Electrical permits in Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling an electrical permit in 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 — the office that issues the permit at your address, cited to Seattle's source.
When does electrical work need a permit in 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 Seattle adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 296.46b), which 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
Electrician (journey-level 01 or residential 02)
Who can do this work in Seattle?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Seattle and King County. Kolmo manages the electrical job from start to finish: a licensed electrical contractor performs the work and the permit, and Kolmo coordinates the scope, schedule, inspections and any related construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a 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. Check who issues the permit. Run an address lookup for your electrical work in Seattle — we'll confirm which office issues the permit at that address.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 3 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Seattle's fee schedule sets them) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo runs the job: a licensed electrical contractor does the electrical work and pulls the permit, and Kolmo coordinates the scope, schedule, inspections and any related construction.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Electrical permits in Seattle — FAQ
When does electrical work need a permit in 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 an electrical permit cost in Seattle?
SDCI, not L&I, issues Seattle's electrical permits. Without plans, each item has its own fee plus a $55.48 administrative fee, minimum $105.12: a branch circuit is $26.28 up to 25 amps, $43.80 for 30 to 50 amps and $146 for 60 to 200 amps; a new or altered service is $146 up to 125 amps, $292 for 150 to 200 amps and $365 for 225 to 350 amps; a Level 2 car charger of 30 to 50 amps is $52.56, and a 3 to 15 kW heater $23.36. Work with plans reviewed is priced on its value: $260 for the first $1,000, plus $6 for each $100 more to $5,000, and $500 for the first $5,000 plus $2.75 for each $100 more to $25,000. A 5% technology fee is added (SMC 22.900D.150).