CONNECT with the CityElectrical Permit
Electrical permits ensure projects comply with the minimum standards that help safeguard life or limb, public health, property and welfare. No electrical wiring, device, appliance, or equipment shall be installed within or on any structure or premises, nor shall any alteration, addition, or replacement be made in any existing wiring, device, appliance or equipment unless an Electrical Permit has been obtained for the work, except as exempted as stated below.
Based on your desired work scope, an electrical permit may be a Simple "No-Plan" Electrical Permit or a Plan (required) Electrical Permit. See Information Bulletin 103 to determine whether the scope of work qualifies for a Simple "No-Plan" Electrical Permit.
Simple "No-Plan" Electrical Permit
Homeowners, property owners and licensed contractors can obtain a Simple No-plan Electrical Permit for minor installations for all non-historically or potentially designated properties only, including:
- Meter reset/re-connections.
- Adding circuits.
- Miscellaneous wiring, such as relocation of electrical outlets or re-wiring.
- Temporary power poles for construction sites.
- Electric vehicle charging stations for private garages.
Online Permitting Portal Record Type Selection Options
- Single-Dwelling Unit, Duplex or Townhome Projects
Once you are in the online permitting portal, select, "No-Plan - Residential - Combination Mech/Elec/Plum" under the Simple No Plan Permits category when you initiate the application process.. - Multi-Family Residences, Apartments, Commercial and Non-Residential Projects
Once you are in the online permitting portal, select one of the "No-Plan - Nonresidential/Multifamily" permits for either the electrical, mechanical, or plumbing project under the Simple No Plan Permits category when you initiate the application process.
Review IB-103 for a list of qualified and excluded projects for Simple No-Plan Permits.
The permit will be issued once you submit your application and pay the invoice. Once issued, an inspection can be scheduled.
Plan (required) Electrical Permit
Electrical plans and calculations are required for all electrical projects that do not qualify for a Simple "No-Plan" Electrical Permit or for electrical projects in historically designated or potentially historically designated properties unless exempted in San Diego Municipal Code §129.0303.
An Electrical Permit is required for all electrical work, including Electric Vehicle Charging Systems (EVCS). This permit can only be issued to a licensed California State Contractor authorized to perform electrical installations or to the property owner or lessee.
Please ensure your proposed scope of work does not require a Building Permit.
Permits & Inspections
Are you applying for a simple no-plan Electrical Permit for a minor installation? This includes:
- Meter reset/re-connections
- Adding circuits
- Miscellaneous wirings, such as relocation of electrical outlets, or re-wiring
- Temporary power poles for construction sites
- Electric vehicle charging stations for a private garages
To learn more about Simple Permits, see Information Bulletin 103.