Electrical permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a electrical permit in City of Seattle, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI).
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Seattle's source.
When does a electrical need a permit in City of Seattle?
Electrical permit required for ALL electrical work in residential. Seattle runs its own electrical program: SDCI issues AND inspects electrical permits inside city limits (NOT L&I — L&I only handles contractor licensing). Most residential work is issued over the counter, same day, online through the Seattle Services Portal; OTC eligible under 5,000 sf or under 400 A. Plan review only per Seattle Electrical Code Art. 80 §80.50/80.51.
How City of Seattle adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 296.46b), which City of Seattle adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“Table A for 22.101.010 lists various adopted Seattle editions of construction codes. For each base code that has been adopted by reference, a copy is available in the City Clerk's Office under the listed Clerk File number. Each code consists of the listed portions of the base code, any additional chapters listed as adopted by ordinance, and amendments adopted by ordinance.”Source ↗verified 2026-07-27
Required submittals
- scope description
- load calc for service changes
- panel schedule for new panels
Inspection sequence
- cover
- service
- final
Contractor specialties needed
electrical-01-or-02
Who can do this work in City of Seattle?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Seattle and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the electrical permit with Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI), carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Seattle electrical quote.
Notes & caveats
Applicant must hold a WA electrical contractor license (specialty 01 or 02) AND a Seattle business license — the business license is the common blocker for an out-of-city sub pulling their first Seattle permit. Service upgrade: load calc per NEC 220. EV charger ≥40A: dedicated circuit + GFCI. AFCI on most habitable circuits. Insulating over existing knob-and-tube is governed by WAC 296-46B-394 (licensed EC survey + written certification to L&I, Class I insulation, no foam, OCP per NEC T310.16 60°C).
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Seattle electrical — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (3).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (SDCI electrical permit fees by circuit count + service size, per the Seattle fee schedule. Not an L&I fee — L&I only collects the contractor licensing fee.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull electrical permits in City of Seattle every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI), handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Electrical permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
When does a electrical need a permit in City of Seattle?
Electrical permit required for ALL electrical work in residential. Seattle runs its own electrical program: SDCI issues AND inspects electrical permits inside city limits (NOT L&I — L&I only handles contractor licensing). Most residential work is issued over the counter, same day, online through the Seattle Services Portal; OTC eligible under 5,000 sf or under 400 A. Plan review only per Seattle Electrical Code Art. 80 §80.50/80.51.
How much does a electrical permit cost in City of Seattle?
Current fee per the City of Seattle fee schedule: SDCI electrical permit fees by circuit count + service size, per the Seattle fee schedule. Not an L&I fee — L&I only collects the contractor licensing fee.. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.