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.
Do You Need a Permit to Upgrade an Electrical Panel in Louisville?
Yes — panel work is one of the least optional permits in Louisville. Replacing or upgrading an electrical panel involves the service equipment for the whole house, so the city wants an inspection on the other side of it. Permit fees typically run $100–$250 through the Develop Louisville - Office of Construction Review. An unpermitted panel is also one of the first things home inspectors and insurers flag, so the permit protects the resale, not just the wiring.
Upgrading From 100 to 200 Amps in Louisville
The classic project is moving from a 100-amp to a 200-amp service to feed an EV charger, heat pump, or induction range. In Louisville that's a permitted service upgrade like any panel change: permit, inspection, and a licensed electrician doing the work. Because the utility's service connection is involved, plan for coordination with your power company on disconnect and reconnect timing. Inspectors typically verify grounding and bonding, working clearances around the panel, and a properly labeled circuit directory before signing off.