Contra Costa County, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Electrical Code, Title 24 Part 3
- Governing section
- Ordinance Code § 76-2.002
- Connection rule
- Written county authorization required first
- Unsafe equipment repair window
- 10 days after notice
- Licensing
- C-10 electrical contractor or owner-builder exception
Summary
Contra Costa County has adopted the 2025 California Electrical Code with local amendments as its controlling and enforceable electrical code countywide. No one may connect power to, or supply electric service to, electrical equipment requiring a permit without the county building official's written authorization first.
(a)The electrical code of this county is the 2025 California Electrical Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 3) ("CEC"), as amended by the changes, additions, and deletions set forth in this division and Division 72.(b)The 2025 California Electrical Code, with the changes, additions, and deletions set forth in Chapter 76-4 and Division 72, is adopted by this reference as though fully set forth in this division. ... (d)As of the effective date of the ordinance from which this division is derived, the provisions of the electrical code are controlling and enforceable within the county.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Ordinance Code: Supplement 103).
Full Breakdown
6 requires. 604 separately makes it unlawful to reconnect equipment the building official has ordered disconnected until the official authorizes reconnection in writing, and the official notifies the serving utility of any disconnect order. 402 gives the building official authority to inspect all electrical equipment and work, including equipment listed in CEC Sections 90-2(B)(4) and (5) that the CEC itself does not otherwise cover; if equipment is found dangerous or unsafe, the owner or operator must complete repairs within ten days of notice, or any longer period the building official allows, and any system posing an immediate, imminent hazard must be de-energized immediately.
206(c) limits electrical permits to a licensed California electrical contractor, or a general contractor performing two or more trades on the job, with an owner-builder exception for an owner who occupies and personally works on a one-family dwelling, including its accessory buildings; a person regularly employing electricians may instead hold an annual electrical permit and must report monthly work to the building official in the first fifteen days of the following month.
Violations & Fines
Connecting or supplying electrical service without the required permit and written authorization violates § 76-4.602; reconnecting equipment after a county disconnect order without written authorization violates § 76-4.604. Equipment the building official flags as dangerous must be repaired within ten days of notice, and any equipment posing an immediate hazard must be de-energized immediately by the owner or the building official.
Frequently Asked Questions
What electrical code does Contra Costa County enforce?
Can I connect power to new equipment before my inspection is done?
Who is allowed to pull an electrical permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California building safety overview
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