Which Electrical Permit Should I Choose?

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 Virtual Applicant Services Center.

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
• Work in a building that is smaller than 5,000 square feet and no more than 4 units
• The installation of services, feeders, or equipment that is rated at less than 600 amps
• Inspection only
  Inspection only projects are underground work (raceways only), and including only one inspection
• Special events (street fairs, concerts, etc.)
• Temporary power under 600 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 Requirements for Low Voltage Wiring Systems)
• Photovoltaic (solar) systems rated less than 26 KW
  • A one line drawing and manufacturer’s installation requirements must be provided to the field inspector before the first cover inspection for systems rated 12 KW
  • A one line drawing and manufacturer’s installation requirements must be submitted when you apply online for systems rated over 12KW and up to 26KW
• 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 service meter project

Plan Review

• Temporary power with service of 600 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 26 KW or more
• Work in an educational, institutional, or healthcare facility
• Work in an area more than 5,000 square feet
• Installation of services or feeders rated at 600 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
• Authorization to start running conduit and/or branch circuits (previously known as "Get Started") is  required as part of your plan review permit
  • If you need to add this after you have submitted your plan review, contact your assigned reviewer