Richardson, TX Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Under Sec. 6-91 of the building code chapter, it is unlawful to install, alter or repair electrical wiring, fixtures or equipment on any building or premises, public or private, without first getting a permit from the building inspection department, or filing a contractor's voucher when the work falls under an existing building permit. Skipping the permit step is not just a paperwork problem: Sec. 6-92 doubles the electrical permit fee if work starts before a permit issues, on top of any other penalty. Electrical fees are folded into the building permit fee where one is required; where it is not, a minimum fee from the Master Fee Schedule applies, and a reinspection fee is charged starting with the third reinspection of uncorrected work.

Sec. 6-93 requires a final inspection on every installation, and any electrical work that will be concealed by permanent building parts must be inspected before it is closed in; an inspector can order concealed work reopened if it was covered without notice. Sec. 6-94 bars connecting power to equipment requiring a permit until the electrical inspector issues a certificate of approval, though a temporary connection may be authorized. Technical compliance runs through Sec. 6-132, which adopts the National Electrical Code, 2020 edition (NFPA 70) by reference for all electrical installations citywide, and restricts NM, NMC and NMS cable types to one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings.

All electrical work must be performed by a contractor registered with the city and licensed by the State of Texas as an electrical contractor (Sec. 6-111), with a qualified master electrician responsible for supervising the work.