Georgetown, KY Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Section 8-57 adopts the National Electrical Code, 2014 edition, also known as NFPA 70, by reference as if copied in full and set forth in the Code. Section 8-58 sets the working standard: all electrical wiring in the city, when installed to be connected to a source of electrical energy, must be sufficiently insulated, supported and protected to be reasonably free from hazards to life and property caused by over-loading, short-circuiting and improper protection or installation of electrical equipment, and must comply fully with the National Electrical Code and the National Electrical Safety Code.

The permit requirement sits in Section 8-2(a), which requires any owner, authorized agent or contractor who desires to insert items such as heating, electrical, etc., to apply to the building official first and obtain the required permit. Fees follow the schedule kept by the city clerk under Section 8-34. Section 8-32 says all electrical inspections are performed by persons certified by the state department of housing, buildings and construction as an electrical inspector, and Section 8-59 authorizes the council to contract with private electrical inspection firms.

Inspection timing is fixed by Section 8-60. The person installing, repairing or rearranging wiring or equipment must notify the building official before the work is commenced and again when it is ready for inspection, and no one can conceal wiring until it has been reported, inspected and approved. Under Section 8-61, nobody, including an electric light or power company, can connect with or furnish current to an installation until the electrical inspector has approved it and issued a certificate of approval.

For existing wiring, Section 8-63 has the electrical inspector inspect on complaint by an occupant or request by an owner. On finding a violation that creates a threat of bodily injury or property damage, the inspector gives the owner 30 days to correct it, provides reasonable assistance, and if there is no substantial progress at the end of 30 days can cause service to be disconnected without further notice. For an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or substantial property damage, the 30-day period can be waived. The fire chief or a designee can cut off electrical currents in emergencies.