Taunton, MA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Article XIII of the Taunton Code, adopted 9-18-1973, creates the office of Inspector of Wires. The Municipal Council appoints the inspector to a three-year term under § 96-68, and § 96-69 requires that no one hold the post without being "duly licensed as a journeyman electrician for at least four years," with removal only for cause after a hearing. Section 96-70 assigns the inspector the duty to see that "all laws, ordinances, and regulations relative to wires are strictly enforced," carrying the full authority granted under MGL c.

166, § 32, and § 96-71 requires an annual report to the Municipal Council listing all activities, including fees collected. 5% of the contract price plus a 4% permit surcharge with a $78 minimum, and a flat $260 annual fee for industries. 40 per unit for an addition, remodel, garage, or shed, $52 for a major appliance such as a range, dryer, or water heater, and $26 for an appliance replacement. Installing hardwired smoke, heat, or carbon-monoxide detectors costs $20 per unit plus a 4% surcharge, with a $52 minimum.

As with the other trade fee schedules in Chapter 250, any electrical work performed without first obtaining the required permit is billed at triple the normal fee, and a failed inspection triggers a separate $52 reinspection charge.