San Francisco electrical permits and rules
Source: California Electrician Help (californiaelectricianhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Electrical permits in San Francisco
San Francisco says you need an electrical permit before installing new wiring or altering, extending or adding to existing electrical installations. Exemptions are in San Francisco Electrical Code Section 89.121. (source: City and County of San Francisco)
Contractors must hold a B, C7, C10, C45, C46, C61 or D34 license to apply, and the C10 license covers any electrical work, including fire alarms. Only owners of stand-alone single-family homes (R-3 occupancy) may apply to do the work themselves, and an inspector may tell them to hire a licensed contractor instead. (source: City and County of San Francisco)
Work on solar panels or energy storage systems needs a separate solar permit. Electrical work must be inspected before the wiring is covered. (source: City and County of San Francisco)
Statewide rules that apply here
Electrical contractors are licensed by CSLB in the C-10 Electrical Contractor classification. A C-10 contractor places, installs, erects or connects electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits and solar photovoltaic cells that generate, transmit, transform or use electrical energy. (source: Contractors State License Board)
Separately from the contractor license, California certifies the electricians themselves. Certification is required only for people who work as electricians for C-10 licensed electrical contractors, and uncertified people may not do electrical work that requires certification (Labor Code 108.2). (source: California Legislature)
The contractor license law does not apply to work under $1,000 in total that is minor and does not need a building permit (B&P 7048). Most electrical work needs a permit in the cities on this site, so this exemption rarely covers it. Section 7048 was last amended effective January 1, 2026. (source: California Legislature)
See electrical permits in other cities, doing your own work and checking a contractor and electrician.
Other cities: Los Angeles · San Diego · San Jose · San Francisco · Sacramento · Fresno · Long Beach · Oakland
On this site: California electrician license and certification rules · California electrician certification types, hours and fees · How to check a California electrician and complain · Do I need an electrical permit in California? · Electrical panel upgrade permits in California · EV charger permits in California · Who can install solar in California: C-10 or C-46 · Which electrical code does California use? · Electrical work that needs no permit in California cities · Electrical permit costs in California cities · Can I do my own electrical work in California? · When does a California contractor need a license? · California home improvement contract and payment rules · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- City and County of San Francisco: Apply for an electrical permit (checked November 2, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): C-10 Electrical Contractor classification (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Labor Code 108.2 (electrician certification) (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 7048 (minor work exemption) (checked November 2, 2026)
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