Do I Need a Permit for Electrical Work in Aurora, IL?
Aurora is a city with two distinct electrical realities. Its newer Fox Valley and subdivision housing (post-1990) has modern 200A panels, copper wiring, and AFCI-protected circuits — comparable to any contemporary suburban build. Its older East Aurora and downtown housing (pre-1970) has a different story: knob-and-tube wiring survives in some homes, 60A service exists on a small number of properties, and the legacy systems present real electrical hazards that emerge during any permitted work that opens walls. Permits matter here precisely because inspections matter.
Aurora electrical permit rules — the basics
Aurora processes electrical permits through eTRAKiT. Electrical permits are required for: new circuits, panel upgrades, service entrance changes, new wiring runs, EV charger installations, generator transfer switch connections, and any work done inside walls or ceilings to modify or add to the electrical system. The exemption follows the standard NEC maintenance framework: replacing an existing outlet or fixture using the existing wiring and junction box — no work inside walls — generally doesn't require a permit. Permit fees are per the 2026 annually indexed schedule; call (630) 256-3130 for current amounts.
Illinois licenses electrical contractors at the state level. Verify any electrical contractor's Illinois license before hiring — licensed electricians hold an Illinois Electrical Contractor License (EC) or the appropriate journeyman license. Homeowners may pull their own permits for work on their primary residence without an electrical contractor's license in most Illinois jurisdictions, including Aurora. All work must still pass inspections and meet the NEC regardless of who pulls the permit.
ComEd (Commonwealth Edison / Exelon) serves Aurora for electricity. ComEd does not require pre-approval before Aurora's electrical permit can be applied for. For panel upgrades or service entrance changes requiring new service entrance conductors from the ComEd meter, the ComEd service upgrade process runs parallel to the city permit: contact ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 simultaneously with applying for the city permit. ComEd's service upgrade process in the Aurora/Chicago suburbs typically takes 2–4 weeks — similar to Duke Energy Progress in Cary. For EV charger installations and standard circuit additions that don't require service entrance changes, ComEd is not involved in the permit process.
Aurora's older housing stock is the most important electrical context in the city. Pre-1950 Aurora homes may have knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring — an older wiring method using individual conductors running through ceramic knobs and porcelain tubes, without a ground conductor. Knob-and-tube wiring is not inherently unsafe if properly maintained and unmodified, but it presents serious risks when: it has been modified by adding additional loads (extensions, splices, additional fixtures); when insulation has been blown over it in the attic (K&T wiring requires air circulation to dissipate heat); or when it feeds circuits with higher modern loads than the original wire gauge was designed for. Any permitted electrical work in a pre-1950 Aurora home that opens walls and reveals K&T wiring generates an immediate code compliance question: the revealed K&T must be addressed under the permit scope, often requiring at least partial rewiring of the affected circuits.
Three electrical scenarios in Aurora, IL
| Variable | How it affects your Aurora electrical permit |
|---|---|
| Older housing stock — knob-and-tube and legacy wiring | Pre-1950 Aurora homes may have knob-and-tube wiring. K&T wiring that has been covered with blown insulation, modified with extensions, or overloaded beyond its original design is a fire hazard. Any permitted electrical work that reveals K&T wiring must address the non-compliant sections under the permit scope. Budget contingency for K&T discovery in pre-1950 Aurora homes — $3,000–$10,000 for partial rewires is common when K&T is uncovered during other permitted work. |
| ComEd — service upgrade coordination (2–4 weeks) | Panel upgrades requiring service entrance conductor changes involve ComEd service upgrade coordination separately from the city permit. No mandatory ComEd pre-approval before the city permit. Contact ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 simultaneously with the city permit application. ComEd service upgrade process: 2–4 weeks in the Aurora/Chicago area. City final inspection typically occurs after ComEd reconnects the new service. |
| AFCI requirements for new circuits | The NEC (adopted in Illinois with amendments) requires AFCI protection on all new 15A and 20A branch circuits in dwelling unit bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, and closets. Any new circuit added in Aurora must include AFCI protection at the panel or first outlet. Missing AFCI on new branch circuits is a common electrical final inspection correction in Aurora. Verify with your electrician that all new circuits in living areas include AFCI breakers or AFCI combination devices. |
| Illinois electrical contractor licensing | Illinois licenses electrical contractors at the state level. Verify any contractor's Illinois Electrical Contractor License (EC license) before hiring — licensed at idfpr.illinois.gov. Homeowners may pull their own permits for primary residence work without an EC license; all work still must pass inspections. For safety-critical work (panel upgrades, service entrance, K&T rewires), most homeowners use licensed electricians. |
| Generator transfer switch permits | Whole-house or partial standby generator installations require an electrical permit for the transfer switch connection and a gas permit for the gas line (if a gas generator). Portable generator connections using a manual transfer switch interlock or a proper transfer switch also require a permit — improperly connected generators without proper transfer switches are the leading cause of utility worker electrocution during outages (backfeed). Aurora inspectors verify transfer switch installation at the final inspection for all generator permits. |
| Homeowner self-permit option | Aurora allows homeowners to pull their own electrical permits and perform work on their primary residence without a licensed electrical contractor's license. All work must still pass the NEC-based inspections. For panel upgrades, service entrance work, and K&T rewires, most homeowners hire licensed electricians for safety reasons. For simpler EV charger circuit additions or circuit extensions, the homeowner exemption can work well for prepared DIYers with appropriate electrical skills. |
What electrical work costs in Aurora, IL
Aurora electrical contractor costs track the Chicago suburban market. Licensed electrician rate: $95–$150/hour. EV Level 2 charger installation (new 60A circuit): $1,100–$2,300 with permit. Panel upgrade 100A to 200A (ComEd coordination): $4,500–$7,500. Partial K&T rewire (bathroom + two bedrooms + hallway): $5,000–$10,000. Standby generator installation (22kW): $8,500–$15,000 including gas work. Permit fees per the 2026 annually indexed schedule are modest relative to project costs — call (630) 256-3130 for current amounts.
Phone: (630) 256-3130 | Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
eTRAKiT Portal: aurora.il.us/permits
ComEd (service upgrades): 1-800-334-7661 | comed.com
Illinois IDFPR (contractor license verification): idfpr.illinois.gov
Common questions about Aurora, IL electrical permits
Do I need a permit for electrical work in Aurora, IL?
Yes, for new circuits, panel upgrades, EV chargers, generators, service changes, and new wiring runs. Like-for-like replacements of existing fixtures using the existing wiring and box — no work inside walls — generally don't require a permit. Apply through eTRAKiT at aurora.il.us or call (630) 256-3130. Permit fees per the 2026 annually indexed schedule.
My Aurora home was built before 1950 — should I worry about knob-and-tube wiring?
Yes. Pre-1950 Aurora homes frequently have original or partially original knob-and-tube wiring. K&T wiring covered with insulation, modified with extensions, or overloaded is a fire hazard. Any permitted electrical work that reveals K&T must address the non-compliant sections under the permit scope. Have a licensed electrician assess the wiring condition before starting any renovation that will open walls in a pre-1950 Aurora home. Budget $3,000–$10,000 for potential partial rewire scope.
How does ComEd factor into my Aurora electrical panel upgrade?
Panel upgrades requiring service entrance conductor changes involve ComEd service upgrade coordination. No mandatory ComEd pre-approval before the city permit. Apply through eTRAKiT and contact ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 simultaneously. ComEd's service upgrade takes 2–4 weeks in the Aurora area. City final inspection occurs after ComEd reconnects the new service.
Does my EV charger installation in Aurora need a permit?
Yes. EV charger installations (new 240V dedicated circuit) require an electrical permit through eTRAKiT. Permit fee per the 2026 fee schedule. One final inspection. For homes with adequate 200A panel capacity, no ComEd coordination is needed for the EV charger alone. Confirm HOA requirements before installation — Illinois has no SB 1016 equivalent protecting HOA EV charger rights.
What AFCI requirements apply to Aurora electrical work?
The NEC (as adopted in Illinois) requires AFCI protection on all new 15A and 20A branch circuits in dwelling unit bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, and closets. Any new circuit in these areas must include AFCI protection at the panel or first outlet. Missing AFCI is a common final inspection correction in Aurora. Verify all new circuits include AFCI breakers with your electrician before requesting the final inspection.
Can I pull my own electrical permit in Aurora, IL?
Yes. Aurora allows homeowners to pull electrical permits and do their own electrical work on their primary residence without an Illinois Electrical Contractor License. All work must still meet NEC standards and pass inspections. For panel upgrades, service entrance work, and K&T rewires, most homeowners hire licensed electricians for safety reasons. Verify contractor credentials at idfpr.illinois.gov before hiring.
This page provides general guidance based on publicly available sources as of April 2026. Aurora's permit fee schedule is adjusted annually. For a personalized permit report based on your exact Aurora, IL address, use our permit research tool.