Monterey County, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Electrical Code, Title 24 Part 3
- Base standard
- 2020 National Electrical Code plus state amendments
- Low-voltage exemption
- Under 25 volts, 50 watts, no permit needed
- Local amendments
- Control over conflicting state code provisions
- Solar PV wiring
- Also follows Fire Code Chapter 18.09
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Monterey County only
Summary
Monterey County has adopted the 2025 California Electrical Code, based on the 2020 National Electrical Code, as its Electrical Code for unincorporated areas, with the chapter's local amendments controlling wherever they conflict with the state code. A narrow low-voltage exemption lets wiring under 25 volts and 50 watts skip the permit process.
That certain document entitled 2025 California Electrical Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 3, which includes Annex A and B as published by the California Building Standards Commission, which is based on the 2020 National Electrical Code with applicable amendments from the State of California, Annexes C and D of the 2023 National Electrical Code, and the local amendments of this Chapter, are hereby adopted as the Electrical Code for the County of Monterey. ... Low Voltage Electrical. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than twenty-five (25) volts and not capable of supplying more than fifty (50) watts of energy.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
based on the 2020 National Electrical Code with applicable amendments from the State of California, Annexes C and D of the 2023 National Electrical Code, and the local amendments of this Chapter" as the county's Electrical Code. 030). 01 permits, and the chapter applies only in unincorporated Monterey County; incorporated cities enforce their own electrical codes.
Violations & Fines
Performing electrical work above the low-voltage exemption without a permit violates § 18.01.090(B), which makes it unlawful to "erect, construct, alter, extend, repair ... any building, structure or equipment ... without first obtaining a permit." The Building Official can withhold future permits on the property, issue a stop-work order, or require exposed work be uncovered and re-inspected before approval, under §§ 18.01.040 and 18.01.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
What electrical code does Monterey County use?
Can I do any electrical work without a permit?
Do solar electrical installations follow different rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California building safety overview
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