- New home wiring or service installations
- Wiring for garages, sheds, additions, or basements
- Adding or relocating outlets, lights, or switches
- Installing electric heating, EV chargers, or hot tubs
- Upgrading breaker panels or electrical services
Electrical Permits
An electrical permit is required any time electrical wiring, equipment, or service is installed, altered, or replaced. This ensures all work meets the Canadian Electrical Code and is inspected for safety.
Before beginning construction, review the information on this page to ensure your project meets all requirements and that you have applied for the necessary permits.
When do you need a permit?
You need an electrical permit for:
- Replacing light bulbs or plug-in fixtures
- Changing fuses or breakers of the same size
- installing low-voltage systems (e.g., home theatre, doorbells, data)
How to apply?
You can apply online through eApply or in person at City Hall.
Your application should include:
- Property address and description of work
- Confirm who will be doing the work (homeowner or licensed contractor)
- Contractor name and license number (if applicable)
- Panel size, location, and load calculations (if upgrading the service)
- Electrical drawings (for larger or complex projects)
If work is part of a new build or major renovation, include the associated building permit number.
Permit Fees
- Residential: minimum permit fee of $110.00 plus applicable Safety Codes Council levy. Fees increase based on the total construction value.
- Commercial: minimum permit fee of $250.00 plus applicable Safety Codes Council levy. Fees increase based on the total construction value.
Inspections
Inspections are required at key stages of construction:
- Rough-in (after wiring is installed, before drywall)
- Final (after fixtures, outlets, and panels are complete)
You must schedule inspections at least one business day in advance. Please schedule using the eInspections portal.
FAQ's
Can a homeowner do their own electrical work?
Yes, if you own and live in the home and are confident in you ability to complete the work safely. All work must still be inspected.
How long is my electrical permit valid?
Electrical permits can expire, so it's important to plan your project in advance to avoid delays or cancellations.
Permits expire when:
- Work has not started within 90 days of permit issuance
- Work has been suspended or abandoned for 120 days after it was started
Permits can be closed if there is no entry arranged or permitted. Work covered by the permit must be completed within 365 days.
What is an Electrical Annual Maintenance Permit?
An Electrical Annual Maintenance Permit allows a qualified contractor or facility operator to perform routine electrical maintenance and minor repairs throughout the year without requiring individual permits for each task. This permit covers general maintenance only and does not authorize major electrical upgrades, new installations, or service changes.
- Permit Fee: $300.00
What do I need to know before installing solar panels?
An Electrical Permit is required for all solar panel installations. Homeowners cannot install solar panels unless they are certified electricians; a licensed electrical contractor must obtain the permit. All solar micro-generation systems must be approved by Electric Design, and the property owner must include the signed Interconnection Agreement with the Electrical Permit application. For more details, please review the Solar Panels page
Do I need an electrical permit for soffit lighting?
Soffit lighting systems are often marketed as do-it-yourself kits that are safe to install by a homeowner. However, the City of Lethbridge has regulations for the installation of soffit lighting systems:
- An electrical permit is required for all soffit lighting installations
- The work must be done by an electrical contractor with a City of Lethbridge business license
- If the system is already installed, you must get a passed electrical inspection report
Related Links
Additional resources and related information can be found below.
Contact Us
City Hall
910 4 Avenue South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 0P6
Phone: 311
or 403-320-3111 (if outside of Lethbridge)