Amherst, NY Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Section 83-5-4 bars commencing any electrical work involving electrical installation, alterations or repairs of wiring or fixtures for electrical light, heat, cooling, power and control without first obtaining a separate electrical permit or quick permit from the Commissioner of Building for each occurrence. Applications must come from a licensed master electrician, a licensed residential electrician, or a homeowner as allowed under the chapter's licensing provisions, and must include the fee set under the Town's fee schedule. A limited set of work is exempt from the electrician licensing requirement under § 83-4-7, including owner-occupant work on a one- or two-family dwelling, HVAC branch circuit wiring only, smoke or carbon-monoxide detection equipment installed with a valid building or plumbing permit, and low-voltage wiring such as fire alarm, fiber optic or Class 1-3 control circuits under 50 volts.

An electrical permit expires if actual work is not begun within six months of issuance, subject to a discretionary postponement by the Commissioner for circumstances beyond the applicant's control, and work that does start must be finished within two years or the permit lapses, requiring removal of the work or a new application under the code then in effect. Starting work before the permit issues doubles the fee, or adds $50, whichever is greater. A canceled or abandoned permit can be returned for a refund of half the fee paid, with a $10 minimum retained. The permit is not valid until it is approved via final electrical inspection or a certificate of occupancy or compliance is issued.