Louisville's panel permit process is more DIY-friendly than most cities — owner-occupants can pull their own permit for their primary residence. The LG&E coordination step is still the main scheduling variable: once the permit is issued and the work is done, the inspector must pass it before LG&E will restore full power. Plan for at least a full day without power during the panel work, and book LG&E well in advance — their scheduling is the bottleneck, not the permit itself.
Louisville's Electrical Panel Rules
- Electrical permit required for any panel upgrade or replacement.
- Work must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Panel must be accessible with 36 inches of front clearance.
- Service disconnect must be clearly identified.
- Grounding and bonding to water/gas lines must be verified.
- Circuit directory must be permanently and clearly labeled.
How the Process Works
Hire or Self-Permit
Owner-occupants can pull their own permit for their primary residence — no contractor required. For hired work, verify the contractor holds a Kentucky state electrical license.
Pull the Permit Online
Apply through the Develop Louisville portal. Most residential panel permits are approved same or next day.
Coordinate with LG&E
LG&E needs to disconnect and reconnect the meter for a full panel replacement. This is the biggest scheduling variable — book it well in advance and plan for at least a full day without power.
Panel Installation
Upgrade the panel and transfer circuits per NEC code, including grounding, bonding, and AFCI/GFCI requirements.
Inspection
Inspector verifies safety compliance before LG&E restores full power. No inspection, no power restoration.