Electrical Permits

Depending on the type of work, a building permit may be required before applying for an electrical permit.

• If your electrical work is part of a larger construction or renovation project, you will require a building permit.
• If your project is standalone electrical work, you can typically apply directly for an electrical permit. 

Have questions? Contact a Safety Codes Officer at inspections@rmwb.ca for more information.

Homeowners are not permitted to install, alter, or modify the main electrical service in their homes. This includes:

• the main panel, main breaker, or the meter base
• electrical wiring in permanent in-ground swimming pool or hot tubs
• solar photovoltaic systems

A licensed contractor is required for these types of projects.

You may apply for a homeowner permit only if:

• You own and reside at the building (or will reside there once construction is complete).
• You will personally be installing the wiring. 
• You are capable of ensuring that the work is done in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code.

You cannot apply for a homeowner permit if:

• You do not own and live at the property.
• You are not personally doing the work.

If you have no experience with electrical wiring, it is best to hire a professional electrical contractor who
is eligible to receive permits. Only master electricians are eligible to apply for permits. Work done by
inexperienced installers may need expensive corrections and could be dangerous.

Review the permit fee schedule.

An annual electrical permit is a permit issued to an owner or operator of the premises that allows them to perform multiple routine electrical installations, alterations, or maintenance activities at one or more specified locations over a defined 12-month period, without requiring a separate permit for each individual job.

Once a complete application with all required documentation is received, the processing time for an electrical permit is three to five business days. 

Work must begin within 90 days of the permit issuance. It is the permit holder’s responsibility to ensure that all required inspections are completed.

To request an inspection:

• Complete the Inspections Request form.
• Call Inspections at 780-743-7813.
• Email inspections@rmwb.ca.
• Visit us in person at 9909 Franklin Avenue.

Permits remain valid for one year if work is actively progressing.

An electrical permit will expire if:

• Work does not begin within 90 days of issuance, or
• No work is completed for 120 consecutive days.