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Commission adopts 2026 NEC, updates contractor licensing and planning/building fee schedules
Summary
The commission approved adoption of the 2026 National Electrical Code with two local amendments and a package of contractor-licensing and planning/building fee updates (agenda items 8 b–f), including a clarification banning EMT for underground direct-bury use and a $2,000 permit fee for wind/solar farm applications.
The Natrona County Commission voted July 20 to adopt the 2026 National Electrical Code and approve a combined package of contractor-licensing rules and fee schedules for the building and planning departments, adopting agenda items 8 b–f in a single motion.
Brad, a building‑department official, told commissioners the 2026 NEC contained no significant statewide cost changes for residents but recommended two local amendments to clarify county practice: a prohibition on electrical metallic tubing (EMT) for below‑grade direct burial because local soils are corrosive, and a definition separating mobile homes (built on a permanent steel chassis) from manufactured or modular homes so that electrical service cannot be attached to mobile homes. “EMT is not allowed to be used below grade underground,” Brad said.
The planning department also presented cleaned‑up fee language and new fees: permit fees for wind and solar farm projects were increased by $1,000 to a stated $2,000, a utility/right‑of‑way permit (for example, for fiber installation that is not on county property) was added, and a $50 restoration fee matching Road & Bridge practice was included to cover site restoration when contractors fail to properly backfill work. Brad and planning staff said many fees and license categories were already being charged or issued in practice and the updates put those practices into a consolidated resolution.
Commissioner [mover] moved to approve the package (section 8 b–f) and the motion was seconded; the commission approved the items by voice vote.
Why it matters: the action updates local code language and fee schedules that govern building permits, contractor licensing and certain planning approvals — changes that affect developers, contractors and residents applying for permits.
Details to note: the transcript records an apprentice‑license fee change described as going “from 3 to 10”; the transcript does not specify currency or units for that phrasing, so the exact numeric units are not confirmed on the record.
