Kenosha, WI Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted codes
- SPS 316, PSC 114, NFPA 70 (NEC)
- Owner-occupant exception
- Single-family, after passing City exam
- Min. service, single-family
- 100 amperes
- Min. service, two-family
- 150 amperes
- Low-voltage wiring
- Exempt from license and permit
Summary
Kenosha requires state certification under Wis. Stats. § 101.862 and a City permit before installing electrical wiring, adopts SPS 316 and the National Electrical Code by reference, and lets an occupying owner wire their own single-family home only after passing a City exam.
9.20. - Electrical.A.Qualifications. No Person, except as provided in Subsections B., C., and D. herein, shall install electrical wiring and equipment within the City, or apply for a Permit for which the performance by a licensed contractor is applicable, without first obtaining certifications as required by Wis. Stats. § 101.862, and conforming with all applicable State laws, rules and regulations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11 Update 1 | Zoning Ordinance: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
A of the Building Code bars anyone from installing electrical wiring and equipment in Kenosha, or applying for a permit requiring a licensed contractor, without first obtaining certification under Wis. 862 and conforming to all applicable state and local rules. C adopts SPS 316 (Electrical), PSC 114 (Wisconsin State Electrical Code, Volume I), and NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, by reference for the entire Building Code. B then bars anyone who passes that exam from performing wiring or altering service entrance equipment and panels for anyone else.
D exempts low-voltage wiring from the licensing requirement generally, and exempts low-voltage wiring on one- and two-family dwellings from the permit requirement outright. F lets the Code Official order a utility to de-energize a hazardous electrical service in writing. G sets minimum residential service at 100 amperes for a single-family dwelling and 150 amperes for a two-family dwelling whenever residential service equipment is altered, and requires GFCI protection whenever basement, crawl space, kitchen or bathroom receptacles are replaced.
Violations & Fines
Installing electrical wiring without the required state certification or City permit violates Section 9.20.A; a utility that energizes new service before Code Official inspection and approval, or fails to promptly de-energize hazardous service after a written directive, violates Section 9.20.E and F. Starting electrical work without a required permit triples the fee on a first offense under Section 9.07.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kenosha
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