Obtain Electrical Permit for Your Bathroom Remodel
Bathroom electrical work is among the most regulated in residential construction because water and electricity create deadly hazards. An electrical permit ensures your new circuits, GFCI outlets, exhaust fans, and lighting meet strict safety codes that protect your family for years to come.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-14 days approval
Difficulty
Moderate (paperwork)
Cost
$50-$300
Why Electrical Permits Matter for Bathrooms
Bathrooms present unique electrical hazards. The combination of water, wet skin (which conducts electricity more easily), grounded fixtures like faucets, and bare feet creates conditions where electrical faults can be fatal. Permits ensure:
- GFCI protection is verified — Ground fault protection cuts power in milliseconds when current leakage is detected, preventing electrocution
- Circuit sizing prevents fires — Inspectors verify wire gauge matches circuit breaker amperage to prevent overheating
- Proper grounding confirmed — All bathroom circuits must be properly grounded for safety devices to function
- Wet location ratings checked — Fixtures in showers and near tubs must be rated for wet or damp locations
- Insurance and resale protected — Unpermitted electrical work can void insurance coverage and create title issues
What Requires an Electrical Permit
Permit Required
- Adding new electrical circuits
- Installing new outlets or moving existing outlets
- Installing exhaust fan (new or where none existed)
- Adding recessed lighting or new light fixtures
- Installing heated floors (electric radiant heat)
- Hardwired towel warmers or mirrors
- Installing whirlpool tub motor circuit
- Upgrading electrical panel or adding subpanel
Usually No Permit Needed
- Replacing outlet with same type in same location
- Replacing light switch (same location)
- Swapping light fixture (same wattage, location)
- Replacing exhaust fan with similar model
- Installing plug-in appliances (no hardwiring)
- Replacing faceplate covers
- Upgrading outlet to GFCI (same location)
Gray Area Projects
Some work falls into a gray area that varies by jurisdiction. For example, replacing a standard exhaust fan with a fan-heater-light combo might require a permit because of increased power requirements. Adding a dimmer switch is usually permit-free, but adding a smart switch that requires a neutral wire connection might trigger permit requirements. When in doubt, call your local building department—they answer these questions daily.
Step-by-Step Permit Process
Step 1: Document Your Electrical Scope
Before applying, create a clear picture of all electrical work planned. This helps determine permit requirements and speeds up approval.
Electrical Scope Checklist:
- • Number and location of new outlets
- • Outlets being moved or removed
- • New switches and their locations
- • Light fixtures (existing, new, relocated)
- • Exhaust fan specifications (CFM, sones, features)
- • Any 240V circuits (heated floors, whirlpool tubs)
- • Smart home devices requiring wiring
Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
Documentation requirements vary by project complexity and jurisdiction.
Basic Bathroom Projects
- • Completed permit application
- • Property owner authorization
- • Electrician license number
- • Simple floor plan sketch
- • List of new circuits needed
Complex Projects May Require
- • Detailed electrical plan (to scale)
- • Load calculation worksheet
- • Panel schedule showing capacity
- • Equipment specifications/cut sheets
- • Energy code compliance forms
Step 3: Submit Application and Pay Fees
Most jurisdictions allow online submission. Fees are typically due at application.
Typical Electrical Permit Fees:
Step 4: Await Approval
Approval times depend on project complexity and department workload.
Same day
Simple outlet/switch adds
3-5 days
New circuits, exhaust fan
1-2 weeks
Panel upgrades, complex work
Step 5: Schedule and Pass Inspections
Electrical work typically requires two inspections. Never close walls before the rough-in inspection.
Inspection Stages:
Rough-In Inspection
Before drywall. Inspector checks wire routing, box placement, proper wire sizing, grounding, and that GFCI protection is planned correctly.
Final Inspection
After all fixtures installed. Inspector tests GFCI outlets, verifies exhaust fan operation, checks fixture ratings for wet locations, and confirms proper labeling.
Common Bathroom Electrical Code Requirements
The National Electrical Code (NEC) has specific requirements for bathroom electrical systems. Your local jurisdiction may adopt these with modifications.
GFCI Protection Requirements
- All bathroom receptacles must have GFCI protection—no exceptions
- Within 6 feet of any sink requires GFCI (this applies outside bathrooms too)
- Whirlpool/hot tub motors require GFCI protection
- Outdoor-accessible bathroom outlets need weather-resistant GFCI
- GFCI outlets should be tested monthly—the test/reset buttons must function
Dedicated Circuits
- Bathroom receptacles: 20-amp circuit required (can serve only bathroom outlets)
- One circuit per bathroom is minimum; larger bathrooms may need more
- Lighting can share a 15-amp circuit with other rooms (not receptacles)
- Electric heated floors: Typically require dedicated 20-amp circuit
- Whirlpool tubs: Usually require dedicated 20-amp GFCI circuit
- High-wattage exhaust fans: Fan-heater combos over 1500W need dedicated circuit
Exhaust Fan Requirements
- Ventilation required: Window or exhaust fan mandatory in most jurisdictions
- Minimum CFM: 1 CFM per square foot, or 50 CFM minimum for smaller bathrooms
- Ducting: Must exhaust to outdoors, not into attic or wall cavity
- Controls: Timer or humidity sensor recommended; some codes require
- Sound rating: 1.0 sones or less for quiet operation (not code, but recommended)
Lighting Requirements
- Wet location rated: Fixtures within shower/tub enclosures must be rated for wet locations
- Damp location rated: Fixtures in the general bathroom area need damp rating minimum
- Distance from water: Hanging fixtures must be 3+ feet from tub edge horizontally
- Recessed cans: IC-rated required if insulation contact possible; wet/damp rated where applicable
- Switch placement: Not inside tub/shower area; typically by entry door
Who Pulls the Electrical Permit?
Understanding permit responsibility helps avoid problems during your project.
Licensed Electrician Pulls Permit (Most Common)
Standard practice in most bathroom remodels:
- • Electrician assumes code compliance responsibility
- • Their license and insurance provide protection
- • They know local code amendments and inspector preferences
- • Required by law in many jurisdictions
- • Warranty on workmanship typically included
General Contractor Coordinates Permit
When managing the entire bathroom remodel:
- • GC pulls under their license (with electrical endorsement)
- • Or coordinates with subcontracted electrician who pulls
- • Single point of contact for all permit issues
- • Easier scheduling and coordination
Homeowner Pulls Permit (Limited)
Only available in some jurisdictions:
- • Must be owner-occupied primary residence
- • Many areas prohibit homeowner electrical permits entirely
- • Some require passing a test or interview
- • Full responsibility for code compliance falls on you
- • Higher risk—mistakes with electricity can be fatal
Critical Warning
Never agree to pull a permit for electrical work someone else is performing. If a contractor asks you to pull the permit, it's a major red flag—they may be unlicensed, uninsured, or trying to avoid liability. This exposes you to significant legal and safety risks.
What If the Inspection Fails?
Failed inspections happen and are usually straightforward to resolve. Here's the typical process:
Review the Correction Notice
The inspector provides a written list of deficiencies. Common issues include: missing GFCI protection, incorrect wire sizing, improper grounding, fixture too close to water, or boxes not properly secured.
Electrician Makes Corrections
Your electrician addresses each item on the correction list. Good electricians rarely fail inspections, and when they do, corrections are usually minor.
Schedule Re-Inspection
The first re-inspection is typically free. Additional re-inspections may cost $25-$100. Keep walls open until rough-in passes.
Pro Tip
If you disagree with an inspection result, you can request a meeting with the chief electrical inspector. However, this is rarely necessary with a competent electrician who knows local codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrical permit to add outlets in a bathroom?
Yes, in most jurisdictions. Adding new outlets requires running new circuits and involves work that must meet strict safety codes, especially in wet locations like bathrooms. Simply replacing an existing outlet in the same location typically does not require a permit, but adding outlets or moving them does.
How much does a bathroom electrical permit cost?
Electrical permit costs for bathroom remodels typically range from $50 to $300. Most jurisdictions charge a base fee of $50-$100 plus per-circuit or per-outlet fees. A typical bathroom with a new 20-amp circuit, GFCI outlets, exhaust fan, and lighting fixtures costs $75-$200 in total permit fees.
Are GFCI outlets required in bathrooms?
Yes, the National Electrical Code requires all bathroom receptacles to have GFCI protection. This can be achieved with individual GFCI outlets at each location, or by protecting multiple standard outlets downstream from a single GFCI outlet or GFCI circuit breaker. GFCI protection is critical because water and electricity create serious shock hazards.
Does a bathroom exhaust fan require a permit?
Installing a new exhaust fan typically requires an electrical permit because it involves new wiring and potentially a new circuit. Replacing an existing fan with a similar model usually does not require a permit. Adding a fan where none existed, or upgrading to a fan-heater-light combo requiring a dedicated circuit, definitely needs a permit.
Can a homeowner do their own bathroom electrical work?
This depends entirely on your jurisdiction. Some areas allow homeowners to perform electrical work on their primary residence if they pull the proper permit and pass inspections. Many jurisdictions require all electrical work to be done by licensed electricians. Even where DIY is legal, bathroom electrical work carries significant safety risks due to water proximity.
Electrical Permit Checklist
- Documented all electrical work planned (outlets, switches, fixtures, fans)
- Verified permit requirements with local building department
- Confirmed who will pull the permit (electrician or GC)
- Gathered required documentation (plans, load calculations if needed)
- Submitted application and paid permit fees
- Received approved electrical permit
- Posted permit at job site in visible location
- Scheduled rough-in inspection before closing walls
- Passed rough-in inspection
- Completed all fixture installation
- Tested all GFCI outlets for proper operation
- Scheduled final electrical inspection
- Passed final inspection
- Received permit sign-off/certificate of completion
Ready for the Next Step?
With your electrical permit in process, it's time to plan for life during construction. Setting up temporary facilities ensures your household can function while the bathroom is out of commission.