Show All Answers

1. When is an electrical permit required?

Any electrical work in conjunction with a building permit requires an electrical permit. Where no building permit has been issued, and more than three outlets (receptacles, lights, switches, etc.) are added, an electrical permit is also required. (This usually excludes minor repairs.)

2. Can I do the wiring myself or do I need to hire a contractor?

The owner of an existing single-family dwelling where they reside may obtain an electrical permit for wiring in that dwelling. New residences, work on electrical services, and all other wiring in the City must be done by an electrical contractor licensed in Green Bay. If you are hiring a licensed electrical contractor to do the wiring, they will submit the electrical permit. (There is no need for you to meet with an electrical inspector in City Hall.)

3. How do I obtain an electrical permit?

If you intend to do the wiring yourself, you must meet with one of the electrical inspectors in our office. A helpful suggestion would be to call 920-448-3300 prior to coming to confirm the inspector will be in the office when you arrive. Please bring a floor plan with you to the Inspection Office showing the locations of all receptacles, lights, switches, etc. that you intend to install.

The inspector will then ask you some basic wiring questions to determine if you are knowledgeable about that wiring, such as:

• What type of wire are you using?
• What is the size of the wire?
• What size overcurrent device will protect the wire?
• How will you ground the device or equipment?
• If ground fault protection required?

If you can answer these basic wiring questions and/or others, the inspector can issue an electrical permit to you.

4. What is the fee for an electrical permit?

It depends upon the work being done, but in most cases it is $50 for a residential project and $70 for a commercial project.