Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Imperial County

Imperial County, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Adopted code
2022 CEC / 2020 NEC
Permit unit
Separate permit per building
Minor exemptions
Low-voltage, temporary, same-type repairs
Issuing authority
County Building Official

Summary

Imperial County requires a separate electrical permit for each building before any regulated electrical system is installed, altered or replaced, under its adopted 2022 electrical code.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Imperial County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A.Permits Required. Except as specified in subsection (B) of this section, no electrical system regulated by this Code shall be installed, altered, repaired, replaced or remodeled unless a separate electrical permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the Building Official.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).

Full Breakdown

Imperial County has adopted the 2022 California Electrical Code, built on the 2020 National Electrical Code (§ 91005.00). Under § 91005.10(A), no electrical system regulated by the code may be installed, altered, repaired, replaced or remodeled unless a separate electrical permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the Building Official. A list of minor exemptions covers things like portable cord-connected appliances, same-type fixture replacement, temporary decorative lighting, and low-voltage circuits under 25 volts and 50 watts.

Violations & Fines

Installing, altering or replacing a regulated electrical system without first getting a permit violates § 91005.10; unlawfully maintaining or using a noncompliant system is separately punishable under § 91005.09.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a permit needed to add a new circuit?
Yes: installing, altering or replacing a regulated electrical system requires a separate permit unless it falls under a listed minor exemption.
Which electrical code does the county enforce?
The 2022 California Electrical Code, built on the 2020 National Electrical Code, adopted under § 91005.00.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Imperial County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsGreen Building CodeSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Imperial County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California building safety overview

Get notified when Electrical Permits in Imperial County, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.