What's Required in San Antonio
- Panel replacements, service upgrades and subpanels need an electrical permit.
- The work must be done by a State of Texas licensed electrical contractor registered with the city.
- Homeowners may not pull electrical permits for new electrical work.
- The Electrical Permit Application lists the service rating, each panelboard and any work with CPS Energy.
- Equipment over 600 amps at 250 volts or less needs PE-sealed drawings and plan review.
- Installations follow the 2023 National Electrical Code as amended by the city.
- CPS Energy restores service after the city's final inspection approval.
Do you need a permit to replace an electrical panel in San Antonio?
Yes. City Code Section 10-6(a) requires a permit to install, alter, repair or replace any electrical system the chapter regulates, and the Development Services Department (DSD) Home Remodeling FAQ lists sub-panels and service equipment among the electrical work that needs one. San Antonio adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code with local amendments. The only electrical exemptions that matter at home are minor repairs or maintenance performed by a licensed electrical contractor, replacing lamps, and plugging approved portable equipment into existing receptacles.
How much is a panel permit in San Antonio?
Electrical permits on existing homes are itemized in DSD's FY 2027 Development Fee Schedule (revised September 2026): a $57.50 permit base fee, plus $3.74 for a 0–200 amp service rating or $7.48 for 201–600 amps, $5.58 per panelboard or load center, and $2.47 when the job needs work with CPS Energy.
- Replace a 200 A main panel: $57.50 + $3.74 + $5.58 = $66.82, or $72.17 with the two 4% surcharges.
- Upgrade 100 A to 200 A with a CPS disconnect and reconnect: $66.82 + $2.47 = $69.29, or $74.83 with surcharges.
- 400 A service with two panelboards and CPS work: $57.50 + $7.48 + $11.16 + $2.47 = $78.61, or $84.90 with surcharges.
Paper applications processed by staff add $11.50 and card payments add 3%. Professional-engineer sealed drawings and an electrical plan review are required only for equipment over 600 amps at 250 volts or less, systems over 600 volts, or work areas over 5,000 square feet.
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing a 200 A main panel | Electrical permit, $66.82 | Base + service rating + panelboard |
| Service upgrade needing CPS Energy | Electrical permit, $69.29 | Adds the $2.47 Work with CPS item |
| Adding a subpanel | Electrical permit, $63.08 | $57.50 base + one panelboard |
| 400 A service, two panels | Electrical permit, $78.61 | 201–600 amps rating |
| Equipment over 600 A at 250 V or less | Permit + PE-sealed drawings + plan review | Electrical application |
| Like-for-like breaker swap by a licensed contractor | Possibly exempt as minor repair | 10-6(e)(2)a; confirm with DSD |
| Homeowner doing the panel work | Not allowed | Licensed trade contractors only |
Can a homeowner replace a panel in San Antonio?
No. DSD's residential permits page says homeowners must use licensed trade contractors for new electrical, plumbing and HVAC work; only homestead plumbing is open to owners. Electrical work requires a State of Texas electrical license, and state-licensed electrical contractors must register with the city before doing any regulated electrical work. The contractor files the Electrical Permit Application on BuildSA, listing the service rating and each panelboard.
When does CPS Energy turn the power back on?
After the final inspection passes. DSD's utility release page says that once you receive final approval on your inspections, CPS Energy is notified that the property is safe to turn on; you then arrange service with CPS. If service has been off and must be re-established, CPS may need a city inspection first, and the reconnect permit is applied for in person at the One Stop. A registered electrical contractor can use a TOPS permit for temporary power before all inspections are final.
How to Get a Electrical Panel Permit in San Antonio
Hire a licensed electrical contractor
Confirm the contractor holds a Texas electrical license and is registered with the City of San Antonio.
Contractor files on BuildSA
The contractor submits the Electrical Permit Application listing the service rating, panelboards and any work with CPS Energy.
Pay the itemized fee
The base fee plus per-item charges and the two 4% surcharges are paid when the permit issues.
Coordinate the CPS disconnect
For service upgrades, the contractor schedules the CPS Energy work that the permit's Work with CPS item covers.
Final inspection and reconnect
After the city's final inspection approval, CPS Energy is notified and you arrange to restore service.