Electrical Permits
An electrical permit is required if any owner or authorized agent plans to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical system the installation of which is regulated by the Kentucky Building and Electrical Codes
Owners or authorized agents should make an application to the building official and obtain the required permit. (Kentucky Building Code Section 105.1).
Examples that would require an electrical permit:
- Adding a new circuit and/or wiring for appliances such as an air conditioner or sump pump
- Installing and/or adding receptacles or light fixtures where one did not exist before
- Installing and/or adding a new electrical panel and breakers
- Restoring power after it has been interrupted because of a hazardous condition or disconnected longer than one year.
Examples that would not require an electrical permit:
- Replacing a faulty circuit breaker of the same size and type.
- Replacing or changing a light fixture.
- Installing phones or coax cable (cable TV)
Things to remember about Electrical Permits
- A homeowner may obtain a permit if he/she is performing the work on their own home, and the home is the owner's primary residence for the next 12 months. Otherwise a licensed electrician is required for obtaining electrical permits.
- It is the permit holder’s responsibility to insure the site is accessible for inspection. If the inspector cannot gain entry the applicant may be charged an additional inspection fee.
- The penalty for starting electrical work prior to obtaining a permit is $1,000 for the first offense and $2,000 for any subsequent offenses.
Download an Electrical Permit Application HERE
Learn more about requesting an inspection for your project, click HERE
