Electrical Inspection & Permits
We are excited to announce a new streamlined process for submitting and paying for electrical permits and new service applications.
On March 18, we converted to Accela, the City of Tacoma’s enterprise permitting solution.
Accela is your one-stop shop for permitting and inspection management. It is available 24/7 to apply for permits, check permit status, make secure online payments, and schedule/cancel/reschedule inspections. Registering for an account gives you access to additional features:
- Manage/view/print your permits
- Apply for permits and applications for new electrical services
- Check the status of your permits and applications
- Add your contractor license to an existing account
- Create delegates (permit other users to perform actions on your behalf)
Setting up an account is easy! Visit CityofTacoma.org/Permits.
If you have questions about a current permit or the upgrade, please email us at powerei@cityoftacoma.org.
Please note: Tacoma Power has adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code
Before residential or commercial work begins, you must:
Get permits and get the work done
If work is planned for services rated over 400 amps you must:
- Submit electrical drawings for plan review to the inspection office with sufficient time for review.
- Read the Electrical Plan Review Application Instructions.
- Complete and submit a Service/Feeder Worksheet.
- Complete and submit an Electrical Plan Review Application.
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.
View the Tacoma Power Service Area and Electrical Inspection Areas.
For more information, contact your inspector or call (253) 502-8277.
Requesting Inspections
Follow the outlined steps to schedule your electrical inspection.
Electrical Code References
The NEC includes most requirements for an electrical installation and is available at most technical bookstores or a public library. The City of Tacoma Electrical Code, Chapter 12.06.A of the Tacoma Municipal Code adopts the currently published edition of the NEC, WAC 296-46B and RCW 19.28, but some rules from these documents are amended as outlined in the code. The Tacoma Power Customer Service Policies and Tacoma Municipal Code 12.06.A include requirements for supplying electrical service. Tacoma Power Transmission and Distribution Electrical Construction Standards and the Electric Service Handbook provide more detail about the requirements for specific portions of the service system we supply.