Bessemer, AL Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2011 National Electrical Code (NFPA)
- Contractor bond
- $5,000 filed with city clerk/treasurer
- Meter loop/switch threshold
- Plan required for installations over 100 amps
- Overhead clearance, public streets
- 18 feet vertical minimum
- Homeowner exam fee
- No charge under Sec. 18-70
Summary
Bessemer has adopted the 2011 National Electrical Code by reference, and Sec. 18-60 bars anyone without a certificate of competency or apprentice registration from wiring in the city. Electrical contractors must post a $5,000 bond with the city clerk and treasurer and hold a license before taking on work, and permit fees run through the clerk's fee schedule under Sec. 18-72.
Sec. 18-59. - Adoption. The 2011 edition of the National Electric Code compiled by the NFPA is hereby adopted by reference pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, § 11-45-8 and is incorporated as is set out and fully herein. ... Sec. 18-62. - Same—Bond; license required. Before any person shall engage in the electrical business within the city limits he shall qualify as set forth in this article and post bond in the amount of $5,000.00 ensuring that all work is done in accordance with the rules and regulations of the city, which shall be filed with the city clerk and treasurer, and obtain a license. ... Sec. 18-72. - Enumeration of fees. The electrical permit and construction fees shall be established by the city council, from time to time, and will be available for public examination in a fee schedule maintained in the office of the city clerk and attached as an appendix to this Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Republication).
Full Breakdown
Article III of Chapter 18 governs electrical work citywide. Sec. 18-59 adopts the 2011 edition of the National Electrical Code, compiled by the NFPA, under the authority of Code of Ala. 1975, § 11-45-8. Sec. 18-60 requires every installer to hold a certificate of competency or be a registered apprentice electrician working under direct supervision. Sec. 18-61 bars a contractor from employing a journeyman on any job without a valid certificate of competency. Before doing any electrical business in the city, Sec. 18-62 requires the contractor to post a $5,000 bond with the city clerk and treasurer and obtain a license.
Sec. 18-63 makes it unlawful to connect a source of electrical energy to any wiring, device or equipment requiring a permit until the city electrician issues a certificate of approval. Larger installations draw extra scrutiny: Sec. 18-68 requires any meter loop or switch rated over 100 amperes to be installed under a plan, approved by the city electrician, showing the size, rating and location of the equipment and the carrying capacity of each branch circuit. Sec. 18-69 sets the physical standards for overhead service connections, including 18 feet of vertical clearance over public streets, 16 feet over residential driveways, eight feet over accessible roofs and five feet horizontally from the nearest window opening, waivable only on a showing of undue hardship.
Sec. 18-67 requires a contractor's job-site sign with letters at least two inches high, except for minor repairs. Sec. 18-70 allows a homeowner to sit a no-charge exam to wire their own owner-occupied home. Sec. 18-72 leaves the electrical permit and construction fees to the city council's fee schedule, kept in the office of the city clerk and attached as an appendix to the Code.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 18-66 makes it unlawful to engage in electrical construction, installation or repair in the city without a city license, to permit unlicensed wiring on one's own premises, or to operate equipment not installed under this article, though a valid statewide license satisfies the requirement. Sec. 18-63 separately bars energizing any wiring requiring a permit until the city electrician has issued a certificate of approval, and Sec. 18-71 makes it unlawful to let another person use a contractor's license, certificate or bond to pull a permit in the licensee's name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wire my own house in Bessemer without an electrician's license?
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Sources & Official References
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How other cities in Jefferson County handle electrical permits.