National City, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Section 15.24.005 of the National City Municipal Code adopts the 2025 California Electrical Code, Annex H of that code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 3 with all annexes, and the 2023 National Electrical Code. The City Council amends, deletes or adds sections based on local climatic, topographic or geological conditions, and made express findings for the local changes to the administrative provisions. Annex H, Administration and Enforcement, is adopted subject to the chapter's changes (Section 15.24.010). Ordinance 2025-2554 repealed and reenacted the entire chapter.

Applications go to the authority having jurisdiction on the forms it provides, answered in full and accompanied by required data such as plans, specifications and location. If an application is rejected, the applicant is told the reasons (Section 15.24.045). Fees follow the current City of National City Fee Schedule (Section 15.24.030), and the annual permit provision, Section 80.19(D), is deleted (Section 15.24.025). Permits expire if work is not commenced within twelve calendar months, if work stops for six calendar months, or if the work exceeds three calendar years. Extensions need a written request and cost one-half of a new permit, or one quarter when only a final inspection remains after work stopped.

Inspections are set out in Section 15.24.040. The electrical system stays accessible and exposed until the Building Official approves it, and a final inspection follows completion. Equipment cannot be connected to the energy source until the Building Official authorizes it. The permittee must notify the Building Official that work is ready, and the Building Official can require each request at least one working day before the inspection is wanted. Replacement equipment can run, but the inspection request must reach the Building Official within forty-eight hours after the work is done and before anything is concealed. Reinspection fees apply for incomplete work, premature calls, missing plans, no access, or deviations. Section 15.24.020 also prohibits electric fences that use electrical energy as a deterrent within the city.