Washington, Lewis County Electrician Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Lewis County Electrician Permit Requirements
In Lewis County, Washington, electrical permits and inspections are handled by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Electrical Inspection Division. This applies to properties within unincorporated areas of the county as well. If you are a property owner or homeowner performing the electrical work yourself on your own property, you are responsible for purchasing the electrical permit. However, it is strongly recommended to hire a licensed electrical contractor, who must then purchase the permit for the work they perform.
Electrical work in Washington State requires a permit and subsequent inspection, with a few exceptions. It is crucial to obtain the correct permit from the correct jurisdiction. For most locations in Washington, including Lewis County, this means obtaining permits through L&I. However, if your jobsite is within a city that conducts its own permits and inspections, or within Tacoma Power's service area, you would need to obtain permits from them.
Permits are generally valid for one year. Inspections must be requested before any electrical work is concealed, and no later than three business days after completion or one business day after energizing, whichever comes first. Failure to request an inspection can result in civil penalties.
Some projects are exempt from requiring an electrical permit. These can include certain replacements of components like lamps, fuses, batteries, control components, household appliances, circuit breakers, luminaires, snap switches, dimmers, receptacle outlets, thermostats, heating elements, and luminaire ballasts. Additionally, component replacements for electric signs and motors up to ten horsepower may also be exempt. For a comprehensive list of exemptions, refer to Chapter 296-46B-901 WAC.