Santa Rosa, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 CA Electrical Code, Title 24 Part 3
- Local citation
- City Code § 18-32.010
- Permit form
- Issued on the combined single permit form
- Adopting section
- City Code § 18-04.015
- Enforcer
- Building and Code Compliance Division
Summary
Santa Rosa enforces the 2025 California Electrical Code, adopted by reference and renumbered with an '18-32.' prefix for local citation. Electrical work is folded into the City's combined permit process: an electrical permit is required and issued on the same multi-trade form as building, plumbing and mechanical permits.
For purposes of citation, all sections of the California Electrical Code, Title 24, Part 3, 2025 Edition, as adopted in Santa Rosa City Code Section 18-04.015, including Article 517 "Health Care Facilities," published by the National Fire Protection Association and amended by the California Building Standards Commission, including tables, as adopted by reference and amended in this Title 18, are renumbered by adding "18-32." before each section number.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 18-32 adopts the California Electrical Code for Santa Rosa. ' before each section number when adopted and amended in Title 18. 015, the master adoption section for all Title 24 codes used in the City. 010: anyone doing work regulated by the adopted California Codes must secure a permit and pay fees before starting. 020 specifically lists electrical permits among the permits the Department of Planning and Economic Development issues on the City's single combined permit form, with the fee based on the cumulative value of all work included on that form, so a homeowner adding wiring during a remodel does not pull a separate electrical-only application.
030. The Chief Building Official, designated as Director of Building and Code Compliance, administers and enforces the Electrical Code alongside the other Title 24 codes under authority granted by Government Code Sections 38601(b) and 38660.
Violations & Fines
Electrical work is covered by the same citywide penalty and enforcement structure as the rest of Title 18: violating any provision of the title, including the adopted California Electrical Code as locally amended, is subject to the penalty provisions of Section 1-28.010 (Section 18-04.080). The City's Director of Building and Code Compliance and designated Division staff may issue a written notice to appear for violations under Penal Code Section 836.5 (Section 18-04.100). Electrical work started without the required permit is also subject to the special investigation and added investigation fee under Section 18-08.170.
Frequently Asked Questions
What electrical code does Santa Rosa enforce?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa to another location·View the California building safety overview
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