Fountain Valley, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2022 California Electrical Code, Title 24, Part 3
- Base model code
- National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, NFPA
- Local wiring rule
- Copper for No. 6 and smaller in all installations
- Aluminum exception
- Feeder lines only, individual basis, official approval
- Work before permit
- Penalty equal to double the permit fees
- Criminal penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and six months in County Jail
Summary
The City of Fountain Valley, California adopted the 2022 California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3, built on the 2020 National Electrical Code) in Municipal Code § 18.20.010. Section 18.20.020 adds a local rule: copper wire is required for No. 6 and smaller wiring in all installations, with aluminum considered only for feeder lines case by case.
The 2022 Edition of the California Electrical Code, California Building Standards Code, known as the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 3, incorporating the National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition including Annex A, Annex B, Annex C, Annex D, Annex E and Annex I, published by the National Fire Protection Association with the amendments set forth in this chapter is hereby adopted. There is one copy of said code on file in the office of the building official for use and examination by the public. ... Copper wire shall be used for wiring No. 6 and smaller in all installations. Consideration for use of aluminum wiring can be made by the building official for feeder lines only on an individual basis where adequate safety measures can be ensured.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 18.20 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code is titled California Electrical Code. Section 18.20.010 adopts the 2022 Edition of the California Electrical Code, California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 3. It incorporates the National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition, including Annex A, Annex B, Annex C, Annex D, Annex E and Annex I, published by the National Fire Protection Association. One copy is on file with the building official.
Section 18.20.020 is the city's own amendment. It replaces the second paragraph of Article 310.3(B) with a rule that copper wire shall be used for wiring No. 6 and smaller in all installations. The building official can consider aluminum wiring for feeder lines only, only on an individual basis, and only where adequate safety measures can be ensured. Branch circuit wiring in the small gauges is therefore copper with no aluminum alternative.
The permit mechanics come from Chapter 18.02 and Chapter 18.04. Section 18.02.010 adopts Chapter 1 of the 2022 California Building Code and the 2022 California Administrative Code as the administrative rules for all technical codes in Title 18, and § 18.02.020 places enforcement with the building official. Section 18.04.030 names electrical systems among those covered by its penalty: a person who commences work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits pays double the permit fees, and the Building Official can require a special investigation at a cost set by resolution.
Refunds follow § 18.04.040: up to 80 percent of the permit fee when no work has been done, on written application within 180 days. The strong motion instrumentation fee under § 18.36.030 is added to construction permits, which § 18.36.020 defines to include the installation or repair of electrical equipment in a structure. Solar electric systems must meet the California Electrical Code along with standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and accredited laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories under § 18.27.040(c). Appeals of electrical decisions go to the Planning Commission as the local appeals board under § 18.02.025.
Violations & Fines
Electrical work started before the permit issues costs double the permit fees under § 18.04.030, plus a special investigation charge when the Building Official requires one. Under § 18.02.030 a Title 18 violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in the County Jail, or both, and each day counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which electrical code does the City of Fountain Valley enforce?
Can I wire my house with aluminum in Fountain Valley?
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Do solar electric systems follow the same electrical code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fountain Valley
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