Placentia, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Chapter 20.16 is titled the "Placentia Electrical Code" (§ 20.16.010). Section 20.16.030 adopts the California Electrical Code, 2025 Edition, based on the 2023 National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association, to regulate all installation, arrangement, alteration, repair, use and other operation of electrical wiring, connections, fixtures and other electrical appliances on premises within the City of Placentia. Where the California Code of Regulations and State Building Standards Code of Regulations differ, the state regulations prevail except as the chapter specifically modifies them.

Section 20.16.050 carries two local amendments. Item 310.3(B) adds that copper wire shall be used for wiring No. 6 and smaller in all installations, and the Building Official can consider aluminum wiring for feeder lines only, on an individual basis, where adequate safety measures can be ensured. Item 690.13(A) requires the means to disconnect a photovoltaic and electrical energy storage system at a readily accessible location on the exterior of the building, with a visible-open, lockable AC disconnect within three (3) feet of the meter or the photovoltaic disconnect, or as the Building or Fire Code Official requires.

Section 20.16.040 defines the "chief electrical inspector" as the chief building official appointed by the city administrator, or a designee, and the "fire code official" as the chief of the Placentia fire and life safety department or another individual designated by the city administrator. Enforcement sits with the building official or designee (§ 20.16.060). On the permit side, item 107.3 added by § 20.04.050 requires an expedited review and permit issuance process for EV Charging Stations, with simplified submittal forms on the city's website. Fees are set by city council resolution under California Government Code § 66016 (§ 20.16.070).