Permits for Your Home or Business
If you are building, updating or remodeling a home or business, you may be required to get permits for the work. The information below helps you get started.
- Water Service for Your Home or Business
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We are here to help with your water service needs. Whether you need a new water service, water main extension, or a fire hydrant rental permit, our simple forms guide you through the process and help you get your job done.
Get Started - Electrical Permits for Your Home
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Please note: Tacoma Power has adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code
Before electrical work begins, and before an inspection can be done, you must do the following:
- Submit an Application for Electrical Permit.
- Pay all relevant fees. Refer to the City of Tacoma Electrical Code for details on all permits and related fees. Your application will be discarded if fees are not paid within 10 business days.
Applications for Electrical Permits and New Service can be submitted by email to Powerei@CityofTacoma.org, or fax to 253-502-8659.
Payments for Permits and New Service can be made by calling 253-502-8277.
Our lobby office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment. Click here to schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 253-502-8277 or email us at powerei@cityoftacoma.org.
- Electrical Permits for Your Business
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Please note: Tacoma Power has adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code
Before electrical work begins, and before an inspection can be done, you must do the following (pursuant to the provisions outlines in TMC 12.06A.230):
- Submit an Application for Electrical Permit.
- Pay all relevant fees. To calculate your permit fee, use our Commercial Permit Fee Calculator or choose the appropriate fee from those listed in TMC 12.06A.250 (B) (2 through 5) and (C).
- Educational, institutional and health care facilities require the drawings be stamped by a Professional Electrical Engineer. See TMC 12.06A.240 and WAC 296-46B-900 for additional requirements.
For more information, contact your inspector or call 253-502-8277.
For all other system upgrades to serve new or modified loads please contact New Services Engineering.
Applications for Electrical Permits and New Service can be submitted by email to Powerei@CityofTacoma.org, or fax to 253-502-8659.
Payments for Permits and New Service can be made by calling 253-502-8277.
Drop offs:
Permit applications, and payments by check, can be placed in one of the drop box locations at the Tacoma Public Utilities building, located at 3628 S. 35th St. The drive-up box is in the parking lot directly across the street from the main entrance. Walk-up drop boxes are available at the front and west entrances of the building.
Please enclose payment and/or application in an envelope and:
- Provide your name, contact number, or email
- Clearly addressed to:
- Electrical Permits or
- New Electrical Service
- Electrical Inspection Requests
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Once you have been issued a permit, you can use our interactive voice messaging system to schedule an electrical inspection. This system also allows you to schedule, reschedule or cancel an existing inspection request or find information about completed inspections.
To schedule an inspection:
- Have your permit number for the inspection ready.
- Call 253-502-8277.
- Enter the permit number when prompted.
- Follow the prompts to schedule, reschedule or cancel an inspection.
- Press 3 to get inspection results. The message may be long, but it will give you the results of the inspection performed.
- To speak with a TPU customer representative at any time during the call, press 0
Please note: Tacoma Power has adopted the 2020 National Electrical Code
- Online Permitting for Electrical Contractors
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If you are an electrical contractor you can sign up for an online account. There, you can apply and pay for electrical permits, view your electrical inspection records, re-schedule or cancel inspections and request new inspections for your existing permit. If you have questions about the system, call 253-502-8277 for assistance.