Electrical Permit in Surprise, Arizona
Required for electrical work in Surprise beyond the code-permitted exemptions. Surprise adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) with local amendments, effective January 1, 2026. Permit-exempt electrical work under the Surprise local amendment to IRC R105.2 includes: replacement of receptacles or light fixtures in a dwelling that does not change the wiring (where the electric box is rated for the fixture weight); installation or replacement of a ceiling fan/light on an 'approved for fan support' box installed with a valid prior permit; installation or replacement of solar attic fans; installation or replacement of an electric circuit to a landscape timer. All other electrical work requires a permit submitted via the Permits & Applications Portal and ProjectDox.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Submit permit through Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az with plans uploaded via ProjectDox
- All work must comply with the 2023 NEC and Surprise local amendments (Ordinance 2025-14, effective January 1, 2026)
- Permit-exempt under Surprise local IRC R105.2: replacement receptacles/light fixtures (no wiring change, box rated for fixture); ceiling fan/light on code-compliant box; solar attic fans; electric circuit to landscape timer
Required documents
- Req
Permits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)
Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical permit — valuation-based | Base: $100 per permit. Valuation $1.00–$999,999.99: $6.00 per each $1,000 of valuation. Plus 0.50% administrative processing fee on valuation. | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. Electrical work is permitted under the standard valuation-based building/fire permit fee; no separate flat electrical fee table is published. |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the permit fee (where plan review is required) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
Review timeline
4–8 business days
Surprise’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Rough Electrical
Rough electrical wiring and conduit inspected before walls are closed.
- 2
Final Electrical
All electrical work complete per approved plans; outlets, panels, fixtures, and service inspected at final.
Tips
- Surprise adopted the 2023 NEC (not a 2024 edition) with local amendments — verify your work against the 2023 NEC.
- Simple receptacle and light fixture replacements that do not change wiring are permit-exempt under the Surprise local amendment.
- Electrical service upgrades, new circuits, and panel replacements require a permit.
Frequently asked questions
- Which electrical code does Surprise use?
- Surprise adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) with local amendments, effective January 1, 2026 under Ordinance 2025-14. Source: City of Surprise, Currently Adopted Building Codes page, surpriseaz.gov.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- City of Surprise Community Development Department — Building Safety Division — official building department
- Currently Adopted Building Codes | City of Surprise
- Local Amendments to the 2024 International Codes and 2023 NEC (Ordinance 2025-14, effective 1/1/2026) — PDF
- Citywide Fee Schedule (Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026) — PDF
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Surprise building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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