Rewiring permits: how the process actually goes.
Every rewire in Marin requires permit and inspection — typically with multiple inspections through the project. Here's the realistic timeline and what inspectors actually check at each stage.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
Rewiring permits in Marin involve multiple inspections: rough inspection before walls close up (verifies wire runs, box mounting, conductor sizing, grounding), and final inspection after devices are installed and circuits energized. Permit fees range $480-$1,400 depending on scope and AHJ. Process timeline integrates with construction — typically 4-8 weeks from permit issuance to final close-out for typical rewire scope.
01Why rewires need multiple inspections.
Unlike panel-only upgrades (single inspection at completion), rewires need at least two inspections because key work happens before walls close. The rough inspection catches problems that would be hidden after drywall — wrong wire size, incorrect box mounting, missing fire-blocking, ungrounded boxes, code-required AFCI/GFCI not in place. Catching these at rough is straightforward; catching them after walls close is expensive remediation.
Final inspection then verifies the energized system: device installations correct, outlets and switches working, GFCI/AFCI functional, panel labeling complete, no unbonded boxes, no exposed conductors. Some AHJs add an intermediate inspection for larger scope projects. Each inspection is its own visit with its own scheduling — total inspection time across a typical rewire is 3-6 hours of inspector time spread across the project.
02Typical Marin AHJ rewire permit process.
Permit application
Filed with AHJ based on contractor-supplied drawings (one-line diagram, panel schedule, scope description). Most Marin AHJs issue rewire permits within 5-10 business days. Some larger scopes require plan review with longer timeline (2-4 weeks).
Rough inspection
After all new wiring is run, boxes mounted, conductors landed, panel connected, but before drywall closes any wall openings. Inspector verifies code compliance on the structural electrical work. 1-3 hour visit depending on scope. Most Marin AHJs schedule rough within 3-5 business days of request.
Drywall and finish work
After rough passes, walls close up and finish work proceeds. Devices and faceplates installed during this phase.
Final inspection
After devices installed, fixtures hung, panel labeled, circuits energized. Inspector verifies operation, labels, GFCI/AFCI function. 1-2 hour visit. Final approval closes the permit.
Documentation
Closed permit card, final inspector signature, copies of inspection reports — provided to homeowner for the home file. Important documentation at any future sale or insurance review.
03Typical 2026 Marin AHJ rewire permit costs.
| AHJ | Partial rewire fee | Full rewire fee | Typical inspection turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novato | $420-$680 | $680-$1,180 | 3-5 days |
| San Rafael | $480-$760 | $760-$1,280 | 3-5 days |
| Mill Valley | $540-$840 | $840-$1,440 | 5-7 days |
| Larkspur / Corte Madera | $460-$720 | $720-$1,240 | 3-5 days |
| Tiburon / Belvedere | $580-$920 | $920-$1,580 | 5-7 days |
| Marin Co. unincorporated | $440-$700 | $700-$1,200 | 5-10 days |
Common questions.
What happens if I don't permit the work?
Several things, none good. Insurance carriers may refuse coverage or claims involving electrical issues on unpermitted work. Home sale becomes complicated — buyers' inspectors flag missing permits, sometimes requiring retroactive permit work that costs more than original permitting would have. Any future electrical work may be blocked until prior unpermitted work is documented or remediated. AHJs occasionally pursue enforcement on discovered unpermitted work. The 'savings' from skipping permits is small and short-term; the costs that show up later are reliably larger.
Can I do the rewire myself and get it permitted?
California homeowners can pull electrical permits for work on their own primary residence. We don't recommend it for full rewire scope — the work is sophisticated, the code requirements are extensive, and mistakes are expensive to remediate. Homeowners who DIY simple projects (replace a light fixture, add an outlet) sometimes do fine; homeowners attempting whole-house rewire are taking on significant risk. AHJ inspectors hold homeowner-permitted work to the same standards as contractor-permitted, but with less recourse if the work fails.
What's the worst that happens at rough inspection?
Inspector fails the rough and requires corrections before drywall can close. Common rough failures: undersized neutral wire on multi-wire circuits, missing or improper grounding, wire fill exceeding box capacity, insufficient working clearance at panel, fire-blocking missing where wires penetrate floors, AFCI/GFCI required circuits not in place. Corrections typically take 1-3 days to complete; re-inspection schedules within a week. Our rough pass rate is 96%+ in Marin AHJs — we build to inspection expectations.
Does my GC handle the rewire permit if the work is during remodel?
Electrical permit is the electrical contractor's responsibility regardless of whether work is standalone or during remodel. The GC's permit is the building permit (covers framing, drywall, finishes); the electrical permit is separate and pulled by the electrician. Inspection coordination is usually managed jointly between GC and electrician — the GC needs to know when the inspector is coming, the electrician needs to know when walls will close so rough inspection is scheduled appropriately.
Will the inspector check for code violations beyond the rewire scope?
Sometimes. Inspectors are required to enforce current code on work covered by the permit, but they're not required to inspect or report on unrelated existing conditions. In practice, inspectors who see obvious safety hazards (FPE panel still installed elsewhere, exposed K&T in another room) sometimes mention them to the homeowner even when outside permit scope. Some AHJs are stricter about this than others. We give homeowners realistic expectations during quote phase.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.