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In a previous post we explained how to get your electrical work approved in Shoreline. In this post we’ll dive into getting electrical work approved in Washington’s largest city; Seattle.

Determine if you Need a Permit

First you want to determine if you need a permit for your project. The City of Seattle publishes a list of common projects that require permits.

In the City of Seattle you need an electrical permit any time electrical wiring is installed, altered, extended, or connected to any electrical equipment, including signs. You may not need a permit for some residential or minimally-sized low-voltage systems. Special events, such as street fairs, that have temporary power installations do require an electrical permit.

For requirements on low voltage projects, be sure to review this checklist.

Request a Permit

For low voltage projects, you can apply directly online using this link.

You can also call (206) 684-8464 with any permit questions you may have.

Request an Inspection

You can schedule your inspection to get your permit request approval via this link.

Most electrical permits require three inspections: cover, service, and final.

Cover inspection:

Conduction of this inspection starts after all new circuits have wires (boxes installation, wires run, grounding conduction, nail plates installation). Cover inspections also include underground installations.Don’t cover your work with insulation, receptacles, or wall switches until the inspector has approved it. Don’t cover trenches, ditches, or slabs until the inspector has approved them.

Service and feeder inspection:

Conduction of this inspection starts after the installation of service electrical mast, meter base, service panels, grounding electrode conductors, and branch circuits (if possible).

Final inspections:

This inspection is possible upon electrical work completion. Make sure panel boxes have covers, circuits have labels in the right spaces on the box, and all cover plates are in place. You must have all equipment and appliances installed, grounded, and energized for final inspection.

A permit may not have approval if the inspector could not get on site, if the work is not yet complete or if there are code violations. When the city has to do more than one re-inspection, they may charge an additional fee.

You can access inspection results at the services portal.

How to get your electrical work approved?

Any form of electrical work carries some risk because so much responsibilities for the professionals.

Local governments regulate and strictly monitor any electrical work and projects because all electrical works requires comprehensive inspections.

These inspections ensure that a proposal as built conforms to the approved plans and minimum code requirements.

This is a must-know for you and all the electrician out there because at some point you will need electrical repairs.

In this post we will highlight the steps required to get your electrical work approved in Shoreline, WA. 

Fill Out the Application Packet

Installation, alteration, and renovations to electrical systems in Shoreline, needs an approval packet in order to obtain a permit.

Each packet contains different requirements depending on if you are working on a commercial or residential project. Another thing is if you are the owner of the property or a contractor. 

For residential electrical permit submittal packet, a Department of Labor and Industries Permit Application must fill-out. Moreover, submit it along with the appropriate fees per schedule on the application. 

If you are the property owner, you have to complete this permit application form and have project inspection because it is a requirement.

Schedule an Inspection

The city of Shoreline allows you to schedule your inspection online for your convenience. Shoreline offers three methods to schedule inspections (online, by phone or by QR code). 

WA State Dept of Labor & Industries conduct all electrical inspections for the City of Shoreline.

After the inspection, the inspector will notify the permit holder or agent of any corrections necessary for code compliance. Any portions that are not complete must be correct.  Re-inspections may be subject to a minimum hourly charge of $199. 

If you need help with any inspection or other electrical approval concerns, we can help. Reach out to Wire Craft Electric now for more information that you need.