Palm Desert, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Chapter 15.10 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code adopts the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, Part 3 of Title 24 of the Code of California Regulations, based on the 2023 National Electrical Code published by the National Fire Protection Association. It becomes the Palm Desert Electrical Code and regulates all installation, arrangement, alteration, repair, use and other operation of electrical wiring, connections, fixtures and other electrical appliances on premises within the city. A copy is on file for public examination in the office of the building official.

The only local technical change is in Section 15.10.020: Table 300.5(A), Location of Wiring Method or Circuit, is amended so the row for wiring under a building reads "Six inches beneath the bottom of slab" in all corresponding columns.

Permits come from the administrative provisions adopted in Section 15.02.010 and amended in Section 15.02.020. Under Section 105.8, electrical or combination permits for R-3 and associated U occupancies covering new or replacement electrical service panels, panelboards or subpanels, and all associated electrical work in conjunction with that permit, are issued only to a California licensed contractor holding the appropriate specialty license, or in compliance with the most current California State Licensing Board's requirements. Electrical permits for other occupancies are issued on the same terms. A combination building permit can be issued for a single project that includes more than one trade.

Permit life and inspections follow the building permit rules. A permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 12 months or stalls for 12 months, and a reinspection fee can be assessed when work is not ready, corrections are not made, plans are not available, access is blocked or work deviates from approved plans. Decisions of the building official are appealed to the Building Board of Appeals under Chapter 2.18.