Modesto, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2022 California Electrical Code, Title 24 Pt. 3
- Permit required by
- Modesto Code § 9-3.501
- Enforcing agency
- Building Safety Division (C&ED Dept.)
- Unpermitted work fee
- Added fee under § 9-3.703
- Misdemeanor fine
- Up to $1,000 and/or 6 months jail
- Infraction fine
- $250 first offense, $500 repeat
Summary
Modesto adopts the 2022 California Electrical Code by reference under Code of Ordinances § 9-3.101, and § 9-3.501 requires a permit before any electrical installation, alteration, or repair regulated by that Code. The Building Safety Division, under the Community and Economic Development Department, reviews applications and inspects the work.
That certain document, one (1) copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk of the City of Modesto, being marked and designated as the 2022 California Electrical Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 3, as published by the Building News, inc. (BNi), as now existing, or hereafter amended, regulating, governing and providing standards for the erection, installation, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use, or maintenance of electrical systems and parts thereof for the protection of public health and safety, providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees, providing penalties for the violation thereof... be and hereby is adopted as the Electrical Code of the City of Modesto.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
101 adopts the 2022 California Electrical Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 3, as the Electrical Code of the City of Modesto, with a copy on file in the Office of the City Clerk. 501 requires any owner or authorized agent who intends to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace an installation regulated by the Code to first obtain a permit from the Building Official. 502 exempts specific minor work: portable cord-and-plug appliances, repair or replacement of fixed motors, transformers, or approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location, temporary decorative lighting under 90 days, taping joints, and wiring under 25 volts and 50 watts, among other listed items.
302. 705 adds an investigation fee equal to the permit fee when work proceeds without one. 406 authorizes entry to inspect for compliance. Permits expire under the Chapter 1 general provisions incorporated into Title 9 if work is not commenced within 12 months or is abandoned for 180 days.
Violations & Fines
Section 9-3.1118 makes any violation of the Electrical Code a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both; the City Attorney may instead charge it as an infraction, punishable by a fine not exceeding $250 for a first conviction and not exceeding $500 for a second or later conviction within one year. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Section 9-3.1119 also allows administrative penalties under Title 1, Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code as an added remedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace a light fixture in Modesto?
What happens if I start electrical work before pulling a permit?
Who issues electrical permits in Modesto?
What is the penalty for unpermitted electrical work discovered later?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
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