Permit Process for Electrification
Finalizing your installations and upgrades requires various permits from the City of Burbank. Read below to learn about that process.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, all electrical upgrades that qualify for our rebates require a permit.
Luckily, the available rebates for electrifying your home are all eligible for Tier 1 permits, which do not require a plan check. This makes them faster and cheaper to obtain.
Example Main Service Panel
Will I first need to upgrade my main service panel?
Your main service panel is the panel that your electric meter is installed in, and it is where your home connects to the utility. The size of that panel determines the maximum amount of electricity, or amps, you can use from the utility. An upgrade only refers to increasing the total amp capacity of the panel, not any other work associated with the panel.
Upgrades are rare, as you can often electrify with even a smaller 100 amp main service panel. Sometimes, the work requires a new main service panel due to the new electric equipment you are installing being too large for the remaining space on your panel. If that is the case, it will require a Burbank Water and Power electric meter spot to verify the types of upgrades that may be needed in the utility’s infrastructure in order to serve your new panel. A licensed electrician can help you determine if your panel needs an upgrade.
If your electrician determines an upgrade is needed, request a meter spot by visiting this page. After it is approved, you can apply for a permit that includes the main service panel upgrade.
Below are the steps for the permit process.
Apply for the permits with Building and Safety.
Tier 1 electrical permits and electric service upgrade permits (if needed) are available over the counter to walk-ins from 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM M-F, or online at the Burbank Online Permits portal.
Building and Safety is located at:
Community Services Building First Floor
150 N. Third Street
Burbank, CA 91502
Permit Approval
Once the permit is approved, the permit fees must be paid. Once permit fees are paid, the permit will be issued and work may begin.
Have the equipment installed by a qualified electrician.
Have your licensed electrician install any panel/circuit upgrades (if needed) and install the BE equipment (replacing natural gas appliances and capping the gas line). Ensure your electrician obtains all required permits and that your installation passes inspection from Burbank’s Building & Safety Division.
Schedule Inspection
Inspection can be scheduled through Burbank Online Permits and should be one day in advance. Step-by-step instructions can be found here. Inspection fees are paid during the permit process, no additional fees will need to be made at this time.
Make sure to call to confirm your inspection time on the day of the inspection between 7:00AM – 7:45AM at 818-238-5220.
Finalize Inspection
Once the inspection is complete, the city inspector will provide you with “finaled” permit documents. Please provide a copy of your “finaled” documentation along with your rebate.