In general, all electrical work in Tacoma Power's service area - from major electrical overhauls to the addition of an outlet or light fixture - requires an electrical permit and inspection. Only licensed electrical contractors, companies that employ licensed electricians and homeowners residing at the home may purchase electrical permits and perform electrical work.
We have strengthened the enforcement of our policies regarding contractors and customers who do not request permits or inspections for electrical work. Please review our permit requirements and request the appropriate electrical permits to avoid fines and violations.
There are two types of permits:
- Individual permit - Used for a specific electrical project. This is the standard type of permit used to cover most electrical work. It must be taken out before the work is started. Failure to do this may result in additional fees, or in certain instances, disconnection or discontinuance of electrical service.
- Annual permit - Used to replace individual permits for maintenance-type work, annual permits allow a convenient way to permit small electrical modifications or additions of circuits. However, an annual permit isn't a "blanket" permit for all work.
If you are an electrical contractor, and have already been issued an electrical permit, you can now sign up for an online account that will allow you to view your electrical inspection records, re-schedule or cancel inspections and request new inspections for your existing permit. If you have questions about or difficulty with the new system, call (253) 502-8277 for assistance.