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Rockland County, NY Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Rewritten
12-18-2012 by L.L. No. 12-2012
Code adopted
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
License required for
work on systems of 50+ volts
Licensing board
11-member Board of Electrical Examiners
Unlicensed work penalty
up to $1,000 and 1 year jail
Civil penalty
up to $5,000 per violation

Summary

Rockland County adopts the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) as 'the Code' and requires anyone who does electrical contracting work in the County, for the public at large on systems of 50 volts or more, to hold a County master electrician's license issued by the Board of Electrical Examiners before starting the business.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Rockland County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

THE CODE The title of this code shall be NFPA 70, National Electrical Code® of the National Fire Protection Association. The short title of this code shall be the NEC® in its most current edition. ... On or after the effective date of this article, no person shall engage in, carry on or conduct the business of an electrical contractor within the County of Rockland unless licensed therefor pursuant to this chapter or unless employed by a person so licensed.

Full Breakdown

Chapter 250, most recently rewritten in its entirety on December 18, 2012 by Local Law No. 12-2012, finds that defective electrical wiring endangers life and property and can be prevented by requiring installers to be trained and licensed (Section 250-1). Section 250-2 adopts 'THE CODE' as NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, in its most current edition, and defines an 'electrical contractor' as anyone who installs, alters or repairs electrical wiring, fixtures or equipment for the public at systems of 50 volts or more under a master electrician's supervision.

Section 250-3 makes it unlawful for any person, partnership, limited-liability company or corporation to engage in the electrical contracting business in the County unless licensed, employed by a licensee, or specified as the holder of a master electrician's license, and bars any joint venture in electrical contracting unless every participant is licensed or a specified license holder. Licenses are issued by an eleven-member Board of Electrical Examiners appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the Legislature, with at least one resident from each of the County's towns (Section 250-4), which examines applicants, grants and revokes licenses, and sets fees by rule (Sections 250-5 through 250-8).

Every licensed electrician's van or truck must display a Board-issued decal and a sign bearing the business name and address or phone number in lettering at least three inches tall (Section 250-6E). Licenses can be refused, suspended or revoked for fraud, false statements, untrustworthiness, failure to display the license, or a felony conviction involving another person or property (Section 250-9).

Violations & Fines

Working as an unlicensed electrical contractor in violation of Section 250-3 is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to a year in jail, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. Violating other sections of Chapter 250 is a violation punishable by up to $1,000 or 15 days in jail. The Director of Consumer Protection may also assess a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation and, under Section 250-22H, may seize and impound any vehicle or tool used in unlicensed work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do electricians need a county license to work in Rockland County?
Yes. Section 250-3 bars anyone, including a partnership or corporation, from engaging in the electrical contracting business in the County unless licensed as a master electrician, employed by a licensee, or specified as the license holder for the business.
What electrical code does Rockland County enforce?
Chapter 250 defines 'the Code' as NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, in its most current edition, and requires licensed work performed for the public on systems of 50 volts or more to be supervised by a County-licensed master electrician under Section 250-2.
What's the penalty for doing electrical work without a county license?
Violating Section 250-3 is a Class A misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $1,000, up to a year in jail, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense, and the county can also impound the tools or vehicle used in the unlicensed work under Section 250-22.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Rockland County

All Rockland County rules

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