Electrical - Permits & Inspections FAQs
  • ​What is required for an electrical permit?
    ​​Electrical Permit Requirements:
    • Electrical Permit Application completed with the following information:
    • If an electrical contractor: Class A, B or C State Contractor's Registration number, company name, contract value, registered Master Tradesman's signature, name of the customer/homeowner/tenant, physical address of the property where the work is being performed, and if there is another associated permit at the same address, that permit number
    • If an owner: name, address, approximate cost of materials (enter this in the contract value), signature, and if there is another associated permit at the same address, that permit number
    • For new, existing, addition, or moved electrical work
    • Indicate the size of the service in amps or check the appropriate work being performed.
    • If working on circuits not associated with a new service, indicated the number next to the appropriate circuit size
  • How are electrical inspections scheduled?

    ​Scheduling Building, Electrical, Gas, Mechanical, Plumbing Inspections:

    The inspections are scheduled through Permits and Inspections Online Permitting Service which allows contractors and homeowners to schedule inspections, cancel inspections or reschedule inspections.  Comments can be entered regarding ie. any relevant information concerning the inspection. Additionally, inspection results and release information are available.  This system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Inspections may be scheduled up to 5 working days in advance of the desired inspection date. However, inspections must be scheduled PRIOR to 8:00 am the day the inspection is desired. All inspections scheduled after 8:00 am will not be available for a same day inspection.  It is recommended to schedule inspections no later than 7:00 am the day the inspection is desired to assure the information will be recorded in time.

    After an inspection has been scheduled using the Permits and Inspections Online Permitting Service scheduling system, inspectors may be contacted between 8:00 am - 9:00 am the day of the inspection.  The inspectors will arrange their daily work schedules and do not know what inspections have been requested prior to the inspection date.

  • When are electrical permits required?

    ​Permits are required for the following:

    • Adding or installing new circuits (circuit breakers)
    • Changing/Upgrading electrical service
    • Installing, replacing, or modifying (extending, shortening, relocating, etc) electrical wiring (new wiring requires a permit)
    • New Electrical Service
    • Relocating or replacing a meter base
    • Relocating or replacing a panel box, including changing from fuse to breaker panel
    • Subfed Panels
    • Temporary Poles
    • Trailer Services
  • When is a commercial temporary release approved?
    ​In order to receive a commercial temporary meter release it must be approved for testing of mechanical/fire equipment by all inspectors.
    • All required permits must be active/final and approved for temporary meter release
  • When is a residential temporary release approved?
    ​Requirements: 
    • Building permit must have an approved framing/Insulation inspection
    • Electrical must be approved for temporary power or have a final inspection
  • When is Dominion VA Power notified of an Electrical Release?

    ​Residential Power Releases:
    A release on an electrical meter is automatically generated upon the approval of all final inspections and any other issues (i.e. approval from the Health Department, Sound Attenuation test, etc.) have all been submitted to the Permits & Inspections office. Once the release has been sent, Dominion VA Power can be contacted to determine when connection of the electrical service will be scheduled.

    Commercial Power Releases:
    A release on an electrical meter is generated upon the approval of all final inspections and any other issues (i.e. Civil Inspections approval, Public Utilities approval, Health Department approval, report of final Special Inspections, EIFS report, etc.) have all been submitted to the Permits & Inspections office. Once the release has been sent, Virginia Power can be contacted to determine when connection of the electrical service will be scheduled.

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