Electrical Inspections

Safeguarding persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity

1. About Us
2. Houston Public Works
3. Building Code Enforcement
4. Electrical Inspections

The Electrical Inspections section is responsible for:

• Registration of licensed contractors and electrical masters
• Providing responses to permit procedures and Electrical Code inquiries
• Conducting investigations regarding easements and inspections of permitted and non-permitted electrical installations
• Performing utility releases
• Aid in assisting other departments

• Contact
• When is an electrical inspection required?
• Register your license

1002 Washington Ave., 4th Floor
Houston, TX 77002

All work requiring an electrical permit must be inspected and approved by an electrical inspector before the project is finalized. All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor.

Some situations that require an electrical inspection include:

• Ditch or slab cover inspection
• Wall cover inspection
• Ceiling cover inspection
• Temporary cut-in inspection

When do I call for an electrical inspection?

The licensed electrical contractor performing the work will schedule the required electrical inspections.

Inspections may be scheduled online or by calling the IVR system at 713-222-9922. A 4-digit scheduling PIN is required.

Helpful Documents

• Lock Out/Tag Out Procedure for TCI Releases
• Frequently Missed Inspection Items

You must register or renew your Texas Electrical Master and Contractor Licenses with the City of Houston. Registration can be done via email at [email protected] . For more information, please refer to the Registration & Renewal Guideline (Form CE-1203). The following documents are required:

• A copy of your Driver's License or Identification
• License Registration and Update Form (Note: Notarization is required if submitted by mail or email, or if another individual other than the applicant will be submitting registration form)

Effective April 1, 2022, per Section 404, the master electrician of record shall not have a city electrical contractor's registration for more than one contracting business.

Please call Electrical Inspections at 832.394.8860 when the contractor's registration is up for renewal. You will need to indicate which businesses will be dropped at that time.

Where can I find out information about licensing?

For more information about licensing visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PERMIT TYPES

Click the link(s) below.

Annual Electrical Maintenance Permit

Upon making written application and payment of all applicable fees, a person having ownership or control over property may obtain an annual maintenance permit for the keeping in safe repair of any

Ball Park/Parking Light Pole Permit

Registered electrical contractors who wish to install or change out the ballast on a new light pole in a parking lot, ball park, stadium, or large facility parking lot must apply for an electrical

Circuit Panel Permit

Registered electrical contractors who wish to install or re-wire circuit breakers must request an electrical permit.

Clothes Dryer Installation Permit

An electrical permit is required in any instance in which a new outlet or circuit must be installed to serve the needs of a new or repaired appliance within a home or a business.

Cooking Top Permit

An electrical permit is required in any instance in which a new outlet or circuit must be installed to serve the needs of a new or repaired appliance within a home or a business.

Dishwasher Installation Permit

Registered electrical contractors who wish to install a dishwasher must apply for an electrical permit.

Electrical Contractor Registration

Any person or business who wishes to perform electrical work within the City of Houston must register with the Electrical Inspections section.

Electrical Fixture Permit

An electrical permit is required any time a lighting fixture or luminaire must be installed, moved, rewired, repaired, or replaced.

Electrical Meter & Loop Service Permit

Registered electrical contractors who wish to install Electrical Meter & Loop Service must apply for an electrical permit.

Electrical Outlet Permit

Registered electrical contractors who wish to install an Electrical Outlet must apply for an electrical permit.

HOUSTON PERMITTING CENTER
1002 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX 77002