Everett, WA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Before any electrical install, alteration, replacement or extension
- Issuing authority
- Building Official, EMC 16.05.010, Article 80-11(a)
- Exceptions
- Like-kind replacement; emergency repairs under IBC § 105.2.1
- Who may hold permit
- Anyone qualified under Chapter 19.28 RCW, Article 80-11(c)
- Appeals
- Board of Review, EMC Chapter 16.64, Article 80-9
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail
Summary
Everett requires a separate electrical permit from the Building Official before any electrical work is installed, altered, replaced or extended, with narrow exceptions for like-kind replacements and emergency repairs. Article 80 of the city's National Electrical Code amendments, EMC 16.05.010, spells out the permit process, inspections and a misdemeanor penalty for violations.
80-10 VIOLATION. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to install, alter or extend any electrical equipment in the City, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this Code. 80-11 PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS.
(a) Permits required: No person, firm or corporation shall install, alter, replace or extend any electrical work or equipment except replacement of kind or as provided for in Section 105.2.1, International Building Code, "Emergency Repairs," without first obtaining a separate electrical permit for each installation, alteration, replacement or extension from the Building Official.
(c) To Whom Permits May Be Issued: A permit may be issued to anyone as permitted by Chapter 19.28 RCW.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
010 adds a local Article 80, 'Administrative,' to the National Electrical Code Everett has adopted. 1 of the International Building Code, without first obtaining a separate electrical permit for each installation, alteration, replacement or extension from the Building Official. 28 RCW (80-11(c)); the Building Official checks plans against the code before issuing (80-11(e)); and concealed work cannot be closed up until it passes inspection (80-11(h)). Section 80-8 declares unsafe wiring a public nuisance the owner must abate, Section 80-6 lets the Building Official issue a written stop-work order, and Section 80-5 gives inspectors right of entry, backed by an inspection warrant if entry is refused. 64, per Section 80-9, not a separate electrical board.
Violations & Fines
Working without the required electrical permit is a misdemeanor under EMC 16.005.040(A)(11): each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense, and a conviction carries a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. The Building Official may also suspend or revoke a permit issued in error or obtained on incorrect information under Section 80-11(g).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace a light fixture in Everett?
Who can pull an electrical permit in Everett?
What happens if I do electrical work without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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Electrical Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle electrical permits.