Electrical Permit

What Is It?

You need an electrical permit any time electrical wiring is installed, altered, extended, or connected to any electrical equipment. As long as the circuit wasn’t altered or changed, and met the code at the time of installation, you don't need an electrical permit to replace:

• Snap switches
• Fuses
• Lamp sockets
• Receptacle outlets
• Electric ranges
• Cook tops
• Wall heaters
• Baseboard heaters

You also do not need a permit for some residential and minimally-sized communications systems.

Special events, such as street fairs that have temporary power installations, require an electrical permit.

The professional who applies for electrical permits must have a state of Washington electrical contractor’s license. Find more information about contractor licensing from the Washington Department of Labor & Industries and the Guide to Seattle's Business License & Taxes. Homeowners can do their own work, as long as they both own and occupy the home they’re working on.

While we can issue many electrical permits over the counter on the same day that you apply, some permits require plan review. For example:

• Any installation over 2,500 square feet
• All switches, fuses, circuit breakers, and equipment rated at 400 amps or higher
• All electrical equipment operating at over 600 volts
• Services, feeders, and power supplies for emergency, legally required, or fire pump systems
• Electrical work in hospitals, schools, and institutions
• Transformer installations over 112.5 KVA
• Unique or particularly complex projects or an installation that can’t be adequately described on an over-the-counter or online permit form

How Much Does It Cost?

Our fees vary depending on what you are installing or altering.

• Fee Subtitle
• 2013 Electrical Plan Review Fees

How Long Does It Take?

We issue many electrical permits over the counter, on the same day that you apply. You can apply online and print your permit immediately, or visit us at the Applicant Services Center. If your permit requires plan review, it may take a few weeks after you apply before we issue your permit.

Steps To Get Your Permit

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1. Research

1. Determine if you can submit your permit online
2. Research the Seattle Electrical Code (SEC) to determine if your permit requires plan review

• Types of Permits Not Available Via Self-Issuance
• SEC Section 80.51

2. Submit Application

If your permit does not require plan review:

• Apply online, or complete the electrical permit application (no plan review) and submit it at the over-the-counter desk in the Applicant Services Center. You do not need an appointment; wait time is generally less than 20 minutes.

If your permit requires plan review:

• Complete the electrical permit application (plan review) and submit it at the over-the-counter desk in the Applicant Services Center, along with 2 sets of plans and 1 set of specifications. You do not need an appointment; wait time is generally less than 20 minutes.

You can also mail or fax in your application, whether for an over-the-counter or plan review permit. We give priority to walk-in customers.

DPD, OTC Permits
700 Fifth Ave., Suite 2000
P.O. Box 34019
Seattle, WA 98124-4019
Fax: (206) 684-8113

• Electrical Permit Application - No Plan Review
• Electrical and FIre Permit Application - Plan Review
• Tip 104, Getting an OTC (Over-the-Counter) Permit

3. Get Permit

If your permit does not require review, you’ll receive your permit immediately after you apply (either online or in person). If you apply by mail or fax, we’ll send your permit to you.

If your permit requires review, our electrical plan reviewers will notify if you if plan changes are needed. We’ll issue your permit after you make all correct and pay any outstanding fees.

4. Schedule Inspections

Most permits require three electrical inspections: cover, service, and final.