Electrical

The Electrical Safety Regulation is in effect.

Information Bulletin: Effective October 1, 2022 the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, 25th Edition, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, Canadian Standards Association Standard C22.1-21 is adopted as the BC Electrical Code. All electrical work that is subject to the BC Electrical Code must be in compliance with the updated edition effective November, 30, 2022. 

Electrical Permit Applications

To apply for an Electrical Permit, you must be a registered electrical contractor, or a homeowner meeting the requirements of the current Safety Standards Act and the Electrical Safety Regulation.

Electrical Permit fees are found on our Fee Schedule.

Inspection Requests Are Available Online

Inspection requests can be submitted online via MyCity. For more information please visit our Inspections page.

When do I Need an Electrical Permit?

An Electrical Permit is required prior to commencing work on the following:

  • Wiring new receptacles or switches
  • Replacing existing lighting fixtures and baseboard heaters
  • Removing part of an electrical system
  • Temporary entertainment or construction service
  • Any work that requires a utility (BC Hydro) to connect or reconnect a service
  • Any electrical work on life safety systems

An Individual does not require an Electrical Permit when:

  • Replacing a lamp of up to 347 V to ground with a lamp of a similar type or rating
  • A fuse of up to 750 V with a fuse of a similar type or rating

An Individual does not require an Electrical Permit when replacing the following regulated products, up to a maximum rating of 150 V to ground, with electrical equipment of a similar type or rating:

  • Cord attachment plugs
  • Receptacles
  • Snap switches
  • Ballasts
  • Dimmer switches
  • Fan speed controllers
  • Thermostats
  • Overcurrent devices

No Electrical Permit is required if the only electrical work performed is testing.

Additional Information and Resources

Applications, Forms & Policies