Washington, Adams County Electrician Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Adams County Building & Safety Division
Adams County's Building Division is responsible for enforcing the Washington State Building Code (RCW 19.27) and ensuring safe construction practices. They handle permit applications, plan reviews, and inspections for building projects. As of March 15, 2024, the 2021 Washington State Codes are in effect. The Building Division is part of the larger Building and Planning Department, which also includes Planning, the Fire Marshal's Office, and Code Enforcement. This department aims to uphold standards that promote safe and well-regulated development within the county.
Permit Requirements for Unincorporated Areas
The Adams County Building Department reviews permit applications for all building projects in the unincorporated areas of Adams County, as well as for the Towns of Lind, Hatton, and Washtucna. For projects within these towns, approval from the town administration is required before submitting the application to the county. It is important to verify that a property is not located within the cities of Othello or Ritzville before submitting an application to the county, as those cities have their own permitting processes. However, the Adams County Building Department does provide plan review and inspection services for the City of Ritzville, with applications submitted through the city.
All contractors and subcontractors working within Adams County must possess a valid and current contractor's license and registration with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, as per RCW Chapter 18.27, before commencing any construction work. For commercial buildings, or structures with five or more residential units, or design work exceeding 4,000 square feet, a Washington licensed design professional is required to prepare or oversee the plans.
Certain types of work are exempt from requiring a building permit, such as one-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet, and fences not exceeding seven feet in height. However, even exempt work must comply with all other applicable laws and ordinances.
Electrical Permits in Washington State
Electrical work in Washington State generally requires a permit and inspection. Permits must be purchased by the electrical contractor or the property owner/homeowner performing the work. If you are hiring an electrical contractor, they are responsible for obtaining their own permits. The correct jurisdiction for obtaining an electrical permit and inspection must be identified. If a jobsite is within a city that issues its own permits or within Tacoma Power's service area, permits must be obtained from them. For all other job sites in Washington, permits and inspections are handled by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).
Homeowners in Washington State are legally allowed to perform their own electrical work, but a permit and inspection are still required. Electrical permits can be purchased online through the L&I's Electronic Permit/Inspection System (EPIS), in person at an L&I office, or by mail.