Smithtown, NY Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Chapter 145 of the Town Code, first adopted April 13, 1965 and last amended May 22, 2025, makes all electrical installations for light, heat, power or signal systems operating on 50 volts or more subject to the National Electrical Code, "those known as the 'National Fire Protection Association Pamphlet No. 70,' as approved and adopted by the American Standards Association," per Section 145-3, except where the Town's own local laws, ordinances or Building Code prescribe differently, in which case the local standard controls. Under Section 145-7, it is a violation for anyone to install or alter electrical wiring in or on Smithtown property "until a Building Department permit has been issued and an application for inspection has been filed with any authorized organization hereunder," and it is likewise a violation to energize wiring without a temporary certificate or certificate of compliance.

Inspections are not performed by Town staff but by Inspectors from outside organizations that the Town Board designates by resolution under Section 145-4; those Inspectors must have at least 10 years of field experience, hold an IAEI certification for one- and two-family dwellings and general electrical work, and their sponsoring organization must carry $1,000,000/$2,000,000 general liability and $1,000,000 excess liability coverage naming the Town as an additional insured. The Inspector reports violations to the Chief Building Inspector, who administers the chapter under Section 145-1, and issues the certificate of compliance once work conforms to the chapter.

Section 145-9 exempts mines, ships, railway cars, automotive equipment, utility-operated outdoor equipment, electrical manufacturing work, and buildings owned or leased entirely by the federal or state government.