Quick answer on electrical permits
In Bakersfield and unincorporated Kern County, most electrical work beyond simple like-for-like swaps needs a permit. That includes panel replacements and upgrades, service changes, new circuits for EV chargers, AC, hot tubs, or RV outlets, and wiring for additions and remodels. Permit fees are set by the city or county and vary by project, so check the current fee schedule or let your licensed contractor include it in the quote.
Key facts about electrical permits
- Panels, service changes, and new circuits usually need permits.
- Fees are set by the city or county and vary by project.
- A licensed contractor normally pulls the permit and meets the inspector.
City or county?
Which office handles your permit depends on where the property is. Homes inside Bakersfield city limits go through the City of Bakersfield. Homes in unincorporated areas, such as Lamont or Edison, generally go through Kern County. Both have online portals and fee schedules, and the rules can change, so it is worth checking the current details for your address.
Jobs that usually need a permit
Panel replacements and panel upgrades, including a move to 200 amps. Service changes, such as a new meter and main or an underground service. New 240V circuits for an EV charger, a dryer, a range, an AC unit, a hot tub, or an RV outlet. Subpanels for a garage, shop, or backyard. Wiring for room additions, garage conversions, and remodels. Generator and transfer switch installs. Pool and spa electrical.
If the job adds a circuit, changes the service, or opens walls to rewire, assume it needs a permit until you confirm otherwise.
Jobs that often do not
Simple like-for-like replacements, such as swapping a light fixture, an outlet, or a switch on an existing circuit, often do not need a permit. Rules vary, so when in doubt, ask.
Why the permit matters
A permit means an inspector checks the work. That protects you from hidden mistakes, and it matters for insurance claims and when you sell. Buyers and their inspectors often ask whether major electrical work like a panel upgrade was permitted.
Unpermitted work can lead to delays at closing, requests to open walls, or having to redo the work. Saving on a permit up front can cost more later.
PG&E and service work
Panel and service changes also involve PG&E, which disconnects power and sets the meter after the inspection passes. Local permit guidance we reviewed says PG&E commonly takes about 2 to 4 weeks on service changes, so plan ahead.
What happens on inspection day
After the work is done, the inspector visits to check it against code. For panel work, the inspector looks at the panel, breakers, grounding, bonding, labeling, and clearances. For new circuits, they look at wire size, breaker size, boxes, and connections. If something needs a correction, we fix it and schedule a reinspection.
On service changes, PG&E sets the meter after the inspection passes. We keep you updated at each step so you know when power will be off and when the job is complete. Keep the final permit record with your home papers. It helps with insurance and when you sell.
Who pulls the permit?
When you hire a licensed electrical contractor, they normally pull the permit and meet the inspector. Electrical ASAP is a licensed C-10 contractor (#1116554). We include the permit in our quote, schedule the inspection, and coordinate with PG&E when the job calls for it. Call (661) 293-0213.
Bakersfield services for electrical permits
If this sounds like what you are dealing with, these service pages explain the next step.
Electrical permits FAQs
How much is an electrical permit in Bakersfield?
Fees are set by the City of Bakersfield or Kern County and vary by project. Check the current fee schedule, or we include it in your quote.
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger?
Usually yes, because it adds a new 240V circuit.
Can a homeowner pull their own permit?
Rules for owner-builder permits vary. Most homeowners have their licensed contractor pull it.
What if work was done without a permit?
We can look at it and tell you what would be needed to bring it up to code and get it inspected.
Talk to a Bakersfield electrician about electrical permits
Call (661) 293-0213 or use the contact form.
