San Jose, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Electrical Code
- Governing section
- SJMC § 24.06.100
- Local exclusions
- CEC §§ 89.108.4-89.108.9 excluded
- Filed copy
- Held by the city clerk
Summary
San Jose enforces the 2025 California Electrical Code with local amendments under SJMC § 24.06.100, so any wiring, panel or circuit work needs a permit issued against that adopted code, not a locally written electrical code.
Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter, the California Electrical Code, 2025 edition, together with those omissions, amendments, exceptions and additions thereto as amended in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations are approved and adopted, and are hereby incorporated in this chapter by reference and made a part hereof the same as if fully set forth herein.B.One copy of the CEC has been filed for use and examination of the public in the office of the city clerk of the City of San José. (Ords. 28166, 28838, 29334, 29806, 30326, 30837, 31256.)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 24.06 of the San Jose Municipal Code adopts the California Electrical Code, 2025 edition, by reference as the city's electrical code, along with the omissions, amendments, exceptions and additions listed in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Section 24.06.110 then lists specific CEC sections the city does not adopt (including Sections 89.108.4 through 89.108.9). A copy of the CEC as amended is on file with the city clerk. Electrical permits for wiring, service upgrades, panel work and fixed equipment installations are reviewed against this adopted code through San Jose's Building Division.
Violations & Fines
Working without a permit or outside the adopted CEC provisions exposes the installation to a stop-work order, correction notice, or removal/redo requirement during inspection; the code itself does not list a flat fine in this section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Jose use a separate local electrical code?
Where is the amended electrical code kept?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California building safety overview
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Electrical Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle electrical permits.