Madison County, AL Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted electrical code
- 2017 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)
- Adopted administrative code
- 2018 ICC Electrical Code, Admin. Provisions
- Wiring permit fee source
- Set by Alabama State Electrical Contractors Board
- Building-tied fee
- Greater of $150 or $0.025 per sq ft under beam
- Emergency callout fee
- $150 emergency, $500 non-emergency
- Appeal path
- Board of Adjustments and Appeals, Art. I § 13
Summary
Madison County has adopted the 2017 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) plus the 2018 ICC Electrical Code administrative provisions for the unincorporated area, covering any wiring, repair, or alteration of electrical conductors and equipment. Wiring permit fees come from the state contractors board; building-tied electrical permits run through the county's own fee schedule.
SECTION 1. National Electric Code Adopted. The National Electric Code, 2017 edition, (NFPA 70-2017) issued by the Standards Council of the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., together with the appendices and indices forming a part thereof, is adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter as if fully set out herein... for the installation or repair of electrical conductors and equipment in connection with wiring buildings or other structures for electric current or equipment, or for the making of any repairs extensions, or alterations in electrical wiring which may be now installed in any building or other structure within the unincorporated areas of Madison County, Alabama, including permits and penalties. Table 3-A (Electrical Permit Fees) of the Uniform Administrative Code Provisions is hereby deleted. Permit fees for purposes of this Section shall be as established by the Alabama State Electrical Contractors Board, as from time to time amended.
Full Breakdown
025 per square foot for new construction, $150 for service entrances up to 800 amperes and $300 above that, $150 for a temporary pole, RV hookup, or temp power, $150 for an emergency callout, and $500 for a non-emergency after-hours callout. Reinspection fees run $50, $75, and $100 for the first, second, and third-or-later reinspection. Chapter 11 of the ICC Electrical Code (appeals) is deleted; an aggrieved permit applicant instead appeals in writing to the county's board of adjustments and appeals under Article I, Section 13.
Violations & Fines
Performing electrical wiring, repair, or alteration work without the required NEC and ICC Electrical Code permits exposes the responsible party to enforcement by the county building official, including disconnection of the electrical system where equipment is found dangerous under the Residential and Commercial Code's right-of-entry and repair provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What electrical code does Madison County use for the unincorporated area?
Who sets the fee for a wiring permit in Madison County?
How much does an electrical service upgrade permit cost in Madison County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison County
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