Novato, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Novato Municipal Code § 4-1.4.3 adopts the 2025 California Electrical Code, Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which incorporates a California version of the 2024 Edition of the National Electric Code of the National Fire Protection Association. On its express findings of necessity #1 through #4 under Section 4-1.2, the City amends the code by adopting by reference and adding all 2025 California Electrical Code appendices except Appendix H Administration and Enforcement. Administration comes from Section 4-1.3 instead.

Section 101.2.3 sets the scope: the California Electrical Code applies to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of electrical systems, including wiring, equipment, appliances, fixtures, devices, fittings and appurtenances. Section 106.1 puts electrical work inside the permit requirement: anyone who intends to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace an electrical system or component must first apply to the building official and obtain the permit. For alterations to an already approved electrical installation, the building official can issue an annual permit to a person, firm or corporation regularly employing one or more qualified tradespersons on the premises. The holder keeps a detailed record of alterations, and the official has access to it at all times.

Section 106.2 exempts listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting; reinstallation of existing attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets; replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location; and wiring, devices or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy. It also exempts minor repair work, replacement of flush or snap switches, fuses, lamp sockets and receptacles, and work by a public or private utility acting as a serving utility. Under Section 110.3.3, rough electrical inspection must be made before covering or concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed, and before the framing inspection.