Electrical Permits in Los Angeles:
A Complete Guide [2026]

By Amy, Licensed C-10 Electrician · 15+ years serving Los Angeles

Everything you need to know about electrical permits in Los Angeles. LADBS permit process, costs, timelines, and why permitted work protects your home.

Published: June 2026 · Updated: June 2026

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Permit Guide

Do You Need an Electrical Permit in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, most electrical work requires a permit from LADBS or your local city building department.

When Permits Are Needed

When Do You Need an Electrical Permit?

New circuits or wiring
Adding any new electrical circuit requires a permit — including EV chargers, new outlets, or subpanels.
Panel upgrades or replacements
Any work on your main electrical panel requires a permit and inspection.
EV charger installation
All Level 2 EV charger installations require an electrical permit. Permitted work qualifies for LADWP rebate.
Whole-home rewiring
Rewiring requires a permit with multiple inspections at rough-in and final stages.
Generator transfer switch
Installing a transfer switch requires a permit and utility coordination.
Structural electrical modifications
Moving the meter, relocating the panel, or adding service capacity requires permits.

Permit Costs

Electrical Permit Fees by City

Item	Typical Range
LADBS Electrical Permit (minor)	$150 – $300
LADBS Electrical Permit (panel upgrade)	$200 – $500
LADBS Plan Check (complex)	$300 – $1,000+
Burbank Building & Safety	$100 – $400
Glendale Building & Safety	$100 – $350
Santa Monica Building & Safety	$150 – $400

Fees vary by city. AMY Electric includes permit fees in all quotes.

Why Permits Matter

Why Permitted Work Matters

Insurance risk — Unpermitted work may not be covered by homeowners insurance if it causes a fire
Home sale issues — Unpermitted work is frequently flagged during inspections, creating liability
Safety — Electrical inspections verify code compliance. Without them, faulty work goes undetected
Rebate eligibility — LADWP rebates require permitted installations with proof of inspection

Permit Process

How the Electrical Permit Process Works

Contractor Applies

Your C-10 contractor submits the permit application to LADBS or your city's building department.

Application Review

The city reviews the scope. Complex projects may require plan check.

Permit Issued

Once approved, work can begin within the permit window.

Final Inspection

After work is complete, a final inspection confirms code compliance.

Related Services & Resources

Questions

Electrical Permit FAQ

Do I need a permit for electrical work in Los Angeles? ▾

Yes. Most electrical work in LA requires an LADBS permit, including new circuits, panel upgrades, EV charger installations, rewiring, and generator transfer switches. Simple like-for-like replacements (swapping an outlet or switch) typically don't require a permit. Always check with your electrician about permit requirements.

How much does an electrical permit cost in LA? ▾

LADBS residential electrical permits range from $150–$500 depending on the scope. Minor work like adding a circuit costs $150–$300, while panel upgrades run $200–$500. Complex projects requiring plan check can cost $300–$1,000+. AMY Electric includes all permit fees in our project quotes.

Does unpermitted electrical work affect home sales in LA? ▾

Yes. Unpermitted electrical work is frequently discovered during buyer inspections and can delay or derail sales. Buyers may demand the work be permitted retroactively (which requires inspection and possible rework), negotiate a lower price, or walk away. Permitted work protects your home's value and provides documentation of code compliance.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact AMY Electric for a free estimate. Our licensed, C-10 certified team serves all of Greater Los Angeles.