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Ann Arbor, MI Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing code
Ann Arbor City Code § 8:102
License required
Michigan state electrical license
Permit issued by
Building Department
First-offense fine
$250 minimum
Homeowner exception
Own residence, inspector-approved

Summary

Ann Arbor requires a Michigan electrical license, registration with the Building Department, and a city permit before anyone performs electrical work, with a narrow homeowner exception.

...nor shall any person(s), firm or corporation work at, contract for or do any electrical work within the City of Ann Arbor without first registering the license with the Building Department and obtaining the proper permit from the Building Department. Bona fide homeowner(s) may do work in their own residence (place of abode) without a license if qualified to do so by the Michigan Electrical Code and if they receive approval of the permit by the electrical inspector.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).

Full Breakdown

Under the state-adopted Electrical Code enforced through Ann Arbor's Construction Code, no person, firm, or corporation may perform electrical work in the city without a Michigan electrical license, and no one may work at or contract for electrical work without first registering that license with the Building Department and obtaining a permit. Bona fide homeowners may wire their own residence without a license if the Michigan Electrical Code allows it and the electrical inspector approves the permit. The Building Department's electrical inspector can enter buildings during reasonable hours to inspect wiring and can order dangerous circuits disconnected.

Violations & Fines

Unlicensed or unpermitted electrical work is a municipal civil infraction under Chapter 100: fines start at $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for later offenses within two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do my own electrical wiring in Ann Arbor?
Yes: bona fide homeowners may wire their own residence without a license if qualified under the Michigan Electrical Code and the electrical inspector approves the permit.
Does an electrician licensed in another Michigan city need to re-register?
Yes. Michigan-licensed electricians from other municipalities may work in Ann Arbor once they register their license with the Building Department, per § 8:102(4).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ann Arbor

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsCarbon Monoxide DetectorsSome RestrictionsLead PaintHeavy RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew Restrictions

All Ann Arbor rules

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