ELECTRICAL PERMIT

Electrical permits are required under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the Howard County Code to assure that electrical installations are performed by licensed personnel and that these installations are in compliance with the National Electrical Code.

ELECTRICAL PERMIT PROCESS

Single family residential electrical permit applications are reviewed, processed and issued by the electrical permits office located in the George Howard Building, 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, Maryland. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Minimum processing time is 48 hours.

Multi-family dwellings, commercial and industrial electrical permit applications are submitted for review and approval to the Plan Review Division, George Howard Building, 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, Maryland (410-313-2436) prior to processing and issuance by the electrical permits office.

LICENSE REQUIRED TO DO ELECTRICAL WORK

To perform electrical work in Howard County, the individual, firm or corporation must be licensed pursuant to Section 3.203 of the Howard County Electrical Regulations.

Exception: Homeowners who wish to make minor changes to their wiring system or wish to wire small additions at theirresidence may obtain written approval and obtain a permit.For further information, please call 410-313-1820.

PERMIT FEES

Electrical permit fees are calculated in accordance with the Electrical Inspection Fee schedule. Please phone 410-313-2455 for additional information.

Fees are payable to the Director of Finance Howard County.

ELECTRICAL PERMIT EXPIRATION

An approved electrical permit shall become invalid if the authorized work is not inspected within 180 days or if the authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days. For justifiable cause, the Department may grant an extension if requested in writing by the applicant prior to the expiration of the permit.

INSPECTIONS AND APPROVAL

Included with each electrical permit issued is an inspection and permit information guide outlining the steps required to obtain the necessary inspections and approvals.

WHO TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE:

• Automated Inspection and Permit Request and Information
  410-313-3800 (Dial-up System)
• General Information regarding Issuance of Electrical Permits
  410-313-2455 (Licenses and Permits)
• Code Compliance and Plan Review
  410-313-2436 (Plan Review)
• General Information for Inspections and Enforcement
  410-313-1823 (Inspections and Enforcement)
• Fax 410-313-3322 (permits)
• 410-313-1807 (electrical review)
• TTY 410-313-2323
• BGE (New or Relocation of Gas or Electric Service Connections)
  410-850-4620, 1-800-233-1854 or BGE