. Clearance. Panels require a minimum working clearance of:
   • 30" wide
   • 36" deep space in front of the panel
   • Dedicated space above the panel equal to the width of the equipment extending 6' above the equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is less.
     
     
7. Grounding. The grounded conductor (neutral) shall not be connected to normally non-current carrying metal parts of panels or the equipment grounding conductor on the load side of the service disconnecting means.
   
   
8. Protect rated wall assemblies. Where rated wall assemblies occur (such as the separation wall between the dwelling and an attached garage), installed panels shall not compromise the integrity of the rated wall assembly. 

Light fixture installations must comply with the California Electrical Code (CEC).

Key code requirements

1. Listed. Light fixtures must be listed and installed per the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
   
   
2. Proper grounding. Light fixtures must be connected to an equipment grounding conductor.
   
   
3. Damp/wet locations. If installed within damp or wet locations, the light fixture must be marked as suitable for the location and be installed so that water cannot enter or accumulate within the fixture.
   
   
   
   • Light fixtures located within tub or shower enclosure spaces shall be marked as suitable for damp or wet locations. Light fixtures subject to shower spray shall be marked as suitable for wet locations.
     
     
4. Closets. If installed in a closet, the light fixture must meet the following clearances from storage spaces:
   • Open or partially enclosed incandescent and pendant fixtures are not allowed.
   • 12" for enclosed surface-mounted incandescent or LED fixtures.
   • 6" for surface mounted or recessed fluorescent fixtures.
   • 6" for recessed incandescent or LED fixtures with completely enclosed light source.
     
     
5. Recessed fixtures. Must be rated for insulation contact and be air-tight (ICAT). Recessed fixtures installed in rated ceilings (e.g., between attached garage and dwelling space above) must be listed for the application unless the rated assembly is maintained independently of the fixture.
   
   
6. Outlet boxes. Light fixtures shall be secured to listed outlet boxes suitable for the weight of the fixture.
   
   
   • Paddle fans - Outlet boxes for ceiling-suspended paddle fans shall be listed for the purpose or allow direct access for attachment to structural framing capable of supporting the paddle fan without removing the box.
   • Canopies and outlet boxes taken together shall provide sufficient space for supply wiring and connecting devices.

Be prepared to show the inspector:

• Manufacturer installations instructions.

Installations of receptacles and switches must comply with the California Electrical Code (CEC).

1. Listed. Receptacles and switches shall be listed and marked with manufacturer’s name or identification, voltage and amperage ratings.
   
   
2. Amperage and CO/ALR. Receptacles and switches rated 20 amps or less and designed for the direct connection of aluminum conductors shall be marked CO/ALR.
   
   
3. Push-in type. Receptacles and switches using push-in-type conductor terminations shall be installed on branch circuits not greater than 15 amps and shall be connected with 14 AWG solid copper wire only.
   
   
4. Grounding. Where an equipment grounding means exists in the switch or receptacle enclosure, switches and receptacles shall be connected to the equipment grounding conductor.
   
   
5. GFCI. Where connection to an equipment grounding means does not exist, switches and receptacles are permitted to be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter. Receptacles must be marked “GFCI Protected” and “No Equipment Ground."
   
   
6. Replacement receptacles with GFCI. If installed at locations where receptacle outlet GFCI protection is required, the replacement receptacle shall be provided with ground-fault circuit interrupter protection.
   
   
7. Replacement receptacles with AFCI. If installed at locations where receptacle outlet AFCI protection is required, the replacement receptacle shall be provided with arc-fault circuit interrupter protection.
   
   
8. Tamper-resistant. You must use listed tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles at locations where tamper-resistant receptacles are required.
   
   
9. Weather-resistant. Where weather-resistant receptacles are required, use listed weather-resistant (WR) receptacles.
   
   
10. Countertops. Receptacle assemblies installed in countertops shall be listed for countertop applications.
    
    
11. Outlet box hood in wet locations. Receptacles of 15 and 20 amps, 125 and 250 volts, installed in wet locations shall have a cover that is weatherproof with or without the plug cap inserted. An outlet box hood installed for this purpose shall be listed and identified as extra-duty.
    
    
12. Bathroom locations. Receptacles shall not be installed within the tub or shower zone, 3' horizontally from the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall and 8' vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold.

• Manufacturer listings and installation instructions.

Rewiring a project requires strict adherence to the California Electrical Code (CEC). All work must be done by a licensed electrician. 

Key code requirements:

1. Sizing. Main service panels, service conductors, subpanels, associated feeders and overcurrent devices shall be sized per calculated load. Minimum 100 amps.
   
   
2. Minimum working clearance: 30” wide, 36” deep required at main electrical service and subpanels.
   
   
3. Dedicated circuits shall be provided as follows:
   
   • Sufficient general lighting and receptacle circuits to accommodate a calculated load of 3 watts per sq. ft. AFCI protection is required. 
     
     
   • Two or more 20-amp small appliance branch circuits supplying only the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar areas. AFCI protection is required. GFCI protection is required at kitchen receptacles. 
     
     These receptacles must also have dedicated circuits and GFCI protection: 
   • One 20-amp laundry circuit, AFCI-protected, supplying the laundry receptacle outlet.
   • One 20-amp branch circuit supplying bathroom receptacle outlets.
   • One 20-amp branch circuit supplying only garage receptacle outlets in attached and detached garages with electric power.
     
     
   • Dedicated circuits are required to supply specific electrical appliances or equipment such as dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, ranges, air conditioners, heat pump water heaters and electric vehicle charging stations.
     
     
4. Apportioned loads. Loads shall be evenly apportioned among multi-outlet branch circuits within the panelboard/s.
   
   
5. Receptacle spacing in rooms. Walls in kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, parlor, library, den, sunroom, bedroom, recreation room or similar areas shall be spaced such that no point measured horizontally along the floor line of any wall space is more than 6' from a receptacle.
   
   
6. Receptacle spacing at countertops. Receptacles serving countertops, 12" or wider, in kitchens, pantries, breakfast rooms, dining rooms and similar areas shall be spaced such that no point along the wall line is more than 24" measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space.
   
   
7. Islands. Receptacles are not required at peninsula or island counters. If not installed, provisions for the future addition of a receptacle to serve the island or peninsula counter shall be provided. Provided receptacles shall be on or above not more than 20” above the work surface, receptacles installed on or in the countertop shall be listed for the location.
   
   
8. Bathrooms. At least one receptacle shall be installed within 3' of each sink. 
   
   
9. Dwelling front/rear. One readily accessible receptacle outlet shall be installed at the front and back of the dwelling.
   
   
10. Garages. In attached or detached garages with electric power, one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each vehicle bay. 
    
    
11. Hallways 10' or more in length shall have at least one receptacle outlet.
    
    
12. Wall switch-controlled outlets. Habitable rooms, kitchens, laundry areas, and bathrooms shall have at least one wall switch- controlled lighting outlet. Additional wall switch-controlled lighting outlets shall be installed in hallways, stairways, and garages or accessory buildings that have electric power.
    
    
13. More wall switch-controlled outlets. At least one switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be provided in attics, underfloor spaces, utility rooms and basements where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment that requires servicing.
    
    
14. Exterior lighting outlets shall be installed at outdoor grade level entrances or exits. 
    
    

15. Smoke/CO alarms. The hardwiring and interconnection of all required smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors shall be provided.

16. Type NM-B cable:

    • Not permitted in wet/damp locations or where subject to physical damage.
    • Shall be supported at intervals not exceeding 4 ½' and within 12" of boxes or other enclosures.
    • The cables and associated fittings shall be listed and installed accordingly.
    • Shall be installed less than 1 ¼" from the surface of framing members or shall be protected by steel nail plates.
      
      

17. Box sizing. Boxes must have the proper cubic inch volume to accommodate all enclosed conductors and installed devices. 

18. Metallic boxes shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor, and bonding jumpers must be sized based on the rating of largest enclosed circuit.

19. At boxes, all equipment grounds must be connected together. 

20. Install devices. All devices and associated trim must be installed prior to meter release or final inspection. 

21. At final inspection:

    • Functional testing of GFCI/AFCI devices.
    • Functional testing of required smoke and CO alarms.
    • Panel schedules complete at main service and any subpanels

See also Electrical Subpanels, Light Fixtures, Receptacles and Switches, and Service Changes on this page.

Temporary power poles (TPPs) are permitted during periods of construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition of buildings. The required electrical permit is independent of any permits for other scopes of work. 

Installation must address safety, structural stability, and adherence to California electrical codes. 

Key code requirements

1. Adhere to PGE Greenbook. Temporary power poles, bracing or associated supporting structures must be installed in accordance with the current version of the PG&E Greenbook.
   
   
2. Amperage. Temporary meter panels for residential applications are limited to a rating of 225 amps or less.
   
   
3. Requirements. The temporary power service equipment must meet the applicable requirements for main electrical services.
   
   
4. Clearances at residential installations. For residential installations, the overhead service conductors must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of:
   • 10 feet above landscaping and walkways
   • 12 feet above driveways
   • 18 feet above public streets, alleys or roads
     
     
5. Marked Address. The address must be permanently marked on the service.
   
   
6. Sizing. The minimum size of the service entrance conductors must be equal to or greater than the ampacity of the main service disconnect and associated overcurrent protection.
   
   
7. Reused circuit breakers. Must be examined and show no evidence of impending failure.
   
   
8. GFCI protection. All receptacle outlets 125-volt, single phase, 30 amps or less shall have GFCI protection for personnel. Other receptacle outlets shall have GFCI protection for personnel or an assured equipment grounding conductor program.
   
   
9. Weatherproof. All equipment must be classified as weatherproof.
   
   
10. Extra-duty outlet box hoods. Outlet box hoods shall be listed and identified as “extra duty.”

Be prepared to show the inspector:

• Permit card and any previous inspection records.
• Manufacturer installations instructions and listings for any installed equipment.

• Go to SJPermits.org.
• Use the Application Wizard to be guided to the correct process and permit.
• You may secure multiple permits, if needed, with one application.
• SJPermits presents the fee and enables online payment; for more info, see Building Fees.
• After payment, you will be able to download the Permit Card.
• For help, first see Help for SJPermits. If you still need assistance, use Submit a Help Ticket.

PREPARE THE PERMIT APPLICATION PACKAGE   

Who can prepare plans? While some plans may be prepared by anyone, we recommend working with professionals. Inaccurate plans will require resubmittals and more fees. Accurate plans save time and money. See Plans That Require an Architect or Engineer.  

Forms may require digital signatures. See Digital Forms & Signatures for help.   

REQUIRED

• Building Permit Application - See instructions.
  
  
• Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - Submit only if the property owner is the permit applicant. 
  
  
• Submittal Checklist - Select the appropriate checklist below. It also outlines relevant forms and plans to include in the permit application package.  
  Single-Family & Duplex Projects Submittal Checklist
  Multifamily Projects Submittal Checklist
  Commercial & Industrial Projects Submittal Checklist
  
  
• Project Plans - Draw relevant site and electrical plans following the appropriate instructions:
  Single-Family & Duplex Projects - Plan Set Instructions
  Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily - Plan Review Submittal Package

TO APPLY

This service uses online platforms. You will first apply at SJPermits and then upload documents through SJePlans. A City plan reviewer will review the plans and send comments to the ePlan Applicant through SJePlans. After the plans are approved and final fees are paid, then the building permit will be issued. Follow these instructions:

* Standard Plan Review Service *

We look forward to serving you.