Everett, MA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Division 2 of Chapter 4 in the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, Massachusetts, creates the Inspector of Wires and sets the electrical permit rules. Section 4-55, Electrical Work Permit, Required, says all persons doing electrical work in the city shall obtain a permit from the inspector of wires before commencing any work. The rule is addressed to all persons, not only to licensed contractors, and the permit comes first.

Section 4-56 deals with fees. Under subsection (a), the fee schedule of the Wire Division, determined in accordance with ordinance, shall be paid and is on file in the office of the City Clerk. The dollar amounts are not printed in the ordinance text, so the City Clerk's file is where the rate is read. Subsection (b) exempts churches and schools below college grade level from payment of the fee.

Section 4-57 sets the permit's life. Permits issued under the division are valid for a period of thirty (30) days only from date of issuance. If work is not in progress at the expiration date, the permit is voided, and a new application and fee are required. The permittee must notify the inspector of wire upon completion of all work. For new homes, notification must be given when fixtures and devices are installed, so the inspector can check that stage.

The office behind these rules is created by Section 4-51, which provides for a wire inspector appointed by the building inspector under General Laws chapter 166, section 32. Section 4-52 requires the wire inspector to be an electrician licensed under the laws of the Commonwealth, in charge of the wire division within the building department. Section 4-54 gives the inspector of wires access to buildings and places necessary for those duties.