Electrical Permits
Planning electrical work on your property? Whether it’s an upgrade, repair, or new installation, it’s important to do it safely — and that starts with a licensed professional and the proper permit.
Who Can Get a Permit?
Only electrical contractors can apply for permits. The City licenses contractors who employ qualified journeyman electricians. Property owners cannot be issued an electrical permit themselves, but they are still responsible for making sure work is performed by someone authorized and a valid permit is in place before work begins.
Inspection Process
Electrical Inspection staff carry out inspections to ensure work complies with the Canadian Electrical Code and the Electrical By-Law. Inspections cover wiring, connections, fixtures, and equipment, ensuring they are installed and maintained safely. Depending on the project, inspections may occur at multiple stages, whether it’s new construction, renovations, or repairs in existing buildings.
Electrical Advisories and Bulletins
- Electrical Advisory - E-2024-01 Adoption of 2024 CE Code
- Electrical Advisory - E-2025-01 Smoke Alarm Requirements for One and Two-Family Dwellings
- Electrical Advisory - Changes to Service Inspection Requirements
- Electrical Advisory - Revised Electrical Permit Application, November 2025
- Electrical Advisory - Sharing of License Information & After-Hours Connection Procedures
- Electrical Bulletin - E-2026-001 Permit Obligations for Changes in Service Ampacity Characteristics for Residential Occupancies or Dwelling Units
- Electrical Bulletin - E-2026-002 Temporary Power Installations
Apply for an Electrical Permit
You must have your permit before work begins. Permits for all electrical work can only be issued to electrical contractors who obtain an Electrical Contractor's License or an Electrician Journeyman's License from the City of St. John's.
Need Temporary Electrical Power for your Event?
If you plan on using temporary electrical power for your event, please review the Temporary Power Information for Event Organizers Guide.
Permit Fees
Includes new construction, additions, alterations, repairs or miscellaneous structures including accessory buildings.
Residential (one and two family dwellings)
- 100 amp (new service or upgrade): $145.20 + 1% of estimated cost of electrical work
- 125 amp (new service or upgrade): $181.50 + 1% of estimated cost of electrical work
- 150 amp (new service or upgrade): $217.80 + 1% of estimated cost of electrical work
- 200 amp (new service or upgrade): $290.40 + 1% of estimated cost of electrical work
- 300 amp (new service or upgrade): $435.60 + 1% of estimated cost of electrical work
- 400 amp (new service or upgrade): $580.80 + 1% of estimated cost of electrical work
- 600 amp (new service or upgrade): $871.20 + 1% of estimated cost of electrical work
- Renovations/Extensions/Accessory buildings (no separate service): $72.60 + 1% of estimated cost of electrical work
- Service Repair/Panel change/Service change (same amperage): $72.60 + 1% of estimated cost of electrical work
- Expired permit renewal: $72.60
3 Units (apartment buildings, condos) Commercial and Industrial
- $2,000 or less: $242
- $2,001 to $5,000: $242; plus, for each $100 over $2,000: $2.42
- $5,001 to $50,000: $314.60; plus, for each $100 over $5,000: $1.21
- $50,001 to $1,000,000: $859.10; plus, for each $100 over $50,000: $0.94
- $1,000,001 to $3,000,000: $9,482; plus, for each $100 over $1,000,000: $0.33
- Over $3,000,000: $15,532; plus, for each $100 over $3,000,000: $0.12
3 Residential Units or greater (apartment buildings, condos) Commercial and Industrial
- $2,000 or less: $242
- $2,001 to $5,000: $242; plus, for each $100 over $2,000: $2.42
- $5,001 to $50,000: $314.60; plus, for each $100 over $5,000: $1.21
- $50,001 to $1,000,000: $859.10; plus, for each $100 over $50,000: $0.94
- $1,000,001 to $3,000,000: $9,482; plus, for each $100 over $1,000,000: $0.33
- Over $3,000,000: $15,532; plus, for each $100 over $3,000,000: $0.12
For commercial projects where the construction value exceeds $2000, estimates signed by your contractor are to be provided indicating the breakdown of construction value, not including HST.
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