Electrical Permit in Baltimore, MD
Permit Summary
Who Can Do the Electrical Work?
Homeowner Eligibility Rules
Baltimore does not provide a homeowner electrical-permit/self-work pathway for covered work. § 2706.2 limits permit issuance to specified licensed electricians authorized to do business in the City, and § 2707.1 requires electrical work to be performed by a person licensed under State law and insured or directly supervised by an insured, licensed electrician.
Contractor Rules
The electrical-permit application must identify the insured, licensed electrician responsible. Permits may be issued only to a master electrician, master restricted electrician, restricted electrician, or maintenance electrician licensed to do business in Baltimore. State licensure and insurance or direct supervision are required. DHCD's low-voltage guidance states that a business license is required if the low-voltage contractor is not a master electrician.
Permit & Plan Review
Electrical Work Covered
Under § 2706.1, electrical work requires a permit unless specifically excepted. DHCD's current electrical-permit guideline includes in-kind replacement of lighting fixtures, receptacles, switches and other devices; service cable and electrical panels; circuits/feeders up to 30; fixture or receptacle relocation up to 5 feet; up to 30 new circuits; service installations up to 400 A and 600 V; low voltage; telecommunications antennas; signs; qualifying 1- and 2-family residential pools; modular buildings; electrical work in 1- and 2-family dwellings; and temporary trailers. Other work may require the Commercial and Multifamily Combo permit path.
Plan Review Rules
Plan review depends on permit scope. Baltimore's fee code distinguishes applications with and without construction documents for plan review, and § 105.3 requires construction documents under § 107 when applicable. DHCD's electrical guideline states that work outside its listed electrical scopes may require submission under the Commercial and Multifamily Combo permit type, where broader construction-document review can apply.
Service, Panel & Utility Requirements
Service / Panel Rules
DHCD lists in-kind replacement of service cable and electrical panels, and service installation up to 400 A and 600 V, under its electrical-permit guideline; listed replacements must be the same size and location. City permit fees for service wiring/equipment are based on ampere rating, with an additional $100 for services over 600 V. Service changes beyond the guideline's listed scope may require a combo-permit path and utility coordination.
Service Reconnect Rules
An electrical certificate is required before electric service may be energized in any structure. The Building Official issues the certificate, on request and payment of the required fee, for an installation that conforms to code. Utility-side reconnection or meter/service work must also follow BGE requirements.
Low-Voltage Rules
Low-voltage work is included in DHCD's electrical-permit guideline. DHCD states that a business license is required for low-voltage work if the contractor is not a master electrician. The City fee is $25 for 1–25 low-voltage devices plus $5 for each additional 10 devices or fraction.
Utility Coordination Rules
For new or modified electric service or meter work, coordinate separately with Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE). BGE service applications collect project address, load, meter, main-disconnect, voltage, and site-plan information; BGE advises submitting the service application as soon as the building permit is received. City permit, inspection, and electrical-certificate requirements still apply before energization.
Inspections & Permit Life
Electrical Inspection Stages
Required inspections vary by scope. DHCD's current inspection-code list includes Electrical Rough-In, Ceiling Rough-In, Wall Rough-In, Trench, Backfill, Footer Grounding, Pool Grounding, Temporary Service, Electrical Services Upgrade, Fixtures/Devices, Communications, Security Systems, and Final Electric, plus partial and preliminary inspections. A final inspection is required after permitted work is completed.
Permit Expiration / Inspection Interval
Unless an extension is granted, a permit expires on the date stated on the permit or earlier if authorized work is not begun within 180 days after issuance or is abandoned or suspended for 180 days or more. For justifiable cause, an extension may be requested within 90 days after expiration; each general extension is limited to 180 days unless the Building Official authorizes otherwise. An expired permit may be reinstated once for final inspection if requested within 3 years, all rough-in inspections were completed and approved, and all work is complete.
What You Need Before Applying
Requirements
Obtain the required permit before starting covered electrical work, use an electrician authorized under Baltimore City Code §§ 2706–2707, and perform work to the City-adopted 2020 National Electrical Code as modified. The electrical-permit application must identify the insured, licensed electrician responsible. Apply through E-Permits, provide required construction documents when applicable, complete required inspections, and obtain required approval before electric service is energized.
Exemptions
Current code exempts specified electrical repairs and maintenance and temporary testing systems through adopted IBC provisions, and also incorporates emergency-repair and public-service-agency provisions. Otherwise, § 2706.1 requires a permit before electrical work. A permit exemption does not authorize work that violates the code or other law.
Required Documents
Application information identifying and describing the work and property, intended use/occupancy, gross floor area and dwelling units where applicable, valuation, owner/lessee/applicant contact information, and the name and address of the insured, licensed electrician responsible for the electrical work. Construction documents and other information required by § 107 must accompany the application when applicable; historic or landmark properties may require CHAP review materials.