The type of electrical work you are doing, and the size of your project determines which electrical permit you need to get. There are ways to get an electrical permit through the Seattle Services Portal:
- Over the counter (OTC) (these are self-issued)
- Plan review
For more information about electrical permits, see the SDCI Electrical Permit webpage.
If you have questions about getting an electrical permit, please submit them through our SDCI Services webpage.
To revise a plan review electrical permit, see How to Revise an SDCI Electrical Plan Review Permit. To revise an issued over-the-counter electrical permit, withdraw your application and get a new one (big revisions) or get a permit for the additional work and reference your existing permit number (small revisions).
The type of work that qualifies for each type of permit is as follows:
Over the Counter
- installation in a single-family home or duplex
- an owner, doing their own work, after signing the owner affidavit
- work in an area that is smaller than 5,000 square feet (one- or two-family dwellings, and their associated accessory dwelling units, do not require plan review regardless of square footage)
- new construction that creates no more than 2 dwelling units on a development site
- the installation of services, feeders, or equipment that is rated at less than 400 amps
- inspection only
Inspection only projects are underground work (raceways only), and are for one general inspection. - special events (street fairs, concerts, etc.)
- temporary power under 400 amps
- fire alarm system when 6 or less devices are installed or altered
A panel replacement equals one device. - installation of a BDA/DAS where required to improve the performance of in-building emergency responder radio systems
- low voltage wiring (see Seattle Electrical Code 80.50(C) for exemptions)
- photovoltaic (solar) systems rated less than 12 KW
A one line drawing and manufacturer’s installation requirements must be provided to the field inspector before the first cover inspection for all PV systems - service repair
A service repair is only for mast and meter base. - UFER installation only
A UFER must be inspected before the concrete foundation is poured. - Seattle City Light safety inspection
Plan Review
- temporary power with service of 400 amps or more
- fire alarm systems
This includes new systems or changes to an existing system involving 7 or more alarm devices and/or control units. - renewable energy (including solar) with a rating of 12 KW or greater
A one line drawing and manufacturer’s installation requirements must be submitted when you apply online for systems rated 12 KW or greater. - work in an educational, institutional, or healthcare facility
- work in an area more than 5,000 square feet (other than one- and two-family dwellings)
- installation of services or feeders rated at 400 amps or more
- services, feeders, or power supplies for emergency, legally required standby, or fire pump systems
- switches and circuit breakers 400 amps and larger installed in equipment rated 400 amps or more
- equipment operating at more than 600 volts
- adding units to an existing building or development site with 2 or more dwelling units
- adding significant load (one or more branch circuits rated over 20A) to a dwelling unit(s) or house panel of an existing multifamily building or development site with 2 or more dwelling units
- authorization to start running conduit and/or branch circuits before we complete our review and issue your permit requires a “get started” fee which you can select during the application process
If you need to add this after you completed your application, reach out to your reviewer or an electrical inspections manager.