Brookhaven, GA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Two sections work together. Brookhaven Code § 7-118(a) requires a permit before construction, erection, alteration or repair to an electrical system, other than ordinary repairs, and § 7-118(d)(2) lists what needs no permit: ordinary repairs such as replacing lamps or connecting approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles, electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, and temporary testing systems. Radio and television stations still need permits for equipment and wiring for power supply and for the installation of towers and antennas. Emergency work must be permitted within 24 hours after work is commenced.

The standard is the National Electrical Code as adopted by the state and made enforceable through § 7-23, which says new editions adopted by the state department of community affairs board become part of the adopted codes without separate adoption by the city. Section 7-26(b)(2) then adds three local requirements. Electrical fences are allowed only for confining farm animals, only with fence chargers of the intermittent current type listed by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory, and only by special permission after written application to the director. When a residential service change is installed, every receptacle outlet that the current code requires to be GFI, including bathrooms, kitchen counters, and outdoor receptacles, must be modified to provide that protection. A reinspection permit and reinspection are required before power is restored to any residence or building where power has been disconnected for six months or more.

Electrical inspections under § 7-170(f)(2) come in three stages: underground and slab, rough-in, and final. Under § 7-197, permanent electrical service and meter connection is not authorized until all required final building, plumbing, mechanical, gas, electrical, drainage, vegetation, fire and health inspections are approved. Temporary electrical service is authorized for a specified period and only for testing appliances and equipment, providing winter heat to prevent freeze damage, or temporary occupancy for training employees or stocking merchandise. The permit fee is set by the city council under § 7-120.