Washington, Yakima County Electrician Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Electrical Permit Jurisdiction in Yakima County
In Yakima County, the County's Building & Safety Division does not issue electrical permits. Electrical permitting and inspection services for all unincorporated areas of Yakima County are handled exclusively by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
For properties located in unincorporated Yakima County, you must obtain your electrical permit directly from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries before beginning any electrical work. While some minor repairs (such as replacing lamps or plugging portable equipment into existing outlets) are exempt, most electrical installations, alterations, or upgrades require a permit and a professional inspection.
Key requirements include:
- Permit Responsibility: The permit must be purchased by the electrical contractor performing the work or by the property owner if they are performing the work themselves on their own property.
- Inspection Requirement: You must request an inspection before covering any electrical work, no later than three business days after completing the work or one business day after any part of the installation has been energized, whichever occurs first.
- Compliance: All electrical work must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by the state of Washington.
- Verification: If you hire an electrical contractor, ensure they are licensed in Washington State.