Chicopee, MA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Section 122-1(A)(5) of the Code of the City of Chicopee adopts the State Electrical Code, set forth at 527 CMR 12.00 et seq., including subsequent modifications, amendments or deletions. The stated purpose is governing public health, safety and welfare as affected by wire and electrical installation, repairs and maintenance, and securing safety to life and property. The code is adopted and incorporated "as fully as if set out at length herein," a copy is kept on file in the City Clerk's office, and its provisions are controlling within the limits of the City. The City Code also cross-references electrical standards to Chapter 151.

The fee schedule is in § 122-2(K), amended 6-9-2012 by Ord. No. 12-19, 2-19-2013 by Ord. No. 13-7 and 12-20-2016 by Ord. No. 16-85. For residential work, a single-family permit is $120 plus service and a two-family permit is $170 plus service. Additions or alterations are $95, and garages, attached or detached, are $95. A service change or alteration is $20 plus $0.25 per amp, and a temporary construction service is $70. Generators are $20 plus $0.25 per amp.

Other lines cover common jobs: air conditioners, water heaters, oil burners and smoke detectors are $50, central air and central heating are $50, aboveground swimming pools or hot tubs are $70 and inground swimming pools are $120. Parking lots illuminated up to 3 kw are $70 and over 3 kw are $90. Fire alarms, security systems and data systems are $70 under 3,000 square feet and $95 over 3,000 square feet, both with a single inspection. Tent wiring is $50, and retrofits such as changing ballasts are $30.

The schedule's notes state that online permit fees are discounted by $20 and that the double-asterisk items are priced with a single inspection. Electrical permits are also separate from the building permit: § 122-1(D)(2) says paying the building permit fee does not relieve the holder from other fees, and it names electrical and plumbing permits. Under § 122-2(I), work started prior to obtaining permits, except emergencies as determined by the Building Commissioner or designee, costs double the normal fee.