Montgomery County, MD Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting agency
- Dept. of Permitting Services
- Code basis
- 2017 NEC, COMCOR 17.02.01
- Permit lapses if unstarted
- 180 days
- Violation class
- Class A, per day
- Applicant signature
- Licensed master electrician
Summary
Montgomery County requires a permit from the Department of Permitting Services before any covered electrical equipment is installed, repaired, or maintained, under a code built on the 2017 National Electrical Code.
Except as provided in section 17-1 of this Chapter, no electrical equipment which is subject to the provisions of this Chapter may be installed, repaired or maintained until a permit therefor has been issued by the Department.
(b) Application generally. Except as provided in subsection (c), all applications for permits must be in writing and in such form as may be prescribed by the Department. All applications must be signed by a master electrician licensed by the State Board of Electricians except those signed by homeowners under section 17-13(c). Each application must describe the work to be done and the location thereof and must be accompanied by such plans, specifications and schedules as may be necessary to determine whether the installation conforms with the provisions of this Chapter and, if necessary, the provisions of Chapter 8 of this Code.
(c) Application for installation of photovoltaic systems. The Director may accept reports and recommendations from qualified and approved photovoltaic system plan review service providers that have demonstrated that the photovoltaic system plans reviewed reliably conform to all requirements of this Chapter. Under this subsection, photovoltaic system includes or incorporates one or more of the following: photovoltaic panels, energy storage, or residential electric vehicle charging systems, and any of their related systems or components.
(d) Action on application. The Director must examine or cause to be
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 17-15(a) bars installing, repairing, or maintaining electrical equipment covered by Chapter 17 without a Department of Permitting Services permit. Applications must generally be signed by a Maryland-licensed master electrician (§ 17-15(b)), and permits lapse if work doesn't start within 180 days or if more than 180 days pass between inspections (§ 17-15(e)). Portable-equipment and fixture repairs, receptacle/switch swaps, and same-rating motor replacements are exempt (§ 17-15(f)). The underlying electrical code is the 2017 NEC, adopted under § 17-3 by COMCOR 17.02.01.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 17, including working without a required permit, is a Class A violation under § 17-8; each day the violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a minor electrical repair?
Who has to sign an electrical permit application?
What happens if I work without a required permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
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