San Benito County, CA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2022 CA Electrical Code (2020 NEC base)
- Permit required
- Building Official permit before work
- Applies to
- Unincorporated San Benito County only
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
Unincorporated San Benito County requires a Building Official permit for any electrical installation and enforces the 2022 California Electrical Code, based on the 2020 National Electrical Code, under County Code § 21.01.021(C).
California Electrical Code, 2022 Edition, Title 24, Part 3, based on the 2020 National Electric Code, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, and as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
(D) California Mechanical Code, 2022 Edition, Title 24, Part 4, based on the 2021 Uniform Mechanical Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24, Part 4 of the California Code of Regulations.
(E) California Plumbing Code, 2022 Edition, Title 24, Part 5, based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
(F) California Residential Code, 2022 Edition, Title 24, Part 2.5, based on the 2021 International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission in the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
(G) California Green Buildings Standards Code, 2022 Edition, Title 24,
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
The county's Building Regulations chapter (Title 21) adopts the 2022 California Building Standards Code by reference, including the California Electrical Code, 2022 Edition, based on the 2020 National Electrical Code (§ 21.01.021(C)). Separately, § 21.01.001 defines PERMIT REQUIRED to cover anyone who intends to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace an electrical system, requiring a written permit from the Building Official before work begins. This applies only in unincorporated San Benito County. Hollister and San Juan Bautista issue permits under their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Working without an electrical permit is unlawful under the county's general penalty clause: fines up to $1,000, up to six months' imprisonment, or both; each day of continued work without a permit is a separate offense (§ 1.01.007).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to add an outlet in unincorporated San Benito County?
Which electrical code does the county enforce?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.