Getting an Electrical Permit in the City of
Glendale, California
Electrical permit applications in Glendale are submitted through the online Glendale Permits portal. The correct application depends on the property type and the scope of the proposed electrical work. Glendale provides separate application categories for general electrical work, electric vehicle charging stations, new or upgraded electrical service, and temporary service.
This guide explains how to select the appropriate electrical permit application, prepare the required information and supporting forms, obtain Glendale Water & Power approval when necessary, and submit the application online.
How Glendale Organizes Electrical Permit Applications
Glendale lists specific electrical applications according to the property type and the type of work being performed.
The main property categories are:
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Single-family homes and duplexes with a maximum of two units
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Multi-family properties with three or more units
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Condominiums
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Commercial and mixed-use properties
Selecting the correct category is important because applicant eligibility, supporting documents and the available permit application links can differ by property type.
Sources: Permit Application Guidance; Glendale Permits Portal
Simple Residential Online Electrical Permits
Online permits are typically issued without office staff first verifying the proposed work. Glendale’s inspection staff checks the accuracy of the reported quantities and code compliance in the field.
Glendale lists the following examples of simple residential electrical work:
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Outlets and lighting fixtures
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Hardwired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, which are treated as outlets
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Branch circuits
Projects involving other work should use the specific electrical application that matches the property and project scope.
Sources: City Services - Online Permits; Glendale Permits Portal
Choose the Correct Electrical Permit Type
Single-Family Homes and Duplexes
For a single-family property or duplex with no more than two units, the application types are:
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Electrical (Single Family Residential)
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Electrical (Single Family Residential) - Electric Vehicle Charging Station
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Electrical (Single Family Residential) - New/Upgrade Service
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Electrical (Single Family Residential) - Temporary Service
Multi-Family, Condominium and Commercial Properties
The following are electrical application types for multi-family, condominium, commercial and mixed-use properties:
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Electrical (Multi-family, Condominium, Commercial)
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Electrical (Multi-family, Condominium, Commercial) - Electric Vehicle Charging Station
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Electrical (Multi-family, Condominium, Commercial) - New/Upgrade Service
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Electrical (Multi-family, Condominium, Commercial) - Temporary Service
Use the general electrical application for work that does not fall under the dedicated EV charging, new or upgraded service, or temporary service categories.
Sources: Permit Application Guidance - Building Permit Types; Glendale Permits Portal
General Electrical Application Requirements
Before submitting an electrical permit application, applicants should prepare the items that apply to their project.
Contractor Business License
A current City of Glendale Contractor Business License is required before a contractor submits the permit application. C-10 Electrical, B General Building and A General Engineering licensees are eligible to apply, subject to the scope and restrictions of the license.
Contractor and Owner-Builder Eligibility
Owner-Builders may apply for the selected electrical permit when the property is single-family. An Owner-Builder may not apply for a multi-family electrical permit.
Construction Permit Declaration
All contractors must complete the Construction Permit Declaration and submit it with the online permit application.
Property Owner’s Package
An Owner-Builder must complete the Property Owner’s Package and submit it in addition to the Construction Permit Declaration. The package explains the legal and financial responsibilities associated with taking out a permit as an Owner-Builder.
Homeowners Association Letter
When the electrical work is located in a condominium, the City of Glendale requires a Homeowners Association letter at the time of submittal.
Property Owner Information
Every application must identify the property owner rather than the tenant or business occupant. If the applicant is not the owner, the applicant must obtain the email address connected to the owner’s Glendale Permits portal account so the owner can be added as a contact during the application process.
Complete the listed requirements before applying because an incomplete permit application may be voided.
Sources: Permit Application Guidance - Electrical; Construction Permit Declaration; Property Owner’s Package
New, Upgraded or Temporary Electrical Service
Electrical work involving a new service, a service upgrade or temporary service requires approval from Glendale Water & Power Electrical Engineering before the electrical permit application is submitted.
After receiving the required GWP approval, select the dedicated New/Upgrade Service or Temporary Service application for the appropriate property type.
Sources: Permit Application Guidance - Electrical; Glendale Water & Power Contact Information
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permits
For an electric vehicle charging station, prepare a site plan showing the location of the proposed EV equipment. If the equipment or related work encroaches into a driveway or parking space, the plan should demonstrate that the required driveway width and parking-stall dimensions will be maintained.
Use the EV charging station electrical application that matches the property type. The same contractor licensing, declaration, Owner-Builder, HOA and owner-information requirements described above apply. If the project also includes a new service, service upgrade or temporary service, obtain GWP Electrical Engineering approval before submitting the permit application.
Sources: Permit Application Guidance - Electric Vehicle Charging Station; Glendale Permits Portal
Submitting the Application Online
All applications are processed through the Glendale Permits portal. Forms found on the City’s Applications & Forms page are used only as attachments when the online application specifically instructs the applicant to provide them.
The general online submission process is:
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Create a Glendale Permits account and verify the account email.
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Review the City’s Permit Application Guidance page and select the link for the correct property and electrical permit type.
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Complete the guided application with the project, contractor and property-owner information.
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Upload the required declarations, owner documents, HOA letter, plans or GWP approval when applicable.
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Review the application for completeness before submitting it through the portal.
Sources: Applications & Forms; Permit Application Guidance; Glendale Permits Guided Application
Inspections and Project Completion
Electrical work performed under an issued permit must receive the inspections required by the City. Glendale provides an online Building & Safety Inspection request service. For simple residential online permits, inspection staff verifies the reported quantities and code compliance in the field.
Applicants should keep the approved permit information and any supporting documents available for the inspection and should not conceal work before the required inspection has been completed.
Sources: Building & Safety Inspection Request; City Services - Online Permits
Before Applying
Before submitting an electrical permit application in Glendale, confirm the following:
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The property is categorized correctly as single-family/duplex, multi-family, condominium, commercial or mixed-use.
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The application matches the work: general electrical, EV charging, new/upgrade service or temporary service.
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The contractor has a current City Contractor Business License, when a contractor is applying.
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The Construction Permit Declaration and any required Property Owner’s Package are complete.
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A condominium HOA letter is ready when applicable.
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The property owner’s information and Glendale Permits account email are available.
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GWP Electrical Engineering approval has been obtained for new, upgraded or temporary service work.
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Any required site plans and supporting documents are ready for upload.
For general questions about building permits or permit types not listed in Glendale’s guidance, contact the Building & Safety Division.
Sources: Permit Application Guidance; Applications & Forms; Glendale Water & Power Contact Information
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Disclaimer
The information in this guide is adapted from official City of Glendale government pages and Glendale’s Permits portal and is provided only for general reference. Permit categories, forms, links, procedures and contact information may change. Review the current City guidance and consult staff or an appropriately licensed professional regarding project-specific requirements.
For current information, visit the City of Glendale Permit Application Guidance and the Glendale Permits portal.
