Residential Electrical Permit | City of Grand Rapids, MI

If you are an Electrical Contractor who will be performing work that requires an Electrical Permit under the Michigan Electrical Code or Michigan Residential Code, you will need to apply for a permit to ensure the work is completed properly.

If you're a homeowner of a single-family home, you may apply for an Electrical Permit for your primary residence in person, at the Development Center. If you're a homeowner AND licensed electrical contractor, you may apply online for an Electrical Permit. Properties with 2 or more units must use a licensed contractor.

NOTICE: Starting January 30, 2025, City inspectors will be operating under a No Live Work policy. Contractors are encouraged to accompany inspectors while on site.

1. Create a Citizen Access account

We use a third party application called Citizen Access for Electrical Permit applications. If you’ve never used Citizen Access, we recommend that you review how to create an account before starting your application. First-time use by an Electrical Contractor requires activation of your license for online use. Call the number listed in the Contact Us section to request activation.

2. Make sure you have time to apply

This application will take about 10 minutes once you've gathered the required information identified in the steps below. You will be able to save your application and resume later if you need more time.

3. Make sure you have all the required information

Identify the quantity and type of all electrical equipment to be installed
Contact information for the jobsite contact person
Be ready to provide your company's federal employer ID number, MESC employer number, and workers compensation insurance carrier

4. Have your credit/debit card ready

You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the permit fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

5. Apply online

Login to Citizen Access and choose the Electrical Applications category.

Apply Online in English

6. We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.

1. Make sure you have all the required information

Identify the quantity and type of all electrical equipment to be installed
Contact information for the jobsite contact person
Be ready to provide your company's federal employer ID number, MESC employer number, and workers compensation insurance carrier

2. Complete the application

Download, print, and fill out the printed application.

Download the Application in English

Download the Application in Spanish

3. Submit your completed application to our office

We accept printed electrical permit applications by mail or in person for electrical contractors only. We can't accept emailed, or faxed electrical permit applications. If you're a homeowner, visit our office to submit or complete the application. You can find our address in the Contact Us section of this page.

If you're mailing your application, payment must be by check. If you're submitting in person, you can pay with cash, check, money order or credit/debit (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express).

If you can't make it to our office, apply online using Citizen Access.

4. We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days of receipt of a mailed application. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.

Call us for instructions

You can find our number in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you all the information you need to apply for your Electrical Permit Application. We don't take applications over the phone, but we'll make sure you have everything you need to get your application approved.

1. Make sure you have all the required information

Identify the quantity and type of all electrical equipment to be installed
Contact information for the jobsite contact person
Be ready to provide your company's federal employer ID number, MESC employer number, and workers compensation insurance carrier

2. Come to our office and fill out an application

You'll find our address in the Contact Us section of this page. Be prepared to pay the permit fee. You can pay with cash, check, money order or credit/debit (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express).

You can download and print the application beforehand if you want. Otherwise, we'll get you a copy when you come in.

Download the Application in English

Download the Application in Spanish

3. We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.

Apply for a Residential Electrical Permit

1. Create a Citizen Access account

2. Make sure you have time to apply

3. Make sure you have all the required information

4. Have your credit/debit card ready

5. Apply online

6. We'll review your application

1. Make sure you have all the required information

2. Complete the application

3. Submit your completed application to our office

4. We'll review your application

Call us for instructions

1. Make sure you have all the required information

2. Come to our office and fill out an application

3. We'll review your application