What's Required in Fort Worth
- An electrical permit is required to replace a panel, change or upgrade a service, or add a subpanel.
- Replacing a breaker with one of the same capacity in the same location needs no permit.
- The permit fee is a $33.08 application fee plus a service item of $19.75, $29.17 or $39.53 by amperage.
- Electrical permits go only to Texas-licensed electricians registered with the city.
- Homestead owners may not work on the service or the first main breaker.
- Work is inspected to the 2026 National Electrical Code as amended by Fort Worth.
- A permit expires after 180 days without an approved inspection.
Do you need a permit to replace an electrical panel in Fort Worth?
Yes. Fort Worth's residential permitting page says changing, moving or repairing electrical equipment, including electrical services, requires an electrical permit. A panel replacement, a service upgrade and a new subpanel all qualify. The Administrative Code exempts only a narrow set of electrical work. It covers replacing or repairing an overcurrent device of the required capacity in the same location, such as swapping a bad breaker for the same size. It also covers like-for-like replacement of switches, outlets and light fixtures.
How much is an electrical panel permit in Fort Worth?
A panel or service change on its own is filed as a standalone electrical permit. The city's permit guide gives a service change as its example. That permit carries the application fee plus a service item priced by amperage. Under Fee Ordinance 26-28781, effective October 1, 2026:
- Application fee: $33.08
- Services and subpanels, 60 to 100 amps: $19.75
- Over 100 to 150 amps: $29.17
- Over 150 amps: $39.53
Worked examples: replacing a 100-amp panel is $33.08 + $19.75 = $52.83. Upgrading to a 200-amp service is $33.08 + $39.53 = $72.61. The ordinance also lists a $16.87 technology fee for all applications and permits. If it is added, the 200-amp job comes to $89.48. New circuits and devices add $0.54 per outlet, switch or light fixture. Fort Worth adopted the 2026 National Electrical Code effective September 1, 2026, so a panel installed now is inspected to that edition with the city's amendments.
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a breaker with the same size in the same spot | No permit | Same-capacity overcurrent device replacement is exempt |
| Replace a 100-amp main panel | Electrical permit, $52.83 | $33.08 + $19.75 service item |
| Replace or upgrade to a 125 or 150-amp panel | Electrical permit, $62.25 | $33.08 + $29.17 service item |
| Upgrade to a 200-amp service | Electrical permit, $72.61 to $89.48 | $33.08 + $39.53, plus $16.87 if the technology fee is applied |
| Add a subpanel for a garage or EV charger | Electrical permit | Subpanel priced by amperage, plus $0.54 per new outlet |
| Homeowner replacing the main panel | Not allowed under a homestead permit | Owners may not work on the service or main breaker |
Who can replace an electrical panel in Fort Worth?
Electrical permits are issued only to companies or people holding the required Texas state license. In practice that means a licensed electrical contractor, registered with the city as a master electrician. The city charges no fee for that registration. Homeowners have a homestead exception for houses they own and live in. It allows work only on the part of the system after the first main breaker behind the meter, and not on that breaker itself. So an owner may wire a subpanel or add circuits under a homestead permit. A main panel or service replacement needs a licensed electrician.
What happens after you apply?
Apply in Accela Citizen Access. Electrical inspections include rough-in where walls are open, and a final. The utility will not reconnect permanent power until the city releases it after final approval. Requests made before 6:30 a.m. are scheduled the same day. If the inspector finds the job not ready, the reinspection fee is $66.15. A permit expires after 180 days without an approved inspection.
How to Get a Electrical Panel Permit in Fort Worth
Hire a licensed electrician
For a main panel or service change, use a Texas-licensed electrical contractor registered with the city.
Apply for a standalone electrical permit
The electrician applies in Accela Citizen Access and lists the new service amperage and any added circuits.
Pay the fees
Pay the $33.08 application fee plus the service item for the amperage, and any per-device items.
Do the work and schedule inspection
Schedule the rough and final inspections in Accela. Requests before 6:30 a.m. are scheduled the same day.
Get the utility release
After final approval, the city releases the service so permanent power can be restored.