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Scranton, PA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Adopted electrical code
2008 National Electric Code (NFPA)
Who may file
Master electrician only
Residential fee, first $1,000
$41.25
Residential fee, per additional $1,000
$8.25
Minimum inspection fee
$41.25
Plan review add-on
25% of building plan review fee

Summary

Scranton has adopted the 2008 National Electric Code as part of its Uniform Construction Code, and every electrical installation permit application must be filed by a licensed master electrician. Residential electrical inspection fees start at $41.25 for the first $1,000 of work and rise $8.25 per additional $1,000.

National Electric Code, 2008 edition, as published in the 2008 National Electric Code, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), as may be amended from time to time. ... An application for a permit for an electrical installation must be filed by a master electrician.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4719898; v25 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 201 of the City Code, adopted by Ordinance No. 16-2010, incorporates the National Electric Code, 2008 edition, published by the National Fire Protection Association, alongside the International Building, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Plumbing, Residential and Fire Codes, as the electrical component of Scranton's Uniform Construction Code (§ 201-1Q). Chapter 203 then sets the permitting mechanics for electrical work: § 203-7C requires that an application for an electrical installation permit be filed by a master electrician, distinct from the general contractor or homeowner track available for other permit types.

Before the permit issues, the Building Code Official must confirm the drawings and specifications, including the electrical plans, are stamped and certified by a registered professional in Pennsylvania where required (§ 203-7D). 55% of any amount over $1,000,000. A plan review fee equal to 25% of the building plan review fee also applies to electrical work under § 203-7M(1)(d).

Violations & Fines

Filing an electrical permit application without master-electrician status, or performing licensed electrical work without the required permit, exposes the responsible party to the general Chapter 203 penalty in § 203-23: a summary offense carrying a fine of $500 to $5,000 per offense plus costs, with each day of continued violation a separate offense, and up to 30 days imprisonment if the fine and costs go unpaid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What electrical code does Scranton use?
Scranton adopted the 2008 edition of the National Electric Code, published by the National Fire Protection Association, as part of its Uniform Construction Code under § 201-1Q of the City Code. That adoption, from Ordinance No. 16-2010, sits alongside the 2009-edition International Building, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Plumbing and Residential Codes the City also incorporated.
Who is allowed to file an electrical permit application in Scranton?
Section 203-7C requires that an application for a permit covering an electrical installation be filed by a master electrician, not simply the property owner or a general contractor. This tracks the parallel rule that a plumbing or heating installation permit must be filed by a master plumber or mechanical contractor.
How much does a residential electrical permit inspection cost in Scranton?
Under § 203-7L(4)(a), residential electrical inspections cost $41.25 for the first $1,000 of permitted work, plus $8.25 for each additional $1,000, with a $41.25 minimum inspection rate regardless of project size.
Does Scranton charge a separate plan review fee for electrical work?
Yes. Section 203-7M(1)(d) sets the electrical plan review fee at 25% of the commercial building plan review fee, in addition to the base electrical inspection fee charged under § 203-7L(4).

Sources & Official References

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