Electrical Permit & Fee Schedule

Individuals that perform electrical work in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must be licensed.

All licensed persons must register with the Town’s Building Department and provide a Certificate of Insurance prior to beginning any work. No permits will be given unless there is a currently valid license and Certificate of Insurance on file.  A Workers' Compensation Insurance Affidavit must accompany all permit applications.

No work in connections with any electric wiring system shall be concealed until it has been inspected.  The inspector must be notified in writing when all connections are placed for rough wiring, and again when the job is complete for finish/final inspection.  All work must comply with the latest rules and regulations set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts Electrical Codes.

Note: There will be a charge of $75.00 for every additional inspection or re-inspection necessitated due to faulty or illegal installations of wiring, which do not meet all the requirements of the MA Electrical Codes, or if the inspector has to return due to work not completed or if unable to access the premises at the time of inspection.

*Changes to electrical service requires you to contact the Sterling Municipal Light Department (978-422-8267) and obtain a Utility Authorization Number.  This includes new service, updates, modifications or replacements of existing services and removal of services, both underground and overhead.  No permit will be issued until the contractor has received a Utility Authorization Number from the SMLD.

Electrical Permit Fee Schedule (effective September 2021)
 
Residential Permit Fees
New 1 & 2 Family Residential
$75 per meter, plus
$75 per inspection x 4 inspections
$300 for New House
*New service
1 inspection
$75
*Temporary Service
1 inspection
$75
*Service Change
1 inspection
$75
Oil and Gas Burners
1 inspection
$75
Major appliances, air conditioners, well pumps
1 inspection
$75
Remodeling kitchens or baths
2 inspections
$150
Alterations and repairs
1 inspection
$75
Rewire an old house
Number of inspections to be determined by the Wiring Inspector
$75 per inspection
Garages, basements, attics, additions, barns
2 inspections
$150
Swimming pools
2 inspections
$150
Gunite pools
3 inspections
$225
Fire and burglar alarm systems, all other low voltage systems
1 inspection
$75
* see above  
Commercial & Industrial Permit Fees
New Building
$75 per meter, plus
$75 per inspection
Number of inspections to be determined by the Wiring Inspector
All other work
$75 per inspection
Number of inspections to be determined by the Wiring Inspector
Commercial Yearly Maintenance Permits
Industrial and Manufacturing plants that employ electricians full-time must pay a flat rate of $400.00 per year and will file a monthly written report with the wiring inspector of work done the previous month.