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Fullerton, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Code adopted
2025 California Electrical Code (§14.05.010)
Base standard
2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA)
Codified as
24 C.C.R. Part 3
Engineer stamp threshold
400 amps or 600 volts to ground
Fees set by
City Council resolution (§14.05.040)
Appeals
Chapter 14.02 procedures (§14.05.060)

Summary

Fullerton adopted the 2025 California Electrical Code by reference as the Fullerton Electrical Code under Fullerton Code of Ordinances § 14.05.010, built on the 2023 National Electrical Code. Electrical permit applications must state the installer's State Contractor's License, and wiring diagrams above 400 amps or 600 volts need a registered Electrical Engineer's stamp.

The 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code, and everything contained therein, codified as 24 C.C.R. Part 3, California Building Standards Code, based on the 2023 National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association, is hereby adopted by reference, in accordance with Cal. Gov't Code § 50022.2, except those sections that are adopted as amended in this chapter. A copy of the 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code is on file in the office of the Fullerton Building and Safety Manager.

Full Breakdown

R. Part 3 and based on the 2023 National Electrical Code, under the authority of Cal. 2, with a copy on file in the office of the Building and Safety Manager. 020 formally names the result the Fullerton Electrical Code. 1, requiring the electrical permit application to be filed on Community and Economic Development Department forms stating the job address, owner, and installer, and, for occupancies other than R-3 or U, a statement that the installer holds a State Contractor's License; any plan for a connected load of 400 amperes or more, or 600 volts or more to ground, must be prepared and stamped by a State-registered Electrical Engineer. 050 sets plan-check fees, both under the Fee Schedule the City Council adopts and may adjust by resolution. 02 procedures.

Violations & Fines

Doing electrical work without the required permit violates Fullerton Code of Ordinances § 14.01.010, which prohibits installing, altering, or connecting any electrical wiring, fixture, or equipment in the city without the Title 14 permit. The general penalty at § 1.08.010 lets the City Attorney or District Attorney charge it as an infraction, with fines up to $100 for a first violation and $500 for later ones in the same year, or as a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in county jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What electrical code applies to construction in Fullerton?
The 2025 California Electrical Code, adopted by reference as the Fullerton Electrical Code under Fullerton Code of Ordinances § 14.05.010. It's based on the 2023 National Electrical Code and codified statewide as 24 C.C.R. Part 3, with local amendments in Chapter 14.05 covering permit applications, fees, and appeals.
Do I need a licensed contractor to pull an electrical permit?
For any occupancy other than R-3 or U, the application must state that the person doing the work holds a State Contractor's License, per § 14.05.030. Plans for loads of 400 amps or 600 volts or more to ground must also be prepared and signed by a State-registered Electrical Engineer.
Who sets Fullerton's electrical permit fees?
City Council, by resolution, under § 14.05.040 for permit fees and § 14.05.050 for plan-check fees. The resolution can be adjusted from time to time, and any reference in the code to 'Table No. 3-A' means whatever fee schedule the Council currently has in effect.
How do I appeal an electrical permit decision in Fullerton?
Section 14.05.060 routes appeals over interpretation of the Fullerton Electrical Code through the procedures set out in Chapter 14.02 of the Municipal Code, the same appeal path the city uses for the Building, Plumbing, and Green Building codes it also administers.

Sources & Official References

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