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Electrical Inspection Program

Who can do electrical work?
Washington state regulations allow property owners to perform their own electrical work in most cases. However, the property owner is not allowed to make the installation on rental, sale or leased property unless the owner is going to live at the property for two years.

Licensed electrical contractors are authorized to do all electrical work that is within the scope of their license classification. Work by non-licensed electrical people may affect insurance coverage and personal liability. Washington state requires that contractors be bonded, giving customers some financial protection against substandard or incomplete work. You can verify that an electrical contractor is licensed by calling your local L&I service location or online at http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Contractors/HireCon/default.asp.

Purchasing and filling out a permit:
All electrical installations, new or remodel, require an electrical permit, which must be obtained prior to starting the job. The permit must be purchased and filled out by the party doing the electrical work. For example, if the owner is doing the electrical work, the owner must purchase the permit. If an electrical contractor is doing the work, then the electrical contractor must buy the permit.

When you buy a permit:

• Fill it out completely and legibly.
• Make sure your phone number and/or contact person phone number is on permit.
• Your permit will remain on file until a request for inspection is made.
• Electrical permits expire one year after the purchase date.

Before you call for inspection:

• Do not cover or insulate.
• Post the address so it can be seen from the road.
• Post the permit on the job site.
• Mobile homes also require a building permit be posted on the job site.

Ready for inspection?
Call the request line at (206) 870-6531.  The cut off time for next day inspections is 2:00 p.m.  Calls placed after 2:00 p.m. will not be collected until after 2:00 p.m. the following day for scheduling the day after that.

When you call for the inspection, please listen to the message as it gives directions on how to (a) leave your inspection request and (b) how to later retrieve your inspection time by calling back to the same phone number.  Please state clearly your permit number, your site address, your name, your phone number, and the type of inspection you’re requesting (rough in, underground, final).  Please speak slowly and clearly, repeating any information you feel may be difficult to understand.

Permits and site plans are expected to be on site and available at the time of the inspection.  It is the responsibility of the contractor and/or building owner to make sure that all areas of inspection are ready when the inspection is requested.  It is the responsibility of the contractor and/or building owner to have someone 18 years or older on the premises at the time of inspection. 

If the inspector orders corrections:
Electrical corrections written on the job site are to be corrected within 15 days after being written.

When all corrections are complete, call the request line to request a re-inspection. Include your address, permit number, name and phone number. Be sure to provide some means of access to the work that is to be inspected.

Understanding and implementing these directions will help you avoid additional fees and costly time delays.

If you have any questions about the permit process please feel free to call the City Building Division at 870-7576. For specific electrical code questions and electrical inspection questions please call the city electrical inspector at 870-6520.