Jackson, MS Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition, § 26-60(c)
- License required
- electrical contractor/tradesman license, § 26-40(a)
- Permit required
- separate city permit for the work, § 26-1
- License classes
- Class A-1, A-2, B, C electricians, § 26-45
- Issuing dept
- planning and development department
- Contractor step
- registration with building official, § 26-24
Summary
Jackson has adopted the National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition by reference under City Code Sec. 26-60(c). Anyone doing electrical wiring work for power, lighting, signs, appliances or fixtures needs a license from the planning and development department under Sec. 26-40(a), and Sec. 26-1 requires a separate building permit before that electrical system work begins.
The following codes, with amendments, and subject to identified modifications, amendments and exclusions, as provided herein, are hereby adopted by reference as though they were copied herein fully. ... (c)The National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 55).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 26-60 of the Jackson Code adopts several construction codes "by reference as though they were copied herein fully," and subsection (c) names "The National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition" without further local amendment, unlike the Building, Residential and other codes adopted in the same section. Sec. 26-40(a) separately makes it unlawful to "engage in the business of electrical wiring for power, lighting, signs, appliances, fixtures and all other equipment which requires electricity in its operation" without first obtaining a license from the planning and development department.
Licensing runs through four classifications set out in Sec. 26-45: Class A-1 and A-2 master electricians (four years of apprentice training plus four years as a journeyman, or equivalent contractor experience), Class B maintenance electricians tied to a single employer, and Class C electricians limited to circuit runs of 20 feet or less connecting air-conditioning, heating or sign equipment. Sec. 26-44 and Sec. 26-46 require passing the National Standard Journeyman or Master Electrician Exam for whichever NEC edition is currently adopted, plus reference letters and copies of any state or county licenses.
Once licensed, Sec. 26-1 still requires the contractor or owner-agent to obtain a city permit before the electrical work itself starts, and Sec. 26-24 requires electrical contractors doing business in the city to register with the building official.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 26-9 subjects anyone who violates the adopted codes, including unlicensed or unpermitted electrical work, to prosecution after failing to correct a written notice of violation issued under Sec. 26-8, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense. Sec. 26-4 also lets the building official revoke an electrical permit or license for false statements, permit misuse, or persistent refusal to follow the adopted code.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jackson
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