Ulster County, NY Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Ulster County Electrical Licensing Law
- License issuer
- County Electrical Licensing Board
- Homeowner exemption
- Own primary residence, with limits
- Max civil fine
- $1,000 per day
Summary
Ulster County requires anyone doing electrical work for the public to hold a County Master Electrician or contractor license, not just a local building permit.
On and after the effective date of this chapter, no person shall engage in, carry on or conduct the business of, or hold oneself out as, a licensed electrician or an Electrical Contractor within the County of Ulster unless such person is licensed pursuant to this chapter or unless employed and supervised by a person so licensed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4818905; v25 updated 2025-11-18; through 11-18-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under the Ulster County Electrical Licensing Law, no person may engage in, carry on, or hold themselves out as a licensed electrician or Electrical Contractor within Ulster County unless licensed by the County's Electrical Licensing Board, or employed and supervised by someone who is. The law does not override a town, village or the City of Kingston's own permit or certificate-of-occupancy process: it adds a countywide licensing layer on top. Homeowners doing their own residential wiring are exempt except as limited by § 185-9.
Violations & Fines
Unlicensed electrical work draws civil fines up to $1,000 per day from the Electrical Licensing Board, plus possible criminal violation charges under NY Penal Law Art. 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a County electrical license replace my town's building permit?
Can I wire my own house without a County license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ulster County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Ulster County to another location·View the New York building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.